Top Destinations in Croatia

Croatia has long been a popular European destination for American tourists. Now that it is currently one of the only European countries open to Americans, it is generating even more interest in the U.S. Here are our top destinations in Croatia.

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is known as the “pearl of the Adriatic” and deservedly so. This fairy tale city is so picturesque, it looks like a movie set. It is no wonder that Dubrovnik has been featured in many movies and television shows including “Game of Thrones”. Its prime attraction is its pedestrian only walled Old Town, an UNESCO World Heritage site. Because Dubrovnik had previously been under Venetian rule for 150 years, signs of Italian influence are still present today. For example, it offers good restaurants that are known for their excellent pizza as well as their fresh seafood. Dubrovnik also offers good shopping and beautiful beaches, including a gay-friendly nude beach. The entire city is in fact very gay-friendly although there is virtually no gay nightlife here.

Split

Split is an attractive city on the Adriatic Sea and the largest passenger port in Croatia. It was originally a trading port used first by the Greeks and then by the Romans. It was important throughout the middle ages and the Renaissance for trade when the City was under Venetian rule. The top tourist attraction is the palace built by and for the Roman Emperor Diocletian and the Inner City that surrounds it. Tourists also come to Split because of its clear waters and water sport options including rafting, diving and snorkeling. Split is a gay-friendly city. It was the second place in Croatia, after Zagreb, to hold a gay pride parade. There are a couple of cruisy beaches and a gay-friendly/mixed club here.

Hvar

Hvar may not be as well known to Americans as Dubrovnik, or other Adriatic ports, but it has long been a luxury destination for European titans of industry and the glitterati. They are drawn to the island’s sunshine, green hills, lavender fields, warm waters and cute towns filled with stone buildings with red tile roofs.  The wealthy stay in their mega yachts that line the harbor or at one of the island’s luxury villas. Other sites here to see include the Spanish Fort and its St. Stephens Cathedral. There is a nude and gay-friendly beach here as well.

Zagreb

While the coastal cities/towns above are the most popular top destinations in Croatia, don’t ignore Zagreb. Zagreb is the capital of Croatia as well as its largest city and cultural, economic and political center. It is an affordable and friendly city. On a sunny day, you can tour colorful markets and see happy people out and about and in cafes.   Zagreb has had a rich and long history. There are documented references of the city dating back to 1094. Zagreb is a gay-friendly city and the hub of Croatia’s gay nightlife, which is fun but low key. Top sites here range from the standard (its cathedral) to the unusual such as the Museum of Broken Relationships. Foodwise, Zagreb is known for serving pastries filled with cottage cheese including the famous strudel (Zagrebacki strukli). Duck with mlinci noodles is also a special dish to look for in restaurants.

Sound Tempting? Want to Go? Please contact us. Also if you want an all LGBT Tour of all of these top destinations in Croatia, please check out Detours Adventure trip to Croatia which our clients have enjoyed and is offered several times during the year. Please let us know what kind of trip to Croatia we can book for you.

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