Croatia has been the emerging tourist destination for the last few years. With stunning beaches, turquoise sea-water, secluded islands, and charming architecture, Croatia was bound to become coveted sooner or later. The rise in popularity resulted in accelerating rates and surging crowds - inevitable side-effects of a sought-after destination.
Split, Plitvice, Hvar, and Dubrovnik are destinations that have become crowded and expensive in recent years. With the sights and experiences which they provide to the visitors, it is not surprising. But if you are a traveler who is seeking peace and solitude or is looking for a budget destination, your preferences would be different. Fortunately, there are many islands and towns in Croatia which are still undiscovered and peaceful.
Sibenik - Oldest oceanfront town of Croatia, Sibenik is full of culture, museums, architecture, and beaches. It can be the base for you to explore the neighboring 150 Croatian islands.
Rejeka - Croatia's third largest city is another charming city that you can visit to experience the Croatian culture and festivities. The town is famous for its carnivals and festivals.
Lovrecina - A spectacular beach town that will leave you awe-struck with its beauty.
Stinvia Bay - This small island can only be reached by boat. Nestled between two towering cliffs, the island is really picturesque and worth a visit.
Bisevo - One of the tiniest and remotest islands of Croatia with an area of only 6 km. But you will still find a few people living on the island and you can come close to having an island to yourself.
Lastovo - If you are running from the crowds, another island which should be on your list os Lastovo. The island is cut off from everywhere and only way to reach is it via Port Ubi.
Gdinj - If you want to get away from the bustling Hvar, head to Gdinj. The island is very near Hvar and boasts of beauty parallel to Hvar.
Dugi Otok - One of the most overlooked islands of Croatia is Dugi Otok. The island is also called Long Island because of its lengthy body - 45kms. You can enjoy many national parks on the island.
Lover's Island - The island discovered in 2009 by Google Earth is in the shape of a heart and unpopulated yet. Do you need more reasons to visit this pictorial island?
Rab Island - If you love hiking and trekking, Rab island is for you. From dense forests to deserts, the island has trails for people of all fitness levels
This is not a comprehensive list of hidden gems of Croatia. There is more than 700 island in Croatia, some of them very tiny and uninhabited. The surrounding turquoise waters, staggering mountains, and lush greenery add to the beauty of the islands. Wherever you go in Croatia, you will be mesmerized by the views around you. But if you are looking to get away from the commercialization and the crowd, head to the hidden gems of Croatia.
While in Croatia, you also have an option to combine the trip to the the neighbouring Eastern European Countries.