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What to Do in Croatia & Everything to Know For Visiting

  • Post last modified:January 24, 2024
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Do you plan on traveling to Croatia? Well, we're here to share everything from where to go in Croatia, to how to get to different cities, and from getting around, to what to do in Croatia.


With picturesque orange roofed towns surrounded by vibrant turquoise waters, delicious food, and fun vibes, it's seriously impossible not to fall in love with this country.


We're traveled all of Croatia from top to bottom, and just adored one place more than another. The people are great, the cuisine is fresh, and they have excellent handicrafts. From picturesque towns to mind-blowingly gorgeous nature, we know you'll be impressed with this place just as much as we were. Are you ready to learn more? Well, here's everything you need to know for visiting Croatia.

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Where is Croatia?

Croatia is located on the western most part of Eastern Europe, along the Adriatic Sea. This Balkan country is very close to the Mediterranean, particularly Italy, which is only separated by the sea. Croatia borders Bosnia & Herzegovina to it's east, and Serbia to its north east. It also borders Montenegro to its south, and Slovenia and Hungary to its north. Additionally, the most north western corner of Croatia borders Trieste, Italy.

where is Croatia

Croatia borders Slovenia, Montenegro, Italy, Hungary, Serbia, and Bosnia & Herzegovina.


How to Get to Croatia

Being such a long country, there are quite a few ways to travel to Croatia. Here are the different options for visiting.


Flying to Croatia

If you are traveling from Western Europe or another continent, flying may be your transportation of choice. The biggest/ most popular airports in Croatia include Split, Zagreb, and Dubrovnik. If you don't have a specific city picked out, or are planning on visiting different areas of the country, then we suggest using Skyscanner. You can put your start location and final destination as Croatia, and it will show the cheapest city to fly into.

Search for a flight to Croatia:

Driving to Croatia

If you are coming from Italy, Slovenia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Hungary, Serbia, or Montenegro, the easiest option will be to drive to Croatia. Crossing the land border is rather easy, and having a car while in Croatia is super helpful if you're planning on exploring different areas of the country.


Other Ways to Travel to Croatia Via Land

If driving isn't your thing and you're still close enough to travel via land, then there are two options. Being that there are not trains, you'll want to either take a bus or a Bla Bla Car. Buses are available to the cities of Zagreb, Split, and Dubrovnik.


You can take a buses from either Mostar or Kotor to Dubrovnik if you're visiting the South. If you'd like to travel to Zagreb, you can take a bus from main cities such as Vienna, Liubljana, Budapest, or Belgrade. Split is kind of in the middle, so it is usually an extension from the buses that are stopping in Zagreb or Dubrovnik.


Personally, our favorite is Bla Bla Car. This is an app used widely throughout Europe, and connects travelers are drivers. This isn't like Uber, but rather a carpooling service. For example, if someone has plans to drive from Belgrade to Split, they will post their trip, and you can join! Just plug in your dates and cities to check if that route is being offered by anyone. It is cheaper than buses usually, and helps the driver pay for some of their gas.


Want to book your transportation in advance? Here are some of the most popular routes:


Sailing to Croatia

Being that Croatia is located along the Adriatic Sea, you can also reach here by boat! They both run from Italy, through the company of Jadrolinija. From April to October there is a route from Bari, Italy,  to Dubrovnik, and another one from Ancona, Italy to Split.

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Entry Requirements for Croatia

Traveling in Europe can be a bit confusing, as there are different requirements for every country, within the EU, as well as within the Schengen Zone. That's why we're here to clarify a few things.


Visa Requirements for Croatia

In many European countries, the "90/180" rule applies for those that are not European. This means that in a 180-day period, tourists can only stay in the Schengen Area for 90 days in total.


Some countries are in the EU, but not part of the Schengen Zone, while some are in the Schengen Zone but not part of the EU. Some are in both of them, and some are in neither. This can be super confusing when trying to calculate your travels! 


The good news is though, that although Croatia is part of the EU, they aren't actually part of the Schengen Zone. This means that you can freely travel here even if you've already expired your 90 days in the Schengen Zone (which is precisely what happened to us). Tourists are able to travel to Croatia visa free for a total of 90 days within a 180 day period, despite whatever other European countries that have visited prior.


Covid Entry Requirements for Croatia

While the entry requirements to enter and stay in Europe may get confusing, luckily when it comes to Covid, it is not! Croatia is now open to all travelers, with or without being vaccinated. There are also no longer any rules about wearing masks, and basically no one wears them at all anymore.


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Local Adjustments

Whenever traveling somewhere new, there are things that you may forget about. These may be different from where you are coming from, and are what we call local adjustments. Here are a few of them to have in mind while traveling to Croatia.


Language

The official language in Croatia is Croatian. Croatians really appreciate when you try to speak even a few Croatian phrases, so we definitely suggest learning the basics. That being said- there's no reason to stress, as almost everyone speak English too.


Currency

The currency used in Croatia is the Kuna. Currently (December 2022) the exchange rate is 7.5 Kuna to every USD or euro. The country is expected to change to the euro actually by the beginning of 2023.


Update: Croatia now uses the euro. Due to this, prices have also seen in increase overall.


Credit cards are accepted in many places. We do suggest carrying a bit of cash for tips, as well as drinks if you are going out.


Outlets

Croatia uses the same plug types as the rest of Europe, which are types C & F. The standard voltage in Croatia is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz.


Water Potability

The tap water all over the country of Croatia is potable. Many restaurants will automatically bring bottled water when you ask for water. It can get quite expensive, so we always ask for tap water. It's pretty hit or miss, as some restaurants will gladly give it to you, while others will refuse.


We definitely suggest carrying a reusable water bottle, as there are many cities that have free fountains with drinking water for you to fill up.


Tipping Culture

The tipping culture in Croatia is typically 10% of the bill. Some of the more touristy spots (such as Dubrovnik) you'll find people tipping a bit more, but t's definitely not necessary. Also make sure to check your bill, because sometimes in nicer restaurants they will already include the service charge.


If you are taking a tour, it is highly encouraged to leave a tip. Also, if you sign up for a free walking tour, it is assumed that you will leave something, so please support the hard working locals with at least 20-30 Kuna.


Where to Go in Croatia

This country has so many great cities and locations to offer. If you're wondering where to go in Croatia for your trip, then we're here to help you choose from some of the top places to visit.


Where to Go in Croatia: The Most Popular Spots

When choosing where to go in Croatia, there are several great destinations. Here is a list of where to go in Croatia according to the most popular spots in the country.

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what to do in Croatia pin
what to do in Croatia pin

Split

Commonly mistaken as the capital, Split is one of the most well known and highly visited places in Split. Perfectly located in the center of Croatia along the coast, this is an excellent place to base yourself while staying in Croatia.


Split has a super vibrant nightlife, tons of history, and is extremely well connected to other islands and cities throughout the country. We spent 5 days here, and could have easily spent another 5.

Split, where to go in Croatia
Split, what countries in Eastern Europe to visit

Split is the most well connected city in Croatia.


Want to organize some fun activities for your trip to Split? Here are some great ones we've found:

Looking for a place to stay in Split? Just check out the hotel options on the map below:

Booking.com

Dubrovnik

If you're wondering what to do in Croatia for your first time visiting, then a visit to Dubrovnik should be at the top of the list. This medieval city is one of our favorites in Europe, and for good reason. It is simply stunning, it has plenty to do, and is beaming with history. I've been 4 or 5 times now, and I really never get sick of ever coming here.

things to do in Dubrovnik, churches
Dubrovnik, where to go in Croatia
port of Dubrovnik, where to go in Croatia

Dubrovnik is one of the most beautiful medieval cities in Europe.

Located at the southern tip of the country, you can easily visit here from either Montenegro, Bosnia & Herzegovina, or even Italy. We highly suggest starting or finishing off your Croatia trip with the city of Dubrovnik.


Cable Car, things to do in Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is so picturesque from above.

Do you want to learn about all of the great things to do in Dubrovnik, and what to expect? Simply click below to read our full article of this great city!


Want to explore some of the best that Dubrovnik has to offer? Here are some tours you can book:

Want to check out the accommodation options for Dubrovnik? Here are the different options:

Booking.com

Zadar

This popular cruise port is actually the oldest continually habituated city in all of Croatia. Located along the Dalmatian coast, it is about 2 hours north of Split. Explore the cute downtown area, check out the sea organ, and watch the seaside light up with the "Greeting to the Sun" colorful light installation.

Zadar sea organ, what countries in Eastern Europe to visit
Zadar, what to do in Croatia

Want to prebook your transportation to Zadar? Here are a few popular routes:


Ready to book a tour on your visit to Zadar? Here are some you can check out:

Looking for accommodation in Zadar? Just refer to the map below:

Booking.com


Rovinj

While most flock down to the south of Croatia, some of the best gems of the country actually lie all the way in the north. Rovinj is a prime example of that. This stunning village emulates exactly what you'd expect when you think of Croatia- charming alleyways, turquoise waters, and incredible seafront restaurants. We stayed here for just an afternoon, and really wished we had spent a few days!

Rovinj, what to do in Croatia
Rovinj, what to do in Croatia
Rovinj, what to do in Croatia
Rovinj, what to do in Croatia

Rovinj is a stunning city located in the northwest of Croatia.

Want to explore some fun activities while in Rovinj? Here are a few options:

Want to look for a hotel in Rovinj? Check below for the different options:

Booking.com

Want to know more about Rovinj? Make sure to check out the full article written by our friend Abbey:


Pula

You may have thought that the only colosseum worth visiting is the one in Rome, but think again! Pula is another great city located in the north of Croatia, and is just a short ride away from Rovinj.

Pula, hidden gems of Eastern Europe

We suggest coming here for a few hours to enjoy the stunning colosseum, and to grab a bite to eat before heading to the nearby national park.

Pula, what to do in Croatia
Pula, hidden gems of Eastern Europe

Pula has a colosseum, but is much less crowded than Rome.


Want to prebook your transportation to Pula? Here are a few popular routes:


Want to do some other fun things in Pula? Here are a few great excursions:

Want to spend a night in Pula? Here are some hotel options you can check out:

Booking.com

Hvar

Hvar is the perfect mix of paradise beaches, historical towns, and celebrity-style night life. This island is another short ferry ride away from Split, and is worth at least a few days to explore all that it has to offer. Want to see why we loved it so much? Just check below for our full article about this wildly beautiful party island.

Hvar, where to go in Croatia
Hvar, where to go in Croatia


Here are some great activities you can sign up for while visiting the island of Hvar:

Booking.com

Brac

The island of Brac may just have one of the most stunning beaches in Europe. Home to Zlatni Rat (golden horn beach), this is a popular day trip from Split. We rented a car here and explored the cute villages, great viewpoints, and the cutest olive oil museum. Want to learn more? Just check down below for our full guide.

Zlatni Rat beach , what to do in Croatia
Zlatni Rat, hidden gems of Eastern Europe
Zlatni Rat, hidden gems of Eastern Europe

Zlatni Rat is one of the most beautiful beaches in Croatia.


Want to go straight to the excursions around the Island of Brac? Here are a few you can check out:

Booking.com

Zagreb

You didn't think we'd make a list of where to go in Croatia without mentioning the capital right? Unlike most countries, Croatia's capital is much less visited than the rest of its cities. This is because it is located inland. Therefore, is doesn't have the allure of the glistening waters, picturesque towns, and beautiful islands surrounding it. But does that mean you should skip it? Definitely not!


Zagreb is the cultural center of Croatia, and has tons of fun museums, and some great festivals. Want to learn more? We have a full article that you can check out below.

Zagreb, where to go in Croatia

Zagreb is not the most popular capital, but it still has plenty to offer.


Want to experience the best that Zagreb has to offer? Here are some tours that you can check out:

Looking for a place to stay in Zagreb? Just check the map below for the different accommodation options:

Booking.com

Where to Go in Croatia: Nature

Now that you know which cities and islands to check out, here is where to go in Croatia for the best nature.


Plitvice Lakes

One of the top things on our list of where to go in Croatia (especially for first timers) is to check out the stunning Plitvice Lakes! This is more than just a few bodies of water.

Plitvice Lakes, what to do in Croatia

Plitvice Lakes are one of the most stunning places to see in all of Croatia.

It's a series of turquoise lakes and cascading falls that fill an enormous park, where you could spend hours upon hours exploring. There are a total of 16 lakes, 12 of them being the upper lakes, and 4 that make up the lower lakes. Located in Central Croatia, this is a great day trip from either Zagreb or Zadar.


Want to know everything you need to visit? Check out our full travel guide on Plitvice Lakes below!


Ready to book your excursion to Plitvice Lakes? You can sign up one by clicking the links below:

Want to a book a place to stay nearby Plitvice Lakes? You can see the different options down below:

Booking.com


Krka Waterfalls

This is another popular set of waterfalls in Croatia, with 7 in total. Located halfway between Zadar and Split (an hour from each), this makes the perfect day trip. Unfortunately, you can no longer swim here, for protection of the natural environment at Krka. However, there are trails that go around the lakes so that you can admire the falls.

Krka waterfalls, what to do in Croatia

Krka Falls are one of the most amazing natural beauties of Croatia.

Want to book a tour to Krka Waterfalls? Here are a few different ones to choose from:


Cetina Spring

If you're wondering where to go in Croatia for the most epic drone shot, then Cetina Spring needs to be on your list. Also known as the "dragon's eye" Cetina is a cold water spring that resembles the eye of a dragon from above. The water is a shockingly low 2-4 degrees Celsius, and despite the pain we endured to take the shot below, it was definitely worth it.


Cetina Spring, what to do in Croatia
Cetina Spring, what to do in Croatia
Cetina Spring, what to do in Croatia

Cetina Spring is our favorite natural spot in Croatia.


Note: If you plan on doing the same, we suggest bringing a float to go into the middle.


Where to Go in Croatia: Lesser Known Gems

Now that you know where to go in Croatia for hotspots, let's get into some of the hidden gems, or lesser known places. Here is a list of where to go in Croatia a bit off the beaten path.


Makarska

Located just an hour south of Split, and 2 1/2 hours up the coast from Dubrovnik, this town is normally overlooked by first time tourists. However this beach town with its mountain backdrop is simply stunning. Makarska has plenty of shops lined up right in front of the water, waterfront restaurants, and fun water activities to offer. They also have plenty of boat excursions, as well as a port for ferries to different islands.

Makarska, where to go in Croatia

Makarska has mountains as a backdrop.

Want to prebook your transportation to Makarska? Here are a few popular routes:


Ready to book a tour in Makarska? Here are some fun activities:

Want to spend a night or two in Makarska? Just check the map below for the different accommodation options:

Booking.com

Vodice

Also an hour from Split, Vodice lies just up the coast from this popular Croatian city, as well as just 1 hour south from Zadar. Vodice is the perfect stop while traveling from Zadar to Split, or vice versa. The small beach town has some cute cafes, shops, and these awesome hexagonal concrete platforms where tourists and locals alike set up and sunbathe.

Vodice, where to go in Croatia

These hexagons are perfect for allowing locals and tourists soak up the sun.

Want to have your transportation prebooked? Here are a couple options:


Looking to stay a night in Vodice? Simply check out the map below:

Booking.com

Tribunj

Just a couple kilometers down the beach from Vodice, you can find an adorable hidden gem of a town. Tribunj was actually recommended to us by our friend from Split, who has a friend living here. This charming town is a small island connected by a bridge, where you can enjoy walking the quaint streets and grab a delicious meal. Head to Stray Cat for a drink, and the owner's cousin's restaurant for some fresh seafood.

Tribunj, where to go in Croatia

This island is connected to the mainland by a tiny bridge.

Sibenik

Now let's keep heading bit down the coast for another impressive city. Sibenik is actually much bigger than some of the other quaint villages we mentioned. Located on the water, this place is full of restaurants, shops, and great architecture. It's known for its 15 century cathedral, 14th century palace, and for being the gateway to the Kornati Islands.


Want to book some fun activities in Sibenik? Here are a few great ones that we found:

Looking to stay in Sibenik? Here are all of the options:

Booking.com

Primosten

Just bit further down the coast we have another adorable city that is a round peninsula full of orange roofed buildings. Primosten has beaches on each side, and the inside has cute streets full of shops with local handmade goods. Make sure to check out Gift Shop Olive for hand crafted products made from olive trees, as well as the white marble jewelry.

Primosten, where to go in Croatia
Primosten, where to go in Croatia

Primosten is even more stunning from above.

Korcula

This island is the perfect mix of ancient history and coastal bliss. Like many other beautiful islands in Croatia, you'll be able to enjoy beautiful orange roofed buildings, narrow walkways, and glistening turquoise waters. Korcula can be visited by bus or ferry from Split, Orebic, or Dubrovnik.


Want to experience the best that Korcula has to offer? Here are some activities you can book:

Want to book a stay in Korcula? Check below for some different options:

Booking.com

Kornati Islands

This archipelago is known for its oddly dry terrain, and can be visited on a tour from Zadar or Sibenik. This national park has 89 islands, islets, and reefs, making it super interesting to explore by boat excursion.


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Ready to explore the Kornati Islands? Here are some day trip excursions that you can take to see them:

Mljet

This is the southernmost and easternmost island of the larger Adriatic islands. Mljet is known for its delicious wine, olives, and goat cheese. Covered with dense forest, this island is super underrated and yet to be discovered by many tourists.


Want to take a trip here from Dubrovnik? Here are some awesome boat tours we found:

Trogir

Just a half hour outside of Split lies a fairytale town called Trogir. With its large castle and seaside restaurants, this is the perfect place to enjoy a day trip or at least a nice afternoon. Get lost in the historic town, climb the ancient tower, or enjoy the beautiful harbor.

Trogir, where to go in Croatia

The view from the castle in Trogir

Want to prebook your transportation to Trogir? Just click the links below:


Losinj

Located in the northern Adriatic Sea, Losinj is known for its lush vegetation and stunning shorelines. If you're looking for where to go in Croatia for less crowds and equally stunning nature, then this should definitely be added to your list.


Want to visit Losinj? Here is the ferry that you can book to get there:


Porec

Located all the way in the north west of the country, Porec is another stunning village to check out if you're visiting Rovinj. Lined with cute boutique shops and adorable cafes, the vibe here is captivating and will leave you wanting more of quaint Istria. Make sure to check out the trundle shop in own, which is family owned and also offers tours of their entire process.


Want to prebook your transportation to Porec? Click one of the links below:


Want some fun activities to do while you're in Porec? Here are a few that you can sign up for:

Looking to spend a night in Porec? Just check the map below for hotel options:

Booking.com

What to Do in Croatia

Now that you know where to go in Croatia, let's check out all of the fun activities you can do! If you're wondering exactly what to do in Croatia for an epic trip, then here is a list of some awesome things to do throughout the country.


Get Lost In the Charming Towns

Croatia just may be one picturesque when it comes to its towns. Large clusters of orange roofed buildings surrounded by glistening turquoise waters can be found all over, and many of them are pedestrian only. Simply wandering the quaint alleyways and soak up the vibe of this beautiful country is exactly what to do in Croatia once you get anywhere new.

streets of Jelsa in Hvar
towns in Brac
Rovinj, what to do in Croatia

Dive Into the History

Not only are the towns here super charming, but there is so much history throughout Croatia. Dating back to the 7th century, Dubrovnik is a great example of a place you'll want to dive right in and learn all about its history. Head over to Pula and you'll find an ancient colosseum that dates all the way back to 27 BC! Make sure to take at least one walking tour in whatever city you choose to travel to.


Go Island Hopping

Did you know that Croatia has a total of 1,244 islands and islets in total? Well, although only 48 are inhabited, we can promise you that you'll ever get bored from all the beauty out there. There are so many stunning islands in Croatia- some that we mentioned already, and plenty of other small ones that you can visit. 


We highly suggest spending at least a night or two staying on one of the islands such as Hvar, Brac, or Korcula. There are plenty of ferries serving a great deal of the islands, boat tours, or private charters that you can get to check some of them off your list.

Cable Car, things to do in Dubrovnik
best view on the island of Brac
what to do in Croatia

Croatia is full of beautiful islands to discover.

Take a Boat Trip

Speaking of island hopping, sailing around is definitely one of the best things to do in Croatia. Whether its checking out different islands, joining a sunset sail, or doing a late night booze cruise, this is the number one thing on our list of what to do in Croatia.

booze cruise Dubrovnik

One time I visited Dubrovnik it was a holiday and there were fireworks during our booze cruise.

Invest in the Art of Truffle

In the past few years, truffle has been becoming increasingly more and more popular. This delicacy is native to Croatia, especially in the north of the country. There are plenty of towns that have truffle shops, and even one that we found that has a full class about truffle hunting! Try the samples, speak with the owners, and indulge in the most delicious truffle infused products.


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Discover the Magic of Lavender

Another thing that is abundant in Croatia is lavender. There are big lavender fields that you can visit, one of the most popular being in Hvar. If you don't happen to visit in June though, there are lavender products sold year round in Croatia. Don't miss out on checking out all that this beautiful plant has to offer.


Want to book a tour to see the lavender? Here are two that you can do in Hvar:

Attend a Festival

If you're wondering where to go in Croatia to have fun, then you're in luck. From top to bottom Croatia is known for its party vibes, especially for its epic festivals. "Festival season" starts as early as May, and goes til as late as September. When we went to Zagreb in the end of May there were 3 festivals in one week, and they told us that it stays like that until the summer ends. So if you're looking for lots of food & drinks, then get ready to have an epic time in Croatia.


Go Wild at Yacht Week

Speaking of wild parties, Croatia is home to one of the most insane events of the summer. Yacht week is actually the whole month of July, and it's when you rent out a yacht, and island hop, visiting various music festivals. Rent a full yacht with your friends, or join a public one. Either way, get ready to party all day and all night for this epic event.


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Where to Go in Croatia: Moving Around

While many countries in Europe are easily connected by trains, we found that renting a car is really the way to go in Croatia. The cities themselves are extremely pedestrian friendly though, so If you're planning on traveling to just one city, then can go ahead and skip renting. However, if you plan on visiting some of the hidden gems, we definitely suggest getting your own form of transportation. If you're sticking to traveling between cities, then taking the bus from one to the other will be the most efficient in terms of price and practicality.


Here are a few popular routes throughout the country that you can book:


Driving in Croatia

The roads in Croatia are very well paved, especially in comparison to some of the other countries in the Balkans. Because of this, driving is super easy, and if you take the coastal highway, the views are just stunning. The only thing that is not ideal about driving in Croatia is maneuvering inside cities. You pretty much have to pay to park anywhere, and it can add up quite quickly. Also, the streets can get super narrow in cities like Split for example.


If you want to explore a lot of the country, including its hidden gems, then renting a car in Croatia is definitely a great option! Just keep the car parked outside the city centers, and use them for getting from one city to another, or exploring the nature on the outskirts.


What to Do in Croatia: Local Food & Drink

The cuisine in Croatia is actually much more similar to Mediterranean countries, than to some of the other Balkan ones. Just like Italy, Croatia thrives off of fresh seafood, and super tasty olive oil. Truffle is also a key ingredient, and can be found in many dishes. Homemade pastas are a prime base, and they have plenty of cured meats like Dalmatian prosciutto to indulge in.


I personally think Croatian cuisine is one of the most underrated out there! It is light, fresh, and super flavorful.

truffle pasta in Hvar, travel to the Balkans

Truffle is super popular, and used in many pasta dishes.


Is Croatia Safe?

Out of the 93 countries I have visited, Croatia makes it to the top of my list when it comes to safety. There is very low crime here, and locals will even tell you how confident they feel by even keeping their windows down or doors unlocked. If you're a solo traveler or a nervous one, then Croatia is definitely a great country to enjoy yourself while feeling safe.

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Other Things to Know About Visiting Croatia

Now you know what to do in Croatia, how to get around, and exactly where to go in Croatia for an epic trip. But here are a few other things to keep in mind:


The Best Time to Visit Croatia

When it comes to when to visit Croatia, it really depends on what kind of trip you are trying to have. For the best parties, and to experience the lavender, you'll want to visit in July. If you like partying but want slightly fewer crowds, you could visit in June, or later in August. If you want perfectly warm weather and a quieter trip, then we recommend September or May.


Another great time to visit is in December. This is when you can experience the Christmas markets, as well as a winter wonderland at Plitvice Lakes.


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Weather & Packing for a Trip to Croatia

The weather in Croatia is a bit warmer than the rest of the countries around the Balkans, and is also one of the sunniest countries in all of Europe.


We suggest bringing plenty of sunscreen, a swimsuit, and towel for all of the great swimming spots. Bring water shoes for the pebble beaches, and comfortable shoes for exploring the cities and large natural areas like Plitive Lakes. Finally, make sure to bring a refillable water bottle to fill up at the free fountains.

what to do in Croatia

Croatia is one of the sunniest places in Europe.

Average Prices: Is Croatia Expensive?

When it comes to prices, Croatia is significantly more expensive than the surrounding countries. However, it can actually be pretty comparable to prices in some Italian cities. Dishes in a restaurant cost around $10-20, and hotels average from $30-50/night depending on the exact area. While it can get pretty pricey for someone who is in vacation mode, it also can be done on an average budget if you do it right.


Note: Keep in mind, we visited before Croatia changed the the euro, and we have heard since then prices have increased from what they were.


Souvenirs to Get in Croatia

This summer we went to 16 countries, and out of all of them, we definitely did the most shopping in Croatia. A lot of the clothing comes from Italy, so they have a great boutique selection. Most beach towns have cute shops, so make sure to check them out to bring yourself something to take home!

marble jewelry

There is some stunning homemade jewelry that you can find throughout Croatia.

Truffle

Another thing you need to bring home with you is truffle. There are endless amounts of delicious truffle products that you can find in specialty shops, and some even in the super markets! Some of our personal favorites are the truffle infused olive oil, truffle chips, and truffle paste.


Other Culinary Items

Another thing that we loved in Croatia was all of the natural honeys, jams, and infused liquors. We took back homemade fig vodka, a variety of jams, and even lavender infused honey. Don't miss out on all of the markets that Croatia has to offer.


Olive Wood

Walking through souvenir shops in Croatia you'll find a great amount of products made from olive wood. From cutting boards trays to cutlery and glasses, you'll be tempted to fill your whole kitchen with these stunning pieces.

olive wood shop, travel in the balkans
olive wood shop, what to do in Croatia

Lavender

Finally, this country is really known for their lavender. While we got lavender infused honey. there are also pouches of fresh lavender, as well as plenty of toiletries infused with lavender. It's great for relaxation, and smells incredible.


Croatia is an insanely beautiful country, with so much to offer. We spent three weeks there, and could've easily spent a few more with all of the different islands. That being said, you can definitely explore such a variety of things in the country with any amount of time frame.


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