Once a secret destination of in-the-know travelers, Croatia is bursting upon the international scene. And for good reason: This tiny country on the shores of the Adriatic Sea has more than its share of natural wonders, beautiful coastline and picturesque islands.
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.
Croatia's culinary traditions boast influences from many other cultures, including Italy, Austria, Hungary, and the Balkans. You'll find rich foods in the north, truffle-infused fare in Istria, and seafood along the coast. Zagreb is a haven for markets and contemporary cuisine, and distinct wine regions cover nearly the entire country. You can go truffle hunting, taste olive oils, or shuck oysters, all while sipping unique heritage wine varietals that thrive in Croatia's harsh soils.
Croatia is a prime spot for history buffs, with numerous cultural influences from centuries of various rulers and empires. In Zagreb, enjoy "mini Vienna" with grand Austro-Hungarian architecture and museums depicting life from the Bronze Age to the time of Yugoslavia. Head west to Istria for true Italian vibes, or venture south along the coast and visit some of Europe's most historical relics, including Diocletian's Palace in Split and the walled city of Dubrovnik. Even the islands host an abundance of unique rural history!
Hvar Island encompasses everything visitors love about Croatia: golden beaches, emerald waters, lavender fields, craggy peaks, ancient towns, and unique cuisine. For these reasons, it's one of the most popular islands. On Hvar, you can hike on medieval trails to scenic vistas, explore villages founded by the Greeks, go wine tasting, kayak to secluded coves, and visit neighboring islands. When hungry, eat a traditional meal cooked in a peka and take advantage of Hvar Town's buzzy nightlife.
Croatia's distinct shape, coastal location, and dynamic history have created a unique and diverse culture. So, whether you're hunting truffles in Istria's countryside with its Italian vibes or castle hopping near Zagreb with its Austro-Hungarian grandeur, there's an abundance of cultural activities to enjoy. Dive deep into the country's culture by meeting with the locals, taking day trips to smaller towns and cities, and eating traditional cuisine.
Croatia is a family- and kid-friendly destination, filled with hiking, paddleboarding, castle hunting, and plenty of beach time. The country's culture works well for families of any age, as it's slow-paced with tasty cuisine and activities that you can adapt to your interest. Discover waterfalls in national parks, go truffle hunting in Istria, or explore one of the numerous islands that dot the Croatian coastline. End each day with ice cream and a sunset.
Zadar is a vibrant seaside city in Northern Dalmatia with roots dating back to the 9th century BCE. Discover influences from the Romans, Venetians, and Slavs, plus archeological gems, such as the Byzantine St. Donatus Church, and modern creations like the sea organ. But what makes Zadar so special is its location among several of Croatia's best natural environment, including Paklenica's canyons, Kornati's archipelago, Plitvice's waterfalls, and Sjeverni Velebit's craggy peaks.
Istria is Croatia's largest peninsula, sitting in the country's northwest corner near Italy and Slovenia. Throughout the centuries, it's been ruled by the Venetian Republic, Italy, and the Austrian Empire, to name a few. With so many different cultural influences, you have a unique and scenic landscape filled with olive groves, vineyards, forests with truffles, beaches, Roman ruins, grand villas, fishing ports, national parks, and more.
Korčula isn't just beloved by tourists; it's also a favorite among Croatians. This is because Korčula combines the best of the country with its rich history, incredible scenery, and distinct culture. Enjoy lazing on secluded beaches, wine tasting across the island, kayaking along the shore, wandering the charming streets of medieval towns, eating makaruni (the island's signature pasta), and watching traditional Moreska dances, all in the same day.
Split is Croatia's second-largest city, complete with a vibrant waterfront promenade, ferry connections to the Dalmatian Islands, and an Old Town nearly enveloped by the 4th-century Diocletian's Palace. In one day, you can explore the city's original Roman cellars, relax on a quiet beach along Marjan Park, discover the Illyrian Kliss Fortress, and nosh on fresh seafood. Enjoy your days meandering the marbled streets or hiking, kayaking, or taking day trips to the islands, national parks, and nearby medieval villages.
Many travelers skip Croatia's vibrant, youthful capital in favor of the coast, but Zagreb perfectly complements any Croatian itinerary. With grandiose Austro-Hungarian architecture, a never-ending calendar of festivals and events, the best coffee scene in the country, and nearby hiking and skiing, there's plenty to see and do in buzzy, authentic Zagreb.
With a diverse landscape filled with rocky mountain peaks, jagged cliffs, rushing rivers, and endless coastline, there's always something active to do in Croatia. Explore the country's idyllic scenery by paddleboarding through archipelagos, hiking to hidden viewpoints, kayaking along the coast, or cycling through vineyards. In addition, Croatia has some of Europe's most beautiful national parks, all perfect for an active outdoorsy itinerary.
With a stunning coastline weaving down the Adriatic Sea and more than 1,000 islands, you can bet Croatia is a beach destination. In the north, you'll find stretches of pebbles hugging the Istrian peninsula and the many islands off the coast of Kvarner. In the south, spend your time island hopping (and beach hopping) in Dalmatia, discovering some of Europe's most scenic sandy corners, including the famous Zlatni Rat (Golden Cape) on Brač Island.
One of the most popular activities in Croatia is sailing, which should come as no surprise considering the country's long and narrow shape hugs the Adriatic Sea. With over 3,000 miles of coastline and more than 1,000 islands, the country is a prime spot for sailing excursions. So whether you're looking for day trips to the archipelagos or an entire itinerary sailing from spot to spot, you can find it in Croatia. Discover islets, caves, lagoons, and rugged coves all by boat.
The history of Dubrovnik's walled city runs deep, back to the 7th century CE and Middle Ages, when it was a wealthy and independent republic. Step back in time as you wander the labyrinth of twisting alleyways and take in the views from atop the walls. Explore Gothic churches, 600-year-old synagogues, marble monuments, and a string of local beaches. Excursions along the coast, hikes into the hills, and adventures to small towns all compliment local food, wine, and legendary sunsets.
To the east of Dubrovnik sits Konavle, a famous wine region that stretches from Cavtat to the southeasterly tip of Croatia at the Montenegrin border. Its small population lives in some 32 villages scattered across the fertile land squeezed between the mountains and the sea. You'll have the...
Surrounding the ancient sleepy hilltowns of Motovun, Buzet, and Vrh lies damp and dark woods, the perfect environment—and prime-hunting ground—for the elusive truffle. This valuable subterranean fungus has a delicate nutty and mushroomy taste making it a highly prized delicacy among foodies. As...
The first Croatian national park (and the most popular), Plitvice Lakes National Park, is Croatia’s natural masterpiece. More than a park, it's a storybook locale conjured out of a romantic dream offering gorgeous views at any time of year. A must-visit for any traveler to Croatia, the...
Many European cities have castles, but not all sit atop a forested hill surrounded by hiking trails and a dense nature park. Well, Zagreb is one of them! For lovers of hiking, mountain biking, or the outdoors, you can enjoy a moderate trek through the Medvednica Nature Park to Medvedgrad, one of...
Mottled with patches of sage, the 140 islands of the Kornati archipelago range in color from gravelly white to pale ochre, together comprising Kornati National Park, a nautical paradise for watersport enthusiasts, particularly the sailing community. An alternative way to enjoy the park is to...
This exciting full-day excursion covers the islands of Biševo, Vis, Drvenik Veli, and the Pakleni islands on a beautiful sailboat—a great way to explore the Adriatic and visit a few of the stunning and individual islands that make up the Dalmatian coast. You'll set out from Hvar Town and first...
Just 30 minutes by boat from Šibenik lies the unspoiled island of Zlarin. Known locally as the "Golden Island," Zlarin retains its turn-of-the-twentieth-century charm and beauty: quaint orderly villages, crystal clear waters, and a mix of secluded rocky and sandy beaches that outline its coast....
Located 45 minutes west of Split is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Trogir, a port town on a small island just off the mainland. Encircled by medieval walls, Trogir's gorgeous Old Town is a mix of romanesque and neoclassical architecture, making it a romantic destination on any Croatian...
Swap Dubrovnik's historic marbled streets for a coastal adventure on the water! You'll enjoy a sea kayaking excursion around the city to Lokrum Island—the closest island to Dubrovnik. Starting from Banje Beach or West Harbor, paddle to Lokrum Island, where you can enjoy a swim in the sea or the...
Enjoy a visit to one of the most beautiful islands in the Elafiti Archipelago. Koločep (referred to by locals as "Kalamota") is the southernmost inhabited island in Croatia. Just a little over a square mile, it's home to about 150 year-round residents, mostly living in Gornje Čelo and Donje Čelo....
Enjoy a full day of off-roading fun with your partner, friends, or family as you cover Hvar's undulating island terrain, accented with vineyard-covered hills, thick olive groves, and fragrant fields full of rosemary and lavender. Set out from Hvar Town along a dirt road to the abandoned...
Barren in its appearance from the mainland, the moon-like island of Pag is home to around 8,000 people looking after three times as many sheep, whose diet mostly consists of the grey-green carpet of sage that covers the eastern side of the island. While Pag is known for its cheese, it also has a...
Explore the beautiful countryside of the Istrian Peninsula in search of some of the world's best olive oil. Istria has earned the title of the best olive-growing region more than once, rivaling its Italian neighbors. Your first stop will be the small town of Vodnjan for a visit to one of the...
Just a few miles northwest of Zagreb lies Zagorje, a bucolic hilly region dotted with Renaissance and medieval fortresses, numerous baroque castles, and family-run vineyards and farms. It's a memorable, romantic landscape that will take you back in time to a sense of both the aristocratic past...
Discover Istria, the largest Croatian peninsula, known for its history, olive oil, wines, and truffles! Despite being a peninsula, Istria is the most developed region in Croatia and has plenty of tourism. The western coast features seaside towns, such as Umag, Novigrad, Poreč, and Rovinj....
Located southeast of Korčula, Mljet Island is often called Croatia's greenest island. The entire western portion is covered in lush vegetation, protected as a Mljet National Park. There are plenty of roads and trails to walk around to enjoy nature, or you can boat to the islet of St. Maria inside...
Set just 30 minutes southeast of Dubrovnik is the small town of Cavtat. This gorgeous harbor village enjoys a postcard-perfect location nestled in a peninsular cove on the Adriatic. It also has quite a bit of history. It was founded in the 7th century as a haven for ancient Greek Epidaurum...
Just south of Dubrovnik is the beautiful Konavle region, which hosts various traditional villages. You'll join a local family at their farm in the little village of Cilipi. After touring the farm and getting to know your hosts, you'll learn how to prepare a delicious, authentic Croatian peka...
Discover the beauty of Hvar on a cycling tour, starting in Stari Grad on the island's northwest side, a quaint town surrounded by scenic agricultural landscapes. After getting acquainted with your bike and gear, you'll set off to explore Hvar. One of the best ways to see the entire island and get...
Immediately to the east of Rab sits the historically important Goli Otok (Barren Island), a desolate rock of an island best remembered for its dark past as a political prison. Often referred to as "Tito's Gulag" or "Croatia's Alcatraz," the prison was in use when Croatia was part of Yugoslavia...
There’s no better way to experience Croatian culture than by learning to cook some local dishes! For a truly cultural experience, you’ll start by shopping at the city markets with your local chef. You'll find the freshest ingredients at Split's beloved fish and produce markets; then, you’ll walk...
Today, you'll explore Korčula by foot and hike through a nature park full of amazing karst rock formations, dense forest, and wildlife. The walk is peaceful and leisurely and will take you to the ancient Napoleon path along olive groves, small vineyards, and beautiful fields of sage, oregano, and...
Combine an active bike ride with a history lesson as you pedal through the ancient city of Split, tackling the hills of nearby Marjan Hill Park for incredible views over the city and islands. You'll start at Sv. Jere Church in Marjan Park, learning about Split's origins and history. Pedal around...
Spend the day on a cycling tour across the island of Korčula, from the historic Korčula Town to the lush vineyards of Lumbarda. Along the way, you'll make several stops at beaches, scenic vistas, and wineries. First, you'll pick up your bike and meet your guide in Korčula; then, you'll head out...
Pull up anchor and set sail around the entirety of Korčula island, taking advantage of the famous winds that rush through the Pelješac and Korčula channels. Sailing in the Adriatic Sea creates an exciting day of sun and water! As you make your way around the island, enjoy a different perspective...
Explore the incredible coastline of Korčula Island and spend the day relaxing on one of the local beaches. Depending on your preferences, you can choose from the options below. Lumbarda Beach, also known as Vela Przina Beach, is the biggest sandy beach in the area, so it's quite popular. What...
Many visit the island of Brač for its acclaimed beaches (including the "Golden Cape," Zlatni Rat). But you may be surprised to learn that the island has one of the most scenic hiking trails in Dalmatia, one that takes you off the beaten path to spots not typically visited by tourists. This trail...
Explore beautiful Lopud, one of the Elafiti Islands set off the coast of Dubrovnik, home to one of the biggest and most beloved sandy beaches in the area, Šunj. You can either walk 30 minutes across the scenic island or take a local golf cart to get to the beach. Once at Šunj, enjoy relaxing on...
Relax on one of Croatia's most famous and scenic stretches of coastline, Zlatni Rat Beach set on Brač Island. The beach is located along the Bol Promenade, lined with Brač stone and shaded with pine trees. As a geographical phenomenon, it protrudes over 1,641 feet (500 m) into the Adriatic Sea in...
Directly in front of Hvar Town sits a string of wooded islands known to locals as Pakleni otoci (Pakleni Islands). Pack your swimwear and towel and head to the town's beachfront for a sunset kayaking tour. The islands are the most beautiful part of the Hvar Riviera and a favorite retreat for...
Explore one of Croatia’s highlights, the famous Krka National Park. This green oasis is named after the Krka River and offers hiking trails, emerald lakes, scenic waterfalls, and swimming holes. The park is also known for its multiple endemic species of birds, fish, and amphibians. Apart from the...
Ditch the crowds, get off the beaten path, and enjoy a unique exploration of the island of Hvar. With a local guide, you'll hike through the island's stunning countryside, traversing hills, passing through hidden villages, and absorbing the traditional architecture. You'll learn about the...
Not far from the bustle of the ancient Roman city of Split and the equally dynamic island-city of Trogir rests a number of the coast-hugging central Dalmatian islands, including Drvenik Veli and Šolta. Quieter than most, you'll delight in the sun and sea on a full-day excursion to these island...
Experience the rural side of Korčula Island on a walking and culinary tour! Learn about island life (past and present) while listening to stories about the historic village of Zrnovo. A passionate local guide will lead you around the town and surrounding countryside, passing through the village,...
As the second-greenest Croatian island (after Mljet), Rab offers numerous and varied hiking and walking trails covering a wide range of landscapes. From dense holm oak forests (one of the last of its kind) in the southwest of the island to the barren ridge stone desert in the northeast and...
Embark on an excursion to see the amazing Blue and Green Caves of Vis Island! The first stop is the incredible Green Cave, in which you can swim and snorkel or enter with a guide on the small boat. The cave gets its name from a tiny hole in the ceiling due to one of the wars, which allows a...
Dive deep into Croatian cuisine with this foodie tour of Zagreb. Hit the streets of the country's capital, learning about its history and culture through your taste buds. Zagreb's food scene is an essential part of its culture. From its lively open-air markets to hidden local favorites, you can...
Explore Split through your tastebuds with a walking food tour through the heart of the city. You'll meet your guide in the afternoon, where you'll learn a bit about Split's regional cuisine and culinary history. Then, meander over to a restaurant to taste a few local specialties, including...
Rovinj's archipelago consists of more than 20 large and small islands and islets. Your skipper will set sail and lead you through the islands sprouting off the coast of Rovinj, which stretch from the Cape of St. Ivana at the entrance to Lim Fjord, past Rovinj, and all the way south to the...
For lovers of history and archaeology, there is a wealth of medieval and Roman ruins in the immediate surroundings of Split.Set on a small island—a stepping stone between the mainland and the much larger Čiovo—is the ancient coastal city of Trogir. It's a small place, and it doesn't take longer...
Enjoy a scenic sailing excursion between the islands of Vis and Lastovo, a small islet just south of Korčula. Along the way, you'll make a slight detour west of Vis to Biševo Island to see the iridescent turquoise waters of Modra Špilja (the popular Blue Cave). Upon landing on the island, you'll...
Get to know Hvar's 2,400-year history through its vineyards. The island has produced delicious varietals for centuries, starting with the ancient Greeks who first planted vines on Hvar in the 4th century BCE. The Stari Grad Plain is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and where you'll find most of the...
Enjoy a scenic sailing trip to the stunning Elafiti Islands, also known as the Elaphite Islands, set just off the coast of Dubrovnik. The Elaphite is an archipelago consisting of six islands plus numerous smaller islets. The three main islands include Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan. In total, the...
Embark on a tour of Dubrovnik's historical and enchanting walled city, complete with a 7th-century founding and a wealthy rise in the Middle Ages. Entering Old Town, you'll uncover centuries of the city's rich history as you learn information about local life, legends, and the importance...
Set off to explore Klis Fortress (also known as the city of Mereen in the popular TV series, Game of Thrones). Discover the 2,000-year-old fortress and see where some of the famous TV scenes were filmed. While you walk and learn, enjoy stunning views of Split, the Adriatic Sea, and the islands in...
Visit the picturesque Pelješac Peninsula, located between Split and Dubrovnik and jutting out from the Croatian mainland. It makes an excellent day trip from either city or the perfect stopping point when traveling between the two.First, make a stop in the town of Ston, where you can walk along...
Enjoy a walking tour of Zagreb's buzzing historical city center, complete with a ride on the funicular and visits to all the famous sites and buildings the Croatian capital has to offer!Zagreb is roughly divided into two separate parts: Upper Town and Lower Town. Expanded from two medieval...
Split is the second-largest city in Croatia and home to the dazzling Diocletian’s palace, a 4th-century haven for the Roman emperor Diocletian. Although the palace has changed its appearance over the centuries, with its surroundings eventually becoming a medieval city and, today, a modern...
One perk of Zagreb's relatively small size (at least for a European capital) is the peaceful countryside making up its surroundings. With rolling hills and valleys, you can explore some of the rural villages just outside the capital and get a taste of traditional life. Along the way, stop to...
Enjoy a boat tour of the scenic islands of Brač, Pakleni, and Hvar. Enjoy the scenes around you as you pass by rugged coastline, secluded coves, and forested islets. The most anticipated stop is the famous Zlatni Rat Beach on Brač Island, which juts out into the sea with a triangle of golden...
Discover Korčula's surroundings and enjoy a boating excursion through its archipelago. Also known as the Škoji Islets, this cluster includes 18 islands accessible by boat, including Vrnik (the only inhabited island) and Badija (featuring a Franciscan Monastery). You'll depart from Korčula Town...
The Balkan region is compact, meaning some areas allow for easy day trips into neighboring countries. This is certainly the case for Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, two countries that share a lot of history but remain distinct in culture. From southern Croatia, it's an easy day trip to the...
Enjoy an adventure at sea as you kayak along Korčula's stunning coastline and through parts of its archipelago, known as the Škoji Islets. This sea kayaking tour takes you around the islets of Badija and Vrnik to enjoy different perspectives of the area (which has some fascinating history...
Discover the hidden historical gems of Pula, the biggest town in Istria. Although many visitors pass this city over, it's actually famous for an impressive 1st-century Roman amphitheater. This theater is one of the top 10 biggest amphitheaters built by the Romans and the only remaining theater to...
Deemed one of the most romantic places in the Mediterranean, it's not hard to fall in love with Rovinj. Embark on a city tour, which takes you back in time via its cozy cobblestone streets winding through the Old Town. Spend time getting lost in the charming streets lined with regional...
Enjoy a scenic day of cycling through the countryside surrounding beautiful Rovinj. The path starts and ends in Lone Bay at the entrance of Punta Corrente Forest Park. As you bike along the trail, you'll enjoy scenes of nature interwoven with interesting history, passing sites such as the Villas...
Enjoy a fun and incredible scenic day of sailing from Zadar to the unique landscape of Kornati National Park. Nearly devoid of life, the barren and ruggedly beautiful 90 or so islands of the Kornati archipelago sit around the significantly larger Kornat Island. The area's highlights include...
Nature and outdoor lovers rejoice! Rise early and make your way east to Paklenica National Park, the most accessible hiking area in the southern Velebit mountains. Made up of dramatic karst formations, the park is most known for two limestone gorges, Velika Paklenica and Mala Paklenica (literally...
While visiting the Dalmatian Islands, you can take advantage of the ferry system and hop from one to another. Today, enjoy a day trip to the beautiful island of Korčula. Upon arrival, embark on a walking tour of the Old Town and discover its rich history and culture, which dates back many...
Explore the often-overlooked star of Dalmatia, the historic seaside city of Zadar. As the largest city on Dalmatia's northern coast, there's a lot to see and do. You can stroll the marble streets of Zadar's famous Old Town—once the mightiest fortress city in the Venetian Republic—or wander beyond...
Enjoy exploring the charming seaside city of Šibenik, home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites and several fortresses. Šibenik is a beautiful coastal town full of history and beauty. Wander through its quaint streets, visit local artisan shops, and enjoy coffee or tea at St. Lawrence Monastery...
Discover the beautiful Cape Kamenjak, the Istrian peninsula's most southern point. Protected as a nature park, the peninsula offers various secluded coves and beaches, some of the best in the Pula region. Here you can relax, soak in the fresh salty air, and enjoy the mesmerizing sea as you swim,...
