10 MOST BEAUTIFUL SMALL TOWNS OF CROATIA TO ESCAPE THE CROWDS!

If you prefer a calmer holiday, these small towns of Croatia will be perfect for you! Loads of people want to visit Croatia but hate overcrowded places, and there are a lot of them here. As a Croatian, I have to tell you that those crowded ones are crowded for a reason – they’re stunning. But, if you heavily despise crowded places, here’s a list of 10 gorgeous small towns of Croatia fairly close to the bigger, more popular ones!

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TOP 10 MOST BEAUTIFUL SMALL TOWNS OF CROATIA:

LOPUD

One of my absolutely favourite calm and quiet places in Croatia is the island of Lopud. This car-free island is a paradise in the Adriatic Sea, only an hour away from Dubrovnik by ferry. Lopud is famous for its peaceful and relaxing atmosphere. There you get to enjoy stunning natural landscapes, beautiful crystal-clear sea, and incredible fresh seafood in great restaurants.

Read more >>> HOW TO SPEND A PERFECT DAY ON LOPUD

The island’s gem is the lovely Šunj beach, a long, sandy beach with shallow waters. It’s perfect for families and those who love sunbathing and snorkeling. Many tourists from Dubrovnik come for day trips, so the crowds only appear in July and August when it’s high season. It’s good to know that the first ferries arrive at 11 and the last ones leave at 7. That means that even in the peak high season you can still enjoy calm mornings and evenings.

OMIS

Omis is a captivating town where you can enjoy natural beauty and various fun adventures. Being near Split, it will allow you easy day trips into the bigger city, but you can enjoy your holiday in Omis peacefully. Nestled between the stunning Cetina River and Adriatic beaches, Omis offers activities like rafting, kayaking, and ziplining. If you don’t like adrenaline and prefer sightseeing, you can explore historical sites like Fortress Mirabella and the Old Town. The food in Omis is great, and there are gorgeous beaches in town and in surrounding villages as well.

Read more >>> 5 BEST THINGS TO DO IN OMIS

STON

Ston is a true hidden gem of Croatia, and less than an hour away from Dubrovnik. This town is rich in history, natural beauty, and culinary delights. So, if you prefer a calmer holiday, this will be an incredible choice for you. In Ston, you need to walk the impressive Walls of Ston, explore ancient saltworks, and try some of the best fresh oysters and seafood in Croatia. Once you finish exploring Ston, drive around the gorgeous Peljesac peninsula and enjoy the stunning wineries and beautiful beaches until you tire of them.

Read more >>> ONE PERFECT DAY IN STON, CROATIA

SAMOBOR

If you want to escape the crowds of Croatia’s capital, Zagreb, you need to visit Samobor. Samobor is a picturesque town known for its scenic beauty, rich history, and delicious cuisine. Only a 20-minute drive from Zagreb, Samobor is a town where you can explore the charming Old Town, the ruins of Samobor Castle, and stroll along the serene Gradna River. Another thing you cannot miss is trying the delicious dessert Kremsnita, which is the main reason many people visit this small town.

Read more >>> A PERFECT DAY TRIP TO SAMOBOR

GROZNJAN

One of my absolute favourite towns in Istria is Groznjan. This stunning hilltop town is known for its artistic charm and gorgeous views. In Groznjan you can explore many art galleries, as well as enjoy music and art festivals. Additionally, you can wander through medieval streets of one of the most magical old towns in Croatia. Grožnjan is the perfect destination for a relaxing getaway where you can enjoy incredible food and wine only an hour away from the super popular and often overly crowded Rovinj.

Read more >>> TOP 5 MAGICAL SMALL TOWNS IN ISTRIA

CAVTAT

If you’re dreaming of visiting Dubrovnik but you’re dreading the crowds, Cavtat is the pace for you. This picturesque coastal town is a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, and only around 30 minutes away from Dubrovnik. In Cavtat, you can explore the old town, indulge in delicious Dalmatian cuisine, and dip into some of the prettiest waters of the Adriatic Sea. Cavtat is an ideal destination for a relaxing getaway on the Adriatic coast, and you can easily visit Dubrovnik by car or boat.

Read more >>> CAVTAT: WHERE TO STAY AND WHAT TO SEE

TROGIR

If you want to visit Split, this small town might be an even better choice. Trogir is renowned for its historical treasures, architectural beauty, and coastal charm, and it’s only 30 minutes away from Split. In Trogir, you should wander through the UNESCO-listed Old Town, and enjoy the gorgeous waterfront promenade. In the evenings, indulge in some delicious Dalmatian cuisine by the sea. Trogir also has many beautiful beaches where you’ll be able to enjoy the Adriatic Sea without the insane crowds of Split.

Read more >>> WHAT TO SEE AND DO IN TROGIR

SIBENIK

Sibenik is another stunning town fairly close to Split. If you stay in Sibenik, you’ll get to explore many incredible landmarks in the Old Town, such as the UNESCO Heritage Site – St. James Cathedral. You’ll also get to relax on stunning beaches along the Riviera and visit one of the prettiest national parks – Krka National Park – which is only a few minutes away from Sibenik. Sibenik is only an hour away from Split, so if you prefer calmer holidays, Sibenik will be a great option for you. You can always visit Split whenever you’d like!

Read more >>> WHAT TO DO AND SEE IN SIBENIK IN ONE DAY

SLUNJ

If you’re planning on visiting Plitvice Lakes and you’re searching for a place to stay, Slunj might be a great option for you. Slunj is a hidden gem surrounded by stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Right next to Slunj is Rastoke Village, a village full of waterfalls and often called “Little Plitvice”. You can explore Rastoke and then venture to Plitvice Lakes National Park for breathtaking landscapes and outdoor adventures. Slunj definitely promises an unforgettable experience off the beaten path in central Croatia, and if you like calm holidays in nature, this will be an incredible choice for you.

Read more >>> A DAY TRIP TO RASTOKE WATERFALLS

PULA

Finally, the last on this list is Pula, a captivating city where ancient history meets coastal charm. Pula is only 40 minutes from ultra popular Rovinj, but it’s much calmer and less crowded. It also has huge historical importance since it is home to the well-preserved Roman ruins, including the impressive Pula Arena. In Pula, you can relax on stunning beaches or take a boat trip to the beautiful Brijuni National Park. Overall, Pula will not disappoint if you like calm and stunning towns to enjoy during your holiday.