Croatia Travel Guide: Everything You Need to See

Croatia is one of the most underrated European countries. It’s the ideal destination for beach lovers, history geeks, “Game of Thrones” enthusiasts and travelers who crave outdoor and food adventures. It’s a place that keeps on giving, but where do you start? Here’s the only Croatia travel guide you’ll need for a successful trip.

Where Is Croatia?

Croatia is a beautiful country situated in central and southeast Europe. It’s a Balkan country that borders Slovenia, Hungary, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro. Zagreb, the country’s capital and largest city, is located in the country’s northwestern part. This is also where the international airport is located.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Croatia?

It depends on your desired experience. Here are the best times to visit Croatia for the following types of travelers:

• Beach lovers: Tourism peaks from June to August, during the summer. It’s the best time to go to the beaches, but the lines at attractions are usually at their longest. 
• Traveling on a budget: May and September offer a nice balance of fewer crowds and pleasant weather. The winter months offer low airfare and hotel rates.

Your Croatia Travel Guide

Excited to explore the country? Here’s your travel itinerary in Croatia. Remember, this is only a guide. Feel free to tweak as you deem fit.

Day 1: Explore Zagreb 

Arrive at the Zagreb Airport. Rent a car and explore the city or join a city tour. You can join a walking tour to explore the city’s World War II tunnels, the Bogovićeva ulica, St. Mark’s Church, Stone Gate and more. Take a ride on the world’s shortest funicular and don’t forget to take videos. Have dinner at Stari Fijaker and try štrukli or cheese pastry and zagrebački odrezak or Zagreb steak.

Day 2: Explore the Sands of Đurđevac

If you like deserts, the Croatian Sahara, called Đurđevac, is a must in your itinerary. It’s located in the eastern part of the country, away from the Adriatic Sea. It’s where you can marvel at the desert’s natural beauty and meet camels, sheep, horses, llamas, donkeys and more. In a country mostly celebrated for its architecture and coastal beauty, this place will leave you in awe.

Day 3: Visit Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site revered for its stunning beauty. It’s home to beautiful limestone formations, waterfalls, lakes, caves, bears, wolves and rare bird species. It’s a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Split, but it’s definitely worth it. We strongly recommend spending a day and two nights there to enjoy the stillness of the place as it opens in the morning and to avoid crowds.

Day 4: Admire Diocletian’s Palace and Klis Fortress, and Travel to Dubrovnik

Diocletian’s Palace is located in Split, the second-largest Croatian city. Visit the ancient palace first and learn about its history. It was built for Emperor Diocletian as his retirement place. Walk through the gates, discover the cellars and find the “let me pass street.” Enjoy local meals at Konoba Matejuška, a place known for its seafood offerings.

Next, drive to Klis Fortress. This medieval fortress was made popular by the series “Game of Thrones.” If you’ve watched the series, it’s where the village of Mereen was built. After taking photos, drive to Dubrovnik and have dinner at Proto.

Day 5: Explore Dubrovnik

When you think of Croatia, the first thing you probably have in mind is Dubrovnik. It has become famous, thanks to “Game of Thrones.” It’s famously known for serving as the location for King’s Landing. The Lovrijenac Fortress served as the Red Keep, while the Jesuit Staircase is where Cersei’s Walk of Shame took place. As you wander through the old town, don’t forget to grab drinks and a bite at Gradska Cafe.

Day 6: Go to Lokrum Island

Don’t leave Croatia without spending a day at the beach. The country has various islands to explore, and Lokrum Island is one of them. It’s a 15-minute ferry ride from Dubrovnik. As you arrive, you’ll find an abandoned monastery, lush gardens, peacocks roaming around and local restaurants with delicious drinks. There’s a dead sea where you can simply float around — make sure to try it!

5 Travel Advice When Going to Croatia

Now that you have a travel itinerary to Croatia, it’s time to arm yourself with reminders for a fun and safe adventure.

1. Observe the Tipping Culture

Like in many countries, tipping is part of Croatian culture. In many establishments, a tip of around 10% of your bill is considered proper. In some cases, a gratuity is already added to bills in restaurants and bars, so always read your receipts.

2. Learn Basic Croatian Phrases

While not mandatory, Croatians appreciate it when you make an effort to learn their language. Here are some words and phrases you can learn before visiting the country:

• Hello: Bok 
• Good morning: Dobro jutro. Keep in mind that letter J is pronounced as a letter Y in the local language.
• Thank you: Hvala
• Goodbye: Doviđenja, which sounds “doh-vee-jen-yah.”

3. Use Ride-Sharing Apps

Beware of taxi scams. Drivers may overcharge your fare once they learn you’re a tourist. For safety purposes, use ride-sharing apps like Uber and Bolt instead. Keep in mind that these may not be available in some cities.

4. Be Wary of “Helpful Strangers”

Croatians are generally kind and welcoming, although some locals may take advantage of this. However, it helps to be cautious of overly helpful strangers, as their kindness may mask ulterior motives. Don’t hesitate to politely decline, and if you’re traveling alone, join organized tours.

5. Be Cautious if You’re an LGBTQIA+ Traveler

While LGBTQIA+ travelers are widely accepted in Croatia, some people can be less tolerant in rural areas due to the country’s more Catholic ideologies. If you’re a member of this community, remember to stay aware of your surroundings and be more mindful of the culture. Avoid disclosing too much personal information for your safety.

Book Your Flight Ticket Today

We hope this Croatia travel guide and reminders inspire you to book a flight! There are plenty of things you can do in Croatia — this guide is only a guide to the best places to explore. When you’re there, don’t hesitate to ask Croatians for some local wisdom!