Travel advice for Croatia
From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Croatia
Book your individual trip, stress-free with local travel experts
written by Mike MacEacheran
updated 11.07.2023
Why visit Zadar Croatia? It’s one of the coolest places on the Adriatic. In Croatian terms, it’s improbably crowd-free. The city sunsets are memorably beautiful. And its mix of cliffs, coves and ancient Roman streets are worlds apart from Split or Dubrovnik’s cruise ship crowds. The information in this article is taken from The Rough Guide to Croatia, your essential guide for visiting Croatia.
16 days / from5341 USD
Gorgeous gems of Hungary, Slovenia and Croatia
From the spas of Budapest to Lake Bled with its castle and further on to Croatia - this itinerary takes you across 3 countries, with a special focus on Slovenia's lake area and the Dalmatian coast in Croatia.
view tour ⤍10 days / from2800 USD
Sailing Croatia
If you want to experience the Dalmatian coast from a whole different perspective, then this trip is for you! Hop aboard a beautiful cruiser and sail along some of Croatia's most stunning islands.
view tour ⤍10 days / from2349 USD
Southern Pearls
This ten-day trip will take you around three adjacent countries, Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, and Montenegro. Your tour starts in Split, Croatia, moving south (hence the name "Southern Pearls") over the island of Hvar and Mostar in Bosnia & Herzegovina to end up in Montenegro.
view tour ⤍12 days / from3074 USD
Gourmet Tour
You will visit three different adjacent countries and experience traditional local food and wines. You will visit some of the most intriguing restaurants and wineries in the area taste the delicious contrast between fine restaurants, and more traditional, authentic taverns.
view tour ⤍11 days / from5176 USD
Culinary Secrets of Croatia
This vintage holiday celebrates the wine and olive oil-making traditions of Croatia’s Adriatic coastline, which form the foundations of the country's Mediterranean culinary heritage. Visit world-class wineries, and sample Dalmatian delicacies as you travel south to Dubrovnik.
view tour ⤍13 days / from3182 USD
Balkan Extended
The Balkan Extended tour truly showcases the finest of Balkan’s heritage and natural beauty as you make your way through the 5 countries. Learn about the Serbian Athens, climb the splendid Old Bridge in Mostar, observe Slovenia's water castle and dive into the pearl of Croatia's beauty in Istria.
view tour ⤍11 days / from2703 USD
Love Thy Neighbor - Croatia and Slovenia
Slovenia and Croatia are neighboring countries, and the close proximity of Slovenian and Croatian Istria make them a perfect destination for a single trip. The area has numerous stories waiting to be discovered, from magical alpine landscapes of Slovenia to charming historical towns inland.
view tour ⤍8 days / from3532 USD
Croatia's Best Kept Secret - Vis Island
Surrounded by an archipelago of other islands and islets, the island of Vis is simple, sleepy and authentic. As a military base, the island was closed until 1991 and has remained its original charm. Come for the unique experience, stay for the hospitality and friendliness of the locals.
view tour ⤍9 days / from2131 USD
The Ultimate Croatian Adventure
This trip is designed for people searching for an exciting lifestyle and never-ending adventure. With so many different landscapes, beautiful nature, stunning mountains, and picturesque Adriatic coast, Croatia is a place that can offer a truly incredible and adventurous experience.
view tour ⤍9 days / from2551 USD
Dalmatian Honeymoon
This honeymoon trip was inspired by love towards our home that Dalmatia is. The tour is planned out to the last possible detail, but still respecting the time you wish to spend at your own pace in privacy. It will take you around the most romantic islands of Korcula and Hvar.
view tour ⤍10 days / from2593 USD
Balkan & Adriatic
The most relaxing Balkan & Adriatic tour! This trip is for travellers who are interested in visiting different locations in the Balkans but prefer a comfortable way of travelling. Get to know parts of Serbia, Montenegro and the beautiful towns of Croatia, all while travelling at a slow pace.
view tour ⤍12 days / from4577 USD
Croatia and Slovenia: An Adriatic Adventure
This expansive trip celebrates the splendour of Croatia and Slovenia, with their wondrous hilltop towns and stunning cities, such as Dubrovnik, Ljubljana and Split. Experience the wine and olive oil-making traditions of these two countries, and go truffle hunting on the Istrian Peninsula.
view tour ⤍8 days / from2442 USD
The Best of Croatia and Slovenia
Combine the highlights of neighboring countries Croatia and Slovenia on this self drive trip. Explore Dubrovnik, Plitivce Lakes, Zadar and Zagreb in Croatia before heading out to see Lake Bled and Slovenia's capital Ljubljana. Make stops along the way and soak in the culture, food and history.
view tour ⤍9 days / from2376 USD
Adriatic Roadtrip from Istria to Dalmatia
Croatia from North to South - start your trip in Rovinj, a town close to the Italian border with a lovely medieval port. Pick up your rental car and make your way through Croatia's inland with Plitvice Lakes and further down to Zadar, Split and Dubrovnik. Nature, culture and adventure await!
view tour ⤍7 days / from1036 USD
An active trip to authentic Hvar
Meet an entirely different Hvar, discover its hidden corners, learn about the local food and wine production and day-to-day life of a typical island family. Easy hikes will allow you to experience the island with a local, through many vineyards, olive groves and dense pine forests.
view tour ⤍6 days / from1521 USD
Wine & Adventure in Croatia
Land in Dubrovnik and explore the city on a guided tour before basing yourself in Split for the remainder of your trip. Explore the surroundings in your rental car, including Krka National Park, rafting on the Cetina river, Zadar, a special wine tasting, kayaking and more.
view tour ⤍10 days / from3695 USD
Highlights of Croatia Trip: Zagreb, Split, Hvar and Dubrovnik
Discover Croatia, with its fascinating history and glistening Adriatic coast. Your adventure begins in the capital, Zagreb, before moving on to Split, via the stunning Plitvice Lakes. Continue to the beautiful Hvar Island, before ending your trip in dazzling Dubrovnik, 'the Pearl of the Adriatic'.
view tour ⤍12 days / from2987 USD
Nature & Culture
Inspired by timeless natural and cultural landmarks of the area, this trip is taking you through the highlights of Croatia, Southern part of Bosnia & Herzegovina and coastal Montenegro.
view tour ⤍8 days / from2724 USD
The Pearl of the Adriatic - Dubrovnik
Stay in a beautiful hotel in Dubrovnik and take day tours, either in small groups or privately guided, all throughout Dalmatia. Visit vineyards, hidden bays, islands, a stint to neighboring Montenegro and more. Ideal for those hating to unpack and pack again, discover on day tours.
view tour ⤍8 days / from1472 USD
Croatia Game of Thrones and Highlights
Discover the lakes and waterfalls of forested parks that are Croatia Game of Thrones locations, before exploring medieval walled Trogir and the Diocletian’s Palace in Split. Ancient fortresses on the stunning Makarska coastline await en route to dramatic Dubrovnik and Lokrum Island monastery ruins.
view tour ⤍11 days / from2572 USD
Feel & Taste Dalmatia
This trip is inspired by the traditional Dalmatian lifestyle, including some of the most amazing and dream-like Croatian islands. It is tailored for people who wish to take a break from everyday life, get a genuine insight into the local culture and taste local products.
view tour ⤍10 days / from2212 USD
Balkan Essentials
The Balkans are stunning and you will have a chance to experience their beauty during this 10 day-multiple country trip. Feel the welcoming vibe of Belgrade, visit Kotor, Europe's unmissable town, walk down the famous Bridge on Drina and observe stunning Plitvice Lakes.
view tour ⤍10 days / from1988 USD
Explore the Balkans
Enjoy the sights of Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Croatia in one trip - the best of the Balkans! Stroll through the old towns, marvel at the historic buildings and stunning natural landscapes as you make your way through these four interesting countries.
view tour ⤍7 days / from1831 USD
Treasures of Slovenia
This trip will take you around a rather small country that is Slovenia, yet a place full of natural wonders, cultural landmarks and delicious foods. In 7 days, you will go from Europe-worthy capital of Ljubljana, along a charming part of the Slovenian Adriatic coast all the way across the Alps.
view tour ⤍11 days / from3216 USD
Sailing across Dalmatia
With some of the most exciting islands, pristine Adriatic sea waters, intoxicating lagoons, bays and inlets, charming and historical coastal towns, rich culture, delicious food, and easy-going locals, Dalmatia is easily one of the most valuable and desirable regions of Croatia.
view tour ⤍The shape of Zadar is defined by the Velebit mountains, Croatia’s longest and largest range. They lie to the east of the city and attract climbers, 4x4s and hikers to explore limestone canyons and discover wild, little-known trails.
Look forward to uncrowded Adriatic beaches here. And even the islands are unusual. Visit the pine-covered strip of Ugljan to see tuna farms. Or head to Sakarun where Croatia meets white sand Caribbean beaches.
Zadar’s also the start of micro-adventures in Croatia’s national parks. Don’t miss Plitvice Lakes for its crystal clear lagoons. Here are six more reasons why you should visit Zadar Croatia and its surrounding northern Dalmatia region.
If you prefer a tailor made trip, check our itineraries or connect with a local travel expert to plan and book your ideal holiday.
Zadar’s story begins off Kalelarga, at the ancient Roman Forum in the Old Town. The 2000 year old brainchild of Roman Emperor Augustus, this has always been the city’s main meeting place. Today coffee-obsessed Croats converge in cafes under the bell tower of St. Anastasia's Cathedral. And families sit on the steps of 9th century St. Donatus Church.
In summer St. Donatus hosts classical concerts as its domed ceiling acts as a natural amplifier.
Head to the waterfront to see ruins from the 6th century earthquake which dismantled the city. You’ll find Roman columns, colonnades, pediments and sarcophagi laid out on a lawn, like an impossible jigsaw puzzle.
Almost all Croatia’s glassblowers have gone out of business. But the Museum of Ancient Glass in Zadar is home to the very last one.
Visit to explore the collection of historic artefacts. Then climb to the second floor and watch glassblower Marko Štefanac at work in front of a furnace primed to over 1,300°C. Gawp as he transforms white hot glass into vases, jugs and souvenirs. Brave souls can try glass blowing themselves. But be aware the end results may not look like Marko’s.
Alfred Hitchcock knew a thing or two about creating suspense. And the same can be said of Zadar. Particularly at dusk, when the sun drops below the horizon and skies blaze pink, red and orange.
Hitchcock holidayed in Zadar in 1964. He stayed in the building which now houses chic holiday apartment Bristol Lux 3BR. And he described the city’s sunset as the world’s best.
Hard to argue. Especially when sunset’s accompanied by the soft music of Zadar’s extraordinary Sea Organ. Created by architect Nikola Bašić, the organ’s subterranean pipes give voice to the tide, and mesh whale-song with musical sighs as the water ebbs and flows.
The Northern Dalmatian hinterland contains two remarkable natural wonders. The most famous is Plitvice Lakes National Park and its landscape of terraced lakes, tiered waterfalls and dazzling cascades.
Veliki Slap, Croatia’s highest waterfall, is the major tourist attraction at Plitvice. So between June and August, time your visit to avoid coach tours from Split.
Just over an hour’s drive east of Zadar, Paklenica National Park in Starigrad is a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. It’s also the place for bouldering, climbing, rafting and extreme mountain biking.
Velebit Photo Safari arranges off-road tours from Starigrad to mountain farms for lunch. They also do tours to Zrmanja River Canyon. Don’t be surprised by the wild landscape. This area’s doubled for the American West more than once. And the classic German series Winnetou was also filmed here.
Istria had its moment. Now Croatia’s culinary focus is on Zadar. Dalmatians love peka: a meat and potato stew; slow cooked and smoked under a bell-shaped pot. But in Zadar, peka’s served with a whole octopus steeped in garlic and wine.
Other local specialties include pungent sheep cheese from Pag. Pršut, Croatian prosciutto air-dried by the cold north wind. Salt from nearby Nin. And lamb on the bone, slow cooked in mountain herbs.
Another highlight is bluefin tuna, sustainably farmed around Ugljan Island. In fact, the local tuna’s so renowned, planeloads of it are regularly flown to Tokyo.
Want some wine? Visit Kraljevski Vinogradi. Then savour the last of the day’s sun with a glass of dazzlingly gold pošip. Don’t linger too long. Maraschino, the local cherry liqueur, awaits you in Zadar’s Old Town bars. Order it straight up, over ice.
Most places in Northern Dalmatia are easy to reach. And those requiring more effort are worth it. Like Kornati National Park, an uninhabited marine reserve south of Zadar. Go to see dolphin, lizards, ring snakes and nearly 70 species of butterfly. Or in summer book a boat trip to scuba dive round the park’s reef and sunbathe on its shingly coves and reefs.
If you are looking for more inspiration for visiting Croatia our list of the best things to do in Croatia might help you.
Ready for a trip to Croatia? Check out the snapshot Rough Guide to Croatia. Read more about the best time to go to Croatia, the best places to visit and best things to do in Croatia. For inspiration use the Croatia Itineraries from The Rough Guide to Croatia and our local travel experts. A bit more hands on, learn about getting there, getting around the country and where to stay once you are there.
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written by Mike MacEacheran
updated 11.07.2023
Mike MacEacheran is a travel journalist & guidebook author based in Edinburgh, Scotland. He has reported from 108 countries for National Geographic, Conde Nast Traveller, The Times, The Telegraph, The Guardian, The Observer, The Sunday Times, The Wall Street Journal, Mail on Sunday, The Independent, Evening Standard, The Sun, The Globe and Mail, Scotland on Sunday, The National and South China Morning Post. Follow him on Twitter @MikeMacEacheran
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From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Croatia