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In Croatia, you don't need to travel for hours to visit the most attractive monuments and sights.
In most cases, important landmarks in Croatia are along the Adriatic Coast, close to bigger cities and tourist destinations.
Discover Croatia's cultural and historical heritage in this guide on the best historic sites to visit along the Croatian coast!
1. The Pula Arena
Photo: The Arena of Pula
The Pula Arena is the most famous and important landmark on the North Adriatic. It's on top of the list of must-see sights.
For centuries it stands still on the Istrian peninsula, outside the historic center of Pula.
This historical monument dates from the 1st century AD. Today it is one of the 6 largest preserved Roman amphitheaters in the world. Moreover, the Pula Arena is the oldest Roman monument in Croatia.
Photo: The Arena of Pula
This oval-shaped amphitheater extends 132 meters in length and 105 meters in width. The height goes up to 32 meters.
Throughout history, its purposes constantly changed. First, it hosted gladiator fights with up to 23,000 spectators. Further, there are several underground tunnels. Through them, fighters and animals arrived on stage.
Today, the Pula Arena is a unique open-air venue for exhibitions and music concerts. Some famous artists who've performed are 2 Cellos, Arctic Monkeys, Dua Lipa, Leonard Cohen, Andrea Bocelli, Luciano Pavarotti, and others.
Photo: The Arena of Pula by night
Underground chambers display interesting exhibitions. The main themes are wine and olive oil production, for which the Istrian region is known and appreciated worldwide.
The Pula Arena is a historical monument you should visit in Istria. In fact, it's so monumental that it is impossible not to notice if you are in Pula.
If you love photography, you have even more reason to visit the striking Pula Amphitheater.
Check the location of the Arena of Pula in Google Maps: Flavijevska ul., 52100, Pula, Croatia
Working Hours: off the summer season: 09 am-5 pm, in the season 08 am - 9 pm / 10 pm / 11 pm
Admission fee: Adults 10 EUR, Students/children 5 EUR
Best time to visit: any time of the year, yet the best time to experience the Arena of Pula is the spring and autumn season
The time to plan for sightseeing:1 hour
Tips: Due to the high sun during the day in the summer months, we recommend visiting earlier in the morning or evening. If you aim to visit some big event or concert, purchase your tickets upfront, sooner the better.
Accommodation near the Arena of Pula: Check our luxury holiday villas in Pula
2. Saint James Cathedral in Sibenik
Photo:Saint James Cathedral in Sibenik
The Cathedral of St. James in Sibenik is one of Croatia's most important renaissance architectural achievements. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000.
Photo: UNESCO-protected historic site Cathedral of Saint James in Sibenik
It is an important historic site for Croatia and the first building in Europe built only from stone. This cathedral was built with special and advanced techniques of carving and stacking stone, without any bonding materials.
Photo: The dome of Saint James Cathedral in Sibenik in Croatia
The construction of this imposing landmark lasted for 104 years, starting in the 15th century. The entire community contributed, especially many domestic builders and artisans. The biggest merits go to Georgius Dalmaticus.
The cathedral was built as a 3-nave basilica with a 32-meter-high dome. Its dome is the most recognized symbol of Sibenik.
Stone ornaments decorate its interior, as well as the stone facade. The northern outer wall is decorated with 74 sculptures of human heads carved out of stone. These stone heads represent realistic portraits of unknown men, women, and children.
Photo: Stone-sculptured heads as ornaments on Sibenik Cathedral
Recently, more people are discovering Sibenik as a holiday destination.
It lies on the Adriatic coast in the heart of Dalmatia. Along with seeing the Cathedral, you can enjoy pleasant walks in the old town, or visit one (or all) of the 4 fortresses. Moreover, in Sibenik, you can eat in a Michelin-starred restaurant featuring a scenic view of this striking cathedral.
Photo:Saint James Cathedral in the center of Sibenik city
You can also add nearby national parks Krka Waterfalls and Kornati Archipelago to your Sibenik itinerary.
On the outskirts of Sibenik, there's a large water park for the whole family. Also, Sibenik has beautiful beaches,
Photo: Stone Statue in Sibenik. Croatia
Checkthe location of St. James Cathedral Sibenik in Google Maps: Trg Republike Hrvatske 1, 22000, Šibenik
Working Hours: from Easter to 1st June from 8.30 am to 7.30 pm | from 1st June to 1st December from 8.30 am to 8 pm | from 1st December to Easter by appointment | Holy mass is served 3 times on Sundays and on other days 2 times daily
Admission fee: Adults 5 EUR
Best time to visit: Any time you happen to be in or near Sibenik in Croatia.
The time to plan for sightseeing:1 hour
Tips: Make sure to wear appropriate clothing for entering the cathedral. Sleeveless tops and shorts are banned. During the Holy Mass ceremony, sightseeing is not allowed.
Accommodation near the Sibenik Cathedral: Check our holiday villas for rent in the Sibenik area
Related articles: What to do on vacation in Sibenik,Worth a visit: Krka Waterfalls National Park in Croatia,Magical Places in Croatia: No.2 National Park Kornati
3. Trogir Old Town
Photo:Trogir Old Town on the Adriatic Coast in Croatia
Set on a small peninsula between the mainland and Ciovo island, the Trogir old town is the picture-perfect Mediterranean settlement. It has a Hellenistic and Roman city layout.
This medieval town has been on the list of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites since 1997.
Photo: Belltower and city loggia in Trogir
Trogir has a 2300-year-old urban tradition. You can see it in architecture and historical monuments. The old town, surrounded by great walls, has a lot of historic buildings, churches, and palaces.
Photo:The main Trogir promenade with palm trees
If you like sightseeing we recommend a tour through the Mediterranean streets of the old town. Stop by Fortress Kamerlengo, the Saint Lawrence Cathedral, and the city gate and walls.
Photo: Sailing boats and the Kamerlengo Tower in Trogir
Trogir has always been a relaxing oasis for many artists, writers, culturists, and world celebrities. Besides, it's a wanted destination for families with children looking for a carefree summer vacation enjoying the many facilities and activities of this beautiful area on the Croatian coast.
Photo: Waterfront promenade in Trogir on a sunny winter day
Checkthe location of the main entrance to the Trogir old town in Google Maps: Ul. Blaza Jurjeva Trogiranina 1, 21220, Trogir, Croatia
Working Hours: All year round, public space
Admission fee: No admission fee for entering the old town. However, some museums and places charge entrance fees.
Best time to visit: April to November
The time to plan for sightseeing: 1.5 hours for sightseeing, and an additional 2-3 hours for enjoying the waterfront views while having a drink or ice cream in one of the lounge bars or having a meal in one of the restaurants
Tips: Take a private guided walking tour on your first visit to Trogir. You will surely benefit from the tour and learn many interesting and useful things for the rest of your stay. Don't be just an observer, be a learner!
Accommodation near Trogir Old Town: Check our holiday villas for rent in the Trogir area
Related articles: The 5 Best Restaurants in Trogir, The Top 7 Things to Do on Vacation in Trogir
4. Diocletian's Palace in the City of Split
Photo: The aerial view of the Diocletian's Palace in Split Croatia
Diocletian's Palace is one of the liveliest and the most picturesque historical sites in Croatia. It was built more than 1700 years ago., in the heart of Split.
The Palace has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979. It's the most striking and monumental example of Roman architecture on the Adriatic.
Photo: One of the main streets in the Diocletian palace in Split Croatia
The Roman emperor Diocletian loved the beautiful Adriatic coast. So he decided to build his summer residence and military camp here. At the time when the construction began, the area of today's Split was uninhabited. It was covered with fields and vineyards.
Photo: The reconstruction model of the Diocletian palace
With the palace's construction, the development of today's city began. Today, Split is the second-largest city in Croatia and the largest city on the Croatian Adriatic coast.
Photo: The view from the air of the Diocletian Palace
Diocletian's Palace is a rectangular complex of apartments, churches, squares, and narrow streets, all surrounded by large city walls without windows on the ground floor. There are 4 entrances, one on each side of the palace.
Inside the palace, you can find museums, restaurants, bars, and shops.
Photo: Outdoor dining terrace in the restaurant Kinoteka in Diocletian's Palace
Also, one of the most fun facts is about 3,000 people still live inside the palace today. Thus, Diocletian's Palace is the oldest inhabited historical monument in the world.
Photo: Narrow passages between the buildings in Diocletian's Palace in Split
As you stroll through the alleys, you will likely notice how serenely the locals live, even though crowds pass by their houses daily. Looking towards the sky, you will see strings with washed clothes hanging.
Photo: The columns on Peristil at the entrance to Saint Dominus Cathedral
The most visited part of Diocletian's Palace is the Peristil and the Cathedral of St. Dominus, the patron saint of Split, with its impressive bell tower. It is open to visitors. Climbing the stairs to the top, you'll see a panoramic view of the palace, city, and nearby islands.
Photo: The Belltower of Saint Dominus in Diocletian's Palace in Split in Croatia
Furthermore, the underground wine cellars of Emperor Diocletian are interesting to see.
Photo: Underground chambers of Diocletian's Palace
When visiting Diocletian's Palace, you will witness its rich and imposing history, and get to know the relaxed Mediterranean way of life.
Photo: Seafront Promenade Riva and the southern wall of the Diocletian's Palace
Checkthe location of Diocletian's Palace in Google Maps: Peristil ul. 1, 21000, Split, Croatia
Working Hours: 0-24 hours all year round from the outside | most of the museums and churches are open every day 8 am - 8 pm
Admission fee: No fee for entering the Diocletian's Palace as it is a public space. | Admission fee for St. Dominus Bell Tower is 7 EUR | Admission fee for the cathedral, baptistery, and bell tower all together is 12 EIR | Admission fee for Wine Cellars is around 8 EUR
Best time to visit: March to December
The time to plan for sightseeing: 2-3 hours with an included stop for a drink or meal
Tips: If you are visiting Diocletian's Palace in the summer season, try to go as early as possible in the morning. After touring the palace, head to the promenade along the waterfront and enjoy a delicious breakfast and a cup of coffee.
Accommodation near Diocletian's Palace in Split: Browse our luxury villas in the area of the Split city here & Check Youtube Video Large Villas in Split for Family Vacation
Related articles: The 5 Best Restaurants in Split City in Croatia, The most popular day trips from Split, Following the steps of Emperor Diocletian meet today’s Split
5. Dubrovnik City Walls and Dubrovnik Old Town
Photo: Dubrovnik City on the Adriatic Coast in Croatia
Dubrovnik's old town with its protective city walls is the most popular historic site across Croatia, and likely across Europe. It has been on UNESCO’s list of World Heritage sights since 1979.
Photo: City Walls of Dubrovnik on cliffs immersed in the Adriatic Sea
It's one of the most popular tourist attractions in Croatia. Lately, many people know Dubrovnik because it was the set of Game of Thrones.
Photo: Lovrijenac Fortress in Dubrovnik
The main street Stradun is 300 m long. Often on summer nights, you can see world-famous people having drinks here before heading to some of the best restaurants on the Adriatic.
Photo: Stradun, the main street of Dubrovnik's old town
The Dubrovnik City Walls are 1,940 meters long. There are 2 entrances, at each end of the Stradun. Along the walls, you can only walk clockwise.
Photo: View of Lokrum Island from Dubrovnik City Walls
From the city walls, you can see breathtaking views of the red roofs, bell towers, sea, etc. You may take many stops to catch the perfect photo.
Photo: Red roofs in Dubrovnik old town at sunset time
Checkthe location of Dubrovnik City Walls in Google Maps: Poljana Paska Milicevica 2000, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia
Working Hours: Daily 9 am–5 pm (May - mid-October until 7 pm)
Admission Fee: Adults 35 EUR, Children 15 EUR, ticket includes entrance to City Walls & Fortress Lovrijenac
Best time to visit: April to December
The time to plan for sightseeing:2 hours for Dubrovnik City Walls and 2 hours for the old town
Tips: There are many steps along the way. Bring some water with you and wear comfortable shoes.
Accommodation near Dubrovnik City Walls: Check holiday villas in Dubrovnik and Dubrovnik Riviera
Related articles: Sightseeing tips in Dubrovnik, Top 5 things to do in Dubrovnik
Are you wondering what's the best time to visit Croatia and its historic sights? They are all open all year round. But, the weather conditions are perfect in the spring, summer, and autumn seasons.
Some sites easily get overcrowded in the peak summer season, from mid-July to mid-August. We always suggest avoiding rush hours and going sightseeing early in the morning or later in the afternoon.
Also, spending time with locals is the best way to meet their culture. So, during your stay at your luxury villa in Croatia, we suggest you take a private tour with an experienced local guide. The best guides will easily tell you the most important historical facts. Moreover, they will share interesting stories from the past and interesting facts from everyday life. Thus, you will be able to experience Croatian sights in the most memorable way.
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