Croatia: The Mediterranean Jewel

Croatia burst onto the tourism scene in the past two decades, and for good reason. This Adriatic nation offers crystalline waters, medieval walled cities, over 1,000 islands, exceptional food, and significantly better value than Italy or France across the sea.

Understanding Croatia

Geography & Regions

• Istria: Northern peninsula, Italian influence, truffle country, hill towns
• Kvarner: Rijeka area, Opatija, islands of Krk and Cres
• Dalmatia: The famous coast—Split, Dubrovnik, most islands
• Zagreb & Inland: Capital city, continental cuisine, different character

Best Time to Visit

Peak Season (July-August)

• Warmest weather, highest prices
• Extremely crowded coastal areas
• Dubrovnik can be overwhelming
• Book 6+ months ahead

Shoulder Season (May-June, September-October)

• Ideal weather, warm swimming
• Fewer crowds, better prices
• Restaurants and attractions fully open
• Best overall time to visit

Low Season (November-April)

• Many coastal businesses closed
• Cool for swimming but cities still nice
• Very low prices
• Zagreb and inland areas fully operational

Dubrovnik: The Pearl of the Adriatic

The Old Town

UNESCO-listed walled city:

• Walk the city walls (early morning best, 200+ kuna entrance)
• Stradun main street
• Rector's Palace, Cathedral
• Cable car to Mt. Srđ for sunset views

Game of Thrones Sites

Dubrovnik was King's Landing:

• Walk of Shame stairs
• Red Keep (Lovrijenac fortress)
• Blackwater Bay (Pile Bay)
• Tours available but DIY is easy

Beyond the Walls

• Lokrum Island: 15-minute ferry, botanical gardens, peacocks, nude beach
• Cavtat: Quieter coastal town 30 minutes south
• Elaphiti Islands: Day trips to Lopud, Šipan, Koločep

Dubrovnik Tips

• Avoid cruise ship hours (8 AM-4 PM) when 3-5 ships dock
• Stay outside old town for better value (Lapad, Gruž)
• Early morning or evening for atmospheric old town experience
• Dinner reservations essential in summer

Split & Central Dalmatia

Split

Croatia's second city with incredible energy:

Diocletian's Palace

Living Roman palace (UNESCO):

• Emperor's 4th-century retirement palace
• Now filled with bars, shops, apartments
• Cathedral in original mausoleum
• Cellars (Game of Thrones basement scenes)

Beyond the Palace:

• Marjan Hill for sunset views and beaches
• Riva waterfront promenade
• Green Market for local produce
• Bacvice Beach (sandy, popular)

Split as a Base:

Perfect for island hopping and day trips:

• Ferries to all major islands
• Day trips to Trogir, Krka waterfalls
• More affordable than Dubrovnik
• Better restaurant scene

Nearby Highlights

Trogir

UNESCO medieval town:

• Perfectly preserved old town
• 25 km from Split
• Day trip or overnight
• Less crowded than Dubrovnik

Krka National Park

Waterfalls and swimming:

• Skradinski Buk waterfall (swimming allowed)
• Boardwalks through cascades
• Boat trip to Visovac monastery
• Can be crowded—arrive early

Plitvice Lakes

Croatia's most famous park:

• 16 terraced lakes, stunning turquoise water
• UNESCO World Heritage
• 2.5 hours from Split, 2 hours from Zadar
• Entrance requires advance booking
• Lower lakes less crowded than upper
• Allow full day

The Islands

Croatia has 1,244 islands (48 inhabited). Key islands:

Hvar

Glamorous party island:

• Hvar Town: Yachts, beach clubs, nightlife
• Stari Grad: Quieter, ancient Greek town
• Lavender fields
• Pakleni Islands for secluded beaches
• High prices, book ahead

Korčula

Medieval walled town:

• Marco Polo's claimed birthplace
• Wine region (Grk, Pošip)
• Quieter than Hvar
• Good cycling
• Ferry from Split or Dubrovnik

Vis

Remote, unspoiled:

• Furthest inhabited island
• Former military base (closed to tourists until 1989)
• Blue Cave on nearby Biševo
• Stiniva Beach (dramatic cove)
• Mamma Mia 2 filming location
• Limited accommodation—book ahead

Brač

Closest island to Split:

• Zlatni Rat beach (famous shifting pebble beach)
• Stone quarries (White House limestone)
• Bol town
• Windsurfing destination

Mljet

National park island:

• Salt lakes, monastery
• Quiet, forested
• Good cycling and hiking
• Day trip from Dubrovnik

Island Hopping Logistics

Ferry Companies

• Jadrolinija: Main national company, car ferries
• Krilo: Fast catamarans, passengers only
• Kapetan Luka: Connections between islands

Tips

• Book car ferries in advance (summer)
• Passenger ferries usually have space
• Check schedules—winter services reduced
• Arrive 30-60 minutes early for car ferries
• Timetables online but can change

Sample Routes

7-Day Island Hop:

Split → Hvar (2 nights) → Korčula (2 nights) → Dubrovnik (2 nights)

10-Day Circuit:

Dubrovnik → Mljet (1 night) → Korčula (2 nights) → Hvar (2 nights) → Vis (2 nights) → Split (2 nights)

Zadar & Northern Dalmatia

Often overlooked but excellent:

Zadar

• Roman forum ruins
• Sea Organ (musical instrument played by waves)
• Sun Salutation (solar panel light installation)
• St. Donatus Church
• Gateway to Kornati Islands
• Good restaurant scene

Šibenik

• UNESCO Cathedral
• Medieval old town
• Krka National Park nearby
• Less touristy

Istria

Croatian Tuscany:

Rovinj

Most picturesque Istrian town:

• Colorful harbor
• Hilltop old town
• Artists' town atmosphere
• Excellent restaurants

Pula

Roman amphitheater:

• Arena (6th largest Roman amphitheater)
• Roman temple
• Practical base for region

Hill Towns

• Motovun: Truffle country, medieval walls
• Grožnjan: Artists' village
• Hum: World's smallest town (20 residents)

Istrian Food

Different from Dalmatia:

• Truffles (white and black)
• Italian influence
• Pasta, risotto
• Istrian wines (Malvazija, Teran)

Croatian Food & Wine

Coastal Dalmatian Cuisine

• Fresh fish: Grilled whole fish, charged by weight
• Peka: Meat and vegetables slow-cooked under iron bell
• Black risotto: Squid ink risotto
• Pašticada: Dalmatian beef stew
• Oysters from Ston: Croatia's oyster capital

Croatian Wine

Excellent and underrated:

• Plavac Mali: Red grape, powerful wines
• Pošip/Grk: White wines from Korčula
• Malvazija: Istrian white
• Dingač: Premium Plavac Mali from Pelješac

Rakija

Croatian brandy:

• Fruit spirits (plum, grape, herbs)
• Homemade versions offered everywhere
• Accept politely, sip slowly

Dining Tips

• Konoba: Traditional tavern, best for local food
• Lunch specials offer good value
• Fresh fish priced by kilogram
• Tipping: 10% for good service
• Reservation needed summer evenings

Practical Information

Language

• Croatian (South Slavic language)
• English widely spoken in tourist areas
• German also common
• Learn basics: "Hvala" (thank you), "Dobar dan" (good day)

Currency

• Kuna (HRK) until 2023, then Euro (EUR)
• Cards widely accepted
• Cash needed for small establishments
• ATMs plentiful

Accommodation

• Book early for July-August (3-6 months)
• Private apartments (sobe) good value
• Family-run pensions (pansion)
• Coastal hotels expensive in peak season

Transportation

• Buses: Connect all towns reliably
• Ferries: Essential for islands
• Rental car: Ideal for Istria, mainland exploring; less useful for island hopping
• Flights: Zagreb to Split/Dubrovnik save time

Safety

Very safe country:

• Standard precautions
• Sea urchins on rocky beaches (water shoes)
• Sun is strong—sunscreen essential

Money-Saving Tips

• Visit shoulder season (40% savings)
• Stay in apartments with kitchen
• Lunch menus cheaper than dinner
• Supermarkets (Konzum, Kaufland) for supplies
• Free beaches everywhere
• Local buses vs. tourist transfers

Sustainable Travel

• Overtourism pressure on Dubrovnik—visit off-season
• Support local businesses
• Respect marine protection zones
• Don't feed seagulls
• Use refillable water bottles

Final Thoughts

Croatia offers the Mediterranean dream without the Western European price tag. The combination of natural beauty, rich history, delicious food, and genuine warmth creates an addictive destination. Island hopping provides ultimate freedom, while the coastal cities offer urban culture between beach sessions. Visit before the secret's completely out—though Croatia has been discovered, it's still possible to find your own quiet cove or village square.

Ready to explore Croatia? Our Adriatic specialists can design an island-hopping adventure from medieval cities to hidden beaches.