Croatia is one of the most beautiful countries in Europe. It’s also a rather small country when you compare it to some other European countries, but it’s packed with all kinds of natural wonders and historical landmarks. In this article, we bring you all you need to know about the regions of Croatia. You’ll find many different divisions of Croatia into regions when searching online, but most look like the one we’re going to present here.
Each of the Croatian regions has its own history, culture, natural landmarks, gastronomy specialties, and more. This article aims to help you in traveling and exploring Croatia as well as presenting you with what to expect out of each region of Croatia. Some travelers visiting Croatia choose to make a road trip through the whole country, but most of them only visit one region, maybe two at the most. That’s why it is important to know them better and decide where you want to spend your vacation in Croatia.
Let’s explore the regions of Croatia!
1. Dalmatia Overview: We are starting with the Croatian region, which is our home. Dalmatia is the most famous coastal region of Croatia that stretches from Zadar in the north to Dubrovnik in the south. Some of the most favorite islands in Croatia are also part of this region – Hvar, Brač, Vis, Korčula, Mljet… Dalmatia is famous for its history, nature, and beautiful beaches. We love living here, and on a spring day like this one, it really feels like paradise. If you’re looking for a nice blend of history, time on the beach, and island-hopping adventures, Dalmatia is the right place for you.
Key Cities and Areas:
Zadar : Famous for Roman ruins, sea organ, sunsetsŠibenik : UNESCO cathedrals, fortresses, and nearby Krka waterfallsSplit : Diocletian’s Palace, ferry hub to famous islands in Croatia, nightlifeDubrovnik : Walled city, Game of Thrones filming location, the most famous destination in CroatiaHvar Town: A cradle of tourism in DalmatiaIslands : Hvar, Brač, Vis, Korčula, Mljet
Highlights:
Island-hopping adventures and boat tours
Mediterranean gastronomy and food specialties (grilled fish, olive oil, wine)
Rich Venetian, medieval, and Roman heritage
Best For:
Beach, sea, and sun lovers, history enthusiasts, couples, and those who want to explore some of the most beautiful islands in Croatia
2. Istria and Kvarner Bay Overview: When it comes to regions of Croatia, we have to say that we absolutely adore Istria. Even though we live in Dalmatia, we travel a lot to Istria for our work, and we have to say that it’s a stunning part of Croatia. The Istrian Peninsula and neighboring Kvarner Bay region are a mix of coastal towns with a lot of Italian influence, lush inland parts and hills, some of the best seaside resorts in Croatia, and stunning hilltop towns you have to visit when traveling to Istria. This part of Croatia is also known for its gastronomy, Roman history, Austro-Hungarian architecture, and wellness tourism.
Key Cities and Locations:
Rovinj : Romantic coastal town with colorful facadesPula : A City famous for its well-preserved Roman amphitheater and other historic monumentsMotovun & Grožnjan : Hilltop towns of Istria, famous for truffles and artOpatija : 19th-century resort town with scenic promenades. Many say that Opatija is the cradle of tourism in CroatiaRijeka : The largest seaport in Croatia and a cultural melting potIslands : Krk, Cres, Rab, Lošinj
Highlights:
Truffle hunting and wine tasting in Istria
Roman ruins in Pula and Austro-Hungarian architecture in Opatija
Dolphin watching and sailing near Rovinj
Relaxing in thermal spas and coastal wellness hotels
Best For:
Food and wine lovers, art enthusiasts, those who want to blend vacation and wellness, and romantic travelers
3. Slavonia and Baranja Overview: This is the region of Croatia we travel to. This doesn’t mean that it’s not worth it, we simply live a bit far from it and don’t have many occasions to travel to it. But we plan to change this in the upcoming years and explore Slavonia. From the tourist point of view, Slavonia is a lesser-known eastern region full of fertile plains, rivers, and an interesting folk culture. It’s a complete contrast to the coastal parts of Croatia, and it’s known for its authenticity and warm hospitality.
Key Cities:
Osijek : Baroque architecture and city parksVukovar : War history, Danube river viewsĐakovo : Home to the famous Lipizzaner horses
Highlights:
Local cuisine that is quite different from the coastal parts of Croatia (kulen sausage, stews, paprika-based dishes)
Folk festivals and traditional music
Vast vineyards and nature parks like Lonjsko Polje
Best For:
Travelers who want to explore less-known parts of Croatia, those interested in culture and history, and wine lovers
4. Central Croatia Overview: Croatia has a dragon-like shape, and we can’t think of any other country that has such interesting geography. Central Croatia is a region where Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, is located. We have spent 10 years of our lives in Zagreb, and during that period, we explored a lot of this part of Croatia, as well as a lot of neighboring Slovenia. Many travelers choose Zagreb as their arrival location because its airport is well-connected with many other European airports. This inland region of Croatia features castles, thermal spas, and many forests. It offers a good balance between historical sites and natural wonders. The remnants of the Neanderthals in Croatia were found in this region, too.
Key Areas:
Zagreb : The capital city of Croatia, full of museums of all kinds, street cafes, and historyHrvatsko Zagorje : Green rolling hills, baroque castles like Trakošćan and Veliki TaborKarlovac : River city with a star-shaped fortVaraždin: Beautiful baroque city of Croatia
Highlights:
Zagreb’s vibrant cultural scene
Day trips to castles and the countryside, as well as to neighboring Slovenia
Thermal baths and wellness resorts
Best For:
Urban explorers, families, and history lovers
5. Lika and Gorski Kotar Overview: We are ending this article with regions of Croatia, with Lika and Gorski Kotar, two similar and neighboring regions. Both of these mountainous regions of Croatia are known for their wild nature and national parks. Plitvice Lakes, the most famous national park in Croatia, is located in this region. If you are looking for an outdoor adventure and stunning nature, put Lika and Gorski Kotar on your itinerary. Željava, an abandoned underground airport and one of the most impressive such structures in Europe, is located here too.
Key Destinations:
Plitvice Lakes National Park : Croatia’s most famous natural wonderGorski Kotar : Dense forests and alpine-style villagesRastoke : Village with watermills and many waterfallsMrežnica: A river with great kayaking adventuresŽeljava: Abandoned underground airport and a must-visit place for urban explorers
Highlights:
Waterfalls, hiking, and nature adventures
Wildlife spotting and eco-tourism
Cooler temperatures and fresh mountain air throughout the year
Best For:
Hikers, nature lovers, and anyone seeking peace and quiet
Before You Venture Exploring the Regions of Croatia So, which of these Croatian regions is your favorite? All of Croatia is beautiful, even though some parts are more visited than others. But we can’t think of any other country where you’ll find so much diversity on such a relatively small surface. Each of the regions of Croatia offers something others don’t, and each of them is unique, so you’ll almost feel like you’ve entered another country.
If you are planning a road trip in Croatia, you have the option to visit a few regions. We advise you to use the regional roads for this trip and visit the less famous places along the way. Enjoy your stay in Croatia!
