Wander around in the amazing northwestern part of the Balkan Peninsula, Croatia. If you are looking for an affordable vacation in a picturesque setting, look no further! This Mediterranean pearl offers both soft sand beaches to lay on, and exciting rocky shores to explore.
***Updated on 17th May 2022
There are plenty of opportunities to do sea kayaking or canoeing, and snorkeling. The tiny romantic fisher villages offer excellent traditional cuisine and the country’s historical sites can’t be looked over either. Nature, culture, and adventure await you in Croatia. Read more to find cool tips and recommendations about the destination.
If you feel inspired to see it with your own eyes you can find your new Tripmate with JoinMyTrip to enjoy this vacation together!
1. Visit Dubrovnik’s historic city center
Part of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Numerous museums and historic buildings tell the story of this port city. You don’t have to go far for bars with a friendly atmosphere or cozy restaurants either.
2. Listen to the unique sea organ in Zadar
Zadar is a dream destination for sunset lovers. Grab a bottle of wine and listen to the songs of the waves in the harbor while diving into the divine scenery.
3. Explore the Plitvice National Reserve
One of the most instagrammable spots in the country. Prepare yourself for breathtaking waterfalls and natural landscapes.
4. Live the island life on Hvar
Beautiful beaches and landscapes await you on this Croatian gem. Make sure not to miss the sunset beach bars before diving into the vivid nightlife of Hvar.
5. Discover the Blue Caves
You might associate the name with Zakynthos and you have every right to do so. But don’t be mistaken, you can indeed find Blue Caves in Croatia, and the spectacular view it offers is a righteous rival for the Greek opponent.
6. Split
Croatia’s second-biggest city will definitely be worth your visit. It’s located in one of the sunniest parts of Europe, in the summer the number of daylight hours can reach 12. The vivid Mediterranean Split is the gastronomical center of the country.
7. Bike around in Krka National Reserve
If you are looking for a less crowded destination than the country’s other well-known national reserve, the Plitvice lake area, make sure to visit Krka. It is more hidden from the tourist hordes, but the park also has many bicycle trails to follow.
8. Explore Sibenik
Really close to the Krka National Reserve lies the town of Sibenik, famous for its cathedral that is part of the UNESCO world heritage. If you are interested in history, the town center will definitely amaze you.
In Croatia, there's a beautiful photo waiting to be taken around every corner. The country has been a holiday resort since Roman times, located just across the Adriatic Sea from Italy and tucked adjacent to Slovenia.
5. Dubrovnik's Banje Beach
It's a popular place for water sports including kayaking, jet skiing, and parasailing among Dubrovnik residents and visitors alike. It's also a fantastic spot for photography, with views of both the medieval city and the tree-covered Lokrum Island.
4. Mount Srd
Without the use of a drone, you're able to capture the perfect view of the city from above. You can drive to Mount Sr or take the Dubrovnik Cable Car from the station in the Old Town. The ride lasts around four minutes and offers stunning views of Dubrovnik and the Elaphite Islands.
3. Old Town, Rovinj
Rovinj is as picturesque and instagrammable, but it is a little further off the main road. The northern port of Rovinj is the ideal photography destination, it is definitely one of Croatia's more off-the-beaten-path destinations that is worth every minute!
2. Kamen Brela, Makarska Riviera.
Kamen Brela, a small, pine-covered rock near Brela's famous coastal promenade, is one of the most Instagrammable spots here. Tip: Don't miss Punta Rata Beach, which is only a few steps away from Kamen Brela and makes for a great photo opportunity.
1. Pasjača Beach, Popovići.
Pasjača Beach, hidden among the rocks, is regarded as one of Croatia's most beautiful beaches. It's also a fantastic location for Instagram and photography. A stunning view of the beach, orange cliffs, and the rocky azure sea may be had by walking down a steep road.
While most visitors to Croatia tend to plan their itinerary around Dubrovnik and the surrounding islands, they overlook the almost unlimited number of beautiful places to visit around the nation.
You may easily spend months traveling throughout this Balkan nation and barely skim the surface, but if you only have 7 days to spare - here is the best 7 days travel itinerary to Croatia
Day 1-2
Arrive in Dubrovnik and spend the afternoon riding the cable car up Srđ Mountain to enjoy the breathtaking views of the adjacent Elafiti Islands–ideally after sunset.
Dubrovnik Highlights and hidden gems
Day 3-4
Board a speedboat to the Elafiti Islands, where you'll swim, kayak, and visit the settlements of Koloep, Ipan, and Lopud.
Day 5
Take the ferry to Korula, where you may view the best of the Old Town, including the Land Gate, St. Mark's Cathedral, and the Bishop's Treasury's art collection.
Day 6 - 7
Diocletian's Palace is a must-see for anybody visiting Split. It was constructed for Roman Emperor Diocletian in 305 AD and today serves as a key street with stores and restaurants built into and inside the palace walls.
It's a sight to behold and a fantastic way to spend a half-day. The most enchanting moment to visit is just before sunset when you feel as if you've stepped into another world.
Highlights in Splits
Some would say the best time to visit Croatia is during the summer months, from June to September, when sunlight is plentiful and temperatures are warm, but thanks to the diverse landscape and various programs that the country has to offer, you might want to consider even an early March or an October visit.
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Croatia can offer travelers who like to venture off the beaten path new experiences in lesser-known but equally attractive sites beyond the capital, beach attractions, and large cities such as Split or Dubrovnik. Here is your list of the top Croatian hidden gems.
Lastovo Island
It's the ideal spot for people looking to get off the main path and experience the beauty and tranquility of a genuine Croatian village. Taking a ferry from Dubrovnik or Split is the most convenient way to get to the island (the port name of Lastovo is "Uble").
Motovun, Istria
This small village in Istria, Croatia's northwestern region, is world-renowned for the quality of its wines, olive oils, and truffles.
Rastoke
Rastoke lies on the way to the Plitvice Lakes and is about 2 hours from Zagreb. Rastoke is also known as the "Little Plitvice" because of the presence of stunning waterfalls.
Silba
It's the ideal spot for kicking back and relaxing on the beach, swimming, eating fresh seafood, and possibly wandering through oak woodlands along rocky roads. Footpaths that are smooth enough to double as bicycle trails service parts of the island.
Vrbnik
Vrbnik, on the island of Krk, is one of Croatia's most stunning hidden gems. Every year, travelers from all over the world are drawn to a little city of fewer than 1000 inhabitants by its beauty. With only a few hotels and tourist apartments, it is a modest resort, a rare treasure.
Driving
In Croatia, driving is the most convenient mode of transportation. Croatia has world-class roads that are modern, wide, and easy to navigate.
Public transportation
It is suitable for solo travelers and those on a tight budget.
Intercity bus travel, on the other hand, takes too much time and isn't usually the most convenient mode of transportation. Furthermore, some places, such as Istria and the Croatian islands, have restricted transport networks.
Private transfers
They are an expensive choice, but they are ideal if you are unable to drive but still want to benefit from the ease and flexibility of going by car.
By ferry
The Croatian mainland is connected to the Adriatic islands by a number of ferry routes.
Except for modest shuttle services, all boats will feature a buffet where you can buy a full selection of drinks, though food may consist of crisps and other types of nuts- it's best to pack your own picnic.
Services on the island
Short trips to nearby islands, such as Brestova to Porozina on Cres, Stinica to Minjak on Rab, and Orebi to Domine on Korula, are handled by simple hop-on-hop-off ferries that either operate a shuttle service or run every hour or so.
If you're on a budget but still want to enjoy the occasional splurge, you can expect your trip to Croatia to cost €45-105 per day on average.
Accommodation
Public Transportation: €3.83, prices may vary according to the route
Food: €9.25, the average food cost for one meal. Breakfast typically costs a little bit less compared to lunch and dinner.
Entertainment: €3.97-€55, for entrance tickets to museums, cable cars, and other attractions.
1. Black Risotto
Cuttlefish or squid, olive oil, garlic, red wine, and squid ink are used to make crni rižot, which has a strong fishy flavor and a dark color.
2. Buzara
Mussels in a wine broth with garlic and breadcrumbs is a traditional dish all along the Croatian coast.
3. Istrian Ham
Istrian prut is produced from skinned pork legs that have been dry-salted and seasoned with natural spices like pepper and garlic.
4. Fritule
Fritule, small battered doughnut balls sprinkled with powdered sugar and filled with rum and raisins, are a traditional Christmas treat.
5. Gregada
Gregada is a fish stew popular on the island of Hvar, though similar variants can be found all across Dalmatia. It's typically made with scorpionfish or grouper, chopped into huge chunks, and added to a pot with thickly sliced potatoes and olive oil.
6. Istrian Truffles
Truffles are more than a cottage industry in Istria; they're major businesses. Look for the tartufo vero symbol, which indicates that the restaurant has satisfied Istria's stringent criteria for handling and serving the delicacy.
7. Local Oysters
Croatian oysters have a stronger flavor than those from the Atlantic. The most famous varieties originate from Dalmatia's Ston on Peljeac and Istria's Limski Kanal.
8. Pag Cheese
Local sheep grazing in the saline air, in the Bura breeze, and on Pag-specific plants produce milk with a flavor that is unique to this island in northern Dalmatia.
These cheeses are aged for up to 18 months and have a texture comparable to Parmesan. They are then sold at markets and restaurants, it is a popular appetizer or dessert.
1. Visit other areas besides Dubrovnik
The "Pearl of the Adriatic," as Lord Byron from Game of Thrones described it, applies to Dubrovnik, it's also why Dubrovnik might feel a little crowded at times.
So, as an alternative, how about going to Split? The center of Croatia's second-largest city is a spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site. The magnificent Roman palace of Diocletian.
Split is also a terrific place to dine, drink, shop, and have a good time.
2. Plan Meticulously if you want to Island hop
While the islands are not far apart geographically, they are far apart in terms of accessibility. If you want to visit more than one island during your brief trip to Croatia, you'll almost certainly need to base yourself at a port city on the mainland.
3. Opt for the bus instead of the trains
Unlike the rest of Europe, Croatia's train system is not the best, making it difficult to travel around the nation. The bus system, on the other hand, is fantastic, and dependable. Buses are a better option than trains.
4. Know that it is not the cheapest country
People have the misconception that Croatia is a very cheap destination but that's not the case. Many products, especially food, are more expensive than in the United States or any Western European country.
Budget ahead and plan accordingly before coming here.
5. Try the local produce
Croatia is a small country, and the people here produce in modest numbers of whatever they make. The majority of the produce is also sold inside of the country.
This is why you may not be familiar with Croatian wine or olive oil. However, we can promise you that they are of outstanding quality and should be tried while in Croatia.
In fact, we strongly advise you to go for any wine or olive oil sampling.
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