13 Croatia Hidden Gems to Escape the Crowds

I’m going to be honest with you – while Dubrovnik’s city walls and Split’s Diocletian’s Palace are stunning, they’re no longer secrets. The crowds, the queues and the cruise ship hordes can turn a dream trip into a logistical nightmare. But what if I told you that Croatia is still full of secret corners, quiet villages and wild stretches of coastline, just waiting to be discovered. In this post, I’m sharing 13 Croatia hidden gems that helped me fall in love with the country all over again. If you’re looking to escape the crowds and find your own version of Croatia, this guide is for you!

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Croatia Hidden Gems Around Dubrovnik

1. Korčula Town

Korčula is one of my absolute favourite hidden gems near Dubrovnik. Just imagine the medieval charm of Dubrovnik – cobbled streets, stunning stone buildings, breath-taking sea views – but without the shoulder-to-shoulder crowds. What makes Korčula truly special is its laid-back atmosphere – it’s the perfect slow travel destination and an easy escape from Dubrovnik by ferry or guided tour. Korčula truly is the ultimate Dubrovnik detour destination!

The walls of Korčula old town date back to the 13th century and surround one of the most quaint and underrated old town’s I have ever visited, anywhere in the world. There is something new to discover on every street and I would recommend dedicating a large chunk of your visit to simply getting lost in the side streets of the old town. The best discoveries and photo spots in Korčula are definitely not found on a map. However, there are definitely some must-see things to do in Korčula Old Town.

These are the must-see things to do in Korčula Old Town:

  • Admire Saint Mark’s Cathedral
  • Visit Marco Polo’s alleged birthplace
  • Watch the boats at Korcula Port
  • Dine at one of the waterfront restaurants along Šetalište Petra Kanavelića
  • Sunbathe on Zakerjan Beach
  • Marvel at Korčula’s main gate
  • Wander the old town streets without a plan to discover hidden gems

Katie’s Top Tip: Stay the night! Now that I have spent the day in this stunning town, I am quite convinced that day-trippers miss the best part. It is for sure on my Croatia bucket list to stay on Korčula island.

How to Get to Korčula From Dubrovnik

By Car: The drive from Dubrovnik to Korčula takes around 2 hours 45 minutes and involves a ferry crossing at Orebić. The car ferry is run by Jadrolinija and there are regular daily departures, as this ferry crossing serves as Korčula island’s main link to the Croatian mainland. The crossing takes just 15 minutes and drops you just a 7 minute drive from the heart of the old town.

By Ferry: The ferry from Dubrovnik to Korčula is arguably the most scenic way to get to the island. It takes between 1 hours 40 minutes and 2 hours from Dubrovnik Port (10 minutes’ drive or bus ride from Dubrovnik old town,) to Korčula Port (in the heart of Korčula’s old town.) The ferry service is run by Kapetan Luka, TP Line and Jadrolinija, and there are frequent daily departures during peak season.

By Guided Tour: Taking a guided tour from Dubrovnik to Korčula is a great way to take the stress out of your day trip, as you don’t have to consider the logistics of travel connections yourself. Tours from Dubrovnik also include other stops along the way, including a photo stop on the Dubrovnik bridge, a visit to Ston (also on this Croatia hidden gems list!) and a wine tasting experience. This full day tour is the one I did, and comes highly rated. You get plenty of free time in Korčula so the visit doesn’t feel rushed, plus all of the other stops I mentioned.

The beautiful old town streets of Korcula Town | 13 Croatia Hidden Gems to Escape the Crowds
The beautiful old town streets of Korcula Town

2. Ston

Ston is one of those places that looks tiny on a map but will completely surprise you with its charm and things to explore. Located just an hour from Dubrovnik, this medieval village is famous for two very different things: the longest stone wall in Europe (and second in the world after the Great Wall of China,) and its centuries-old salt pans. If you choose to walk along the 5km “Great Wall of Croatia,” you will also witness panoramic views over the oyster farms of Mali Ston, which supplies some of the best shellfish in Croatia.

These are the best things to do in Ston:

  • Admire Saint Blaise’s Church
  • Visit Ston’s salt flats (access only with entry to the museum, Solana Ston)
  • Explore the old town’s spectacular streets
  • Walk Ston’s “Great Wall of Croatia”
  • See the Church of St. Nicholas and St Nicholas Monastery

Katie’s Top Tip: If you want to walk Ston’s ancient walls, be sure to arrive early before the heat sets in – especially if you’re travelling in the peak summer season.

How to Get From Dubrovnik to Ston

By Car: The drive from Dubrovnik to Ston takes around 1 hour (54km/34 miles.) You can find parking in Ston just opposite Saint Blaise’s Church. If you wanted to travel by car but didn’t want to drive yourself, you could also book a taxi or a private transfer, but this would be very expensive.

By Bus: The bus from Dubrovnik to Ston is serviced by several companies, including Flixbus, on their way to Zagreb. The bus leaves from Dubrovnik bus station (outside the old town,) and takes around 1 hour 10 minutes. This bus service is more frequent during the peak season and is a popular route, so make sure you book tickets in advance.

By Guided Tour: Taking a guided tour from Dubrovnik to Ston is a great way to enjoy this spectacular town – although you won’t have time to walk the famous walls if you take this option. Tours from Dubrovnik also include other stops along the way – a photo stop on the Dubrovnik bridge, a visit to the spectacular Korčula old town, and an authentic wine tasting experience. I went on this full day tour, which comes highly rated.

Ston's cobbled old town, leading up to the "Great Wall of Croatia"
Ston’s cobbled old town, leading up to the “Great Wall of Croatia”

3. The Elaphiti Islands

The Elaphiti Islands are an easy day trip from Dubrovnik, yet their peaceful atmosphere and often car-free streets feel a world away from the hustle and bustle of Dubrovnik’s old town. Only three of the islands (Kolocep, Lopud and Sipan) are inhabited, and all three can be visited on a day trip from Dubrovnik. Each island offers its own unique charm but the one common factor of all three is the sense of calm you’ll feel getting out in nature for the day.

Lopud is the most popular and most visited island, thanks to the golden sands of Sunj beach and majestic stone villas lining the waterfront. Whereas Sipan and Kolocep offer a more rustic and natural experience, with untouched olive groves, relaxing walks and hidden coves.

These are the best things to do in Lopud:

  • Walk through countryside and past ancient ruins to Sunj beach
  • Sunbathe on the tiny Lopud Beach
  • Walk along the waterfront
  • Stroll through Djordjic Mayneri Park (Lopud’s Botanical Gardens)

These are the best things to do in Sipan:

  • Explore the port of Suđurađ
  • See the Church of St. George
  • Watch the fishing boats bobbing in the bay

These are the best things to do in Kolocep:

  • Admire the beauty of Kolocep bay from the waterfront promenade
  • See the Church of the Assumption
  • Marvel at this tiny town comprised of just one street and surrounded by so much natural beauty

How to Get to The Elaphiti Islands From Dubrovnik

By Ferry: You can get to Lopud, Sipan or Kolocep in the Elaphiti Islands either as a foot or car passenger on a ferry from Dubrovnik port. The ferry takes just 30 minutes and there are a few departures every day.

By Guided Tour: The best way to experience the highlights of the Elaphiti Islands is on a boat tour from Dubrovnik. This one includes three stops at Lopud Island, Sipan Island and Kolocep Island, as well as lunch and drinks.

By Private Tour: If you want the true Croatia hidden gem experience for your day trip to the Elaphiti Islands, a private tour is the way to go. This highly rated private boat tour includes hotel pickup and drop off, drinks, snorkelling gear, a sound system and more. It also includes some unforgettable stops for both swimming and sightseeing, including Lopud Island, Kolocep Island, the famous Blue Cave and Sunj and Sjekirica beaches.

Katie’s Top Tip: The Elaphiti Island of Lopud is completely car-free and therefore the perfect place to unwind.

Get to know how the locals live in the charming Elaphiti Islands
Get to know how the locals live in the charming Elaphiti Islands

Croatia Hidden Gems Around Split

4. Komiža, Vis Island

Vis Island itself is off the beaten path in Croatia, but even then most visitors will flock to Vis town during their visit. Komiža, on the other side of the island, is a tiny but well-preserved fishing port that still largely maintains its traditional way of life. Picture a harbour full of gently bobbing boats, cats sunbathing on stone steps in the old town, and laundry hanging from lines across the street.

Komiža does have one claim to fame, however, being a filming location for Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again. In the film there is a “Greek” tavern scene that was actually filmed in the town’s famous Jastozera lobster restaurant. The nearby cove of Stiniva (which you will see if you take a boat trip to this part of Vis Island,) was also featured.

These are the must-see things to do in Komiža:

  • If you’re a Mamma Mia fan, be sure to take a photo of Jastozera lobster restaurant
  • Wander the streets and alleyways of Komiža’s old town
  • Admire the many boats bobbing in the harbour
  • Walk to the Church of St. Mary and Gusarica Beach

Katie’s Top Tip: While Komiža is undoubtedly a Croatia hidden gem, you will always have a more peaceful experience if you visit before the peak summer season (between June and August.) I visited in early October and it was just lovely!

How to Get to Komiža From Split

By Ferry: To get a ferry from Split to Komiža as either a car passenger or a foot passenger, you have to travel via Vis town. From Vis, you will then need to get a 15 minute taxi to Komiža (or drive yourself if you have your own car.) The catamaran ferry from Split to Vis leaves from Split port and takes around 1 hour 25 minutes. The car ferry is much slower, taking around 2 hour 20 minutes.

By Guided Tour: If you just want to take a day trip to Komiža, taking a guided tour is your best option. This luxury small group speedboat tour that I took for my day trip includes free time in Komiža, as well as other stops at the Blue Cave, swimming from the boat and free time in the popular island town of Hvar. I loved this speedboat tour as you got to see all of the key sites without getting soaked in the process! As a keen photographer who spent most of my time snapping photos of the scenery on this tour, my (only water resistant) camera stayed safe and dry the entire time!

By Private Tour: I’m going to start by saying that chartering a boat for the day to complete this tour is NOT cheap. But, if you’re looking for an unforgettable, once in a lifetime experience, a private boat tour is the way to go. This full day private boat tour includes a visit to Komiža, the Blue Cave and Stiniva Bay – plus you can fully customise your tour to visit the sights you most want to see.

Channel your inner Mamma Mia in stunning Komiza, on Vis Island
Channel your inner Mamma Mia in stunning Komiza, on Vis Island

5. The Pakleni Islands

Chances are, you’ve heard of the Pakleni Islands because of the nearby tourist town of Hvar and its party reputation. However, the Pakleni Islands are a lot quieter than Hvar’s reputation suggests, with spectacular coves, secluded beaches and tranquil waters to swim in and explore. While most visitors will just speed past on a day tour or on the ferry to Hvar, it is well worth taking the time to enjoy a slow cruise around these beautiful islands.

How to Get to The Pakleni Islands From Split

The best way to enjoy the 16 Pakleni Islands is from the water, with a small boat, as part of a small-group or private tour.

By Small-Group Tour: The same small group, full day boat tour that took in the charming streets of Komiža and the incredible blue cave also offers a slow cruise around the Pakleni Islands. While the majority of the trip is conducted by speed boat, during this stage of the voyage the driver slows down, bobs in and out of tiny coves and gets up close and personal with these islands’ spectacular natural landscape. It is a truly relaxing way to experience these beautiful islands from the water.

By Private Tour: The same private boat tour that allows you to visit the stunning old town of Komiža and the famous Blue Cave is also your ticket to exploring the Pakleni Islands. The tour offers a slow cruise around the islands and a stop to sunbathe and swim at Palmizana beach.

Slow cruising around the Pakleni Islands
Slow cruising around the Pakleni Islands

6. Trogir Old Town

The charming old town of Trogir often gets overlooked in favour of the more popular Split and its famous Diocletian’s Palace, but this UNESCO-listed hidden gem in Croatia is just 30 minutes away, much quieter and full of charm. Built on a tiny island, Trogir combines traditional cobbled streets, Romanesque churches and Venetian-style architecture. Trogir old town is also small and easily walkable, and you shouldn’t miss climbing the cathedral bell tower for spectacular panoramic views across the old town.

These are the best things to see and do in Trogir Old Town:

  • North Gate
  • Cipiko Palace
  • St. Lawrence’s Cathedral
  • Trogir Clock Tower
  • The Church of St. Peter
  • The Church and Monastery of St. Dominic
  • St. Michael Monastery Church
  • Kula sv. Marka Fortress
  • Kamerlengo Castle
  • Trogir Waterfront Promenade

Katie’s Top Tip: Spend some time sitting by the waterfront for a quieter alternative to Split’s famous Riva Promenade.

How to get to Trogir from Split

By Car: Getting to Trogir from Split with a car is the most flexible choice for this day trip, and takes between 30-45 minutes. Parking in Trogir can be found in the T1 or T2 parking bays, close to the old town’s North Gate.

By Bus: Getting from Split bus station to Trogir bus station takes between 30-45 minutes. Trogir bus station is just a few steps from the old town’s North Gate. You can compare current prices, view the timetable and book your ticket online here.

By Guided Tour: This popular half day trip from Split offers a walking tour of Split’s old town and another through the old town of Trogir. You will also have around one hour of free time in Trogir after your tour to revisit your favourite spots on your own.

The majestic bell tower in Trogir Old Town
The majestic bell tower in Trogir Old Town

7. Sibenik

Sibenik might not be on every tourist’s radar, but it definitely should be! Located between Split and Zadar, this underrated Croatian town is home to four fortresses and the UNESCO-listed St James’ cathedral, which is built entirely of stone without mortar. Like all good Croatian towns, Sibenik is a perfect blend of old and new – with all of the modern facilities of a large Adriatic town alongside a perfectly unspoilt, quaint old town just waiting to be explored.

These are the best things to see and do in Sibenik:

  • Count’s Palace
  • Church of St. Barbara
  • St. James’ Cathedral
  • Sibenik Town Hall
  • Monastery and garden of St. Lawrence
  • Sunbathe on Banj Beach
  • Walk just over 20 minutes along the waterfront to reach the Panoramic Viewpoint of Sibenik City (if you’ve seen photos of Sibenik, chances are they’re taken from here!)

How to Get to Sibenik From Split

By Car: It takes around 1 hour to drive from Split to Sibenik (82km/51 miles.) The closest parking to Sibenik old town can be found in the Poljana Public Garage.

By Bus: It takes between 1 hour 30 minutes and 1 hour 45 minutes to reach Sibenik from Split by bus. The routes are serviced throughout the day by Arriva and Flixbus, starting at Split bus station and arriving at Sibenik bus station, which is just a 10 minute walk from Sibenik Cathedral.

Katie’s Top Tip: Sibenik makes a great stop to break up the longer journey between Split and Zadar – this is what I did on my way from Split to Zadar. You can see the highlights of Sibenik in 2-3 hours, before heading back to the bus station to continue your journey to Zadar – which takes a further 1 hour 20 minutes.

There are always charming corners to discover in the old town streets of Sibenik!
There are always charming corners to discover in the old town streets of Sibenik!

Croatia Hidden Gems Around Zadar

8. Kornati National Park

Kornati National Park is a collection of 89 islands, reefs and islets not far from Zadar. The landscape in this part of the Adriatic is dramatic, with towering white rocky cliffs, hidden coves and seas such a remarkable shade of blue it doesn’t seem real! This is one of Croatia’s most underrated national parks and also one of the best day trips from Zadar. There are no cars and no proper roads, just uninterrupted nature for a true escape from Croatian city life. Be sure to pack a picnic and swimming stuff for the true experience here!

How to Get to Kornati National Park From Zadar

The only way to access Kornati National Park is with a boat – either as part of a small group tour or a private charter.

By Guided Tour: This 9 hour small group sailing tour is limited to just 7 people and includes plenty of stops to explore the very best of the islands, as well as time to relax and sunbathe on deck. The stops include free time to explore Telašćica Nature Park, home to fantastic swimming spots and 14 friendly local donkeys! There is also a stop at the picturesque Lake Mir, where you will have time to visit the lake and explore the clifftop paths for stunning sea views. And finally, there are also plenty of sightseeing opportunities from the boat, including the famous Stene “Devil’s Cliffs” that tower above the boat.

By Private Tour: This 8 hour private speedboat tour of Kornati National Park comes highly rated, and includes the option to tailor your experience depending on what you are interested in seeing or doing.

Katie’s Top Tip: While there are larger group tours available, it is well worth paying the extra for a smaller group tour to reach less-visited spots and enjoy a more peaceful experience out on the water.

Get out on the water and into nature in Kornati National Park
Get out on the water and into nature in Kornati National Park

9. Kukljica Village

Just a short ferry ride from Zadar, Ugljan Island and the sleepy village of Kukljica are mostly known to just the locals who inhabit them. But with traditional stone houses and a sleepy harbour, Kukljica offers a glimpse of Adriatic life as it traditionally was – which is becoming much harder to find in this age of tourism.

The tiny harbour is well worth exploring to take in the scene of picturesque fishing boats bobbing on the water. And if you wander just 17 minutes from the harbour, you’ll find the sleepy, sandy beach of Sabuša on the other side of the island – perfect for a day spent sunbathing and swimming in the sea.

How to Get to Kukljica Village From Zadar

By Ferry: A regular local ferry service from Jadrolinija connects Preko, on Ugljan Island, to Zadar port on Croatia’s mainland. From Preko, it takes just a 9 minute taxi ride to get to the charming village of Kukljica. If you have your own car, you can also drive the 9 minutes to the village.

By Guided Tour: This 4 hour sailing tour on board a 120 year old wooden fishing boat includes a visit to beautiful Kukljica, with free time to spend exploring the quaint harbour by yourself. The tour also includes unlimited wine, swimming at a bay close to Kukljica and a visit to another traditional fishing village – Kali. This tour is truly one to get you off the beaten path in Croatia.

Katie’s Top Tip: Kukljica may not be your typical tourist destination but if you approach your visit with curiosity and an open mind you’ll see how local Croatians outside of the traditional tourist hotspots still live and work to this day!

The tiny Croatia hidden gem of Kukljica village on Ugljan Island
The tiny Croatia hidden gem of Kukljica village on Ugljan Island

10. Telascica Nature Park

Located on Dugi Otok island, Telascica Nature Park is often overshadowed by the larger Kornati National Park – but that just makes this even more of a hidden gem in Croatia! This nature park is home to spectacular cliffs that will tower above your boat as you sail by, a saltwater lake you can swim in, and untamed natural landscapes that truly feel like you’re in the heart of the wilderness.

Telascica’s Lake Mir is slightly warmer than the sea and, thanks to its salt water, is perfect for swimming or simply floating in the relaxing waters. Close to the lake, the island’s 14 donkeys roam free. You will also find picturesque clifftop walks if you’re up for an adventure, giving you a truly unique birds eye view of the towering white cliffs as they plunge into the sea below. Telascica is a nature lover’s dream and, in my opinion, one of the best off the beaten path experiences you can have in Croatia.

How to Get to Telascica Nature Park From Zadar

The only way to access Telasica Nature Park is with a boat – either as part of a small group tour or a private charter.

By Guided Tour: This 9 hour, small group boat tour has free time to explore Telascica Nature Park, which is home to fantastic natural swimming spots, Lake Mir, and 14 friendly local donkeys! As well as the nature park itself, this tour also stops in Kornati National Park – also on this list of Croatia hidden gems!

By Private Tour: This 9 hour private speedboat tour includes plenty of free time to explore this Croatia hidden gem, with 2 hours to walk, relax or swim as you wish. As well as witnessing Telasica Nature Park, you also have the option to customise your itinerary with the help of your skipper, for a truly unique day trip from Zadar.

Katie’s Top Tip: If you can customise your visit and the timings, try to visit Telasica Nature Park early morning or near sunset for the best light (and fewer boats!)

Spectacular clifftop walks around Telascica Nature Park
Spectacular clifftop walks around Telascica Nature Park

Croatia Hidden Gems in Istria

11. Pula

So I’m guessing you might be wondering why I’ve added an entire city to my list of Croatia hidden gems. Surely you can’t call a large city – and the capital of Istria, at that – a hidden gem? But I would argue that Pula is in itself a hidden gem (or detour destination,) for a different city, in a different country entirely: Rome.

While many tourists associate being able to see incredible Roman ruins with Rome alone, the relatively small city of Pula is home to one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheatres in the world – truly rivalling the Colosseum and making the Istrian city of Pula, at its heart, a mini Rome. And unlike Rome, you can explore its spectacular Roman structures and quaint old town streets without having to elbow through thousands of tourists to get there!

These are the best things to see and do in Pula:

  • Pula Arena
  • Arch of the Sergii
  • Church and Monastery of St. Francis
  • Pula Cathedral
  • Forum Square
  • Temple of Augustus
  • The Twin Gate
  • Gate of Hercules

How to Get to Pula

By Car: If you’re up for a road trip to Pula, here are the driving distances from popular nearby cities –

  • Venice to Pula by car: ~ 3 hours, 283km/176 miles
  • Trieste to Pula by car: ~ 1 hour 35 minutes, 122km/76 miles
  • Zagreb to Pula by car: ~ 3 hours, 271km/168 miles
  • Zadar to Pula by car: ~ 4 hours, 408km/254 miles

By Plane: Chances are, your visit to Pula is going to involve a plane at some point, as the city is located far away from its famous Croatian-city counterparts: Dubrovnik, Split and Zadar. The good news is that flying to Pula is easy. There are regular flights from major airports in the UK, including London’s Heathrow, Luton and Stansted, and also from a lot of the cities across Europe, including Zadar, Zagreb and Split in Croatia, Copenhagen, Paris, Vienna, Berlin and many more.

How to get from Pula Airport to Pula City: Pula airport is only 9km from Pula city, so it’s easy to get between the two by car, taxi or public bus. The most popular (and most affordable,) transport link is the daily shuttle bus, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of flights. Currently, the ticket price is 6 euros and it takes just 10 minutes to reach Pula bus station. Timetables and up to date pricing can be found here.

By Bus/Train: You can get a bus to Pula from the Italian city of Trieste, on the border with Croatia. The bus takes around 2 hours 40 minutes and is run by Flixbus. If you want to travel to Pula from Venice via Trieste, you will first need to catch the train, which takes around 2 hours.

By Catamaran: A unique way to travel from Venice to Pula in peak season is by catamaran. However, it is important to note that this route only runs between June and September, with 4-6 crossings a week. The catamaran is operated by Kompas and Venezia Lines and takes 4 hours on average. You can find up to date timetables and prices here.

Katie’s Top Tip: Thanks to its transport links, Pula is a great base for a holiday to Istria. I would recommend staying in the old town for easy access to the amphitheatre and to be within walking distance of the bus station.

Pula Arena putting Rome's Colosseum through its paces - without the crowds!
Pula Arena putting Rome’s Colosseum through its paces – without the crowds!

12. Rovinj

Rovinj is often compared to Venice, and for good reason. This colourful town curves around the peninsula and is overshadowed by a majestic bell tower. But while this stunning town, with it’s cheerful, bright buildings, is certainly more popular than some other Istrian towns – like tiny Labin, also on this list of Croatia hidden gems – it still feels like a hidden gem when you walk even a short way back from the waterfront.

The highlight of any trip to Rovinj is climbing up through the narrow, cobbled streets of the old town to reach St. Euphemia’s Cathedral and its spectacular panoramic sea views. Every visitor should also dedicate a good chunk of time to purposefully getting lost in the artsy alleyways, home to quirky cafes and hidden galleries around every corner. Rovinj is a must-see in northern Croatia!

These are the best things to see and do in Rovinj:

  • Rovinj Marina – this is where you get the very best picture-postcard view of Rovinj. Don’t skip this stop!
  • Rovinj Harbour
  • Wander the streets of Rovinj Old Town
  • Trg Maršala Tita
  • Balbi’s Arch
  • Grisia Street
  • Cathedral of St. Euphemia

Katie’s Top Tip: For a more unique vantage point of the city, walk along the Aldo Rismondo promenade, on the other side of the town to the marina. Keep going until you’re far enough away from the town itself to photograph the colourful buildings of Rovinj with traditional fishing boats in the foreground.

How to Get to Rovinj From Pula

By Car: The drive from Pula to Rovinj takes around 45 minutes (36km/22 miles.) There is parking close to the centre of town in the Istarska 1 parking lot.

By Bus: Both Flixbus and Arriva connect Pula and Rovinj with regular daily routes. The bus takes around 35-45 minutes and leaves from Pula bus station before arriving at Rovinj central bus station, just a few steps from the waterfront.

By Guided Tour: There are two top-rated tours that offer trips to Rovinj from Pula. The first is this guided small group bus tour that includes free time in Rovinj as well as in the charming towns of Groznjan and Motovun, for a one day overview of Istria. For an entirely different experience, this 9 hour tour is conducted by boat for truly unique views of this stunning stretch of coastline. This tour also makes stops in Rovinj, Lim and Sveti Andrija.

Picture-perfect Rovinj from Rovinj Marina
Picture-perfect Rovinj from Rovinj Marina

13. Labin

Perched on a hill above the coast, tiny Labin is an underrated Croatian town with plenty of old-world character. Its old town is home to fading pastel buildings, traditional churches and cobblestone streets. Labin is also an artist’s haven, with quirky studios and galleries found throughout the town. Labin is one of a kind in Croatia – peaceful, beautiful, largely untouched by tourist crowds. It is a true Croatian hidden gem that rewards any visitor who strays from the beaten track.

These are the best things to see and do in Labin:

  • Church of St. Mary of Health
  • Saint Florian’s Gate
  • Negri Palace
  • Vlačić Palace
  • The Old Square (Stari trg)
  • Tito’s Square (Titov trg)
  • Church of St. Stephen
  • Church of Nativity of Mary
  • Lazzarini Palace
  • Vidikovac Fortica

Katie’s Top Tip: For the very best (and often missed) view of Labin, head away from the old town on the road Ul. Svete Katarine. Just before you come to the Church of St. Mary Magdalene you will find a small observation deck looking back towards the old town, where it perches on the hilltop.

How to Get to Labin From Pula

By Car: By car, it takes around 50 minutes to get from Pula to Labin (44km/27 miles.) In Labin, you will find parking near Tito’s square, the Old Town square and the Labin Miners Square.

By Bus: Arriva runs a regular bus service from Pula to Labin several times a day. The bus takes around 55 minutes from Pula bus station to Labin bus station. It then takes around 25 minutes to walk from Labin bus station to the old town. The first part of this walk is relatively flat as you make your way through the new town, but to get to the old town there is a relatively steep incline of 86m, as Labin is situated up on the hilltop. About halfway up the hill is the Church of St. Mary of Health, where you can stop to catch your breath and snap some photos of the surrounding countryside.

Tiny Labin from Ul. Svete Katarine - don't miss this viewpoint!
Tiny Labin from Ul. Svete Katarine – don’t miss this viewpoint!

Let’s Wrap This Croatia Hidden Gems List Up

In a country as stunning as Croatia, it’s so easy to just stick to the highlights and accept the crowds as just par for the course – but to truly experience this magical country, you have to travel to places beyond your typical guidebook recommendations. These 13 Croatia hidden gems offer a different kind of travel experience and just might become your most memorable stops in Croatia!

Whether you’re wandering the stone alleys of Sibenik, slow sailing around the Pakleni Islands, channelling your inner Mamma Mia in Komiža, or sunbathing on a secluded beach in the Elaphiti Islands, each of these off-the-beaten-track spots are filled with personality, charm and space to relax.

Have you discovered any Croatia hidden gems that took your breath away? If so, let me know in the comments – I’m always adding to my list!

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