Quick verdict: Croatia is Adriatic coast + 1244 islands + Roman ruins + medieval walled cities. The Mediterranean alternative to Italy + Greece. This guide ranks 15 essential Croatian experiences for 2026.
The 15 best things to do in Croatia
Walk Dubrovnik’s walls
UNESCO medieval walled city. 2km wall walk above terracotta roofs + Adriatic. Game of Thrones King’s Landing.
Visit Plitvice Lakes
16 cascading turquoise lakes connected by wooden walkways + waterfalls. UNESCO. Most photogenic NP in Europe.
Hvar island
Most popular Croatian island. Lavender fields + beaches + nightlife. Adriatic island-hopping start.
Diocletian’s Palace Split
Roman Emperor Diocletian’s 4th-century palace + UNESCO old town. Walking through ancient walls.
Sail the Dalmatian Coast
Catamaran or yacht charter through islands. Hvar + Vis + Korcula + Mljet. Premier Adriatic experience.
Visit Korčula
Marco Polo’s alleged birthplace. Medieval walled town. Wine + olive oil tasting. Quieter than Hvar.
Eat at Konoba (traditional taverns)
Family-run taverns serving Dalmatian cuisine. Peka (slow-cooked meat) + black risotto + fresh fish.
Drive Adriatic Coast
Coastal road through Dalmatian islands. Stunning Adriatic views. One of Europe’s most scenic drives.
Visit Pula’s Roman amphitheater
Best-preserved Roman amphitheater outside Italy. Concerts held in summer. UNESCO worthy.
Wine tasting Pelješac Peninsula
Pelješac peninsula vineyards. Plavac Mali grape specialty (related to Zinfandel). Bike or drive vineyards.
Mljet National Park
Half of island is National Park. Saltwater lakes + St Mary’s Island monastery. Less touristy island.
Vis island hidden coves
Closed to foreign visitors until 1989 (military). Pristine beaches + Stiniva Cove + Blue Cave on Bisevo.
Walking Rovinj
Most photogenic Croatian town. Italian-Venetian heritage. St Euphemia’s Church on hilltop. Northern Croatia.
Game of Thrones tour Dubrovnik
Walk Iron Throne filming locations. King’s Landing in real life. Multiple GoT-themed walking tours.
Snorkel/dive Brač Island
Bol’s Zlatni Rat (“Golden Horn”) beach. Changes shape with tides. Premier Croatian beach + crystal water.
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Updated 2026. Some links on Packzup are affiliate links.
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Written by
John Morrison is the founder and lead travel writer at Packzup. Over the past decade he has explored destinations across Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Oceania — always self-funded, never on a press trip.