Croatia Beyond Dubrovnik: 5 Amazing Places You Should Add to Your Itinerary
When people think of Croatia, Dubrovnik usually steals the spotlight. But after exploring the country firsthand for several weeks, I can confidently say there’s so much more to see in Croatia other than overhyped Dubrovnik.
From ancient Roman ruins to car-free islands and coastal towns that feel like a dream, this post covers 5 amazing places to visit in Croatia beyond Dubrovnik — and why they deserve a spot on your itinerary.
✨ 1. Rovinj – A Seaside Town That Feels Like a Fairytale
I had been dreaming of visiting Rovinj for years, ever since I first saw breathtaking photos of this charming Istrian town online. With its pastel-colored houses, narrow cobblestone streets and stunning views of the Adriatic Sea, Rovinj looks like something straight out of a fairytale. It quickly became one of the top places to visit in Croatia on my travel list.
I saw pictures of Rovinj online years ago and I’ve been dreaming of visiting ever since
However, when I started planning my Croatia itinerary, I almost gave up on going there because accommodation prices in Rovinj were much higher than I expected. Luckily, I found a great way to visit without overspending: a day trip from nearby Pula. This budget-friendly option allowed me to explore one of the most beautiful towns in Croatia without breaking the bank.
TIP: If you’re planning to visit Rovinj from Pula, the best way might be to take the bus — renting a car and parking in Rovinj can get expensive quickly. Parking near the old town costs around €5 per hour, which adds up really fast.
I’m so glad I didn’t miss out. The moment I laid eyes on Rovinj’s colorful old town and peaceful harbor, I was truly in awe. Compared to the crowded hotspots of Croatia like Dubrovnik, Rovinj offers a more relaxed and authentic experience. It’s nowhere near a hidden gem anymore, but it’s still a perfect blend of seaside charm, History and vibrant culture.
Rovinj is one of the most beautiful places I visited in Croatia
Something else that made me fall in love with Rovinj was the incredible color of its water — turquoise, crystal clear and perfect for swimming. Even though there aren’t sandy beaches nearby, the rocky coastline only adds to the town’s unique charm and makes it a haven for lovers of pristine Adriatic waters.
The water in Rovinj is amazing (bring swimwear!)
If you’re planning a trip to Croatia, Rovinj is a must-add to your itinerary. Whether you visit on a day from Pula or stay overnight, this Istrian gem is one of the best places to see in Croatia and promises unforgettable memories.
🏛️ 2. Pula – Ancient Roman History Meets Coastal Charm
To be honest, I had basically no expectations for Pula when I first arrived. I chose it mostly because I found an affordable hostel there and wanted a convenient base to take day trips — like my trip to Rovinj. But I ended up really enjoying my time in Pula more than I expected.
Looking for an amazing and affordable hostel in Pula? Hostel Antique is hands down one of the best I’ve ever stayed at — clean, comfy and for an incredible price! Book your stay here 🔗
One thing that really stood out to me in Pula was how affordable everything felt compared to other parts of Croatia. Hostel Antique was way cheaper than many places I stayed, and even supermarket prices and random cafés surprised me with how reasonable they were — making Pula a great budget-friendly place to visit in Croatia.
While there isn’t a ton to do in the city itself, Pula’s laid-back vibe felt like a breath of fresh air in an otherwise VERY busy Croatia. I won’t claim it’s one of the most beautiful cities I’ve ever seen, but Pula had an unexpected charm that completely caught me off guard.
Pula is way charmier than I imagined
The History there is absolutely amazing — especially the Roman amphitheater, which left me in awe. I really didn’t expect it to be so incredibly well preserved, standing proud as one of the best examples of ancient architecture in the region.
I was so impressed by the Roman Amphitheater in Pula
What also makes Pula truly special, and why I believe it deserves a spot on your Croatia itinerary, is its strategic location. It’s well connected with affordable flights and it’s the perfect base for exploring the rest of Istria.
Looking for the best tours from Pula? Here are some great options to explore the area and make the most of your trip:
From Pula, I took easy day trips not only to Rovinj but also to other nearby hidden gems — making it an ideal home base for travelers wanting to see more of Croatia beyond the usual hotspots.
If you’re wondering whether Pula is worth visiting, I would definitely say it is! Add it to your Croatia itinerary and I really don’t think you will regret it.
🌊 3. Hvar – Glamour, History and Stunning Adriatic Views
I’ll admit it — I seriously debated skipping Hvar when I was planning my Croatia trip. All I kept hearing was how expensive and overhyped it was. I wasn’t sure it would be worth the splurge. But I also couldn’t shake the idea of spending a few blissful, beachy days on an island that looked like absolute paradise in every photo I’d ever seen.
So, I took a chance — and I’m so glad I did.
Hvar ended up being one of the absolute highlights of my entire trip. I spent some of my best days in Croatia there — lazy mornings by the clearest turquoise waters, afternoons wandering charming stone streets and evenings soaking in those dreamy island sunsets. It was everything I hoped it would be, and then some.
Hvar is one of my favorite places in Croatia
And here’s the best part: it wasn’t nearly as expensive as I feared. Sure, the café and restaurant prices in the city center can be outrageous (you’ll definitely pay for the view). But if you venture just a bit beyond the tourist hotspots, it’s a totally different story.
I stocked up on groceries at the local supermarket and cooked all of my meals at my hostel — which helped me keep my budget in check without missing out on the experience.
I stayed at Hostel Kapa, just outside the city center — one of the cheapest options I found and honestly a great choice. Being a bit outside helped me save even more, since the nearby shops were way more affordable than anything in town 💰
If you’re traveling on a low budget like I was, Hvar is still absolutely doable.
With a little planning and a willingness to skip the fancy seafront dinners, you can soak up all that beauty without draining your wallet.
I saved so much money by not eating out at all in Hvar — and I always ate with a sea view at hostel Kapa
As for the beaches — I know some people hesitate because they’re not sandy, but honestly? I didn’t mind at all. I’m super picky when it comes to swimming spots (I won’t just jump in anywhere), but the water in Hvar was incredible.
Some of the clearest I’ve ever seen! The rocky coastline and ladders might seem a bit odd at first, but I quickly got used to them… and actually started loving Croatia’s unique beach vibe.
Even though Hvar has mostly pebble beaches, the water is insanely clear and perfect for swimming
Looking back, I can’t believe I almost skipped Hvar. It’s not just worth the stop — it belongs on your Croatia itinerary. Whether you’re dreaming of peaceful beach days, a bit of island charm or just a change of pace, Hvar delivers all of that and more. Trust me: give it a chance and you might end up falling for it just like I did.
Planning a trip to Hvar? Discover the best tours and experiences that will make your visit truly unforgettable!
🌊 Blue Cave & Vis Island Speedboat Tour from Hvar
🏝️ From Hvar: Boat Tour to Pakleni Islands on a Comfort Yacht
🏰 4. Korčula – Medieval Charm and Crystal-Clear Waters
I originally added Korčula to my itinerary for one simple reason: I wanted to spend several slow, relaxing days on an island without blowing my budget. Croatia is beautiful, but let’s be honest — it’s so expensive. So when I randomly found a great deal at a hostel in Korčula, I booked it for several nights, hoping for the best.
I stayed at Dragan’s Den Hostel — it wasn’t the fanciest place I’ve ever booked, but for the price I paid (and being on an island as amazing as Korčula), it was more than worth it.
What I didn’t expect was to end up in one of the most unforgettable places I’ve ever visited. And I don’t say that lightly — I’ve traveled to over 50 countries, and Korčula instantly became my number one favorite place in Croatia.
I fell instantly in love with Korčula
The Old Town is pure magic — a tiny walled city by the sea, full of medieval charm and breathtaking views at every turn. People often call it “mini Dubrovnik”. While I understand the comparison, I have to admit that I liked Korčula way more than Dubrovnik. I could barely believe my eyes when I wandered its quiet stone streets, feeling like I’d walked straight into a fairytale.
I can’t imagine a more perfect medieval old town than the one in Korčula
But Korčula didn’t just steal my heart with its beauty — it also surprised me with one of the best beaches I’ve seen in my life. And yes, that includes places like Thailand, the Maldives and the Caribbean. If you think Croatia only offers rocky shores and pebbly beaches, think again. This beach in Korčula had soft sand (not powdery white, but still amazing), crystal-clear water with no waves and a perfect, almost pool-like temperature.
This is hands down the best beach I found in Croatia
I ended up spending entire days there — literally 10 hours straight — just swimming, sunbathing and living my best life.
If you visit just one island in Croatia, make it Korčula. I promise, you won’t regret it.
🌴 5. Lopud – A Peaceful Island Escape Close to Dubrovnik
I visited Lopud on a day trip from Dubrovnik — and honestly, I wish I had stayed longer. Just a short ferry ride from the city, this tiny, car-free island felt like another world. It was quiet, peaceful and unbelievably charming — exactly the kind of place that makes you want to ditch your plans and stay forever.
Lopud island is such a hidden gem nearby Dubrovnik
Even though I didn’t find any cheap accommodations on the island and the food options I came across were a bit pricey, Lopud totally won me over. I spent the day walking along the coast, swimming in the warm Adriatic and relaxing at Šunj Beach, one of Croatia’s rare sandy beaches. It’s wide, shallow and perfect for a slow day in the sun.
If you think Croatia only has pebble beaches, look at this one
What really stuck with me was the thought of what Lopud must feel like after the day trippers leave. I can only imagine how magical that peaceful island becomes in the evening, with the quiet streets, sea breeze, and golden light — a true slice of Croatian paradise. If you’re visiting Dubrovnik and craving a break from the crowds, don’t skip Lopud. Even just a few hours there were unforgettable.
Croatia may be best known for Dubrovnik — and sure, it’s a beautiful city — but as my trip proved, there’s so much more to see beyond the usual tourist trail. From fairytale towns like Rovinj to peaceful islands like Lopud, this country is full of unforgettable places that often get overlooked. Whether you’re a beach lover, a History buff or someone looking for a mix of adventure and relaxation, these five spots absolutely deserve a place on your Croatia itinerary. I hope this post inspires you to dig a little deeper and discover the side of Croatia that truly made me fall in love with the country.
DO YOU WANT TO HELP THIS PROJECT? USE THE LINKS BELOW AND I’LL GET A SMALL COMMISSION THAT REWARDS MY WORK 👇🏼
- Skyscanner: Flight deals 🛫
- Booking.com: Hotels, flights & car rentals 🛏️
- Hostelworld: Hostels around the World 📍
- AirHelp: Get paid for a delayed or cancelled flight💰
- Airalo: Get an Esim 📱
- Omio: Book transportation 🚆
- 12goAsia: Book transportation in Asia 🚌
- Trip.com: Flights, hotels, car rentals & transfers 💰
- Get Your Guide: Tours & entrance tickets 🎫
- Tripadvisor: Find other travelers’ opinions ✍🏼
- Rental Cars: Rent a car for your trip 🚗
- Discover Cars: Get up to 70% discount on car rentals 💰
- Revolut: The best international card 💳
- Surfshark: Stay safe online (86% discount & 3 extra months for free) 💻
- Klook: Get 8% discount on Klook with my FLIPFLOPS Promo Code 🤑
- IATI Insurance: Get 5% discount on your travel insurance 🔒
- Worldpackers: Voluntering opportunities in more than 140 countries 🌎
- Viator: Tours & activities anywhere in the World 🎟️
- Osprey: The best backpacks 🎒
- LARQ: Self-cleaning bottles that kill viruses and germs 🦠
- TravelSpend: 50% discount on the best budget-tracking app 💰