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 Helen Ochyra
updated 31.01.2024
Why go to Croatia? The unspoiled coastline? The ancient walled cities? The Game of Thrones' locations? Or is it the Croatian food?
Croatian food might be an afterthought. After all the country isn't known for its cooking. Is it?
In fact this Adriatic superstar has a larder-full of fresh produce. It focuses on traditional techniques. And low impact, local sourcing is big here. So what do they eat in Croatia? Here’s our pick of top food experiences. Tuck in, and find out why Croatian food could be your next big thing. 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 ⤍Paški sir is a hard sheep's cheese from the island of Pag. It tastes of fresh sage dusted with sea salt crystal. As tangy as parmesan. As piquant as mature cheddar. But with a flavour all of its own. A flavour which comes from sheep eating Pag's wild herbs.
Pag's linked to the mainland by a bridge at its southern end. The Jadrolinija ferries run from Prizna to the island's far north. And most cheese producers are based in Kolan town. There are also a couple of simple cheese shops here too. And the Gligora cheese factory does tasting tours.
Stay at Boutique Villa Revelin in Pag. The restaurant specialises in traditional Croatian cooking.
Truffle turns ordinary food into delicious decadence. And you only need a little for a substantial, earthy kick. Just a dusting of white truffle on pasta. Or a shaving of black truffle on scrambled eggs.
Istria in northern Croatia is one of the world’s finest truffle hunting grounds. Both black and white truffles are found here. Mainly under oak trees in Motovun forest on the river Mirna. Black are hunted in winter and spring. Autumn is hunting season for white truffles.
Go hunting with Zigante Tartufi. He once bagged the world's biggest truffle, 1.31kg. Then have lunch at his restaurant. Every dish, from steak to ice cream, is truffle laced.
A new crop of Croatian truffles was found near Zadar in 2014. They're slightly less pungent than the northerners. And served with local seafood at Restaurant Kaštel in Zadar.
Prefer to leave planning and booking to experts? Have a look at some sample itineraries. All Tailor Made Tours can be modified together with your local expert, then booked for a stress-free holiday. Click 'Modify this itinerary' to contact a local Croatia expert.
Grk wine is bone dry and acidic. With a taste so tart it demands the freshest shellfish. And it's definitely a wine worth travelling for.
And you'll need to travel. Grk is only produced by a handful of vineyards. And only near Lumbarda on Korčula. Native Grk grapes thrive in the sandy island soil here. Catch a ferry from Split, Dubrovnik or Orebić and go see (and taste).
Only a few hundred thousand bottles of Grk are made each year. And the majority get snapped up by local hotels. A great excuse to stay at Lešić Dimitri Palace in Korčula. This 17th century Bishop’s palace is now a hotel and restaurant. Start with a glass of Bire vineyard’s standard Grk. Then try Grk Defora. It's aged sur lies (on the lees) for a yeasty flavour.
Or let experts guide you on an historic food and wine tour of Dubrovnik.
Beef stew should be thick not runny. So dark it’s hard to tell meat from sauce. And so hearty, one bowl makes a meal.
Pašticada is all of these things. This meaty stew takes hours, or days, to prepare. And it's the pride of every Croatian cook. Spend Christmas Day in Croatia and you'll likely eat pašticada. But no family will reveal their own recipe. There's always beef (generally silverside). And most often onions, wine and prunes.
Pašticada can be found all over the country. However, it originates in Dalmatia. So one of the best places to try it is Split. Head to a waterfront restaurant. Then order pašticada with gnocchi and a glass of red wine.
Think about staying at Riva Palace in the historic heart of Split.
Love oysters? You'll love Ston. Don't like the idea of oysters at all? Give them a go here. We reckon these Adriatic treasures will convert you. They're some of the best oysters you’ll find anywhere.
Oyster have been cultivated in Ston's waters since Roman times. Today, drive to the Pelješac peninsula southern end. You can see oyster beds just offshore.
Stop in Mali Ston for lunch on the waterfront. Or head to quieter Blaževo and take a boat trip to the oyster beds.
For immersive guided gourmet tours try our tailor made trips in Croatia.
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. And don't forget to buy travel insurance before you go.
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written by Helen Ochyra
updated 31.01.2024
Helen Ochyra is a Scotland-obsessed freelance travel writer and author of the critically acclaimed Scottish travel book "Scotland Beyond the Bagpipes", a Times Travel “book of the week” and one of Wanderlust’s “best travel books of 2020”. Helen specialises in British travel and is currently studying towards a Masters in British Studies at the University of the Highlands and Islands. Helen's work has recently appeared in the Times, the Telegraph and Grazia among many others. She lives in London with her husband and two young daughters.
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From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Croatia