The 17 most photogenic places in Croatia

Where can you take the best photo in Croatia for Instagram or your travel diary?

Think you know Croatia like the back of your hand? Join us for a photographer's view of this stunning location and you might be in for a surprise. Find out which spots you should visit to get the best shot and some tips for your summer wanderings around the Adriatic with your trusty camera (or mobile phone) in hand. So, check it out all you photography enthusiasts  and influencers!

1) Dubrovnik City Walls

Have you seen Game of Thrones? Then you'll be excited to take a stroll around Dubrovnik's city walls. There's a fee to enter, but it's well worth it. If there's one thing you should see in Dubrovnik, it's the historic old town and the walls.

Google maps link: Add Dubrovnik to your sailing route.

dubrovnik, historical walls, view of the harbour, blue sky

You can't take a bad photo in Dubrovnik.

2) Franciscan Monastery in Dubrovnik

Staying in Dubrovnik, head go to the Franciscan monastery, whose courtyard and garden are photogenic from all angles. Plus, here you can grab the opportunity to recharge your batteries, clear your mind and soak up the atmosphere of this spiritual place.

Google maps link: Which way to the Franciscan Monastery?

dubrovnik cluster, historical building and greenery, Franciscan monastery

The Franciscan Monastery has a truly spiritual atmosphere

3) Plitvice Lakes

This national park is located inland, so we recommend it mostly to travellers who have a car on site. But it is definitely worth a visit at least once in your lifetime. The azure colour of Plitvice Lakes and waterfalls will take your breath away. Also, the cult movie about the Native American character, Winnetou, was filmed here.

Google maps link: Put Plitvice Lakes in your navigation.

Plitvice lakes, view from the top in nature

Stunning colours and views!

4) Amphitheatre in Pula

Why go to Rome when you can visit the amphitheatre in Pula (sometimes referred to as Arena Pula). It is a global gem and one of the six largest surviving Roman arenas in the world. You will be captivated not only by its size but also by the enchanting atmosphere at sunset.

Google maps link: Where is the amphitheatre in Pula?

the coliseum at dusk, lights on. lighting, romance

The amphitheatre in Pula: almost like Rome.

5) View of Kornati from Žut

If you are in the Kornati area, we recommend visiting the island of Žut. After a very pleasant walk up the hill, you will have an absolutely beautiful view of the entire archipelago. We have written more about Kornati, so take a look at our article — Sailing to Kornati National Park: what you need to know before you go

Google maps link: Where is Žut?

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6) Old Town Rovinj

There are countless beautiful places and towns in Croatia and we've written numerous articles about them, such as the 33 most beautiful towns in Croatia or the 14 best islands to drop anchor. The town of Rovinj stands out and is extremely photogenic and you'll definitely make some holiday memories here.

Google maps link: Which way to Rovinj?

Rovinj, view of the town from the opposite shore, woman in the foreground, church tower, dwellings, houses, bay

The view of Rovinj is beautiful.

7) Zlatni Rat's unique beach formation

Perhaps the most famous beach, the so-called Golden Horn (Zlatni Rat) is located on the island of Brac. As it's very popular with tourists, expect crowds in high season. We have written about this place in detail here — Practical tips on visiting Zlatni Rat: Croatia's most famous beach.

Google maps link: Where to find Zlatni Rat?

zlatni rat, sandy beach, drone view, turquoise water

We recommend a bird's eye view of Zlatni Rat, perhaps by drone.

8) Diocletian's Palace in Split

An ancient Roman palace that built during the reign of Emperor Diocletian in the 4th century, this monument has an incredible historical value and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The palace complex includes the Cathedral of St. Domnius, which is the oldest functioning cathedral in the world.

Google maps link: Where to find Diocletian's Palace in Split?

YACHTING.COM TIP: If you are also into historical architecture, we have an great article on the 9 most beautiful Croatian sights.

Diocletian's Palace

We recommend going to the palace in the morning when there are not so many tourists.

9) Krka waterfalls

One of the most beautiful national parks in Croatia is the Krka National Park (NP Krka). We recommend taking a boat to the port of Skradin and then renting a bike or buying a boat ticket that will take you directly to the waterfalls. Set aside a whole day for this trip, it's well worth the walk around this system of lakes and waterfalls.

Google maps link: Where are the waterfalls located?

neck waterfalls, nature, woman in the foreground

Take in the view of the waterfalls

10) Monastery on the islet of Visovac

Don't miss the unique view of the monastery on this small island on the way to Krka National Park. You can visit the monastery of Franciscan monks by boat from the port of Skradin.

Google maps link: Where to find Visovac?

visovac monastery, islet view from drone with islands in the distance

At sunset in the so-called golden hour, the monastery is at its most magical.

11) Cliffs on Dugi Otok

The less-visited cliffs on the southwest side of Dugi Otok are captivating with their impressive size, dramatic descent into the sea, and the tranquil atmosphere as you walk through the pine forest. This scenic walk, which can include a visit to the nearby salt lake Mir, takes about an hour, allowing time for a refreshing swim.

Google maps link: Add the cliffs of Dugi Otok to your route for an magical sight.

Cliffs of Dugi Otok, sunset, pine trees

The cliffs of Dugi Otok are truly majestic.

12) Restaurant view in Komiza

We love the town of Komiza on the island of Vis. Although it's a bit farther from the coast and may take an entire day to reach, it's worth the trip. An evening spent in a restaurant with a view like this will warm even the least romantic of souls. The view from the alcove is from Konoba Jastožera.

Google maps link: Konoba Jastožera location.

YACHTING.COM TIP: Discover what specialties and delicacies to sample on the Adriatic in our guide — Croatian cuisine: dishes and drinks you have to try.

komiza restaurant, view through the historical arch, set table with candles

Romantic dinner as it should be.

13) Blue Cave

Perhaps all sailors know the Blue Cave. It is a cave on the island of Biševo, where the light enters at such an angle that the water looks ethereal blue. However, there is an entrance fee during the season, and you must visit with a certified boat from the managers of this protected area. Don't try to visit on your own outside of opening hours, as you will most likely be fined before you leave.

Google maps link: You can get to the blue cave this way.

blue cave croatia, blue illuminated water

The light makes the cave magical

14) Walk around Korcula

If you have time in the south of Croatia, visit Korcula. There is a marina right in the centre and a walk around the walls is very pleasant in the evening. An interesting fact is that the town fortifications were built in the shape of a fish skeleton — this allows good air circulation whilst protecting the centre from strong winds.

Google maps link: Korcula is located here.

Entrance gate skate

Just entering the city through the gate is beautiful.

15) Jasenovac Monument

Here’s a tip for a photogenic spot that's a bit different. This memorial, dedicated to the victims of the Second World War, is artfully integrated into its surroundings and is truly a work of art worth visiting. Shaped like a stone flower, the memorial offers a sombre yet captivating experience. Despite its solemn theme, you will find the visit rewarding, especially in the early evening when the lighting is perfect for photos. Located in a more remote area near the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina, it’s a worthwhile stop if you’re returning from Croatia by car and can spare some time for a small road trip.

Google maps link: Click here to enter the site into your GPS.

jasenovac memorial a stone memorial from the Second World War in the countryside with a wooden path in the foreground and forests in the background

The monument is a work of art.

16) The rock in Brela

It might seem odd to encourage you to photograph a piece of rock in the sea, but this one is exceptionally photogenic and featured on all the tourist postcards of the Makarska Riviera. Located on the west side of Punta Rata beach, it's even a symbol in the emblem of the town of Brela. Pine trees, pioneers of Mediterranean flora, thrive where other vegetation cannot, and the cracks in the rocks with minimal soil provide a haven for these resilient plants. The Brela Stone is a picturesque example of this natural phenomenon.

Google maps link: Where exactly to look for the rock in Brela?

brela stone covered with pine trees emblem of Brela

More than just a rock

17) View from the fortress on Hvar

At first glance, a walk uphill on a hot summer day may seem crazy. But we highly recommend heading to the Hvar Fortress. At the top, you'll be rewarded with a spectacular view from the walls, along with a café offering chilled drinks, snacks, and even ice cream. Along the way, you'll encounter various plants in the small botanical garden located on the hill.

Google maps link: The fortress walls can be reached this way.

hvar fortress distant view of the sea horizon and the town and harbour of Hvar

This view is worth the hike up the hill.

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