33 Hidden Gems In Croatia- Secret Spots You’ll Enjoy Exploring

Most people who visit Croatia don’t get much further from the sun-kissed beaches, the party scene of Hvar, Dubrovnik’s old town and taking selfies at Game of Thrones sites. However, if you look hard enough, you’ll discover plenty of hidden gems in Croatia that often slip through the average tourist’s itinerary and in this article, we’ll do our best to tell you the untold stories of these beautiful off-the-beaten-track places in Croatia.

But first things first…

Helpful Resources For Discovering Hidden Gems In Croatia

Looking for a cheap flight to Croatia? Check out this KLM special offer and get up to 15% on all flights to Croatia.

Need travel insurance for you trip to Croatia? I’m using and personally recommending SafetyWing. They offer some long-term plans for digital nomads as well as travel insurance plans and unlike some insurers that might tempt with low rates but skimp on coverage, SafetyWing ensures a comprehensive shield. For more info, check out our SafetyWing review.

If you want to rent a car in Croatia, this AutoEurope offer can get you up to 20% off on all car rentals in the country. For more info, check out our honest Auto Europe review.

Last but not least, if you want to save on your stay, use this Booking offer to save up to 10% off on all Booking properties in Croatia.

Badija Bliss: Kayaking to Badija Island & Monastery

We start this list of hidden gems in Croatia with Badija Island. Tucked away in the shimmering embrace of the Adriatic Sea, the island isn’t your typical island getaway; it’s discreetly nestled away from the touristy ruckus, and its most famous highlight is a historical monastery that’s been around for centuries sandwiched between the sea and the towering mountains in the back.

You can get there by taking the traditional boat route from Korčula, or grab a kayak and paddle your way to Badija if you want to add some adrenaline to your trip. Not

Castle in the Clouds: A Day at Trakošćan Castle

Trakošćan is a castle perched high on a hill, surrounded by a lush forest and mirrored in the placid waters of a lake below. However, the Croatian tourism scene is so abundant with coastal treasures, Trakošća Castle tends to stand in the background of most people’s itineraries. The Castle dates back to the 13th century, and its corridors are filled with antique furniture, armoury collections, medieval frescoes, tales of noble families, and knights.

Located in the northern parts of Croatia, it’s a delightful detour from the usual tourist trail. If you’re in Zagreb (one of the most underrated cities in Europe), a day trip is a must! It’s just an hour’s drive away.

Postira

Postira is a beautiful coastal village capable of charming even the most die-hard urbanite. It’s tucked away on the northern coast of Brač Island, and is often overshadowed by its bigger and glitzier neighbors, but this quaint fishing village offers an authentic slice of Croatian life, and for this reason is one of my favourite places in Croatia.

The best way to get there is via a ferry from Split, bound for Supetar on Brač Island. Once you get there, you need to take a scenic 15-minute drive to get to Postira.

Dubovica

Let’s face it, Croatia is like that kid in school who excels at everything- its has famed cities, illustrious islands, and incredible beaches which is why some towns, like Dubovica, often get overshadowed. Nestled on the southern shores of Hvar Island, Dubovica keeps its splendors to itself, making it one of our favorite hidden gems in Croatia. To get there you first need to get to the town of Hvar, from where you can get a taxi boat that’ll get you to Dubovica. Alternatively, you can also get there via a short drive followed by a quaint downhill walk.

Dugi Otok

Loosely translated, the island’s name means “Long Island” just like the list of reasons to visit and stay on this island. In addition to beautiful, sandy beaches, the island also has a lot of clandestine coves, whispering woods, and a gorgeous lagoon. It’s one of the most beautiful islands in Croatia but I think people haven’t really got to know about it mainly because it’s remote and uninhabited. The coastal city of Zadar is the gateway to this dream island. There are regular ferries from Zadar that take you to the island in about an hour and a half.  

Bobovišća

Bobovišća is another delightfully secluded town with a hash harbor and beautiful forests, offering one of the last hidden gems in Croatia that remains untouched and untamed. Tucked away on the western coast of Brač Island, the village is technically located on a cove that branches into two ports and is only connected to the rest of the island via the D114. To get there, you first need to get to Split, from where you can catch a ferry ride to Supetar, Brač’s main port and then drive through landscapes of olive groves and limestone landscapes leading to Bobovišća.

Rabac

Rabac, once a humble fisherman’s village, now stands as Croatia’s shimmering shoreline star. It’s a great way to experience the Riviera of the Adriatic, without the crowds and more importantly, without the price tag. Among Croatia’s constellation of coastal jewels, Rabac is tucked away in Istria’s eastern coast, it’s mainly visited by locals and savvy travelers, and after reading this there’s no reason why you shouldn’t be one of them.

A scenic drive from Pula, Rijeka, or even from central Istria will take you straight into Rabac’s welcoming embrace.

Lovrećina

While the Adriatic hides a lot of hidden gems, even in this context, Lovrećina likes playing hard to get. Sheltered (literally and figuratively) by olive groves and pine forests, this secluded bay often sidesteps the limelight. In addition to pretty beaches and nature landscapes, the islands remains uninhabited but it’s home to some fascinating medieval ruins. To get there, you need to set sails from Split and get a ferry to good old Supetar on Brač Island.

Gdinj

Let’s set our sails (or sandals) towards Gdinj, the haven where limestone crags flirt with the Adriatic, creating coves that are nothing short of spectacular. Among Croatia’s medley of mesmerizing locales, Gdinj stands as a whispered legend, the Pandora’s box of Hvar Island, if you will (for its unmatched beauty, not for bringing the world to an end). To get knee-deep into Gdinj’s charms, you’d begin by ferrying from Split to Hvar Island’s town of Stari Grad. Once ashore, a road less traveled (literally) leads you to your final destination.

Kotli’s Cascades

Speaking of hidden gems in Croatia, we just can’t forget about Kotli. Tucked away in the heart of Istria, in the north of the country Kotli has cascading waters that could make even the most seasoned traveler’s heart skip a beat. Kotli is a great place if you’re looking for a spot to revel in undisturbed nature and quite literally ‘go with the flow.’ To get to Kotli, you’ll first need to get to Buzet, from where through a few winding road leads, you can get to the village of Kotli.

Zaraće

Nestled in Hvar’s rugged coastline, Zaraće is one of the most beautiful villages in Croatia where the sun, sea, and stones come together creating a vibrant landscape. In a world where pristine beaches often double as bustling hotspots, Zaraće defies the norm. Here, seclusion is the headliner. But that comes with its own price, getting there ins’t that easy. Zaraće isn’t exactly on every taxi driver’s radar. To reach this secluded sanctuary, you need to head west from Hvar Town via a meandering road, which leads to this idyllic inlet.

Primošten

Amidst Croatia’s star-studded coastline, Primošten isless mainstream, butrich in depth and flavor. While most people flock to the famed Dalmatian hotspots, this little town keeps its magic bottled up. To get there, you need to drive down the Adriatic Highway from Šibenik or Trogir, two large coastal cities, roughly one hour away. Once there, you’re greeted with a panorama that seems completely surreal with hillside vineyards cascading towards a shoreline that shimmers every shade of blue.

Sveta Nedjelja

While Croatia’s coastline garners gasps and gawks, Sveta Nedjelja, a hilly haven that dangles off a cliff, plays coy. Tucked away on the southern slopes of Hvar Island, this unassuming gem hides in plain sight, often overshadowed by its more glamorous neighbors. To reach Sveta Nedjelja, you need to take a drive from Hvar Town, at one of the most scenic coastal roads in Croatia with views of vineyards and shimmering seas.

Famed for its rock climbing routes, this place is one of the most prominent rock climbing destinations in the country and it’s also home to Vrulja Cave, a real subterranean spectacle.

The Ombla Oasis

Continuing this list of the best hidden gems in Croatia, we have Ombia. We’re all familiar with Dubrovnik’s majestic walls and Game of Thrones grandeur is the Omnia River, a subplot running underneath. The river is rather short according to all standards but grand in allure and a shimmering vein of Dubrovnik. To embark on this aqueous adventure, you’d start at Dubrovnik, the Pearl of the Adriatic but instead of going to the centre, venture north, and explore the river’s nimble fingers weaving a scene of serene greens and blues just outside of Croatia’s most visited city.

Komiža

Vis Island is a mandatory pit stop for all people doing Croatian island hopping. But despite the high number of tourists visiting the island, on its western coast, the village of Komiža sits like an old novel on a bustling bookshelf; less touched, more treasured. It’s roughly 30 minutes away from the island’s main port and the forests and mountains surrounding the village make up for a beautiful road trip. In its essence, Komiža is a fishing village with a dash of history as seen on the medieval Komiza Castle, and a place where a traditional way of life is preserved and saying that the local seafood specialties are delicious is an understatement.

Trsteno

Just a stone’s throw away (well, about 20 minutes by car) from Dubrovnik, Trsteno offers an olive-tinted spectacle, without the crowds. Hop on a bus or rent a car from Dubrovnik, and make your way northwest. As the city’s borders fade, a sylvan serenity envelops you as you enter Trsteno, with the Adriatic playing peekaboo amidst the trees. Obviously, the village is famous for its olive groves, local cuisine, the beautiful beaches, and the legendary Trsteno Arboretum, 15th-century garden with Renaissance fountains and sea-view belvederes.

Vrulje

Imagine a beach where the sand is a stretch of fine white powder that runs for almost 600 meters with water so clear you’d think it’s a liquid crystal, so inviting that you can’t help but take a dip in the warm embrace of the Adriatic Sea. But Vrulja isn’t just about lazing under the sun (though, let’s face it, that’s pretty great), it also offers adventure. Near the beach, you’ll find  caves and rock formations waiting to be discovered by unsuspecting curious visitors that will make you feel like you’re like Indiana Jones, but with a beach towel and sunscreen. 

Manojlovački Waterfalls

In Croatia’s roster of riveting rhapsodies, Manojlovački Slapovi (waterfalls) remains a hidden treasure. While the masses flock to some of the more famous falls like neighbouring Kravice, Manojlovački always remains in the background even though it’s just as beautiful (I let the picture speak for its self). It’s also situated within Krka National Park and most easily approached from Šibenik via local bus or taxi.

Kornati Archipelago

The Kornati islands are one of the last remaining insider secrets of the Adriatic, relatively unknown but always happy to welcome save travelers. The archipelago lies in the central part of the Croatian Adriatic not too far from cities like Zadar or Šibenik but also not too close to make it too easily accessible. To get there, you need to hop on a boat via a guided tour, or charter your own vessel. The archipelago consists of nearly 150 islands, each with a story to tell. This is also a guarantee that if you want to find a hidden seclude spot, you probably will because there’s so many of them…

Motovun

Amidst Istria’s undulating landscapes, Motovun stands tall, actually literally- it’s perched on a hilltop and it’s one of Croatia’s most striking medieval attractions. It’s on this list of hidden gems in Croatia because Stria is just full of highlights and not a lot of people know about Motovun. To experience Motovun in all its majesty, approach it from the Istrian mainland. As you drive (or cycle for the brave-hearted), the ascent offers teasing glimpses of stone walls, terracotta roofs and majestic views of the forests surrounding the hilltop fortress.

Meandering alleys and Gothic palaces decorate the town’s streets but you can also venture outside of it (in some of the previously mentioned forests) and discover the region’s prized possession: truffles. Whether you’re hunting them with local experts or savoring them shaved atop a plate of Istrian pasta, this is one incredible experience.

Zaklopatica

Nestled on the northern coast of Lastovo Island, this bay is where the Adriatic’s diva attitude mellows into a melodious serenade. Zaklopatica can be reached via ferry from Split or Dubrovnik (towards Lastovo Island). Zaklopatica is also famous for its underwater realm and for being one of Croatia’s most prominent scuba diving spots. Dive deep, and you might just waltz with wrasses, play peek-a-boo with parrotfish, or witness nudibranchs in a riot of colors.

Mljet

Floating gently in the southern Adriatic, Mljet remains one of the quietest corners of Croatia. According to legends, it was here that the wily Odysseus spent seven years, ensnared by the nymph Calypso? If you want to embark on your own odyssey and figure out, you start by catching a ferry or catamaran from Dubrovnik or Split to Mljet. Here, you can rent a bike, kayak, or let your feet guide you following the scent of adventure. Bobbing along Mljet’s southern coast, you’ll stumble upon Odysseus’s Cave and if you venture north, you’ll discover the Great and Small Lakes, with their iridescent green shimmer.

Fire Islands

This list of hidden gems in Croatia just couldn’t be complete without Pakleni Islands. Despite their mischievously misleading name, which translates to “Hell’s Islands,” the Pakleni Islands sure looked like heaven to me. This cluster of islands is nestled off the coast of Hvar, and can be accessed via a short boat ride from Hvar (or even by swimming at least the nearest two or three as you can see from the photo).

Pomena

Located on the west tip of the previously mentioned Mljet Island, Pomena may just be the hush-hush whisper amidst Croatia’s clamorous coast (it’s a hidden gem within a hidden gem, how’s that for hidden-caption?). This small village is the gateway to Mljet National Park, where saltwater lakes meet dense forests. Along the way to the park, you’ll also stumble upon the picturesque Veliko and Malo Jezero (Big and Small Lakes) and the medieval Benedictine monastery, located on St. Mary’s Island in the middle of Veliko Jezero (yes, the lake has an island too).

Varaždin

If your idea of discovering hidden gems in Croatia involves sauntering through cobbled streets, seeing baroque facades, and enjoying history buff stuff, then Varaždin is the place to be. It’s located in Northern Croatia, and often dubbed “Little Vienna” for its banquet of baroque treasures, this now town once used to be the country’s capital (albeit briefly). The best way to reach the city is by taking a quick train or bus ride from Zagreb which is a couple of hours away.

Šibenik

Next on our list this is probably the most famous destination on our list and we weren’t sure about including it but decided to do it because we felt it’s severe underrated. The city its both a historical wonderland and a coastal paradise position along the Adriatic coast. Unlike its glamorous neighbors, Split and Dubrovnik, Šibenik is the modest star of the Dalmatian coast, humming a quieter, more authentic tune but it’s definitely worth a visit.

Omiš

Omiš isn’t your standard sun-and-sand holiday spot but it more than deserves a mention on this list of hidden gems in Croatia. This intriguing hideaway lies just 25km southeast of Split, Omiš and somehow stays under the radar despite being one of the most gorgeous little towns in the Balkans, much like the pirates who once called this enclave home (they dominated the Adriatic, looting Venetian ships by the way). To get to Omiš, the easiest way is getting a bus or taxi from Split, via a short jaunt down the coast.

Vrbnik

Perched atop a limestone cliff overlooking the shimmering sea, Vrbnik is a town with narrow alleyways, timeless traditions, and, most importantly, a unique wine that’s definitely worth your attention. Situated on Krk Island (which is gaining popularity in recent years), Vrbnik manages to remain a tad hidden (it’s not called a hidden gem for nothing). To get there, hop on a ferry from Rijeka or take the Krk bridge if you’re driving (it’s one of the most scenic drives on Croatia’s coast).

Ugljan

At first glance, Ugljan might come off as just another Adriatic island but dig (or cycle) a little deeper, and you’ll discover one of the most exciting hidden gems in Croatia that offers gorgeous beaches, medieval history, nature, and the unique traditions of everyday local life. Nestled in the Zadar archipelago, Ugljan is a stone’s throw away from the mainland and you can get there via short ferry ride from Zadar.

Medulin

Medulin is a quaint fishing town turned windsurfing wonderland, famous for its coves with the shape of crescent moons and beaches that sparkle like stardust. It’s tucked away in the southern tip of Istria, and even though it may not be splashed all over glossy travel magazines, it’s still one of our favourite hidden gems in Croatia. If you’re thinking about discovering this Adriatic Arcadia away from the maddening crowd, check out this great tour.

Nehaj Fortress

Sitting atop a hill, with a jaw-dropping panoramic view, the Nehaj Fortress is proof of Senj’s resilient spirit. Built in the 16th century from the ruins of churches and monasteries, this fortress is proudly standing for centuries. To be honest, Dubrovnik and Split often steal the limelight, but Senj’s Nehaj Fortress remains an underrated jewel and one of the most impressive hidden gems in Croatia. The journey to Senj features a scenic drive from Rijeka, Zadar, or Split.

Ston’s Stone

The lovely town of Ston is home to the second-longest preserved fortification system in the world. Yup, you read right – it’s like the Great Wall of Croatia. These walls were built during the 14th and 15th centuries to protect the precious salt pans that contributed to Dubrovnik’s wealth, speaking of which, with its glitz and glamour, often overshadows its smaller cousin, Ston. But this means Ston offers a more genuine, less touristy experience.

Enjoying this post? Then you may also like our Montenegro travel guide and our Serbia travel guide.

Parenzana Pathway

Last but not least, we round up this list of hidden gems in Croatia with the Parenzana Route. The Parenzana railway was a narrow-gauge railway that ran from Trieste to Poreč from 1902 to 1935 but has now been turned into a cycling/hiking route, winding through the Istrian peninsula.

Starting in Trieste, Italy, and ending in Poreč, Croatia, the route covers a distance of about 123 kilometers (around 76 miles). But fear not, you don’t need to tackle it all at once. Various towns along the way, like Buje and Grožnjan, make for perfect pit stops. And most major towns in Istria have bike rental services, so that’s another thing you don’t have to worry about.

How did you like this list of our favorite hidden gems in Croatia? Did you ever visit any of them? Feel free to share your experiences in the comments below.

Like it? Pin it.