Immerse yourself in the captivating charm of Hvar, a vibrant island nestled in the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic Sea. With a fascinating history spanning centuries, Hvar effortlessly blends old-world charm with modern luxury. Discover a treasure trove of hidden coves, ancient fortresses, and picturesque villages that will leave you breathless.
Start by wandering through the winding streets of Hvar Town, admiring the seamless blend of Venetian and Mediterranean architecture. Explore the timeless beauty of landmarks like the imposing Španjola Fortress, offering panoramic views of the island and beyond. Lose yourself in the narrow alleyways lined with chic boutiques, art galleries, and quaint cafés where you can savor the flavors of traditional Dalmatian cuisine.
For those seeking adventure, Hvar offers a wealth of outdoor activities. Dive into the azure waters and discover vibrant marine life, or sail or kayak along the coastline, exploring hidden coves and secluded beaches. Check out the 16th-century village of Malo Grablje, the lavender field surrounding Velo Grablje, the coastline of Soline Beach, and the views of Stari Grad (Croatia's oldest township) from atop Vidikovac. Hvar is also a cycling island, so many past kimkim travelers have enjoyed scenic bike rides through olive groves, vineyards, and charming villages.
With a balmy coastline stretching over 4567 mi (7350 km), 1246 islands (including one of the world's few naturally heart-shaped isles) and an abundance of medieval towns seemingly untouched by time, Croatia turns honeymooners eyes with its tantalising shores, well-preserved history and divine seafood. Here are the best destinations for a honeymoon in Croatia, and the best things to do in each.
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.
Dalmatia encompasses Croatia’s western border with the Adriatic Sea, running roughly from the island of Rab just below the Istrian peninsula to the Bay of Kotor in Montenegro. From historic cities and quaint mountain towns to tucked-away beaches and sprawling vineyards, there's a lot to do and see on the many islands that dot the coast. Here’s a guide to the region's top five islands to get you started—Hvar, Brač, Korčula, Vis, and Mljet.
Croatia is a prime spot for history buffs, with numerous cultural influences from centuries of various rulers and empires. In Zagreb, enjoy "mini Vienna" with grand Austro-Hungarian architecture and museums depicting life from the Bronze Age to the time of Yugoslavia. Head west to Istria for true Italian vibes, or venture south along the coast and visit some of Europe's most historical relics, including Diocletian's Palace in Split and the walled city of Dubrovnik. Even the islands host an abundance of unique rural history!
The island of Hvar has a reputation as Croatia's party capital, and its pulsing nightlife and ritzy beaches can sure make it seem like the French Riviera. But it's also home to UNESCO-listed sites, explorable towns, and romantic vineyards that produce some of Croatia's best wines. It has something for everyone, and that goes for its lodging options as well—check out this list of secluded villas, harbor-front hotels, and more.
Hvar Island encompasses everything visitors love about Croatia: golden beaches, emerald waters, lavender fields, craggy peaks, ancient towns, and unique cuisine. For these reasons, it's one of the most popular islands. On Hvar, you can hike on medieval trails to scenic vistas, explore villages founded by the Greeks, go wine tasting, kayak to secluded coves, and visit neighboring islands. When hungry, eat a traditional meal cooked in a peka and take advantage of Hvar Town's buzzy nightlife.
Split is Croatia's second-largest city, complete with a vibrant waterfront promenade, ferry connections to the Dalmatian Islands, and an Old Town nearly enveloped by the 4th-century Diocletian's Palace. In one day, you can explore the city's original Roman cellars, relax on a quiet beach along Marjan Park, discover the Illyrian Kliss Fortress, and nosh on fresh seafood. Enjoy your days meandering the marbled streets or hiking, kayaking, or taking day trips to the islands, national parks, and nearby medieval villages.
With a diverse landscape filled with rocky mountain peaks, jagged cliffs, rushing rivers, and endless coastline, there's always something active to do in Croatia. Explore the country's idyllic scenery by paddleboarding through archipelagos, hiking to hidden viewpoints, kayaking along the coast, or cycling through vineyards. In addition, Croatia has some of Europe's most beautiful national parks, all perfect for an active outdoorsy itinerary.
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.
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.
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.
A perfect blend of culture and adventure, this route travels across the southern Dalmatian coast from Split to Dubrovnik. Immerse yourself amid ancient Roman walls and palaces in the historic port city of Split before joining an exciting bike tour through the Croatian hinterland and discovering several popular Adriatic islands, including Bisevo, Vis, Hvar, and Korčula. You'll end your stay in Dubrovnik exploring Baroque and Renaissance buildings, fortress walls, and the legendary wines native to the region.
Explore the best of Croatia, from the "Pearl of the Adriatic," Dubrovnik, to the country's capital, Zagreb. During this 11-day itinerary, you'll see and experience the incredible seafood and wine, drink in breathtaking views over some of the most popular islands, and experience Croatian culture. Slow down a bit and enjoy the history-rich country while keeping active with a few opportunities to cycle, paddleboard, and sea kayak.
Discover Croatia's glittering Dalmatian Coast on this active 11-day journey through UNESCO-listed cities, pristine national parks, and sun-drenched islands. Explore Diocletian's Palace in Split, hike to waterfalls in Krka National Park, and set sail on the Adriatic to visit the island of Hvar. After cycling through the rugged wine country of the Pelješac Peninsula, your adventure ends in the ancient walled city of Dubrovnik.
This quick 5-day itinerary covers the highlights of Southern Dalmatian, starting and ending in the medieval cities of Dubrovnik and Split. You'll explore ancient Roman ruins, enjoy the local wine and cuisine, and take some time to relax and get out into nature on the islands of Korčula and Hvar.
If spending 11 days traveling with the kids in tow through Croatia's top cities and historic sites sounds perfect, then this complete itinerary is for you. You'll explore the charms of the Istrian peninsula from Pula's mini-Colosseum to the Venetian-inspired architecture of Rovinj before spending three nights in the ancient coastal city of Split discovering nearby Krka National Park and the stunning landscape beyond the coast. End in Dubrovnik and let the kids' imagination run wild as they tramp through the centuries-old streets, climb towering walls, and "sail" through the air up to Srđ Mountain.
In 12 days, you'll get a great overall feel for Croatia, from cultural stops in Baroque and Renaissance-infused cities to exploring one of the world's best-preserved Roman buildings. Explore walled medieval towns, lively markets, ancient ruins, and old fortresses. You'll sip Dingac red wine on Peljesac, hike along wooden paths and bridges in Plitvice Lakes National Park, and relax on Vis Island's inviting beaches.
Discover the best of Croatia's Dalmatian coast in a week. Starting in the historic port city of Split, you'll wander through Diocletian's Palace and ancient Roman ruins before taking off for the islands of Hvar and Korčula, Marco Polo's former home. End the trip with a scenic drive through the Pelješac Peninsula—Croatia's famous wine region—before enjoying two nights in the fortressed city of Dubrovnik.
This thorough 12-day self-guided tour covers Croatia's best, from cultural stops in Venetian-infused cities to the exploration of ancient Roman ruins. Explore medieval hilltop towns, lively markets, historic fortressed cities, and glittering salt pans. You'll sip local wine native to Korčula, ride through vineyards and olive groves across Hvar Island, and relax on Split's inviting Bačvice beach.
This packed weeklong itinerary is perfect for adventurous families who are short on time. Hit the top highlights with visits to Split and Hvar, where you'll tour ancient Roman ruins, explore the Dalmatian hinterland and rugged island terrain, and kayak the Adriatic sea to nearby islets. End in Dubrovnik to go back in time as the kids stroll the monumental city walls, peer inside fortresses, and discover hidden stairways and elusive alleys leftover from the Middle Ages and Renaissance.
This itinerary combines culture, history, and adventure. Begin in southern Croatia and work your way up the coast, stopping along the way to explore the Pelješac Peninsula, Pakleni and Hvar islands, and the stunning Plitvice Lakes National Park. Cap off the trip with a night in Zagreb, the Croatian capital, and wander its pedestrianized sections around Bogovićeva and Preradovićeva.
Enjoy this 10-day family adventure highlighting the top attractions that will delight both parents and children. From Zagreb, you'll transfer to the romantic countryside of the Istrian peninsula to check out Pula and its Roman ruins before settling in Hotel Amarin for two nights just outside Rovinj. Next, you'll explore the coastal cities of Zadar and Split and kayak from Hvar Town to the Pakleni Islands, capping off your holiday with time spent in Dubrovnik, the "Pearl of the Adriatic," and a child's playground.
With an exciting focus on activities sure to keep both parents and kids entertained, this quick 6-day itinerary begins in the ancient coastal city of Split and ends in the limestone-paved town of Dubrovnik. You'll discover Roman ruins throughout Split, from palaces and sphinxes to historic gates, kayak the Adriatic Sea to the wooded Pakleni Islands from sunny Hvar, and enjoy an afternoon looking on as the kids take up the reins and ride a pony (or horse) at Honey Valley, near Dubrovnik.
From Zagreb's cobblestone streets to Dubrovnik's monumental encircling walls, this 13-day trip is the perfect family-friendly Croatian adventure. Discover the Roman ruins of Pula and the wonderful amenities of Hotel Amarin just outside Rovinj in Istria, then venture south along the Adriatic coastline to Zadar, Krka National Park, and the coastal city of Split with two nights spent along the Hvar Riviera. Finish in the "Adriatic Pearl," and let the kids roam the limestone-paved streets and climb the centuries-old stone ramparts of the city's many fortresses.
Spend two weeks exploring Croatia with the family on this packed 14-day itinerary. Stroll the pedestrian-friendly streets of Zagreb's historic neighborhoods, hunt for mushrooms alongside truffle-sniffing dogs in Istria, then continue down the Dalmatian coast to spend time in the ancient Roman city of Split and the famous island town of Hvar. Let the kids peer off Dubrovnik's imposing fortress walls and wander tucked-away stairwells and alleys and if they're up for it, enjoy a horse (or pony) ride at charming Honey Valley.
Bring the family and spend 12 days exploring Croatia's top historical and cultural sites, featuring two nights at the kid and parent-friendly Hotel Amarin outside Rovinj. You'll begin in the capital of Zagreb before working your way around the charming Istrian peninsula from Motovun and Pula to Rovinj and nearby Park šuma Zlatni Rt. Then it's off to discover the Dalmatian coast: listen to Zadar's Sea Organ, visit an emperor's palace in Split, and swim in an emerald-green lagoon at Krka National Park, ending your stay amid secret stairwells, imposing walls, and the gleaming streets of Dubrovnik.
Experience the best of the southern Dalmatian coast with this cultural and active 9-day itinerary. Starting in historic Dubrovnik, you'll work your way to the islands of Korčula and Hvar, before ending your trip in the ancient coastal city of Split. Along the way, you'll paddle to the nearby Pakleni Islands, sail to the famed waters of the Blue Cave and Vis Island, and tour unique points of interest on Brač Island.
Immerse yourself into the coastal culture of the Dalmatian region with this 13-day journey through Croatia. You'll see incredible national parks, sail among beautiful islands, and explore the country's most popular city, Dubrovnik. Thanks to the international flight options to Split and Dubrovnik, it is possible to travel open-jaw too. Learn more with these diverse itineraries, below.
This complete 15-day family vacation covers Croatia's highlights from the dynamic capital of Zagreb to the fortressed city of Dubrovnik with an exciting focus on activities sure to keep the children entertained. From one end of the country to the next, you'll explore the charming hilltop towns and Venetian-influenced cities of the Istrian peninsula, travel down the length of the sunny Dalmatian coast with two nights spent on Hvar Island, and discover the delights of the hinterland beyond the ancient city of Split. You'll spend two relaxing nights at Hotel Amarin—a haven for families, work together as a team to solve puzzles and clues to "escape" a room in Split, and kayak the Adriatic Sea to the Pakleni Islands archipelago.
Experience all the highlights of Croatia, beginning in the ancient fortress city of Dubrovnic and ending in the historic capital of Zagreb. You'll cover the length of the country as well as spend some time exploring charming Adriatic islands. Discover Roman ruins, medieval fortressed towns dotted with ornate baroque and renaissance buildings, and secluded beaches. Explore UNESCO-certified national parks, meander and climb the narrow laneways and parapets in Ston, and dine on fresh seafood in Zadar.
Create unforgettable memories with your little ones on this 8-day family-oriented holiday as you cover Croatia's highlights. You'll begin in the dynamic capital of Zagreb, explore the straight-out-of-a-storybook Istrian peninsula and Rovinj, and discover the Adriatic-fueled melody of the Sea Organ in Zadar, Roman emperor Diocletian's Palace in Split, and the rugged island terrain of Hvar. The kids will love peering over Dubrovnik's towering city walls, riding the cable car up Srđ Mountain, and meeting the animals of nearby Honey Valley.
This week-long itinerary covers the highlights of the Dalmatian coast in a short amount of time, combining diverse cultural exploration with a few outdoor adventures. You'll have private historical tours of the ancient cities of Dubrovnik and Split, as well as sail around the Pakleni Islands and cycle through some of the best local vineyards of Korčula.
Discover Croatia's highlights on this 15-day itinerary. Starting from Dubrovnik, you'll tour the Konavle wine region, head to Ston on the Pelješac Peninsula and on to Korčula, Hvar, and Vis to sail and kayak the Adriatic and to relax on idyllic pebble beaches. Visit the ancient port city of Split before checking out the stunning national parks of Krka and Plitvice and ending the trip with a self-discovery tour of Zagreb's museums, galleries, and parks.
From ancient Roman ruins to kayaking the Pakleni Islands archipelago, this 9-day itinerary is perfectly crafted for your next family adventure and features a mix of cultural, historic, and active pursuits. Explore the capital city of Zagreb before discovering remains of the Roman empire in Pula and the delights of the Istrian peninsula's west coast. You'll then tour Dalmatia with stops in historic Zadar, Split, and Hvar Island, ending your stay in Dubrovnik, a stone kingdom worthy of a child's imagination.
Blending culture and history with adventure, this 13-day tour begins in Dubrovnik and takes you up the Dalmatian coast through the Pelješac Peninsula to Korčula. You'll ferry to Hvar, kayak to the Pakleni Islands as well as sail to Vis before returning to the mainland to visit Diocletian's Palace in Split. From there, head north to the emerald lakes of Plitvice National Park before ending your trip in Zagreb, Croatia's charming capital.
Discover Croatia's main highlights on this 11-day itinerary, beginning in historic Dubrovnik and ending your stay in the country's capital of Zagreb. Along the way, visit medieval coastal towns and renaissance cities, wander amid well-preserved ancient Roman ruins, kayak, hike, and cycle nearby islands—and choose from a number of stunning beaches along the Dalmatian coast. Catch an unforgettable sunset from Zadar, sample Grk and Pošip white wine from Lumbarda, and admire the beauty of Croatia's best national parks: Plitvice Lakes and Krka.
