Croatia Travel Tips

With medieval towns and charming villages, a long coastline along the sparkling Adriatic Sea, more than 1000 islands, Mediterranean food, and fun vibes, Croatia is a stunning location. It hardly a hidden gem anymore, so your trip needs some planning. This country in the Balkan region has a lot going for it. You will find untouched nature, crystal-clear seas, and more than 1000 islands. There are urban spots with vivid life, interesting historical and cultural sights, and much more.

20 Travel Tips for Croatia

Here are the 20 best tips for traveling to Croatia.

Plan your itinerary

It is difficult enough to choose amongst the many beautiful islands to visit. You'll find plenty of amazing places to entice you to visit the mainland as well. How much time should you spend in the medieval towns of Split and Dubrovnik? And what about the hilltop villages of Istria? And don't forget about the natural attractions like Plitvice Lakes and Krka national parks. And is a day enough to explore Zagreb? 

We spent 2 weeks in Croatia on a family trip not too long ago, and had to do ample research to figure what to put in and what to leave out. The two-week Croatia & Slovenia Itinerary we followed gave us an opportunity to visit UNESCO Heritage sites like Plitvice national park and Ston walls, relax on the beautiful islands of Hvar and Vis, and explore medieval cities of Split and Dubrovnik.

The best season to visit

The summer months are the most popular time to travel in Europe, but July and August and hot and super busy in Croatia, so they are best avoided. You will also get the more expensive rates for hotel accommodations during this time. Crowds are everywhere in popular destinations this time of year, too.

The shoulder season – May, June or September, October – is the best time to visit Croatia. We visited in early June and while Dubrovnik and Split were busy, it was still manageable. The Dalmatian coast stretching from Split all the way to Dubrovnik is also a great European destination to visit in October for lesser crowds and pleasant weather.

Visa requirements

Croatia is now a part of Schengen area. This coastal nation joined the European Union (EU) in 2013 and joined Schengen area in 2023. As of 1 January 2023, Croatian consulates are issuing Schengen visas, which allow free movement to their holder not only in Croatia, but within the Schengen Area.

Take a Road Trip

We found this country to be a great destination to drive. And even though I would recommend leaving behind a car for trips to the Croatian islands, it is good to rent a car on the mainland. We drove from Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes, and the car gave us the flexibility to explore the Upper Lakes and Lower Lakes on consecutive days at our own unhurried pace.

The second time, we rented a car just for a day in Split to drive through Makarska Riviera to reach Dubrovnik. This drive along the Dalmatian coast has to be one of the most scenic drives I have done, with the Adriatic Sea glistening in the sunshine on one side and the mountains on the other.

See also: Croatia Road Trip

Expect crowds

Croatia is well-entrenched on the international tourism circuit. And in the summer months of July and August, you will see crowds thronging through the towns of Split and Dubrovnik. Popular attractions like Plitvice Lakes get more than one million visitors each year. Plan ahead by booking in advance, scheduling your trip accordingly, and picking the best destinations that are off the beaten path.

Book in advance

Croatia is a popular destination, so book hotels, ferries, buses, and tours in advance to get the best options and prices. This is super important if you are travelling in peak summer season. The best hotels usually sell out quickly, as do the best ferry routes.

Croatia is no longer a budget destination

With an increase in tourism, this country can no longer be considered a budget destination as travel prices in Croatia have risen over the last 10 years. However, it is still not as expensive as other countries in Western Europe. But don't expect hotels, food, and transit to be cheap. Popular activities such as sailing and island hopping can be quite expensive. The well known islands of Hvar and Brac have luxury high-end resorts with prices to match.

Stay somewhere central

For a short trip, pick a central city such as Split. If you stay here, you can spend one day exploring the old town of Split. Then, take a day trip to Plitvice Lakes, as well as a day or overnight trip to some of the nearby islands such as Brac. The drive from Split down to Dubrovnik via Makarsha Riviera is also very beautiful. If you stay in and around Dubronvik, several of the islands are easily accessible like Mljet and Lokrum. A day trip to climb the walls of Ston is also suggested.

Visit a national park

Plitvice Lakes National Park is the most visited park in Croatia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From cascading waterfalls to crystal-clear turquoise lakes, the picturesque walking routes make Plitvice Lakes a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts.


Krka is the second most popular national park in Croatia. The park boundaries stretch for over 43 miles along the middle and upper courses of the Krka River, and it offers many hiking trails to explore.

Another popular destination is Mljet National Park, located on Mljet island. Here you'll find scenic hiking trails that take you to lush pine forests and crystal-clear lakes.

Make sure you explore at least one of the 8 national parks in the country besides its islands and charming towns.

Island hopping in Croatia

If you are visiting islands without a tour, pick no more than 2 or 3 for your Croatia itinerary. The islands are scattered across Adriatic Sea, and you need to understand the ferry system to reach them. Upon arriving, you should plan to spend at least 2-3 days on each island to fully experience everything it has to offer. Here is a guide for the best islands in Croatia to visit from Split, Dubrovnik, and Zadar.

Understand the ferry system

It is likely that you will be visiting some of the popular islands such as Hvar, Brac, Korcula etc. You'll want to understand the ferry system and check out the schedules to figure how best to reach the islands. Plan your routes and itinerary ahead of time to save money and maximize your time on the most beautiful islands.

Jadrolinija is a state-owned and the biggest ferry operator in Croatia. It is also the only boat company operating car ferries. You can also check out Kapetan Luka which is a smaller operator. You should book ferries ahead of your trip, especially if you want to take a car with you to the islands. 

The bus network is very good

Croatia doesn't have an efficient train network across the country. So if you are not renting a car, you can't rely on trains. Instead, the Croatian bus network is clean and efficient; it is a good way to get around the country. 

For the summer season, it is advisable to buy tickets in advance, especially when you are travelling to and from larger cities. The majority of intercity bus routes are operated by private bus companies. The schedule states which bus company operates the route.

Taxis can be expensive

Taxis can be quite expensive in Croatian cities. You can book your airport transfer from Zagreb airport or Dubrovnik airport. Otherwise, rely on rental cars and public buses to get around on the mainland to save money. Also, now there is also the option to take an Uber in main cities like Zagreb, Zadar, Split, Sibenik, and Rijeka. However, prices are rising and can sometimes be as expensive as taxis.

Check cruise routes and schedules

Croatia sees a boom of cruise ship passengers from May through October. This is especially true for Dubrovnik and Split. It puts a huge strain on the city resources. You should plan to visit Croatia port cities on off-days by checking the cruise ship routes and timings. Or, visit them very early in the morning.

Croatia has rocky beaches

The Dalmatian coastline is really beautiful. But if you are looking for white sandy beaches on the coastal towns and on the islands, you will be disappointed. The majority of the beaches along the Croatian coast are rocky, with the others having pebble beaches.

I took water shoes with me to Croatia. They are so useful on pebbly beaches!

Currency in Croatia: the Euro

As of 2023, the Euro is the official currency of Croatia which replaced the Kuna. You do need to carry some cash in the country as credit cards are not universally accepted (but they are common). 

Try the local cuisine

As a Central European and Mediterranean country, this nation has been influenced by many cultures, civilizations, and empires through the past. Thanks to that, its gastronomy heritage presents a beautiful mix of numerous cuisines. 

Croatia has 6 main regions, and it is interesting that each one of them has developed a unique cuisine known for that specific region. The cuisine of the Croatian coast and islands is a bit lighter than that the continental parts. The gastronomy is based on fish, seafood, fresh vegetables and fruit, as well as olive oil.

English is widely spoken

You should not find any communication problems moving around the country if you speak English.

Where to Stay

You can check out the cost of hotels in Croatia here, as well as in Dubrovnik, Split, and Hvar. Also, a good practice is to rent a vacation rental or Airbnb to give business to the locals. Also, if you're young and on a tight budget, you can find plenty of fantastic hostels in Croatia, too.

Tipping

Tipping of about 10% is appreciated by the staff at restaurants, and also for tour providers. But generally, tipping is not mandatory.