Zagreb can often get short-shrift when up against its southerly sisters Split and Dubrovnik, but Croatia’s dynamic capital is worth a visit for its history, architecture, refined museums, vibrant street art, and genteel café culture. The hotels here tend towards the cosmopolitan and elegant, with a bit of Austro-Hungarian flare and plenty of amenities.
With over 300 miles of coastline, geography that ranges from mountains to beaches, culturally rich cities to tucked-away villages, and multiple languages and identities, Croatia can feel like ten countries in one. If you’re planning a trip to this multi-layered destinatinon, read on to have all your questions answered—including how to get around, what to eat, how much to tip, and more.
December attracts Christmas and New Year visitors looking to spend the holidays in Croatia's festive towns and cities. This is a great month to hit the uncrowded slopes, sip hot chocolate while wandering advent markets, and welcome in the New Year with a live performance.
Take advantage of the late Autumn colors in November, a month offering dramatic contrasts between sky and changing foliage, fewer crowds, cheaper accommodation, and world-class wines and truffles. There's even a fun race featuring cycling and wine in the Istrian Peninsula. Read on to learn more.
October is an ideal time of year to visit Croatia: fewer crowds and colorful fall landscapes. Though the days are slightly shorter and the weather is a little cooler, the Adriatic is still warm enough for watersports. Let this monthly guide help you find the best places to visit and things to do.
Outside the height of peak season, September makes for a great time to visit Croatia. The crowds have lessened somewhat, the weather is not blazingly hot, and the Adriatic is still warm enough to go swimming. Let this monthly guide help you find the best places to visit and things to do.
August is the last full month of Croatia's lively peak season. The weather is hot, perfect for beach days and sailing ventures, and the party scene continues to go strong. Read on to learn more about visiting Croatia in August.
Without a doubt, July is Croatia's most popular month. The weather is sunny, the Adriatic Sea is warm, and there are a host of fun and lively cultural and musical events that take place throughout the month and all over the country. This monthly guide will tell you what to do and where to go.
June marks the beginning of the high season as crowds start to head to the coast, particularly to Dubrovnik. Though the sun and sea are inviting and now is a good time for outdoor activities and watersports, price bargains have all but disappeared. Read on for more tips on where to go and what to expect in Croatia this month.
May offers the perfect time to visit Croatia. The weather is sunny with little rain and the Adriatic is just about warm enough to swim. There's still a month before the foreign tourist onslaught and shoulder season bargains still apply. Read this monthly guide to learn more.
Spring is well underway in April, offering plenty of sunny days, blossoming flowers, and festivals—with the entire country coming out for Easter festivities. Tourist numbers are low and prices for accommodation and flights remain attractive, making this an ideal time to sightsee less crowded popular attractions as well as take advantage of outdoor activities. Find out what to do and where to go with this April guide.
February is the last full month of winter in Croatia, offering snowy adventures and massive festivals—as well as fewer tourists and lower prices. A predominantly Catholic country, Croatia gets into festive spirits around Lent and Carnival, kicking off the coming of spring with Mardi Gras celebrations across the country.
Signs of spring are starting to show as the days lengthen, the weather warms, and the snow begins to melt. Tourist numbers are low and prices for accommodation and flights remain attractive, making this an ideal time to see uncrowded popular attractions or head outdoors to hike and bike. Read this monthly guide for more.
Croatia's first month of the year is also its coldest. But with the chilly weather comes fun snow activities, the start of carnival season, fewer crowds, and lower costs than other times of the year. This is also one of the best winter months for capturing the quiet majesty of Plitvice's frozen lakes and waterfalls. Find out what to do and where to go with this January guide.
Brač is Croatia’s third-largest island, the biggest in Dalmatia, and among the closest to the mainland. It's also a great choice for active pursuits: stellar windsurfing, any type of watersport under the sun, cycling, and hiking. Base yourself in the main towns of Bol and Supetar, or venture inland to the ancient stone hamlets at Brač's center—there's plenty to do and see throughout. Learn more about what, when, and how to go below.
Split is the kind of city you’ll want to take in at your leisure, and that means spending a few days. Luckily, there's a hotel for every taste, often in the historic center—and even within Split's most famous attraction, Diocletian’s Palace. This list has your best options, from pretty boutique hotels in town to classic coastal properties that continue to exude old-world glamour.
When you picture Croatia, chances are you're thinking of Dubrovnik and the Dalmatian Coast first. But this popular area is only one of the country's five regions, each one of them worth a trip on its own. From mountains and national parks to beaches and islands, from cities to tiny villages, here's where (and when) to get the most out of Croatia.
A unique itinerary for cycling enthusiasts who want to explore Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina from the vantage of a bike. You'll start in Dubrovnik and follow the Ciro trail—a former railway line built in 1901 that reopened in 2017 as a bike trail—through the Konavle valley and across the Croatia-Bosnia and Herzegovina border to Mostar. Discover valleys, rivers, and lakes, and ancient stone bridges and abandoned towns as you cycle through forgotten landscapes.
Croatia is becoming increasingly popular for travelers, especially the southern Dalmatian Coast with its medieval cities of Dubrovnik and Split. Yet Croatia offers much more than its famous highlights — it's the perfect place to hike, bike, enjoy some of the world's best wine and food, or relax on an island getaway. Our local specialists will help tailor the perfect trip based on what activities and places interest you the most.
Spread out along the Adriatic Sea, this gem of southern Croatia is renowned for its UNESCO-listed medieval heart—the centuries-old city walls among the best preserved in the world. Many of Dubrovnik's boutique hotels peek out from ancient lanes, scattered between churches, palaces, monasteries, and museums. Check out this list for the best places to stay in the city.
Explore Croatia's Istrian Peninsula and be mesmerized by medieval fortressed towns, discover the beauty of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and look upon stunning coastal views as you make your way from Rovinj to Hvar. Board a private sailboat and be dazzled by Croatia's islands as you make your way across the Adriatic Sea to Dubrovnik. Feel the spirit of the Mediterranean on this 12-day adventure.
Cycle around Croatia's Dalmatian Coast on this self-guided bike tour. Visit the ancient Roman town of Split, as well as the beautiful islands of Brač, Šolta, and Hvar. Choose from easy coastal rides, with optional longer rides and leg-busting climbs. Discover Greek, Roman, and Venetian heritage and learn about Croatian culture along the way.
Enjoy this exclusive bike and sail tour along the Dalmatian coast on a private boat! Discover beautiful roads, charming villages and towns, and the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea. On your guided trip from Split, you'll hop between five Croatian islands before ending on a high note in lively Dubrovnik.
Enjoy walking along centuries-old trails while discovering local culture and gastronomy in Dalmatia, one of Croatia's most beautiful regions. Visit the famous Diocletian's Palace in Split, and get acquainted with the dreamy islands of Brač, Hvar, and Korčula before finishing your coastal tour in charming Dubrovnik.
Tailor-made for small families or groups of friends, this multi-sport tour delves into the best that Croatia's famously beautiful Dalmatian Coast has to offer. Swim, cycle, hike, paddle-board, and snorkel your way from ancient seaside Split to the walled city of Dubrovnik, stopping on the arid, hilly islands of Hvar and Korčula along the way.
Hike, kayak, and tour your way from the ancient seaside town of Split to the walled city of Dubrovnik, with stops in abandoned villages, island coastlines, and sprawling wine country along the way. If you've ever dreamed of exploring the Dalmatian Coast - this tour's for you!
Istria, the largest Croatian peninsula, is truly magical. Its historic hilltop towns, vineyards, and olive groves make an ideal setting for cycling adventures. Add views of the Adriatic Sea and the seductive tastes of excellent Istrian wines and you're all set for an active and indulgent week in this beautiful region of Croatia.
The Dalmatia region of Croatia is often called a nautical paradise, and you'll see why on this 5-day sailing trip. Choose a boat that best suits your group's needs, from simple to luxurious. Whichever type you decide upon, you'll enjoy the natural luxury of this stunning region, from secluded beaches to ancient towns.
Croatia is a country of stunning landscapes and rich, ancient culture - you'll experience the best of both worlds on this adventurous 10-day tour. Explore historic cities, kayak the pristine waters of the Pakleni Islands, and get to know Croatia by seeing and doing it all.
Perfect for cyclists seeking a sunny, self-guided itinerary, this Croatian cycling adventure spans the best of the beloved Dalmatian Coast. Start your adventure in ancient Split, where Diocletian's Palace sits along the sea. You'll cycle through olive groves and vineyards on nearby islands before making your way south to Dubrovnik.
With well-preserved historic cities and pristine swaths of nature, Croatia is a land of surprising juxtapositions. Starting in one UNESCO World Heritage Site (the city of Split) and ending in another (Dubrovnik), you'll soon discover why Croatia is a perfect destination for travelers who want a bit of everything.
Explore three amazing Croatian jewels — Split, Hvar, and Dubrovnik — and discover why so many people fall in love with Croatia. In just a week you'll have time to learn about Croatia's long, rich history in the cities of Split and Dubrovnik; relax on beaches and go sailing around the Pakleni Islands, and hike to monasteries and forgotten villages on Hvar and Brac.
Croatia has something for all interests, with historic old towns, sparkling sea for swimming and kayaking, and beautiful hiking trails. See a bit of them all on this 8-day itinerary that takes in some of Croatia's gems: the lovely cities of Split, Dubrovnik, and nearby national parks and islands for wilderness adventures.
Pack your cycle gear and head to the Adriatic on this 6-day cycling tour across three of Croatia's most beautiful islands. Conquer the highest peak on Brač, take in the sweeping ocean views of Hvar, and pedal slowly through the beautiful interior landscape of Korčula. Bookend your cycle rides with visits to Croatia's most popular coastal towns, Split and Dubrovnik.
The sun always shines on the Dalmatian Coast—one of the most scenic coastal drives in Europe. In 12 days, you'll have the freedom to explore on your own, starting from historic Zagreb and ending at the walls of mighty Dubrovnik with a wide selection of national parks and beautiful coastal towns to stop at along the way.
Croatia is one of the best sailing destinations in the world for a number of reasons: the islands are close together so you don’t have long distances to cross (meaning it’s safer), the winds are generally much calmer compared to other destinations, and the islands and coastline are lined with ancient historical ruins. You essentially have over a thousand islands and a thousand miles of coastline to explore!
Planning a two-week family vacation in Croatia may seem like a daunting task, but with plenty of activities for the family, the choices are endless. This itinerary is filled with time relaxing on the beach in Hvar, scuba diving on the island of Krapanj, swimming in the waterfalls of National Park Krka and taking in the historical sites of the ancient Mediterranean coastal towns of Zadar and Split.
Cover the highlights of Croatia in this one-week itinerary. Starting in Zagreb, the capital, you'll make your way south to Dubrovnik, stopping at Plitvice National Park and the ancient port cities of Zadar and Split. Spend a few days relaxing on the beach on the island of Hvar then end your trip in the medieval town of Dubrovnik.
Istria, one of Croatia’s premier winemaking regions, was named one of the 2015 World Top 10 travel destinations by Wine Enthusiast magazine. But Istria is just one of several wine-making regions in Croatia. Because of its small geographic nature, the wine regions offer many tours and tastings, most of which are accessible by bike, a perfect way to taste your way through some of the country’s best wine.
Dubrovnik is Croatia’s indisputable hotspot, but the rest of the country is rich with wonders waiting to be discovered. Here is a glimpse of Dubrovnik, as well as lesser known but still spectacular spots beyond its medieval walls.
Southern Dalmatia is a sailor's paradise, starting in Dubrovnik sailing past miles of secluded coastlines and several don’t-miss islands. Korcula, Mljet, Lopud, Hvar, Brac, and Vis just to name a few of the islands. You'll find some of the best kayaking and windsurfing in this region. We put together a list of Southern Dalmatia's most popular areas to sail to on your next trip.
Croatia’s coastline runs more than 1,100 miles. Add the shorelines of 1,185 islands, plus its inland lakes, rivers, lagoons, and waterfalls, and it’s clear that the country is a paradise for watersports enthusiasts. You can sail among the islands, kayak the inland rivers and lakes, snorkel or scuba off the Adriatic coastline or kitesurf, fish, or even bungee jump during a vacation in Croatia.
Korcula is known for its white wine. Grk wine is a white wine grape variety found in the village of Lumbarda. To take in the Korcula scenery and drink some wine at the same time, join John (who moved to Korcula with his wife Rachael 6 years ago from the UK) on a 4-5 hour tour cycling through Lumbarda. Taste the different wines while getting the local intimate experience which you will not find anywhere else.
From the "Pearl of the Adriatic" of Dubrovnik, through the islands of Korcula and Hvar, to the 1600-year-old city of Split: this 7-day itinerary presents the highlights of the Dalmatian coast. Depending on your available time this trip can be made shorter (down to 4 or 5 days) or longer.
To visit Croatia is to become part of its landscape of natural wonders. Its national parks may be the country’s best known conservation areas, but even in the nation’s capital, Zagreb, visitors are surrounded by protected regional parks, forests and even a mountain.
Fairytale like, Dubrovnik is a charming coastal city known as ‘The Pearl of the Adriatic’. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it is one of the most photographed cities in Croatia. With its ideal location (in southern Croatia) overlooking the clear blue Adriatic, with unspoiled beaches, casual bistros serving top notch seafood, it makes Dubrovnik one of the most unique walled cities worth visiting in Croatia.
Known for it’s year round beautiful weather, great wines, clear turquoise waters, rock climbing, summer parties and chic hotels, Hvar has become one of the most visited islands in Dalmatia. Although Hvar is considered the party island, it is still surrounded by stunning scenery and is rich in culture (it is the only island in the world with four UNESCO World Heritage Sites) where one can easily escape and find the perfect relaxation they need.
Stroll around the medieval town centers of Dubrovnik, Hvar, and Zadar (especially after midnight). Travel like a local by hitting the hippest spots in Croatia. These are some of the best places to see and be seen--by day or after dark--in cities across Croatia.
Are you into water sports? Visit Croatia from June to September when the Adriatic Sea is warm. Do you want to hire a guide and his dog to go truffle-hunting or join a grape harvest in Istria? The season for that is autumn. Dreaming of attending an al fresco opera in Split in what’s left of Diocletian’s palace living room? Plan to be in Croatia sometime between July 14 and August 14, 2018. Whether you’re itching to hike up Istria’s Mt. Ucka or just inhale the intoxicating scents emanating from the budding birches, shrubs, and flowers that line Lenuci’s Green Horseshoe in Zagreb, in Croatia, there’s a season for that
A bustling port city with its Old Town built into the alleys of the 1600 year old Diocletian’s Palace, Split is full of cafes, restaurants and galleries. Split is 2nd largest city in Croatia, and its history and atmosphere make it a one of a kind place to visit.
