Published on: 29 May 2026
For many travelers, Croatia has become a familiar route in recent years, and not only because of the clear Adriatic waters. In a single trip you can experience both Central Europe's stone-paved towns and the lazy afternoons of the Mediterranean. Along the coastline running from north to south, ancient palaces, medieval walls and islands follow one after another. Below is a list of the places that first-time visitors and frequent returners alike keep coming back to.
Facing the Adriatic in the south, Dubrovnik is the first place that comes to mind for most people when they think of Croatia. The heart of the city is enclosed by thick defensive walls that embrace the sea. Walking along the top of the walls, you have a sea of red-tiled rooftops on one side and the real sea on the other. This walkway runs in a set direction and takes time to complete; in the warm months there is little shade, so early morning or the hours near sunset are more comfortable.
Stradun, the main street of the walled Old Town (Stari Grad), invites a stroll with its polished stone. Turning off into the narrow side lanes lets you glimpse the city's daily life. Since access to the walls is ticketed and can get crowded in peak season, it is wise to check current ticket prices and visiting hours from official sources.
Halfway down the coast lies Split, one of Dalmatia's largest cities. What makes it special is that the city was built directly inside an ancient palace. Constructed in late antiquity for the Roman Emperor Diocletian, the palace is not fenced off like a museum; it is a living neighborhood where people reside, shops open and cafes operate. Wandering among the basement galleries, the courtyard (Peristyle) and the narrow passages feels like watching history blend into everyday life.
Split is also the most practical gateway to the islands. With the ferry port within walking distance of the center, it is easy to head out to the Adriatic islands after exploring the city. Since schedules change by season, we recommend checking departure times in advance.
As well known as the coast but offering an entirely different landscape, Plitvice Lakes National Park lies in the country's interior. The terraced lakes, linked to one another by waterfalls, appear in shades ranging from turquoise to emerald green depending on the water's mineral content. Inside the park, wooden walkways and trails pass just above the water, and routes supported by boats and eco-friendly vehicles can be planned at various lengths.
The Adriatic islands are reason enough for a holiday on their own. One of the best known, Hvar, stands out for its lavender fields, sunny climate and lively port town. If you climb up to the fortress on the hill above Hvar Town, you can see the harbor and the small Pakleni Islands across the water together. The island suits those who want to swim in quiet coves by day and spend their evenings around the main square.
Beyond Hvar, islands such as Korčula and Brač are also within ferry reach. If you are planning to island-hop, building your number of days around the ferry timetables makes the trip far more relaxed.
In northern Dalmatia, Zadar can be explored at a calmer pace and has become the coast's hidden favorite in recent years. Two of the city's best-known contemporary works sit along the waterfront: the Sea Organ, which produces sound from the motion of the waves, and the Greeting to the Sun, an illuminated plaza that reflects daylight through the night. Both were designed by the local architect Nikola Bašić. Zadar's old town carries Roman and medieval traces side by side; watching the sunset while walking along the shore is almost a ritual here.
It makes sense to travel Croatia from north to south, or the reverse, following the coastal road. A classic route starts in Zadar or Split and ends in Dubrovnik; since Plitvice is inland, it is usually slotted in before descending to the coast or on the way back.
Because Croatia is a Schengen country, most Turkish citizens need a visa before traveling. You can check the current situation for your passport type through our Visa Regime Table, and look at our Croatia visa page for application details.
Once you have shaped your Adriatic route in your mind, get in touch with us to plan the visa process with confidence; we will be by your side from document preparation to application.