10 Most Beautiful Villages in Croatia to Visit

Croatia’s Most Beautiful Villages are tucked away in scenic regions and offer a peaceful, authentic experience you won’t get in bigger cities. While Croatia is famous for cities like Dubrovnik and Split, the real magic often lives in its smaller communities.

Here are 10 of the most beautiful villages in Croatia—each worth a visit just for the views alone.

Motovun

Located high above the Mirna River Valley, Motovun is cute—medieval—hilltop village surrounded by vineyards, olive groves, and thick forests famous for truffles. Its intact stone walls circle narrow streets that lead to cozy wine bars and panoramic terraces.

This Istrian gem is perfect for travelers looking for beautiful valley views, great local wines, and a peaceful atmosphere. The village is also home to a summer film festival that brings a dose of culture to its otherwise quiet surroundings.

Highlights

• Walk the town walls for sweeping countryside views
• Enjoy truffle-based dishes and local wines
• Explore Romanesque and Gothic architecture

Rastoke

Rastoke is often called "Little Plitvice" because of its waterfalls, natural pools, and wooden houses built right over rushing streams. Located just outside Plitvice Lakes National Park, it feels like a place out of a storybook.

This tiny village is built where two rivers meet, and the sound of flowing water is everywhere. It’s one of Croatia’s Most Beautiful Villages for travelers seeking nature, tradition, and gorgeous natural scenery.

Highlights

• Waterfalls run under old wooden homes
• Bridges and walking paths over clear streams
• Great base for visiting Plitvice

Grožnjan

Known as the “village of artists,” Grožnjan is a small hilltop village in Istria filled with art studios, jazz events, and rustic charm. Stone alleyways wind through houses draped in flowers and overlook the Istrian countryside.

During the summer, Grožnjan comes alive with open-air concerts and workshops. The village offers a mix of creativity and history, all set against beautiful terrace views that stretch toward the coast.

Highlights

• Dozens of art galleries and workshops
• Summer music festivals
• Olive oil and wine tastings

Vrbnik

Vrbnik sits dramatically on a cliff on the island of Krk, overlooking the Adriatic Sea. Known for its white Žlahtina wine and ultra-narrow streets, this village offers one of the best mixes of tradition and natural beauty in Croatia.

With old churches, stone houses, and coastal views, it’s an ideal stop for wine lovers and anyone looking to explore one of Croatia’s most beautiful seaside villages.

Highlights

• Wine tastings with coastal scenery
• Explore one of the narrowest streets in the world
• Hidden beaches and peaceful coves nearby

Ston

Located at the start of the Pelješac Peninsula, Ston is famous for its 14th-century stone walls, salt pans, and oyster farms. The walls stretch for over 5 km and are often called the “Great Wall of Europe.”

This village offers a mix of history, seafood, and beautiful seaside landscapes. Walk the walls in the morning and enjoy oysters by the water in the afternoon.

Highlights

• Climb the historic defensive walls
• Dine on fresh oysters and mussels
• Explore centuries-old salt fields

Komiža

On the western side of Vis, Komiža is a small fishing village with stone waterfront homes, fishing boats, and a raw, unpolished beauty. It feels more like a hidden getaway than a tourist stop.

Famous for its connection to the Blue Cave, Komiža is the kind of place where you can swim in crystal-clear waters, eat fresh seafood on the harbor, and relax without crowds.

Highlights

• Boat trips to the Blue Cave and nearby beaches
• Historic fishing traditions and local museums
• Laid-back island vibe and gorgeous coves

Cavtat

Just 30 minutes from Dubrovnik, Cavtat offers a slower pace and beautiful sea views. Palm-lined promenades, pebble beaches, and old stone buildings make it one of one of the best seaside villages for travelers wanting coastal charm without the noise.

Take a walk along the waterfront, explore art galleries, or hike to a viewpoint above the bay. It’s ideal for a day trip or a few nights of pure relaxation.

Highlights

• Waterfront cafes and scenic harbor walks
• Beaches perfect for swimming
• Close to Dubrovnik but far less crowded

Primošten

Once an island, Primošten is now connected by a narrow causeway to the mainland. This old village is surrounded by gorgeous beaches, and fairy tail like cobblestone streets that wrap circles around the island.

The surrounding area is known for its vineyards, and the village itself offers amazing sunset views and clear swimming waters—making it a favorite among photographers and beachgoers.

Highlights

• Perfect blend of history and beach life
• Locally grown Babić red wine
• Sunset views over the Adriatic

Šibenik - Old Town

Though Šibenik is a city, the Old Town near St. Michael’s Fortress has the feel of a tucked-away village. With narrow stone alleys, steep staircases, and views of the sea and islands, Šibenik is a must-visit when exploring Croatia.

Skip the bigger crowds in Split and explore Šibenik’s quieter corners filled with history and charm, all while being close to the coast.

Highlights

• Visit the fortress for views of the bay
• Discover hidden wine bars in medieval alleys
• Less commercial, more authentic vibe

Hum

Known as the “smallest town in the world”, Hum in Istria has fewer than 30 residents—but plenty of character. Built entirely of stone and surrounded by forested hills, it looks like a medieval movie set.

Despite its size, Hum offers great local food, a peaceful setting, and some of the best countryside views around. It’s a must-see for those who love going off the beaten path.

Highlights

• Cobblestone streets and ancient stone gates
• Try biska, a local brandy made with mistletoe
• Beautiful rolling hills and complete quiet

Whether you're island-hopping or road-tripping through Croatia, these ten villages are some of the most beautiful this gorgeous nation has to offer.