Croatia Travel Guide: Everything You Need To Know
Croatia is a hugely rewarding holiday destination located at the crossroads of Southeast and Central Europe.
It has become increasingly popular for beautiful beaches, natural landscapes, well-preserved mediaeval towns, and so much more. If the country is on your schedule, it simply has plenty to offer for an unforgettable adventure.
At Skyhook, we understand what it takes to create a good travel plan, which is why we have written this Croatia travel guide for you.
Why Visit Croatia?
You are just spoilt for choices when visiting Croatia. You can do many things, from hiking, swimming, enjoying nightlife and participating in the country’s festivals when there.
The country is one of the safest in Europe, making it your ideal holiday or hiking destination.
Here are some reasons you want to visit Croatia:
1. Numerous Hiking Trails
Of course, hiking in Croatia is one of the biggest reasons you may want to go here.
The country is home to so many beautiful and well-marked hiking trails like those in the Plitvice Lakes National Park and on the Velebit Hiking Trail.
The best mountain to hike in Croatia would be the Pljesevica Mountain, a 13-kilometre hike that takes you to the summit at 1,646 metres above sea level.
Besides mountains, you can trek Croatia’s numerous historical sites like the Starigrad Fortress in Omiš, which is a fortress that dates back to the 15th century.
2. Many Rivers, Lakes, and the Sea to Kayak, Raft, and Canyon
If you’ve ever hiked a mountain or trekked for many hours, you know nothing feels better than diving into a water source before terminating your trip.
If you go and hike in Croatia, the biggest chances are you will come across a river or lake to take a dip in and relax your muscles after the strenuous hours of walking.
For instance, if you go hiking along the Starigrad Fortress, you can enjoy some swims and water activities in the Cetina River. And you don’t need to worry about the logistics – just book our Croatian rafting, canyoning, and kayaking trip and get ready for a water adventure like no other.
Here’s more info on kayaking in Croatia’s numerous water sources!
3. Stunning Coastlines
This European country has a wonderful climate, especially many sunny days if you love beautiful, colourful and warm weather. This makes it perfect for spending some time on the beach - and beaches are plenty in Croatia.
If you want the best sandy beaches, you can plan your itinerary in Lopar, a 12-kilometre peninsula in Kotar County. Some options would be the Sahara and San Marino beaches.
Basically, the Croatian coast is pristine with azure waters and is perfect for relaxation and winding down. And if you want to do more than just sun yourself on the beach, you can enjoy swimming and diving, as well as wind or kite surfing.
4. The Wealth of Islands
Take a jet ski, catamaran, or boat with a Croatia travel guide to visit the stunning collection of islands just off the coastline.
As a nature lover, you will find the islands of Kornat, Susac, and Plavnic beautiful to behold. Many of the larger islands have millennia-old architecture and art influenced by the country’s Greek, Roman, Slavic, and Illyrian tribes.
Want something unique? The island of Lošinj is perfect for dolphin spotting, and the island’s fresh, unpolluted sea air is believed to alleviate lung and respiratory issues.
5. The Rich Culture
Croatia boasts a wealth of historical scenery; from ancient ruins to well-maintained mediaeval castles. For instance, Zadar and Dubrovnik have centuries-old city centres for you to explore.
6. Summer Festivals
Croatia might be your best European location for music festivals thanks to the low-cost drinks, scenic locations, and picturesque beaches.
Interested in attending one of these?
For classical music festivals, you want to hit Dubrovnik in July and August to experience world-class opera, symphonies, and chamber music. Otherwise, Zagreb's music, food, film, and fashion festivals in June will be a great experience.
In addition, the city of Pula is home to the Roman Amphitheater which hosts a range of concerts and summer events for film and theatre buffs.
Best Activities for Exploring Croatia
Heading to Croatia soon? Here are some activities you can enjoy:
1. Hike Plitvice Lakes National Park
Plitvice Lakes National Park’s 16 lakes and numerous waterfalls are so majestic the park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
If walking through nature is the perfect vacation activity for you, then trekking this park to enjoy the lush forests and their inhabitants (bird species, bears, and wolves), shallow lakes and waterways, and incredible hues of blue and green created by the crystal-clear water will blow your mind.
Wrap up your visit to this scenic location with a boat ride on Kozjak Lake’s clear waters.
2. Stroll and Shop in Diocletian’s Palace in Split
Split City in Croatia is home to the Diocletian’s Palace, a 4th-century Roman palace built by Emperor Diocletian.
The palace fell to ruins and today hosts dozens of apartments and shops. Get a coffee and marvel at the millennia-old columns and arches that still stand today.
3. March Dubrovnik’s Walls
Dubrovnik’s Mount Srđ is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the perfect place to hike with your little ones.
These walls encompass the town for 2 km and will guide you along steps and panoramic views of startling forts and towers, the Adriatic Sea, and the sea of rooftops, terraces, and gardens in the town below.
You will love the high stone walls and terracotta rooftops that make the evening sun a sight to behold.
4. Enjoy a Glass of Local Wine in Peljesac
Take a drive along the Peljesac Peninsula north of Dubrovnik and you will find yourself surrounded by vast vineyards and signs inviting you to try some of the local wineries’ wines. You will particularly love the red wines from the Dignac and Plavac Mali grape varieties!
Best Time to Visit Croatia
The best time to travel Croatia will depend on the experience you are looking for. However, summer (June to September) is usually the high season in Croatia, and the best activities may be boating, swimming, and hiking.
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September through to October) also have fairly cool weather (not quite beach-friendly, but you can kayak and hike) and most favourite spots will not be crowded.
Winter (November to March) is the low season, and you may find yourself the only tourist in a location, though prices may drop significantly. It's probably best to visit Zagreb and Split but book your winter holiday early as most attraction sites may be closed.
Cost of Travelling to Croatia
Croatia is not as expensive as many luxury locations in Europe - it is in the average price range for a European vacation.
On average, the weekly Croatia travel cost is around $718 (kn 5,049) for one person and $1,436 (kn 10,097). This amount covers accommodation, local transport, and affordable sightseeing activities.
If you’re coming from the UK, flights can cost between £90 - £300, or you can take a 32-hour bus ride that costs around £30 - £85.
From the US, the flights will be more expensive. For instance, you can fly from New York John F Kennedy Intl to Zagreb Airport Franjo Tuđman, a 13-hour flight that costs around $1,814 round-trip.
Best Places to Stay in Croatia
The best place to stay in Croatia will depend on what city you are visiting, your budget, your travel style, and your preferences.
Whether it’s solo travel in Croatia, a romantic getaway, or taking some time away from your routine, you will find a place that's hospitable and safe. These are some:
1. Zagreb
If you first land in Zagreb, you will find a great place to stay depending on the neighbourhood you visit, like:
Gornji Grad: better known as Upper Town, it is a great spot for first-time visitors to Zagreb. It is home to dazzling historic displays as old as the 11th century. You can stay in Hotel Dubrovnik Zagreb, Hotel Jagerhorn, or the Stone Gate Apartments.
Donji Grad: locally called 'Lower Town,' this location is infamous for its magical Austria-Hungarian architecture, perfectly manicured gardens and tree-lined streets, and incredible museums for art lovers. Some places to stay include the Esplanade Zagreb Hotel and Hotel Le Premier.
Jarun: is the best spot for a family with kids visiting Croatia. It offers incredible family-friendly adventures including savouring local delicacies, viewing gorgeous natural landscapes, and swimming, boating, and wakeboarding on the artificial Zagreb Sea. You can stay in the Hotel Jarun.
Kaptol: is located on Upper Town’s top border and is a top destination for vacationers seeking Croatia’s vibrant nightlife. It is also home to stunning diocese manors and plenty of malls and souvenir shops in case you want to take a piece of the culture with you. The best places to stay in Kaptol include Hotel Academia, House Dornik, and Hotel Jadran Zagreb.
2. Dubrovnik
If you are visiting the beautiful coastline city of Dubrovnik, you want the places you choose to stay in to be as magical as the sights you have seen in the day.
As expected, this city is not short of impressive hotels within the city walls. You may find it rather crowded staying within the city, but it is the better option for convenience.
For example, you can stay in the Stari Grad Hotel for exclusive views of Old Town and the Adriatic Sea. The Pucic Palace is also a good option located in the heart of the vibrant Old Town with access to the Banje beach to relax after a day of exploration.
If you are looking for an alternative to a hotel, Dubrovnik’s Old Town has apartments in refurbished old buildings that will make your exploration that much more convenient. These include the Franka Old Town apartments, Heart of the City, and Buza apartments.
Dubrovnik’s shared guest houses also offer premium services for sightseers.
3. Split
Croatia's second-largest city has plenty of safe and high-quality places where you can rest after a day of enjoying the beautiful coastline, serene natural landscapes, and incredible centuries-old architecture and streets.
Split's Old Town, also called the Diocletian Palace after its millennium-old Roman palace, has excellent hotels for its guests. You can stay in the Palace Judita Heritage Hotel or the Palace Suites Heritage Hotel which is located next to Diocletian’s Palace. Another option would be Hotel Slavija, the oldest hotel in Split, having opened in 1900.
If you’re looking for a more luxurious experience, hotels like the Jupiter Luxury Hotel and Villa Spilt Heritage Hotel are excellent options.
Final Thoughts
We hope this guide sheds light on how to enjoy a Croatian escape. This European country is becoming a popular destination as it has so much to offer eager visitors of all ages and interests. You get locations and activities whether looking for a chill and relaxed retreat or an active, adventurous escape.
