If you want to soak in some relaxed Mediterranean vibe, these small, coastal towns are a can’t miss for your Croatia itinerary.

The bigger cities of Dubrovnik, Split and Zagreb are obvious standouts.

But the small towns, steeped in the same history, have their own charm.  They’re the kinds of places where life slows down; where you wander the cobblestone streets with no particular place to go, and where you watch the world go by from a table in the town square, while sipping your morning coffee, or evening wine.

These charming towns were part of my Croatia and Slovenia itinerary on a recent trip and I’m hoping that the road leads back to them again soon.

Pučišća

It’s the town with the Crown!

Pučišća is nestled in a cove on the island of Brač, one of Croatia’s least developed populated islands, about 1 hour’s ferry ride from Split. Tourists come for the island’s beaches, unspoiled landscapes and restaurants serving traditional food, especially locally raised lamb.

The island is known as the source of the white stone used in Diocletian’s Palace in Split and the White House in Washington.  And, of course, part of the town’s charm is that all of its buildings are sparkling white.  Visitors can stop in at the Stone Masonry School in town where this age-old tradition lives on through the generations.

If you’re looking for a livelier, resort island atmosphere, hop on the ferry and spend one day in Hvar.  The island, only 50 minutes away, offers plenty of upscale bars and restaurants for tourists, but be sure to take in the historical sites as well.

Where to stay: The Puteus Palace Heritage Hotel is a new 4-star hotel in a 15th-century palace.  It offers personalized service with only 15 rooms and suites.  Click here to check pricing and availability for the Puteus Palace Heritage Hotel.  From Brač, you can also take an island-hopping tour that starts with a visit to the famous Blue Cave on the island of Biševo.

Šibenik

With records dating back to 1066, Šibenik is considered the oldest native Croatian city on the Adriatic. 

Its rich heritage is seen in the St. James Cathedral (also known as St. Jacob), a UNESCO heritage building, which is decorated with 71 sculptured faces of local people, thought to be friends of the architect.  The city is framed by four fortresses, where visitors can learn about its embattled history, and now, in a country at peace, see children playing on the ramparts.

From Šibenik, take a day tour to see the beautiful Plitvice Lakes National Park.  It’s a UNESCO Natural Heritage Site with 16 cascading lakes and over 90 waterfalls.

Where to stay:  D-Resort Šibenik is an ideally-located, 4-star boutique hotel next to the marina.  Click here to check pricing and availability on D-Resort Šibenik.

Trogir

Founded in the 3rd century by the Greeks, wandering through tiny Trogir is like stepping back in time.  It’s one of the best day trips from Dubrovnik.

Just 16 kilometres from Split, the town features a wide seaside promenade lined with cafes, and in the summer, you’ll find plenty of street entertainers there.  When you walk inside the medieval walls, you’ll discover a maze of worn stone streets, which lead from the waterfront to open air courtyards, where you can settle in for a beverage or a meal.  With a strong Venetian influence in its architecture, it’s no wonder the town earned UNESCO World Heritage status in 1997. 

Like most of these towns, the best thing to do here is to wander and get a little lost.  Or, if you prefer, you can learn about the town’s myths and legends on a 1.5 hour walking tour of Trogir.

Where to stay:  Click here to check pricing and availability at the Hotel Brown Beach House & Spa in Trogir.Hotel Brown Beach House & Spa is a 4-star property with a swimming pool and sun terrace next to the ocean.

Pula

You don’t have to go to Rome to see a classic Roman amphitheatre.  Dating back to the 1st century, the sixth largest Roman amphitheatre in the world is the main tourist attraction in Pula. 

Local limestone was used to construct the amphitheatre, which is believed to have had capacity for about 20,000 spectators, seated according to social hierarchy.  Gladiator fights, executions and hunting spectacles were held in the oval fighting ring.  In fact, under the ring, you can see a chamber where the cages were kept for wild animals.  It paints quite a picture. 

Nowadays, the Arena is used for an annual film festival and open-air concerts, and is surrounded by a thriving arts and restaurant community.

In Pula, you can also enjoy a tasting at the House of Istrian Olive Oil or try a sunset stand-up paddle boarding tour.

Where to stay:Click here to check pricing and availability for the Park Plaza Histria Pula.  Park Plaza Histria Pula is a fabulous beach front resort and spa, 4 kilometres from the centre of Pula.

Rovinj

Often referred to as the Venice of the Croatian coast,  romantic Rovinj is located on the country’s northern peninsula, called Istria.

Something of an artists’ colony, Rovinj is home to steep pedestrian streets that are paved with sea-salt polished cobblestones and lined with galleries, quaint shops and fine restaurants.  Most of the streets lead up to the Saint Euphemia Cathedral, and its crowning bell tower (cover photo above).  A climb up to the Cathedral is one of the many delightful things to do in Rovinj.

It’s a place to soak in the Mediterranean sun, the Italian-influenced atmosphere, and discover secret lane ways from another era.

You can also take a tour from Rovinj to see Postojna Cave in Slovenia, one of the best-known caves in the world as well as Predjama Castle, the only preserved cave castle in Europe.  Or, try a half-day bike tour through the Istrian countryside around Rovinj and enjoy wine and olive oil tasting along the way.

Where to stay:  Hotel Adriatic is a boutique hotel in the heart of Rovinj’s old town, with views of the harbour.  Click here to check pricing and availability for Hotel Adriatic

Plus bonus city:  Zadar

Zadar is one of the larger cities on Croatia’s Damatian coast, but I had to include it because it’s also one of my favourites.  The romantic old town is filled with Roman ruins and quaint cafés and not too many tourists.  Enjoy a guided walking tour and learn about the UNESCO-protected area in the city.

Zadar is also the jumping off point to visit the surrounding islands. For example, you can take a 4-hour sailing tour to visit the closest islands.  For more, see this guide to the best things to do in Zadar.

Where to stay:  Click here to check pricing and availability for Art Hotel Kalelarga in Zadar.Art Hotel Kalelarga, located in Zadar’s historic centre, is Trip Advisor’s top choice in the city.

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