Croatia tours & holidays
Go beyond the guidebooks - this is Croatia with a local touch
Croatia’s glittering Adriatic coast, charming cobblestone towns and thriving food and wine scene are certain to reward curiosities. Join one of our small group tours and wander through the ancient streets of Split to find the perfect gelato, dive into the best swimming and snorkelling spots off the coast of Dubrovnik and enjoy a home-cooked meal with a local family in the village of Rakovica. This isn’t just visiting Croatia, it’s experiencing it.
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Croatia at a glance
CAPITAL CITY
Zagreb (population 930,000)
POPULATION
4.4 million
CURRENCY
Euro (EUR)
LANGUAGE
Croatian
TIME ZONE
(GMT+01:00) Sarajevo, Skopje, Warsaw, Zagreb
CALLING CODE
+385
ELECTRICITY
Type C (European 2-pin) Type F (German 2-pin, side clip earth)
Learn more about Croatia
Best time to visit
Croatia is a dream destination no matter when you go, but timing can make all the difference based on your interests. Summer (June to August) is the classic choice – hot, sunny and perfect for eating seafood along Split’s coast or setting sail off Dubrovnik. But, it’s also peak tourist season and the crowds can feel like a sea of their own.
For this reason, the shoulder seasons are the ideal time to visit. Late spring (April to May) and fall (September to October) bring all the perks of summer – swimmable seas and warm, sunny days – without the chaos. It’s the best time to wander Krka’s trails and waterfalls or claim your spot on one of the many pristine beaches.
Spring is a quieter, cooler way to experience Croatia. Inland national parks are lush, ancient towns like Zagreb and Rovinj feel wonderfully local and the mild weather makes everything more comfortable. But don't shy away from a visit in December when Europe’s Christmas markets, mulled wine and medieval squares are at their most magical.
Eating and drinking
Croatian cuisine is heavily influenced by its surrounding countries. Separated from Italy by the Adriatic Sea, cuisine along the coast tends to have more of a Mediterranean flair. Fish and seafood are integral to many coastal dishes, such as brodet (fish stew) and crni rizot (black risotto made with squid). Homemade pasta and olive oil are also dietary staples. Further inland, you’ll find heartier dishes with Austrian, Hungarian and Turkish influences such as cobanac (a goulash-like stew) and kulen (paprika-seasoned sausage).
Things to try in Croatia
Pasticada
A slow-cooked, braised beef dish cooked in a sweet and sour sauce, usually served with gnocchi. This Dalmatian staple can be found in many restaurants in this region.
Manestra
There are many variations to Istria’s hearty take on minestrone soup, but it usually includes beans, corn and meat.
Paski sir
This popular hard cheese is produced exclusively from the milk of sheep on the Island of Pag. It gets its unique pungent taste from the sheep’s aromatic herb diet.
Cevapi
These grilled skinless sausages are common throughout Croatia and usually served with onions and ajvar (a red capsicum relish) on a flatbread.
Brudet
This tasty fish stew is a typical dish along the coastal regions and is typically made up of different types of fish, squids, tomato, onion, herbs and wine, often served with polenta.
Geography and environment
Sharing borders with Bosnia and Herzegovina, Slovenia, Hungary, Serbia and Montenegro, Croatia benefits from more than 5,000 km of coastline that spans along the Adriatic Sea. In addition to the mainland, Croatia also has many islands, some inhabited, some not. Croatia's terrain is very diverse and varies from flat plains to low mountains and highlands, limestone karst cliffs, wetlands, lakes and forests of cypress. Nature reserves and wetland areas are home to large populations of migratory birds, deer, bats and bears. Visitors will also see much of the land is used for agriculture with vineyards, lavender fields, olive groves and orchards being prevalent in rural areas. Croatia's cities, while developed, have managed to maintain a high level of charm with cobblestone streets, ancient housing, historic squares and heritage buildings being preserved and still used by the current population.
Top places to visit in Croatia
1. Islands of Kornati
There are plenty of enchanting islands along the coast of Croatia but perhaps none more so than the secluded Kornati, a collection of 89 spectacular islands full of islets and reef systems just waiting to be explored. Known as the largest and densest archipelago in the Adriatic region, the Kornatis present the perfect way to spend a couple of days with beautiful bays to swim in and fascinating nature parks to adventure through.
2. Dubrovnik
Steeped in both beauty and history, Dubrovnik’s UNESCO-listed Old Town is, quite simply, the undisputed jewel of the Dalmatian Coast. With its beautiful white stone-covered buildings, tiled-roof houses, and limestone streets all encompassed within sea-facing city walls, this city is full of charm and splendour. Whether you want to wander the bustling streets on foot or view the town from the sparkling water of the Adriatic Sea, Dubrovnik is one character-filled city you can’t miss.
3. Lokrum
If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of Dubrovnik then setting sail for the small island of Lokrum is the best way to achieve it. Covered in lush vegetation and surrounded by sparkling blue waters, this sleepy island presents the perfect opportunity to relax under the warm Croatian sun. Whether you want to soak up the rays on rocks by the sea or wander through the Botanical Garden, you’re guaranteed to find peace within Lokrum’s stunning surroundings.
4. Zadar
Once the capital city of Dalmatia, Zadar boasts a rich heritage that’s easily visible when you start wandering its ancient buildings, such as the Roman Forum and St Donatus’ Church. From walking through cultural exhibitions at the Museum of Church Art and exploring the spirited fish markets at the port to admiring the ‘Greeting to the Sun’, a modern monument dedicated to the sun, this energetic destination will surely capture your heart.
5. Korcula
Korcula Island is a hidden gem with as many beautiful sights and ancient buildings as some of the bigger islands, such as Hvar, but without the crowds. Offering a lot of sun to soak up, plenty of golden sandy beaches to lie on, and an abundance of sparkling blue waters to swim in, this seaside destination is truly one-of-a-kind. And you can't forget about the food. From traditional beef stews to the sweet delicacy of travarica, you'll never go hungry in Korcula.
6. Split
Split may be Croatia’s second largest city (after Zagreb) but it’s first when it comes to personality and soul with historic streets, a World-Heritage listed palace, and a vibrant mix of shops, cafes, and restaurants scattered throughout its picturesque Old Town. From sipping on frothy kava at a table on the Riva waterfront promenade to listening to street musicians filling ancient courtyards, Split promises to take your Croatian tour to another level.
7. Plitvice Lakes National Park
Gaining World Heritage listed status 20 years ago, this spectacular park covers 19 hectares of wooded hills and 16 turquoise-covered lakes all connected by a series of waterfalls that won’t hesitate to take your breath away. Whether you want to spot some wild animals (think wolves, deer, and birds), wander through the park’s forest vegetation, or simply marvel at the landscape, this dazzling park will be etched in your mind forever.
8. Zagreb
If culture’s what you’re after, then visiting the spirited city of Zagreb should be high on your Croatia bucket list. Bursting with museums such as the quirky Museum of Broken Relationships or the more traditional Croatian Museum of Naïve Art, and historic locations such as the Mirogoj Cemetery and Lotrščak Tower, you’ll never run out of things to do in Zagreb. Perfect for exploring on foot, this lively destination blends the best of crafts, cuisine, and culture for an adventure you’ll want to relive over and over again.
9. Osijek
On the surface, Osijek may seem like just another breathtaking Croatian town but as soon as you start wandering its streets full of grand buildings and popular landmarks, you’ll see why it deserves to be explored. With a laidback atmosphere and bubbling personality, this town will easily have you entranced from its many cafes and restaurants lining the Drava River to its captivating medieval structures. Spend your time walking through the Museum of Slavonia or strolling down the European Avenue for an in-depth look at this remarkable region.
10. Hvar
If Dubrovnik is known as the ‘Jewel of the Dalmatian Coast’ then Hvar is the ‘Queen of the Dalmatian Islands’ thanks to its picture-perfect town full of wonderfully preserved Renaissance facades. Boasting plenty to do including admiring the views of the town and the Adriatic Sea from the Spanjola Fortress, wandering the streets full of unusual boutiques and interesting galleries, and sipping on cocktails at a bar by the water, this spectacular island town is like something straight out of a fairytale.
History and culture
Croatia has been home to humans since the Stone Age. Thanks to its geographical position in Europe, it has been influenced by neighbouring regions, with tribes and people from different cultures and groups making their mark.
Croatia’s modern history is a result of resilience and transformation. After gaining independence from Yugoslavia in 1991, the country emerged into an era of peace and reconciliation, joining the European Union in 2013.
Generally, Croatians are very proud of their country and cultural heritage. The Slavic heritage of Croatian people is evident during festivals like the Spancirfest, Full Moon Festivals and the Korcula Sword Dance Festival, where cities and villages come to life with traditional costumes, folk music and feasts.
The people of Croatia have a great deal of national pride and a strong connection to their country and family. It’s quite common for extended families to live together and children to remain close to their parents well into adulthood. Time for leisure and family is highly valued, particularly along the coast, where many offices end their day in the early afternoon.
Money matters
The official currency of Croatia is the Euro (EUR).
Large hotels, restaurants and tourist sites will most likely accept credit cards, but it’s recommended to always carry enough cash for smaller purchases. Smaller cafes, hotels and vendors like market stalls may not accept cards.
ATMs are readily available throughout Croatia. Cities and large towns will have ATM access but it’s variable in small villages or rural areas, so prepare accordingly when travelling out of urban areas.
Croatia travel FAQs
Many nationalities do not need a visa to enter Croatia, including Australia, the UK, Canada, the United States, New Zealand and the 27 European countries within the Schengen Area. Nationals from these countries do not require a visa for stays of 90 days or less.
If you’re not from a visa-exempt country, you must obtain a Schengen visa at a Croatian consulate or embassy before travel. For more information, please visit the government of Croatia’s website or the Essential Trip Information.
Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. Entry requirements can change at any time, so it is important that you check for the latest information. You can check the entry requirements for your nationality on your government’s foreign travel advisories, consular websites or on our visa and entry requirements page.
Absolutely. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.
For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance
Tipping isn't mandatory in Croatia, although feel free to round up the bill or leave spare change for wait staff. Tip more if the service has been particularly good. Some restaurants and cafes will already include a 10-15% margin in the bill to account for taxes and tips. In this case, generally, no further tip is required.
What you pack for a trip to Croatia depends on when you travel.
If you’re travelling during the warm summer months, lightweight, breathable clothing will be the most comfortable for the warm Mediterranean weather. And swimwear is a no-brainer!
Spring and autumn shoulder seasons bring unpredictable weather, so packing light layers is key. Think waterproof layers and light jackets.
For winter, you’ll want a coat, sweater and waterproof shoes that are comfortable to walk around in. For more information, visit Essential Trip Information.
Tap water is considered safe to drink in Croatia; however, due to the different mineral content, some people may get stomach upsets from the drinking water if they aren't used to it. A better option is finding filtered water rather than relying on bottled water.
The Internet is widely available throughout Croatia, and travellers can access the Internet in cafes, hotels and hotspots in Croatia's large cities and tourist-orientated towns. Expect less internet accessibility in rural areas.
Cell phone coverage is generally very good in Croatia's large cities and urban areas. Islands and remote areas may have less reliable service.
Ensure global roaming is activated with your service provider before arrival.
Western-style, flushable toilets are the norm in Croatia's cities and urban centres.
Discretion is advised for LGBTQIA+ travellers in Croatia. Homosexuality has been legal in Croatia since 1977 and is tolerated but not widely accepted. Public displays of affection between same-sex couples may be met with hostility in lesser-populated cities. Gay venues are virtually non-existent outside Zagreb but this is improving every year.
For more detailed and up-to-date advice, we recommend visiting Equaldex or ILGA before you travel.
From Australia?
Go to: Smart Traveller
From Canada?
Go to: Canada Travel Information
From the UK?
Go to: UK Foreign Travel Advice
From New Zealand?
Go to: Safe Travel
From the US?
Go to: US Department of State
The World Health Organisation also provides useful health information.
Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. In fact, we make a donation on behalf of every traveller. Trips to Croatia directly support our foundation partner, Humana Zagreb.
Humana Zagreb
Humana Zagreb provides job opportunities and education programs in sustainable fashion and textile industries for people with disabilities. Donations fund educational programs run by Humana employees with disabilities. These programs teach school children about the issues of fast fashion, the importance of reusing and recycling clothes, and the barriers that people with disabilities face when searching for employment.
Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.
We are committed to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability. We do our best to help you see the world, regardless of physical or mental limitations.
We are always happy to talk to travellers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them toward the most suitable itinerary for their needs and, where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.