Hidden Croatia: where to stay and what to do off the beaten track

Ah, Croatia. It’s a country that seems to have it all—crystal-clear waters, medieval towns, mouthwatering cuisine, and some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet. But let’s be honest. When most people think of Croatia, their minds probably go straight to Dubrovnik, the stunning “Pearl of the Adriatic” that’s drawn even more attention since Game of Thrones turned it into the set for King’s Landing. Or maybe they think of Split, with its stunning Diocletian’s Palace or Hvar’s glamorous beaches packed with yachts and parties.

Hidden Croatia:

But there’s so much more to Croatia than just the famous hotspots. If you’re anything like me, the idea of avoiding the tourist hordes and finding something a little more secluded sounds far more appealing. Croatia has plenty of hidden gems that offer all the beauty, history, and charm without the crowds—and often at a fraction of the cost. Whether you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path beach, a quiet countryside escape, or a cultural experience that most travelers overlook, Croatia has a treasure trove of hidden spots waiting to be discovered.

Why Go Off the Beaten Track?

When I visited Croatia for the first time, I went straight for the “greatest hits”—Dubrovnik, Split, Hvar. Don’t get me wrong, they were beautiful, but I found myself craving something quieter, something that felt more authentic. On a whim, I hopped a bus to a smaller town I’d read about in a random blog post, and that’s when I realized the magic of hidden Croatia. The cobbled streets weren’t packed with tourists, the locals smiled and chatted with me in a way that felt so genuine, and the restaurants? Let’s just say the food was as delicious, if not better, than the overpriced stuff I’d had along the more famous coastlines.

Going off the beaten path allows you to experience Croatia in a different way. You get to connect with the real Croatia—the places where life moves slower, where people aren’t just catering to tourists but actually living their lives. The best part? These hidden spots often boast the same jaw-dropping beauty you’d expect from Croatia, just minus the crowds.

Where to Stay: Hidden Gems for Your Croatian Escape

1. Korčula Island – The Quieter Cousin of Hvar

Everyone knows Hvar—the celebrity playground where the rich and famous dock their yachts. But just a short ferry ride away is Korčula, an island that feels like Hvar’s quieter, more laid-back cousin. It’s said to be the birthplace of Marco Polo, and whether or not that’s true, it certainly has the charm to make you feel like you’ve stepped into a historical novel.

The medieval town of Korčula has narrow streets and stone buildings that beg to be explored, but without the constant crush of tourists that you’d find in Dubrovnik. I stayed in a small guesthouse run by a lovely family who gave me tips on the best hidden beaches. The beaches on Korčula are something special—little pebbly coves that you have to hike or boat to, but once you’re there, you might have the entire stretch of coast to yourself.

One of my fondest memories was lying on a secluded beach in the middle of a pine forest, the smell of pine mixing with the salty sea air, with only the sound of the waves and the occasional cicada to break the silence. Bliss.

2. Motovun – A Fairy-Tale Hilltop Village in Istria

If beaches aren’t your thing and you’re more into the countryside, then you have to check out the region of Istria, often called the “Tuscany of Croatia.” While it’s famous for its wine, olive oil, and truffles, it somehow remains off the radar for many travelers. Motovun, a hilltop village straight out of a fairy tale, is one of those places that takes your breath away as soon as you see it.

Driving up the winding roads, you’ll pass vineyards and olive groves, and once you reach the top, the views are spectacular. Staying here feels like stepping back in time. I stayed at a tiny B&B inside the old city walls, and every morning I woke up to mist rolling through the valleys below. Istria is the kind of place where you want to wander slowly, sipping local wine and indulging in delicious dishes made with freshly foraged truffles. And the best part? You’ll have none of the tourist hustle and bustle. It’s just you, the locals, and a stunning landscape.

3. Zadar – A Blend of Old and New

Zadar doesn’t get as much attention as Split or Dubrovnik, but that’s precisely why you should go. This coastal city is a fantastic mix of old and new, with ancient Roman ruins sitting right next to modern art installations. The Sea Organ, a musical instrument played by the ocean itself, is one of the coolest things I’ve ever experienced. Sitting by the water, listening to the waves “play” the organ, is both eerie and beautiful—there’s nothing quite like it anywhere else in the world.

Zadar has some fantastic places to stay, from affordable guesthouses to boutique hotels with rooftop terraces overlooking the Adriatic. One of my favorite things about Zadar, though, is that it still feels like a “real” city—locals outnumber tourists, and you can get a feel for everyday Croatian life just by wandering the streets, popping into a local bakery, or sitting down at a café by the waterfront.

What to Do: Hidden Experiences That Will Make Your Trip

1. Hiking in Paklenica National Park

If you love the great outdoors, then a trip to Paklenica National Park is a must. Located near Zadar, this park is a haven for hikers, climbers, and nature lovers. Unlike the more famous Plitvice Lakes, which can get packed with tourists during the summer months, Paklenica is quieter, more rugged, and, in my opinion, more rewarding.

I went on a solo hike through the park, and I can’t tell you how refreshing it was to feel like I had the trails almost entirely to myself. There’s something humbling about walking through narrow gorges with towering cliffs on either side, knowing that this landscape has remained largely untouched for centuries. I packed a picnic and found a little spot by a river where I sat for hours, just listening to the birds and the sound of the water. It was pure serenity.

2. Wine Tasting in Pelješac

If you’re a wine lover like me, then you’ll absolutely fall in love with the Pelješac Peninsula. It’s one of Croatia’s top wine regions, but it’s still somewhat of a secret compared to more famous European wine destinations. The vineyards here are stunning, with rows of grapevines stretching out across the rolling hills, and the wines themselves? Some of the best I’ve ever tasted.

I took a wine-tasting tour with a small group, and we visited several family-owned wineries where the owners themselves poured the wines and told us about the winemaking process. There’s something incredibly special about drinking wine in the very place where it was made, surrounded by the people who put their heart and soul into every bottle. Plus, Pelješac is also home to some beautiful beaches, so after a day of tasting wine, you can relax by the sea and soak it all in.

3. Exploring the Elaphiti Islands

Just off the coast of Dubrovnik, you’ll find the Elaphiti Islands—a small archipelago that’s often overlooked by travelers heading straight to the more famous islands like Hvar and Brač. But the Elaphiti Islands are a hidden gem in their own right, offering unspoiled nature, crystal-clear waters, and a laid-back vibe.

You can easily hop on a boat from Dubrovnik and spend the day exploring the islands. I took a small boat with a few friends and we spent the day snorkeling, swimming, and stopping off at tiny fishing villages for lunch. It was one of those perfect days where time seemed to slow down, and all the worries of the world melted away. If you’re looking for a more peaceful, authentic island experience without the crowds, this is the place to go.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about discovering hidden gems—those places that aren’t plastered all over Instagram or packed with tourists snapping the same photo. Croatia has so much to offer beyond the well-trodden path, and when you take the time to explore its lesser-known treasures, you’ll experience a side of the country that most visitors miss.

So if you’re planning a trip to Croatia, consider going off the beaten track. Whether it’s hiking through the mountains, sipping wine in a sleepy village, or swimming in a secluded cove, the best experiences are often the ones that aren’t in the guidebooks. Croatia has so many secrets waiting to be uncovered, and trust me, once you’ve found them, you’ll never want to leave.\