The Complete Croatia Travel Guide

Destinations
Written By Kylee Nyholm

From the first time I researched Croatia when I was 15, I knew it was a place I wanted to visit. It took me 7 years – and a canceled trip due to the pandemic – to finally get there, but it was well worth the wait. I was quickly charmed by the Old Town of Split, stunned by Plitvice Lakes National Park, and delighted by the warmhearted people of Croatia.

Because Croatia is such a beautiful country, there were countless places that I wanted to see, but sadly I didn’t have time to visit each one. This blog offers a quick glance at some of the top places to visit during your time in Croatia and what you can expect during your stay.

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Where to Go

  • Split

    Dubrovnik

    Zagreb

    Pula

    Zadar

    Rijeka

  • Brač

    Hvar

    Korčula

  • Plitvice Lakes

    Krka

 
 

What to Expect

How to get there: If you are flying into Croatia, you have a few options to choose from – Zagreb, Split, and Dubrovnik. Zagreb’s airport is the largest but it is inland compared to Split and Dubrovnik which are on the coast. Check out my blog on using Google Flights to find the best deals.

When to go: April to October. Late spring or early fall are the best times to visit if you are trying to avoid the crowds that the summer months bring. 

Language: Croatian is the main language spoken in Croatia, however, many people know English. I found that many Croatians appreciated the effort I made to learn a few common phrases, though.

Currency: As of January 1, 2023, Croatia uses the Euro. Travelers will find Croatia to be quite affordable in all aspects including transportation, food, and accommodation.

Safety:  I always felt very safe in Croatia but I would exercise normal precautions, i.e. watching for pickpockets in crowded tourist places.

Packing: If you do visit Croatia in the shoulder seasons, you might find mornings and nights to be cool, and days to be hot, so bring layers. Summers are very hot so pack light clothing. Also, pack some bathing suits if you are staying along the coast!

Food: My veg friends will be happy to hear that there are lots of vegan and vegetarian food to be found in Croatia.

Transportation: There are a few ways to get around Croatia but the easiest and most affordable way is taking buses. You can book your buses online using Omio, or at the bus stations.

 
Courtyard (peristil) of Diocletian's Palace in Split Croatia

Diocletian’s Palace

 

Split

Split is the largest city on the Croatian coast and one of the most popular spots for travelers. When visiting Split, I would highly recommend staying in the Old Town to easily see all of the main attractions. On top of everyone’s to-do list is visiting Diocletian's Palace, an ancient Roman ruin built in the 4th century. Be sure to climb the bell tower at St. Domnius Cathedral here, too. If you are looking to spend time island hopping or visiting national parks, Split is a great jumping-off point.

Things to do in Split

For an in-depth look at traveling to Split, check out my blog, The Complete Split Travel Guide.

 
 
 
View of the wall of Dubrovnik Croatia

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is perhaps one of the most picturesque towns I’ve ever seen. A 16th-century wall encompasses matching limestone buildings with rusty colored roofs, which contrast against the blue Adriatic sea. While it’s impossible to tire of the scenery, be sure to dive deeper into the fascinating history of Dubrovnik with a free walking tour. Another activity you can’t miss is walking on the wall around the city. I was worried it might be a tourist trap, but I completely enjoyed the experience and got the best views of the city from here.

Things to do in Dubrovnik

For an in-depth guide for traveling around Dubrovnik, check out my blog, The Complete Dubrovnik Travel Guide.

 
 
 
Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Fall

Plitvice Lakes National Park

While I absolutely love the seaside towns, it would be a mistake to pass up the opportunity to get into nature during your stay in Croatia. Although Croatia is a relatively small country, it is home to 8 national parks – arguably the most famous one being Plitvice Lakes National Park. This park is made up of 16 terraced lakes and countless waterfalls running between them. My favorite part of this park is getting up close to the turquoise lakes and soaring waterfalls with the winding boardwalk that takes you through the park.

It is possible to visit this national park on a day trip from Split, however, I would recommend staying a couple of days if you want to have more time to hike.

 
 
 
Park Zrinyevac in Zagreb Croatia

Zagreb

Croatia found endless ways to surprise me, and my visit to Zagreb was no exception. With the beautiful seaside towns and incredible natural beauty, it’s easy to forget about the capital city. To perfectly round out your trip to Croatia, be sure to visit this vibrant city. Here you can admire the Austro-Hungarian architecture on your way to the Cathedral of Zagreb and St. Mark’s church. On top of my favorite experiences in Zagreb was a visit to the Museum of Broken Relationships. This quirky yet poetic museum is a collection of objects and stories from broken relationships.

Things to do in Zagreb

For an in-depth guide for traveling around Zagreb, check out my blog, The Complete Zagreb Travel Guide.

 
 
Kylee Nyholm
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