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Croatia has become a popular holiday destination with us Brits in recent years. Despite its popularity, it remains relatively undeveloped. Its turquoise coastline, fabulous beaches, and the Dinaric Alps offer the perfect holiday for any tourist.
Holidaymakers are starting to demand more than sightseeing in Dubrovnik or Split. They’re moving further afield and in most cases, towards the coast. With this in mind, we’ve unearthed some of the best hidden gems on the Croatian coast to tempt you.
Šipan
The island of Šipan is located 17 km north west of Dubrovnik. It’s home to wonderful scenery and gorgeous beaches. Once the summer retreat for Dubrovnik’s royalty, Šipan showcases some beautiful palaces and villas. Many of these now lie in ruins. Some have survived and the Rector’s Palace is certainly worth a visit.
The two main towns are Suđurađ and Šipanska Luka. Here you’ll find medieval churches, towers and forts to explore, before taking a stroll through the numerous olive groves and vineyards. Šipan is home to a rich and thriving wine culture. It also offers wonderful seafood throughout the island.
Suđurađ is home to a 16th century fortified manor house built by the Stijepović-Skočibuha. It lies close to the water’s edge, ready to repel pirates.
Senj
Lying between the Mala Kapela and Velebit mountains, Senj is a wonderful resort. Boasting a rich history and some stunning architecture, one of the main attractions is the famous 16th century Nehaj Fortress. Perched on a hill in the town’s centre, the fortress is the symbol of Senj. It was built to defend the town from the Ottoman Empire.
Other popular attractions include the gothic town hall, which plays host to a striking 14th century loggia, the 18th century Carina Palace and the town museum. If you’d rather soak up the sun, there are some excellent beaches close by with white sand and crystal clear water.
If you want to get out of town, Northern Velebit National Park, Velebit Nature Park, and Plitvice Lakes are all close by.
Cavtat
Half an hour south of Dubrovnik lies the picturesque village of Cavtat. There are a number of beaches offering fantastic swimming opportunities in some of the clearest water on the coast. If it’s privacy you’re after, you’ll find rocky coves away from the beach bars.
Popular attractions include the statue of Victorian scientist Baltazar Baldo Bogišic, the 15th century St Nicholas Church, and St Rok cemetery. The cemetery is home to a striking mausoleum of the Račić family designed by Ivan Meštrović.
The scenery around Cavtat is stunning. A cypress forest behind the town offers fantastic walks from which to soak up the views. The old harbour waterfront is lined with restaurants and bars offering great food and views to match.
Cavtat’s southern location makes it perfect if you want to head into Montenegro or southern Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Volosko
One of the most beautiful villages on the Croatian coast, Volosko’s stock has risen sharply in recent years. This is largely due to its excellent restaurants and picturesque harbour. Whilst it’s not a holiday destination as such, its welcoming and quiet way of life is perfect for families and well worth a visit.
Part of Opatija, Volosko is connected to the city by a waterside promenade lined with palm trees and fig trees. There are some small beaches dotted around if you fancy a swim or sunbathe. Otherwise walks are the order of the day. The Lungomare from Preluka to Lovren is a great option.
Kornati Islands
The Kornati Islands National Park have been described as paradise and it’s not hard to see why. The 89 islands that make up the Park are varied, beautiful and surrounded by turquoise water and long sandy beaches or steep cliffs (known as crowns). Part of their appeal lies in their inaccessibility. There are no ferries so unless you charter a yacht, you’ll have to book an excursion to get here.
Originally covered by forest, the trees were removed to provide grazing. The sheep are long gone. All that remains are bare outcrops and 330km of drystone walls. The Islands have become hugely popular with sailors. The islands of Žut and Piškera are home to excellent marinas. Once ashore, fantastic restaurants abound throughout the archipelago.
The largest island of Kornat is home to the remains of Illyrian settlements and Roman ruins. Other architectural highlights include medieval ruins on the islet of Panitula and a 16th-century church on Piskera.
Tempted?
If these hidden gems haven’t tempted you, why not check out these posts on Croatia instead? You’re bound to find something that grabs your fancy. If you know of any other wonderful places to visit in Croatia, be sure to leave a comment below. In the meantime, don’t forget to sign up to our newsletter and follow us on Twitter and Facebook for the latest travel tips and news.
