# Croatia

Croatia pairs Roman palaces and walled medieval towns with turquoise lakes and more than a thousand islands along the Adriatic coast.

Dubrovnik's walls, Split's Roman palace, Plitvice and 9 more places in Croatia, with costs, seasons and ferry tips, plus how to plan it in the Guided app.

Canonical: https://www.go-guided.com/en/destinations/croatia
# Croatia

# Croatia travel guide: Everything you need to know before visiting Croatia

Diocletian's Palace in Split was built between about 295 and 305 AD as a Roman emperor's retirement home, and people still live in it. Its old walls now hold flats, bars, shops and a cathedral. A few hours down the coast, Dubrovnik's 1,940 m of city walls run in a full loop around the old town. Offshore, more than 1,000 islands, islets and rocks line the Adriatic, about 50 of them inhabited, and from April to October catamarans link Split, Hvar, Korčula and Dubrovnik every day.

Compared with Slovenia next door, Croatia is far more about the coast and the islands, and far busier for it. It costs less than Italy and shares its Venetian architecture, though the food and language are Slavic. Inland, Plitvice and Krka add lakes and waterfalls within an hour or two of the sea. Croatia suits a first trip to Europe, couples, families after easy swimming, sailors and road-trippers. It suits budget backpackers in July and August much less. This guide covers where to go, how to string it together, what it costs and the rules worth knowing before you land.

## 5 reasons to visit Croatia

We'd come for the sea first, though the history keeps pulling you off the beach.

1. Walk the full 1,940 m circuit of Dubrovnik's city walls above the old town's terracotta roofs.
2. Have a coffee in Split's Peristyle, the square of a Roman emperor's retirement palace built around 300 AD.
3. Follow wooden boardwalks over the 16 turquoise lakes of Plitvice.
4. Hop between Hvar and Korčula by catamaran.
5. Eat oysters at Ston and black cuttlefish risotto on the coast.

## Where to visit in Croatia?

Most first trips follow the Dalmatian coast from Split to Dubrovnik, and we think that's the right call. With two weeks, start in Zagreb and come down via Plitvice to Zadar, or swap the north for Istria if you fly into Pula.

### Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik's walls are about 1,940 m long, up to about 25 m high and 4 to 6 m thick on the landward side, and they circle the whole old town. Minčeta Tower, finished in 1464, is the highest point. An adult ticket costs €40 (€15 for ages 7 to 18, and €15 for adults from November to February), and it includes Fort Lovrijenac, which stands 37 m above the sea outside the west walls. Go at the 8am opening or late in the afternoon, and check how many cruise ships are in port before you pick a day. Boats reach Lokrum island from the Old Port in 15 minutes, for about €30 return including entry.

```json:object
{
  "_key": "46a1e0c86393",
  "_type": "mainImage",
  "alt": "Aerial view of Dubrovnik's west harbour beside the city walls",
  "asset": {
    "_ref": "image-caf2d8aefebf92ce4154d803336c75f2d6eea5b1-2400x1483-jpg",
    "_type": "reference"
  },
  "layout": "intrinsic",
  "markDefs": null,
  "metadata": {
    "_type": "sanity.imageMetadata",
    "blurHash": "VPCH80I_skt9M}%#ovRns:WUAgogjXR*xZK-RnslWXf8",
    "dimensions": {
      "_type": "sanity.imageDimensions",
      "aspectRatio": 1.6183412002697235,
      "height": 1483,
      "width": 2400
    },
    "hasAlpha": false,
    "isOpaque": true,
    "lqip": "data:image/jpeg;base64,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",
    "palette": {
      "_type": "sanity.imagePalette",
      "darkMuted": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#595134",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 1.04,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "darkVibrant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#10648a",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 0.96,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "dominant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#b4afa2",
        "foreground": "#000",
        "population": 11,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "lightMuted": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#b4afa2",
        "foreground": "#000",
        "population": 11,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "lightVibrant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#dfb6a4",
        "foreground": "#000",
        "population": 0.22,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "muted": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#af6451",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 0.02,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "vibrant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#158ad2",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 0.02,
        "title": "#fff"
      }
    },
    "thumbHash": "3MYFLIaGWmaPlneXZ2ySmTA5Bw=="
  },
  "objectFit": "fill"
}
```

### Split and Diocletian's Palace

Split is where we'd base a Dalmatian trip. The ferry port and the bus and train stations sit side by side next to the old town, and the old town is Diocletian's Palace, a UNESCO site since 1979. Entry to the cellars costs €10, and a €20 combo ticket covers the cathedral, bell tower, Temple of Jupiter and treasury. The cellars played Daenerys's dragon dungeon in Meereen in Game of Thrones. The city takes its public order rules seriously, with fines of €150 to €300 for drinking in public in the old town or on the Riva, or for walking around in swimwear. Matejuška pier is one legal spot for a drink outside.

```json:object
{
  "_key": "39f1bf103365",
  "_type": "mainImage",
  "alt": "Boats moored along the Split waterfront below the old town",
  "asset": {
    "_ref": "image-a9f0785295e3aa01d61fa2b9e6e811cdab53916c-2400x1601-jpg",
    "_type": "reference"
  },
  "layout": "intrinsic",
  "markDefs": null,
  "metadata": {
    "_type": "sanity.imageMetadata",
    "blurHash": "VfF$z^V@R,WARi_NRPM|bHWB.Sj[axV@V@yEofn$oLae",
    "dimensions": {
      "_type": "sanity.imageDimensions",
      "aspectRatio": 1.499063085571518,
      "height": 1601,
      "width": 2400
    },
    "hasAlpha": false,
    "isOpaque": true,
    "lqip": "data:image/jpeg;base64,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",
    "palette": {
      "_type": "sanity.imagePalette",
      "darkMuted": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#52432c",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 2.98,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "darkVibrant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#8d432c",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 0.04,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "dominant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#52432c",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 2.98,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "lightMuted": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#aac4c9",
        "foreground": "#000",
        "population": 2.54,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "lightVibrant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#c6ecfc",
        "foreground": "#000",
        "population": 0.03,
        "title": "#000"
      },
      "muted": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#9c7751",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 1.55,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "vibrant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#c4745c",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 0,
        "title": "#fff"
      }
    },
    "thumbHash": "HvgNFYJ3ZndfhneNaLd4hkmbkHUJ"
  },
  "objectFit": "fill"
}
```

### Plitvice Lakes National Park

Sixteen named lakes step down through forest at Plitvice, linked by waterfalls and wooden boardwalks across a park of about 297 km². It became a national park in 1949 and a UNESCO site in 1979. Tickets are tied to an entrance and a time slot, so book online. From June to September adults pay €40, or €25 after the afternoon cut-off (4pm in June to August, 3pm in September). April to May and October cost €23, and winter months €10. Swimming and drones are banned. Sleep nearby and take the first slot of the day. Spring brings the strongest water flow.

```json:object
{
  "_key": "46a6c7840a46",
  "_type": "mainImage",
  "alt": "People walking on a wooden boardwalk over turquoise water in Plitvice Lakes National Park",
  "asset": {
    "_ref": "image-a514dd10c6f7c80901059a79822a104b79bddc5a-2400x3600-jpg",
    "_type": "reference"
  },
  "layout": "intrinsic",
  "markDefs": null,
  "metadata": {
    "_type": "sanity.imageMetadata",
    "blurHash": "d39ac+~CwZu2,e_KxuwgD9xu-pVZ%}mmR4t+H^THtl_2",
    "dimensions": {
      "_type": "sanity.imageDimensions",
      "aspectRatio": 0.6666666666666666,
      "height": 3600,
      "width": 2400
    },
    "hasAlpha": false,
    "isOpaque": true,
    "lqip": "data:image/jpeg;base64,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",
    "palette": {
      "_type": "sanity.imagePalette",
      "darkMuted": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#4b6133",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 6.28,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "darkVibrant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#0c7f4e",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 1.55,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "dominant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#4b6133",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 6.28,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "lightMuted": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#bcb7a1",
        "foreground": "#000",
        "population": 2.84,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "lightVibrant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#d5d3a4",
        "foreground": "#000",
        "population": 0,
        "title": "#000"
      },
      "muted": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#8d9667",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 1.08,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "vibrant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#787637",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 1.25,
        "title": "#fff"
      }
    },
    "thumbHash": "0egFDQJ9avmISJnGZZOKi/mx4P30"
  },
  "objectFit": "fill"
}
```

### Krka National Park and Šibenik

If you only have time for one of Croatia's big lake parks, Plitvice is the bigger one, but Krka is the easier day trip from Split. It has seven waterfalls. The best known, Skradinski buk, drops over 17 travertine steps across about 800 m, and a circular boardwalk of about 2 km loops past it. Swimming there has been banned since 2021. Adults pay €40 from June to September (€30 after 3pm), €20 in April, May and October, and €7 from November to March. Šibenik, 20 minutes away, makes the better base, with the UNESCO-listed Cathedral of St James and St Nicholas Fortress. Game of Thrones fans may know the town as Braavos.

```json:object
{
  "_key": "e48c8bbf6eee",
  "_type": "mainImage",
  "alt": "Visitors beside the waterfalls at Skradin in Krka National Park",
  "asset": {
    "_ref": "image-d4ee6393854c1276bd41900ca3167db5f87276e2-2400x1800-jpg",
    "_type": "reference"
  },
  "layout": "intrinsic",
  "markDefs": null,
  "metadata": {
    "_type": "sanity.imageMetadata",
    "blurHash": "VUE|P4s$M{t7V?%QV@ocWUWV?wRkofWBe.tTWEozWBkC",
    "dimensions": {
      "_type": "sanity.imageDimensions",
      "aspectRatio": 1.3333333333333333,
      "height": 1800,
      "width": 2400
    },
    "hasAlpha": false,
    "isOpaque": true,
    "lqip": "data:image/jpeg;base64,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",
    "palette": {
      "_type": "sanity.imagePalette",
      "darkMuted": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#546b3f",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 5.21,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "darkVibrant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#4b5c29",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 2.01,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "dominant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#95b2c8",
        "foreground": "#000",
        "population": 6,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "lightMuted": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#95b2c8",
        "foreground": "#000",
        "population": 6,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "lightVibrant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#a4caf0",
        "foreground": "#000",
        "population": 1.44,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "muted": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#9ea469",
        "foreground": "#000",
        "population": 5.77,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "vibrant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#649ccc",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 0,
        "title": "#fff"
      }
    },
    "thumbHash": "X9gJHYJYaXl7eIhveJeHmo2AxNMJ"
  },
  "objectFit": "fill"
}
```

### Hvar

Hvar Town has a party reputation, and it's earned. The town now has an 85 dB summer noise limit, and the Pakleni Islands sit just offshore. The catamaran from Split takes 50 to 60 minutes and costs from about €20 in peak season. Car ferries from Split go to Stari Grad instead, about 20 km from Hvar Town, in 1 hour 50 minutes. The Stari Grad Plain beside it is a Greek field system listed by UNESCO in 2008. Unless you're there for the nightlife, we'd sleep in Stari Grad or Jelsa instead.

```json:object
{
  "_key": "a7e1f25044c5",
  "_type": "mainImage",
  "alt": "Boats in Hvar Town harbour in front of a church",
  "asset": {
    "_ref": "image-5fa465fa02d6118c70c2e4e8b49d9643cabf70ee-2400x1600-jpg",
    "_type": "reference"
  },
  "layout": "intrinsic",
  "markDefs": null,
  "metadata": {
    "_type": "sanity.imageMetadata",
    "blurHash": "ViB#Pgg5WCbcjvcIbcWBWYaztoWYWBWBayR5RkayjYjZ",
    "dimensions": {
      "_type": "sanity.imageDimensions",
      "aspectRatio": 1.5,
      "height": 1600,
      "width": 2400
    },
    "hasAlpha": false,
    "isOpaque": true,
    "lqip": "data:image/jpeg;base64,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",
    "palette": {
      "_type": "sanity.imagePalette",
      "darkMuted": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#324c58",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 0.02,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "darkVibrant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#0561ca",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 0.56,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "dominant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#7891a8",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 7.5,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "lightMuted": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#99acc8",
        "foreground": "#000",
        "population": 6.17,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "lightVibrant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#79adea",
        "foreground": "#000",
        "population": 7.42,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "muted": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#7891a8",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 7.5,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "vibrant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#0789e5",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 7.2,
        "title": "#fff"
      }
    },
    "thumbHash": "nrYJNYh4iHiLd4d/dyd2hnZwUgcm"
  },
  "objectFit": "fill"
}
```

### Korčula

Korčula's old town sits on a small peninsula inside its walls, and its streets branch off the main one in a herringbone pattern. The town claims Marco Polo as a son, though most scholars say he was born in Venice. In summer you can watch the Moreška, a traditional sword dance. The catamaran from Split takes about 3 hours via Hvar, and from Dubrovnik it's about 2 hours for around €25. That puts Korčula between the two, and it's the best overnight stop on the way south.

```json:object
{
  "_key": "8dc045f97542",
  "_type": "mainImage",
  "alt": "Korčula old town seen from a boat on the water",
  "asset": {
    "_ref": "image-e28c32c598ec1da8ce7b1984ecfb6db3c5727509-2400x1600-jpg",
    "_type": "reference"
  },
  "layout": "intrinsic",
  "markDefs": null,
  "metadata": {
    "_type": "sanity.imageMetadata",
    "blurHash": "VTCHEAMcofRjaxt:n}jYWBoJK,WBadRkoKXAX9ofWBaz",
    "dimensions": {
      "_type": "sanity.imageDimensions",
      "aspectRatio": 1.5,
      "height": 1600,
      "width": 2400
    },
    "hasAlpha": false,
    "isOpaque": true,
    "lqip": "data:image/jpeg;base64,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",
    "palette": {
      "_type": "sanity.imagePalette",
      "darkMuted": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#524735",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 3.17,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "darkVibrant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#167fb1",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 4.84,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "dominant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#65a4d2",
        "foreground": "#000",
        "population": 6.12,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "lightMuted": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#b6ccdb",
        "foreground": "#000",
        "population": 1.55,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "lightVibrant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#65a4d2",
        "foreground": "#000",
        "population": 6.12,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "muted": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#6f8c9b",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 6.09,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "vibrant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#168fcf",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 0.83,
        "title": "#fff"
      }
    },
    "thumbHash": "XMcJLYiAdXiNd4h7ZoiZqIuDoDgI"
  },
  "objectFit": "fill"
}
```

### Zadar

Zadar's Sea Organ plays itself. Designed by Nikola Bašić and opened in 2005, it has 35 pipes set under about 70 m of steps along the waterfront, and it plays with the waves. Beside it sits the Sun Salutation, a 22 m circle of solar panels added in 2008. Come for sunset, when both are free and the steps fill up. The town's land walls are part of UNESCO's listing for the Venetian Works of Defence (2017). Zadar costs less than Split or Dubrovnik, and its airport is a Ryanair hub, which makes it a good base for Plitvice and for boat trips out to the Kornati islands.

```json:object
{
  "_key": "c27191f78e11",
  "_type": "mainImage",
  "alt": "Zadar old town and the Adriatic seen from the bell tower of St Anastasia's Cathedral",
  "asset": {
    "_ref": "image-0df36594dd9516c7286146d7dcea79297d10c791-2400x1800-jpg",
    "_type": "reference"
  },
  "layout": "intrinsic",
  "markDefs": null,
  "metadata": {
    "_type": "sanity.imageMetadata",
    "blurHash": "ViIha6OXShxZoyCAnin%S2aetns,jYafW;spWVkCs:oL",
    "dimensions": {
      "_type": "sanity.imageDimensions",
      "aspectRatio": 1.3333333333333333,
      "height": 1800,
      "width": 2400
    },
    "hasAlpha": false,
    "isOpaque": true,
    "lqip": "data:image/jpeg;base64,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",
    "palette": {
      "_type": "sanity.imagePalette",
      "darkMuted": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#605731",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 3.62,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "darkVibrant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#ae750d",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 0.02,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "dominant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#c1703b",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 7.52,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "lightMuted": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#94b4cc",
        "foreground": "#000",
        "population": 1.17,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "lightVibrant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#9bc9ec",
        "foreground": "#000",
        "population": 0.48,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "muted": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#ac8e64",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 6.52,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "vibrant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#c1703b",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 7.52,
        "title": "#fff"
      }
    },
    "thumbHash": "ZAgGRYx3mmmOaHaPd3iGcneAZgdo"
  },
  "objectFit": "fill"
}
```

### Trogir

Is Trogir worth a stop? For half a day, yes. The UNESCO-listed old town (1997) sits on a small island joined by bridges to the mainland and to Čiovo, about 27 km from Split. It's the easiest half day out of Split, and because it's close to Split airport it also suits a first or last night in Dalmatia, so you aren't crossing the city with luggage. Go in the evening, when the waterfront promenade is at its best for a slow walk and dinner.

```json:object
{
  "_key": "2e35b17db8bf",
  "_type": "mainImage",
  "alt": "Medieval stone buildings and a bell tower in Trogir",
  "asset": {
    "_ref": "image-40281068166fc1fdaa33572d43a6efc7444eaa85-2400x3600-jpg",
    "_type": "reference"
  },
  "layout": "intrinsic",
  "markDefs": null,
  "metadata": {
    "_type": "sanity.imageMetadata",
    "blurHash": "daIhgOxaIVofu6W=ayR+-5WVfljZiaV@j[oeIpR*t6WB",
    "dimensions": {
      "_type": "sanity.imageDimensions",
      "aspectRatio": 0.6666666666666666,
      "height": 3600,
      "width": 2400
    },
    "hasAlpha": false,
    "isOpaque": true,
    "lqip": "data:image/jpeg;base64,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",
    "palette": {
      "_type": "sanity.imagePalette",
      "darkMuted": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#574029",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 1.64,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "darkVibrant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#701e10",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 0.01,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "dominant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#a67e66",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 6.63,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "lightMuted": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#b4c6d0",
        "foreground": "#000",
        "population": 5.58,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "lightVibrant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#e2c5af",
        "foreground": "#000",
        "population": 4.9,
        "title": "#000"
      },
      "muted": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#a67e66",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 6.63,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "vibrant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#ca6043",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 0.12,
        "title": "#fff"
      }
    },
    "thumbHash": "JQgKJQZIiH94l4dHd3aZmHhwjAfW"
  },
  "objectFit": "fill"
}
```

### Istria, Rovinj and the hill towns

Istria sits up by the Italian and Slovenian borders, a long way from Dalmatia, and it feels like a different trip. Rovinj is Istria's prettiest town, with the bell tower of St Euphemia (about 60 m) above its harbour. Inland, Motovun sits on a hilltop at about 277 m with just 397 residents, above the truffle forest of the Mirna valley, and has hosted a film festival since 1999. Grožnjan is the artists' town. Hum, with 52 residents in 2021, is often called the smallest town in the world. A car makes all of this far easier.

```json:object
{
  "_key": "ee0ff397b21f",
  "_type": "mainImage",
  "alt": "Colourful waterfront houses and boats in a Croatian coastal town",
  "asset": {
    "_ref": "image-96ab8412c2252fd0738207613282ceea0f38aecd-2400x1600-jpg",
    "_type": "reference"
  },
  "layout": "intrinsic",
  "markDefs": null,
  "metadata": {
    "_type": "sanity.imageMetadata",
    "blurHash": "VgEXVGkXbwofj@*0oJjZa|f5Eme-i^WVa}n3bbflkCkC",
    "dimensions": {
      "_type": "sanity.imageDimensions",
      "aspectRatio": 1.5,
      "height": 1600,
      "width": 2400
    },
    "hasAlpha": false,
    "isOpaque": true,
    "lqip": "data:image/jpeg;base64,/9j/2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj/2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj/wAARCAANABQDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFwABAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABwADBP/EACAQAAICAgICAwAAAAAAAAAAAAECAAMEERIhMUFhcZL/xAAVAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABBf/EABwRAAICAgMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABAgMRIiNRYf/aAAwDAQACEQMRAD8AQMuzHxxu6xU+zOKvPxLHZeXED23Qh/k5dt7E3Ozk+y0ya1mABZtb3rlK81dnVog1yoa2TEsX4p8XV/qUN2sJJPffzKPL4GaOmf/Z",
    "palette": {
      "_type": "sanity.imagePalette",
      "darkMuted": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#3d3f3e",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 4.08,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "darkVibrant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#2d7395",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 8.3,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "dominant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#4180a2",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 8.93,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "lightMuted": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#d7bca2",
        "foreground": "#000",
        "population": 3.42,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "lightVibrant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#8ebef4",
        "foreground": "#000",
        "population": 0.01,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "muted": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#4c8eae",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 5.14,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "vibrant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#4180a2",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 8.93,
        "title": "#fff"
      }
    },
    "thumbHash": "pqYJHYaYiHh/d4d2d2iIiGaFYGYI"
  },
  "objectFit": "fill"
}
```

### Pula

The Pula Arena was finished under Emperor Titus in AD 81. It measures about 132.5 by 105.1 m, rises to about 32 m and once held about 23,000 people. Plenty of Roman amphitheatres survive, but this is the only one with its full outer ring of walls still standing, and it's the reason to come. Pula airport is the easiest way into Istria, and Rovinj is about 40 km away, so the city works better as your arrival point than as a place to linger for days.

```json:object
{
  "_key": "ef8f8e538821",
  "_type": "mainImage",
  "alt": "People walking past the Roman amphitheatre in Pula",
  "asset": {
    "_ref": "image-50fc0bb57ac64d97711f9ba93894fe2e5fd8d14f-2400x1642-jpg",
    "_type": "reference"
  },
  "layout": "intrinsic",
  "markDefs": null,
  "metadata": {
    "_type": "sanity.imageMetadata",
    "blurHash": "VnIrKaNLR*t7og.ANdozWEj[%hkDkCWAWBSjWBoJWBjY",
    "dimensions": {
      "_type": "sanity.imageDimensions",
      "aspectRatio": 1.46163215590743,
      "height": 1642,
      "width": 2400
    },
    "hasAlpha": false,
    "isOpaque": true,
    "lqip": "data:image/jpeg;base64,/9j/2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj/2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj/wAARCAAOABQDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFwAAAwEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUGB//EACEQAAIBBAICAwAAAAAAAAAAAAECBAADBREGIRITB0Fh/8QAFQEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAgP/xAAdEQACAgEFAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABAgADBBEhMUGh/9oADAMBAAIRAxEAPwCrk8xNqVZjwo4HsOldzrdOUy+YUbF6yv55CoK78f5SROS7IyUYlV8V0jdU0ucLyQtaOVXoa0FIFRty25YxJQi7ASqfnWQit6rosOw+6Kx+TCkLKvI0gk23KE7PeqKiL7CNQD5GVrHU/9k=",
    "palette": {
      "_type": "sanity.imagePalette",
      "darkMuted": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#523f2f",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 2.85,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "darkVibrant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#655f1f",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 0,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "dominant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#d9c8ae",
        "foreground": "#000",
        "population": 6.55,
        "title": "#000"
      },
      "lightMuted": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#d9c8ae",
        "foreground": "#000",
        "population": 6.55,
        "title": "#000"
      },
      "lightVibrant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#bddbfc",
        "foreground": "#000",
        "population": 0.23,
        "title": "#000"
      },
      "muted": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#9f8a73",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 4.17,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "vibrant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#7e7727",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 5.41,
        "title": "#fff"
      }
    },
    "thumbHash": "ZAgOHYR3mXh/eXiLeHeHfXNwRQcl"
  },
  "objectFit": "fill"
}
```

### Zagreb

Most people treat Zagreb as a stopover. It deserves two days. The capital, home to about 767,000 people, is the cheapest of Croatia's big cities, and its cafés spill out across the Upper Town. Its best-known sight is the Museum of Broken Relationships, which displays objects left over from ended relationships (entry €7). It won the Kenneth Hudson Award in 2011. From late November to early January, Advent in Zagreb takes over the centre, running from 28 November 2026 to 7 January 2027. Plitvice is about 2 hours away by car.

```json:object
{
  "_key": "6ddf36533c0b",
  "_type": "mainImage",
  "alt": "St Mark's Church in Zagreb's Upper Town",
  "asset": {
    "_ref": "image-558a57a0615d4497c17c7790039199ebe5ace709-2400x1796-jpg",
    "_type": "reference"
  },
  "layout": "intrinsic",
  "markDefs": null,
  "metadata": {
    "_type": "sanity.imageMetadata",
    "blurHash": "VWH.sdRRS6s.RjGKIUxuRjt7Ips,s8bGWVt4xuVskCad",
    "dimensions": {
      "_type": "sanity.imageDimensions",
      "aspectRatio": 1.3363028953229399,
      "height": 1796,
      "width": 2400
    },
    "hasAlpha": false,
    "isOpaque": true,
    "lqip": "data:image/jpeg;base64,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",
    "palette": {
      "_type": "sanity.imagePalette",
      "darkMuted": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#563c30",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 2.51,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "darkVibrant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#26435e",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 0,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "dominant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#598dbc",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 7.35,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "lightMuted": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#d4c2ac",
        "foreground": "#000",
        "population": 1.57,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "lightVibrant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#98c1e4",
        "foreground": "#000",
        "population": 0.45,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "muted": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#5e84ac",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 0.86,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "vibrant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#598dbc",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 7.35,
        "title": "#fff"
      }
    },
    "thumbHash": "pucFNYh1SYgNXIyUh2dMRnZwdwdn"
  },
  "objectFit": "fill"
}
```

### Vis

Vis was a military zone closed to foreigners until 1989, and it's still the least developed of the main islands. The catamaran from Split takes about 1 hour 30 minutes, and the car ferry about 2 hours 20 minutes. Most visitors come for the Blue Cave on nearby Biševo, where small boats squeeze through a low opening into the cave. The light is best between about 10am and 2pm, and the cave closes when the wind picks up. For a slower few days with fewer crowds, Vis is the island we'd choose.

```json:object
{
  "_key": "cd7a1f61502c",
  "_type": "mainImage",
  "alt": "A stone street in Komiža on the island of Vis",
  "asset": {
    "_ref": "image-24378e40b5e6232248d008ad6dcfdf86c8265c2b-2400x4265-jpg",
    "_type": "reference"
  },
  "layout": "intrinsic",
  "markDefs": null,
  "metadata": {
    "_type": "sanity.imageMetadata",
    "blurHash": "cbJRU0IUIT~qM{V?OFoJadjFt6ofofjZWB",
    "dimensions": {
      "_type": "sanity.imageDimensions",
      "aspectRatio": 0.5627198124267292,
      "height": 4265,
      "width": 2400
    },
    "hasAlpha": false,
    "isOpaque": true,
    "lqip": "data:image/jpeg;base64,/9j/2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj/2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj/wAARCAAkABQDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAGAAAAwEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUHBgT/xAAoEAABAwQBAwIHAAAAAAAAAAABAgMEAAUREiEGMUFRcQcTFCIkYWL/xAAZAQEAAgMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACAAEDBAX/xAAdEQADAAICAwAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQIREgNREyFB/9oADAMBAAIRAxEAPwDTRpDrHVdq1kJfZwSlxCcAg+Ko3UzyokFkMqKXHXUpyO4Hmo70RLlSl219aWxGSlKUc5Jye9Uf4h3hiJMtcRxWrq1jU54P6rHFayyVO1JjVcOaD9kxzX+gM0U0Q82tCSpHOKKrauxaT0Q3ptpdrtEONLWhpTJC1Oo4GuafXY2+89SWuaHw4lnhB32Cj7VPJ0/6/wDHhuF5DiQ25g8BPvTFvpyTHjsqtsr5WmFJBOefSjp9H5PWDXXqXm8TBInSG1Jc1CW1EADAxRUim3m4R5r6J0kqkbkqJ80VT42Nck4OW1vLiNMNsYSknJ9TW2ROfMYDfxRRW5SOYm8CiUlD7u7zaFrx3I5oooq0E//Z",
    "palette": {
      "_type": "sanity.imagePalette",
      "darkMuted": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#53463d",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 3.62,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "darkVibrant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#1f170a",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 0.32,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "dominant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#907b6a",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 4.68,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "lightMuted": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#d6bfac",
        "foreground": "#000",
        "population": 2.14,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "lightVibrant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#bcdcec",
        "foreground": "#000",
        "population": 0,
        "title": "#000"
      },
      "muted": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#907b6a",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 4.68,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "vibrant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#c08f3e",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 0,
        "title": "#fff"
      }
    },
    "thumbHash": "ZQgODAJU9nZ3eJeId4i5iYCKCA=="
  },
  "objectFit": "fill"
}
```

## Croatia itinerary ideas for your trip

There's no railway to Dubrovnik, so the coast runs on buses and boats. Catamarans between Split, Hvar, Korčula and Dubrovnik sail daily from 1 April to 31 October, and both routes below rely on them.

### 5 to 7 day Croatia itinerary

**Day 1-2**: Split, the palace and Marjan hill, with a half day in Trogir.

**Day 3**: Krka National Park via Šibenik.

**Day 4**: Catamaran to Hvar.

**Day 5**: Catamaran to Korčula.

**Day 6-7**: Catamaran to Dubrovnik, the walls at 8am and an afternoon on Lokrum.

### 10 to 14 day Croatia itinerary

**Day 1-2**: Zagreb.

**Day 3-4**: Plitvice, with a night nearby and the first slot next morning.

**Day 5-6**: Zadar, the Sea Organ at sunset and an optional Kornati boat day.

**Day 7**: Šibenik and Krka.

**Day 8-9**: Split and Trogir, with the Cetina at Omiš if you want an active day.

**Day 10**: Hvar, or Vis for the Blue Cave.

**Day 11**: Korčula.

**Day 12-14**: Dubrovnik, plus a day trip to Ston or Mljet.

Flying into Pula? Swap the first four days for three in Istria (Rovinj, Motovun and Pula). You can build this route or change it to your own pace in the **Guided trip planner**.## Fun things to do in Croatia

Croatia's coast runs past more than 1,000 islands, so a lot of the best days here happen on the water or close to it. Here are five worth planning around.

### Sea kayak under Dubrovnik's walls

From Pile, sea kayak tours paddle out under Fort Lovrijenac and along the base of the walls, with a snorkelling stop at Betina Cave. Tours take about 2 hours and cost €34 to €45. They run from April to October, and the sea is calmest in the morning, so book an early one. After walking along the top of the walls, seeing them from the water shows you how the city was built into the rock.

```json:object
{
  "_key": "f76dfcf42ab5",
  "_type": "mainImage",
  "alt": "Orange kayaks in a clear cove below stone buildings in Dubrovnik",
  "asset": {
    "_ref": "image-c922a4910fab167978235beba09345b071761c1d-2400x4335-jpg",
    "_type": "reference"
  },
  "layout": "intrinsic",
  "markDefs": null,
  "metadata": {
    "_type": "sanity.imageMetadata",
    "blurHash": "c9Dcpw0f?a%O=_X:pepZ_4S$~px{kV%jxv",
    "dimensions": {
      "_type": "sanity.imageDimensions",
      "aspectRatio": 0.5536332179930796,
      "height": 4335,
      "width": 2400
    },
    "hasAlpha": false,
    "isOpaque": true,
    "lqip": "data:image/jpeg;base64,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",
    "palette": {
      "_type": "sanity.imagePalette",
      "darkMuted": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#2e655b",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 4.87,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "darkVibrant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#74180a",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 0.01,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "dominant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#6a8a50",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 5.9,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "lightMuted": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#c9b7a0",
        "foreground": "#000",
        "population": 2.77,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "lightVibrant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#cce3f3",
        "foreground": "#000",
        "population": 4.72,
        "title": "#000"
      },
      "muted": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#6a8a50",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 5.9,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "vibrant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#c93c30",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 0.12,
        "title": "#fff"
      }
    },
    "thumbHash": "mOgFDALBbZua2fd6TG3C/gHpDQ=="
  },
  "objectFit": "fill"
}
```

### Find the Game of Thrones locations

Dubrovnik played King's Landing. Fort Lovrijenac stood in for the Red Keep, and the Jesuit staircase was the setting for the walk of shame. Lokrum was Qarth, and a replica Iron Throne still sits on the island. Further up the coast, Split's palace cellars and Klis Fortress both appear as Meereen, and Šibenik played Braavos.

```json:object
{
  "_key": "44b811af3848",
  "_type": "mainImage",
  "alt": "Fort Lovrijenac on its rocky cliff above the sea in Dubrovnik",
  "asset": {
    "_ref": "image-674e7a4da1a901a005cbe92ae19b6434de60498d-2400x3200-jpg",
    "_type": "reference"
  },
  "layout": "intrinsic",
  "markDefs": null,
  "metadata": {
    "_type": "sanity.imageMetadata",
    "blurHash": "dWEzA_E4%Nbx5x-pRjR,XWWAV?xWIBIVt6V@$cxuRkfk",
    "dimensions": {
      "_type": "sanity.imageDimensions",
      "aspectRatio": 0.75,
      "height": 3200,
      "width": 2400
    },
    "hasAlpha": false,
    "isOpaque": true,
    "lqip": "data:image/jpeg;base64,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",
    "palette": {
      "_type": "sanity.imagePalette",
      "darkMuted": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#556038",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 0.93,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "darkVibrant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#063959",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 3.05,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "dominant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#787769",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 9.63,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "lightMuted": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#d4cec1",
        "foreground": "#000",
        "population": 9.49,
        "title": "#000"
      },
      "lightVibrant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#ea8a8c",
        "foreground": "#000",
        "population": 0.01,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "muted": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#787769",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 9.63,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "vibrant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#3679c8",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 7.9,
        "title": "#fff"
      }
    },
    "thumbHash": "4MYFNQjSieplqGYJk7oWp2WQQwc5"
  },
  "objectFit": "fill"
}
```

### Walk the Ston walls, then eat oysters

The walls of Ston run for about 5.5 km over the hills of the Pelješac peninsula. They were built between 1333 and 1506 to guard the salt pans below, which are still worked by hand. Afterwards, head to Mali Ston, whose oysters have had EU protected status since 2020, and expect to pay €1.50 to €3 each in restaurants. Ston is about an hour from Dubrovnik, and we think it's the best half day out of the city.

### Raft the Cetina at Omiš

Omiš sits about 40 minutes from Split where the Cetina river meets the sea. Rafting trips last 3 to 4 hours on class II to III water, cost €35 to €45 and take children from age 8. If you'd rather fly over the canyon than float through it, ziplines cost about €65 to €80. It's a good day for families tired of old towns.

```json:object
{
  "_key": "36d2a9c69cc8",
  "_type": "mainImage",
  "alt": "A small boat on the Cetina river between large boulders and green cliffs",
  "asset": {
    "_ref": "image-7f302cd742ca75c53b1152d49dceb0eddc537d45-2400x1350-jpg",
    "_type": "reference"
  },
  "layout": "intrinsic",
  "markDefs": null,
  "metadata": {
    "_type": "sanity.imageMetadata",
    "blurHash": "M7DJ#5v|=GJY00~CIm.SnMVrS1xbDiXA~q",
    "dimensions": {
      "_type": "sanity.imageDimensions",
      "aspectRatio": 1.7777777777777777,
      "height": 1350,
      "width": 2400
    },
    "hasAlpha": false,
    "isOpaque": true,
    "lqip": "data:image/jpeg;base64,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",
    "palette": {
      "_type": "sanity.imagePalette",
      "darkMuted": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#445339",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 7.89,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "darkVibrant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#24545c",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 0.01,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "dominant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#445339",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 7.89,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "lightMuted": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#b6bfcc",
        "foreground": "#000",
        "population": 1.01,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "lightVibrant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#9fd1d9",
        "foreground": "#000",
        "population": 0,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "muted": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#6ca1ac",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 0.05,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "vibrant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#47a7b7",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 0,
        "title": "#fff"
      }
    },
    "thumbHash": "GugFDIKXB2ldbdaXg5n8ubnPdg=="
  },
  "objectFit": "fill"
}
```

### Take a boat to the Blue Cave

The Blue Cave on Biševo is the best-known day trip from Vis, and you'll spend only 5 to 10 minutes inside. Tours from Vis take 4 to 6 hours and cost €60 to €90. From Split or Hvar, expect 8 to 10 hours and €110 to €150, most of it spent on the boat. Trips are cancelled when it's windy. It's only worth it from Vis.

```json:object
{
  "_key": "9efeeacd3d83",
  "_type": "mainImage",
  "alt": "Clear water and rock at the Blue Cave in Croatia",
  "asset": {
    "_ref": "image-2cb76523ba17e479e345803527616108a8ea5a86-2400x3600-jpg",
    "_type": "reference"
  },
  "layout": "intrinsic",
  "markDefs": null,
  "metadata": {
    "_type": "sanity.imageMetadata",
    "blurHash": "d47Uu3pI008w|tR5ADY48_W..8a$PTS#+^icHsMy%zyD",
    "dimensions": {
      "_type": "sanity.imageDimensions",
      "aspectRatio": 0.6666666666666666,
      "height": 3600,
      "width": 2400
    },
    "hasAlpha": false,
    "isOpaque": true,
    "lqip": "data:image/jpeg;base64,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",
    "palette": {
      "_type": "sanity.imagePalette",
      "darkMuted": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#33545c",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 0.11,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "darkVibrant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#1e695b",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 0.9,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "dominant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#58a091",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 1.65,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "lightMuted": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#a7c4c0",
        "foreground": "#000",
        "population": 0.3,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "lightVibrant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#a1d5c9",
        "foreground": "#000",
        "population": 0.04,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "muted": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#58a091",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 1.65,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "vibrant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#3e9a8f",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 0.48,
        "title": "#fff"
      }
    },
    "thumbHash": "zOcJDQQHpWiHWJiHh3Z4iGZ/V/t5"
  },
  "objectFit": "fill"
}
```

## When to go to Croatia?

June or September is our pick. July and August bring peak prices and cruise crowds in Dubrovnik, while May to June and September to mid October give you warm sea with more room on it. In Split, highs reach 31 °C in July and the sea averages about 23 °C in July and August and still about 22 °C in September. Catamarans along the coast run from 1 April to 31 October, and many island hotels and restaurants close from November to March. Two winds shape the off season. The bura, a cold north-easterly, can close part of the A1 motorway and coast roads in winter, and the warm, wet jugo cancels catamarans, mostly in autumn and winter.

- **Spring (April to May)**: highs of 17 to 23 °C, a cool sea (14 to 17 °C), catamarans back from 1 April and Plitvice at full flow.
- **Summer (June to August)**: 28 to 31 °C on the coast, the sea at 23 to 25 °C, festivals, and peak crowds and prices.
- **Autumn (September to October)**: a warm sea (19 to 24 °C), the grape harvest, the start of truffle season in Istria and fewer people. More rain and jugo from mid October.
- **Winter (November to March)**: 10 to 13 °C on the coast and below freezing at night in Zagreb. Advent and Carnival bring the cities to life, while most islands close and ferries run less often.[grid: non-text section]

## Where to stay in Croatia?

Look for signs saying "sobe" (rooms), "apartmani" or "zimmer" along the coast. Private rooms and apartments make up most of the beds there. Counties set a tourist tax of about €0.65 to €2.65 per person per night, usually added to your bill. Dubrovnik and Split charge the top rate from April to September, under-12s pay nothing and 12 to 18 year olds pay half.

### Split

Split is the most practical base on the coast, with buses, trains and ferries leaving from beside the old town, and it stays lively all year. The downsides are summer crowds and the noise of Ultra Europe week in July.

### Lapad or Gruž, Dubrovnik

Sleeping inside Dubrovnik's walls is atmospheric, but it's the priciest place to sleep in Dubrovnik, with lots of steps and few beds. Lapad has beaches and a seafront promenade. Gruž has the ferry and bus port and a market. From both, the bus to Pile Gate takes 10 to 15 minutes, and you'll pay much less than inside the walls.

### Stari Grad or Jelsa, Hvar

These two towns are quieter and better for families than Hvar Town, and Stari Grad has the car ferry. Pick Hvar Town only if you want the bars on your doorstep.

### Zadar

Zadar is cheaper than Split and Dubrovnik and well placed for Plitvice and Krka. You won't find many beaches in the centre, though.

### Rovinj

For Istria, Rovinj is the base, with good food and truffles close by. It's pricey in summer and a long way from Dalmatia, so it suits a trip focused on the north.

> **Guided tip: **If you book a private room or apartment, check that your host has registered you in the eVisitor system within a day or two of arrival. Hotels do it for you.

## Getting around when visiting Croatia

Can you see Croatia without a car? On the coast, easily. Buses link the cities, boats link the islands, and the only railway that matters for most visitors stops at Split.

```json:object
{
  "_key": "a09203adb482",
  "_type": "mainImage",
  "alt": "A white car ferry at the dock on the island of Rab",
  "asset": {
    "_ref": "image-9418dcc9a168c909593e88c84013d4cbcafeb8b9-2400x3600-jpg",
    "_type": "reference"
  },
  "layout": "intrinsic",
  "markDefs": null,
  "metadata": {
    "_type": "sanity.imageMetadata",
    "blurHash": "dXE:bxo#RjRQ?wkCofof0OaKt7xtE3V@R*a|-TW=WCRj",
    "dimensions": {
      "_type": "sanity.imageDimensions",
      "aspectRatio": 0.6666666666666666,
      "height": 3600,
      "width": 2400
    },
    "hasAlpha": false,
    "isOpaque": true,
    "lqip": "data:image/jpeg;base64,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",
    "palette": {
      "_type": "sanity.imagePalette",
      "darkMuted": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#5c2c2c",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 0.01,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "darkVibrant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#055c90",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 0.21,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "dominant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#3d7c9f",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 8.47,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "lightMuted": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#dfd7c2",
        "foreground": "#000",
        "population": 7.97,
        "title": "#000"
      },
      "lightVibrant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#ddc49f",
        "foreground": "#000",
        "population": 1.65,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "muted": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#6690a3",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 7.8,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "vibrant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#3d7c9f",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 8.47,
        "title": "#fff"
      }
    },
    "thumbHash": "nccRLQhodo+IJ4dod4mIaId3cJgH"
  },
  "objectFit": "fill"
}
```

### Intercity buses

Buses are the main way to travel between cities. FlixBus and Arriva run most routes, and you can book on getbybus.com or with the operators directly. Zagreb to Split takes about 5 hours 40 minutes and costs about €20 to €40. Split to Dubrovnik starts at €14.98 with FlixBus, which runs 8 buses a day, and takes about 3 hours 10 minutes to 4 and a half hours.

### Ferries and catamarans

Jadrolinija, the state operator, runs car ferries and catamarans and has had a new app since December 2025. Krilo (Kapetan Luka) and TP Line run catamarans too, and Ferryhopper sells tickets for several operators. The Krilo catamaran from Split to Dubrovnik takes about 4 and a half hours and costs from about €50. In July and August, car spaces sell out first, so arrive about an hour early for Jadrolinija car ferries.

### Hire cars and driving

A car pays off in Istria and for Plitvice, but in Split and Dubrovnik parking is expensive and you won't need one. Hire costs €20 to €35 a day off season and €60 to €100 or more in July and August. The A1 motorway runs from Zagreb to Split and on to Ploče, with tolls of about €26 between Zagreb and Split in summer. You collect a ticket on entry and pay by cash or card on exit. From March 2027, tolls go barrier-free, so check the HAC site for how to register. On the road to Dubrovnik, the Pelješac Bridge lets you skip the border checks in Bosnia's Neum corridor. The drink-drive limit is 0.05%, or zero if you're under 25, and headlights must be on from November to March.

### Trains and domestic flights

HŽPP trains are scenic but slow. Zagreb to Split takes about 8 hours and costs €15 to €28, plus a compulsory €1.06 seat reservation. If time is tight, Croatia Airlines flies from Zagreb to Split in 45 minutes and to Dubrovnik in 55 minutes, and also serves Zadar, Pula and Brač.

> **Guided tip: **Book catamarans a few days ahead in July and August, and never plan a catamaran on the morning of your flight. The jugo can cancel sailings at short notice.

## Food and drinks you should try when visiting Croatia

Book your dinners as well as your rooms. Dalmatia's best dishes are slow ones, with peka often ordered hours ahead and pašticada taking about two days to make.

### Peka

Peka is lamb, veal or octopus cooked with potatoes under an iron bell, buried in embers. Many restaurants ask you to order it hours ahead, so call in the morning if you want it for dinner. It's the coastal dish we'd plan an evening around.

### Crni rižot

Crni rižot is risotto turned black with cuttlefish ink, and it's one to order by the sea.

```json:object
{
  "_key": "0537b155ddfa",
  "_type": "mainImage",
  "alt": "A plate of black risotto topped with shrimp",
  "asset": {
    "_ref": "image-4f99140d33da19e6d5b8778e8ff654c294796606-2400x1800-jpg",
    "_type": "reference"
  },
  "layout": "intrinsic",
  "markDefs": null,
  "metadata": {
    "_type": "sanity.imageMetadata",
    "blurHash": "V3BWoP-P00Tf8_004T.TRjR500yFmPDN.8?bt7xv?vtR",
    "dimensions": {
      "_type": "sanity.imageDimensions",
      "aspectRatio": 1.3333333333333333,
      "height": 1800,
      "width": 2400
    },
    "hasAlpha": false,
    "isOpaque": true,
    "lqip": "data:image/jpeg;base64,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",
    "palette": {
      "_type": "sanity.imagePalette",
      "darkMuted": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#3d4147",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 4.56,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "darkVibrant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#8c2e0b",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 0.36,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "dominant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#3d4147",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 4.56,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "lightMuted": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#a4b2c4",
        "foreground": "#000",
        "population": 0.04,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "lightVibrant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#dcdd9b",
        "foreground": "#000",
        "population": 0,
        "title": "#000"
      },
      "muted": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#a0a555",
        "foreground": "#000",
        "population": 0.01,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "vibrant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#9fa036",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 0.02,
        "title": "#fff"
      }
    },
    "thumbHash": "1fcJDYIHWIhAeZeTZamXhBufoNMJ"
  },
  "objectFit": "fill"
}
```

### Pašticada

Pašticada is the festive Dalmatian dish. Beef is marinated in vinegar and wine, then braised slowly with prunes and served with gnocchi. It takes about two days to make.

### Istrian truffles

The forest around Motovun produces both black and white truffles. In 1999, a dog called Diana found a white truffle of 1.31 kg near Buje, which went into the Guinness World Records. White truffle season runs roughly from September or October to December.

```json:object
{
  "_key": "7a5170514dc2",
  "_type": "mainImage",
  "alt": "Fresh white truffles on a wooden board",
  "asset": {
    "_ref": "image-79cae3009ba9391ca7e6fde9fe4568b9fe5e64d2-2400x1597-jpg",
    "_type": "reference"
  },
  "layout": "intrinsic",
  "markDefs": null,
  "metadata": {
    "_type": "sanity.imageMetadata",
    "blurHash": "VACPeSn35t9bJB_NbbMyjGWBAJaK$yt6V@5UjI-Ts,WA",
    "dimensions": {
      "_type": "sanity.imageDimensions",
      "aspectRatio": 1.5028177833437695,
      "height": 1597,
      "width": 2400
    },
    "hasAlpha": false,
    "isOpaque": true,
    "lqip": "data:image/jpeg;base64,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",
    "palette": {
      "_type": "sanity.imagePalette",
      "darkMuted": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#4d3931",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 1.34,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "darkVibrant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#6a3c1e",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 5.94,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "dominant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#caab84",
        "foreground": "#000",
        "population": 6.72,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "lightMuted": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#a6b1b9",
        "foreground": "#000",
        "population": 0.06,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "lightVibrant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#caab84",
        "foreground": "#000",
        "population": 6.72,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "muted": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#9d8164",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 1.7,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "vibrant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#b57c3a",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 0.02,
        "title": "#fff"
      }
    },
    "thumbHash": "VQgKFYSFdXiPhWd3iFeYdQpkozA2"
  },
  "objectFit": "fill"
}
```

### Rakija and Croatian wine

Hosts often pour a glass of rakija to welcome you. Travarica is flavoured with herbs, loza is made from grapes, šljivovica from plums and biska from Istrian mistletoe. For wine, look for Plavac Mali, the native red. Dingač on the Pelješac peninsula became Croatia's first protected wine region in 1961. In Istria, the white to order is Malvazija.

## Culture and local habits you'll notice when visiting Croatia

One kava can last an hour in Croatia, and nobody will rush you to order another. Coffee is a social event here, and Dalmatians even have a word, fjaka, for the blissful idleness of a summer afternoon. In Split you might see picigin, a ball game played in the shallows at Bačvice beach since 1908, with no score kept, and you may hear klapa, the Dalmatian a cappella singing that UNESCO listed as intangible heritage in 2012.

On the coast, lunch is the main meal, dinners run late in summer and Sundays are quieter. Tipping isn't required. Leave about 10% for good restaurant service and round up in cafés and taxis. Card machines now often prompt you with 10%, 15% or 20%, but a cash tip left on the table is still common.

```json:object
{
  "_key": "05c8a977cbb1",
  "_type": "mainImage",
  "alt": "A beach and pier on the Split coastline",
  "asset": {
    "_ref": "image-13104343395ab837dad770f7dd49f3e75b6d4602-2400x3600-jpg",
    "_type": "reference"
  },
  "layout": "intrinsic",
  "markDefs": null,
  "metadata": {
    "_type": "sanity.imageMetadata",
    "blurHash": "deEyY%t6R*og~Wt7kDofZ~o#tRj[D$odkCbI9ZadWAoe",
    "dimensions": {
      "_type": "sanity.imageDimensions",
      "aspectRatio": 0.6666666666666666,
      "height": 3600,
      "width": 2400
    },
    "hasAlpha": false,
    "isOpaque": true,
    "lqip": "data:image/jpeg;base64,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",
    "palette": {
      "_type": "sanity.imagePalette",
      "darkMuted": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#345264",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 3.31,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "darkVibrant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#70340c",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 0,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "dominant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#708c9f",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 8.39,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "lightMuted": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#d7c6b8",
        "foreground": "#000",
        "population": 1.3,
        "title": "#000"
      },
      "lightVibrant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#fce8dd",
        "foreground": "#000",
        "population": 0.37,
        "title": "#000"
      },
      "muted": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#708c9f",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 8.39,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "vibrant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#ac6414",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 0,
        "title": "#fff"
      }
    },
    "thumbHash": "GPgRFQRoeI+ISJlIeHVXeFtcr8f2"
  },
  "objectFit": "fill"
}
```[newsletterForm: non-text section]

## Costs of a holiday to Croatia

Croatia is no longer the cheap alternative to Italy, though it still costs less. On Numbeo's mid-2026 Cost of Living Index, Croatia scores 51.3, below Italy (61.3) and about level with Slovenia (53.2) and Greece (53.3), but well above Montenegro (42.8) and Bosnia and Herzegovina (38.3). Inflation reached 4.7% in September 2026, above the eurozone average. The coast in July and August is where the money goes, with €40 tickets for Dubrovnik's walls and the national parks in summer. Zagreb and the off season are much easier on your budget, and buses keep getting around cheap.[grid: non-text section]

## Practical tips for visiting Croatia

Croatia joined both the euro and the Schengen area on 1 January 2023, so a lot of older advice about kuna and border stamps is out of date.

### ✔ Check the entry rules before you book

EU citizens travel freely, and many other nationalities, including UK and US passport holders, can visit Croatia without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180 across the Schengen area. Since the EU's Entry/Exit System went live, non-EU visitors register fingerprints and a photo at the border, which is free but can mean queues at the land borders with Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Serbia. ETIAS is not yet required, so check the official EU site before you travel. UK passports must have been issued less than 10 years before you arrive and stay valid for 3 months after you leave. Check the current rules on GOV.UK, the US State Department and the EU's travel site.

### ✔ Pay by card, but carry some cash

Cards work almost everywhere. Keep euros for small islands, konobas (taverns), beach bars, markets and bus drivers. Avoid the stand-alone Euronet ATMs, which charge high fees, and always decline the "conversion" offer at card machines and cash points. Choose to pay in euros.

### ✔ Plan transport around the season

Take buses between cities rather than trains, and keep your catamaran days between April and October, when the coastal routes run daily. You only need a car for Istria, Plitvice and the countryside.

### ✔ Know the safety picture

The US rates Croatia at Level 1, its lowest advisory level, and crime is low. Watch for pickpockets in tourist areas, and steer clear of "gentlemen's clubs", where the UK FCDO reports bills running to thousands of euros. Croatia has been officially free of known minefields since 2026, but stick to marked paths in former front-line areas such as Eastern Slavonia, the Zadar hinterland and remote parts of Plitvice. The emergency number is 112.

### ✔ Cover up in town

Split, Hvar, Dubrovnik and Zadar all fine people for walking around town in swimwear or bare chested, so cover up once you leave the beach. In churches, cover your shoulders and knees, and keep nudism to FKK beaches.

### ✔ Respect the fire ban and the sea

From 1 June to 31 October, outdoor fires are banned outside designated areas, with heavy fines. If you hire a boat, the alcohol limit for whoever is in charge is zero. And leave the noble pen shells where they are, because taking one can cost you a fine.

## Fun facts about Croatia

What has Croatia given the world? More than most visitors expect.

- The necktie comes from Croatia, since 17th-century Croatian soldiers' scarves gave French its word "cravate", and Cravat Day is 18 October.
- Nikola Tesla was born in Smiljan, in Croatia's Lika region, on 10 July 1856.
- Slavoljub Penkala patented the mechanical pencil in Zagreb in 1906.
- Faust Vrančić of Šibenik published a design for a parachute around 1615.
- Hum in Istria is often called the smallest town in the world, with 52 residents in 2021.
- The Dalmatian dog is officially listed as a Croatian breed, though it was largely developed in England.

For more of Croatia's odder side, Zagreb's Museum of Broken Relationships costs €7 and fills a rainy afternoon well.Ready to map out your trip to Croatia?

We hope this Croatia travel guide has given you a clear starting point for your trip. Stay tuned for more inspiration, itineraries and practical tips to help you shape your perfect holiday to Croatia. And don't forget to check out our **Guided travel planning app**, where you can create your own trip or use trips shared by other travellers for free.## FAQS about visiting Croatia

### How many days do you need in Croatia?

Five to seven days covers Split, an island or two and Dubrovnik at a comfortable pace. With 10 to 14 days you can start in Zagreb and come down via Plitvice to Zadar, or add Istria instead. Inside the **Guided app**, you can create your own trip route and find out how many places you can fit into your trip.### What is the best part of Croatia to visit?

For a first trip, Dalmatia, from Split through Hvar and Korčula to Dubrovnik. Istria is better for food and hill towns, and Plitvice is the highlight for nature.### What is Croatia known for?

Croatia is best known for its Adriatic islands, Dubrovnik's city walls, Diocletian's Palace in Split and the lakes of Plitvice. It's also where the necktie comes from.### Can you travel Croatia without a car?

Yes, on the coast. Buses connect the cities, and catamarans and ferries connect the islands. A car helps in Istria and for Plitvice, and there are no trains south of Split.### Is Croatia expensive?

It sits in the middle for Europe. Numbeo puts it below Italy, about level with Slovenia and Greece, and above Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The coast in July and August is the expensive part.### Is Croatia safe to visit?

Yes. The US rates it at Level 1, and crime is low. Watch for pickpockets and club overcharging, and stay on marked paths in former front-line areas.### Should you visit Split or Dubrovnik?

Most first trips do both. Split is a lived-in city inside a Roman palace, a ferry hub and the cheaper of the two. Dubrovnik is the showpiece walled town, busier and more expensive, and we'd give it two days, plus a day trip to Ston or Mljet if you have time.### Does Croatia use the euro and is it in Schengen?

Yes to both, since 1 January 2023. The EU's Entry/Exit System is running at the borders, and ETIAS is not yet required, so check the official EU site before you travel.