Croatia: a small country that is home to roughly 4.6 million people and some of the world’s most beautiful natural landscapes. Tourists flock to the country each year, but many vacation-worthy locations go unnoticed in favor of major destinations.
If you’re looking to take a trip off the beaten path, we’d recommend looking into these charming Croatian villages.
Jelsa
Jelsa is a tony coastal town that is neighbored by the country’s two highest mountains. It’s surrounded by rolling hills and dense forests of pine.
Although it doesn’t contain the intricate architecture that buildings in many larger cities do, it still boasts a historic charm and plenty of narrow, winding streets to explore.
Rastoke
Rastoke offers a change from the bustling cities and sandy beaches. Instead, it offers a plethora of great hills for hiking and fast-flowing waterfalls.
The town is situated in the spot where the river splits, diving into many small channels. Following these channels in different directions, it’s easy to find yourself visiting a different waterfall everyday.
Rastoke’s downtown core boasts the traditional cobblestone streets and historic buildings that you’d expect from an old city.
Skrip
Skrip is the island’s oldest village. Skrip lies within an area of hills, forests, and rocky landings.
The small, peaceful village is home to the Radojkovic Tower, which was one a defensive tower, but now holds the likes of various Roman tombstones, sea charts, and a variety of other historical articles.
Gradac
Gradac boasts one of the Dalmatian coast’s best features: pebbled beaches and calm, clear waters perfect for swimming. It’s conveniently located between two larger cities, giving visitors ample travel access should they grow tired of the beach scene.
Cigoc
Cigoc is a unique destination due to its close proximity to Croatia’s largest wetland area, the Lonjsko Polje Nature Park.
This close proximity gives this small town tons of appeal to bird and animal lovers, who come to witness the wide array of birds and wildlife that call the floodplains and wetlands home. Cigoc is called by many the “village of storks”.
Hum
Hum is a hilltop town that approximately 27 people call home. The town is known for its picturesque scenery and friendly residents. Like many of Croatia’s streets, the streets are cobblestone and give off a classic, historic vibe.
Mosenice
Moscenice is a charming medieval town that lies among a collection of rolling hills. The town is fully enclosed, with its outer walls having previously served as protection.
The city features narrow, winding streets and dozens of dead-end alleyways. It gives visitors and residents a great view of Croatia’s unique landscapes, as it sits 570 feet above sea level on top of a large hill.
Rovinj
Rovinj is a city of 15,000 people- all of whom squish into a small city that is surrounded by sea. It has no fortified walls, which makes it unique from other seaside cities.
Instead, its outer homes open up onto the sea. It’s rich in sea-food culture and is a hub for fishing.
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