Croatia is a country that boasts a wealth of breathtaking landscapes, making it an ideal destination for landscape photographers of all backgrounds and skill levels. Whether you're an experienced photographer or just starting out, Croatia’s unique blend of natural wonders, rich history, and vibrant culture offers endless opportunities to capture stunning landscape images. From the sun-drenched coastline of Istria to the iconic cascading waterfalls of Krka National Park, each corner of this country portrays a unique visual story that’s just waiting to be captured and shared.
For anyone passionate about landscape photography and discovering new places and cultures, Croatia is simply a must-visit destination. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with planning your own trip, but joining an all-inclusive, guided photography workshop in Croatia is the perfect way to truly experience this wonderful world of beauty and adventure.
In today’s blog post, we will explore the absolute best photography destinations in Croatia, including Istria, Krka National Park, Sibenik, and Plitvice Lakes National Park. Plus, we’ll dive into why an all-inclusive photography tour is the ultimate way to experience these iconic locations. Let’s get right into it...
There are many things that make Croatia a special destination but what really sets it apart in my mind at least is that it offers an extraordinary variety of unique landscapes. From the Adriatic coastline, where the crystal-clear sea meets medieval cities, to the lush, green national parks filled with waterfalls and forested hills, there is no shortage of natural beauty. Photographers can capture everything from dramatic seascapes and tranquil lakes to centuries-old towns steeped in history. One thing that really sets Croatia apart from other world-class destinations is its unique combination of natural and man-made beauty, creating an ever-changing canvas for photographers to capture.
Beyond its beauty, Croatia is also accessible and photogenic year-round. The country’s diverse weather patterns, varying from the Mediterranean warmth of the coastal regions to the cooler inland climates, provide endless opportunities to photograph dramatic clouds, vibrant sunsets, or mist-shrouded mountains. Here at Backcountry Journeys, we recognize that Croatia is incredible throughout the year but we think that the autumn is likely the best time to visit due to the ideal weather and stunning fall colors that can be seen in the foliage throughout the landscape. This is why we’ve launched our workshop: ‘The Best of Croatia’ in early October.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the most iconic locations for landscape photography in Croatia. These are the absolute must-see stops on any Croatia photo tour and some of the locations we visit on our all-inclusive photography workshop.
Istria: Adriatic Coast and Hilltop Towns
Istria, located in the northwestern part of the country, is a region known for its rugged coastline, charming medieval villages, and picturesque vineyards. This peninsula offers a perfect blend of seascapes and inland scenery. In places like Rovinj, photographers can capture the ancient town with its colorful buildings rising from the water, set against the blue hues of the Adriatic Sea. Inland, the rolling hills dotted with vineyards and olive groves offer a more pastoral beauty. Istria's varied landscapes and stunning light make it a dream destination for landscape photography.
Krka National Park: Waterfalls and River Gorges
Krka National Park is one of Croatia's most photographed locations, famous for its series of seven cascading waterfalls, including the impressive Skradinski Buk. The park’s crystal-clear rivers and dramatic limestone gorges are framed by lush vegetation, creating a magical, otherworldly feel. And during the fall months, the surrounding foliage simply explodes into a canvas of color and texture. Early mornings in Krka National Park can be great for photography when the mist rises from the water and the soft light enhances the park’s ethereal beauty. A guided photography workshop here ensures you’ll arrive at just the right locations at just the right time to capture the best angles and light conditions allowing you to make the most of this stunning location.
Sibenik: Coastal City Charm
Sibenik is often overshadowed by Croatia’s more famous coastal cities, but for photographers, this hidden gem offers something truly unique. This historic town is known for its medieval architecture, narrow winding streets, and stunning coastal views. The city is also home to St. James’ Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site, providing ample opportunity for architectural photography. And of course, Sibenik is a fantastic location to explore during the golden hour, with its stone streets and harbors bathed in soft, warm light.
Plitvice Lakes National Park: A Photographer's Paradise
And last but not least, no photography trip to Croatia would be complete without a visit to Plitvice Lakes National Park. One of the country’s most iconic destinations and yet another UNESCO World Heritage site, this wonderful place features a series of 16 terraced lakes connected by waterfalls. The colors here are incredible. Shimmering greens and blues of the lakes beautifully contrast the surrounding forests. Each season brings a different atmosphere to Plitvice, from the fresh green hues of spring to the vibrant oranges and reds of autumn. Winter offers a unique challenge for photographers, as snow and ice transform the park into a surreal, almost fantasy-like landscape. An all-inclusive photo workshop here provides the opportunity to explore the best vantage points with expert guidance and instruction ensuring you’ll get the perfect shot.
An all-inclusive, guided photography workshop offers a host of benefits, especially in a destination like Croatia where navigating the best spots can be tricky without local expertise. Let’s break it down and take a look at why this style of trip is one of the best ways to experience Croatia:
Access to Hidden Gems: Croatia’s beauty extends far beyond its most famous landmarks. A guided tour takes you to off-the-beaten-path locations, where you'll have the chance to capture scenes few tourists ever see. For our Croatia Workshop, we partner with the very best local operators to ensure we visit the best locations at the best times. Not only this but you’ll also see Croatia through the eyes of an experienced local.
Expert Guidance and Direction: Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced photographer, having a knowledgeable guide ensures you’re in the right place at the right time for the best light and composition. You’ll also receive hands-on guidance to improve your photography skills and nail each and every shot. If you have questions on camera settings, composition, photo editing, or anything else, our guides are right there with you every step of the way.
Hassle-Free Travel: With an all-inclusive workshop, everything from accommodations to transportation and meals is taken care of. This allows you to focus entirely on photography, without worrying about all of the nitty-gritty logistics that can often take the joy out of travel.
Meet Like-Minded Individuals: Join a group of fellow photographers from around the world. You’ll share your passion, learn from each other, and create lasting memories together. Attending a 100% photography-focused workshop ensures that you’ll have something to talk about with fellow guests.
Croatia’s dramatic landscapes, ancient cities, and crystal-clear waters make it a must-visit destination for landscape photographers. From the towering waterfalls of Krka National Park to the peaceful lakes of Plitvice, there’s something here for every photographer to fall in love with.
By joining an all-inclusive, guided photography tour in Croatia, you’ll have the opportunity to experience the very best this country has to offer—without the stress of planning each and every detail. You’ll come away with not only incredible photos but also unforgettable memories.
Ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime? Don’t wait! Book your Photography Workshop in Croatia now and capture the magic of this extraordinary destination. We can’t wait to see you out there sometime soon!
Keenan Hursh is a Photographer, visual designer, and creative story teller based out of Bozeman, Montana. He draws inspiration from his frequent excursions into the natural world and always brings his camera along to capture whatever adventures he finds himself in. Keenan is passionate about documenting and sharing fleeting moments from the natural world and focuses primarily on wildlife, landscape, and adventure photography.
When it comes to gear, he primarily shoots digital with his Canon EOS R5 and EOS 6D mark ii but also has several 35mm film cameras that get out every now and then.
At a very young age, Keenan started bringing a camera along on his excursions and immediately fell in love with the art of photography. He started out with his parent’s cheap point and shoot and has continuously improved his craft and gear refining his shooting style and producing more compelling and intriguing images.
Growing up in the foothills of Boulder, Colorado, surrounded by mountains and wilderness, Keenan has developed a deep passion for many outdoor activities. When he’s not out on a shoot or using his camera, Keenan enjoys skiing, climbing, hiking, backpacking, cycling, whitewater rafting, and paragliding. If he’s outside, away from the distractions of society and civilization, he’s in his happy place.
Keenan studied Emergent Digital Practices at the University of Denver while minoring in Marketing and Entrepreneurship. Since earning his degree in 2019 he was worked with a wide range of clients, companies, and organizations throughout his career. Apart from photography he specializes in content creation, writing, brand development, and graphic design.
You can view Keenan’s portfolio on his website at www.keenanhurshphoto.com
Download our Trip Catalog for detailed information on our many destinations for photography tours, workshops, and safaris.
Download our Trip Catalog for detailed information on our many destinations for photography tours, workshops, and safaris.