tourism in croatia

19 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Croatia

Written by Meagan Drillinger Updated Jul 10, 2023

The world has few places that are quite like Croatia. For thousands of years, Croatia has sat at the crossroads of East and West. It has a history of ever-changing borders and rulers, and much of its history is shrouded in pain.

But modern-day Croatia is nothing short of a celebration of life, energy, and natural beauty, with wonderfully warm and welcoming people and thousands upon thousands of places to visit. I first visited Croatia in 2019 and became enamored with the country. So in 2023, I went back to really immerse myself and learn all that I could about this fantastic country along the coast of the Adriatic Sea.

Historic cities and unspoiled nature are some of Croatia's top attractions. The vibrant capital city of Zagreb is home to some of the country's best museums, galleries, restaurants, and shopping.

Along the coast, centuries-old harbor towns are packed with Venetian-era stone buildings, while countless pebble beaches offer things to do such as scuba diving, water skiing, and windsurfing. My road trip from Istria to Dubrovnik was a highlight of the trip, including the stunning scenery and beaches along the Makarska Riviera .

On the Adriatic, Croatia's blissful islands are a haven for yachters and those wanting to simply relax and enjoy the Mediterranean sunshine.

To get the most out of your travel experience in this beautiful country, be sure to refer to this list of the top attractions in Croatia.

1. Dubrovnik Old Town

2. plitvice lakes national park, 3. hvar town, 4. diocletian's palace in split, 6. zadar's romanesque churches, 7. marjan park in split, 8. ride the dubrovnik cable car, 9. pula's roman arena, 10. explore cavtat old town, 11. zagreb's gornji grad, 12. sailing around kornati national park, 13. zlatni rat beach, 14. the pretty town of korcula, 15. mljet national park, 16. brijuni national park, 19. sibenik.

My first foray into Croatia was a visit to Dubrovnik. And it was because of Dubrovnik that I became forever hooked on Croatia. Dubrovnik, Croatia's most glamorous tourist destination and a UNESCO World Heritage site, centers on the magnificent Old Town area, contained within sturdy medieval defensive walls.

Any first-time sightseeing tour of the city should begin with a walk around the Old Town Walls. These sturdy old ramparts (the complete circuit measures two kilometers) incorporate fortresses, towers, and cannons along the way. Keep in mind that tickets to walk the walls are expensive, but if you buy a Dubrovnik Pass for the same price as this one ticket, not only are the walls included, but many of the city's other top attractions, as well.

Of course, the walls are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to things to see and do in Dubrovnik. The Old Town is a living, breathing museum and feels like a movie set coming to life. That said, it was the actual set of HBO's Game of Thrones and Star Wars: The Last Jedi , which definitely contributed to the surge in tourists.

You'll likely enter the Old Town through the famous Pile Gate , built in 1537 and one of the city's most impressive structures. From high up on the walls, you can enjoy amazing views over the Old Town rooftops and out across the glistening Adriatic Sea.

Other fun things to do in Dubrovnik include exploring the Stradun , a wide 300-meter-long pedestrian thoroughfare lined with boutiques, cafés, and restaurants that are famous for their white limestone cobblestones.

Don't miss the attractive cathedral; the spectacular Square of the Loggia, a historic gathering place famous for its lovely old buildings and monuments; and Fort Lovrijenac, one of the country's most important fortresses.

In case I'm gilding the lily here, let me be upfront and say that Dubrovnik is crowded. Crowded may even be an understatement, especially if you're visiting in the summer months when a cruise ship is in port. It will be a slog to get through the narrow streets and forget about finding a place to park. Still, Dubrovnik shimmers with fairy tale magic and is mesmerizing even among the throngs of people.

Croatia's most visited inland attraction, Plitvice Lakes National Park (Nacionalni park Plitvicka jezera) encompasses steep forested hillsides surrounding 16 emerald-blue lakes connected by a succession of thundering waterfalls. A network of footpaths and wooden bridges crisscrosses the park (the country's first national park), and the entrance ticket includes boat rides across the lakes.

Thanks to the lush pristine nature, the park is a haven for wild animals, including wolves and bears (though they are timid, so you are unlikely to see them) as well as owls, eagles, and falcons. There are several hotels on the edge of the park should you wish to stay the night. You can visit Plitvice on organized sightseeing tours by bus from Zagreb and Zadar.

If you're planning on visiting without a guide or not as part of a tour, be sure to reserve your tickets in advance-its a very popular tourist attraction that receives over a million visitors a year.

Many tourists visit Croatia to explore the blissful Dalmatian islands , of which the most fashionable is Hvar. Here, the trendy city of Hvar is home to some of the country's top hotels and best seafood restaurants.

Dating back to the years spent under Venetian rule (1420-1797), its car-free Old Town is made up of a spacious main square overlooked by a 16th-century cathedral, a pretty fishing harbor, and a hilltop fortress.

Hvar is popular with yachters and celebrities, as well as travelers who come here to enjoy its beaches and water sports. It is served by ferry from Split.

Split, Croatia's second biggest city after Zagreb, was established within the ancient Roman walls of the huge Diocletian Palace (Dioklecijanova palaca). Situated overlooking the Adriatic Sea, it was built by Roman Emperor Diocletian, who retired here in AD 305.

Square in plan – it's more fortress than palace and actually housed the Emperor's personal garrison – the palace has four monumental gates, three accessible from the land, and one that originally opened directly onto the water. Within the walls, things to see include the magnificent Peristyle (an arcaded courtyard), where you'll also find the Cathedral of St. Domnius with its elegant bell tower.

A fun thing to do at night is to visit and enjoy the illuminated ruins, while during the day, concerts and entertainment are frequently held. The Old Town is a pedestrian-only zone and has been proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The best way to access the palace is to walk through the city's southern gate. It's the gate directly in front of the St. Dominic Church. Once you pass through the gate, the palace will be directly on your left.

Be sure to go early in the day. This is Split's most important attraction and the number of crowds can be overwhelming. If you are in Croatia before June, you should have the place (relatively) to yourself.

• Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Split
• Popular Beaches in Split

Located in northwest Croatia, on the Istrian peninsula, the Venetian-era seaside town of Rovinj is made up of pastel-colored houses ringing a pretty fishing harbor and presided over by a hilltop church with an elegant bell tower.

Besides the nearby pebble beaches, the main tourist attraction is the Batana Eco-Museum on the seafront, which tells the story of the batana , a type of wooden boat used by local fishermen. There are also plenty of top-rated hotels, up-market seafood restaurants, and art galleries to explore.

Don't miss the beaches surrounding Rovinj , either. These calm and beautiful beaches are perfect for relaxing with a good book and basking on the warm, white pebbles. Some of my favorite Rovinj beaches include Cisterna Beach, Cuvi Beach, and Skaraba Beach.

The locals speak a dialect that mixes both the Croatian and Italian languages. The nearest airport is in Pula.

Zadar's car-free Old Town is built on a small peninsula jutting out onto Croatia's Dalmatian coast. Said to be the country's oldest continually inhabited city-it can trace its roots back as far as the Stone Age-its top tourist attractions are its many fine Romanesque churches, most of them built between the 9th and 13th centuries and filled with superbly preserved religious paintings and ornate golden treasures.

Be sure to check out the 9th-century pre-Romanesque Church of St. Donatus ; the 11th-century Church of St. Mary ; the Cathedral of Anastasia and the Church of St. Chrysogonus , both from the 12th century.

Other things to do include visiting the Museum of Ancient Glass , as well as two popular modern installations, the Sea Organ and the Greeting to the Sun , both on the seafront close to the tip of the peninsula.

One of the best free things to do in Zadar is to simply relax on picturesque Kolovare Beach, a stretch of sand and pebbles that backs onto a lovely park area. You'll find several beautiful beaches around Zadar to enjoy some time by the sea.

• Read More: Top-Rated Attractions in Zadar & Easy Day Trips

One of my favorite parts about visiting Split is getting the chance to explore Marjan Park. This green, forested peninsula is just north of Old Town and has some of the best beaches in Split . My favorite is Kasjuni Beach — perfect for a quiet morning dip or an energetic afternoon at Joe's Beach Lounge .

Marjan Park also has tranquil meandering trails that wind their way through the dense Mediterranean pine forest. From the shoreline, you'll have beautiful views of nearby islands and the sparkling blue Adriatic Sea.

The park is also home to the Mestrovic Gallery , which is considered to be one of the best museums in Croatia.

One of the best ways to see Dubrovnik is to hop aboard the Dubrovnik Cable Car . If you swoon over those aerial shots of Old Town, the cable car is a surefire way to take them yourself.

The cable car route travels up Srd Hill, and on a clear day you can see nearly 50 kilometers in the distance. The entire trip is less than 10 minutes and when you are at the top you can explore the top of the hill. Up here, be sure to inspect the 19th-century Imperial Fortress or dine at the restaurant that has views over Old Town.

Keep in mind that the line for the cable car can be quite long during high season.

Address: Ulica kralja Petra Krešimira IV, 20000, Dubrovnik

Located on the coast of the Adriatic in Croatia's popular Istria region , the historic city of Pula is well worth including on your travel itinerary. In addition to its lovely seaside setting, including a number of fine beaches, Pula is well known for its well-preserved Roman architecture and makes for an excellent day trip for those staying in other parts of the country.

Though inhabited by humans for tens of thousands of years, it was the Romans over 2,000 years ago who left their mark. Of the numerous examples of Roman buildings that remain, none are as impressive or as big as the Pula Arena (Pulska Arena). Ordered built around the 1st century by Emperor Vespasian, it's one of the largest surviving Roman amphitheaters, rivaled only by its famous cousin, the Colosseum in Rome.

Designed to host crowds of up to 20,000 people, it was used predominantly for entertainment such as gladiator fighting and jousting. Thanks to careful reconstruction, this impressive structure to this day can still host audiences of up to 5,000 visitors during its regular summer schedule of concerts and festivals.

A number of other Pula Roman ruins are also worth seeing. Of these, the best is the Roman Forum, a well-preserved ancient square that for centuries has been at the center of town life. Here, you'll also find the Temple of Augustus (Augustov Hram), a finely preserved columned structure, which boasts a collection of Roman sculptures.

Address: Flavijevska ul., 52100, Pula, Croatia

Read More: Best Beaches in Pula

About 20 minutes south of Dubrovnik is the village of Cavtat, which I can only describe as "Dubrovnik light." The city boasts the same beautiful white stone buildings with red-topped roofs, a charming marina, and plenty of narrow alleyways to explore.

But unlike Dubrovnik, Cavtat's tourism numbers are blissfully pared down. Even during high season the city still feels calm, even tranquil, compared to the streets of Dubrovnik.

Cavtat is a wonderful village to come to visit for a slower pace of life. Linger at a waterfront cafe, or stroll along the marina walkways. The views from Cavtat are quite beautiful, as well.

Cavtat also happens to be the gateway to some of the nearby beach towns just outside Dubrovnik — the veritable "Dubrovnik Riviera." You'll find a string of beach towns between Cavtat and Dubrovnik, like Plat, Soline, Mlini, and Srebreno, all of which are known for their lovely, calm beaches.

Zagreb's main sightseeing area is the medieval Gornji Grad (Upper Town) district. Here, popular tourist attractions include the cathedral with its neo-Gothic façade, twin steeples, and treasury with its large collection of religious art and artifacts; and the Croatian Parliament (Hrvatski sabor).

Also worth seeing are the Church of St. Mark with its famous colored tiled roof, and the 13th-century Tower of Lotrscak , which you can climb for fantastic views over the city and the surrounding area. Also be sure to catch most people's favorite, the much-loved Museum of Broken Relationships .

• Read More: Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Zagreb

Spreading over an area of some 320 square kilometers-it's 35 kilometers long and 13 kilometers wide-the Kornati archipelago encompasses 89 scattered islets, big and small.

Rocky and arid with little fertile soil, the islets are practically uninhabited, though there are some very basic stone cottages dotted here and there. Originally built as one-room shelters by local fishermen and shepherds, they're now often used as holiday retreats or seasonal seafood restaurants.

The best way to explore this stunningly beautiful coastal region is by private sailing boat, with the nearest charter base being located in Biograd Na Moru. It's also possible to visit the Kornati as a day trip by excursion boat from either Zadar or Sibenik on the mainland. If sailing under your own step, (as it were), you'll need to purchase a valid permit, available online (see the official site below).

Official site: www.np-kornati.hr/en/

Croatia's most photographed beach has to be the remarkable Zlatni Rat (Golden Horn, or Golden Cape). Located in Bol on the south coast of Brac, this unusual landform, known as a "spit," is made up of fine pebbles and runs 500 meters perpendicular to the coast. Depending on local winds and currents, it moves and changes shape from season to season.

Backed by a cluster of pine trees offering shade and overlooked by the rocky heights of Vidova Gora mountain , it is lined in summer with sunbeds and umbrellas. Widely considered one of Europe's top beaches, the sea is warm enough to swim from June through September, and some people even manage to stretch the bathing season out to May and October, too.

Extra attractions on the beach include water sports such as paddle boats, sea kayaks, and banana boat rides. Zlatni Rat is also Croatia's top windsurfing destination. Brac is accessible by ferry and catamaran from Split.

A number of top luxury hotels are located nearby for those wanting to enjoy an extended stay here.

The town of Korcula, the chief settlement on the island of the same name in South Dalmatia, sits snugly on a tiny peninsula. Protected by medieval walls and towers, its car-free stone alleys are laid out in a herringbone pattern so as to give shelter from the prevailing winds. Packed with centuries-old aristocratic stone buildings, Korcula was built at a time when the island was under Venetian rule.

The top points of interest include Marco Polo house , said to be the birthplace of the renowned 13th-century explorer, while one of the best things to do is catch a performance of the moreska sword dance , a traditional dance staged for tourists just outside the town walls on summer evenings.

For a truly special experience, you can reach Korcula's historic town center by catamaran from Split (daily) or Dubrovnik (summer only).

The western third of the island of Mljet has been designated as a national park. Largely covered by dense woodland, it centers on two interconnected, turquoise saltwater lakes, one of which has an islet capped by a 12th-century Benedictine monastery, which you can visit by taxi-boat.

Popular with nature lovers, the park offers plenty of things to do, including exploring the numerous paths that run through the woodland. There's also a nine-kilometer trail that runs around the perimeter of the lakes, making it ideal for walking or mountain biking. The area is also popular for swimming and activities such as kayaking (kayaks can be rented to explore the lakes).

There's only one hotel on the island, but local families do rent rooms to visitors in summer, and a number of reputable campsites are also available. Mljet can be reached by ferry or catamaran from Dubrovnik.

Lying off the Istrian peninsula, this archipelago of scattered pine-scented islets has been designated a national park ( Nacionalni Park Brijuni ). The largest island, Veli Brijun , is covered with beautifully landscaped parkland and is open to visitors year-round.

The former President of Yugoslavia, Tito, used to entertain visiting foreign dignitaries here, and some of them brought him exotic animals as gifts, the descendants of which are now on show in the small safari park: elephants from India, antelopes from Zambia, and zebras from Guinea are the main attractions.

The island is also home to an abundance of unique flora and fauna, along with evidence that dinosaurs once roamed here. The island has two hotels, along with a golf course and the ruins of a Roman villa. To get here, catch the national park boat (reservations essential) from Fažana on the mainland, seven kilometers north of Pula.

Widely regarded as one of the top places to visit on Croatia's spectacular Dalmatian coast, the attractive seaside town of Trogir is a delightful vacation destination to explore. With a rich history that dates all the way back to its founding in 380 BC, Trogir has at various times been ruled by the Greeks, Romans, Hungarians, and Venetians.

Trogir became my home base for almost two weeks while I was exploring Croatia's Dalmatian Coast. It is an extremely livable city, from the history of Old Town to the naturally beautiful beaches of Ciovo — the island just across the water from Old Town. You'll also find a delightful farmers market, and plenty of creature comforts in the way of grocery stores, fitness centers, and shopping.

But Old Town Trogir is where the magic really lives, especially if you're only able to visit for a day. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site – an honor bestowed on the town in 1997 – Trogir offers tourists no end of fun things to do . In addition to its many top hotels and accommodation options, visitors are spoiled for choice when seeking a good seafood restaurant or getting in some souvenir shopping.

Thanks to the careful preservation of its many old buildings, history buffs, and sightseers alike have plenty of attractions to visit, most of them to be found within the confines of the town walls dating back to the 1400s.

Examples of elegant Romanesque and Renaissance-style architecture can be seen everywhere along the town's medieval streets or lining the attractive waterfront promenade. Notable among these are Trogir Cathedral (the Cathedral of St. Lawrence), Cipiko Palace, and the Church of St. Peter.

The attractive city of Rijeka, often overlooked by vacationers to the Dalmatian Coast, is well worth adding to your Croatia travel itinerary. In addition to the bonus of having to deal with fewer crowds, this long-important port city offers plenty of attractions and things to do for those who do visit.

Rijeka also served as a home base when I was exploring Croatia's northern coast. I loved Rijeka for its easy access from Zagreb and it was the perfect jumping-off point from which to explore Istria.

But Rijeka itself is a destination worth exploring, particularly its Old Town. Highlights include exploring the well-preserved cobbled streets and lanes, each lined with splendid examples of townhomes and dwellings – as well as old shops and places of trade – that were built in the 1700s.

Be sure to visit the magnificent Trsat Castle (Gradina Trsat), built above the town in the 13th century and accessible via a lovely pathway that also leads to the nearby Church of Our Lady of Trsat (Gospa Trsat). Add to this a mix of great art galleries and museums, Croatia's largest carnival, and the nearby Risnjak National Park, and there's no end of good excuses to visit this charming town.

Boasting a rich history that can be traced back as far as the 11 th century, the attractive Dalmatian city of Sibenik has much to offer tourists to Croatia. While not always as busy as other popular destinations within this beautiful country, there's no shortage of great things to do here.

Start by exploring the perfectly-preserved historic Old Town center. Here, you'll find elegant 15 th - and 16 th -century architecture, along with numerous attractions worth visiting. Visit the 15th-century Cathedral of St. James (Katedrala Sv Jakova), a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the finest churches in all of Croatia.

Also worth visiting are the remains of St. John's Fortress, perched high upon a hill overlooking the town and boasting magnificent views over the Adriatic, and the equally important St. Michael's Fortress, popular for the traditional cultural performances hosted on its delightful open-air stage.

What I loved most about Sibenik is that it still feels like a well-kept secret, especially compared to places like Split and Dubrovnik. The charming hilltop city has plenty of narrow alleyways and secret staircases to explore.

Along the waterfront, cafes are lively and full of happy travelers and locals looking for a nice bite to eat. My favorite place to stop for a rest here is Azimut , a river-front cafe, performance space, and gallery.

More on Croatia

Top Ten Destinations in Croatia

It’s exceptionally hard trying to construct a list of the best destinations in Croatia as there are so many wonderful destinations for a holiday, making it rather hard to choose. The following list isn’t really in any order – as so many of the following destinations are on par – although we would probably always consider Dubrovnik as number one.

Nevertheless, take a look at our list if you’re trying to come up with some ideas of where to go for your holiday in Croatia. If you have any other questions or want to make your own top 10, drop us a line at [email protected] .

1. Dubrovnik

Croatia’s jewel, Dubrovnik is absolutely magical! Its Old Town is truly stunning and an absolute must-see – it’s easy to spend a couple of days exploring, walking the city walls , and visiting all the sights in and around it.

Dubrovnik does tend to get very crowded during the summer months – especially as it receives so many cruise ship passengers – so a weekend trip outside the busiest of months is ideal. Alternatively, putting up with the crowds may well be worth it to see Dubrovnik!

There’s a very wide variety of accommodation in Dubrovnik – from hostels to private rooms to 5* luxury hotels . Some hotels have their own private beaches or swimming areas, whilst there are also public city beaches such as Banje if you fancy combining your sightseeing with some sea ‘n’ sun relaxation.

There’s also plenty of opportunity for day trips to nearby islands – such as the small island of Lokrum (which is very close), the Elafiti islands or Mljet, and other nearby towns such as Cavtat. For the more adventurous amongst you, you can also take day trips to the neighbouring countries of Montenegro and Bosnia & Herzegovina.

2. Plitvice Lakes

The Plitvice Lakes National Park is another amazing wonder within Croatia. With sixteen interconnecting waterfalls, and beautiful flora and fauna, visiting the Park is a truly unique experience.

It’s possible to stay right by the park itself, so you can easily spend a good couple of days exploring its various trails. There’s also a boat tour within the park, as well as a shuttle bus that runs regularly, so you don’t have to spend all your time hiking around.

As one of Croatia’s top attractions, the Park attracts a large number of visitors in the summer months but its size means large numbers are quite bearable. However, the Park is actually open year-round so it’s also more than suitable a destination during winter (and quite stunning to see in the snow). There’s even a very small ski resort nearby; the expert skiers amongst you will be disappointed, but it’s quite suitable for beginners or families. (Not to mention that skiing in the rather unique surroundings is rather exciting.)

Plitvice is a little off the beaten track in terms of where most visitors to Croatia go to (it is inland north of Zadar , and a few hours southwest of Zagreb ), but it’s definitely worth trying to incorporate it into your trip if you can. If you do fancy visiting the Plitvice Lakes, we’d recommend flying into one of these two places, and then using Plitvice as a stop-off point either on your way to or from the coast.

Okay, so we’re cheating a little bit by naming an entire region, but as so many of  Istria ‘s resorts are perennially popular (it’s easy to see why) we thought we would include the whole lot as one destination. The region was totally unscathed by the war so was still visited even during that time, and just after was quick to promote its tourist offerings once more.

With good transport connections including flights to  Pula  or to nearby Italy, it is easy to reach the area. Most Europeans drive down from their home country, but there are also bus connections to Italy as well (from Trieste ) and a summer catamaran service that connects several Istrian ports to Venice – a quick and easy way of combining that fantastic holiday destination with this one in Croatia.

Porec is one of the top resorts – there’s a good selection of resort-type hotels there – although our personal favourite is the charming Rovinj (shown above) and its wonderful harbour. Both of these have a number of sights for you history buffs but don’t forget to visit the  Pula to view the amazingly well-preserved Roman amphitheatre, the Arena.

However, Istria’s (relatively!) undiscovered secrets are its wonderful inland, hilltop towns and villages. These include Motovun , which is gaining recognition of its annual film festival, and Buzet, which is famed for its truffle festival every autumn. And not forgetting Hum – (unofficially) considered to be the world’s smallest town, with only 22 inhabitants.

Some compare  Zagreb to the ever-popular Prague, which is no surprise to us. Zagreb is also perfect for a short break with numerous sights, a full events calendar, great restaurants, nightlife and even pretty decent shopping. (Although you’re not going to get any bargains here!)

Zagreb has good flight and other connections to the UK and Europe, so it’s easy to reach – and it’s only around 2 hours from the UK, which makes it a very acceptable place for a city break . Alternatively, Zagreb is also very well connected to the rest of Croatia by train , bus and air , so it’s also a great place to start your holiday in Croatia – spend a couple of nights here, and then make your way to the coast.

Spend your daytime in Zagreb sightseeing – there are very pleasant walks to be had in both the Upper Town (home to the Cathedral, St Marks’s Church, Kamenita vrata, Lotrscak Tower and more) and Lower Town, not forgetting the ubiquitous stroll through the main square, Trg ban Jelacic. There are also plenty of galleries and museums and, befitting a capital, there’ll be a handful of exhibitions and events taking place at any one time.

When all this takes its toll, join Zagreb’s cafe society for a cup of strong coffee – or a refreshing beer – at one of the numerous cafes on the main square or on Tkalciceva ulica in the Upper Town.

Finally, why not sample the nightlife? There are a number of bars and clubs in the city to give you a taste of clubbing, Zagreb-style.

Another great thing about Zagreb is that it has plenty of accommodation – from budget hostels to 5* hotels – so you’ll be sure to find something that fits the bill, whatever your budget.

5. Hvar Town, island of Hvar

Considered one of Croatia’s more upmarket islands, you’ll often read about various celebrities and the well-to-do holidaying on  Hvar each year…but don’t let that put you off. (Although, this may well be a draw to some holidaymakers!)

Hvar is very well-known for its wonderful weather, with the highest annual average hours of sun in the whole of Croatia. The island is also famous for its lavender growing in amongst its beautiful landscape, so you can imagine a pretty heady combination of great weather and beautiful, aromatic surroundings as you relax on the island.

There are a number of stylish hotels located in Hvar Town, and a handful of sights, whilst its wonderful harbour is a very pleasant place to while away your time in early evening, people- and yacht-watching.

There are a few beaches close to Hvar Town, though our recommendation is to head to the nearby small group of islands, the Pakleni islands (local boats will take you there) for a relaxing day out.

6. The Makarska Riviera

The Makarska Riviera is often a top tip for families looking for a peaceful and relaxing holiday. There are a number of resorts on the Riviera, varying in size, and its combination of well-priced hotels , good local amenities (although no night-long clubs!) and lovely pebble beaches means you’ll often find the parent-and-kid brigade here.

There’s not a whole lot of sightseeing to be done, so if you’re after a sea and sun holiday with the little ones, the Riviera is a good choice. The largest resort is  Makarska  itself, others include the more serene and smaller  Brela  and the very popular Baska Voda .

Makarska is about 1 hour and 15 minutes away from Split so it and its surrounding resorts are easy to reach. (And likewise, Split is easy to get to if you’d like to visit.) There’s also a ferry to the island of Brac for those who want to try something a little different for a day or two, plus a summer catamaran connecting Makarska with Split and Bol on Brac further north along the coast, and Korcula, Mljet and Dubrovnik.

Finally, you can’t escape to notice Mount Biokovo behind the Riviera – for the slightly more adventurous, there are plenty of hiking opportunities. For those that like to take it a bit easier – but still like their views (which can stretch across to Italy on clear days) – a road takes you up most of the way.

7. The island of Brac

One of  Brac ‘s – and indeed, Croatia’s – most famous images is that of Zlatni Rat beach (pictured above). A white shingle beach next to pine trees, it changes shape ever-so-slightly as the tides and winds change. It’s a very popular place during summer, as is much of the rest of Brac; as Croatia’s third largest island with delights such as the above and its proximity to the Split  on the mainland (it’s the closest large island), it’s easy to see why.

The main resorts on Brac are Bol, Supetar and Milna, and all have a mix of beaches and some resort life. Like the Makarska Riviera , Brac is popular with families and for those looking for a relaxing seaside holiday, which is shown in the pretty decent range of accommodation in all the main towns on the island. There’s not too much in the way of sightseeing or culture, and there’s not much to explore inland – although you can head to the island’s highest point, Vidova gora; at 780 metres high, there are some great views.

There are daily ferries to Milna, Bol and Supetar from Split year-round, plus summer connections (from Bol) to Hvar, Makarska, Korcula, Mjlet and Dubrovnik.

8. Korcula Town, island of Korcula

Korcula Town is often described as a mini-Dubrovnik (so that’s one big draw!) but it’s a wonderful place to visit in its own right. With its own Old Town that’s compact (it doesn’t take long to walk around the whole thing) but there’s still plenty of sights to keep you occupied.

There are a number of beaches close to Korcula Town itself, though many describe the island of Korcula’s quiet coves and bays as a must-do if you’re visiting the island.

Korcula Town is connected to the mainland by ferry (the ferry departs nearby Domince to Orebic on the Peljesac Peninsula) so it’s relatively easy to explore this part of Dalmatia. July and August also see a catamaran connecting Korcula Town to the wonderful island of Mljet , and Dubrovnik – so you can compare the mini-Dubrovnik to the real thing. There is also a catamaran connecting Korcula with Hvar and Split.

9. The island of Vis

The island of  Vis is different to many of its neighbours. The most westerly of the larger Croatian islands, its history really sets it apart – used as a naval base during the years of Yugoslavia, the island was completely closed to foreigners until 1989. As such, the island has developed its tourism differently from the other Croatian islands. It’s the place to go to if you want to sample Croatia and its island life but without all the crowds, and where those in the know head to! Vis has grown in popularity in recent years, however; no doubt this is down to the island being used as one of the main filming locations for Mamma Mia 2.

There’s a handful of sights in both Vis Town and the other larger settlement on the island, Komiza. Both only have a few accommodation options, so neither place gets too crowded. If you have your own car (you can also rent scooters on Vis), the island really does lend itself to exploring – set off down the roads and see where they take you.

One of the most popular sights in the area is the beautiful Blue Cave on the uninhabited nearby island of Bisevo . The cave sees sunlight drifting into it that catches the sea waters, creating a stunning, shimmering experience. Boat trips are available from both Vis and Komiza (and also from the mainland e.g. from Split).

There’s a direct ferry from Split  to Vis, so it’s easily reachable; there’s also a route that goes to the neighbouring island of Hvar (which stops at Hvar Town – number 5 on our list) once a week if you’d like to explore some of the other nearby islands.

10. The Elafiti islands

We don’t really want to give the game away about the  Elafiti islands  – Kolocep , Lopud and Sipan – but we’d be hard-pressed to have a list of the top ten destinations in Croatia without including them. Located very close to Dubrovnik, these three small islands are wonderfully peaceful with no cars on most of the islands and, in fact, populations of only a few hundred in any one settlement. They are also only just touched by tourism – though there is at least one hotel on each island and some private accommodation, but that’s really about it for accommodation choice.

There are also not too many sights to traipse around, so you’re not going to get too many day-trippers wandering through the islands – although you’ll also not have to exhaust yourself with sightseeing.

If you’re in or near Dubrovnik , the Elafiti islands are the perfect destination for getting away from it all for a bit, especially so as a nice balance to the aforementioned tourist-heavy city.

Sipan is the largest of the three islands though it is in fact the least developed – which may be a plus for some travellers.

All three of the islands can be easily reached by ferry from Dubrovnik.

More on Visit Croatia

About Visit Croatia

Contact Visit Croatia

Buy us a coffee!

Cookie Policy

Privacy Policy

Updated daily

New & Updated on Visit Croatia

Stari Grad Obonjan Bol Porec Two Days in Zagreb Slano How to do Croatia on a Budget Two Days in Split Nin Campsites in Croatia Shopping in Zagreb City Break in Croatia Two Days in Pula Family Holidays in Croatia 15 Things You May Not Know About Croatia Two Days in Zadar Koprivnica

Useful information on Croatia

Money in Croatia Visa Requirements for Croatia Buses in Croatia Ferries in Croatia Top Ten Destinations in Croatia Map of Croatia About Croatia

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes
• Destinations

9 Best Places to Visit in Croatia, According to Locals

Here's how to see the best of Croatia, from under-the-radar islands to stunning forests and hilltop towns.

The coast of Croatia gets all the love — and though I was born and raised in the country, even I set my gaze on the Adriatic Sea whenever I visit. You can't deny the beauty of hotspots like Dubrovnik and Split, but busy locales like these can also mean crowds, stressed-out service, and little sense of discovery, especially during the peak summer season.

Thankfully, Croatia has more than 1,200 islands you can escape to, as well as coastal towns that remain off the radar, plus a majestic interior that spans idyllic pastoral landscapes and mighty mountains where wildlife roams in nature. There's a lot to see and do — and love — beyond the go-to tourist destinations as well. Here's my list of some of the best places to visit in Croatia.

Jadranko Markoc / Getty Images

For the longest time, Croatia's capital was mostly skipped in favor of more popular destinations down south. That started changing a few years ago, when visitors got wind of the numerous delights this pocket-size metropolis has to offer, including its buzzing art scene and the colorful Christmas market that helped put this city on the wintertime map. Advent festivities, typically held throughout December and into early January, feature alfresco merriment, live music, and street food all around Zagreb's city center, including its ancient Upper Town.

For the plushest place to stay, pick the grand Esplanade Zagreb Hotel , which blends Art Deco flair with the latest modern-day comforts, and serves iconic and traditional štrukli (cottage cheese dumplings) at its restaurant, Le Bistro .

Gorski Kotar

GoranStimac / Getty Images

While the country's coast may be one of the best places to visit in Croatia for local residents and visitors alike, general interest in the great outdoors has spiked in recent years. Enter Gorski Kotar, Croatia's answer to Switzerland, a forested expanse of mountain wilderness that lies southwest of Zagreb, en route to the coast of Kvarner.

This verdant region has become the "it" destination lately, especially for city dwellers looking for an easy-to-reach pocket of pristine nature. Wolves, bears, and the endangered Eurasian lynx can be spotted roaming through Risnjak National Park . Gorski Kotar also offers a number of chic cabins and lodges to rent, such as the spectacular Casa Nube and the adorable Gorska Bajka . Don't miss the chance to indulge in a meal of wild edibles and game meats at the Vagabundina Koliba (Vagabond's Cabin) mountain hut, where the nettle bread is a real treat.

Wilfried Krecichwost / Getty Images

A string of sweet little seaside towns may line Istria, the heart-shaped peninsula in Croatia's northern Adriatic, but Rovinj steals the show for its storybook beauty. The area is so stunning it tends to get regularly jam-packed with visitors between June and September, so the locals will generally try to avoid it that time of year.

It's best to head to Rovinj outside of that busy season, ideally in October or from April to May. Book a stay at the ultra-sleek Grand Park Hotel Rovinj , one of Croatia's most luxurious properties. An architectural stunner with a cascading structure that slopes down to the sea in a twine of fragrant garden terraces, the hotel showcases impressive views of Rovinj's Old Town , with its cobbled piazzas and steep lanes leading up to St. Euphemia Church , a baroque beauty with a copper statue-topped campanile.

At the hotel's fabulous Albaro Wellness & Spa , try the Batana Bodywork treatment, which involves using a stimulating combination of hemp balm, a traditional Rovinj boat's batana oar, and intense rowing motions to massage your sore spots. A meal at the property's Cap Aureo Signature Restaurant is a sensory adventure, as is a walk around the protected forest park of Punta Corrente (Golden Cape), located nearby. And don't leave without checking out the hotel's secret art room.

Inland Istria

xbrchx / Getty Images

While first-time visitors to Istria , easily one of the best places to visit in Croatia, make a beeline for the coast, those in the know swear by the peninsula's green interior. And as soon as you hit those curvy country roads — winding their way through the woods, vineyards and olive groves — you'll see why. It's easy to swoon over the area's bucolic charm, home to medieval towns strewn across the hilltops, and shady forests where prized truffles hide.

Luxury villa rentals tucked away in the Istria countryside are increasingly becoming popular hideaways. Take Stanzia Vinella , a renovated and formerly abandoned hamlet turned rustic-chic retreat, with Wabi-Sabi–inspired interiors and an infinity pool that overlooks the postcard-perfect town of Motovun on the hill just across the way. For a meal of Istrian mainstays, book ahead at Toklarija , an age-old olive-mill-turned-tavern on the hilltop overlooking the village of Sovinjsko Polje.

ultraforma / Getty Images

Few visitors to Croatia pay heed to the coastal city of Šibenik in central Dalmatia; it usually tends to get overshadowed by Split, located just an hour to the south, and, of course, Dubrovnik. What visitors are missing is a true seaside gem, one of a handful of cities in the world with two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: St. James Cathedral , a domed basilica built entirely of stone between 1431 and 1535, and the Venetian-era St. Nicholas Fortress , situated on an islet across from the old town.

Šibenik is also home to a number of charming heritage hotels, including boutique Armerun , which opened in summer 2021 along the seafront just steps from the cathedral, and Pelegrini , a seasonal restaurant graced with a Michelin star, where owner and chef Rudi Štefan conjures up some of Croatia's most innovative cuisine. Don't miss a visit to St. Michael's Fortress and Barone Fortress , each known for their alfresco concerts and dazzling panoramas.

Close to Šibenik, the island of Zlarin is best known for its exquisite handmade red coral jewelry. It was also the first island in Croatia to eliminate single-use plastics back in 2019; in the summer of 2021, it was joined by the nearby island of Krapanj as part of a special "Archipelago Without Plastic" campaign.

Locals head here for its beautiful beaches, which may have pebbles in place of sand but offer clear, warm waters perfect for swimming, floating, and snorkeling. Other popular waterfront activities include sea kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding, while landlubbers can enjoy hiking, biking, and rock climbing. The island is car-free, giving you the perfect excuse to explore it by bike or on foot. Accommodations are few and far between, with just one hotel and a limited amount of apartments available for rent, so during more crowded times of the year (like summer), it might be worth staying nearby in Šibenik and visiting Zlarin as part of a day trip instead.

_jure / Getty Images

Located just off the coast of Zadar, the island of Silba is a car-free, hotel-free paradise that tends to be frequented by those in the know. You'll note a distinct Boho, offbeat vibe, where the creatives of Croatia prefer to hide away in summertime. It’s also a stellar choice for families, as little ones can run around barefoot and carefree.

Be sure to book your accommodations way ahead of time, as rooms can fill up quickly here. And don't miss the chance to enjoy a sunset dinner of freshly caught seafood at Konoba Alavija . Spend your days sunbathing or playing volleyball, basketball, or tennis at the island's busiest beach, Sotorišce, known for its clear, shallow waters. Under the water, the archaeological ruins of an ancient sarcophagus , estimated to be more than 1,500 years old, can be seen just off the shore of Pocukmarak Bay.

Anton Petrus / Getty Images

Hvar island may already be on everyone's list of the best places to visit in Croatia, but that spotlight mostly shines on Hvar town, which is known for its funky beach party scene. More artsy and low-key, Stari Grad, located along the island's northern side, has been coming into its own lately as an alternative Hvar base — and for all the right reasons.

For starters, Stari Grad has two World Heritage sites: The Stari Grad Plain , with its striking farm landscape that has been cultivated since ancient Greek times, and an old town that dates back to 384 B.C.E. On top of that, Maslinica Bay, just steps from the ferry dock, is home to the chic Maslina Resort , featuring Asian-Mediterranean fusion flair and design and a spa with "garden to skin" treatments that showcase herbs from the resort's organic garden.

Westend61 / Getty Images

Taking a trip to Pag is comparable to taking a trip to the moon. The island is well known for its barren, lunar-like landscapes, as well as for the epic parties that take over the beaches of Zrće come summertime. But beyond the raucous revelry, the island is home to one of Croatia's loveliest family-run hotels, Boškinac , which sports an award-winning winery and a Michelin-starred restaurant within a beautifully renovated stone building surrounded by olive groves and vineyards, just inland from the coastal town of Novalja.

Pag is also known for its fragrant, hard, and strong sheep's milk cheeses. Gligora Dairy , which keeps racking up awards internationally, offers tastings of this local delicacy. While on Pag, check out the Pag Triangle — a mysterious land formation near Novalja that's rumored to be the site of a UFO landing — and the walkway through the ancient olive groves of Lun , where most of the trees are as many as 1,500 years old.

Related Articles

Best Places to Visit in Croatia

By Caitlin Morton

Krka National Park

This national park encompasses nearly 27,000 acres along the Krka River in central Dalmatia, easily reached from the town of Split. It is known for its blue-green pools, winding walkways, and gushing waterfalls —the waterfalls are so popular, in fact, that the park has started to limit the number of visitors .

Zagreb has everything you could want in a capital city: pedestrian-friendly streets , museums, and galleries, outdoor cafes, and an ancient fortified center that rivals Budapest and Vienna. Don't miss the open-air Dolac Market, colorful St Mark's Church, or the Museum of Broken Relationships (yes, it's just as quirky as it sounds).

Mljet National Park

Mljet National Park covers the entire western section of Mljet Island (a nice day trip from Dubrovnik). Highlights include two gorgeous saltwater lakes, pine tree forests, and the small, picturesque villages of Pomena and Polače.

One of the country’s most popular islands for sunbathers and oenophiles, Hvar is renowned for its sunny beaches, lavender fields , and lush vineyards. It also features a beautiful city center, complete with Gothic palaces and marble stone streets. Bonus: It's also Croatia's sunniest spot .

Plitvice Lakes National Park

This UNESCO World Heritage site is easily one of the most popular attractions in Croatia—with its turquoise lakes, limestone canyons, and hundreds of waterfalls, it's little wonder why. Just be sure to stay on the paths .

The star of this seafront city is its wealth of Roman architecture, namely the Pula Arena. Constructed between 27 BC and 68 AD, the amphitheater is remarkably intact and is still used as a venue for concerts and festivals. Even non-history buffs will enjoy the city's seaside cafes, Lighting Giants art installation, and Aquarium Pula.

Whether you know it as King's Landing or simply one of the world's most beautiful cities , there's no denying the appeal of Dubrovnik. Don't miss the city’s white limestone streets, the lovely old town of Stari Grad, or scenic Mount Srd (take the cable car to the top for some epic views). Looking for some exercise? We suggest getting on top of the surrounding walls to take in the city—they stretch completely around the Old Town, and you can walk their entire 1.2-mile length.

Located on the northern Dalmatian Coast, Zadar is a quirky addition to any Croatia itinerary. Aside from its historic old town and string of beaches, the city boasts two particularly unique attractions: Sea Organ , a structure that plays music using the movement of the waves; and The Greeting to the Sun , an installation that collects the sun’s energy during the day, then plays a trippy light show from sunrise to sunset .

Come to this seaside fishing town for the food—specifically for Monte , the first restaurant in Croatia to nab a Michelin star. Stay for the offshore islands, cobblestoned streets, and Mediterranean charm.

Zlatni Rat, Brač

Of all the beaches in Croatia , Zlatni Rat stands out for its unusual shape (which changes depending on the current) and material (it's actually made up of smooth, tiny pebbles). The so-called "Golden Cape" is a popular spot for windsurfing, jet-skiing, and stand-up paddle boarding.

Croatia's second-largest city is a fascinating mix of ancient and modern. Walk through the sprawling 4th-century Diocletian's Palace (pictured), where trendy clubs and boutiques alternate with ancient churches; or stroll along the Riva seafront promenade, which is dotted with cafes and souvenir shops .

The island of Korčula is known for its dense forests, olive groves, local white wine, and stunning old town with fortified walls and Gothic cathedrals (it's called "Little Dubrovnik" for a reason). Unlike Dubrovnik, however, its remote location keeps the vibe mellow and the crowds to a minimum, and the town has been named one of the most romantic in Europe .

Kornati Islands

With more than 140 uninhabited islands, the Kornatis are the densest and largest archipelago in the Mediterranean. The Kornati National Park boasts some of the cleanest waters in the country, making it an ideal spot for diving, snorkeling , sailing, and swimming. No permanent settlements exist here, but there are seasonal fisherman's cottages that you can rent for a true, deserted island vacation.

By signing up you agree to our User Agreement (including the class action waiver and arbitration provisions ), our Privacy Policy & Cookie Statement and to receive marketing and account-related emails from Traveller. You can unsubscribe at any time. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Croatia Travel Guide: Things To Know Before Traveling To Croatia

Welcome to our Croatia Travel Guide where you will find all the information you need for planning a trip to Croatia.

When I think of Croatia, I associate it with small, safe, sublime, pebbles, islands, sea, and countryside. The country has over a thousand islands , 8 national parks , 11 nature parks, over 6.000 km of coastline, and ten World Heritage sites .

From Paklenica climbing sites , beautiful beaches of central Dalmatia , the great food of Istria , Croatia’s fabulous wines, partying on the islands, and sailing the Adriatic , Croatia has much to offer its visitors.

We’ve dedicated this entire website to this wonderful country. Vera was born and raised in Croatia, and I moved here in 2005. We’ve been traveling around Croatia extensively. And here at our blog, we share the best of Croatia just as we discover it.

Visitors to Croatia can find useful travel tips , in-depth destination guides, things to do , places to stay , and lots of information on Croatian food and restaurants. I also sometimes share my musings on ex-pat life in Croatia .

Table of Contents

Where is Croatia located?

Before moving forward, let’s get the basic facts sorted out. Croatia is located in Europe! It is a Central European and Mediterranean country, bordered by the Adriatic Sea to the west. Croatia shares borders with Italy, Slovenia, Hungary, Serbia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, and Montenegro. It shares The longest land border with Bosnia and the longest sea border with Italy.

Below you will find the location of Croatia on the map.

Do you need a visa?

Most foreign visitors don’t need a visa to enter Croatia, including, but not limited to, EU countries, the UK, the USA, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.

Foreign citizens of those countries can enter Croatia and stay here for 90 days within 180 days.

Citizens of EU countries can enter Croatia using only their ID cards; all others need to travel with a valid passport to enter Croatia.

If you require a visa to enter Croatia but hold a valid Schengen visa, as well as visas for Cyprus, Romania, and Bulgaria, you don’t need a separate visa for Croatia. You are free to travel to Croatia under the condition of your current visa from the above-mentioned countries.

If you require a visa for Croatia, you can print and fill out the application forms here and submit them along with the requested documents to the Croatian Embassy, Consulate, or an accredited tourist agency.

To apply for a Croatian visa, you’ll need a valid passport issued less than 10 years ago with an expiry date at least three months after the intended departure date from Croatia.

All questions regarding visa you can send via [email protected].

Weather in Croatia

Croatia has three distinct climates: the continental climate in its interior, the Mediterranean along the coast, and the mountain above 1200 m.

Along the coast, you can expect dry, hot, and sunny summers and mild, although sometimes wet, winters. Weather along the south Adriatic region of Dalmatia is generally drier and sunnier than in the northern Adriatic region of Istria. Daily temperatures can differ up to 5°C (40°F).

Although the average summer temperatures are around 22°C (72°F), in July and August, you can expect over 40 days with daily temperatures of over 30°C (86°F).  Average winter temperatures are around 10°C, with January being the coldest month with daily average temperatures of less than 10°C (50°F).  The average sea temperature varies from 12°C (54°F) in winter to 25°C (77°F) in summer.

Croatia’s interior has a moderate continental climate. Winters are cold and wet, with lots of fog, while summers get hot and dry.  Average winter temperatures are around 4°C (40°F), while the average summer temperature is around 22°C (72°F).

Money in Croatia

Croatian currency.

The Croatian currency is Euro, a common European currency, as of January 1, 2023. At the time of writing this article, for 1 $, you get almost 1 € (0,94  to be exact), for 1 £ you get 1,13 €, for 1 CAD, you get 0,70 €, and 1 AUD will get you 0,64 €.

Exchanging the money in Croatia

The majority of the exchange offices advertise a “no commission policy”. While it is true that they don’t charge the typical commission, they do set their own exchange rates. These rates can vary significantly. Beware of these discrepancies, and shop around for the best rate.

ATM machines in Croatia

When withdrawing money from an ATM, try to use official banks’ ATM machines (they should have a sign of one of the Croatian banks like Zagrebacka, Privredna OTP, Erste, or Adikko Bank). These ATM machines are usually near the bank’s branch offices.

In resorts and hotels, you’ll often find Euronet (blue and yellow), Auro Domus ATM machines (yellow and black), or any other non-bank ATM machine. While they are often located at more prominent spots in towns, hotels, and resorts and are thus more convenient to use, they are also more expensive. However, if convenience is more important to you than a few euros here and there, go ahead and use these machines as well. I personally never use them.

Credit cards in Croatia

Although credit cards are widely accepted in Croatia, they aren’t accepted everywhere. One of the first things you will notice in Croatia is the abundance of ATM machines wherever you go. Smaller businesses, as well as some restaurants and bars, prefer cash. A general rule of thumb is that if you see a credit card sticker at the door or near the cashier, you should be able to pay by credit card. But the only safe way to know is to actually ask.

Another thing regarding money that you need to be aware of is the so-called dynamic currency conversion . This basically means that the amount of your credit card transaction is converted to your home currency at the point of sale (rather than by the card issuer).

In hotels or restaurants, or just about anywhere you intend to pay by credit card, the staff will ask you if you prefer the charge in local currency (Euro) or your own currency. While theoretically, you might sometimes profit from being charged in your own currency by a merchant on the spot, it rarely happens in reality. You will just end up paying more than you otherwise would. So, always choose to pay in local currency . Or ask for the exchange rate and compare it with the one you find that day on the internet.

When is the high season in Croatia?

The high season in Croatia is from mid-June to mid-September. The peak travel time includes the last week of July and the first two weeks of August.

However, the busiest time is not always the best time to visit Croatia.

Best time to visit Croatia

The best time of the year to visit Croatia is in June and September . There are far fewer people around (definitely no queues, traffic jams, or crowded beaches), the weather is still warm and sunny, prices are more affordable, and the sea is warm enough to swim in. Another tip: The Sea is usually warmer in September than in June.

Also, remember that Croatia is extremely popular among Germans and Austrians, especially the northern Adriatic regions of Istria and Kvarner. So, crowds (and accommodation prices) tend to increase around German school holidays (like Corpus Christi – it’s either in mid-May to early June or late May to mid-June; it changes from year to year). Ha, but this also means that in the year when German school holidays are in May, hotels often offer special discounts for June. And vice versa.

What to bring to Croatia

We all have our own rules and tricks when it comes to packing. However, we’ll give you a few ideas on what to bring and what to wear in Croatia.

Croatia has four seasons and three distinctive climates: a Mediterranean climate along the coast, a mountain climate on its rugged mountains, and a continental climate inland.

This means that if you are visiting Croatia during the summer, most of your clothes should be light. Nevertheless, a windbreaker jacket, a pair of long pants, and leggings always come in handy. For the rest, take a couple of shorts and tops that you can mix and match or a few casual summer dresses. Don’t forget your beachwear, including swimsuits and cover-ups, water shoes, sunglasses, and a microfiber towel. A pair of sandals and a pair of walking shoes are also a must, as well as a travel money belt .

Also, with luggage restrictions and weight limits, it’s worth investing in lightweight luggage  to travel to Croatia.

As for the rest, don’t forget your photo equipment (with plenty of extra batteries), waterproof phone bag, adapters, converters, and other small things you will find indispensable in Croatia. Croatia uses 220V, 50 Hz frequency, and type C & F plugs. Both are similar plugs with two round prongs with 19 mm between them.

Here is our full post on what to bring and what to wear in Croatia. 

Getting to Croatia

Traveling to Croatia from anywhere in Europe is quite easy. From April through September, many airlines have direct flights from all over Europe to all major Croatian towns. Besides, Split and Zagreb are connected by plane with the rest of Europe throughout the year. For detailed information on flights scheduled to Croatia, consult the CheapOair website.

We’ve also recently found out about Scott’s cheap flights program . They basically search for airline mistakes or intentionally great deals and email them to you. We haven’t used it, but it seems worth a try (they have a free plan too).

You can also travel to Croatia from other European towns by bus . Bus schedules are a bit harder to search for as many bus companies run the service. However, if you want to travel by bus, we highly recommend using the GetByBus website to check and book intercity buses in Croatia and beyond.

You can also check with a local bus station once you are at your destination and can physically walk there. Getting information over the phone or email can be impractical and expensive (yes, they still use automated phone machines that make you wait forever and charge you a fortune for waiting!).

Find out more here:

• Zagreb Bus Station
• Split Bus Station
• Zadar Bus Station

Train connections to and around Croatia are quite limited, and we generally don’t recommend traveling by train to Croatia. However, if you really have to, you can find more information on the Croatian Railways website .

International ferries connect Croatia and Italy. Directferries’ website is the best place to check ferries schedules and book tickets online. Jadrolinija operates Bari to Dubrovnik, Split to Ancona, Split to Bari, and Zadar to Ancona car ferry lines, while Venezialines passenger ferry connects Porec, Rovinj, and Pula with Venice.

Our favorite way to travel around Europe, and to Croatia as well, is by car . Whether it’s your own car or a rental car , it’s the most convenient way to move around Europe.

Getting around Croatia

The best way to travel around Croatia is by car . Croatia is a small country with great roads and nice little villages , totally worth a detour. The only way to really discover the country is to travel by car. We’ve written a full post about driving in Croatia and car rental in Croatia .

Another excellent way to travel around Croatia is by bus . Buses are modern, fast, affordable, and frequent. The islands and Istria are the only places we wouldn’t recommend bus traveling . For the rest, if you can’t travel by car for whatever reason, hop on the bus and enjoy the ride. Use BookAway to check lines and schedules and to book your bus ticket online.

Ferries are still the most popular and sometimes the only way to get to the islands. The main ferry ports include Rijeka, Zadar, and Split, but ferries also depart from smaller coastal towns like Brsecine, Makarska, Drvenik, Orebic, Ploce, and Prapratno. Jadrolinija is the largest ferry operator in Croatia, and its ferries cover most of the routes. You can also book your ferry tickets for some routes online through the Bookaway website .

Public transportation in bigger towns is reliable and efficient. Split, Rijeka, Zadar, Pula, and Dubrovnik use city buses, while Zagreb has an extensive network of electric trams and city buses. Public transport costs around 2€ per ride.

Taxis are generally pricey (except in Zagreb and Rijeka), but since Uber entered the market in 2015, cab rides have become more affordable. UberX is available in most popular tourist towns like Zagreb, Split, Rovinj, Dubrovnik, Zadar, etc… Uber and Cammeo Taxi are the cheapest taxi options in Croatia. However, both companies also adjust their rates to demand dynamically, and rates generally increase during the main tourist season.

Croatia holiday destinations

One of the most common questions is  where to go in Croatia . Many visitors who travel to Croatia for the first time tend to visit the main tourist towns and attractions, like Zagreb, Split, Plitvice, Hvar, and Dubrovnik. However, Croatia has many hidden gems , charming villages , wonderful natural sites , and  beautiful beaches .

Where to go depends heavily on the type of traveler you are, the things you want to do , the time you plan to spend in Croatia, and your budget .

We have written extensive travel guides on the following holiday destinations in Croatia:

• Split Travel Guide
• Dubrovnik Travel Guide
• Zagreb Travel Guide
• Plitvice Lakes Travel Guide
• Hvar Island Travel Guide
• Rovinj Travel Guide
• Porec Travel Guide
• Rabac Travel Guide
• Pula Travel Guide
• Brac Island Travel Guide
• Peljesac Peninsula Travel Guide
• Dalmatia Region Travel Guide
• Dubrovnik Region Travel Guide
• Istria Travel Guide

National parks

Croatia is a small country with a surface of just over 56.000 m2. However, due to its geographical location, geomorphological and ecological conditions, and climate, in terms of biodiversity, Croatia is one of the richest countries in Europe.

The nature here is divine: from the Adriatic sea and high-rising mountains to the plains of Slavonia and the rolling hills of Istria and Zagorje.

The country has eight national parks, ten nature parks, and two strict reserves. Almost 10% of the country’s territory is protected. The national parks of Kornati, Brijuni, and Mljet are located on the islands and are characterized by rich marine life. The Risnjak, Northern Velebit, and Paklenica national parks cover mountainous areas. They all feature interesting limestone rocks, meadows, and vast forests.

Plitvice Lakes, Croatia’s most visited national park, and Krka national park are famed for their lakes, streams, rapids, and waterfalls.

Unesco World Heritage Sites

Croatia doesn’t lack cultural and historical sites. Even ten of them made it to the Unesco World Heritage Sites list.

These sites include The Euphrasian Basilica in Porec, St. James Cathedral in Sibenik, the old town of Trogir, Diocletian Palace in Split, Dubrovnik old town , Stari grad planes on the island of Hvar, Plitvice Lakes, the Venetian Works of Defence from the 16th and 17th centuries in Zadar and Sibenik, Stećci Medieval Tombstone Graveyards in Cista Provo and Konavle, and Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests in national parks Paklenica and Northern Velebit.

With the exception of the Plitvice Lakes, all other sights are located along the coast. Here is our list of 10 Unesco World Heritage Sites in Croatia not to be missed.

Accommodation

We often get asked about the best type of accommodation in Croatia. For this reason, we’ve written a full post on different types of accommodation in Croatia , with their pros and cons.

Croatia offers a variety of accommodations to choose from: hotels, hostels, apartments, villa rentals, and campsites. Which is right for you depends heavily on your travel style and budget.

Croatia is mostly seen as a  4-star family destination . However, some destinations are fancier than others. This is particularly true for Dubrovnik, Hvar Town, and partially Rovinj.

We’ve written extensive guides on accommodation in the following destinations in Croatia:

• Where to stay in Split
• Where to stay in Dubrovnik
• Accommodation in Zagreb
• Where to stay in Rovinj
• The Best Hotels in Rovinj
• Where to stay in Porec
• Plitvice Lakes Accommodation
• Where to stay in Pula
• The 12 Best Makarska Hotels

Hotels in Croatia

A good choice of 5-star hotels you’ll find in Zagreb, Dubrovnik, Rovinj, and Losinj Island. Although some hotels offer an all-inclusive formula, all-inclusive resorts aren’t popular in Croatia. All-inclusive Croatia mostly refers to a full board meal plan with unlimited selected drinks at mealtimes. Many hotels in Croatia offer a half-board meal plan , and dinner often comes cheap when purchased as a part of a room rate.

Booking.com is by far the most popular website for browsing and booking hotels in Croatia. They offer the most flexible booking policy and offer the most choice of properties. You can also check the hotel’s official website. Sometimes hotels offer special deals available only through their website.

Apartments in Croatia

Many Croatians rent apartments to tourists. Apartments are a good alternative to hotels. They are cheaper, offer more space, and come with a fully-equipped kitchen.

Apartment rentals, just like hotels, need to be licensed and get an official star rating. The most popular websites for apartment rentals in Croatia are Booking.com and Airbnb.

Villas in Croatia

Another popular and emerging type of accommodation is villa rentals . Mostly located off the big tourist resorts, these villas offer peace and quiet, and lots of privacy. Besides, villas come with a pool where you can chill all day long.

Croatia is also a very popular camping destination . There are lots of campsites all along the coast, and just a few of them are in continental Croatia.

Popular campsites in Croatia include Lanterna in Porec , Valkanela in Vrsar, Polari in Rovinj, Park Umag, and Zaton near Zadar. The best place to make yourself familiar with Croatian campsites is the Camping.hr website, an official website of the Croatian Camping Association.

Many of our readers reach out to us with a question about driving in Croatia, road condition, and safety on Croatian roads. Croatian roads are in very good condition. A fairly new multi-lane motorway connects Zagreb to the north and Rijeka to the northwest with Ploce in the south.

Tolls apply on all multi-lane motorways named with the letter A, as well as on some tunnels (eg. Ucka tunnel between Rijeka & Istria), etc. A one-way fee from Zagreb to Split (approx. 400 km) costs 24 € (25 $)*.

Besides motorways, you can also travel on toll-free state roads. These roads are also in good condition, but a single carriageway road, with a single lane for each direction, and some of them, particularly a coastal road D1, are winding.

*prices checked in January 2023

Renting a car

The best way to explore Croatia is by car. And if you don’t travel in your own car, don’t shy away from renting a car in Croatia. You’ll be able to take in the sights; travel off the beaten path; see more in less time, and have the freedom to stop wherever and whenever you feel.

Car rental in Croatia is very  seasonal . This simply means that you’ll need to secure your car rental well in advance if you plan on visiting Croatia in July and August. This also means that  rental prices  increase dramatically in these two summer months. We recommend using Rentalcars.com for your car rental in Croatia.

Tourist registration

All tourists staying in Croatia need to be registered at a local tourist office. And non-EU citizens will also be automatically registered with the police.

This is the reason why during the check-in process at any hotel, private accommodation, or campsite, you’ll be requested to show (and often leave until the next morning) your passport or an ID card.

We love food in Croatia. It’s varied, fresh, local, and tasty. In continental Croatia, people eat lots of meat, while a diet in coastal regions is heavily based on fish, other seafood, and green veggies.

As a traveler, you might also make some false assumptions based on food offered in touristy restaurants along the coast. These restaurants often offer what tourists ask for, and not necessarily typical Croatian dishes.

One of the most popular posts on our blog is our post on must-try Croatian dishes . Make sure to read it so you don’t miss some of the local specialties.

We also give a couple of tips on where to find local, delicious, and cheap eats in Croatia .

And don’t miss our ultimate list of the best places to eat in Croatia . Istrian restaurants rank the highest on this list.

Tap water is safe to drink in Croatia. However, if you still prefer to drink bottled water, bear in mind that bottled water is extremely expensive here. For instance, a 1.5 L bottle of natural water costs around 0.9 € in a supermarket, three times more expensive than in Italy. You can find cheaper bottled water in Lidl, and Eurospin supermarkets.

The legal drinking age in Croatia is 18. Among alcoholic drinks, wines, beer, and spirits are very popular in Croatia.

Drinking usually takes place at cafe bars, serving any kind of drinks, from coffee, and tea, to wine, beer, and any alcoholic drinks. Cafes work all day, opening as early as 6 am, and closing usually around midnight. Nightclubs, pubs, and some bars work until 4 am.

Local wines are good. In the last two decades, many small, family-run wineries have set high standards in the production of quality wines made of indigenous grape varieties, like Malvazija, a dry white wine produced in Istria , or Plavac Mali, a red variety dominating vineyards of the southern Dalmatia .

Croatians also drink lots of beer , but you’ll hardly find an exciting choice of beers here in Croatia (not the case any longer, the craft beer scene in Croatia is now super exciting! ). The most popular mass-produced local beers are Karlovacko and Ozujsko, both light-lager types. In recent years many microbreweries started putting on the market a more appealing craft beer, like San Servolo , LAB, or Zmajska Pivovara .

Spirits are very popular in Croatia, and they come in a variety of flavors. Here they are called rakija . The basic one is most often produced from grapes (called Loza), but then they are flavored with different ingredients. The most popular are travarica (herb brandy), medica (honey brandy), orahovaca (walnut brandy), visnja (cherry brandy), mirta (myrtle brandy), and rogac (carob brandy).

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance covers all kinds of situations if things go wrong: from luggage loss, to trip cancellation, to medical assistance.

If you are an EU citizen then your European Medical Insurance Card covers your basic medical needs and emergency medical care. However, it doesn’t cover emergency transport to your home country.

Non-EU citizens are advised to check with their embassies for what level of medical care they are covered in Croatia, as it heavily depends on the bilateral and reciprocal agreement between the countries.

For other damages like document and baggage loss, loss of belongings, and trip cancellation, you’ll definitely need to purchase travel insurance. There are many travel insurance companies offering different insurance options and packages. You can compare all your options using a website like Travel Insurance Review .

We recommend buying travel insurance from Safety Wing . Available to people from the majority of countries (only sanctioned countries are exempt) it’s designed for all kinds of travelers. And it covers overseas medical, evacuation, baggage, and a range of travel misadventures and delays. And, one child up to 10 years of age is included in an adult’s policy free of charge. You can buy it and claim it online , even after you’ve left home.

Tours and activities

Croatia offers a lot of activities to do for all ages and all year round. The country is rich in history, natural beauty, ancient towns, wonderful architecture, pristine beaches, and rugged mountains.

Foodies will enjoy exploring restaurants in Croatia, especially in Istria, Zagreb, Dubrovnik , and Split . Croatia produces some of the world’s best extra virgin olive oils (if you wonder why you should care, read Tom Mueller’s book Extra Virginity: the sublime and scandalous world of olive oil ). There are lots of places where you can go for an  olive oil tasting , and learn how to distinguish the real stuff from the crap. A visit to a winery  is a must in Croatia, particularly in Istria.

Tisno on the island of Murter, Novalja on the island of Pag, and the town of Hvar offer 24 h partying for the young and restless.

Outdoor enthusiasts will love Omis, Paklenica, and Cicarija. They all offer an endless choice of adventures  to enjoy.

We’ve written a full post on  things to do in Croatia . You can also check the Get Your Guide website for a full list of tours and activities in Croatia.

Itineraries

We are often asked to suggest or revise a proposed itinerary for Croatia. So here are a few things to bear in mind when planning your Croatian itinerary.

Although the country is relatively small, it’s long (from Umag in the northwest to Dubrovnik in the south there is over 700 km), and it’s not that quick to travel from north or west to the south.

If you plan to visit Croatia for less than a week , we highly recommend you pick up one destination and stick to it. Do day trips from there , but don’t pretend to visit the entire country in less than a week. Also, in July and August, you need to take into account possible traffic jams, and congestion on the roads, as well as queues for ferries.

If you stay a week or ten days , you can include a few highlights in your itinerary, like Zagreb, Plitvice, Split, and Dubrovnik.

Suggested week itineraries

a | Zagreb – Plitvice Lakes – Split – Hvar – Dubrovnik

b | Dubrovnik – Peljesac Peninsula – Korcula – Split – Zagreb

c | Zagreb – Plitvice Lakes – Istria

Suggested two-week itineraries

a | Zagreb – Opatija – Istria – Plitvice Lakes – Zadar – Krka Waterfalls – Split – Brac Island – Korcula – Peljesac – Dubrovnik

If you prefer to join a group tour, we highly recommend checking tours proposed via Tour Radar. They have a classical coach and boat tours, but they also have a great choice of adventure, cycling, and various themed tours.

Here are a few suggested group tours found on Tour Radar:

Croatia & Adriatic Cruise

This 11-day tour gives you the best of continental Croatia and the Adriatic. The tour starts in Zagreb, and ends in Split, with a visit to 10 other destinations in between. We like that this tour takes you to the Peljesac Peninsula, one of our favorite regions in Croatia. You also get to see Korcula, Hvar, Elafiti Islands and Mljet islands. The small cruise ship can fit 30 passengers in air-conditioned cabins.

Check availability and prices!

Best of Croatia and Slovenia

This 11-day discovery coach tour starts in Zagreb and ends in Dubrovnik. However, it’s packed full of exciting destinations in Croatia, and neighboring Slovenia including Ljubljana, Bled, Rovinj, Opatija, Plitvice, Trogir, Split, and Peljesac peninsula. You will get to see many great destinations in a short period of time, while still having ample time on your own. The tour also includes one special “Be my guest” dinner where you get a chance to experience a traditional meal with a local family.

Croatia Island Hopper from Split

This 8-day island hopping tour operated by G Adventures is one of the most popular tours in Croatia on Tour Radar. The boat tour starts and ends in Dubrovnik with stops in Hvar, Mljet, Korcula, Brac, and Solta.

Cycling the Dalmatian Coast

A small group tour takes you from Split to Dubrovnik in 8 days on your bicycle. The tour provides accommodation, meals, and transportation. You’ll get a chance to test your cycling abilities in Hvar and Korcula Island, along the Peljesac peninsula and Dubrovnik. The tour is intended for all levels of cyclists. The scenery along the route is lovely.

When you think of shopping, Croatia doesn’t necessarily come to mind. However, there are a couple of awesome things to buy in Croatia.

Croatian artisan olive oils are some of the best in the world. Croatian design and concept stores are also making momentum; check the Take Me Home store in Zagreb or Prostoria in Rovinj for some original souvenirs, accessories, unique clothes, bags, and jewelry.

We’ve written a full post on the subject: Croatian souvenirs: fun, cool, and authentic . Don’t forget a high-end tie store – Kravata Croata .

Open markets , where you can buy fresh produce, are popular in Croatia. The largest national supermarket chain is Konzum. Other popular supermarkets in Croatia include Lidl, Kaufland, Plodine, and Spar.

Supermarkets are open throughout the day, Monday to Saturday. On Sunday some shops are open all day, particularly in shopping centers, while downtown shops often close at 1 pm or 3 pm. In summer, along the coast, shops are open seven days a week, and often as late as midnight.

Is Croatia a safe place?

Croatia is a very safe country with very little street crime and almost no violence. However, as everywhere, take care of your belongings, especially when using public transport.

Land mines are still present but in remote areas where tourists rarely visit anyway.

Croatia travel guide: Internet

The Internet in Croatia is widely available. WiFi coverage is pretty good, with many towns offering free wifi hot spots at prominent places in a town. Most of the private accommodations, as well as hotels, and even campsites, offer a free WiFi internet connection.

However, the broadband internet in Croatia isn’t as fast as you are perhaps used to. At least it’s not as fast everywhere in Croatia. In bigger towns, the internet is fast, easily available, and reliable. According to Speedtest.net , Croatia has the 22nd fastest download speed for mobile internet in the whole world. But, the fixed broadband is pretty slow (Croatia takes 89th place on the global scale).

The average internet download speed in Croatia in March 2023 was 71,16 Mbps for mobile, and 45,61 Mbps for fixed broadband.

Roaming charges

Since the summer of 2017, roaming surcharges within EU countries don’t exist longer. This means that, if you are with any EU mobile provider, you will pay the same prices for data, calls, and SMS as you would pay back home.

How free is free? You need to check with your provider what’s the amount of roaming data within the EU. For example, we have a flat rate for internet data in our mobile phone rate package. But, when we spent two months in Spain in the winter of 2022, we realized that we have only 10 GB of data free of charge in other EU countries.

So while the roaming data is free in the EU, the free data isn’t unlimited. Anyways, 10 GB is pretty enough, unless you are binge-watching Netflix shows for hours at times. I hope you don’t do that on vacation!

However, roaming charges for other countries are still pretty high. You can purchase some of the mobile operators’ packages either in your home country or in Croatia.

In Croatia, Telemach sells 10-days unlimited surfing for less than 11 € while T-com sells 7-days unlimited surfing for 11€ . It includes nano, micro, or SMS card. You can buy these packages at gas stations, newsstands, T-com or Telemach centers, and Croatian post offices.

The Airalo eSim packages are a good alternative to local SIM providers. We always use Airalo when traveling abroad.

Is Croatia part of the EU & Schengen visa regiment

As of January 1, 2023, Croatia is a member of Schengen, and thus it is a part of the Schengen visa regiment. This means that there aren’t border or customs controls between Croatia and other Schengen member countries for people crossing the borders by road, rail, or water. However, border and customs controls at the airports will stay in place until March 2023.

If you have a valid Schengen visa, you don’t need a separate visa to visit Croatia and vice versa. This also means that visiting Croatia and the days spent here will count toward 90 days maximum stay within 180 days for your Schengen visa.

When crossing into and out of the non-EU, and non-Schengen countries, you’ll still need to show your documents at the border, and vice versa. These include Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, and Montenegro.

The sea and sun are still two main reasons for so many people to visit Croatia. Croatia has over 6.000 km of coastline and over 1.000 islands. The two most popular coastal regions are Istria to the north and Dalmatia to the south.

The Croatian coast is mostly rocky with pebble beaches mostly formed in coves and bays. Makarska Riviera, located in central Dalmatia, offers  the most beautiful beaches in all of Croatia . Perfectly round and small pebbles that feel almost like sand but that don’t stick on you forever.

The sea is limpid and clear, you can often see the seabed from far away. My in-laws have a seafront property in Komarna , in southern Dalmatia, and I can see the fish swim in the sea from the third floor of their house.

So, if you search for that perfect sandy beach, you might get disappointed with the beaches in Croatia. Although there are some sandy beaches here too, they are simply not a Croatian thing.

In Istria, the coast is a bit rougher than in Dalmatia, and pebbles are rare to find. However, the beaches here feel less crowded, due to the well-preserved coastline.

Parking in Croatia

If you travel to and around Croatia by car, you might wonder about the parking situation in Croatia. Generally speaking the majority of hotels and private accommodations offer a parking spot free of charge.

However, bear in mind that city centers are usually car-free zones or have limited car traffic. If your accommodation is within the city center enquire about parking before booking.

There are three types of parking: garage parking, open-air parking lots, and street parking. Expect to pay around 1.1 € to 1.6 € per hour in town centers. However, some parking is more expensive, like parking at Riva in Split which cost 4 € an hour; then, in Dubrovnik, where you will pay for an hour of parking in Zone 0 as much as 10 €.

We talk more in-depth about parking in our destination guides . Don’t forget to check them once you decide on your destination .

Do people speak English in Croatia?

You don’t speak Croatian? No worries, most Croatians speak at least some English, and many speak at least another foreign language. Besides English, German and Italian are the most widely spoken languages in Croatia.

Is Croatia expensive to travel to?

Croatia isn’t a cheap place to visit. It’s more expensive than the neighboring countries, like Bosnia & Herzegovina, Serbia, or Hungary.

Generally speaking, continental Croatia and Zagreb, in particular, keep prices moderate to, I would dare to say, even cheap.  However, the coast is mostly expensive, and the prices tend to increase year after year.

That said, if you travel on a tight budget, you can still keep it under control. Stay away from top destinations (visit them but sleep somewhere else), come in the off-season, explore places off-the-beaten-path, forget hotels, choose instead an apartment with a fully-equipped kitchen and prepare your own meals, ask locals for good value restaurants, etc.

Check our budget tips for traveling in Croatia , and also a post on the total Croatia trip cost .

Tipping in Croatia

People often ask us what’s tipping etiquette in Croatia. In short, tipping isn’t necessary but it is widely appreciated and accepted.

The majority of Croatians, in bars and restaurants, simply round up the bill. We on the other hand, out of habit, always leave around 10%, and only if we are satisfied with the service.

If you are taking a group bus tour, someone will usually collect the tips for the driver and the guide at the end of the tour. Here, usually, people chip in on what they feel is appropriate.

What time zone Croatia is in?

Croatia belongs to the Central European Time Zone, meaning it is one hour ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time), and two hours ahead of GMT when daylight saving time is observed.

Daylight saving time makes us move our watches one hour ahead. It takes place from the last Sunday in March until the last Sunday in October.

Find here the time differences between some major towns when compared to Croatia:

• Barcelona: 0
• London: – 1 hour
• Montreal: – 6 hours
• New York City: -6 hours
• L.A.: -9 hours
• Chicago: -7 hours
• Tokyo: +7 hours
• Sydney: +8 hours

If you are traveling from overseas, you will certainly experience jet lag when visiting Croatia. You can check this no-jet lag homeopathic remedy to ease your symptoms.

How much is VAT in Croatia and is it refundable?

At the moment, VAT in Croatia is 25% for the majority of products. If you are a foreigner without permanent or temporary residence in Croatia, you can ask for a tax refund for all purchases above 100 €.

Ask the salesperson for the tax-free form at the moment of purchase. Fill it up, get it stamped right there, and then again at the airport, or at the border by a customs officer. You have six months from the purchase date to claim your VAT return by mailing it back to the shop where you originally bought the item.

Another way to achieve a VAT tax refund is to look for shops that are part of the Global Blue Tax-Free service . They all have a sign displayed in the window along with the working hours, and credit cards that they accept. The procedure is similar (fill up the tax-free form and get it stamped at the shop, and at the airport), but the refund is quicker and can be obtained already at the airport, in Global Blue’s office.

Croatia plugs, adapters, and converters

Croatia uses 220V, 50 Hz frequency, and standard European type C & F plugs. Both are similar plugs with two round prongs with 19 mm between the two.

If the plugs of your devices are different,  you will certainly need an adapter in order to charge them. You can find one here.

While adapters will help you use your plugs in Croatia, converters will help transform voltages from higher to smaller or vice versa. If you need a converter you can easily buy one on Amazon .

Recommended travel guides

• Fodor’s Croatia Travel Guide (we are co-authors!).
• Lonely Planet Croatia Travel Guide  
• Rick Steves Croatia & Slovenia

Further reading from our Croatia travel guide

• Croatia Travel Guide: Things To Do In Croatia
• Ultimate Guide To Accommodation In Croatia
• Packing List For Vacation In Croatia
• How To Choose Your Destination In Croatia
• Where to go in Croatia: best places to visit in Croatia
• Car Rental In Croatia
• Driving In Croatia
• Cost of Travel To Croatia
• Croatia On Budget: Money-saving Tips 
• Outdoor Activities in Croatia
• 49 Awesome Beaches In Croatia
• Snorkeling In Croatia
• White Water Rafting In Croatia
• 20 Must-Try Foods In Croatia

We hope you’ve found our Croatia Travel Guide useful. Is there anything else you’d like to know? Let us know in the comments below.

Frankaboutcroatia.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. This post might also contain affiliate links to other sites, like accommodation or activities. And if you purchase anything using these links, we earn a little commission with no extra costs for you. Thank you for supporting our blog! Read full disclaimer here.

Home / Croatia Travel Tips / Croatia Travel Guide: Things To Know Before Traveling To Croatia

48 thoughts on “Croatia Travel Guide: Things To Know Before Traveling To Croatia”

Love your blog. A lot of useful info.

We’re thinking of coming in mid-October to November 4. Will tourist sites still be open in that first week of November?

Thanks for your input.

I am Croatian and I must say, epic post!

Hi we plan to travel to Croatia in July 2020. I am trying to convince my husband to rent a car but he is worried about driving in a foreign country. Can you give any opinion on this topic? I am more worried about the inconsistency of travelling by train and having to wait and plan with the transportation schedules, as well as carrying luggage everywhere.

Hi Marcia, this is the exact reason why we suggest that you take your charges in Kuna. Because your credit card doesn’t charge you a transaction fee. If you take it in your home country, then Croatian bank will charge the transaction fee, or rather they will use the less favorable exchange rate, so they make money. Just keep it in the local currency, even more so if your credit card doesn’t charge these fees. Hope this helps.

You stated that it is probably best to request credit charges be made in kuna, rather than US currency. If my credit card does not charge a foreign transaction fee, would that still be true?

Firstly, congratulations on your brilliant web site, so helpful to first time visitors to Croatia. We are staying on Korcula at the end of September, would you recommend booking the ferry, and if so which is the best web site to use?

It all depends. Zagreb is ok for a day or two, Split for two or three, the same goes for Dubrovnik, or Rovinj.

Thanks for all the info. We are coming from Canada for a 10 day stay beginning of July. We fly in & out of Zagreb but want to see Split & go up north for a bit too to see some family birthplaces. How much time do you recommend for each city stay & absolute must sees while we are there?

Epic post Frank! I’ve spent the last couple of summers sailing around Croatia and think it’s incredible. Favorite island is most probably Kos. Have some great memories of playing cricket with some of the locals. Cant wait to get back!

What is the best option to travel from Zagreb to Venice

This was amazing and super helpful! For first timers going to Croatia (about a week) where do you recommend going? Was planning for a July trip, but your post sort of scared me to be mentally prepared ha!

Do you ever work with readers to come up with an itinerary?

This was super helpful! Thanks!

Great info…thank you very much. My Bride and I will be in Croatia from Sep 11 to Sep 20. We will arriving in Dubrovnik and leaving from Zagreb. We are planing to stay 3 days in Dubrovnik, 3 in Split and 2 in Zagreb. Would you recommend any changes to this and what places around those three cities are a must? We will have a car. We love waterfronts, small (Mom & Pop) licensed restaurants, some beach time and sightseeing. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Mário & Fatima Sousa…….Mississauga, Canada

Hi Frank! Thank you for all of the info. I am a bit overwhelmed. My husband, 2 adult daughters and I are planning our trip to Croatia in late May/early June 2019 for a week to 10 days. We love adventures! What itinerary would you suggest?

Great info, thank you. We are planning our trip for Sept/Oct 2019, touring around Croatia and neighboring countries for 2 weeks. Planning on staying just outside of Zagreb, Split and Dubrovnik. We are travelling from Canada, renting a car and booking Apartments and BnB’s. Wondering if there would be any significant differences between September and October for weather, costs, tourism, crowds, etc. Thanks in advance.

Your blog is really helpful.

We are from India and we are planning to visit croatia in the last week of february, 2019. And we are majorly looking to cover North (Alps, Gorski Kotar) and South (the beaches and other popular places).

Since we are not fully aware of the weather conditions in Feb, I wanted to ask whether it is decent enough to travel in feb? without any complications brought in by weather?

I am planning a week-long trip to Croatia in September with 8 young adult family members. Is it best to go from city to city staying in a hotel, rent a villa one place and do day trips or rent a boat and go down the coast? Amy

In Septemeber everything should still be open. No worries.

I always go with 10% when in restaurants. As for the rest, you give what you feel. Normally, you collect from the entire group and you give it at the end of trip if you were happy with the service. I am not aware that there is a tipping rule for drivers and guides as for how much should you tip. You basically tip what you feel they deserve.

There is plenty things for kids to do. If I knew where exactly you go, I could have provided more info

Porec, Rovinj, Bol, Brela

thanks for sharing, Lynn! Great clip, it shows well what to expect. However, most of the video is made in the northern part of the road, between Rijeka and Zadar.

Thanks for reading, May! Hope you had a great time in Croatia.

Haven’t been there, Kass. Sorry!

great! let us know if we can help with anything

Have fun, and drop us a line if you have a question

You can stay in Zagreb for a day, Plitvice either for a day or in transit from Zagreb to Split, Hvar for 2-3 days if you want to visit the entire island; otherwise book an island tour from Split. So if you only want to stay in two or three of these towns, make it Zagreb, SPlit and Dubrovnik, because they are best located to do day trips elsewhere.

Thanks for all the great advice. For a two week holiday, can you suggest which towns to stay in? I’d love to visit Zagreb, Plitvice, KrKra, Split, Hvar and Dubrovnik. I’d like to stay in two or three places and do the rest from there.

Great blog. Thanks for the info. We – fellow Canadians – plan to spend Jan to Mar 2019 in Croatia, basically in the Trogir area. We’d appreciate any further thoughts you’d wish to pass on.

I would like to know about tipping in Croatia for bus drivers and tour guides. Our travel club is bring a group to Croatia in May 2019.

Hi..We are planning to visit next year..Have children who will be agedelivered 11 and 13..are there things for them to do?

Hi there. Thanks for all the information. So useful! Question re timing. I would head over in the September holidays to beat the crowds but want to check most of the bars etc are still open all year round. Sometimes in countries like Japan where we lived for 8 years they are very strict on seasons and so going outside (even slightly) means u go to a great beach bar only to find it closed. Thanks

Thank you for your blog and the very valuable information you provide. My family (a total of 16 of us) are visiting Croatia at the end of this month. 3 of us are from BC Canada so it has been even more exciting to hear what you have to share.

Hello Just found your blog and its just what i,m after, so much information. I am visiting Croatia next month with my son, we are staying near Trogir. I was going to take kuna but you say most places take Euros? I have rented a car and plan to travel around a bit. Thanks Karl

I am watching the World Cup finaland cheering for the team! I decided to visit the beautiful country in 2019 with my family. Look forward to it!

We’re going in September to visit Lokve, where my husband’s people are from. Have you been there? Can you tell us anything about it? Thanks!

We are currently in Croatia and it is just beautiful. The water shades from turquoise to deep blue and the rocky hills provide a beautiful contrast in the landscape.

We stayed rather in the south and we took the E65 coastal road. If you have time to spare and you are not in a hurry, I recommend this road compared to the highway. I wish I could describe it but I will never be able to narrate the full picture, so I made a short clip on our journey that I wish to share.

It is on YouTube — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKEiQI4NOos&t=60s

Hello, very nice blog of yours! I was wondering what area you would suggest a family of four to stay in. A place that is child friendly and filled with entertainment is something I had in mind, but would like to know what places wold exactly fit my needs. Thank you!

Hi there, me and my husband have been trawling the internet looking for ideas of where to visit with our two children (2 & 9 years) and we’ve stumbled upon your AMAZING site. It’s literally a godsend!! Please could i pick your brains and ask where you would best recommend? We love the beach, history and lovely food!! Any advice would be so gratefully recived!

Hi, loving the information on your website. We are coming to Croatia for 2 weeks from the 6th of September, and are wondering if you think we need to pre-book accommodation or should we be able to book a few days in advance? Cheers, Karen

Hi Frank, just found your website and love it. My husband and I will be vacationing from US to Croatia from Sept. 5 to 19. First time. Don’t plan on seeing the entire country on this visit but would like a few highlights. We will land in Split and leave from Dubrovnik. Are there any and can you recommend a private tour guide company?

Hi – so glad I stumbled upon your wonderful post ! We are thinking of travelling to valamar island in July . I am concerned it will be very busy and hugely commercial ? X

Hi Colleen, if you would like to receive our newsletter, please sign up for it through the website. Let us know if we can help with anything regarding your upcoming trip to Croatia.

Frank, Please add me to your list. I plan to visit this wonderful country in 2019. Colleen

Hi. Will be in Croatia July 17-31. We’d love to book a 3-5 day sailing or yacht trip around the islands. Possibly start and end in Split. Do you have any recommendations?

I have been to Croatia with my mum last year and this charming country won our hearts, Frank! I still haven’t crossed Dubrovnik off my bucket list, but your post was truly inspiring. I guess now I have plenty of more reasons to explore magnificent Croatia!

Really enjoy your detailed travel guide! My gf and I (early/mid 20’s) are traveling to Dubrovnik, Croatia next week and we plan to rent a car for about 10-11 days. Our plan is do explore the coast of Croatia, spend some time in several cities and eventually make our way to Slovenia where we’ll return the car.

Do you have any advice with regard to having the “luggage” of the car, and doing trips to islands and etc.? We want the car to have the flexibility, but we may not use it EVERY day. We also don’t want to try and pack too much into the week and a half we are in Croatia. There is the potential we stay longer, but we thought it may be neat to make our way up to Slovenia, spend a few days there then make our way to Austria for a week.

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Hi guys, we love your blog and passion for Croatia. We are a family run business, that runs 3 adventure bases in Croatia. We only employ local staff and follow green responsible policies. We would love to talk about working with you. Whats your best mobile number?

Leave a Comment

Touropia Travel

Discover the World

10 Best Places to Visit in Croatia

By Becky Griswold · Last updated on May 6, 2024

Located in the Balkans, Croatia has become one of Europa’s top tourist destination again since its War of Independence in the late 1990s. Like much of Europe, Croatia boasts its share of medieval cities and historic ruins, but what makes this country exceptional is its wealth of stunning natural attractions such as the Plitvice Lakes, the spectacular Adriatic coastlines and gorgeous islands .

Dubrovnik, is the darling of Croatia’s tourism scene, thanks to a scenic, medieval-era old town jutting out into the water itself. Further north along the coast is Split, famous as the spot where Roman emperor Diocletian built himself a nice little palace almost 1,700 years ago.

Further inland, you’ll find the capital Zagreb, with its neoclassical buildings and hiking opportunities at the beautiful Krka National Park. Plan your trip to this beautiful European travel destination with our list of the best places to visit in Croatia.

10. Krka National Park [SEE MAP]

Located in Central Dalmatia of Croatia, the Krka National Park is a protected area of spectacular natural scenery, wildlife and historic sites. Situated along the Krka River within Sibinik-Knin County, the national park is best known for its numerous gushing waterfalls and natural pools of clear, blue-green waters.

Easily reached by car and bus from Split to Sibinik, the national park offers well-maintained walkways and boat excursions for getting around. The most popular attraction of the park is the network of cascading waterfalls. The most admired of these are Skradinski buk and Roški Slap.

Many trails lead right around the waterfalls, presenting fabulous photo opportunities. Some of the falls plunge into natural pools, which are available for swimming. In addition to the waterfalls, the surrounding scenery of lush vegetation, flowers and glimpses of wildlife such as birds and dragonflies enhance the beauty of the park.

Also within the park are other places to go such as historic monasteries and archaeological sites of Roman settlements and medieval fortresses. What’s more, there are plenty of tourist facilities such as museums, picnic areas and restaurants.

9. Zagreb [SEE MAP]

The capital and largest city of Croatia, Zagreb is a vibrant metropolis packed with both historic and modern tourist attractions. Located in northwestern Croatia, the city dates back to the 2nd century AD when a diocese was first established by Hungarian King Ladislaus. Today, Zargreb is a sprawling cosmopolitan city and the heart of Croatian culture, academics and government.

The city is divided into an Upper and Lower Town, with Upper Town being the historic core where tourists can walk down cobblestone streets and visit old, medieval churches, towers and palaces.

Some of the city’s most important sites include the Stone Gate with a painting of the Virgin Mary, which survived a major fire in 1731. Ban Jelacic Square is the city’s main square and is the setting of historic architecture and restaurants. The traditional open-air market, Dolac Market, features many stalls selling fresh produce, clothing and local handicrafts. Along the Strossmayer’s Walkway, tourists can see artists, musicians and other street performers.

8. Korcula [SEE MAP]

Best known as the alleged birthplace of the famous merchant traveler, Marco Polo, Korcula is a 30-mile (50 km) island located off Croatia’s Adriatic Coast. Easily reached by ferries from major Croatian cities like Split and Dubrovnik, Korucla Island is steeped in picturesque landscapes, quaint towns, rich history and enchanting traditions.

Korcula is comprised of lush green forests, vineyards, olive groves and charming villages such as Blato, known for its baroque churches and long boulevard of lime trees, shops, restaurants and hotels. Popular for its sandy white beaches, Lambarda also features several archaeological remains of Greek and Roman settlements. The island’s main town, Korucla Town, is a historic, walled town with Venetian Renaissance architecture, colorful markets and plenty of tourist facilities.

Unique to Korcula are its lively cultural traditions and festivals that have been practiced for centuries. Most famous of these is the Kumpanija ritual involving chivalry dances and mock medieval battles with real swords. Another of the island’s popular events is the Marco Polo Fest, a pop music celebration held in honor of the historic explorer.

Korcula’s cuisine is among its top attractions. While there is a variety of international restaurants located throughout the island, the local staples of lamb, cured ham and fresh seafood grilled with olive oil and parsley should be experienced. Also not to be missed are the island’s indigenous wines, Posip and Rukatac.

7. Pula [SEE MAP]

Located at the southern tip of the Istria peninsula in the Adriatic Sea, Pula is a popular destination that has been attracting tourists as far back as ancient Roman times when fans flocked the city’s amphitheater to watch gladiator fights. Having been ruled by various government powers over the centuries, Pula today belongs to Croatia, and is best known for its wealth of Roman ruins and mix of cultures.

Pula is a vibrant city offering plenty to see and do. The city’s star attraction is the 1st century Roman amphitheater. Known as the Arena, the amphitheater is one of the largest and best-preserved of its kind in the world. Every July, the Arena is host to the Pula Film Festival. Other significant historic structures include the old city gates, arches, monasteries, a Byzantine chapel, a Venetian fortress and the Forum, the city’s main square, which is surrounded by Roman architecture and temples.

Pula’s natural beauty of rolling countryside and sun-kissed beaches offer outdoor fun and adventure. The nearby Brijuni National Park and farming villages are also great places to visit, while the turquoise coastal waters and sandy beaches offer fishing, sailing, swimming, snorkeling and diving among ancient vessels and World War I warships.

6. Zadar [SEE MAP]

A three thousand-year old city situated on a beautiful coastline rich in history is sure to draw tourists. Such a city is Zadar, located on Croatia’s northern Dalmatian Coast. Zadar could be called the ideal tourist getaway because it offers plenty to see and do without all the crowds of other popular destinations.

At the heart of the city is its Old Town, which can be explored by foot. The historic district offers fantastic sightseeing attractions including Roman ruins, medieval architecture and numerous old churches. Some of the city’s most popular sites are the Roman Forum, the circular St. Donat’s Church, 12th century St. Anastasia Cathedral, the Archaeological Museum and the University of Zadar, which is one of the oldest in Europe.

Besides the Old Town, tourists will find a string of beautiful beaches all along Zadar’s coastline where they can sunbathe, swim and enjoy a variety of water sports. Two unique attractions that are not to be missed in Zadar are the Sea Organ and the Sun Salutation, man-made marvels that use nature to create impressive light and sound experiences. Situated on Zadar’s beautiful seaside promenade, the Sea Organ allows the sea to make its own music as waves push air through 35 underground pipes. After absorbing energy from the sun all day, the Sun Salutation produces a colorful light show at night.

5. Rovinj [SEE MAP]

It may appear to be a quiet fishing village on the surface, but Rovinj’s old world charm and surrounding natural beauty make it a leading tourist destination. Located on Croatia’s Istrian peninsula in the Adriatic Sea, Rovinj is an archipelago of 20 islands with its Old Town set on a small peninsula. Historic sites, beautiful landscapes, fabulous dining and modern tourist facilities are just some of Rovinj’s many treasures.

Narrow streets of cobblestone, stairways, arches and other interesting architecture make the Old Town a sightseeing adventure. Some of the Old Town’s historic gems include seven medieval city gates, the 12th century town clock, the Balbi Arch and St. Euphemia’s Basilica, an imposing baroque church packed with many stunning art works. Also worth seeing are the Valdibora Farmer’s Market, the scenic harbor, Carrera Street with its many shops and art galleries, and Grisia Street, which is lined with artists and souvenir vendors.

Outside the Old Town, Rovinj is surrounded by spectacular landscapes that provide plenty of outdoor recreation. Rovinj’s beaches are regarded as some of Croatia’s most beautiful. The calm coves present excellent opportunities for swimming and scuba diving, while the outlying islands offer scenic wonders like pristine forests, the Lim Fjord and the Zlatni Rt Forest Park where visitors can enjoy hiking, cycling, rock climbing and more.

4. Split [SEE MAP]

Nicknamed the “Mediterranean Flower,” Croatia’s second-largest city, Split, is located on a peninsula off the Dalmatian Coast. Its old Roman architecture and orange-roofed houses create a striking contrast with the turquoise sea and dramatic coastal mountains. Abundant sunshine, impressive sights, dining and nightlife all make Split a popular tourist destination. What’s more, the buzzing city serves as a transportation hub to many of the Adriatic islands.

The city’s main attraction is its historic core of beautiful Gothic and Renaissance architecture of which the Diocletian’s Palace is the crown jewel. Built between 298 and 305 AD, this Roman Emperor palace complex is more like a small city itself with a maze of marble walkways and buildings containing shops, cafes and bars. Inside the palace are many other striking structures like St. Duje’s Cathedral, Jupiter’s Temple, Peristil Square and two original Egyptian sphinx monuments.

Outside the historic center, tourists will find plenty to see and do including strolling along the seaside promenade, shopping at the lively Green Market, swimming at Bacvice beach, hiking and cycling on the scenic Marjan hill and watching football at the Poljud Stadium.

3. Plitvice National Park [SEE MAP]

One of the most beautiful natural wonders in Croatia and all of Europe, the Plitvice National Park consists of several breathtaking lakes, waterfalls and lush forest. The park’s most notable features are the 16 interconnecting lakes that are divided into upper and lower clusters.

Formed by natural travertine dams, the lakes range in distinct colors from turquoise to blue, green and gray. Visitors can explore the lakes and surrounding area by walking along the assortment of wooden walkways as well as by boat.

2. Hvar [SEE MAP]

One of the most popular tourist destinations in the Adriatic Sea, Hvar is a beautiful Croatian island off the Dalmatian Coast, favored for its landscapes of spectacular beaches, lavender fields and lush vineyards.

Hvar’s main city, Hvar Town, is an attractive city, featuring 13th century walls, marble stone streets, Gothic palaces, stunning churches and an imposing old fortress. The town square is one of Croatia’s largest and most beautiful, surrounded by many historic structures like the 17th century Arsenal and the Cathedral of St. Stephen.

The natural beauty of the island offers outdoor recreation and adventure, from hiking in the cliffs to swimming in the secluded coves and beaches. Boat rentals and tours are available for those wishing to explore the nearby Pakleni Islands. Archaeological sites on the island offer views of ancient artifacts and insight into Hvar’s Neolithic history. Grapceva Cave is well worth visiting to see its interesting formations. The charming villages dotting the lush countryside are great for experiencing the local culture.

Tourists to Hvar will find a large variety of restaurants ranging from Croatian to Mediterranean and European. At night, Hvar Town bursts into activity with parties, bars and night clubs with live music and dancing.

1. Dubrovnik [SEE MAP]

Nicknamed the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” the old city of Dubrovnik is one of the prominent tourist destinations of the Mediterranean. Located at the southern tip of Croatia off the Adriatic Sea, Dubrovnik was established in the 7th century on maritime trade. In spite of constant territorial threats from Venice and the Ottoman Empire, Dubrovnik flourished in the Middle Ages as a center of literature, art, science and education.

With orange rooftop houses sitting in contrast to the blue sky, Dubrovnik presents many sightseeing treasures. The historic district, the Old Town, is stuffed with many historic features such as the old, defensive walls, cobblestone streets, magnificent palaces and stunning churches. A must-see is the 15th century engineering marvel, Onofrio’s Fountain. At night, the Old Town is illuminated, giving it a romantic ambiance.

See also: Where to Stay in Prague

Just outside the Old Town are popular beaches like Banje and Lapad, which offers sunbathing, swimming and water sports. A ferry ride away is the island, Lokrum, with beaches, a monastery and botanic gardens.

Map of Croatia

Croatia Travel Video

Share this post:.

12 Best Cities to Visit in Croatia

Where to Stay in Croatia: 10 Top Destinations

12 Best Places on the Dalmatian Coast, South Croatia

15 Best Croatian Islands You Should Visit

10 Most Beautiful National Parks in Croatia

11 Most Awesome Places to Stay in Croatia

8 Most Beautiful Regions in Croatia

10 Best Beach Resorts in Croatia

17 Top Tourist Attractions in Croatia

15 Most Charming Small Towns in Croatia

Reader interactions.

August 10, 2018 at 2:59 pm

We went 2 weeks ago to Croatia, to Zadar, Split, Krka National Park, I would highly recommend to visit these places. People are really polite and very friendly.

December 13, 2017 at 4:59 pm

Great article! I am going to Split in March and I find this helpful to choose other destinations in Croatia. Thanks

July 18, 2017 at 11:44 am

We went to Croatia 2 weeks ago and we did Dubrovnik-Split-Brac-Plitvice. I would highly recommend to visit those places. I have published a video taken from my drone where you can see the beauty of them.

March 14, 2017 at 11:28 am

I really enjoyed Sibenik. It could definitely make it on this list.

April 4, 2015 at 3:29 am

Hi Guys, I’m planning a 12 days trip to Croatia this year from 08-Dec-15 to 20-Dec-15 with my husband. All the places listed above look beautiful and I’m very excited to see them all. But, need your help in understanding whether doing Dubrovnik, Split, Zagreb, Istria, Hvar & Plitvice National Park is a wise thing to do, given that I have only 12 days time..? Also, your suggestions for places to visit and things to do are more than welcome….We’re flying from India and would love to explore the culture, music, history and food of Croatia…thanks in advance for your help! 🙂

February 23, 2015 at 2:23 am

Dear Gino Hecimovic, the Balkans are defined per the Danube-Sava-Kupa line. hence Mediterranean Croatia (and Slovenia’s coast, as well) is, geographically speaking, part of the Balkan peninsula.

December 1, 2014 at 3:05 pm

Krka National Park looks wonderful. Thanks for sharing some of Croatia’s highlights!

August 4, 2014 at 8:32 am

I motorbiked around Croatia last year , people were friendly , loved it , am going back soon on my bike

July 3, 2014 at 9:29 am

I was just in Croatia and I must say its one of the most beautiful countries I have ever seen.

February 12, 2014 at 10:15 pm

Definitely the best and most beautiful country in the world. Slightly incorrect info, Croatia is not part of Balkan, Balkan stops with river Drina. Anything west isn’t part of Balkans

October 18, 2013 at 12:18 am

Dubrovnik is fantastic, it is absolutely a must see! If you think it is too far, try Croatian Airlines’s domestic flights. Simple, fast and cheap!

October 3, 2013 at 8:14 am

Great article, but some information concerning Zagreb is incorrect: “…the city dates back to the 2nd century AD when a diocese was first established by Hungarian King Ladislaus.” The Diocese of Zagreb was established by Ladislaus in the 11th century, between 1093. and 1095. There was a Roman settlement called Andautonia near Zagreb established in 1st century AD.

September 16, 2013 at 4:31 am

10. KRKA NATIONAL PARK – done 9. ZAGREB – done 8. KORČULA – not yet 7. PULA – done 6. ZADAR – done 5. ROVINJ – not whole rovinj, just part 4. SPLIT – too far, not yet 3. NACIONALNI PARK PLITVICE – done 2. HVAR – too far, not yet 1. DUBROVNIK – too far, not yet yes, i live in croatia 😀

September 5, 2013 at 12:02 am

I am stunned, what a beautiful view i cant tell how much i am excited after reading your post as we planned to visit Croatia next month…Oh it’s lovely. Thanks a lot for sharing the post and so beautiful pics of Croatia.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Croatia Tourism

Experience amazing places, culture, and people. feel the charm of croatia, latest on croatia tourism.

Top 5 things to do in Split

Split has become one of the top tourist spots in Croatia over the last few years. Many visitors from all over the world, young and old, have been enjoying its beaches, nightlife options, cultural attractions, restaurants and charming Mediterranean atmosphere. I will list the top 5 things that all visitors who come to Split for a day or more shoul...

by Zvonimir Peran , March 28, 2024

Top 5 day trips from Split

Except for being one of the most famous Croatian tourist destinations, Split is a great base for those who like to explore multiple places during their vacation. The neighbourhood of Split abounds with destinations and activities of all kinds, from sightseeing cultural attractions to adrenaline sports such as rafting. I will list the top 5 da...

Primosten beaches

Primosten is known to be one of the most famous Croatian beach destinations. With kilometres of pebble and rocky beaches, featuring clean sea and beautiful panoramic sea views, Primosten as a beach destination will hardly leave anyone unimpressed.

by Zvonimir Peran , September 9, 2023

Primosten nightlife

If you decide to spend your holidays in Primosten, you may wish to have a night out. The good news is that Primosten is an ideal spot for that kind of vacation. Alongside being a top-class beach destination, Primosten has a lot of things to offer to party animals and everyone looking for a good party time....

by Zvonimir Peran , December 14, 2023

Aurora club Primosten - nightlife, location, and prices

If you find yourself in the Primosten area and want to have a good party time, you should not skip Aurora, one of the most famous nightclubs on the Adriatic coast, and the top nightlife spot both for domestic and foreign visitors of Dalmatia.

by Zvonimir Peran , July 28, 2023

Stunning attractions

Riva is a place of enjoyment, socialising and romance: it's a scene of family and romantic walks, a kind of a catwalk. Especially during the summer season, you can notice many girls around showing their most beautiful dresses. Riva is also a place of important religious and political events: every year on May 7 there is a huge celebration of th...

Biokovo Nature Park - location, skywalk, and ticket price

"Eyes, mind, and heart on what you can see to get to what you cannot see." That's what Fr. Jure Radić, the most famous researcher of Biokovo, said about this mystical mountain located in the hinterland of the Makarska Riviera. Biokovo delights its visitors with its natural beauty, plant and animal species, and since 2020 the main attraction is ...

Krka National Park - attractions, locations, and travel guide

The Krka National Park includes several locations of extremely preserved nature alongside the Krka River. The area has been declared a national park in 1985 and since then has attracted millions of visitors from all over the world. Some people call it "younger sister of Plitvice Lakes" since there are lots of similarities between th...

Interesting natural phenomena

Blue and Red Lake in Imotski

Croatia is not all about coastal towns. In the hinterland of Makarska Riviera, there is an interesting town called Imotski. Every year it is visited by an increased number of tourists, and its main attractions are the Blue and Red Lake . As you will see from the photos, the lakes are beautiful and worth spending a day trip.

Dragon's Eye Lake - attractions, location, and price

If you find yourself driving a car between Sibenik and Split on a coastal road D8, you should not miss visiting an interesting natural attraction called Dragon's Eye Lake located in Marina Frapa.

St Anthony's Channel

St Anthony’s Channel is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Sibenik . It has huge cultural importance as well as natural beauty.

Famous fortification objects

Fortress Kamerlengo Trogir - attractions, opening hours, and ticket price

Fortress Kamerlengo is the second most monumental building in Trogir , after the Cathedral of St. Lawrence . It is considered to be a must-see place for all visitors who come to the beautiful town Trogir, sometimes referred to as "Croatian Venice".

Defense wall in Grebastica

If you find yourself somewhere near Grebastica, for example in Primosten or Zaboric, you may want to visit an amazing attraction from the period of Venice-Ottoman wars called Grebastica defense wall, situatied on penninsula Ostrica. Local people sometimes refere to it as "Chinese wall", since it is the biggest fortification wall in Sibenik area....

Tourist attractions of 4 Sibenik fortresses

If there is one thing which you would think Sibenik is most famous for, it's fortresses. Šibenik was built on a site where war and defence reasons were more important than anything else. That's why the town has one of the most fascinating fortification systems in Croatia tourism (side by side to Dubrovnik fortification). ...

Top beaches

Beach Bacvice Split

If you arrive in Split, then you shouldn't miss a visit and swim on beach Bacvice. Except for being the most famous beach in Split, Bacvice is a symbol of the city and tourism in Croatia. It is a place where many younger generations of Split grew up. Continue reading to find out the main attractions of the beach and other tourist info useful to kno...

Beach Kasjuni

There is no doubt about the fact that Kasjuni is the most beautiful beach in Split . Sometimes called "Marjan paradise", Kasjuni is a kind of a symbol of the town, alongiside Bacvice .

Beach Banj Sibenik

Beach Banj is one of two city beaches in Sibenik (the second one is Beach Jadrija). If you decide to take your holidays somewhere in the centre of Sibenik, then you will probably spend a lot of your time on this beach.

Imposing cathedrals

Cathedral of St. Anastasia Zadar - attractions, opening hours, and ticket price

The most monumental building in Zadar is the cathedral of St. Anastasia located in the centre of the old town, in the vicinity of the church of St. Donatus.

Cathedral of St. Domnius Split

Cathedral of St. Domnius is one of the most monumental buildings in Split . Except for being an architectural masterpiece of art, the Cathedral is a real history book, featuring remains from the period of emperor Diocletian to today's era.

Cathedral of St. Lawrence Trogir - attractions, opening hours, and ticket price

If you decide to go for a day trip to Trogir , you should not miss visiting the Cathedral of St. Lawrence , a monumental Romanesque building located near the main city square.

Prices information

Restaurant prices in Croatia

Many visitors who come to Croatia want to taste some of its authentic specialities. Just as the other tourist services, restaurant prices in Croatia heavily depend on the location - those located in the centre of Dubrovnik or Split are more expensive than those situated away from the famous tourist spots. I will give an overview of the prices ...

Café prices in Croatia

Many people who are thinking about visiting Croatia are curious about the prices of coffee, beer, and other drinks in cafés and bars in the country. Socializing in cafes is one of the key elements of Croatian culture - you will notice in Dalmatian towns like Sibenik and Split that there is a bar or a cafe around every corner. Since Croatia is ...

Prices in Croatia in 2024

Many visitors who want to come to Croatia, either for a vacation, or permanent relocation, are curious about the prices in the country. I will give an overview of the prices of food, tourist services, and other stuff which may be of interest to tourists and expats. Croatia recently joined the eurozone, which is its only official currency since...

Beach destinations

Croatia features many beautiful small and hidden places along the coast. One of them is Razanj, a small coastal village located between Rogoznica and Marina .

Drvenik is a small coastal tourist destination in Makarska Riviera, ideal for intimate vacations and sun and sea enjoyment.

Grebaštica is village located between Šibenik and Primosten. It is known for its clean sea, sun, and beaches. Every year during the summer season, thousands of tourists enjoy their holidays in Grebaštica. ...

Top places to visit in Croatia

Split is a highly growing Croatian tourist destination known for its Diocletian's Palace, beautiful Marjan hill, spectacular beaches Bacvice and Kasjuni

Plitvice Lakes

Plitvice lakes is the most visited nature park in croatia. it's kind of a place that will leave you breathless. experience and feel the beautiful waterfalls of plitvice..

Dubrovnik is a must-do place in Croatia. Featuring astonishing walls, GOT, and Baroque monuments, Dubrovnik is the most famous symbol of Croatian tourism

Small charming towns in croatia.

Primosten is a beautiful peninsula which can hardly leave anyone unimpressed. It's an ideal vacation spot for families and all those who want a calm, yet lively place

The top destination near Split, Trogir, is a small charming UNESCO town with great cultural heritage. Many will say that Trogir is a "Croatian Venice"

Sibenik is top of mind UNESCO destination. It's an ancient town with an amazing cathedral, GOT locations, and fortresses comparable to Dubrovnik fortification

One week in Croatia

Split is the best base for 7 days in Croatia

If you are staying for a week in Croatia, then take Split as a base. It's an ideal place for exploring cultural sights, enjoying evenings, nightlife, and spending time on the beach

Tours from Split

You can experience a few nice day trips from Split, either by taking an organized tour or renting a car. The best ones are: Trogir, Sibenik, Kliss fortress, and NP Krka

Island hopping

Islands are true pearls of Split. Hvar, Brac, and Vis are well-known. Take an organized island hopping tour or explore some of the islands by yourself

Three reasons to visit Croatia

Croatia is attractive

Croatia features natural attractions, sandy beaches, rich nightlife, and amazing islands. Additionally, the country is famous for its sportsmen. The Croatian National football team, a vice-champion of the FIFA World Cup, is known all over Europe.

Croatia is safe

Visitors in Croatia feel free to move anywhere they want. You will notice a relaxed atmosphere in all tourist destinations. Since the country said YES to the EU in a referendum in 2013, security has been on the highest level.

Croatia is affordable

Compared to other countries of the European Union, Croatia is affordable. If you arrive in the country outside the high season, you can find great deals even in popular destinations like Split, Dubrovnik or Hvar island.

Small hidden gems

Vinisce is a small Croatian destination located between Rogoznica and Split . It is situated on a peninsula which belongs to the municipality of Marina . I went there for a visit on June 18, 2019.

Dolac (Primosten)

If you are looking for a nice and intimate place to spend your holidays in Croatia, then consider Dolac , a small coastal pearl located between Primosten and Bilo .

Sevid is a small Croatian tourist destination located between Rogoznica and Split . Just like Vinisce , Sevid is located on a peninsula which is part of the municipality of Marina .

UNESCO heritage sites

Cathedral of St. James

Cathedral of St. James is a masterpiece of Christian art in Sibenik. It was built in the 15th century. The cathedral is part of the UNESCO protected heritage. It is famous not only in Croatia tourism but also in European architecture, since it is entirely made of stone. It was conceived and constructed as a th...

St. Nicholas Fortress

St. Nicholas Fortress is an amazing fortification building located at the entrance of St. Anthony channel in Sibenik. The fortress was officially opened for visitors on June 15, 2019. The only way to get to the fortress in 2023 is to take the boat tour from Sibenik Riva, since the landing entrance is not yet open. ...

Diocletian's Palace - attractions, map and prices

Diocletian's Palace is the most famous cultural and tourist attraction of Split, Croatia. Although called a palace, it is more like a big fortress surrounded by walls and towers. It was built in the 4th century by Roman Emperor Diocletian who wanted to build a fortress to spend his retirement age. No wonder he chose the beautiful city of Split....

We will help you experience the best of Croatia.

Cookie policy.

This website is using third-party cookies from booking.com, getyourguide.com, and google.com, which are essential for using the website.

• Travel, Tourism & Hospitality ›

Leisure Travel

Travel and tourism in Croatia - statistics & facts

Destination croatia, travel accommodation in croatia, impact of covid-19, key insights.

Detailed statistics

Travel and tourism revenue in Croatia 2019-2028, by category

Share of the GDP of the tourism sector in Croatia 2013-2028

Most visited towns by tourists in Croatia 2021-2022

Editor’s Picks Current statistics on this topic

Destinations.

Number of tourist arrivals in Dubrovnik 2012-2022

Leading inbound travel markets in Croatia 2021-2022

Further recommended statistics

• Basic Statistic Travel and tourism: share of GDP in the EU-27 and the UK 2019-2022, by country
• Basic Statistic Number of foreign arrivals in tourist accommodation in CEE 2013-2022, by country
• Basic Statistic Number of arrivals in tourist accommodation Croatia 2006-2022
• Basic Statistic Nights spent in tourist accommodation in Croatia 2007-2022
• Premium Statistic Absolute economic contribution of tourism in Croatia 2014-2029
• Premium Statistic Share of the GDP of the tourism sector in Croatia 2013-2028
• Premium Statistic Travel and tourism revenue in Croatia 2019-2028, by category
• Premium Statistic Tourism and travel sales channel distribution in Croatia 2020-2028

Travel and tourism: share of GDP in the EU-27 and the UK 2019-2022, by country

Share of travel and tourism's total contribution to GDP in European Union member countries (EU-27) and the United Kingdom (UK) in 2019 and 2022

Number of foreign arrivals in tourist accommodation in CEE 2013-2022, by country

Number of international arrivals in tourist accommodation in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) from 2013 to 2022, by selected country (in millions)

Number of arrivals in tourist accommodation Croatia 2006-2022

Number of arrivals in commercial tourist accommodation establishments in Croatia from 2006 to 2022 (in millions)

Nights spent in tourist accommodation in Croatia 2007-2022

Number of overnight stays in travel accommodation in Croatia from 2007 to 2022 (in millions)

Absolute economic contribution of tourism in Croatia 2014-2029

Absolute economic contribution of tourism in Croatia from 2014 to 2029 (in million U.S. dollars)

Share of the GDP of the tourism sector in Croatia from 2013 to 2028

Revenue of the travel and tourism market in Croatia from 2019 to 2028, by category (in million euros)

Tourism and travel sales channel distribution in Croatia 2020-2028

Distribution of the travel and tourism market in Croatia from 2020 to 2028, by sales channel

International tourism

• Premium Statistic International tourist arrivals in Croatia 2006-2022
• Premium Statistic International tourist overnight stays in Croatia 2010-2022
• Premium Statistic Leading inbound travel markets in Croatia 2021-2022
• Premium Statistic International tourist arrivals in Croatia 2021-2022, by accommodation type
• Premium Statistic Number of international tourist arrivals in Croatia 2022, by age
• Premium Statistic Number of vessels in marinas in Croatia 2020-2021, by ship flags

International tourist arrivals in Croatia 2006-2022

Number of international arrivals in tourist accommodation in Croatia from 2006 to 2022 (in millions)

International tourist overnight stays in Croatia 2010-2022

Number of nights spent by international tourists in Croatia from 2010 to 2022 (in millions)

Number of foreign tourist arrivals in Croatia from 2021 to 2022, by country of origin (in 1,000)

International tourist arrivals in Croatia 2021-2022, by accommodation type

Number of foreign tourist arrivals in Croatia from 2021 to 2022, by accommodation type (in 1,000s)

Number of international tourist arrivals in Croatia 2022, by age

Number of foreign tourist arrivals in Croatia in 2022, by age group (in 1,000s)

Number of vessels in marinas in Croatia 2020-2021, by ship flags

Number of vessels in marinas in Croatia in 2020 and 2021, according to ship flags

Tourism activity

• Basic Statistic Participation in tourism in Croatia 2013-2021, by type
• Basic Statistic Participation in tourism in Croatia 2021, by age group
• Basic Statistic Domestic arrivals in tourist accommodation in Croatia 2013-2022
• Premium Statistic Outbound tourism departures from Croatia 2011-2021
• Basic Statistic Outbound tourism trips from Croatia in 2021, by purpose
• Basic Statistic Number of outbound trips from Croatia 2021, by mode of transport

Participation in tourism in Croatia 2013-2021, by type

Share of population traveling for personal purposes in Croatia from 2013 to 2021, by destination type

Participation in tourism in Croatia 2021, by age group

Share of population traveling for personal purposes in Croatia in 2021, by age category

Domestic arrivals in tourist accommodation in Croatia 2013-2022

Number of domestic arrivals in tourist accommodation in Croatia from 2013 to 2022 (in millions)

Outbound tourism departures from Croatia 2011-2021

Number of outbound tourism departures from Croatia from 2011 to 2021 (in 1,000s)

Outbound tourism trips from Croatia in 2021, by purpose

Number of outbound tourism trips from Croatia in 2021, by purpose (in 1,000s)

Number of outbound trips from Croatia 2021, by mode of transport

Number of outbound trips from Croatia in 2021, by mode of transport (in 1,000s)

Accommodation

• Basic Statistic Number of travel accommodation establishments in Croatia 2013-2022
• Basic Statistic Number of hotels in Croatia 2013-2022
• Basic Statistic Number of hotel rooms in Croatia 2013-2022
• Basic Statistic Hotel bedroom occupancy rates in Croatia 2013-2022
• Basic Statistic Bed-place occupancy rates in hotels in Croatia 2013-2022
• Premium Statistic Average length of stay in hotels in Croatia 2010-2021
• Premium Statistic Highest-earning hotel chains in Croatia 2022
• Premium Statistic Valamar Riviera revenue 2015-2022

Number of travel accommodation establishments in Croatia 2013-2022

Number of travel accommodation establishments in Croatia from 2013 to 2022 (in 1,000s)

Number of hotels in Croatia 2013-2022

Number of hotels and similar accommodation in Croatia from 2013 to 2022

Number of hotel rooms in Croatia 2013-2022

Number of bedrooms in hotels and similar accommodation in Croatia from 2013 to 2022 (in 1,000s)

Hotel bedroom occupancy rates in Croatia 2013-2022

Net occupancy rate of bedrooms in hotels in Croatia from 2013 to 2022

Bed-place occupancy rates in hotels in Croatia 2013-2022

Net occupancy rate of bed-places in hotels in Croatia from 2013 to 2022

Average length of stay in hotels in Croatia 2010-2021

Average length of stay in hotels and similar tourist accommodation in Croatia from 2010 to 2021 (in nights)

Highest-earning hotel chains in Croatia 2022

Leading hotel chains in Croatia in 2022, by revenue (in billion Croatian kuna)

Valamar Riviera revenue 2015-2022

Revenue of Valamar Riviera from 2015 to 2022 (in billion Croatian kuna)

• Premium Statistic Most visited national parks in Croatia 2021-2022
• Premium Statistic Most visited towns by tourists in Croatia 2021-2022
• Premium Statistic Number of tourist arrivals in Dubrovnik 2012-2022
• Premium Statistic Cruise passenger movements in Dubrovnik, Croatia 2009-2023
• Premium Statistic Number of cruise calls in Dubrovnik, Croatia 2009-2023

Most visited national parks in Croatia 2021-2022

Number of visitors to national parks in Croatia from 2021 to 2022 (in 1,000s)

Number of overnight tourist arrivals in Croatia from 2021 to 2022, by town (in 1,000s)

Number of overnight tourist arrivals in Dubrovnik, Croatia from 2012 to 2022 (in 1,000s)

Cruise passenger movements in Dubrovnik, Croatia 2009-2023

Number of cruise passengers in Dubrovnik and Korcula, Croatia from 2009 to 2023 (in 1,000s)

Number of cruise calls in Dubrovnik, Croatia 2009-2023

Number of cruise calls at the ports of Dubrovnik and Korcula, Croatia from 2009 to 2023

• Premium Statistic Number of international tourist arrivals in Croatia 2014-2029
• Premium Statistic International tourism receipts in Croatia 2014-2029
• Premium Statistic International tourism receipts per capita in Croatia 2001-2029
• Premium Statistic Number of international tourist departures in Croatia 2014-2029
• Premium Statistic Expenditure on international tourism in Croatia 2014-2029
• Premium Statistic Expenditure per capita on international tourism in Croatia 2001-2029

Number of international tourist arrivals in Croatia 2014-2029

Number of international tourist arrivals in Croatia from 2014 to 2029 (in millions)

International tourism receipts in Croatia 2014-2029

International tourism receipts in Croatia from 2014 to 2029 (in million U.S. dollars)

International tourism receipts per capita in Croatia 2001-2029

International tourism receipts per capita in Croatia from 2001 to 2029 (in U.S. dollars)

Number of international tourist departures in Croatia 2014-2029

Number of international tourist departures in Croatia from 2014 to 2029 (in millions)

Expenditure on international tourism in Croatia 2014-2029

Expenditure on international tourism in Croatia from 2014 to 2029 (in million U.S. dollars)

Expenditure per capita on international tourism in Croatia 2001-2029

Expenditure per capita on international tourism in Croatia from 2001 to 2029 (in U.S. dollars)

Further reports

Get the best reports to understand your industry.

Mon - Fri, 9am - 6pm (EST)

Mon - Fri, 9am - 5pm (SGT)

Mon - Fri, 10:00am - 6:00pm (JST)

Mon - Fri, 9:30am - 5pm (GMT)

We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.

The best solo travel destinations, according to a long-time solo traveller

Travelling alone can be one of life's most rewarding experiences, says Tracey Davies, editor of 101 Singles Holidays

Solo travel is having a real renaissance right now. According to American Express’ latest Global Travel Trends report , 69 per cent of travellers are planning to go it alone this year, with women in the post-45 age bracket leading the charge. There are many reasons women choose to travel on their own: separation from a partner, a sabbatical from work, seeking empowerment and freedom, or simply wanting to do things their own way for a change.

So, if you’re looking for a yoga retreat in Spain , want to explore the Golden Triangle in India , or even snuffle for truffles in the forests of Slovenia , there are a million and one solo holiday ideas to garner inspiration from. Here are some of my favourites…

History in Edinburgh , thronging nightlife in Glasgow, heather-strewn glens in the Highlands – Scotland is a brilliant place to explore, period. Solo adventures to be had in Scotland could include a walking holiday in Glencoe, monster-spotting in Loch Ness or island hopping around the Hebrides .

See the best of the Highlands on a four-day Good Housekeeping tour this July, which includes a ride on the world-famous Jacobite steam train from Fort William to Mallaig. The train passes the stunning slopes of Ben Nevis, numerous dazzling lochs and the 21-arch Glenfinnan Viaduct (pictured), made famous by the Harry Potter film franchise.

Other highlights of this tour include a ride on the Falkirk Wheel boat lift and a cruise along the Firth of Clyde on the PS Waverley, the world's last ocean paddle steamer.

Spain hits the top spot as one of the easiest places to travel solo. It has Mediterranean beach resorts, buzzing cities abundant with cool bars and restaurants (like Granada, pictured), and small towns and picturesque villages that are perfect for pottering.

Add in a straightforward and reliable transport network, a plethora of solo accommodation options and friendly residents, it's easy to see why Spain is a great choice for a solo sojourn.

The Healthy Holiday Company offers numerous wellness trips throughout Spain. One of the best for solo travellers is Shanti Som, a small, boutique retreat in Andalusia. With just 15 rooms it offers an intimate experience plus has a yoga pavilion and gorgeous little spa that offers different treatments and therapies. FIND OUT MORE

Italy is incredibly welcoming to the solo traveller. Have you read the book or seen the movie Eat, Pray, Love ? Our hero Elizabeth Gilbert fell in love with the country’s great food, romantic language and utterly charming locals. Italy's also an easy country to get around in, thanks to its excellent transport network.

One of my favourite cities in Italy is Bologna (pictured). Known as La Grassa ('the fat one'), the northern city is a mecca for gastronomes . As well as feasting on hearty pasta dishes and locally-made wine, Good Housekeeping's six-day foodies tour (which begins and ends in Bologna) visits producers of Parma ham, balsamic vinegar and Parmesan, and includes an Italian cooking class in the neighbouring city of Modena.

FIND OUT MORE

Considered one of the safest countries in the world, Norway is the perfect destination for solo travellers, especially those looking to embrace friluftsliv , the Norwegian concept of enjoying the great outdoors.

Like other Nordic countries, Norway is incredibly well organised, efficient and easy to traverse. It also has a fantastic, solo-friendly dining scene with a focus on home-grown, seasonal produce.

Norway is one of the best places on earth to witness the Northern Lights , so join Good Housekeeping on this fantastic 12-day Norway cruise with no single supplement.

Departing November 2024 , you'll sail on a Hurtigruten ship, stopping off at the UNESCO-listed port of Bergen, the Lofoten Islands and Tromsø. As you cross the Arctic Circle, the chances of spotting the aurora borealis are almost guaranteed.

Famously welcoming, Slovenia is the perfect destination when travelling alone.

Bordering Hungary, Italy, Austria and Croatia , this small but mighty country is relatively straightforward to explore, thanks to its efficient transport system. The fact that there's also plenty to see and do – and that most people speak English – means it should be on any solo adventurer’s must-visit list.

This six-day guided Slovenia adventure , departing in October 2024, is a great introduction to Central and Southeastern Europe. The trip begins and ends in Ljubljana, Slovenia's cobblestoned capital, and includes tours of Triglav National Park, Lake Bled (pictured) and the UNESCO-listed Skocjan caves.

You’ll also enjoy wine tasting in the Vipava Valley and an afternoon learning about the art of truffle hunting.

For the original Shirley Valentine experience, look no further than Greece and its beautiful islands. Greece is ideal for solo travellers, whether you want to hoover up the ancient history in Athens or hop around the islands, relaxing on beaches and dining Shirley-style in traditional tavernas.

With an abundance of sprawling beach resorts, white-washed fishing harbours and rugged mountain villages to pick from on the islands, the hardest part is choosing which one to visit.

If you're looking to explore your creative side, check out learning holidays company Skyros . Staying in a rustic eco-lodge, this week-long holiday on Skyros (pictured), in the southern Sporades, includes creative writing sessions, stand-up comedy workshops and relaxing yoga classes.

As our closest continental neighbours, France is a good place to start when venturing abroad solo. It's easy to get around, dining alone is welcomed and the French are very accustomed to tourists.

Follow in the footsteps of Claude Monet on this four-day Good Housekeeping holiday taking in Paris and Giverny. Great for single travellers with a passion for art, the base for the trip (departing in July 2024) is the four-star Château de Montvillargenne in the heart of the Chantilly forest.

Excursions include a visit to Château de Chantilly and the market town of Senlis plus a guided tour of Monet's gardens in Giverny (pictured) led by gardening expert and writer Paula McWaters.

Considered to be one of the most captivating landscapes on the planet, Iceland is a must for any adventurer, including those going it alone.

With incredibly welcoming locals, Iceland is known as the Land of Fire and Ice, and offers visitors the chance to bathe in hot springs, climb sheer glaciers or come face-to-face with feisty volcanoes. To see this vast landscape in style, it's well worth joining a group tour (ideal for solo travellers) or hiring a car.

Soak in the famous Blue Lagoon (pictured), see the Skógafoss waterfall and hike up the Sólheimajökull glacier on an exhilarating five-day tour of Iceland. Hosted by Regent Holidays , this is a great option for solo travellers aiming to tick off a range of Iceland activities.

India was one of the first countries I ever travelled around alone (talk about throwing myself in at the deep end!) and while it was challenging in parts, it was also rewarding and transformative.

Whether you're looking to hike the Himalayas, 'find yourself' through yoga and meditation on a retreat or marvel at the Taj Mahal, India's unique culture and vibrancy is bucket list-worthy.

One of the easiest ways to explore India on your own is on an escorted tour. Solos Holidays itineraries are made specifically for the single traveller, and their Splendour's of Rajasthan tour explores the Golden Triangle of Jodhpur, Jaipur and Agra. Highlights include seeing the Taj Mahal at sunrise (pictured) and visiting the Amber Fort in the Aravalli Hills.

Gorgeous white beaches, rugged national parks and perhaps the prettiest medieval walled city in the world (hello, Dubrovnik ), Croatia is one of my favourite places in Europe to explore by myself.

Croatia is an easy country to get around, whether you want to go island hopping by ferry, catch a coach along the Adriatic Coast or hire a car to explore the country’s rugged interior.

If you want to see Croatia with a some like-minded folk, consider booking an escorted tour with Just You , a solo holidays specialist. Their Croatia and the Markarska Riviera trip focuses on the Dalmatian Coast and is bookended by stays in Zadar and Dubrovnik. It also includes a brilliant boat trip to Hvar and Brac (pictured), and a visit to Krka National Park.

More travel ideas:

- The best cruises for 2024

- Venice's hidden gems

- The 2025 holidays worth booking in advance

- The best mother-daughter holiday ideas

- Amazing holidays with celebrity guests

@media(max-width: 64rem){.css-o9j0dn:before{margin-bottom:0.5rem;margin-right:0.625rem;color:#ffffff;width:1.25rem;bottom:-0.2rem;height:1.25rem;content:'_';display:inline-block;position:relative;line-height:1;background-repeat:no-repeat;}.loaded .css-o9j0dn:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/goodhousekeeping/static/images/Clover.5c7a1a0.svg);}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.loaded .css-o9j0dn:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/goodhousekeeping/static/images/Clover.5c7a1a0.svg);}} Travel

19 restaurants with rooms for gourmet getaways

The best luxury train holidays

The best hotels in Rhodes

11 of the best mother-daughter holidays for 2024

Greece holiday destinations: Best places for 2024

A look inside Uniworld's opulent suites

Why Uniworld is world's best river cruise line

Best Portugal holiday destinations for 2024

10 travel toiletry bags for your next holiday

The best Italian family holidays

The most amazing ways to experience Italy

European Championship

Aymeric Laporte to miss Spain’s Euro 2024 opener against Croatia

Follow live coverage of Spain vs Croatia , Italy vs Albania & Hungary vs Switzerland at Euro 2024 today

Spain will be without defender Aymeric Laporte for their opening Euro 2024 group-stage fixture against Croatia on Saturday.

The 30-year-old centre-back trained individually on Thursday due to “minor discomfort” and did not train on Friday.

Advertisement

The Spanish Football Association (RFEF) confirmed Laporte will still travel to Berlin with the rest of the squad for the fixture at the Olympiastadion.

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente said: “He could have played against Croatia. He is not injured. But we decided to avoid any remote chance of a risk and that’s why he has not trained for us. As he could have played tomorrow, we expect him to be ready for Thursday.

“But let’s end this debate around him: I am happy with him, he arrived at the team camp in the exact timings we agreed and I honestly believe Laporte is one of the best in the world in his position. Let’s not make a debate out of this.”

Real Madrid defender Nacho is expected to start in Laporte’s place and will likely partner Real Sociedad ’s Robin Le Normand at centre-back.

Athletic Bilbao’s Dani Vivian is the only other centre-back named in Luis de la Fuente’s squad, while right-back Dani Carvajal deputised at centre-back on occasions for Real Madrid last season. Barcelona ’s 17-year-old defender Pau Cubarsi was cut from the provisional squad.

Laporte played five times for Spain during Euro 2024 qualifying and started three of his country’s four games at the 2022 World Cup.

The French-born, Bilbao-raised defender had been persuaded to switch his international allegiance to Spain ahead of Euro 2020, having represented France at youth level, and won 29 senior caps.

Laporte moved to Al Nassr from Manchester City last summer and made 27 appearances in the Saudi Pro League during his debut season.

Spain head into Euro 2024 as Nations League champions having beaten Saturday’s opponents Croatia on penalties in last year’s final.

After Saturday’s opening game, Spain play European champions Italy on June 20 and Albania on June 24.

Spain Euro 2024 squad guide: A teenage record-breaker and Rodri in the middle, but the scandal lingers

(Rafa Babot/Getty Images)

Get all-access to exclusive stories.

Subscribe to The Athletic for in-depth coverage of your favorite players, teams, leagues and clubs. Try a week on us.

Pol joined The Athletic in 2021, initially moving to Manchester to assist us with our Manchester City, Manchester United and Spanish reporting. Since 2015 he has been an English football correspondent for multiple Spanish media, such as Diario Sport and RAC1 radio station. He has also worked for The Times. In 2019, he co-wrote the book Pep’s City: The Making of a Superteam. He will now move back to Spain, covering FC Barcelona for The Athletic. Follow Pol on Twitter @ polballus

Everything you need to know about visiting Croatia with kids

Mar 18, 2024 • 7 min read

Croatia's natural beauty will captivate the whole family © Susan K. / Getty Images

With Mediterranean beaches galore, a delightful mix of cultural sights, family-friendly adventure parks and playgrounds aplenty, Croatia is a have-it-all destination for those traveling with babies, children and teens.

Here's everything you need to know about bringing the family to Croatia, along with the best kid-friendly activities when you get there.

Is Croatia a good destination for kids?

Kids are welcome everywhere in a country and culture that places family front and center. Children’s playgrounds are easy to find, and most sights and attractions have reduced rates for kids, including hotel accommodation.

Many families prefer to stay in tourist apartments or villas for the convenience of having an equipped kitchen and washing machine on hand, and even a private pool. At big hotel chains such as Valamar, you’ll find kids' clubs with dedicated play spaces, planned activities, and game rooms for toddlers, kids and teens.

The vibe at restaurants is generally relaxed and informal, and while kids’ menus are mostly rare, there are plenty of kid-friendly dishes like pizza, pasta and risotto. You may have trouble locating a high chair, though, except at hotel restaurants.

Finding baby-changing facilities can also be a challenge, but these are generally available in shopping centers. If you’re out and about and need a toilet, just head to a big supermarket where you’re sure to find one (but not in the smaller neighborhood shops).

Most cities are walkable thanks to pedestrian zones in their historical old towns, but cobblestones are not easy to navigate with strollers – baby carriers or slings are more practical for infants. While children get discounted rates on public transportation, service can be limited in rural areas or off-season. Most families traveling with kids prefer the convenience of renting a car; request a car seat if needed when making the reservation.

The best things to do in Croatia with kids

Whether you have a tiny tot or a growing teen in tow, there’s plenty to do for kids of all ages. Here are some of the best things to do in Croatia as a family.

1. Take in historical relics and ruins

Croatia’s top tourist cities, such as Dubrovnik , Split and Zadar , appeal to kids as well as adults. Visitors of all ages love walking Dubrovnik’s massive UNESCO-protected city walls , but the many steps may be a challenge to negotiate with a stroller. Stop off afterward at the playground at Pile Gate, next to the main exit, for some fun on the swings and slide.

After a tour of Zadar’s Roman ruins and Venetian squares, check out its quirky Sea Organ – the eerie whistling symphony fascinates young and old. The Sun Salutation installation just steps away is a winner with kids, especially at night when it glows and flickers as they dance on its glass plates.

In Split, once the initial thrill of exploring the narrow lanes and Roman ruins of Diocletian's Palace fades, march the kiddos to the nearby port for a thrilling 50-minute ferry ride to Supetar on Brač island .

2. Travel through time at these formidable fortresses

Take your little explorers back to the time of medieval knights and legends by visiting one of Croatia’s numerous castles and fortresses. Of Šibenik's four magnificent fortifications, the 17 th- century Barone Fortress is the most kid-friendly thanks to its excellent visitor’s center where they can time travel via the interactive Augmented Reality exhibits.

At the superbly preserved 15th-century Morosini-Grimani Castle in Svetvinčenat, Istria , an adventure game invites visitors big and small to ramble through its towers, hidden chambers and dungeon in search of the king’s throne and the castle’s secret.

Meanwhile in the Zagorje region, you'll find two of Croatia’s best-preserved castles set in gorgeous landscapes. Fairytale-like Trakošćan Castle overlooks a lake and 215 acres of parkland, while inside its 13th-century walls are three floors of exhibits showcasing swords and armory. The imposing 16th-century hilltop Veliki Tabor Castle houses a permanent ethnographic collection of everyday items from traditional village households and farmsteads in the region.

3. Find a museum to amuse kids of all ages

When the weather turns sour, head indoors to one of these kid-friendly museums. Young travelers give a thumbs up to Zagreb’s Museum of Illusions (now also in Split, Zadar and Dubrovnik), a collection of rooms of optical illusions, mirrors, and holograms.

The Museum of the Krapina Neanderthal wows visitors big and small with colorful, high-tech displays and exhibits exploring the history of the universe, earth, humanity and the story of the famous 1899 Neanderthal fossil-bone find in Krapina.

In Zagorje, the open-air ethnographic museum of Kumrovec Staro Selo showcases objects of traditional village life from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

4. Make a splash on a family-friendly beach

While pebble beaches are in the majority along the Croatian coastline , some notable sandy exceptions are perfect for builders of sandcastles. Families with young children will love the sandy seabeds and shallow waters of Paradise Beach (Rajska plaža) on Rab island’s Lopar peninsula, “Big” beach (Velika plaža) in Omiš, and Sotorišće beach on the car-free island of Silba .

When it comes to pebble beaches, Punta Rata Beach in Brela on the Makarska Riviera gets top marks with families. Kids can splash around in the waves without getting sand in their hair and explore the underwater world with a mask and snorkel. Here your teens will happily trade their phones for lazy days spent stand-up paddle boarding, pedal boating or kayaking.

5. Have a close encounter with nature at a national park

Of Croatia’s eight national parks, Krka National Park and UNESCO-listed Plitvice Lakes National Park are by far the most popular, and with good reason. Both entice with their sublime waterfalls, turquoise lakes and forest-lined paths. However, be prepared for a lot of walking, which can quickly become a slog for little ones. Also, the wooden walkways skirting the lakes are not stroller-friendly and lack guardrails – a potential safety concern.

Brijuni National Park , an archipelago of verdant islands off the coast of Istria, makes for a wonderful day trip and is easy to navigate thanks to the motorized train that traverses the main island. Solar-powered golf carts and bicycles are other family-friendly transport options available for rent. Kids love tracking the hundreds of dinosaur footprints on the island’s rocky beaches, running wild in the wide open spaces, and spotting the African zebras and ostriches and South American llamas and camels at the vast safari park.

6. Experience thrills at water and adventure parks

When it’s time to take a break from sightseeing, head to one of Croatia’s many water and adventure parks. Aquacolors Water Park is the country’s biggest and has it all: a wave pool and two outdoor pools, 12 slides, two water rides and a 500-meter-long (1640ft) lazy river. Parents can recover at the Crocodile Cave Bar or soak up the sunshine on the artificial pebble beach.

Pack your bored teens off to Dalmaland for a guaranteed adrenaline rush. There’s plenty to entertain them for hours: roller coasters, a space car simulator, a zero gravity zone and a Wild West town. Meanwhile, toy trains and spinning “choco cup” rides keep the tiny tots amused. Don’t miss the Adria Eye ferris wheel for sweeping views of the Adriatic Sea and Kornati Islands from the top.

Up for a challenge? Glavani Park in Barban, Istria, appeals to the whole family, with three aerial climbing routes, each one higher, longer and more challenging. Daredevils will want to have a go at the free-fall jump, ride a unicycle along the 120-meter-long (393ft) zipline, or fly through the air on the human catapult.

7. Learn about conservation at wildlife and animal sanctuaries

As an alternative to zoos, visit these impressive sanctuaries working to protect endangered animals. At Dubrava Falconry Center near Šibenik, you can get up close and personal with birds of prey. After an interactive educational talk, your kids can feed and pet the owls, and have a falcon perch on their arm.

Stop at Kuterevo Bear Sanctuary on the drive between inland Zagreb and coastal Zadar, or vice versa. Here you can see how volunteers work to rehabilitate orphaned bears in the village of Kuterevo, tucked in the northern Velebit mountains.

On Lošinj island, the Losinj Marine Education Centre is working towards the conservation of dolphins in the Adriatic Sea. The whole family can hop on a boat to join a responsible dolphin-watching trip to spot these gentle creatures frolicking in the sea.

This article was first published May 21, 2021 and updated Mar 18, 2024.

Explore related stories

Family Travel

Dec 15, 2022 • 2 min read

Looking for a European destination that your teenagers won’t find dull? Lonely Planet's Tom Hall has the answer.

Feb 1, 2021 • 5 min read

Aug 18, 2020 • 8 min read

Jun 30, 2020 • 7 min read

Jun 12, 2020 • 4 min read

Nov 27, 2019 • 5 min read

Apr 25, 2019 • 6 min read

Apr 11, 2019 • 6 min read

Feb 22, 2019 • 8 min read

Dec 4, 2018 • 5 min read