Croatia Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go

Croatia is one of Europe's most stunning destinations — a country where medieval walled cities meet crystalline Adriatic waters, ancient Roman ruins sit beside vibrant beach bars, and national parks of extraordinary beauty lie just a short drive from the coast. Whether you're after culture, nature, islands, or all three, Croatia delivers.

When to Go

May, June, and September are the sweet spot — warm enough to swim, not overwhelmingly crowded, and with lower prices than peak July and August. July and August are peak season: busy but buzzing, especially on the islands. If you prefer quieter streets and cooler temperatures, April and October are ideal for city breaks and national parks.

Dubrovnik — The Pearl of the Adriatic

Dubrovnik is unmissable — and it knows it. The old town is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe, enclosed by enormous limestone walls you can walk in their entirety. Get up early to beat the cruise ship crowds, lose yourself in the marble-paved streets of the Stradun, and take the cable car up Mount Srđ for views that will stop you in your tracks.

Split — Roman History Meets Coastal Living

Split is Croatia's second city and one of its most fascinating. The old town is literally built inside Diocletian's Palace — a 4th-century Roman emperor's retirement home that became a city within a city. Today, people live, eat, and drink inside its ancient walls. The Riva promenade, the fish market, and the labyrinthine alleys are a joy to explore.

Hvar — Croatia's Most Glamorous Island

Hvar is Croatia's sun-drenched celebrity island — lavender fields, crystal-clear coves, excellent restaurants, and a nightlife scene that runs until dawn. The town of Hvar itself is beautiful, with a hilltop fortress and a harbour lined with super yachts. But venture to the quieter side of the island and you'll find secluded beaches and olive groves that feel like another world.

Plitvice Lakes — Nature at Its Most Dramatic

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Europe's great natural wonders, Plitvice Lakes is a series of 16 terraced lakes connected by waterfalls, set in dense forest. The colours of the water — turquoise, green, blue, and grey — shift with the light throughout the day. Go early morning to avoid the crowds and bring good walking shoes.

Other Highlights Worth Your Time

Korčula is a quieter, lesser-known island that claims to be the birthplace of Marco Polo — charming, beautiful, and far less crowded than Hvar. Rovinj on the Istrian peninsula is a Venetian-influenced fishing village with colourful harbour-front buildings and exceptional seafood. Zadar is known for its sea organ — an architectural sound installation built into the waterfront steps — and some of the best sunsets in the Adriatic.

Food & Drink

Croatian cuisine is heavily influenced by the sea — fresh fish and shellfish are the highlights on the coast, while inland regions lean towards hearty meat dishes and truffles (Istria produces some of the world's finest). Local wines from the Dalmatian coast, particularly Pošip and Plavac Mali, are excellent and underrated. Don't miss peka — meat or seafood slow-cooked under a bell-shaped lid covered in embers.

Practical Tips

The currency is the euro — Croatia joined the eurozone in 2023. Getting around is easiest by ferry between islands and by car on the mainland. Catamaran services run between Split, Hvar, and Dubrovnik. Direct flights from London operate to Dubrovnik, Split, and Zagreb. Croatian is the official language but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.

How Long Do You Need?

Ten days to two weeks is ideal — enough time for Dubrovnik, Split, one or two islands, and a national park. A week works well as a focused island or city break.

Ready to explore Croatia? At Anneli Destinations, we design tailor-made Croatian holidays to suit every style of traveller. Get in touch and let's start planning.