10 Hidden Gems in Croatia You Must Visit!

The holiday destination of Croatia has become a world-famous, with breathtaking coastal cities such as Dubrovnik, Split, Pula and Rovinj attracting millions of visitors every year. But what are the hidden gems in Croatia? The country has much more to offer than just the major tourist attractions, and along its fascinating coastline you will find many dreamy places off the beaten path that not everyone knows about. Here you can get a little bit off the typical tourist routes and discover Croatia from its most idyllic and romantic side. Away from the hustle and bustle, however, there is plenty to discover, including pretty villages, hidden beaches, great excursion destinations and natural sites. But what are the best insider tips for an extraordinary vacation in Croatia, where are the country’s hidden treasures, and where is Croatia not yet overcrowded?

In this guide, you will find some real hidden gems in Croatia, far away from the mass tourism. We show you wonderful pictures, the most beautiful secret places and give exclusive recommendations for very special accommodations so that your trip will be unique.

Vrbnik

The wine village of Vrbnik is located on the eastern side of Krk Island and is a wonderful secret spot for a very special vacation in Croatia. The location of the historic old town is spectacular, perched on a steep cliff above the deep blue sea, creating a magical atmosphere. In the immediate vicinity of the town, you will find a number of stunning beaches with enchanting sea colors and Mediterranean charm. But also in the town center there are plenty of interesting places to discover, such as the alley of Klancic, which is the narrowest alley in the world! A stroll through the center of town is full of cute wine bars and delicatessens that serve Zlahtina, a dry white wine from the region.

Tip: A special recommendation is the DESIGN Hotel VERBENICUM, a modern, beautiful hotel with fabulous facilities, a pool and a top view of the city.

Vrbnik

Omis

Picturesque Omis is located in the heart of Dalmatia and is one of the most beautiful lesser-known places in Croatia. Once a pirate town, today it is mainly Croatia connoisseurs and insiders who are drawn to this picturesque vacation spot. Because Omis inspires in so many ways! The breathtaking Omis Riviera is lined with romantic beaches with fantastic water colors and a unique flair. Omis also has an incredibly charming old town with medieval streets and a historic castle. An imposing mountain range rises just beyond the town, offering wonderful hikes. A highlight is the spectacular canyon of the Cetina River, where you can go boating, kayaking and even rafting. We also recommend the Zipline in Omis, which is one of the most exciting in the country!

Tip: The Apartments Mimac offers a variety of apartments of different sizes with a magnificent view of the sea. The old town and a beautiful beach are close by as well!

Omis

Ugljan Island

The wonderful Ugljan Island is definitely a hidden gem in Croatia and still a real insider tip for a relaxing beach vacation in the otherwise so lively region of Zadar. Couples, individualists and those seeking peace and quiet are drawn to this beautiful island pearl to escape the crowded beaches of the nearby mainland. Ugljan, also known as the “Olive Island”, fascinates with an idyll that is like something out of a fairy tale. With only 50 km² and 6,100 inhabitants, the island is relatively small. This makes the atmosphere absolutely relaxed and invites you to slow down and relax. Along the coast you’ll find pretty fishing villages with small romantic beaches. Here you can spend a quiet Croatian vacation off the beaten path. Among the most picturesque spots are the charming coastal villages of Preko, Kukljica and Kali, the latter with its very special rustic charm.

Tip: The charming Dunatovi Dvori is one of the best hotels on Ugljan. Located in Preko by the sea, this charming heritage hotel has an ambience you will fall in love with.

Ugljan Island

Senj

The Croatian resort town of Senj, sometimes spelled Zengg, is a secret treasure at the very south of the popular Kvarner Bay. You can reach this rather secluded place via the picturesque coastal road, and even the winding drive with its spectacular sea views is an experience in itself. Pretty Senj is best known for its 16th-century Nehaj Fortress, which perches majestically on top of a hill overlooking the old part of town. The medieval town center is also very charming and there is much to see. There are great restaurants and cafés to linger in, and you’ll also find beautiful beaches along the coast. Most of them are beautiful natural coves where you can spend a relaxing vacation by the sea. A real secret spot of this region is the beach Plaz Voda!

Tip: The History House Moja is a unique accommodation in Senj. The apartments are absolutely chic and have been furnished with a great deal of attention to detail.

Senj

Mlini

The town of Mlini, with a population of 1,000, is a fabulous tip for a beach vacation on the Riviera of Dubrovnik, away from the tourist masses. Located about 10 kilometers from the world-famous coastal metropolis, you can easily visit the old town of Dubrovnik on an excursion by car, bus or boat. Away from the hustle and bustle of Dubrovnik, Mlini is a beautiful small resort with enchanting beaches, a magnificent coastal landscape and imposing mountains in the background. There is also a pretty, pine-lined promenade that invites you to take long walks along the turquoise sea. Also romantic is the tiny village center with its small harbor, where you’ll find typical Dalmatian stone houses, historic mills and a 300-year-old tree.

Tip: The Maistra Select Mlini Hotel is a real insider tip for a beach vacation. Guests love the location right on the beach and the stunning view from the balcony!

Mlini

Ston

The medieval village of Ston is located on the Peljesac peninsula and is probably one of the best kept secrets in Croatia! A special feature is the 5.5 kilometer long stone wall from the year 1333, the longest defensive wall outside of China! It connects the two towns of Ston and Mali Ston, and having been renovated, it now allows you to walk along it. Another insider’s tip for this area is the delicious oysters farmed in Mali Ston Bay. They are among the best in the world and can be bought fresh from the fishermen’s boats. Most tourists visit Ston as part of a day trip from Dubrovnik. If you are looking for a break from the hustle and bustle, you should definitely spend a few days in the pretty neighboring town of Mali Ston. Wonderful bathing days can be spent on the beautiful sandy beach of Prapatno in the area near Ston.

Tip: One very special place to stay is the extremely charming Hotel Ostrea. It is located in a historic building right by the sea in the old town of Mali Ston.

Ston

Solta Island

The dreamy Solta Island is a real insider tip for a quiet and idyllic island vacation in Croatia off the beaten path. Located about 1 hour by ferry from the world-famous port city of Split, Solta is much less known than its neighboring islands of Brac and Hvar. Until today, this little dream island is a true jewel in Dalmatia and a guarantee for an unforgettable trip away from the typical tourist destinations in Croatia. Especially nautical tourists, but also couples looking for peace and quiet and individual travelers will find their personal vacation paradise on this romantic island pearl. It fascinates with numerous beautiful, partly still very lonely beaches, but also with charming villages and a picturesque landscape. Stomorska, a pretty harbor village in the east of the island, is especially recommended for a vacation.

Tip: The Heritage Hotel Martinis Marchi is a stunning 5-star hotel on Solta. Guests love the romantic location in a castle by the sea and the delicious food.

Solta Island

Vrsar

Charming Vrsar is a small town in Istria, perfect for a relaxing getaway in this part of the region. Not far from the famous Istrian coastal towns of Rovinj and Pula, this fishing village is still a real insider tip away from the tourist hotspots! The picturesque harbor with its many fishing boats is one of the most picturesque on the coast. But you will also fall in love with the old town of Vrsar, which is situated on a hill above the sea. Walking through the old town, you will be amazed by the winding streets and colorful houses. In between, there are always nice cafés and restaurants to soak up the atmosphere. Don’t forget to visit the “Viewpoint Casanova” from where you can see the Adriatic Sea.

Tip: A particularly nice choice for a stay are the extremely comfortable mobile homes at the small, but very nice, Camping Resort Tina in Vrsar!

Vrsar

Tribunj

The pretty village of Tribunj is one of the secret gems of northern Dalmatia. This resort on the Riviera of Sibenik is a secret tip for a Croatia vacation of a special kind. A real gem is the charming medieval old town, which is uniquely situated on a small island next to the harbor. You will be impressed by the romantic Dalmatian stone houses and the small alleys that invite you to take a stroll. In addition, there are several authentic restaurants and taverns in Tribunj that spoil visitors with local delicacies in a wonderful location right by the sea. Opposite the old town is the 60-meter-high hill of St. Nikola with a magnificent view. Another plus is the many magnificent beaches of Tribunj, which are ideal for a beach vacation on the Croatian Adriatic.

Tip: The Apartment Sunset is a real secret gem in Tribunj. Guests love the brilliant location directly on the sea and the fantastic view from the terrace.

Tribunj

Rogoznica

The beautiful Rogoznica is one of the most stunning hidden gems in Croatia. This resort is located on the Sibenik Riviera and the famous coastal town of Primosten is not far away. The town is best known for the legendary Lake of the Dragon’s Eye, a saltwater lake that is 60 meters deep and in which it is even possible to swim. However, Rogoznica has also made a name for itself as a place to vacation, so much so that those who know and love Croatia come here to spend the holidays! A real gem is the recently renovated old town and harbor, with its picturesque Dalmatian stone houses, romantic squares, cozy cafés and restaurants. Around Rogoznica there are also beautiful, partly still very quiet coastal sections for swimming!

Tip: The Apartman Leda is a fantastic place for a vacation off the beaten path in Croatia. Tastefully and practically furnished, it also has a terrace for breakfast with sea view!

Rogoznica

More about Croatia:

• 20 Unique Things to Do in Croatia

• The 10 Best Cities to Visit in Croatia

• Top 12 Amazing Sandy Beaches in Croatia

• Top 20 Best Beaches in Croatia

• Croatia Road Trip Itinerary: The Best of Croatia

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