Croatia Vacation Guide: What to Do and Where to Go

A Croatia vacation should be on every travel lover’s mind! If you want to visit a country that combines stunning Adriatic beaches with cities rich in history, then you should start looking for some Croatia vacation packages.

But planning a trip to a foreign country can be a daunting experience. So, in this article, we have put together a guide covering the best places to visit in Croatia, activities and things to do, when should you go there, what should you expect to spend and finally tips. Also in this article, you can find two itineraries, a 7-day and a 14-day one that will give you an idea of what you can do in Croatia.

Let’s get into it.

Before we talk about where to vacation in Croatia, we should talk about why you should vacation in Croatia.

We mentioned before that the country is located in the north-west Balkans. While true as far as geography is concerned, Croatia is considered to be more of a central European country. A part of Yugoslavia until the 1990s, it’s a country with a rich history. Croatia is placed on crossroads between empires, civilizations and trade routes. This way, it evolved into a place where the Mediterranean culture meets Italian colours, the Balkan temperament and Viennese architecture. 

You can find castles, museums and landmarks in every corner of the country. There are plentiful Austro-Hungarian palaces and many old-towns play host to layers of Roman, Venetian and Slavic heritage.

Its cuisine is not very well-known, but it still excites all those who try it. One can expect to taste fresh seafood from the Dalmatian coast, truffle rich dishes from Istria, grilled meats and filling stews from the inland. And is there anything better than combining an amazing cuisine with some amazing Adriatic views?

And of course, it’s a country with kind and hospitable people. Tourism plays a very important role in Croatia’s economy. Many people speak English as a result, making it an easy to navigate place for foreigners. It’s safe for every nationality. No matter if you are from the USA, Europe, Latin America or any other place, the people there will welcome you. 

Croatia is an advanced, fully developed country, so you can expect to find all modern conveniences. Apps like Uber operate normally, the airports, ports and roads are well-maintained and services are of high standards.

Knowing all that, we will now take a look at the best places to visit in Croatia.

Zagreb is the capital and heart of Croatia. The first place you should visit. Ideal for people who love museums, architecture and city-life. Easy to walk around and with easy access to the coast via private transfer, Zagreb is a gateway to the rest of the country.

For those seeking a Croatia beach vacation, Split offers clear waters, hidden coves and sandy bays. Famous for the Diocletian’s Palace and historic center, Split is full of ancient history and a vibrant lifestyle.

Is Croatia as nice as Italy? A question many travellers have. Dubrovnik offers a definitive, positive answer. Marble streets, a cute cable car for panoramic views and an iconic old-town. Ofcourse, Dubrovnik is also famous for serving as a filming location for Game of Thrones.

An island known for sunny weather, crystal-clear waters and its upscale beach clubs, fine dining and luxury yachts. The island is also dotted by quiet fishing villages, vineyards and beautiful lavender fields. Ideal for couples and friends.

Roman ruins and modern art installations like the Sea Organ and Sun Salutation are what make Zadar famous. A calm, coastal city with easy access to national parks like Plitvice and Krka. Perfect for a Croatia family vacation.

An impressive Roman amphitheater is what characterises Pula. It’s also the entry point to Istria, a region known for wine, olive oil and its cuisine. A great choice for families and food lovers.

A small town with colorful houses, Venetian architecture and romantic streets that attracts photographers and couples alike. The waterfront promenade offers cafes overlooking the sea and the nearby islands are great spots for peaceful swimming.

All these places have something to offer, so in the next section we will talk about things you can do to truly have a Croatia vacation of a lifetime!

If you want to take things easy, then private and semi-private tours are your answer. You can choose curated walking tours, fine-dining adventures or boat trips around the Dalmation islands.

A unique experience for most. A sailing vacation in Croatia will allow you to visit multiple islands at your own pace. You can start from Split or Dubrovnik and sail to Hvar, Brac, Vis and Korcula, stopping in hidden coves, swimming spots and charming port towns. 

Alttext: Harbor with boats in turquoise waters on island Hvar, Croatia with the old town in the background. 

Do you like warm weather, clear seas and spending whole days on the beach? Well, Croatia is a Mediterranean country after all, so you can find all of those things here. Popular activities also include snorkeling, paddleboarding and sunset cruises with dedicated crews.

Why not take advantage of Croatia’s proximity to Slovenia? Start in Zagreb and then move to Ljubljana and Lake Bled before returning to the Adriatic coast. A mix of cities, mountains, lakes and beaches in a single trip!

Croatia is a country that can satisfy even the highest expectations. You can find plenty of premium experiences such as boutique hotels, private boat charters, spa resorts, fine dining and wine tours.

September is the best month to visit Croatia. It offers an ideal combination of a serene atmosphere with plenty of activities and premium experiences available. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take a Croatia vacation any other time of the year.

July and August are peak season months. The weather is typical Mediterranean, which means very warm most of the time, reaching temperatures from 28-32°C. All famous places are stuffed with tourists but the energy makes it a worthy experience.

Late spring and early fall have the best mix of good weather and tranquil conditions. September stands out among those months, since temperatures are still comfortable at 25°C, the beaches are sunny and venues open. This starts to change by October, when the weather turns more chilly and coastal areas wind down while major luxury hotels remain open or shift focus.

The rest of the year, meaning winter, early spring and late fall, Croatia looks very different. This is especially true for famous tourist locations. Most hotels are closed, restaurants that are still open operate at more limited hours and boat schedules are limited. Mountain roads are completely shut down.

A Croatia vacation can be tailored to your specific tastes and level of comfort and exclusivity you want.

You can find exceptional five-star hotels, private villas, high-end resorts and exclusive yacht charters that can truly transform your experience. You can also enjoy private transfers, curated excursions with expert guides and fine-dining or wine-tasting tours. Airplane ticket prices depend on the origin point and fluctuate during the year..

As for how much will a full Croatia vacation cost you? Well, Uber and taxi rides in general are at around $5 each. Restaurants are more premium in touristy areas, and you can find most upscale bars, diners and clubs near the city centers or the beaches. Museums like the Zagreb City Museum cost around 7€ or 8$ to visit. National parks are at the same price range but most are completely free.

All in all, Croatia is perfect for all kinds of experiences. And there are so many things to see and do that you might feel overwhelmed. Lucky for you, below we have complete 7-day and 14-day itineraries ready and waiting!

Below, we have prepared a route that combines all the best that Croatia has to offer. Cities, islands, beaches, national parks. You won’t miss anything if you follow this itinerary or you can use it for your own Croatia vacation ideas.

The easiest place to reach from abroad. Start from the capital and explore the historic Upper Town, the cathedral, the main squares and local museums. On the second day, take a trip to lake Jarun, or stay in the city and enjoy the local cafes and restaurants. Then, catch an evening bus or flight to Split.

Before you take a trip south towards the coast, why not take a guided tour in the Plitvice Lakes? Walk through the wooden paths with expert guides and enjoy the waterfalls before returning to Zagreb.

Here is where you will delve into the history and beaches of the country. You can walk in Diocletian’s Palace and enjoy the Riva promenade. But before that, if you love swimming, then the Bacvice or Kasjuni beaches are waiting for you!

Another great opportunity for a tour in Croatia’s rich history. Choose a short excursion to either Trogir, a UNESCO small town with Venetian architecture or Klis Fortress, a Game of Thrones filming location.

Early in the morning, take a short ferry to Hvar. Swim in the coves, walk through the old town and visit the hilltop fortress for a breathtaking view of the Pakleni Islands. In the afternoon, relax by visiting a vineyard or explore one of the island’s peaceful villages.

A sea day! Rent a small boat or join a group and tour the Pakleni archipelago. You can snorkel, swim and explore turquoise bays.

Another Game of Thrones fan favorite! Dubrovnik is a must. Even if you aren’t a fan of the series, you can still walk the city walls, ride the cable car and explore the old town. There is much to do and see here, including taking a kayaking tour around Lokrum Island or visiting Cavtat.

Kotor or wine-tasting? Now, that’s a real dilemma! If you are looking for a bit more adventure, go to Kotor in Montenegro for a day trip. If you want something more relaxed, then a wine tour in Peljesak is also highly recommended.

Your last day in Croatia. Head back to Zagreb and relax. Do some shopping, visit any museums you skipped from the first two days and enjoy a final meal with Adriatic taste. 

Many people who visit Croatia have this question when returning home. What I wish I knew before going to Croatia? In the next section, we offer some practical tips to make your trip easier and even more enjoyable.

Arrive in the capital and explore the Upper Town, St. Mark’s Church, the cathedral, Tkalčićeva Street and the local museums. Enjoy dinner in a traditional bistro.

Visit Jarun Lake in the morning or if you are a romantic at heart, visit  the Museum of Broken Relationships. In the afternoon, take a flight or bus to Split. Walk the Riva for a first taste of the coast. The next day, explore the Diocletian’s Palace, take a walking tour around the old town and enjoy a swim at Bacvice or Kasjuni beach.

When the sun rises on the fourth day, take an early morning ferry to Hvar. Visit the fortress, explore the old town and swim in nearby coves. Return to Split in the evening or stay overnight if you want to extend your stay on the island.

Charter a boat or a yacht and enjoy a full-day tour to the Pakleni Islands. Go snorkeling, swim in hidden bays and take some pictures of the turquoise waters.

Travel to Dubrovnik. Walk the medieval walls, take the cable car, visit Lokrum or enjoy a sunset drink overlooking the old port.

Return to the capital for the last time. Walk around the city or visit museums, cafes and restaurants you skipped in the first two days before your flight back.

Let’s take a look at some useful tips now.

A well-planned Croatia vacation can be the experience of a lifetime. There are plenty of places worth a visit. Not just Zagreb, but towns like Split and Dubrovnik or islands like Hvar. 

You can do all kinds of activities, no matter your preferences or budget. From taking tours, to yachting around the coast or enjoying some wine in a vineyard, Croatia is a place suited to everyone. 

Don’t forget to use our 10-day itinerary to plan your trip to Croatia and keep our tips in mind, especially number 1, 3, 9 and the last one! With the right plan and proper attitude, organizing for such a trip becomes easy and the experience unforgettable!