Welcome to Croatia! It’s a small country but it is rich in history, culture, and is home to some of the most beautiful UNESCO world heritage sites. With tombstones, parks, old buildings and cities left and right, it’s easy to see why Croatia has become one of the top tourist destinations all over Europe. Vacations shouldn’t have to be all about lying down and resting, but it can also be about learning and fun. Spend a good time basking in the beauty of these sites and take a look at our list of top 10 UNESCO world heritage sites in Croatia that you cannot miss.
1. Plitvice Lakes National Park (from USD 70.48)
Take a walk in the wild side and spend a day exploring Plitvice Lakes National Park when you book a day tour from Omiš! As one of Europe’s oldest national parks, this UNESCO-listed site is definitely one for the books and cameras! Go marvel at the natural beauty of the Plitvice Lakes, Great Waterfall (the highest cascade in Croatia), and even walk along the nature trails through the travertine barriers, falls and lakes. Just remember to wear casual clothing and comfortable walking shoes as a strenuous amount of walking is involved!
Plitvice Lakes National Park: Day Trip from Omiš
Duration: 12.0 hour
2. Historic City of Trogir (from USD 160.03)
Immerse yourself in the history of another one of Croatia’s UNESCO heritage sites, the city of Trogir. Take a guided tour and re-live Croatia’s history with your friends. Personally enter through the gates of the city and see the Kamerlengo Fortress with your own eyes. Also, visit the Palace Čipiko and enjoy the architecture of this renaissance-gothic palace that today is the base of the Trogir music ensemble. You’ll also get to visit other key sites such as Palace Fonfognia-Garagnin, St. Lawrence, Loggia on the square, Rectors Palace, St. Nicholas monastery, St. Dominic’s church, and the Marshal Marmont Gloriette. As the tour guide suggests, let your imagination run wild and try to picture how the city once was, with their quick and informative history lessons.
Trogir City: Guided Tour of a UNESCO Heritage Site
Duration: 1.5 hour
3. Old City of Dubrovnik (from USD 24.4)
Good news for all those who love sunsets and history, you can now enjoy the best of both worlds when you book this walking tour at the Dubrovnik City! Discover the old town of this UNESCO site and prepare to be in awe of the magnificent city walls surrounding Dubrovnik. According to history, these walls were used to protect the city’s wealth and safety from perils, pirates and foreign conquerors, but it is now open to the public. Enjoy walking in the old town and explore its important defense forts such as Minceta Tower, Bokar, Revelin Fortress and St. John Fort, among others. While you are it, be sure to capture the magnificent sunset from the town’s traditional terracotta rooftops.
Dubrovnik: City Walls Early Bird or Sunset Walking Tour
Duration: 2.0 hour
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4. Cathedral of Saint James
If you fancy art, architecture and old structures, the Cathedral of Saint James in Sibenik, Croatia is another UNESCO heritage site you must visit. It was written in history that it took three succeeding architects to work on the construction of this cathedral. These were Francesco di Giacomo, Georgius Mathei Dalmaticus and Niccolo di Giovanni Fiorentino. Enjoy the unique blend of gothic and renaissance art in the form of the building, walls and its decorative elements such as the 71 sculptured faces of men, women, and children around the apses.
Cathedral of Saint James
Address: County of Šibenik-Knin
Website Address: Cathedral of Saint James
5. Stari Grad Plain (from USD 121.0)
Explore Croatia in style and take a biking tour in Hvar, one of the island’s most scenic villages and countryside. Together with the guide, discover regional highlights including the UNESCO-listed Stari Grad Plain! Also stay until the end, as those on the tour will also experience entering a traditional wine cellar. End the trip by visiting some rural villages for a taste of authentic Croatia. Of course, light refreshments are included on this tour.
Cycle Hvar Tour
Duration: 3 to 5 hours
6. Stećci Medieval Tombstones Graveyards
Your trip to Croatia is not complete without a visit to the Stećci Medieval Tombstones Graveyards, another UNESCO heritage site. Travelers looking for a different kind of adventure should visit this site. This world heritage site comprises 28 different sites which are located around the southeastern half of Bosnia, Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia, and here in Croatia. Although there’s not much to do but look around as these are cemeteries and medieval tombstones, you can take a closer look at the decorative motifs and inscriptions to see the iconographic continuities from medieval Europe.
Stećci Medieval Tombstones Graveyards
Address: Southern Croatia
7. Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians
For the nature lovers, take a stroll in the Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians, here in Croatia. This UNESCO heritage site covers the forests of the European beech in 12 other different countries. This site also has the largest remaining “virgin” forests of the European beech and holds the largest and tallest beech in the world. Travelers will especially love the biodiversity and natural beauty of this site.
Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe
Address: Hajdučki i Rožanski kukovi, Paklenica National Park
Website: Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe
8. Historical Complex of Split (from USD 26.97)
Curious about Croatia’s ancient history? Go way back and meet your guide to explore UNESCO-listed sites on a 1.5-hour walking tour of Split Old Town. Learn about the fascinating history that this old town has to offer and see top Split attractions within the palace grounds, like Peristyle Square and the Cathedral of St Duje. You’ll also get to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Diocletian’s Palace while you are at it. Get your shoes ready as a moderate amount of walking is involved!
Disclaimer: Due to uneven surfaces, this tour is not recommended for those with walking disabilities or those using a wheelchair.
1.5-Hour Walking Tour of Split Old Town
Duration: 1.5 hour
9. Venetian Works of Defence between 15th and 17th centuries (from USD 16.53)
Enjoy another history journey when you take a guided walking tour of old Zadar and learn about this UNESCO-protected area. During this 1.5-hour tour, you’ll get to see most important sights and hidden corners that Zadar has to offer. Stop by the Land Gate, one of the finest Renaissance monuments in Dalmatia, and be sure to take a lot of photos. Travelers will also enjoy a sample of Maraschino liqueur and a taste of Pag cheese along the way.
Zadar: Walking Tour with Maraschino and Pag Cheese Tasting
Duration: 100.0 minute
10. Historic Centre of Porec (from USD 185.0)
Istria, dubbed as Croatia’s most amazing region, wouldn’t be complete without a UNESCO heritage site. Because there’s so much to do in Istria, exploring around can be quite a challenge unless you take this whole day tour! With this full day tour, you get to go through the four medieval Istria towns while discovering 13th-century ruins and contemporary art. A notable feature of this tour is that it allows you to explore the ruins and artisan shops on foot with a small-group to ensure personalized attention and guidance from the tour guide. Of course, you’ll learn more about the historic center of Porec while you’re at it!
Full-Day Tour of Istria's Medieval Hilltop Towns
Duration: 8 hours
Travel back in time in Croatia
With beautiful UNESCO world heritage sites left and right, Croatia isn’t as small as it seems. There is so much culture and history to absorb from the endless views, cities, and natural parks. Between history and nature, Croatia is the perfect destination for your next exciting adventure. Of course, make sure you don’t miss visiting these UNESCO world heritage sites.
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