Croatian History: The Top 4 Historic Towns in Croatia
By Ryan Brown published on 5 June 2024
If you want to visit some of the most beautiful towns in Croatia, we've put together a list of our top 4 historic towns. Some of these incredible destinations hold awe-inspiring ancient architecture, and others cuisine influenced over the ages. All of these towns are along the breathtaking Dalmatian coastline and best explored on a to take in the full depth of each. Let's explore some Croatian history!
Korčula Old Town
The fish-shaped fortified town of Korčula graces our top 4 historic towns in Croatia's list because it's teeming with storybook-like history and is rumoured to be the birthplace of the famous explorer Marco Polo. Wander in wonder under high stone arches draped with flowers as sunshine beams through the narrow alleys.
Walk along the perimeter walls shaded by pines and lined with cafes to find a seaside spot to eat beside the dazzling blue water. One of the main attractions is Massimo's Tower Bar, where you can sit atop an ancient fortification sipping cocktails at sunset!
Stari Grad
One of the oldest towns in the country, Stari Grad is an absolute must-see on any trip to Croatia. Located on the sunny island of Hvar, Stari Grad is ripe with charm and history dating back to the 4th century BC. Today, the beautiful promenade is lined with picturesque Venetian villas and mansions, and an art-deco flare of pastel colours.
Get lost in the winding laneways, stumble on hidden gems, have a coffee, watch the fisherman come in from a day at sea, and visit the Roman gardens. While in Stari Grad, have a wine tasting in the lush Stari Grad Plains at a UNESCO-protected vineyard, the perfect way to cap a day.
Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik is on most people's bucket lists for a good reason. We might even go as far as to say it's one of the most historically important of our top 4 historic towns in Croatia. Dubrovnik is the pearl of Dalmatia, once a part of the Republic of Ragusa, which the wealthiest would call home and traders worldwide would seek out. It's hard to put into scope the majestic and captivating feeling when you first see the great cannon-lined walls of Dubrovnik rise from the sea. You have to see it for yourself.
We recommend getting off the main thoroughfare and exploring the side alleyways to escape the crowds. Duck through an opening in the walls to a cliffside bar to have a cold drink, kayak along the fortified cliffs, and head up the cable car for sunset and birds eye views. Dubrovnik is among the most awesome places on our list of top historic towns in Croatia.
Trogir
Another UNESCO Heritage town, the whimsical town of Trogir, is last but certainly not least of our top 4 historic towns of Croatia. On one side, you have arched bridges crossing canals that encircle the town, and on the other, an open sea view.
The perfectly preserved old town mixes Roman, Baroque, and Renaissance-influenced architecture, with some old medieval walls still intact. Get lost in the labyrinth of vine-lined streets snaking through to find secret gardens and hidden taverns tucked into ruins to dine by candlelight.
Now you know Croatia's top 4 historic towns, which you can explore while on a . See many of these wondrous places and today!
