Shannon O'Brien Travel Itineraries

The best destinations

Lakes of The Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia
Lakes of The Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia

The Best of Croatia

#23 best destination in the world

Map view

Walls of Dubrovnik

The walls of the city of Dubrovnik in Croatia, Europe.

Best time to visit: Sept-Oct

  • The Walls of Dubrovnik are a series of defensive stone walls surrounding the city of Dubrovnik
  • Ramparts were built in the outlying areas of the city, including the mountain slopes as part of a set of statues from 1272
  • The existing city walls were constructed mainly during the 13th–17th centuries
  • The moat that ran around the outside section of the city walls, which were armed by more than 120 cannons, provided superb city defense capabilities

Old Town Dubrovnik

Aerial view at famous european travel destination in Croatia, Dubrovnik old town. / Selective focus.

Best time to visit: Sept-Oct

  • Dubrovnik Old Town is a historic area located in the city of Dubrovnik, renowned for its well-preserved medieval architecture and cultural heritage
  • Dubrovnik was a major Mediterranean sea power from the 13th century, playing a crucial role in trade and diplomacy
  • The Old Town is characterized by its Baroque buildings, narrow cobblestone streets, and fortifications that date back to the medieval period

Lokrum, Dubrovnik

Lokrum Island and nature park near Dubrovnik, Croatia

Best time to visit: Sept-Oct

  • Lokrum is an island in the Adriatic Sea 600 metres (1,969 feet) from the city of Dubrovnik
  • It receives regular ferry service from the Old City port
  • The first written mention of Lokrum was in 1023 when a Benedictine abbey and monastery were founded
  • The monastery and a botanical garden survive from his era
  • On the island's highest point stands Fort Royal Castle, which was built by the French during Napoleon's occupation of Croatia

Lower Lakes, Plitvice Lakes National Park

Lakes of The Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia

Walk difficulty: moderate

  • The Lower Lakes (Croatian: Donja jezera) are part of Plitvice Lakes National Park and consist of four lakes, situated in a canyon formed from permeable limestone
  • This section includes the park's largest and tallest waterfall
  • Visitors can explore the Lower Lakes through various hiking trails, which are part of the park's extensive network of routes, often including wooden bridges through the lakes and waterfalls

Veliki Slap, Plitvice Lakes National Park

The bigest waterfall Veliki Slap at Plitvice Lakes, Croatia

Walk difficulty: moderate

  • Veliki Slap, or the Great Waterfall, is the tallest waterfall in Plitvice Lakes National Park, standing at 78 meters (approximately 256 feet) high
  • Veliki Slap is part of a larger network of lakes and waterfalls within the park, which includes sixteen lakes interconnected by a series of waterfalls

Old Town Rovinj

Spectacular stone paved street and restaurant entrance with colorful mediterranean flowers, Rovinj old town,Istria region,Croatia,Europe
  • Old Town Rovinj is a historic area located in the coastal city of Rovinj
  • It is characterized by narrow cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and a vibrant harbor
  • The Old Town is a significant cultural and historical site due to its well-preserved architecture and history

Diocletian's Palace, Split

SPLIT, CROATIA - AUGUST 4: Diocletian's Palace on August 4, 2014 in Split. View of the peristyle of Diocletian's Palace in Split at night, an ancient palace built by the Roman emperor Diocletian

Best time to visit: Sept-Oct

  • Diocletian's Palace was built at the end of the third century AD as a residence for the Roman emperor Diocletian, and today forms about half of the old town of Split
  • While it is referred to as a "palace" because of its intended use as the retirement residence of Diocletian, it more closely resembles a large fortress: about half of it was for Diocletian's personal use, and the rest housed the military garrison

Marjan Forest Park, Split

Marjan natural park, Split, Dalmatia, Croatia

Best time to visit: Sept-Oct

  • Marjan Forest Park is a natural area located on the Split Peninsula
  • It is often noted for its lush greenery and the vital role it plays in providing a natural escape from the urban environment of Split
  • The area has been used as a park since at least the 3rd century, and offers numerous trails with views of Split and the surrounding sea