The Best of the Best of Croatia

July 14, 2025

From timeless coastal towns and shimmering islands to ancient ruins and national parks, Croatia is a country that packs a world of wonders into a compact and unforgettable package.

Whether you’re dreaming of sailing crystal-clear waters, wandering medieval alleyways, sipping wine among vineyards, or dancing under the stars in a Roman amphitheater — Croatia delivers. In fact, it overdelivers.

Here’s a taste of the very best this spectacular country has to offer.

Coastal Icons: Dubrovnik, Split & Šibenik

Dubrovnik dazzles with its limestone streets and towering city walls that plunge into the Adriatic. It’s no wonder it’s called the “Pearl of the Adriatic.” Beyond the postcard views, it offers elegant hotels, cliffside bars, and a buzzing cultural scene.

Split, Croatia’s second-largest city, is built into the 1,700-year-old walls of Diocletian’s Palace — a UNESCO World Heritage site that hums with life, from wine bars and artisan shops to live music in Roman courtyards.

Then there’s Šibenik — smaller, quieter, and maybe even more authentic. With two UNESCO sites, a creative pulse, and easy access to national parks and islands, it’s a cultural and natural gem still flying a little under the radar.

Island Dreams: Hvar, Vis & Korčula

Croatia’s islands are more than just beach destinations — each one has its own personality.

  • Hvar combines glamour and tradition. Lavender fields meet luxury yachts, and charming villages sit just inland from beach clubs and chic boutiques.
  • Vis is the place to unplug. A bit farther out, it offers unspoiled bays, sleepy stone towns, and a feeling like time forgot it.
  • Korčula, often called “Little Dubrovnik,” is rich with history, wine, and stories of Marco Polo.

Whether you’re island-hopping by private boat, catamaran, or ferry — the journey is always part of the magic.

Nature at Its Purest: Plitvice & Krka

Croatia’s nature parks are world-class.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is the country’s most iconic natural wonder — a breathtaking mosaic of cascading lakes, waterfalls, and lush forests. Wooden walkways wind over turquoise waters that seem almost unreal.

Closer to the coast, Krka National Park offers equally stunning waterfalls and swimming spots — and is especially easy to combine with cultural visits to Šibenik or inland wine regions.

Cultural Treasures: Pula, Zagreb & Inland Istria

In Pula, Roman history meets modern culture. The Arena — one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheaters in the world — still hosts concerts and events under the stars.

Zagreb, the capital, is often overlooked but deeply rewarding. It blends Austro-Hungarian elegance with creative street life, café culture, and emerging gastronomy.

And don’t miss Inland Istria — a rolling countryside dotted with hilltop villages like Motovun and Grožnjan, where truffles, wine, and olive oil rule the table.

Flavors of the Land and Sea

Croatia is a feast for the senses.

  • In Dalmatia, expect grilled fish, octopus salad, and seafood risottos.
  • In Istria, it’s all about truffles, wild asparagus, and local Malvazija wine.
  • Inland, Slavonia surprises with hearty dishes and fiery rakija.

From Michelin-starred fine dining to rustic taverns overlooking the sea, the country’s culinary diversity is as rich as its landscapes.

Festivals, Sunsets & That Feeling You Can’t Quite Describe

Croatia isn’t just about where you go — it’s about how it makes you feel. Whether it’s hearing klapa singers echo through ancient alleys, watching the sun dip behind the islands from a quiet cove, or dancing barefoot at a summer festival — it’s the kind of travel that stays with you.

Travel with a Local Touch – DMC Croatia Experience

At CROATIA CONFIDENTIAL – DMC, we bring the best of Croatia to life with expert planning, local insight, and custom-crafted experiences for every type of traveler:

  •  Tailored journeys to Croatia’s cultural capitals and hidden gems
    • Luxury island-hopping programs and private yacht charters
    • Curated wine & food experiences, from truffle hunts to coastal dining
    • Event planning and group travel logistics across the country
    • On-the-ground support from experienced, Croatia-based teams

Whether you’re planning a romantic escape, a group tour, or a multi-stop adventure — we handle the details, so you can simply enjoy the beauty and rhythm of Croatia.

📅 Start Planning Your Croatia Journey

From the best-known highlights to the best-kept secrets, Croatia is a destination that delivers magic at every turn.

👉 Get in touch with our team today and let us create a customized itinerary that captures your version of the best of the best of Croatia.