Outside the height of peak season, September makes for a great time to visit Croatia. The crowds have lessened somewhat, the weather is not blazingly hot, and the Adriatic is still warm enough to go swimming. Let this monthly guide help you find the best places to visit and things to do.
August is the last full month of Croatia's lively peak season. The weather is hot, perfect for beach days and sailing ventures, and the party scene continues to go strong. Read on to learn more about visiting Croatia in August.
Without a doubt, July is Croatia's most popular month. The weather is sunny, the Adriatic Sea is warm, and there are a host of fun and lively cultural and musical events that take place throughout the month and all over the country. This monthly guide will tell you what to do and where to go.
June marks the beginning of the high season as crowds start to head to the coast, particularly to Dubrovnik. As the sun and sea are inviting, now is a good time for outdoor activities and watersports, though price bargains have all but disappeared. Read on for more tips on where to go and what to expect in Croatia this month.
May offers the perfect time to visit Croatia. The weather is sunny with little rain, and the Adriatic is just about warm enough to swim. There's still a month before the foreign tourist onslaught and shoulder season bargains still apply. Read this monthly guide to learn more.
Spring is well underway in April, offering plenty of sunny days, blossoming flowers, and festivals—with the entire country coming out for Easter festivities. Tourist numbers are low, and prices for accommodation and flights remain attractive, making this an ideal time to sightsee less crowded popular attractions as well as take advantage of outdoor activities. Find out what to do and where to go with this April guide.
February is the last full month of winter in Croatia, offering snowy adventures and massive festivals—as well as fewer tourists and lower prices. A predominantly Catholic country, Croatia gets into festive spirits around Lent and Carnival, kicking off the coming of spring with Mardi Gras celebrations across the country.
Signs of spring are starting to show as the days lengthen, the weather warms, and the snow begins to melt. Tourist numbers are low, and prices for accommodation and flights remain attractive, making this an ideal time to see uncrowded popular attractions or head outdoors to hike and bike. Read this monthly guide for more.
Croatia's first month of the year is also its coldest. But with the chilly weather comes fun snow activities, the start of carnival season, fewer crowds, and lower costs than other times of the year. This is also one of the best winter months for capturing the quiet majesty of Plitvice's frozen lakes and waterfalls. Find out what to do and where to go with this January guide.
Brač is Croatia’s third-largest island, the biggest in Dalmatia, and among the closest to the mainland. It's also a great choice for active pursuits: stellar windsurfing, any type of watersport under the sun, cycling, and hiking. Base yourself in the main towns of Bol and Supetar, or venture inland to the ancient stone hamlets at Brač's center—there's plenty to do and see throughout. Learn more about what, when, and how to go below.
Split is the kind of city you'll want to take in at your leisure, and that means spending a few days here. Luckily, there's a hotel for every taste, often in the historic center—and even within Split's most famous attraction, Diocletian's Palace. This list has your best options, from pretty boutique hotels in town to contemporary seaside escapes.
When you picture Croatia, chances are you're thinking of Dubrovnik and the Dalmatian Coast first. But this popular area is only one of the country's five regions, each one of them worth a trip on its own. From mountains and national parks to beaches and islands, from cities to tiny villages, here's where (and when) to get the most out of Croatia.
Pedal through the vineyards, olive groves, and lavender fields of Istria's rolling landscape on this week-long cycling tour. Reminiscent of Tuscany, this part of Croatia offers a slower pace of life with its medieval hilltop villages, charming seaside towns, and rich, flavorful food. You'll sample wines and olive oils, visit ancient Roman ruins, and bask on sunny pebble beaches between tranquil rides through the countryside.
A unique itinerary for cycling enthusiasts who want to explore Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. You'll start in Dubrovnik and follow the Ciro trail—a former railway line built in 1901 that reopened in 2017 as a bike trail—through the Konavle valley and across the Croatia-Bosnia and Herzegovina border to Mostar. Discover valleys, rivers, and lakes, and ancient stone bridges and abandoned towns as you cycle through forgotten landscapes.
Croatia is becoming increasingly popular for travelers, especially the southern Dalmatian Coast with its medieval cities of Dubrovnik and Split. Yet Croatia offers much more than its famous highlights — it's the perfect place to hike, bike, enjoy some of the world's best wine and food, or relax on an island getaway. Our local specialists will help tailor the perfect trip based on what activities and places interest you the most.
Dubrovnik may have found its most recent fame via "Game of Thrones," but it has plenty of epic history to discover on its stone streets and blue seas. Sleep like a noble in converted estates or sleek modern seafront hotels or even a commune with the earth in a cave bar.
Explore Croatia's Istrian Peninsula and be mesmerized by medieval fortress towns, discover the beauty of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and look upon stunning coastal views as you make your way from Rovinj to Hvar. Board a private sailboat and be dazzled by Croatia's islands as you make your way across the Adriatic Sea to Dubrovnik. Feel the spirit of the Mediterranean on this 12-day adventure.
Cycle around Croatia's Dalmatian Coast on this self-guided bike tour. Visit the ancient Roman town of Split, as well as the beautiful islands of Brač, Šolta, and Hvar. Choose from easy coastal rides, with optional longer rides and leg-busting climbs. Discover Greek, Roman, and Venetian heritage and learn about Croatian culture along the way.
Enjoy this exclusive bike and sail tour along the Dalmatian coast on a private boat! Discover beautiful roads, charming villages and towns, and the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea. On your guided trip from Split, you'll hop between five Croatian islands before ending on a high note in lively Dubrovnik.
This route takes you on an adventure through southern Dalmatian from Split to Dubrovnik and features cross-island treks along centuries-old trails on the islands of Brač, Hvar, and Korčula. You'll also explore Diocletian's Palace in Split, hike the fortress walls of Ston, and end your coastal tour amid Dubrovnik's iconic fortressed walls.
Discover the Dalmatian coast while taking advantage of all the outdoor activities it has to offer. You'll travel from Split to Dubrovnik, along the way visiting the islands of Hvar and Korčula where you will cycle, hike, swim, paddleboard, and snorkel in their secluded bays. You'll also visit unique historical and cultural sites dating back to ancient Greek and Roman times.
Hike, kayak, and tour your way from the ancient seaside town of Split to the walled city of Dubrovnik, with stops in abandoned villages, island coastlines, and sprawling wine country along the way. If you've ever dreamed of exploring the Dalmatian Coast - this tour's for you!
Istria, the largest Croatian peninsula, is truly magical. Its historic hilltop towns, vineyards, and olive groves make an ideal setting for cycling adventures. Add views of the Adriatic Sea and the seductive tastes of excellent Istrian wines and you're all set for an active and indulgent week in this beautiful region of Croatia.
The Dalmatia region of Croatia is often called a nautical paradise, and you'll see why on this 7-day sailing trip. Choose a boat that best suits your group's needs, from simple to luxurious. Whichever type you decide upon, you'll enjoy the natural luxury of this stunning region, from secluded beaches to ancient towns.
This 10-day tour highlights the southern Dalmatian coast from the Roman port city of Split to the medieval fortressed walls of Dubrovnik, with your first stop in Croatia's capital, Zagreb. Experience stunning landscapes and rich, ancient culture on this adventurous route as you visit breathtaking national parks, Roman ruins and kayak off the mainland to nearby islands.
Perfect for cyclists seeking a sunny, self-guided itinerary, this Croatian cycling adventure spans the best of the beloved Dalmatian Coast. Start your adventure in ancient Split, where Diocletian's Palace sits along the sea. You'll cycle through olive groves and vineyards on nearby islands before making your way south to Dubrovnik.
A great option for active travelers who want to combine stunning scenery with outdoor adventure. Starting in Split, you'll explore popular Krka National Park and canyon the Cetina River before taking to the sea to discover Hvar Island. You'll hike, paddle, and rappel your way across the southern Dalmatian coast ending your stay in historic Dubrovnik.
Explore three amazing Croatian jewels—Split, Hvar, and Dubrovnik—and discover why so many people fall in love with Croatia. In just a week you'll have time to learn about Croatia's long, rich history in the cities of Split and Dubrovnik; relax on beaches and go sailing around the Pakleni Islands, and hike to monasteries and forgotten villages on Hvar and Brač.
Croatia has something for all interests, with historic old towns, sparkling sea for swimming and kayaking, and beautiful hiking trails. See a bit of them all on this 8-day itinerary that takes in some of Croatia's gems: the lovely cities of Split, Dubrovnik, and nearby national parks and islands for wilderness adventures.
Pack your cycle gear and head to the Adriatic on this 6-day cycling tour across three of Croatia's most beautiful islands. Conquer the highest peak on Brač, take in the sweeping ocean views of Hvar, and pedal slowly through the beautiful interior landscape of Korčula. Bookend your cycle rides with visits to Croatia's most popular coastal towns, Split and Dubrovnik.
The sun always shines on the Dalmatian Coast—one of the most scenic coastal drives in Europe. In 12 days, you'll have the freedom to explore on your own, starting from historic Zagreb and ending at the walls of mighty Dubrovnik with a wide selection of national parks and beautiful coastal towns to stop at along the way.
Croatia is one of the best sailing destinations in the world for a number of reasons: the islands are close together so you don’t have long distances to cross (meaning it’s safer), the winds are generally much calmer compared to other destinations, and the islands and coastline are lined with ancient historical ruins. You essentially have over a thousand islands and a thousand miles of coastline to explore!
Planning a two-week family vacation in Croatia may seem daunting, but with plenty of activities for the family, the choices are endless. This itinerary is chock-full of cultural exploration and lazy beach days, from the historic city of Zadar and the small island of Krapanj to the ancient coastal city of Split and the stunning island of Hvar. You'll relax, swim, snorkel, and kayak in the sparkling Adriatic, discover dramatic waterfalls and glittering emerald-green lakes in Krka National Park and catch the most beautiful sunsets in Zadar.
Get behind the wheel and cover the highlights of Croatia in a whirlwind seven days. Starting in the capital of Zagreb, you'll make your way south to Dubrovnik, stopping at Plitvice National Park, the ancient Dalmatian Coast port cities of Zadar and Split, and the idyllic Adriatic island of Korcula. In just one week, you'll experience the best nature, culture, and wine experiences on this compact Croatian itinerary.
Istria, one of Croatia’s premier winemaking regions, was named one of the 2015 World Top 10 travel destinations by Wine Enthusiast magazine. But Istria is just one of the dozens of wine-producing locations in Croatia. Because of its small geographically-defined nature, the wine regions offer many tours and tastings, most of which are accessible by bike, a perfect way to sip your way through some of the country’s best wine.
Dubrovnik is Croatia’s indisputable hotspot, but the rest of the country is rich with wonders waiting to be discovered. Here is a glimpse of Dubrovnik, as well as lesser known but still spectacular spots beyond its medieval walls.
Southern Dalmatia is a sailor's paradise, starting in Dubrovnik sailing past miles of secluded coastlines and several don’t-miss islands. Korčula, Mljet, Lopud, Hvar, Brač, and Vis just to name a few of the islands. You'll find some of the best kayaking and windsurfing in this region. We put together a list of Southern Dalmatia's most popular areas to sail to on your next trip.
Croatia’s coastline runs more than 1,100 miles. Add the shorelines of 1,185 islands, plus its inland lakes, rivers, lagoons, and waterfalls, and it’s clear that the country is a paradise for watersports enthusiasts. You can sail among the islands, kayak the inland rivers and lakes, snorkel or scuba off the Adriatic coastline or kitesurf, fish, or even bungee jump during a vacation in Croatia.
Korcula is known for its white wine. Grk wine is a white wine grape variety found in the village of Lumbarda. To take in the Korcula scenery and drink some wine at the same time, join John (who moved to Korcula with his wife Rachael 6 years ago from the UK) on a 4-5 hour tour cycling through Lumbarda. Taste the different wines while getting the local intimate experience which you will not find anywhere else.
From Dubrovnik's city walls and limestone-paved streets to the ancient Roman city of Split, this 7-day itinerary features the highlights of Croatia's stunning Dalmatian coast. Enjoy three nights in the "Adriatic Pearl" discovering baroque buildings and medieval fortresses, savor Dalmatian cuisine in Marco Polo's hometown of Korčula, and explore the 14 wooded and rocky islets of the Pakleni archipelago on a guided kayak tour.
To visit Croatia is to become part of its landscape of natural wonders. Its national parks may be the country’s best known conservation areas, but even in the nation’s capital, Zagreb, visitors are surrounded by protected regional parks, forests and even a mountain.
Fairytale like, Dubrovnik is a charming coastal city known as ‘The Pearl of the Adriatic’. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it is one of the most photographed cities in Croatia. With its ideal location (in southern Croatia) overlooking the clear blue Adriatic, with unspoiled beaches, casual bistros serving top notch seafood, it makes Dubrovnik one of the most unique walled cities worth visiting in Croatia.
Known for beautiful year-round weather, crisp white and robust red wines, summer nightlife, clear turquoise waters—and active outdoor excursions like kayaking, cycling, and rock climbing, Hvar has become one of the most visited islands in Dalmatia. It's surrounded by stunning scenery and is rich in culture (it is the only island in the world with four UNESCO World Heritage Sites) where one can easily escape and find the perfect relaxation they need.
Stroll around the medieval town centers of Dubrovnik, Hvar, and Zadar (especially after midnight). Travel like a local by hitting the hippest spots in Croatia. These are some of the best places to see and be seen--by day or after dark--in cities across Croatia.
Are you into water sports? Visit Croatia from June to September when the Adriatic Sea is warm. Do you want to hire a guide and his dog to go truffle-hunting or join a grape harvest in Istria? The season for that is autumn. Whether you’re itching to hike up Istria’s Mount Ucka or just inhale the intoxicating scents emanating from the budding birches, shrubs, and flowers that line Lenuci’s Green Horseshoe in Zagreb, in Croatia, there’s a season for that.
A dynamic port city with a medieval Old Town grown out of the 1,700-year-old Diocletian's Palace, Split bustles with modern life amid its ancient Roman setting. Cafés, restaurants, and galleries cram the cobblestone alleyways, the waterfront and Marjan peninsula teem with outdoor activity, claiming Croatia's second-largest city as one of the Mediterranean's most compelling. Read on and discover the unique ways in which to spend your time in exuberant Split.
Korčula is an island favorite, in part for Korčula Town, a less-crowded miniature version of Dubrovnik, but also for its wealth of outdoor activities and cultural pursuits on offer. Whether you are cycling around the island, or prefer swimming at hidden-away beaches, taking a windsurfing lesson, or spending the day sampling the local Pošip and Grk wine, you’ll likely wish you had more time to spend here. Find out how to make your trip to Korčula worth your while.
Plitvice Lakes National Park is a unique natural wonder with its 16 terraced crystal clear lakes and 90 waterfalls. In the summer months the park and its trails can get busy, but with the tips in this article you can avoid most of the crowds.
Whether you enjoy the adrenaline rush of a whitewater rapid or the sheer face of a rock wall, Croatia can deliver a satisfying active vacation. The destinations below are the source of some of Croatia’s best outdoor adventures.
Spicy seafood stews, sausages sizzling on the grill, homemade pasta topped with shaved white truffles, cakes made with juicy citrus fruits: Croatia has so much to offer gourmet travelers. Read on to find out about the diverse cultural influences that shaped the national cuisine—and where to try the best dishes.
