Planning a visit to Croatia? This is a country that’s packed with opportunities for adventure and excitement. However, a handful of locations stand out as obligatory. These are the parts of Croatia that all visitors should try to make time for.

Dubrovnik’s Old Town: The Pearl of the Adriatic

The medieval walls of Dubrovnik’s Old Town, and the general sense of history and grandeur that the place is infused with, make it a must-visit. It isn’t just history buffs and fans of Game of Thrones that will get something of a visit here. You can take a guided walking tour through the Old Town, and get acquainted with famous landmarks like Rector’s Palace, as well as countless miniature squares, churches and monasteries. There are also plenty of opportunities to enjoy a panoramic view of the surrounding Adriatic.

Plitvice Lakes National Park: A Natural Wonder

This National Park is the largest and oldest in the country. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, packed with waterfalls, lakes, and streams. For those who’d like to go hiking through the country’s more impressive outdoor locations, this place is extremely difficult to beat. A number of precious animal species make their home here, including wolves and bears.

What defines the region, however, are the turquoise-tinged lakes that sit in tiers around the region. They’re a result of a unique geological phenomenon. The name ‘Plitvice’ stems from a Croatian term meaning ‘shallow’. These large basin-like structures have been collecting rainwater, and occasionally overflowing, for as long as people have been settled here.

The Historic City of Split and Diocletian’s Palace

While the city of Split doesn’t quite get the same level of attention as Dubrovnik, it remains the second-largest city in the country. It’s the home of a number of famous landmarks, including a palace that was built as a residence for the Roman Emperor Diocletian. There are a number of other Roman structures in the city, as well as a general cultural vibrancy, concentrated around the Riva promenade, which runs along the length of the Old Town.

Hvar Island: The Island of Lavender

The Island of Hvar is to be found just off Croatia’s Dalmation Coast. It’s most famous for its extensive lavender fields, as well as the quality of the water around its many beaches. If you’re touring the coast, you’ll certainly want to make a stop here. The island offers some of the best Villas in Croatia. Book one, and use it as a staging ground for your exploration of the area.

Istria’s Coastal Towns: A Taste of Italy in Croatia

For those looking for a blend of Croatian and Italian culture, the Istrian Peninsula is a perfect stopping point. The blending of the two cultures is most evident in the region’s cuisine, but that’s not all there is to Istria and its coastal towns. In both Rovinj and Pula, you’ll find plenty of culture and history, including several important structures dating back to the Roman era.