Croatia’s coastline gets a lot of attention, and rightly so. But beyond the beaches and islands, the country has beautiful towns and streets with hundreds of years of history. These towns are not just about well-preserved buildings or postcard views. They’re places where communities have been living among centuries-old streets and stone walls.
Wandering through these towns feels like walking through history. You’ll find traces of Roman emperors, Venetian merchants, and medieval artisans around every corner. Some towns are bustling hubs, others are small and peaceful, but all of them tell their own stories. Here’s a guide to Croatia’s most timeless and walkable historic towns, each offering a unique way to experience the country’s culture.
Dubrovnik: Explore the Walled City
Dubrovnik is Croatia’s most iconic historic city, and stepping inside its massive stone walls feels like entering another era. The old centre has been carefully preserved, and the elevated city walls offer sweeping views over the rooftops and the Adriatic Sea.
Despite its popularity (especially among Game of Thrones fans), there’s more to Dubrovnik than its postcard views. Beyond the main street, Stradun, you’ll find quiet lanes with tucked-away cafés, locals going about their routines, and small family-run shops. Arrive early to experience the city’s vibes without the crowds.
What to Do: Walk along the city walls, visit the Rector’s Palace and Franciscan Monastery, take the cable car to Mount Srđ, and find a sea-facing bar hidden in the rocks.
Split: Walk Through Roman-Era Streets
Split’s centre is built into what was once a Roman emperor’s retirement palace, and that ancient structure is still very much alive today. Diocletian’s Palace, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, isn’t a museum; it’s a neighbourhood. People live, shop, and eat in the same corridors and courtyards that date back to the 4th century.
You can pass a Roman column on your way to a bakery, or sit under a stone arch while sipping a coffee. The rich history and modern life are tightly woven, and that’s exactly what makes walking through Split such a rewarding experience.
What to Do: Visit the palace cellars, climb the bell tower of St. Domnius, browse local markets, and explore side streets lined with bars and galleries.
Trogir: Visit the Historic Centre
Just a short drive from Split, Trogir offers a quieter but equally rich experience. The entire historic area sits on a small island, making it one of the most beautiful walkable towns in the country. Every few steps, you pass a cathedral, a Venetian palace, or a stone alley that leads to the sea.
You need a full day to explore the Old Town of Trogir. You can visit the main landmarks in the morning, then spend your afternoon with a coffee or a slow lunch by the waterfront. If you want to learn about the history of Croatia away from the crowds, Trogir is the place to go.
What to Do: Visit the Cathedral of St. Lawrence, climb the Kamerlengo Fortress, walk the seaside promenade, and browse small art and souvenir shops.
Zadar: See Roman Ruins and Sea Views
Zadar is a small coastal city that sits on a narrow stretch of land surrounded by water on three sides. It’s known for its rich history, with stone walls, old city gates, and centuries-old churches around every corner. You won’t have to walk far to stumble upon Roman ruins or buildings left behind by the Venetians. Everything is close together, which makes it easy to explore on foot.
What sets Zadar apart are the modern touches that fit right into its historic setting. The Sea Organ, which plays music using the motion of the waves, and the Sun Salutation, a solar-powered light installation, bring the waterfront to life at sunset.
What to Do: Listen to the Sea Organ, visit the Church of St. Donatus, explore the Roman forum, and enjoy the light show at the Sun Salutation after dark.
Rovinj: Discover a Coastal Town with Italian Influence
Rovinj features beautiful narrow alleys, colourful houses, and steep stairways leading to views over the Adriatic. This small coastal town, once under Venetian rule, has retained much of that influence in its buildings and atmosphere. You’ll notice it in the shutters, the layout, and the occasional Italian spoken in shops and markets.
The entire area is pedestrian-friendly, and no cars are allowed in the centre. Along the way, you’ll pass artists displaying their work, colourful buildings, local boutiques, and cosy restaurants with delicious food and breathtaking water views.
What to Do: Climb to the Church of St. Euphemia, explore galleries along the hill, take a boat ride around the bay, and enjoy seafood at a family-run konoba.
Motovun: Experience a Traditional Hilltop Village
Motovun offers a different kind of experience. Set in the rolling hills of inland Istria, this village overlooks forests and vineyards from its medieval walls. The setting is quiet and relaxed, and the stone streets are narrow enough that everything feels close and easy to reach. It’s a place where you can truly unwind and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Unlike the larger cities, Motovun doesn’t need a packed itinerary. The views alone make the visit worthwhile, and the slow pace of village life is special. If you’re visiting during truffle season, the town also becomes a hub for food lovers from across the region.
What to Do: Walk along the city walls, stop into local shops for truffle products, try homemade pasta at a hillside restaurant, and witness the surreal sunset.
Korčula: Visit a Quiet Historic Town by the Sea
Often compared to Dubrovnik, Korčula has a well-preserved historic centre that’s worth exploring. Surrounded by medieval walls and towers, the town has so much to offer to its visitors without huge crowds. The streets are quiet, and everything is within walking distance.
You’ll see old churches, small squares, and traditional stone buildings at almost every turn. Since it’s an island, there are plenty of spots to stop and take in the view. You can learn about the history, enjoy water activities, or simply relax at the beach.
What to Do: Visit St. Mark’s Cathedral, walk the city walls, explore the local museum, and enjoy fresh fish paired with Korčula’s signature white wines.
Šibenik: Explore a Less-Touristy Historic Centre
Unlike other cities along the Adriatic Coast, Šibenik was founded by native Croats, and that gives it a different architectural and cultural feel. This place is a must-see for Game of Thrones fans. It is one of the few cities in the world that is home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: St James Cathedral and St Nicholas Fortress.
The Cathedral of St. James is a striking example of stone construction and Renaissance design. But there’s much more to see if you walk around the town. You’ll come across small local cafés, stair-step courtyards, and residential buildings that have stood for generations.
What to Do: Visit the cathedral and nearby fortresses, stop for coffee in shaded squares, and explore the city’s upper parts for beautiful views.
Hvar: See the Historic Side of a Popular Island
Hvar may be best known for its beaches and nightlife, but its historic side is also beautiful and worth visiting. The central square is one of the largest in Dalmatia and is surrounded by Renaissance buildings, a cathedral, and a 17th-century theatre.
Visit the Spanish Fortress and you’ll walk uphill through Hvar’s quaint streets. Along the way, you’ll pass small gardens, local art studios, and cosy patios. It’s worth exploring this side of Hvar, especially in the morning or evening when there is less crowd.
What to Do: Visit the cathedral, climb the fortress, check out the historic Arsenal building, and walk through the hillside neighbourhoods above town.
Grožnjan: Wander Through an Artist Village
Grožnjan is a small town in inland Istria, also known as “the town of artists.” In summer, the streets come alive with music students, painters, and craftspeople. Countless artists have settled in Grožnjan and run various studios, exhibitions, and small boutiques.
This isn’t a place for sightseeing in the traditional sense. You’ll most likely find yourself talking to a local artist or hearing live classical music coming from an open window. The peaceful setting makes it a refreshing break from busier tourist spots.
What to Do: Walk through the Old Town, stop at galleries and workshops, attend a local music performance, and enjoy a relaxed meal with regional wines.
It’s hard to explain the feeling you get wandering through Croatia’s historic old towns. One moment, you’re walking along ancient stone paths; the next, you’re watching locals chat over coffee like time doesn’t exist. There are stories hidden in every corner, and a kind of beauty that sneaks up on you. Croatia is a country you should visit at least once, and it will leave a lasting mark on you.
