Spicy seafood stews, sausages sizzling on the grill, homemade pasta topped with shaved white truffles, cakes made with juicy citrus fruits: Croatia has so much to offer gourmet travelers. Read on to find out about the diverse cultural influences that shaped the national cuisine—and where to try the best dishes.
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!
Most travelers will find that a week to 10 days is perfect for a well-paced Croatia trip with stops in Split, Dubrovnik, Hvar, and Korcula. If you don't mind a fast-paced journey, you can see the highlights of this route in less time—as few as five or six days. Travelers with more time can enjoy extra sights and activities at each stop or explore more of the country—some favored itinerary extensions include Ston, Zagreb, or Brac Island. Get inspired with the below trip ideas for Split, Dubrovnik, Hvar, and Korčula.
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.
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.
If Dubrovnik seems a bit too hectic for you these days, consider driving an hour up the coast for a true holiday on a rugged peninsula that’s still flying well under the radar. Though close to Croatia’s most beloved city, Pelješac is still largely free of crowds. That means you’ll have its charming old villages, unspoiled wine country, pebbly beaches, and laid-back restaurants all to yourself, at least for a little while longer.
Croatia isn't a typical destination, so having an unconventional vacation here without even trying is easy. But if you want to add a little something special to your trip, go beyond the typical hotel stay and try an overnight in one of the country's many unique lodging options. You might find yourself in a lighthouse, a treehouse, a boat, or a plane, but one thing's for sure: your trip will be even more memorable.
Zagreb can often get short-shrift when up against its southern 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 toward the cosmopolitan and elegant, with a bit of Austro-Hungarian flare and plenty of amenities.
Known for beautiful year-round weather, crisp white and robust red wines, summer nightlife, clear turquoise waters—and active outdoor excursions like kayaking, cycling, and rock climbing, Hvar has become one of the most visited islands in Dalmatia. It's 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.
If you came to Croatia to visit Plitvice Lakes National Park, but then found that you couldn’t go swimming there, Krka National Park is your answer. Krka has waterfalls aplenty, flowing from the Krka River, and unlike at Plitvice, they are free for a dip. The park is also home to a wide array of flora and fauna, as well as some unique cultural sights, all with fewer tourists than the now-renowned Plitvice. Read on for information on how to make the most of your trip to Krka.