A Croatia Travel Guide To Plan Your Perfect Croatia Trip

Croatia is a stunning European destination that should be on every traveller’s bucket list. With breathtaking natural beauty, incredible historic sites, delicious food and wine, and endlessly fun activities, Croatia has something for every type of traveller. This Croatia travel guide covers everything you need to plan an epic Croatia holiday with Croatia Tourist Visa!

Where is Croatia Located?

Croatia is situated in Southeastern Europe, bordering the Adriatic Sea. It shares borders with Slovenia, Hungary, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro.

Croatia has over 1,200 islands along its Adriatic Coastline. Some of the most popular tourist destinations are located on islands like Brač, Hvar, Krk, and Korčula. The mainland features stunning national parks, historic cities like Dubrovnik, and world-class festivals in towns like Split and Rovinj.

Weather in Croatia – A Quick Overview

Croatia enjoys a predominantly Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. However, the weather can vary drastically by region.

The Adriatic Coast and islands have an archetypal Mediterranean climate. Summers here are hot and dry, with average temperatures around 86°F (30°C) in July and August. The winters along the coast are mild, with temperatures averaging 50°F (10°C).

Inland regions like Zagreb have more extreme weather. Summers get quite hot and humid, while winters are cold with snowfall. In Zagreb, July highs reach 86°F (30°C), and January lows drop to 23°F (-5°C).

The coast gets significantly more rainfall than inland regions. Coastal cities average 60 to 80 inches (1500 to 2000 mm) annually, while Zagreb only gets 30 inches (750 mm). Coastal storms and winds are also common, especially in autumn and winter!

Best Time To Visit Croatia For a Vacation

The best time to visit Croatia depends on what kind of holiday you want.

• For swimming and sunbathing, July and August are ideal with hot weather and minimal rain along the coast. However, this is peak tourist season, meaning major crowds and higher prices for accommodation.
• For mild weather with fewer tourists, May, June, and September are excellent times to visit. September still has summer-like weather in many regions with warmer sea temperatures but smaller crowds and lower prices than in midsummer.
• To save money on accommodation, April, October or early November are great options. The weather is cooler but still mild, especially along the Adriatic. Crowds are small, and hotel rates drop significantly before and after peak season.
• For skiing and winter sports, visit Croatia between December and February. Destinations like Zagreb offer festive Christmas markets in December, while areas like Slavonia have excellent ski conditions through February.

Choose a time that suits you best, and make sure to apply for a tourist Croatia visa in London in advance. This will help you enjoy a seamless visit to the beautiful country with your loved ones!

Top Croatia Travel Holiday Destinations You Should Explore

From historic fortresses to electric music festivals, Croatia offers diverse holiday experiences. Here are some top destinations and attractions to consider for your Croatia trip:

• Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik’s’ picturesque Old Town is surrounded by 2km of thick medieval walls and towers perched over the sparkling Adriatic Sea. Walk the wall for sweeping coastal views, wander the marble-paved streets, or take a cable car up Mount Srđ for panoramic vistas over orange rooftops.

• Island Hopping

With over 1,200 islands, island hopping along the Adriatic Coast is a quintessential Croatian experience—ferry between islands like Hvar, Brač, Korčula and more. Enjoy swimming coves, scenic cycling routes, vineyards, small fishing villages and delicious seafood.

• Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park is one of Europe’s’ most remarkable natural wonders. The UNESCO World Heritage Site has 16 terraced lakes formed by waterfalls and limestone canyons covered in lush forest. Hike the boardwalks and trails to see the brilliant blue-green waters and dramatic landscapes.

• Zagreb

As the capital city, Zagreb combines modern culture with medieval charm. Wander through Upper Town to see ornate churches and towers. Stroll through bustling plazas in Lower Town, lined with cafes and restaurants. Don’t miss the vibrant café culture and exciting nightlife.

Popular Activities in Croatia You Must Enjoy!

• Sailing

Island hopping by sailboat lets you access pristine swimming coves and secluded beaches. Rent a bareboat charter or join a crewed sailing tour to try your hand at hoisting the sails. Stop to snorkel in azure waters, tour coastal caves by kayak and relax with sunset views above deck.

• Sea Kayaking

Paddle along the rocky Adriatic coastline to reach quiet lagoons and hidden caves. Many companies offer sea kayaking tours along the coast and around islands like the Pakleni Islands near Hvar. Multi-day trips allow camping on deserted beaches only accessible by small boats.

• Wine Tasting

Sample Croatia’s’ fantastic wine regions either on vineyards or at wine bars when city-hopping. Top spots include Istria for delicious Malvazija white wines and the Pelješac Peninsula for robust, full-bodied reds. Vineyard visits often include tours of wine cellars and tastings paired with local cheeses and olive oils.

Delicious Foods of Croatia You Must Try At Least Once!

Seafood features prominently in coastal Croatia cuisine with fresh catches like bass, bream, anchovies and shrimp. Inland cuisine uses more poultry, pork and hearty stews. Here are some iconic Croatia dishes and drinks to sample:

• Cevapi – Grilled minced meat like small sausages, often served with raw onions and kajmak cream
• Pašticada – A rich beef stew with prunes and dried figs
• Risotto with truffles – Creamy rice dish, often flavoured with seasonal white or black truffles
• Crni Rizot – Black risotto made by cooking rice in squid ink
• Brodet – Seafood stew with fish, prawns, mussels and vegetables
• Rožata – A crème brûlée style custard dessert
• Wines – Croatian wines like Malvazija, Pošip and Plavac Mali
• Beer – Local Croatian craft beer and larger brands like Ožujsko and Karlovačko

So, why wait? Book your tourist Croatia visa appointment today to get started on your Croatia vacation preparations!

Conclusion

With breathtaking scenery, rich culture and lively cities full of charm, Croatia should be at the top of your travel list. Use this Croatia travel guide to help you decide when to visit Croatia and start planning activities for an unforgettable Balkan holiday.

FAQs

What is the currency used in Croatia?

The official currency used in Croatia is the kuna (HRK). Major credit cards are widely accepted in cities and tourist destinations. ATMs allow withdrawing local currency as well.

Is Croatia expensive to visit?

Croatia is cheaper to visit than many other European destinations. Travelers on almost any budget can afford holidays here by choosing less expensive accommodation, avoiding the peak summer season and taking advantage of free attractions.

What is Croatia known for?

Croatia has a long history and is known for epic fortresses in cities like Dubrovnik, Diocletian’s Palace in Split which is one of the best Roman monuments, over a thousand islands to explore along the Adriatic coast, Plitvice Lakes National Park and delicious Mediterranean cuisine and wine.