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Croatia Travel Guide

Looking for an in-depth Croatia travel guide?

Then you’re in the right place!

Located in Europe, the country of Croatia is quickly becoming one of the hottest travel destinations in the world.

This hotspot on the Adriatic Sea packs so much into just over 21,000 square miles. From beautiful beaches to historic sites, the country has something for every kind of traveler — and we’ve compiled the perfect Croatia tourism guide to help you make the most of your trip.

Croatia is home to 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, recognized for their cultural and natural importance.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is probably one of the most popular. Here, you can explore a system of interconnected lakes with some of the most brilliant blue water you’ll ever see. Travel through trails and narrow walkways to take in the park’s gorgeous waterfalls and unique ecosystem.

If you’re looking for cultural wonders head to Dubrovnik, a gorgeous city on the Dalmatian Coast that’s retained much of its thirteenth-century architecture. The entire Old Town has been well-preserved to help you travel back in time.

Croatia’s coast is one of its biggest draws and there are many great beaches to explore.

Hvar Town, located on its namesake island, is a great starting point for island hoppers and those just looking to check out some more secluded beaches.

People looking to party it up can do so in the lively port city full of restaurants, bars, and clubs.

For more of an old-world feel, head to Istria, a peninsula county full of small seaside towns that will give you a real sense of Croatia’s history.

Wherever you end up, you’re sure to find a beautiful beach nearby. Just don’t forget the SPF!

Keep reading to dive into resources that will help you with planning a trip to Croatia.

Note: This guide to Croatia travel contains affiliate links to trusted partners!

Croatia Map

Use this Croatia travel map to begin planning your trip to this incredible country!

Croatia map

Click here for an interactive Google Map version of the above graphic.

Croatia Itinerary

Use this Croatia travel information for inspiration on local attractions & experiences!

Croatia Travel Advice

Use these Croatia travel tips to plan the perfect trip!

Top Croatia Tours

Explore local culture with a Croatia tour guide through these unique excursions:

  • Adventure Dubrovnik Day Trip – Sea Kayaking and Snorkeling Tour
  • Zipline Croatia: Cetina Canyon Zipline Adventure from Omis
  • Plitvice Lakes National Park + Rastoke – Small-Group Full-Day Tour from Zagreb
  • Rafting on Cetina River Departure from Split or Zadvarje village
  • Dubrovnik Food and Drink Walking Tour with a Local Guide
  • Blue Cave and Surrounding Islands Boat Trip from Split

Renting A Car In Croatia

Need a rental car for your Croatia trip?

Use Discover Cars to quickly compare your car rental options.

Their comparison tool does the homework for you, so there’s no need to have up 10+ tabs trying to figure out which company is the most affordable. Actually, you can save up to 70% using their tool!

Croatia Train Travel

Getting around Croatia by train, bus, or ferry?

Omio is a must! I use this tool for all of my public transportation needs when traveling Europe.

The site is straightforward and user-friendly — and you can pre-book your tickets in advance at a discount.

They even offer flight and car deals!

Croatia Hotels

Click here to browse hotels in Croatia!

Prefer self-contained stays? 

Click here to check out unique local rentals!

You can also use this map to search for local stays:

Croatia Travel Insurance

It doesn’t matter if you’re traveling solo or with a group on a Croatia tour. When visiting Croatia — or any other country in the world — make sure to get travel insurance to protect your health and safety.

In my opinion, the best travel medical insurance for travelers is SafetyWing as they’ve got a large network and offer both short-term and long-term coverage — including coverage if you’re traveling for months as well as limited coverage in your home country).

Additionally, SafetyWing is budget-friendly and offers $250,000 worth of coverage with just one low overall deductible of $250.

With coverage, you’ll have peace of mind as you embark on your Croatia itinerary.

Click my referral link here to price out travel insurance for your trip in just a few clicks.

Croatia Travel Guide FAQ

Below, find answers to frequently asked questions about traveling Croatia.

Q: Is Croatia expensive to travel?

When planning a trip to Europe, you may notice that compared to other European countries, Croatia is a fairly budget-friendly destination.

The average traveler spends roughly $78 per day in the country on accommodations, food, transportation, and other expenses. There are many hostels and guesthouses available throughout the country where you can find a room for roughly $30 USD per night.

Many European budget airlines also fly to Croatia, making it an easy place to travel to from other nearby countries.

Unfortunately, there are no non-stop flights from North America to Croatia (at the moment), but you can find some good airfare deals by keeping an eye on sites like Skyscanner and Kayak.

Q: Is Croatia safe for travel?

Croatia is considered very safe for travelers. Violent crime is rare, but petty crime and theft still happen. As you would in any other country, be aware of your surroundings, keep your belongings close to you and hidden in pickpocket-proof clothing, and try not to flash any obvious symbols of wealth.

If you’re going out to cafe bars and clubs at night, keep an eye on your drink and consider going out with a group.

Also, try to avoid clubs that target tourists, as you may get overcharged.

Q: What are the best tips and tricks for people visiting Croatia?

If you’re planning on visiting multiple cities and destinations in Croatia, the bus is the best way to get around. Croatia’s train system is not quite as developed as those of other European nations, so you probably won’t find too many stops outside of major cities. The country does have an extensive bus network, though, which can take you almost anywhere you want.

Taxis are expensive in most of the major cities and Uber only operates in Zagreb and Split. If you need to take a cab, try to share one with a fellow traveler to save on the fare.

Croatia is not a part of the Euro Zone and uses its own currency, the Kuna. Paying in cash may get you a better deal at certain shops and cafes, so be sure to keep some Kuna on you as you travel around. And be mindful of the exchange rate so you don’t have to hit up an ATM every few hours.

Q: What are some must-visit spots in Croatia?

Croatia is home to some incredible national parks. Plitvice National Park, located just south of the Bosnia and Herzegovina border, is probably the most popular.

With 16 interconnecting lakes, gorgeous forests, and waterfalls for days, it is absolutely worth the hype and one of the most beautiful places on earth. Head to the park early in the morning for some of the best sunrise photos.

Lesser-known — but no less gorgeous — is Krka National Park in Central Dalmatia. The park’s lakes are great for swimming and boating excursions and the forest offers some of the best hiking trails in the world. It’s the perfect day trip if you’re staying in Split or Sibinik.

While Split, Hvar, and Dubrovnik get the lion’s share of tourist attention, you should also check out Zagreb, Croatia’s capital city.

A stroll along the city’s cobblestone streets will take you back in time while still enjoying the comforts of modern life. Check out the open-air Dolac Market to shop for locally-made goods and keepsakes.

And of course, if you’re a Game of Thrones fan, you can’t miss the seaside city of Dubrovnik. The city was one of the show’s main filming locations, so you’ll definitely feel like you’re in King’s Landing as you explore the old town. And of course, there are plenty of tours to take you to the exact spots where the Lannisters and Starks once stood.

Pro tip: no matter where you go, make sure to eat at a local konoba (tavern) to try some Croatian peka!

Q: Do I need a Croatia travel visa?

Citizens of the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and the European Union, as well as several other countries, do not need a visa to visit Croatia. Nationals of other countries may need to apply for a visa before their trip.

It’s recommended to view your country’s Croatia International Travel Information page for the most up-to-date information on entry and exit requirements. You can also contact the Embassy of the Republic of Croatia.

Q: What is the best time of year to visit Croatia?

If you’re looking for warm and sunny days, visit Croatia in the summer from June to August.

Alternatively, you can beat the crowds and snag deals by visiting in the shoulder season, which is early May through June as well as September through early October. Just note that some attractions may be closed during this time.

Q: Where is Croatia?

Croatia is located in southern Europe, sitting on the Adriatic Sea. It shares a border with Bosnia and Herzegovina (east), Hungary (north), and Slovenia (west).

Q: Are credit cards accepted in Croatia?

Credit cards are widely accepted in Croatia, though it’s always wise to carry some cash on you, especially as paying in cash can get you a better deal at certain establishments.

Q: Can you drink tap water in Croatia?

Yes, it is safe to drink tap water when traveling in Croatia.

Q: What is the local currency in Croatia?

The local currency in Croatia is the Croatian kuna.

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