Ultimate Croatia Travel Guide
If your Mediterranean fantasies feature balmy days by sapphire waters in the shade of ancient walled towns, Croatia is the place to turn them into reality.
Croatia has reestablished itself as a top travel destination over the past decade. Although its growth was briefly interrupted by the Homeland War in the early 1990s, since 1995, travelers have returned, and the country is flourishing. With well-developed infrastructure and a controlled approach to tourism, Croatia's motto, "The Mediterranean As It Once Was," remains fitting. There are still many hidden gems waiting to be explored.
Most tourists are drawn to the stunning Croatian coastline, rewarded with an impressive array of islands, fresh seafood, charming fishing villages, and the cleanest waters in the Adriatic. During the busy summer months, an extensive ferry facilitates easy island-hopping, while Croatia also offers fantastic opportunities for sailing holidays. Whether you choose to explore uninhabited islands or relax in glamorous ports like Hvar and Dubrovnik, there’s no shortage of options.
Inland Croatia also deserves attention. The picturesque Istria region has become a hotspot for food lovers, known for its truffles, olive oil, and wild asparagus. The capital, Zagreb, and the northern Zagorje region offer a delightful mix of café culture, castles, and beautiful countryside, while Slavonia boasts one of Europe’s vital wetlands at the confluence of the Danube and Drava rivers.
Nature enthusiasts will discover breathtaking mountains, waterfalls, and lakes in Croatia’s national parks, such as Plitvice, Paklenika, and Krka. History buffs will be captivated by the country diverse architectural heritage, featuring Roman ruins, Venetian villages, Byzantine churches, and stunning Austro-Hungarian Baroque structures.
The best time to visit
Optimal Visiting Period Croatia experiences its peak tourist season in July and August. From November to April, the islands largely become inactive, with fewer ferry services available. In contrast, Zagreb tends to be less crowded from June to September as visitors flock to the coast. The mid-season months of May to June and September to October are ideal for exploring the national parks in Croatia's interior, which can be very cold in winter and hot and crowded during the summer. October is particularly appealing for food enthusiasts, as it's the prime time for mushrooms, truffles, and chestnuts.
International airports
Zagreb (ZAG) 17km from Zagreb;
Dubrovnik (DBV) 20km from Dubrovnik;
Split (SPU) 25km from Split;
Pula (PUY) 8km from Pula;
Rijeka (RJK) 27km from Krk
Getting around
Renting a car is the best way to travel throughout Croatia.
Jadrolinija operates car and passenger ferries between the islands, as well as the main coastal route from Rijeka to Dubrovnik.
Most of Croatia’s major cities are connected by rail – although Dubrovnik is a notable exception.
Travelling by train is comfortable, but this means of transport is less developed than in other European countries. Croatia is a wonderful country for road trips and rental cars are much cheaper than in other European countries.
Buses tend to be more frequent than trains in Croatia, and unlike trains, serve even the most remote villages. There are numerous private companies operating bus services in Croatia. Be warned: buses take a very long time to get anywhere on.
If you’re planning to hire a car and explore more remote areas, local companies are normally much cheaper than international chains. Some also offer one-way rentals too.
What to eat in Croatia
Croatian cuisine is a veritable smorgasbord, from hearty, meat-heavy central-European style dishes to Italian-style concoctions and Ottoman-imported delights (eg burek – cheese-stuffed pastries). Istria, with its abundant supply of wild asparagus, truffles and olives, has become something of a mecca for foodies.
Restaurants in Croatia’s major cities and tourist areas now offer vegetarian options but non-meat eaters will struggle in the north and east where traditional fare predominates.
It’s customary in Croatia to have a small glass of brandy before a meal. With a huge range of flavours, including loza (grape), slivovitz (plum), medica (honey) and biska (mistletoe), there’s a delicious tipple for everyone.
Don't Miss
The spotlight in Croatia falls most often on its intricate coastline and outstanding national parks — but there are quieter corners and simpler pleasures to experience in the northwest of the country, in the province of Istria.
What’s the most beautiful part of Croatia?
For all-round appeal, it’s hard to beat the Dalmatian coast. Korčula is a fine example of what you’ll find here — the island boasts sheltered bays lapped by turquoise waters, a walled medieval main town with narrow streets paved in marble, and an interior carpeted with pine trees, vineyards and olive groves.
Destinations
PASJACA BEACH
Stiniva Beach (also referred to as Stiniva Bay or Stiniva Cove) on Vis island is one of the most beautiful beaches in Croatia and not to be missed during your visit!
A secluded turquoise cove with pebbly shores and surrounding verdant cliffs are just some of the reasons why Stiniva Beach was rated Europe’s Best Beach in 2019.
Sveti Ivan, or St John’s Beach (and sometimes Lubenice Beach), lies on the island of Cres. It is one of the string of islands in the Istria Peninsula. Ferries can be caught from the mainland at Brestova, and make the trip more than a dozen times a day in the high season.
The Kornati archipelago of Croatia, also known as the Stomorski islands, is located in the northern part of Dalmatia, south of Zadar and west of Šibenik ...89 unforgettable islands, islets and reefs in the Kornati National Park, were you can test all of your nautical skills.