Croatia is a beautiful country with gorgeous beaches, lush forests, picturesque towns, stunning scenery, enchanting waterfalls and iconic tourist spots. The country has developed into a wonderful vacation spot owing to its unfathomable natural beauty, rich culture and fascinating history. If you are looking to plan a trip to Croatia but not sure where to begin, rest assured because our Travel Consultants have travelled the country extensively and they know the best way to tour this captivating country. From the best places to travel, to the best time to visit, must-see attractions and even a list of places kids will enjoy – Go Real Travel’s ultimate 12-step guide to Croatia is all you need.
As a bonus, Game of Thrones fans will love this detailed guide which includes iconic filming locations from the show.
Step 1 – Reasons to travel to Croatia for a vacation
A vacation to Croatia comes highly recommended for its wide range of experiences that are suitable for just about everyone! Families will enjoy Croatia’s clear and warm waters and scenic flat pebbled beaches making it one of the most family friendly destinations in Europe. There’s historically significant sites such as Diocletian’s Palace in Split and the City Walls of Dubrovnik for culture seekers and award-winning vineyards and cellars to visit in Istria for wine connoisseurs or anyone looking to get off the beaten path in Croatia.
Croatia also has an array of National Parks to explore. Our favourite is the Plitvice Lakes National Park because of its stunning views of the lakes and waterfalls. If you don’t have time to fit in Plitvice Lakes, you can also visit Krka National Park as a day trip from Split instead, saving you time and money.
Step 2- How to choose which destinations to visit in Croatia
- Dubrovnik
This city on the Dalmatian coast is considered the crown jewel of Croatia and is commonly referred to as the “Pearl of the Adriatic”. In the past, Dubrovnik was once one of the greatest power cities in the Mediterranean, and its prosperity was based on maritime trade. The old town of Dubrovnik is the highlight of the city and is it also a UNESCO World Heritage Site with several historic landmarks. Dubrovnik is one of the world’s most beautiful walled cities and has featured in the popular show Game of Thrones as King’s Landing. The architecture of this city is remarkable and features a mix of Renaissance, Gothic and Baroque. Many of its original structures have been well preserved and even after the city was besieged by the Yugolav’s People Army in 1991 and received a significant amount of damage from shelling.
- Zagreb
Zagreb is the capital city of Croatia wedged into the Dinaric Alps. Zagreb is a 2 hour drive from the Adriatic coast and the place where Slavic Continental climes and Mediterranean vibes amalgamate. This city is the heart of Croatia’s business, art, culture, and academics. Zagreb is also home to several art galleries and museums, ancient churches, medieval towers, 19th-century palaces and many open squares and parks that make this city a beautiful and beguiling place to explore.
- Split
Split is a significant commercial and transportation centre of southern Croatia and is situated on a little peninsula in the Adriatic Sea. It is a seaport, resort and the second largest city in Croatia and is best known for its several historic royal residences, churches, fortifications, museums and even the Croatian National Theatre. The Diocletian’s Palace is the main attraction for tourists visiting Split. It was also declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. Here you can spot a confluence of various architectural styles namely Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque, and Roman within one complex. It is also a fantastic place to base yourself if you wish to take day trips to nearby places such as Brac island, Hvar, Trogir, Klis Fortress to name by a few.
- Plitvice Lakes National Park
This national park is Croatia’s best natural attraction. This park is an amazing expanse of 16 beautiful turquoise lakes and forested hills. The forested parts and the beautiful lakes tumble through each other through a series of cascades and waterfalls. The beauty of the lakes is topped only by the beguiling views of the waterfalls that link them. The scenic national park was proclaimed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1979. Among the manly lakes within the park, the Kozjak Lake is the largest which forms a boundary between the upper and lower valleys of the park. You can explore the park through combinations of boat rides, tourist buses and hiking.
- Zadar
Zadar is a picturesque and historical city in the southwestern part of Croatia and is defined by the Velebit mountains which are the longest and largest range in Croatia. This city is relatively less crowded than Dubrovnik and Split which are often filled with cruise ship tourists. Explore the art of glass blowing from one of the only glass blowers in Croatia at the Museum of Ancient Glass followed by watching the “world’s best” sunset according to Alfred Hitchcock. The mesmerizing sunset along with the sweet-sounding tones from Zadar’s Sea Organ- created by local architect Nikola Bašić feels surreal and is a highly recommended experience on your Croatia holiday plan.
- Hvar
This picturesque and historical island along the Dalmatian coastline of Croatia is filled with natural beauty. It is home to ancient olive trees and vineyards, vast fields of lavender and beautiful secluded bays. Hvar has a wide range of experiences to offer from amazing nightlife, and beaches to cultural attractions. Hvar Island is also known as the queen of Croatian Dalmatian islands and is a popular tourist spot. A must-visit spot on the island is the Hvar Old Town which is famous for its ancient landmarks, cathedrals and a maze of interconnected cobbled streets.
Visit Hvar on a day trip from Split
- Pula
Pula is the largest city of the Istrian peninsula and is located beneath seven hills overseeing the Adriatic. Pula is famous for its long tradition of winemaking, shipbuilding and fishing. It is also home to the magnificent amphitheatre and other ancient Roman buildings. Other popular sites in Pula include the temple of Augustus, Byzantine Basilica, and the Kastel which was a fortress but is now a museum. Rovinj is a short drive from Pula and is Croatia’s most picturesque town. The narrow alleys, colorful buildings and gorgeous sunsets make it an ideal tourist destination.
Step 3 – What is the best time for a vacation to Croatia?
Some would say the best time to make a Croatia holiday plan is in the summer season (June to August). This is when the weather is warm, and tourists visit to experience the music festivals and summer parties. But Split and Dubrovnik can be crowded in these months and prices are very high. Its not to say it is a bad season to visit, but for budget travelers looking to visit Croatia for a vacation or those looking for a more relaxed pace, or traveling with children, you may want to consider visiting outside the main summer months.
Croatia in Spring (March to May) is a beautiful sight especially when the flowers are beginning to bloom. The Spring is a great time for outdoor activities and adventures as the weather isn’t too hot that it makes cycling or hiking harder or lets be honest (a sweatfest 😉
Croatia in Autumn (September to November) is very pleasant and picturesque with soft blue skies and enjoyable water temperatures. Despite it being Autumn in other parts of Europe, Croatia still benefits from a wonderful climate and is often still warm enough to swim and sunbathe in October!
A Croatian winter trip (December to February) is as exciting as the other seasons with various festivities in these months. Zagreb is famed for its Christmas Markets which has now been rated one of the best in Europe.
Your Croatia holiday plan can be customised to the experience you are looking for as the country has exciting and special offerings through all the seasons.
Step 4 – Explore the ways to travel within Croatia
Croatia has several modes of transport that you can pick from, in all budgets.
- The extensive bus network in Croatia is a godsend to travelers on a budget. There are several bus lines throughout the country which make traveling easier. The buses in Croatia are modern and well-equipped for comfort and convenience so don’t hesitate to hop on a bus on your Croatian holiday plan.
- Exploring Croatia’s coastline and island hopping can be done through cruises, yachts and ferries. Ferries are no doubt the wallet-friendly option with great connectivity and charm while luxury yachts are a more comfortable way to travel and routes and stop-overs are more flexible and easier to arrange.
- Car rentals in Croatia if done early can be a great way to explore the country and its hidden gems at your own comfortable pace but we rarely recommend it on the Dalmatian coast as the bus network is so good and hiring private drivers are relatively inexpensive, taking the stress of driving in a foreign country off your hands.
- Trains are not a very popular mode of transport but are an option to connect to some places, especially from Ljubljana to Zagreb.
- Domestic flights are a good option to travel to various destinations and are a quick way to travel from Dubrovnik to Pula for example.
Pro travel tips:
- Do your research on ferry routes and ports beforehand to enjoy the benefits of Croatia’s well-connected ferry network. Or leave it to our Travel Experts and just let them know your must hit places and they will craft the best route for you!
Step 5 – Pick out all of Croatia’s must-see attractions
- Old Town of Dubrovnik
Roofs of terracotta tiles, beautiful stone and wild seas across the stunning city walls overlooking the Adriatic Sea form part of the beguiling view of the Old Town of Dubrovnik. Game of Thrones fans will recall this view from the show as the iconic King’s Landing. This picturesque town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the main attractions of Dubrovnik. This town is also home to Renaissance, Gothic, and Baroque churches, fountains, monasteries and palaces.
- Cable Car of Dubrovnik
The best views of the magnificent city of Dubrovnik are from up above. Hop on to the famous Dubrovnik cable car and enjoy the ride over the city. The aerial views of the city from the cable car will have you recalling views of King’s Landing from Game of Thrones. The route followed by the cable car is up to Srd Hill and lasts only 10 minutes. When you reach the top, be sure to explore the Imperial Fortress from the 19th century and dine at the restaurant overlooking the Old Town.
- Diocletian’s Palace in Split
This historic and huge palace was built by the Roman Emperor Diocletian who settled here in AD 305. It is a pedestrian-only zone and is a proclaimed UNESCO World Heritage Site. The palace housed the emperor’s garrison and was more fortress than a palace. It has four monumental fates of which three are accessible by land and one that opened onto the water. Within the palace walls lies the magnificent Cathedral of St. Domnius and its bell tower. While the palace hosts many events during the day, the illuminated ruins are a mesmerizing sight at night.
- Romanesque Churches of Zadar
The old town of Zadar is a car-free town on the Dalmatian coast of Croatia. One of the top tourist attractions of Zadar is its Romanesque churches. Many of these churches were built between the 9th century and 13th century. The churches are filled with astonishingly well-preserved religious paintings and other ornate golden treasures. The most famous churches in Zadar include the 9th-century Church of St. Donatus, the 11th-century Church of St. Mary and the 12th-century Church of St. Chrysogonus and the Cathedral of Anastasia. Other top attractions include the Museum of Ancient Glass and the Sea Organ.
- Roman Arena in Pula
The historic city of Pula is a top attraction in Croatia. It is well known for its well-preserved Roman architectural structures. The most famous preserved Roman structure here is the Pula Arena, also known as Pulska Arena. This Arena was built around the 1st century and was designed to host over 20,000 people. The Arena was and continues to be used for entertainment purposes. While it hosted gladiator fighting and jousting in ancient times, it now hosts summer concerts for a crowd of about 5000 people. It has been carefully reconstructed and is one of the largest Roman amphitheaters that still stand strong today.
- Kaptol Square in Zagreb
The Kaptol Square is in the heart of the city of Zagreb, Croatia. This historic square is surrounded by magnificent architectural treasures including the Zagreb Cathedral and the Archbishop’s Palace. This square offers a delightful experience of the past and the present of the city. With its lively atmosphere, Kaptol Square is a hub of activity. The charming cafes and local stores offer a piece of Zagreb’s rich and beautiful culture.
- Saint Domnius Cathedral in Split
This beautiful cathedral has a unique octagonal plan and was meant to be the tomb of Diocletian. The emperor was indeed buried here in 311 AD but his sarcophagus was destroyed in the 5th century and this magnificent structure was converted to a cathedral. This cathedral is one of the most well-preserved Roman buildings in Croatia and stands tall with 24 columns surrounding it. An addition that elevated the cathedral to a top attraction is the Romanesque bell tower that was built sometime between the 13th century and the 16th century.
- Mestrovic Gallery in Split
Among the top attractions in Split is the stunning Mestrovic Gallery. It is one of the most loved places for art enthusiasts and art students alike. Built as a private residence by the renowned sculptor of Croatia, Ivan Meštrović, this museum now houses his brilliant works. The museum proudly exhibits folk art, spiritually-inspired artworks, ancient Greek sculptures, medieval art, and modern art by Meštrović.
- Revelin Fortress
This 16th-century fortress is situated outside the walls of Old Town. It is a part of Ploče Gate and was built as a fortification on the eastern part of the town. This structure stands tall, to this date with its huge terrace and three entrances. The Revelin Fortress offers breathtaking views of the old harbour and Lokrum.
- Museum of Broken Relationships in Zagreb
This quirky and unique museum houses an interesting collection of objects donated by old lovers from across the globe where each item carries a detailed description of the heartbreak and the failed relationship. You can even buy some fun souvenirs at the gift shop adjacent to the museum.
Step 6– Choose the best way to tour Croatia with kids and toddlers
Travelling in Croatia with kids is an easy breezy experience. Croatia has many kids-friendly spots and activities to choose from ensuring that your Croatian holiday plan is enjoyable for your little ones. Here are some activities that your kids will enjoy:
- Visit the Museum of Illusions
Plan a trip to one of the many Museums of Illusions in Zagreb, Split, Zadar and Dubrovnik to keep your young ones entertained. The rooms filled with mirrors, holograms and optical illusions are sure to excite the young and old travellers alike. A trip to this museum will keep kids of all ages occupied and intrigued for a while.
- Zadar’s Sea Organ
After an interesting day exploring Roman ruins, take your kids to view the breathtaking sunset in Zadar accompanied by the tunes of the Sea Organ designed by a local architect. The Sea Organ will intrigue kids and adults alike.
- Sun Salutation Installation
Top off the ethereal Zadar sunset experience by visiting the Sun Salutation installation at night. This wacky creation by the same architect who designed the Sea Organ is a winner among kids of all ages. It is a 22m wide circle, filled with 300 glass plates that collect the sun’s energy during the day and put on a trippy light show at night. The mesmerizing sunset followed by this unique light show makes for the perfect night in Zadar for kids.
- Thrilling Water and Adventure Parks
Sightseeing is not the only activity on your trip to Croatia. Keep yourselves and your kids entertained by making a trip to one of Croatia’s many water and adventure parks. Take your pick of adventure and enjoy cliché water park rides and slides or hop onto roller coasters zero gravity zones and even a zip line. Do not miss out on the Adria Eye Ferris wheel which offers stunning views of the Adriatic Sea.
- Snorkelling in Croatia’s Waters
Your kids will love exploring the calm waters of Croatia. Take them snorkelling and experience the world underwater filled with sea cucumbers, urchins and small fish. Always follow all safety measures before indulging in any adventurous activity and ensure that the kids are supervised at all times during the activity.
Step 7 – How many days should I add to my Croatia holiday plan?
The optimal duration for the perfect Croatia trip is between 10 and 14 days. In this period, you would be able to comfortably tour the major tourist attractions of Croatia including Dubrovnik, Zagreb, Split, Zadar, and Hvar, among others. You will also have some time left over to explore more places and hidden gems of Croatia.
A good one week itinerary for Croatia could include Split and Dubrovnik and a few fun day trips or a ten day itinerary can start in Zagreb, visit Plitvice on the way through to Split and end up in Dubrovnik. Short long weekends are best kept to Pula or Rovinj and Zagreb as a fun city break.
Step 8 – What is the best way to tour Croatia and its neighbouring countries?
Croatia sits at a crossroads of culture amidst several beautiful European countries. While a Croatia trip can be exciting and filled with wonderful experiences, you can also add other neighboring countries to enhance your Croatia holiday plan. A few such places that are easily combinable with Croatia are listed below:
- Slovenia
Nestled between the Alps and the Mediterranean, Slovenia is Croatia’s neighbor and hidden gem. The hustle and bustle of tourists in Croatia balances perfectly with the fairytale landscapes and snow capped Julian mountains near Lake Bled and Ljubljana. Take the train from Ljubljana to Zagreb as the perfect entry way to Croatia.
- Montenegro
This small country has a lot to offer ranging from beautiful landscapes, culture, Roman ruins to mosques, fortresses and churches. Montenegro, or specifically Kotor, can be done on an easy day trip from Dubrovnik.
- Bosnia & Herzegovina
Bosnia & Herzegovina is where the Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian cultures and histories meet. The beautiful wineries, medieval castles, dramatic mountains and shopping streets present a pleasant amalgamation of cultures and are a great addition to your Croatian holiday plan. You can visit Mostar as an easy day trip from Dubrovnik or as a stop over on your way to Sarajevo, Bosnia’s historic capital.
- Italy
Venice in Italy is a quick trip from Croatia. This city boasts brilliant architecture and art and is one of the world’s most beautiful cities, making it a great addition to your trip. Paired with Istria, you’ll have the perfect combination of city culture and laidback landscapes, wineries and beaches.
Step 9 – Find the best itineraries for your Croatia holiday plan
Here is a list of the best itineraries for your Croatia trip:
- Explore the Hidden Gems of Croatia: 8-Day Itinerary
- A Perfect 2 Week Itinerary in Croatia and Slovenia
Sit back and let Go Real Travel plan the perfect itinerary for your first time to Croatia.
Step 10 – 10 Things To Know Before Going To Croatia
- Croatia became a part of the Schengen area in January 2023. You can get a Schengen visa and explore Croatia and its neighboring countries without border controls.
- The official currency of Croatia is now the Euro. The Croatian Kuna is no longer the official currency. However, if you do have the Kuna, you can exchange them at the Croatian National Bank.
- You can use e-sims procured from other countries in the Schengen zone. You can also get yourself a sim card locally in Croatia.
- Croatian is the official language of Croatia.
- Tipping at least 10% is the customary practice in most establishments in Croatia. We recommend that you tip the guides and drivers too.
- Beaches in Croatia are pebbly and rocky with sea urchins lurking under them. We recommend carrying swimming shoes to enjoy those beach walks.
- Naturist beaches are popular in Croatia so don’t be alarmed.
- An important tip to remember is that you refrain from discussing the Yugoslav war while in Croatia. Even though many years have passed since the war has had devastating effects on certain parts of the country, it is advisable to steer clear of this topic.
- Tap water is safe to drink in Croatia.
- Cash is still king in Croatia, so always be sure to have cash on you and small notes and coins, especially when paying for small items in shops, bus tickets and cash tips.
Step 11 – How much does a vacation to Croatia cost?
The cost of your Croatian holiday would depend on your travel style, transportation choices, food preferences and activities. The cost of flights to Croatia would depend on where you take the flight from and your landing destinations. An approximate breakdown of your daily costs is below:
- Accommodation – € 55 – €110 in low season and €100 – €200 in high season per night for mid-range hotels
- Food – €9 – €20 per meal per person
- Transportation – €15 – €20 a day. This can be less if you’re traveling around less.
- Activities – €60 – €70, although some day trips can be expensive if they include transport.
- Insurance – €20 – €30 per week
Excluding flight costs, your daily costs for an average trip on a budget would be between €120 and €220 in Croatia.
Step 12 – Reach out to Go Real Travel for the best way to tour Croatia
Croatia offers several experiences, historic places, and exciting activities. Narrowing down the locations and making the perfect itinerary may overwhelm many, especially if it is your first time to Croatia. When you are wondering how to plan a trip to Croatia, kick back while we at Go Real Travel plan your perfect vacation to Croatia. Simply share a few preferences and we will curate the best itinerary to tour Croatia for you.
Your hassle-free vacation to Croatia is only a few clicks away with Go Real Travel.