9 Best Sights in Croatia

Korčula Town is often called "mini-Dubrovnik" for the high fortified walls that surround its stone streets and the circular fortresses jutting out into the sparkling sea. But to constantly compare it to Dubrovnik is to sell it short; Korčula Town is an architectural achievement in its own right and one of the most stunning locations along the Adriatic Coast.

Within tiny Korčula Town, you'll find a treasure trove of Gothic and Renaissance churches, palaces, and piazzas. These important buildings, as well as the town's fortified walls and towers, were mostly built by the Venetians who ruled the town between the 13th and 15th centuries, the island's golden age. One of the most interesting aspects—and the main physical difference between Korčula and Dubrovnik—is the design of its streets, which are laid out in a fishbone pattern. The main road stretches right through the town like a spine; the streets on the western side are straight to allow a breeze to circulate in summer, while the streets on the eastern side are curved to prevent cold northeastern winds from whistling unimpeded through town in the winter ("medieval air-conditioning" as the tour guides like to say). The other main difference is that while Dubrovnik's Old Town heaves with visitors throughout the summer, Korčula Town is car-free, compact, and relaxed. You can spend a pleasant few hours browsing through its myriad boutiques, then settle in at one of the excellent restaurants along the periphery of town to admire the views of the Adriatic and the Pelješac Peninsula beyond.

One of the most celebrated wineries and restaurants in Croatia, the progressive Josić Winery, headed by the brilliant Damir Josić in the settlement of Zmajevac, is a must-visit. It is located on a steep deeply-cut road formed by gullies called a surduk, which is flanked by wine cellars dug into the hill above called gatori. Josić is the best-known but there are other smaller wineries on the same road which can be visited by appointment or during the "wine marathon" that takes place every September. The on-site restaurant, with a romantic indoor setting and lively atmosphere on the terrace, is deservedly popular for its traditional meals, including stews cooked over an open fire at the entrance. Call ahead to arrange a tour of the cellars and a wine tasting; those craving a glass of red wine in this land of whites will be happy to learn that although 50% of its production is Graševina, Josić is renowned for its Cabernet Sauvignon and Cuvée.

One of Croatia's best sandy beaches, this swath of white sand backed by pine forests, with a couple of unobtrusive bars and restaurants, is worth the 2½ km (1½ mile) trek across Lopud. The path is quite hilly in both directions, so you might want to hail a golf cart to get there or back—you'll see them driving around the island's main promenade in the morning and parked along the road just above the beach later in the day, waiting to bring people back to town.

You can taste, experience, and shop all at this well-regarded value-oriented winery. The tasting room provides a sampling of their high-quality Istrian wines, olive oils, and cheeses. One white varietal, Malvazija, is well known throughout the Adriatic, dating back to the days of the Venetian city-states. Muškat Ottonel is another high-quality native variety. Small lovingly produced batches of barrique provide high-quality (red) wine that is well-regarded in restaurants and hotels across Croatia. You can also get guided tastings, cellar tours, wine roads, and vineyard tours, and the winery has the largest AgroLaguna single olive grove in Croatia.

At Katunar Winery on the island of Krk, you can sample the Žlatina varietal, which is indigenous to the island. Individual visits and group tours can be arranged to sample the dry white Žlahtina Katunar, the Černo Katunar (a dry red), or the "pearl wine" Biser Mora, a dessert wine produced from 100% žlahtina grapes. This dry white wine is famous around the world.

This museum was founded by computer enthusiasts interested in collecting vintage computers and technology from the early days of the technological revolution. The collection includes everything from LEGOs to computers, old game consoles, and calculators. A large part of the mission of the museum is to educate visitors in the areas of science and math as the foundation for understanding technology. The great thing about the museum is that they encourage visitors to peek and poke at the displays not only with their eyes but also with their hands and their minds (hence the name).

Exploring the geology and biology of the region at the Rijeka's Natural History Museum invariably involves holding a sizable chunk of marine life up to the eyes. The shark and ray display here is predictably popular, starring a brigade of stuffed sharks swimming in strict formation while suspended from the ceiling. A multimedia center based on an aquarium adds to the extensive collection of nonmammalian species, some 90,000 specimens in total, but also includes rocks, plants, and other less animated elements of the locality. The botanical garden contributes more exotic plants to the array from the museum's grounds. Considering the fearsome appearance of some of the more fascinating inhabitants of the museum, it may be worth considering putting off a visit here until the end of your stay on the coast, lest your imagination get the better of you while bathing on the beaches.

This small family-run winery in Golaš, a small village in Bale, just 17 km (10½ miles) south of Rovinj, is housed in a beautifully restored 150-year-old farmhouse with exposed stones and large wooden beams. The property features a wine cellar, a tasting room with a big open fireplace, and a small ethnographic museum displaying old family photos and equipment that once was used in the wine-making process in Istria. Don’t let their Malvazija Istarska fool you–although the wine is fresh, easy to drink, and sweet, it is still 14% alcohol. They also produce a few reds, a rosé, and the sweet dessert, Muscat Žuti. If the owner, Janja, happens to be there, ask her to let you taste her raisin wine, which isn't for sale. You can also stay in the winery's modern pension.

North of Vrbnik, near Rudine, this cave is only one of many caverns on Krk; however, it's the only one open to the public. The stalactites, stalagmites, and calcine pillars inside are lit for easier exploring.