Travel Guide to Croatia

Croatia offers an extraordinary combination of stunning Adriatic coastline, medieval walled cities, pristine national parks, beautiful islands, delicious Mediterranean cuisine, and rich history. From walking Dubrovnik's ancient walls to swimming in turquoise waters, from exploring Roman palaces to island-hopping, from Game of Thrones filming locations to cascading waterfalls at Plitvice Lakes, Croatia delivers diverse experiences in a relatively compact country.

Most trips revolve around several key themes: historic coastal cities, island hopping, national parks and nature, Game of Thrones locations, and Mediterranean culture and cuisine.

Croatia's Adriatic coast features stunning walled cities with medieval and Venetian architecture.

• Dubrovnik:
• City Walls** – Walk 2 km around magnificent medieval fortifications with stunning views over terracotta roofs and the Adriatic (entry €35).
• Old Town** – UNESCO World Heritage Site with marble-paved Stradun, baroque churches, fountains, and palaces.
• Game of Thrones locations** – Fort Lovrijenac (Red Keep), Pile Gate, Jesuit Staircase (Walk of Shame), and many Old Town locations.
• Cable Car to Mount Srđ** – Panoramic views over the city, islands, and coastline.
• Lokrum Island** – Peaceful nature reserve 10 minutes by boat with botanical gardens, beaches, and peacocks.

• Split:
• Diocletian's Palace** – Remarkably preserved 1,700-year-old Roman palace complex that forms the living heart of the city (UNESCO World Heritage Site).
• Peristyle Square** – Central courtyard of the palace with cathedral and Egyptian sphinx.
• Marjan Hill** – Forest park peninsula with hiking trails, beaches, and viewpoints.
• Riva Promenade** – Lively waterfront with cafes and palm trees.
• Gateway to the islands** – Ferry connections to Hvar, Brač, Vis, Korčula, and more.

• Rovinj:
• Colorful Old Town** – Venetian-style buildings tumbling down to the harbor.
• St. Euphemia Church** – Landmark baroque church with bell tower offering city views.
• Istrian cuisine** – Truffles, seafood, Italian-influenced dishes.

• Zadar:
• Sea Organ** – Unique architectural sound installation creating music from wave action.
• Sun Salutation** – Solar-powered light installation on the waterfront.
• Roman Forum and historic center** – Ancient ruins and Venetian architecture.
• Spectacular sunsets** – Some of the world's most beautiful according to Alfred Hitchcock.

• First-timer tip:** A classic itinerary combines 2-3 days in Dubrovnik, 2 days in Split, 2-3 days island hopping (Hvar and/or Korčula), and 1-2 days at Plitvice Lakes.

Croatia has over 1,000 islands and islets, with around 50 inhabited. Island hopping is a quintessential Croatian experience.

• Hvar:

• Hvar Town with Spanish Fortress views
• Pakleni Islands – pristine beaches reached by water taxi
• Lavender fields (blooming June-July)
• Wine tours and beach clubs
• Stari Grad – quieter historic town with UNESCO agricultural landscape

• Korčula:

• Medieval Old Town with towers and walls
• Marco Polo House Museum
• Traditional Moreska sword dance performances
• White wine villages (Lumbarda)
• Beautiful beaches and coves

• Brač:

• Zlatni Rat beach near Bol
• Vidova Gora – highest peak in the Adriatic islands (778m)
• White stone quarried for Diocletian's Palace
• Windsurfing and water sports

• Vis:

• Blue Cave on Biševo – magical light effects at midday
• Stiniva Beach – dramatic cove beach
• Quiet fishing villages
• Excellent local cuisine and wines
• Military tunnels and history

• Mljet:

• Mljet National Park with two saltwater lakes
• 12th-century Benedictine monastery on islet
• Hiking and cycling trails
• Kayaking and swimming

Croatia has 8 national parks showcasing diverse landscapes from waterfalls to mountains to islands.

• Plitvice Lakes National Park:

• Wooden walkways over turquoise lakes
• Multiple hiking routes (2-8 hours)
• Upper and Lower Lakes with different character
• Best visited April-May or September-October to avoid summer crowds
• Day trip from Zagreb (2 hours) or Zadar (1.5 hours)

• Krka National Park:

• Skradinski Buk waterfall – swimming permitted in designated areas
• Wooden walkways and hiking trails
• Visovac Island monastery
• Traditional watermills
• Boat trips available

• Kornati Islands National Park:

• Paklenica National Park:

Dubrovnik served as King's Landing in Game of Thrones, attracting fans worldwide.

• Main Locations:
• Fort Lovrijenac** – Red Keep exterior and Joffrey's nameday tournament
• Pile Gate** – Main entrance to King's Landing
• Jesuit Staircase** – Cersei's Walk of Shame
• Minčeta Tower** – House of the Undying in Qarth
• City Walls** – Blackwater Bay battle scenes
• Rector's Palace** – Spice King's palace in Qarth

• Game of Thrones Walking Tours** available throughout Dubrovnik Old Town with knowledgeable guides sharing filming locations and behind-the-scenes stories.

Croatian cuisine blends Mediterranean, Italian, Austrian, and Balkan influences with regional variations.

• Coastal Dalmatian Cuisine:
• Fresh Seafood** – Grilled fish (orada, brancin), octopus salad, black risotto (with cuttlefish ink), brudet (fish stew).
• Peka** – Meat or octopus slow-cooked under a bell-shaped dome with coals.
• Pršut** – Dalmatian prosciutto similar to Italian prosciutto.
• Olive Oil** – Excellent local production especially in Istria.

• Istrian Cuisine:
• Truffles** – Both white and black truffles in season (September-December).
• Maneštra** – Hearty bean and vegetable soup.
• Fuži and Pljukanci** – Hand-rolled pasta shapes.
• Istrian Wine** – Malvazija (white) and Teran (red).

• Croatian Specialties:
• Pašticada** – Slow-cooked beef in sweet wine sauce (Dalmatian specialty).
• Ćevapi** – Grilled minced meat sausages (Balkan influence).
• Burek** – Flaky pastry filled with meat, cheese, or spinach.
• Fritule** – Small sweet fried dough balls (Christmas specialty).
• Pag Cheese** – Famous sheep's milk cheese from Pag island.

• Croatian Wines:
• Whites:** Pošip, Grk, Malvazija
• Reds:** Plavac Mali, Babić, Teran
• Dessert:** Prošek (similar to Vin Santo)

• Rakija:

Pleasant weather, wildflowers, and fewer crowds make spring ideal for sightseeing and nature.

• Lavender begins blooming in Hvar (June)
• Plitvice Lakes at their fullest from snowmelt
• Perfect weather for hiking and exploring national parks (15-25°C)
• Lower accommodation prices than summer
• Sea still cool for swimming until late May

Peak tourist season with hot, sunny weather and vibrant beach life, but very crowded and expensive.

• Beach season in full swing with warm Adriatic (24-27°C)
• All island ferries running maximum schedules
• Summer festivals and outdoor concerts
• Very hot temperatures (30-38°C) especially inland
• Dubrovnik extremely crowded – long queues for city walls
• Most expensive period with accommodation 60-100% higher
• Book ferries, accommodation, and restaurants well ahead

Excellent shoulder season with warm seas, good weather, and fewer crowds.

• Sea still warm from summer (20-24°C in September)
• Pleasant temperatures (18-26°C)
• Fewer tourists at major sites
• Lower prices than summer
• Some island services begin closing late October
• Grape harvest season in wine regions

Off-season with many coastal services closed, but Zagreb comes alive with Christmas markets.

• Zagreb's Advent market (repeatedly voted Europe's best)
• Very low prices on open coastal accommodations
• Most island hotels, restaurants, and ferry routes limited or closed
• Mild coastal temperatures but rainy periods
• Dubrovnik and Split remain accessible year-round
• Skiing available in Gorski Kotar mountains

• Sea Kayaking – Explore caves, hidden coves, and coastline around Dubrovnik, Hvar, and Vis.
• Sailing and Yacht Charters – Island-hop by boat with bare-boat or skippered charters from Split or Dubrovnik.
• Scuba Diving – Underwater caves, walls, and wrecks around islands with excellent visibility.
• Rock Climbing – Paklenica National Park is Croatia's climbing mecca.
• Hiking – Trails in national parks (Plitvice, Paklenica, Mljet) and on islands.
• Windsurfing and Kitesurfing – Brač (Zlatni Rat) and Pelješac peninsula have excellent conditions.
• Rafting – Cetina River near Omiš offers rafting and canyoning.
• Cycling – Islands (Brač, Korčula) and Istrian interior have good cycling routes.

Croatia offers a range of accommodation from budget hostels to luxury resorts, with significant seasonal variations.

• Hostel dorm beds: €15–30 per night.
• Private rooms in hostels: €35–60 per night.
• Budget hotels and guesthouses: €40–70 per night.
• Apartments (sobe) with locals: €35–65 per night.

• 3-star hotels: €70–130 per night for double rooms.
• Boutique hotels: €90–160 per night.
• Airbnb entire apartments: €60–110 per night.
• Heritage hotels: €80–150 per night in historic buildings.

• 4-star hotels: €140–250 per night.
• 5-star hotels and resorts: €220–600+ per night; suites €400–1,200+.
• Dubrovnik luxury hotels: €300–800 per night in peak season.
• Private island villas: €500–2,000+ per night.

• Peak season (July-August): Prices 60-100% higher especially in Dubrovnik, Hvar, and coastal areas.
• Shoulder seasons (May-June, September-October): Excellent value with good weather.
• Off-season (November-March): Lowest prices but many coastal properties closed.

Croatia joined the Schengen Area on January 1, 2023. Citizens of the following can enter visa-free for up to 90 days within 180 days for tourism:

• United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand
• Most European Union countries
• Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and many others

Visa-free entry does not permit paid employment.

Travelers from countries not on the visa-exempt list must apply for a Schengen visa in advance:

• Valid passport (6+ months remaining recommended)
• Completed application form and photos
• Travel insurance with minimum €30,000 medical coverage
• Proof of accommodation and return flights
• Financial means (bank statements)
• Processing: 10-15 business days

Croatia offers various long-term visa options:

• Digital Nomad Visa – For remote workers (up to 1 year).
• Work Visa – For employees with Croatian job offers.
• Student Visa – For university enrollment.
• Temporary Residence – For retirees or property owners.

On arrival expect to:

• Present passport and visa (if required) to immigration.
• May be asked about purpose, length of stay, and accommodation.
• Collect baggage and proceed through customs.
• EU citizens use separate lanes with minimal checks.

Declare cash over €10,000. Certain foods, medications, and goods have restrictions.

Croatia adopted the Euro (€) on January 1, 2023, replacing the Croatian Kuna.

Croatia has a universal healthcare system (HZZO) that provides coverage to residents and EU citizens with European Health Insurance Cards (EHIC). Quality is generally good in major cities, though English proficiency varies.

Tourists from outside the EU are not covered by the public system and must pay full costs upfront or through private insurance.

• Payment expected at time of service – cash or credit cards accepted.
• Public hospitals serve emergencies; private clinics faster for non-urgent care.
• English-speaking staff common in Zagreb, Dubrovnik, Split, and tourist areas.
• Pharmacies (ljekarna) widely available; pharmacists can recommend over-the-counter treatments.
• Medical costs moderate compared to Western Europe and significantly lower than US.

• Routine Care:
• General practitioner visit: €50–100
• Specialist consultation: €80–150
• Prescription medications: €5–35 depending on medication

• Emergency Care:
• Emergency room visit: €120–350 for initial assessment
• Overnight hospital stay: €400–900 per day
• Intensive care unit (ICU): €1,200–3,000 per day
• Emergency surgery: €2,500–12,000+

• Specialized Procedures:
• MRI scan: €250–550
• CT scan: €180–400
• Appendectomy: €2,000–5,500
• Fracture treatment with surgery: €1,500–6,500

• Dental Care:
• Routine cleaning: €40–80
• Filling: €50–130
• Root canal: €200–450
• Crown: €300–700

In serious cases, medical evacuation may be necessary:

• Air ambulance to US East Coast: $145,000–270,000
• Air ambulance to US West Coast: $170,000–310,000
• Commercial flight with medical escort: $12,000–38,000
• Ground ambulance within Croatia: €200–700
• Inter-island medical transfers: €300–1,200

Zagreb, Dubrovnik, Split, and major tourist areas have hospitals and private clinics with English-speaking staff.

• Emergency number: 112** (ambulance, fire, police - all emergencies)
• Tourist Police: 192** (multilingual assistance)

Private hospitals in major cities: - Magdalena Clinic (Zagreb, Split) - KBC Zagreb (University Hospital) - KBC Split (University Hospital)

Comprehensive travel insurance is highly recommended, and required for Schengen visa applicants with minimum €30,000 medical coverage.

• Medical Coverage
• Minimum €30,000 (about $33,000) required for Schengen visa.
• Recommended $50,000–100,000 for comprehensive coverage.
• Covers doctor visits, hospital stays, emergency treatment.
• Confirm pre-existing condition coverage.

• Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
• Minimum $100,000; recommended $250,000–500,000.
• Essential for island emergencies requiring transfer to Zagreb or home country.
• Covers evacuation to nearest suitable facility or home country.
• Includes repatriation of remains.

• Trip Cancellation & Interruption
• Protects non-refundable costs (flights, hotels, ferries, tours).
• Covers cancellation for illness, injury, family emergencies.
• Consider "Cancel For Any Reason" (CFAR) for maximum flexibility.
• Important for island-hopping trips with pre-booked ferries.

• Personal Property & Theft
• Pickpocketing common in Dubrovnik Old Town and Split during summer.
• Upgrade coverage to €2,000–3,000 for electronics and cameras.
• Beach theft occurs – don't leave valuables unattended.

• Adventure Sports Coverage
• Standard policies may exclude diving, sailing, kayaking, rock climbing.
• Water sports coverage essential for island activities.
• Declare activities when purchasing policy.

• Medical: Heat exhaustion, dehydration, jellyfish stings, diving injuries, minor accidents on coastal paths.
• Theft: Pickpocketing in Dubrovnik and Split tourist areas, beach theft, rental car break-ins.
• Trip interruption: Ferry cancellations due to weather (especially shoulder seasons), strikes (occasionally affect ferries).
• Lost luggage: On inter-island ferries and coastal flights.

When comparing policies, focus on: - Medical and evacuation limits (meet Schengen minimum €30,000). - Pre-existing condition coverage. - Adventure sports inclusion (especially water sports coverage). - Inter-island medical evacuation coverage. - Ferry cancellation/delay coverage. - Deductibles and co-pays. - 24/7 assistance with English-language support.

For island-hopping trips, ensure coverage includes ferry cancellations and inter-island medical transfers. For adventure activities (sailing, diving, kayaking), verify specific coverage.

Croatia offers an extraordinary combination of stunning coastal beauty, historic walled cities, pristine national parks, beautiful islands, delicious Mediterranean cuisine, and remarkable value compared to Western Europe. From walking Dubrovnik's ancient walls to exploring Diocletian's Palace in Split, from island-hopping in the Adriatic to hiking around Plitvice's waterfalls, Croatia delivers diverse experiences that blend ancient heritage with natural wonders.

The country's compact size, excellent ferry network, increasingly good English proficiency, and safe environment make it ideal for first-time visitors to the Balkans and seasoned European travelers alike. Whether you're exploring Game of Thrones filming locations, swimming in turquoise coves, sailing between islands, or savoring fresh seafood and local wines, Croatia welcomes you with Mediterranean warmth.

With thoughtful planning around seasons (avoiding peak July-August crowds and prices if possible), island ferry logistics, accommodation booking (especially for summer), visa requirements, healthcare costs, and comprehensive travel insurance (especially for water activities and island-hopping), you'll be well-prepared to explore this stunning Adriatic destination that combines the best of Mediterranean culture, history, and natural beauty.