Hi. I have 10 days to explore Croatia this summer, but I don't know where to go. What would you say are the best and must see locations in Croatia?
Hey, in 10 days you can sightsee basically whole of Croatia, but this depends on your travel style if you like to relax or explore more. If you want to explore I would suggest doing Istria + Dalmatia so almost whole of Croatia, some example of this is this great itinerary: 10 Day Itinerary (Croatia & Slovenia Road Trip Itinerary)
If you want to relax more I would just do Dalmatia, stay in few cities in or around Split and Dubrovnik so you can use it as a hub for travel and also stay on an island or two. Here are must see locations in Croatia:
10 Most Beautiful Small Towns in Croatia to escape the crowd
10 Most Beautiful Cities in Croatia to visit
TL;DR
If you want the “best of Croatia”: Split + an island + a national park is hard to beat.
Here are few more great tips and answers for your best parts of Croatia:
Best Parts of Croatia by Region
Dubrovnik & Southern Dalmatia
Best for history, scenery, island hopping, warmer and sunnier weather, and romantic trips. Iconic Old Town easy to explore, city walls, and boat trips to nearby islands.
Split & Central Dalmatia
Best overall base for a Croatia trip, Split may feel as not amazing as some of the locations you can visit from it. Roman history, beaches, nightlife, and easy ferry access to islands is what makes people love this city.
Croatian Islands (Hvar, Brač, Korčula, Vis)
Best for beaches, swimming, and island hopping. Each island has a different vibe, from lively to laid-back and if you truly want to have Croatian vacation experience I would always recommend staying on an island for 1-2 nights at least.
Istria (Rovinj, Poreč, Motovun)
Best for food, wine, and a slower-paced and family Croatia vacation. Italian-influenced cuisine and charming venetian towns. Having a car in Istria is great as there are many historical small towns 30 minutes away.
Plitvice Lakes & National Parks
Best for nature lovers. Waterfalls, lakes, and walking trails very different from the coast, if you cannot reach Plitvice, visiting Krka Waterfalls is also a great option if you dont have enough time.
I have linked more detailed articles written by Croatian travel blogger Karla so be sure to check them out!
Quick FAQs (for First-Time Visitors)
What is the best part of Croatia for first-time visitors?
Split and Central Dalmatia are often the best starting point because they combine history, beaches, and easy island access.
What is the most beautiful part of Croatia?
Many travelers say the Croatian islands and Plitvice Lakes National Park are the most beautiful.
Is Dubrovnik worth visiting?
Yes especially for first-time visitors. The Old Town and coastal views are some of the best in Croatia and there are plenty of day trips you can do from Dubrovnik not to mention that there are some great sandy beaches on Lopud near by Dubrovnik.
How many days do you need in Croatia?
7–10 days is ideal to see a 1-2 regions without rushing.
What are the must-do things to do in Croatia?
Explore old towns, swim/snorkel in the Adriatic, visit an island or two, and see at least one national park.
Hope this helps out!
great information and articles! thanks