We know it’s hard not to fall in love with Croatia! The sun-soaked coastline, Baroque buildings that have stood for centuries, and the unforgettable Mediterranean flair. It is not a surprise that Croatia has kept attracting more travelers and matching Greece’s popularity. With that being said, Croatia, especially Dubrovnik, faces overtourism during high season. Luckily, there is a list of destinations in Europe that feature Croatia’s aquamarine waters and historical settings, just minus the crowds! Here is our community’s list of 7 places like Croatia to visit for your next vacation!
Places like Croatia – Summary
- What is Croatia Known For?
- What Are We Searching for in “Places Like Croatia?
- Places like Croatia
- Montenegro
- Slovenia
- Malta
- Kaş, Turkey
- Varna, Bulgaria
- San Sebastián, Spain
- Corsica, France - Final Thoughts + Join a Group Trip with JoinMyTrip
What is Croatia Known For?
“Croatia has become a popular summer destination, and I could not agree more. The food and the medieval architecture are perfect. It looks more vibrant during the summer with all the festivals,” said TripLeader Lama, who has been hosting trips to the Balkans for more than three years.
Generally, Croatia sweeps travelers off their feet with the beauty of the Dalmatian Coast, centuries-old walled cities, and exquisite island-hopping experiences. Other than that, Croatia gets the attention for its affordable prices compared to more popular destinations like Italy and Greece. In a nutshell, here is what Croatia is known for:
- The Dalmatian Coast and its unbelievably blue Adriatic views
- Walled cities like Dubrovnik and Split
- Game of Thrones filming locations
- Delicious Mediterranean cuisine, seafood, and wine
- Summer festivals and sailing trips
What Are We Looking For in “Places Like Croatia”?
Let’s align our definition of what we are looking for in a list of ‘places like Croatia’. Our community of travelers describes them to have:
- A warm and sunny weather belonging to the Adriatic or Mediterranean
- Historic towns and vintage-looking villages that scream ‘character’
- Beautiful beaches and clear water
- Summer-related adventures, like island-hopping, sailing, and cliff-diving
- A laid-back lifestyle with great food and local culture
If that sounds like your ideal trip, these hidden gems might just be your new favorite.
Places like Croatia
1. Montenegro
Pleasant Mediterranean climate, crystal-clear waters, and a myriad of adventurous activities to discover. TripLeader Balsa, a tourism graduate from Montenegro, listed those as the things his country has to offer. At a glance, Montenegro’s sapphire sea and Baltic charms will remind you of Croatia. It is often considered Croatia’s quieter cousin, with UNESCO towns like Kotor almost untouched by mass tourism.
Why it’s a great alternative to Croatia:
- Has a similar Adriatic charm with fewer tourists
- The Bay of Kotor rivals Dubrovnik in beauty, without the crowds
- Great for yachting and road-tripping along the coastline
- Cheaper prices for food, tours, and stays
2. Slovenia
Slovenia might not be the first country that crosses your mind when it comes to the Adriatic Sea. However, the rarely-visited Slovene Riviera offers the beauty of the Adriatic Sea that will remind you of Split or Dubrovnik. Stretching beyond the coastline, Slovenia bewitches visitors with its Alps and hiking trails. “Slovenia is a hidden gem for hikers and nature lovers. Plenty of stunning locations are available, like the cascading Peričnik Waterfall and the fairytale-like Lake Bled,” said TripLeader Demi, a traveler who spends summer exploring hiking trails around Europe with her huskies.
Why it’s a great alternative to Croatia:
- The Slovene Riviera looks like a more serene duplicate of the Dalmatian Coast. Similar medieval buildings, crystal-clear waters, and Baltic charms.
- It’s ideal for outdoorsy travelers who still want some beach time
- Less commercial and still under the radar
3. Malta
This small island country in Southern Europe spells ‘personality’, while being one of the places like Croatia. Centuries-old towns dotted with Baroque buildings like Valetta and Mdina overlook the Mediterranean Sea, resembling Dubrovnik. While Croatia has rocky beaches, Malta offers pearly shores that you can dip your toes in, such as the Mellieha Bay.
“Malta is known for its beaches and historical buildings. But the food and nightlife are also fabulous,” adds TripLeader Katy, a local who has lived for over 16 years in Malta. Sounds like Croatia, right?
Why it’s a great alternative to Croatia:
- Offers a blend of beach and history in one compact island
- Amazing for snorkeling, diving, and boat days
- Similar Mediterranean vibe with fewer visitors
- English is widely spoken, making travel super easy
4. Kaş, Turkey
Kaş (pronounced “Kash”) is one of Turkey’s most underrated coastal towns. It has a laid-back atmosphere and nostalgic scene, represented by humble white-washed houses dotting the old quarter. Overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, Kaş features an unmatched ocean landscape for every traveler wishing for a well-deserved coastal escape. “Other than the lovely and artsy neighborhood, I love the ancient sites, like Kekova, in Kaş. It gives a Mediterranean vacation vibe, just like Croatia or Greece,” said TripLeader Nursu, a local host from Turkey.
Why it’s a great alternative to Croatia:
- Turquoise water and ancient ruins nearby—just like Croatia
- Popular for diving, paragliding, and boat trips
- Much more affordable than Western Europe
5. Varna, Bulgaria
This Black Sea beauty might surprise you. Varna has sandy beaches, Roman baths, and a lively vibe—without the Western Europe price tag.
Why it’s a great alternative to Croatia:
- Beach town with ancient history and vibrant nightlife
- Close to the Golden Sands resort area
- Great for budget-conscious travelers
- Local food and wine rival that of the Balkans
6. San Sebastián, Spain
While it’s not on the Adriatic, San Sebastián offers beach bliss, history, and an unmatched food scene—all with a Spanish twist.
Why it’s a great alternative to Croatia:
- City + beach combo like Split
- Famous for its pintxos (tapas) and coastal culture
- A great pick if you’re looking for milder summer weather
- Rich in Basque culture and seaside elegance
7. Corsica, France
Corsica is often overshadowed by its flashy neighbors, but this rugged French island has it all—mountains, beaches, and wild charm.
Why it’s a great alternative to Croatia:
- Crystal-clear waters and hidden coves galore
- A mix of French and Italian culture
- Perfect for road trips and hiking in nature reserves
- Much less touristy than the French Riviera
Final Verdict: Places like Croatia to Make Your Vacations Better
Croatia will always be a gem, but sometimes the best travel memories are made in places where you least expect them. These places like Croatia offer the same kind of magic—ancient towns, turquoise waters, local flavors—without the summer chaos. Ready to explore these hidden gems with like-minded travelers?
Join a group trip on JoinMyTrip and make new friends while discovering underrated destinations together. Less planning, more adventure—just how travel should be.