Best Places to See While on a Look-See Trip to Croatia (Plus, Itineraries)

Taking a Look-See trip is a crucial step when considering a move to a new country. It allows you to experience firsthand the culture, lifestyle, and practical aspects of living in Croatia. This exploratory trip can help you make an informed decision about whether Croatia is the right fit for you and which cities or towns align best with your preferences and needs.

Recommended Itineraries

For a 10-day trip, consider starting in Zagreb, then head to the Istrian region, including towns like Rovinj and Pula. Next, explore the Dalmatian coast with stops in Zadar and Split. For a 20-day trip, extend your visit to include the Dubrovnik area and islands like Hvar. Consider visiting inland regions as well, such as Plitvice Lakes and the Slavonia region, with towns like Osijek.

Zagreb

Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, is a vibrant city with a population of around 800,000 people. It offers a mix of modern amenities and historic charm. Expats and digital nomads appreciate the city's cultural scene, numerous parks, and relatively low compared to other European capitals. Zagreb is well-connected, making it easy to explore the rest of the country.

Travel Tip: Visit the Museum of Broken Relationships, a unique and emotionally powerful exhibition.

Istrian Region (Rovinj, Pula)

The Istrian region is known for its Mediterranean climate, beautiful coastline, and historic towns. Rovinj, with its pastel-colored buildings and cobblestone streets, is a popular choice. Pula, famous for its Roman amphitheater, offers a blend of ancient history and modern living. The region is also known for its excellent food and wine.

Travel Tip: Dine at Monte in Rovinj, a Michelin-starred restaurant offering Istrian cuisine.

Zadar

Zadar is a historic city on the Dalmatian coast with a population of around 75,000 people. It offers a high quality of life with a lower cost of living compared to more touristy cities like Split or Dubrovnik. Zadar is known for its Roman and Venetian ruins, as well as its innovative sea organ and sun salutation installations.

Travel Tip: Experience the Sea Organ (Morske Orgulje), a unique architectural sound art object.

Split

Split, Croatia's second-largest city, is known for its beautiful coastline and the ancient Diocletian's Palace. With a population of around 178,000, it offers a blend of historic charm and modern conveniences. The cost of living is reasonable, and the city's size makes it easy to navigate.

Travel Tip: Explore Diocletian's Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Dubrovnik Area

Dubrovnik, known as the "Pearl of the Adriatic," is a popular tourist destination with a higher cost of living compared to other cities. However, nearby towns like Cavtat and Mlini offer a more affordable and laid-back lifestyle. The area is known for its stunning coastline and historic architecture.

Travel Tip: Walk the City Walls of Dubrovnik for a stunning view of the old town and the sea.

Hvar Island

Hvar Island is known for its tranquil surroundings, crystal-clear waters, and historic towns. Hvar Town and Stari Grad are popular among expats and digital nomads. The island offers a relaxed pace of life with a reasonable cost of living. It is well-connected to the mainland by ferry.

Travel Tip: Visit the Fortica (Spanjola Fortress) in Hvar Town for panoramic views of the city and nearby islands.

Plitvice Lakes and Inland Regions (Osijek)

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a must-visit for nature lovers. The Slavonia region, with Osijek as its largest city, offers a different perspective on Croatian life. Osijek, with a population of around 108,000, is known for its baroque architecture and riverside promenade. The cost of living is generally lower in inland regions.

Travel Tip: Explore the natural beauty of Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.