croatia travel in march

Croatia in March: Is it the best time to go to Croatia?

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Planning to visit Croatia in March, and wondering what the weather and sightseeing options look like? In this guide, you will find our travel tips from when we visited Croatia for the first in the spring, plus we are also sharing our packing list for the month.

Visiting Croatia in March: Is it the best time to go to Croatia?

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We love traveling to Europe in the shoulder season, and in the month of March, we found a good flight deal from Canada to Zagreb Croatia , and decided to spend our vacation there – exploring the length and breadth of the country including checking off some of the iconic destinations. 

What is the weather in Croatia in March? Croatia in March Weather 

Here is what the weather looks like in the month of March. 

Croatia Weather and Temperatures in March

Ave temp: 12° / 4° (C )

Ave temp: 54° / 40° (F)

Rain : 7 days

Ave temp: 14° / 8° (C )

Ave temp: 58° / 47° (F)

Ave temp: 15° / 9° (C )

Ave temp: 59° / 49° (F)

Rain : 8 days

The average daily temperatures in major destinations in Croatia range from 4 degrees C (40 F) to a high of 15 degrees C (59 F). Temperatures inland and in the north of the country are colder as compared to the coastal destinations in the south (Dalmatia region). 

Rainy days average about 7 to 11 days a month. Overcast days are common, and rain is not heavy but more of a drizzle. We had warm, sunny days and gloomy ones with slight precipitation during our Croatia vacation in March. 

Thankfully, there was no heavy rain. 

Although there was no rain, there were many days when the sky was grey and dull. For us, the temperature was pleasant and perfect for city sightseeing. 

If you are someone who is generally cold (like me), we recommend carrying a warm scarf and a pullover at most times of the day.  In the evenings, the temperatures also dip, and a cardigan or a warm jacket is needed. 

When we were exploring Zagreb , we had clear weather, perfect for crisp walks. Most days we had temperatures of 6 to 10 degrees Celsius (42.8 to 50 F), with a slight wind. We had to wear light denim or a faux leather jacket at all times. 

Split , although warmer at 8 to 14 degrees C (47 to 58 F), the wind by the beaches, and promenade made us wear our hoodies and scarves. However, it was still lovely to soak in the sun by the lakeside.  

Dubrovnik was a delight in the spring months, with empty lanes. There were a couple of days when it was warm, and we could dip our toes into the water (beaches) and play. 

No swimming, though. And there were days when it was WINDY like crazy, which made the temperature cooler, and the skies a bit gloomy!

Advantages of visiting Croatia in March

Before booking our flights and accommodation for Croatia, we were debating between traveling in the months of February, March, and April. Now, temperatures in February were colder, and we didn’t want to miss time outdoors, exploring comfortably (leaving our heavy winter wear in Canada). 

Although weatherwise, the tail end of April is warmer, we didn’t notice a massive difference in temperatures in March or early April. And we were glad to have traveled sooner than later!

So here is why you must visit Croatia in March 

March is off season in Croatia with fewer crowds

In the month of March, fewer tourists plan to visit Croatia. Croatia’s peak season is during summer (from late May to August), and it can be very crowded and hot at the same time.

By visiting in March, we were able to beat the rush and explore landmarks at ease. 

When we were planning for the trip, we read how in the summer months, navigating through the old town lanes is crazy. Our local guide confirmed this to us when we asked them about crowds. Plus, don’t forget the cruise ships in the peak seasons. 

Our group tour ended up being a private tour, as it was just the two of us! It is important to note that most sightseeing and walking tours were operational. 

Road crossings from Dubrovnik to Split, or other parts of the Balkans, were painless, with less wait time at the border.

During summer months, the border crossings can take up to 1.50 to 2 hours! 

So season wise, and with fewer crowds, March is a good time to visit. Don’t forget to carry a warm cardigan to be able to explore the outdoors. 

Plan a trip to Croatia around the holidays in March

We plan our vacations annually as we work full time. In March (in Canada), we get statutory holidays off when Easter and Good Friday fall in that month (long weekend). 

It is also spring break in the United States and Canada. So planning the trip around March is a good idea to take advantage of government holidays or take your kids during the school break (instead of the maddening crowds in the summertime). 

Great flight and accommodation deals in March for Croatia 

Because March is off season, we were able to score great flight deals from our home city. When we traveled it was not spring break in Canada, and Easter was a month away, so it was perfect timing to get vacation approved from our employers, and book flights and accommodation. 

Booking at the city centre in cities like Zagreb and Dubrovnik was a breeze too. As it was a low season, hotel staff were extra nice with goodies (from food and wine to discounts on extended night stays). 

Read : Where to stay in Zagreb Croatia

You can expect to pay 40-50% less in the off season months in Croatia as compared to July/prime summer months. 

Just like flights and hotels, if you are renting a car or booking tours, you can score a nice discount. Most of our tours were booked online, and the Get Your Guide website had them at 10 to 15% off on most activities.

Take advantage of the no summer fee in March

This is something we came to know when we visited Croatia. There are a few attractions where you pay a regular entry fee versus paying a ‘summer fee’ in the peak months. Exhibitions at the Sponza Palace in Dubrovnik Old Town were free (and paid in the summer). 

Dubrovnik City Walls entrance is 50 kn per person until June and 200 kn per person for the month of July. 

Most attractions are open, just be mindful of the weather

All the museums, cathedrals, and places of interest were open and operational. Many attractions do have summer and ‘other’ season schedules, so do check before visiting. In the summer, of course, the hours were longer. 

As the weather is a little tricky and unpredictable in March, it is wise to head to indoor sightseeing options when the temperatures drop or if it rains. 

Enjoy festivals in March in Croatia

March is sort of a transition month in Croatia in various parts of the country. There are a handful of traditions and festivals that are celebrated in Croatia to bid adieu to the winter months.  (More festivals are listed below.)

Samobor Carnival: Samobor Carnival takes place in March. This is a tradition that has been celebrated since 1827. In this carnival, street performers host events throughout the week leading up to Shrove Tuesday. 

Rijeka Carnival. Rijeka Carnival is celebrated each year before Lent in Rijeka. Starting mid January to mid March you can check out street art, pageants, dances, concerts, and parades in Rijeka.

Prepare for the weather and limited restaurant options

Croatia in March experiences moments of sunshine, rain, and gloomy weather.

But……but… as long as you wear comfortable shoes, and something warm (cardigan, scarf or light jacket), you should have no problems exploring the outdoors or walking the old towns and beaches.

The possibility of rain is for 7-8 days, but it won’t rain heavily to spoil your vacation. Just take a break in a nice cafe, or visit a museum or indoor attraction when it showers.

A word about restaurants : Due to the low season, many small cafes and restaurants may not be open. You will find places to eat or buy groceries (and they won’t be super crowded), but not every restaurant in town will be open!

Disadvantages: Things to consider when visiting Croatia in March 

Although we had a great time in Croatia in March, this month may not be the best time to visit – depending on your travel plans/activities that you wish to enjoy. Here are some factors and things to consider,

Too cold for beach time 

During our trip, we were able to enjoy 1-2 afternoons by the beach, but it was too cold to dip our toes. As it is not warm for beach weather, the beaches were empty, making it perfect for strolls and walks.

But you won’t be able to enjoy a normal ‘beach-like’ ambiance as it will be empty, with cafes closed, sunbeds and umbrellas gone, and cooler weather!

So, if you are heading to Croatia for a warm weather, sun, and sand type of vacation, then March is not the time.

Cold for swims

Needless to say, you can’t go swimming in March in Croatia. There are swimming pools in resorts overlooking the scenic landmarks and landscapes, but that’s about it. 

Swimming season starts in May when the temperatures are warmer. Typically, swim months are from June through September. 

Limited tours and attractions are open

In March, many tour operators may not operate island tours or special excursions.

In Dubrovnik, we found that island tours had limited availability, and ferries operated less frequently. 

Planning is key; do check schedules so that you are able to catch the ferry/boat on time to explore islands (if tours aren’t taking guests). 

However, museums, walking tours, and funicular rides were open in Dubrovnik, Split, and Zagreb. 

Zagreb was probably the only place not subjected to seasonal/weather tantrums – all sightseeing attractions were open!

We recommend checking tours and ticket availability ahead of time, especially if you have a specific bucket list item on your travel itinerary. 

Because we love city and culture travel, March was perfect for photography, and walking tours with a local, and just enjoyed our time exploring leisurely – without feeling rushed (or pushed along with the crowds) . So if you are like us, you will enjoy Croatia in March. 

Places like Dubrovnik, Split, and Istria will be warmer, too, during the day so that you can enjoy little outdoor activities like sightseeing cruises, strolls at beaches or promenades, and daytime exploration.

Looking for guided tours? Here is a 7 day sailing Croatia tour covering Split to Dubrovnik and a cultural southern Dalmatian Coast tour

Limited restaurants are open

Many guidebooks will tell you restaurants and cafes are closed in March. It is true ‘some’ restaurants will be closed for the season, but….you will find places to eat and hang out.

In fact, the nightlife in Split and Zagreb will be inviting. Plenty of bars and cafes (plus musical events, etc.) will be operating as normal. 

When you are road-tripping or navigating via small towns, not a LOT of restaurants will be open. But you will find a place to buy your meals. You have to be open, and flexible with food options to enjoy Croatia in March. 

That being said, if you have a spot/cafe that you really want to visit, check that ahead of time.

We wanted to visit the Cliff Bar or the Buza Bar (after we read reviews and saw photos online), and it was open in March in Dubrovnik – but even if it was not open – I don’t think we would have changed our trip plans (just saying!).

Unpredictable Weather 

Weather is the one thing that we were concerned about during our trip. We didn’t want our photos to be dull in the low light, but escaping crowds was a big bonus for us. And so we booked our trip in March. 

We were traveling in Croatia for 10-12 days, with multiple nights in one destination, so we hoped that some days the skies would be clear for photography. 

But other than that, we packed a light waterproof jacket, and I had a nice cardigan and a scarf with me – when the temps dropped. (Get our packing list below.)

We are happy and satisfied with our trip and LOVE how the photos turned out. It was super gloomy on one day in Dubrovnik and the skies were all grey/white – but with slight edits, we love how the images turned out well!

So, the unpredictability of the weather in Croatia is something you have to factor in. It can shower a few hours, have overcast skies, and be warm and bright on other days. 

Do note that landscapes and popular national parks are open in March, but you may not see all the green leafy trees as the country is shredding its winter blues.

In certain natural landscapes, because trees are not blooming, you can actually see mountains or scenic viewpoints clearly, which are otherwise covered or views interrupted by tree branches. 

In March the weather is warming up, however, it won’t be super hot (which in a way is good for sightseeing).   

Oh, and there is no snow in March in major tourist destinations like Zagreb, Split, Dubrovnik Hvar, or Zadar.

Things to do in Croatia in March: By Destination

Here are some of the activities and must see attractions in Croatia in March,

Dubrovnik: What is there to do in Dubrovnik in March? 

March is the perfect time to visit Dubrovnik. Being off-season, the old city is left empty for you to explore. Take your time walking the quaint lanes, capturing the well-preserved buildings, and relax by the beach or at a cafe. 

Dubrovnik warms up in March, with temperatures ranging from  15° / 9° Celsius (or 59° / 49° F). Some days will be overcast skies, and it will rain, but having the old town to yourself is a blessing – when you opt to visit in the offseason. 

We booked a few day tours from Dubrovnik, and they were operating in March. Our tours included – Kotor, Mostar, and public transportation or buses to travel in the Balkans. 

In Dubrovnik, do check out the attractions in Old Town such as the Rector’s Palace and Sponza Palace, walk the old city walls and the Stradun, and more. 

Split in March

Split is also spared from the maddening summer crowds in March. We didn’t find a lot of crowds in the old town, and photographing the Diocletian’s Palace and the Sphinxes was a breeze. 

The Riva Promenade is lovely for a stroll. Restaurants in and around the old town were open for guests in March. 

Zagreb in March

We LOVED Zagreb in March. It was amazing for sightseeing and photography! 

Zagreb is often overlooked by tourists visiting Croatia; we highly recommend staying there for 1-2 nights.

March was pleasant with nice weather and little to no crowds at the museums, such as the Museum of Broken Relationships and The Museum of Arts and Crafts in Zagreb (Muzej za umjetnost i obrt).

We had the St Mark’s Church to ourselves, and getting on the shortest funicular was easy. 

The central square – Ban Jelačić Square – was lively in the evenings with people (and not deserted), which added to the ambiance. You will also find markets, cafes, and bars open (and active) in March in Zagreb.

Other destinations: What is there to do in Croatia in March?

Plitvice Lakes National Park in March: Plitvice Lakes National Park is a popular tourist site in Croatia. The park is open in March, and it is a good idea to visit the site before the peak seasons.

There will be fewer visitors, so you get a good view of the lakes and the cascading waterfalls. 

If traveling by car, parking is free. And entrance fees are lower in the season than in the peak season. Note that in March, the Upper Lakes access is closed, and boat services may not be operational. 

But from the Lower Lakes and the hiking trails, you will be able to get a good glimpse of the waterfalls.

Krka National Park in March: Krka National Park is another popular park in Croatia that is open year-round. However, certain park sections may be closed from November to March. 

The park has 5 entrances. Lozovac entrance is the main entrance, and between April and October, shuttle buses take visitors to the beginning of the Skradinski buk trail (waterfall). 

Outside of these months, you can drive down (by car or by tour), as the park is not busy. 

Shuttle services only operate when the bus is full, so don’t rely on it in March. Book a tour if you are not renting a car.

Boat tours are operational in March to travel from the Skradin entrance (second closest to the popular Krka National Park waterfall – Skradinski buk). 

Blue Cave Trips and Tours : Blue Cave or the Blue Grotto is a unique natural phenomenon in the world. And this experience is truly magical.

You can explore Blue Cave by a speed boat tour from Split or Hvar.

In March (and also in spring and fall months), you can go on a 10-hour (full-day) tour of the Blue Cave – Bisevo Island, Stiniva Bay – Vis Island, Blue Lagoon – Budikovac Island, Hvar Island, and Paklinski Islands.

The tour includes a swim/dive in the water, and in March as the water is too cold for a swim, you are provided extra time for sightseeing. 

The tour does provide a full experience (minus the swim). During the peak season, this tour takes about 12+ hours due to the crowds.

If the Blue Cave is closed because of bad weather, the tour operator provides an alternative route with a reduced price, and you will also get a partial refund. Do check the tour options below, 

Tour options: 

• Day tour from Split or Trogir to 5 islands and Blue Cave
• Travel from Split to Hvar and Blue Cave
• Blue Cave Trip

Festivals and Events in Croatia in March

When visiting Croatia in March, you are also welcomed to traditional and modern day festivals in the country. 

• International Documentary Film Festival: Zagreb conducts the IDFF – International Documentary Film or Zagrebdox in March. 
• Zagreb : Zagreb Festival of Lights
• Dubrovnik FestiWine: Dubrovnik FestiWine takes place in March where about 100 regional winemakers showcase their wines to visitors.
• Samobor Carnival: A Croatian tradition that has been celebrated since 1827. In this carnival, street performers host events throughout the week leading up to Shrove Tuesday. 
• Rijeka Carnival. Rijeka Carnival is celebrated each year before Lent in Rijeka. Starting mid-January to mid-March you can check out street art, pageants, dances, concerts, and parades in Rijeka.
• Music Festivals: One of the popular music festivals takes place in Split in March – Ultra Music Festival.
• Easter: Depending on the calendar (for that year), you may be able to take part in the Holy Week in various neighborhoods in Croatia. In particular, Zagreb and Korcula’s old town are popular. You can also enjoy the Easter food festival in Rovinj.

Read: 10 days in Croatia itinerary

Things to know before your visit to Croatia in March

Croatia in March Weather 

In March, the average temperature in Croatia ranges from a low of 4° (C )/40° (F) to a high of 15° (C )/59° (F). There is little to no snow in natural landscapes. 

Destinations by the coast have no snow, and the weather is slightly warmer there than inland/places in the northern part of the country. 

Expect rains for 7 to 11 days of the month. 

When is the best time to visit Croatia?

The best time to visit Croatia is in the months of May and June (summer) or September and October (fall). During these months, the temperatures are bearable for sightseeing outside (without being overly hot and humid like in the summer months.)

The weather is also great for swimming, evening boat cruises, and beachside sunbathing. Compared to the peak/summer months, the early summer and fall/autumn months are perfect to beat the crowds

Is Croatia warm in March? Is Croatia hot in March? Is Croatia cold in March?

As compared to winter months, March is the onset of the spring season, and the temperature begins to rise. 

Places by the coast like Istria, Split, and Dubrovnik will be warmer than inland destinations, including the capital city – Zagreb. 

• The average daily temperatures in major destinations in Croatia range from 4 degrees C (40 F) to a high of 15 degrees C (59 F). So it is not HOT, but you will experience warm temperatures during the day
• 4 degrees (C ) is not cold; I mean, we are from Canada – so it is nice weather for us, perfect for a walk, with a light jacket (for me).

Rainy days average about 7 to 11 days a month. Overcast days are common , rain is not heavy, and more of a drizzle.

For warmer weather all throughout the country, plan your trip after mid March. 

Can you swim in Croatia in March or April?

Unfortunately, the water is cold for a swim in March or April in Croatia. The perfect time for swimming is in the summer months, from June through September. 

The highest sea temperatures in Croatia are in August, and the swimming season typically opens up in late May or when temperatures reach warmer levels (fit for a swim). 

Read : Croatia and Slovenia itinerary

What to pack for Croatia in March?

Here is what we packed for Croatia in March, 

• Long sleeve tops: Long sleeve shirts, blouses & tops (for her)
• Bottoms: Jeans (in dark colors)
• Dress: Flowy dresses (for photos only, if you like. Or pair with warm leggings to stay comfortable) 
• Comfortable walking shoes 
• Lightweight waterproof jacket 
• Light cardigan (optional)
• Sunglasses & sunscreen 
• Charger: Carry multi-charging cables. They are so handy to charge multiple tech devices. This is our favorite.
• Universal Adaptor: Croatia uses a plug with two round pins (type C), unlike the flat ones in North America. You can buy yours here
• Camera : Don’t forget your camera. Our camera gear – Sony Mirrorless Camera and Sony A7iii (perfect for low light captures)
• SD Card: To back up all the photos you will be capturing in Europe
• Passport: Check the validity of the passport (not expired). Visa-related documents, if it applies. Croatia allows visitors with a Schengen visa. 
• Currency and Credit Cards : Don’t forget your credit cards and currency. The official currency of Croatia was the Croatian kuna. 1 Croatian Kuna = 0.16 United States Dollar. But as of 2024, euros are accepted everywhere. Croatia joined the European Union in 2013, following the Schengen agreement for tourist visas. 
• Don’t forget to apply for travel insurance to protect your vacations.

Is March a good time to go to Croatia?

Yes, and no. We planned our trip to Croatia using online resources, and we were happy with our experience in March. If you like city and culture-related attractions, you will enjoy visiting Croatia in March – museums, events, bars, and restaurants were open. 

Hotels and flights were affordable when traveling from Canada or the USA. You will also save if traveling from Asia or planning to stay long-term (as accommodation costs will be cheaper).

A big plus for visiting Croatia in March is beating the summer heat and rush. Fewer crowds means more room in public transport, tours, and cobblestone lanes. 

However, if you wish to swim and soak in the sun, go diving or snorkeling, or have yacht parties, March is not the time!

Ready to book your trip? Get all of our tips and information about Croatia  

• Access all of our posts here – Croatia Travel Guide
• How many days in Croatia? 7 days in Croatia itinerary is perfect for exploring the highlights and some
• Do you prefer to book vacation packages? Read our Balkan tour packages .
• Need a hotel in Croatia? We use Booking.com and Airbnb for all of our hotel needs. Choose from pet-friendly hotels to luxury resorts at Booking.com
• Traveling from East Asia, South America, New Zealand, or the Middle East, check if you require a visa .

Pin: Is March a good time to visit Croatia: Croatia Travel Tips

Mayuri is the founder & editor of ToSomePlaceNew. An Indian-Canadian globetrotter, she has traveled to over 100 cities and 35+ countries. Mayuri has a graduate degree in History and is an MBA. She loves traveling the world, capturing historical nuances, and discussing that over a cup of coffee with her husband, Salil. She currently resides in Edmonton, Canada, and plots travel plans to Europe, the Americas, and beyond. 

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Croatia in March – A Complete Guide for your March Vacation!

Croatia is an extremely beautiful country on the Adriatic sea. The Republic of Croatia borders many European countries like Austria, Hungary and Slovenia. The best time to visit Croatia is summer because of the warm climate and endless beauty of the country. It is also home to beautiful medieval coastal cities, mountains, resorts, lively nightclubs, medieval architecture, spas and festivals . Did you know that more than 11 million people visit Croatia every year! Now, it is your turn to plan an amazing trip to this beautiful country! Here is an elaborate guide about the weather, things to do, top destinations, festivals and travel tips to visit Croatia in March!

Croatia Tour Package Starting @ ₹ 52,194

Dubrovnik Old Town. Diocletian's Palace. Gornji Grad. Zlatni Rat Beach. Game of Thrones Tour

Weather in Croatia in March

The best time to visit Croatia is during the summer season when the sun is warm and nice. The temperature ranges anywhere from 4 degrees celsius to 15 degrees celsius. You can experience very little or no snow at all during summer in Croatia. The coastal cities do not have any snowfall whereas the inland regions are slightly warmer than the Northern cities. The warm and sunny weather makes it perfect to visit many gorgeous beaches, beach resorts. Try out sea kayaking and many other exciting water activities!

Also, read- Top 8 things to do on your Croatian vacation

Top 6 Destinations to Visit in Croatia in March

• Hvar Islands
• Plitvice Lakes National Park

1. Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is one of the most vibrant cities in Croatia. This city is famous for its ancient and rustic old town limestone walls and buildings built in the 16th century. It is also home to well-preserved architectures like baroque St. Blaise Church, Renaissance Sponza Palace and Gothic churches and cathedrals. There are plenty of shops, churches, restaurants, luxury hotels, night clubs and a spectacular seafront view. Dubrovnik is also home to Croatia’s traditional art and cultural events, festivals and music festivals. In total, Dubrovnik is one of the most attractive tourist destinations in the Mediterranean sea and Croatia’s pride!

Also, read- 10 amazing places to visit in Dubrovnik

Zagreb, the capital city of Croatia is a very beautiful city indeed. Zagreb is home to breathtaking Austro-Hungarian architecture built during the 18th and 19th centuries. The gothic twin-spired Zagreb Cathedral and St. Mark’s Church are often compared with Prague. Zagreb is a very tourist-friendly city lined with shops, museums, outdoor cafes, parks and a beautiful main square in the Lower Town. The Maksimir Park, Cathedral of Zagreb and Museum of Broken Relationships are some of the most popular places to visit in Zagreb.

Also, read- Top 10 things to do in Zagreb

Split is one of the most authentic and happening places in Croatia. The city is lined with plenty of beaches in the Dalmatia region. It is also the second-largest city and the one with bustling nightclubs in the country. What makes Split so special are stunning beaches, excellent multicuisine dishes, fine architecture and unbelievable nightlife. Some of the best beaches in Split are Trstenik, Bacvice, Kastelet and sandy beaches at the Marjan shore hills. After a great swim at the beaches, head to Academia Club Ghetto which is said to be one of the best clubs in Croatia and enjoy the night to the fullest!

Also, read- 10 Best things to do in Split

Zadar is an authentic city located on the Croatian Dalmatian coast with gorgeous beaches and old town buildings. It is famous for its Roman and Venetian ruins in the Old Town. Zadar is such an underrated city with amazing nightlife and exciting things to do. It is less crowded than the other popular cities and thus it makes it perfect for peaceful and pleasant vacation for you. Some of the famous day trips from Zadar are Zrce beach, Krka National Park and Kornati Islands. It is one of the nicest cities to visit in Croatia in March!

Also, read- 8 best places to visit in Zadar on your Croatia vacation

5. Hvar Islands

Hvar Islands is fresh as mint and cool as ice! This Croatian island in the Adriatic sea is famous for its best summer resorts, medieval walls, buildings, hilltop fortress and Hvar Cathedral. Here’s a piece of interesting news. Hvar is also known as one of the best party islands in the world! How can you not visit this dashing island on your Croatian vacation? Apart from parties, Hvar is also famous for yachting and lavender essentials. The lavenders in Hvar change colours during the summer and smell heavenly. You can also do great self-care shopping at the stalls and buy lavender essential oils, rosemary, olive oil and honey. Hvar is an experience itself! It is a must-visit place in Croatia to enjoy your summer vacation!

6. Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia in March

Plitvice Lakes National Park is the epitome of attraction, beauty and tranquillity. This exceptionally beautiful place is an ensemble of 16 terrace lakes, gorgeous waterfalls, limestone canyons, walkways for tourists, hiking trails, wooden bridges and electric boats. The green nature, turquoise-coloured waters, blue skies and brown trails elevate the beauty of this place even higher! Unfortunately, swimming is prohibited in the Plitvice Lakes. But you can always walk up to the waterfalls and hike up the majestic canyons. No wonder this place made it to the UNESCO World Heritage places list! This is a must-visit place in Croatia to treat your eyes!

Also, read- 8 Free things to do in Croatia

Top things to do in Croatia in March

• Sunset kayaking in Dubrovnik
• Explore the Game of Thrones filming locations
• Buza Bar cliff jumping in Dubrovnik
• Zip-lining in Omis

1. Sunset kayaking in Mreznica river-

Kayaking is a very famous thing to do in any coastal city. Sunset sea kayaking in Dubrovnik is one of the most unique things to do in Croatia in summer. First, start at the beach stops and travel to the mystical Betina and Lokrum caves and then take a break. Have some delicious truffles, fruits or pastries and continue your kayak. Experience the beauty of the Adriatic sea during sunset from a boat! Click plenty of amazing pictures with drop-dead gorgeous sea and mountains over the sunset in the background. Finally, finish your kayak with some amazing wine and a delicious meal from any seaside restaurant.

2. Explore the Game of Thrones filming locations

Are you a fan of Game of Thrones? Here is a piece of exciting news for you! More than 10 scenes from the fictional series were filmed in various locations in Croatia. Some of the famous and accessible filming locations are,

• Jesuits Staircase in Dubrovnik
• Dubrovnik – King’s Landing
• Trsteno Arboretum near Dubrovnik- The Palace Gardens of King’s landing
• Minceta Tower in Dubrovnik – House of the Undying
• Klis Fortress near Split – City of Meereen

3. Buza Bar Dubrovnik cliff jump

The Buza Bar in Dubrovnik is a very famous place for cliff jumping. Jump from a height of 10 metres into the blue Adriatic sea and enjoy the cool waters despite the hot weather. After a fantastic jump and bath, you can enjoy amazing meals from seaside restaurants and a range of exotic wines and drinks. There are several other places for cliff jumping like the Bellevue cliff jump and Lokrum island cliff jump. Try this thrilling activity on your vacation to Croatia in March!

4. Zip-lining in Omis

Ziplining in the canyons of Omis is another adventurous thing to do on your vacation. With all safety and precautions, swing through the zip line with a dramatic view of the mountains and little water bodies. The longest zip line is 700 metres in length and 150 metres above the ground. Create the best memories of your life and enjoy the summer!

Festivals in Croatia in March

• Zagrebdox Festival

1. ZagrebDox festival

The ZagrebDox international documentary film festival is a very interesting festival that happens in Zagreb every year in March since 2005. And also, this festival provides abundant insight about the documentaries and collects proper feedbacks to know peoples’ perspectives.

2. Carnival

It is a very interesting and typical western festival. People wear glittery masks and roam around the town and have a really good evening. Cities like Rijeka, Dubrovnik and Hvar host this lively carnival. It is also one of the favourite festivals for the natives and tourists.

What to pack for your vacation to Croatia in March?

Croatia starts to warm up in mid-March and remains pleasant throughout the summer. Here’s what you should pack on your vacation to Croatia in March.

• Cool and thin dresses like free size t-shirts, tops, swimsuits, jeans, trousers, skirts and comfortable pants.
• Summer essentials like sunscreen, moisturisers, sun glasses, hats, comfortable slippers or flipfops
• Raincoat, an umbrella, cardigans or sweaters incase of any sudden climate change
• Trekking pants, shirts, shoes and waterbottles
• A small backpack for local tours and travel
• Valid identification cards

That is everything you need to know about visiting Croatia in March. Visit this beautiful country with gorgeous beaches, old towns, adventurous activities , parks, lakes and museums. Also, it is home to uncountable and happening nightclubs. All you have to do is plan your trip in advance and enjoy it to the fullest! Plan your vacation with Pickyourtrail and claim more exciting offers! Also, check out Croatia tour packages to book the best itinerary that suits you! And you can even customise your package according to your budget and comfort! Enjoy your vacation in Croatia with Pickyourtrail!

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Best Time to Visit Croatia: When to Go & When to Avoid

Home » Blog » Europe » Croatia » Best Time to Visit Croatia: When to Go & When to Avoid

Croatia is a year-round travel destination for foodies, nature lovers, and beach-goers. We’ve put together this seasonal and monthly overview to help you determine the best time to visit Croatia for your specific trip.

Quick Note: As of January 1, 2023, Croatia joined the Eurozone and adopted the Euro as their currency. Kuna (kn or HRK), the former currency of Croatia, will no longer be accepted as a form of payment. However, Kuna banknotes and coins can be exchanged until December 31, 2023. This also means Croatia is now part of the Schengen Area and adheres to those laws and visa requirements . 

As one of the most sought-after escapes along the Mediterranean Coast, Croatia is packed full of idyllic beaches hugging rocky coastlines with jewel-bright waters. White stone cities capped with vermillion rooftops dot the coast line. And the history runs deep, with ancient ruins spread throughout the north.

Many of the places and activities that make this country so spectacular are seasonally dependent, which is why it’s important to know the best time to visit Croatia.

Summer is notorious for being THE season to visit Croatia. However, after squeezing through the packed streets of Split and Dubrovnik during our visit in July, we could say otherwise.

There was a lot that we didn’t know when we planned our visit to Croatia. We discovered that it’s all about finding the sweet spot: when the summer is still lingering but the crowds have (relatively) subsided.

However, the answer isn’t always so simple, as it will change depending on where you’re going and what you’re doing.

In this article, we breakdown all the seasons month-by-month in Croatia, as well as the pros and cons of each season, so you can time your trip to Croatia perfectly.

When is the best time to visit Croatia?

In short, you’ll have the most favorable weather and avoid peak season crowds during the late spring and early fall. 

Although Croatia’s busiest season is during the summer, the sheer number of crowds and scorching heat are no joke. So while it is the most popular time to visit, those factors may heed you to reconsider.

However, each season and month has its own draws and drawbacks, so there’s really no correct answer as it really depends on what you’re doing and where you’re going.

Answer these questions to get started:

• What region of the country do you plan to visit?
• Are you easily bothered by crowds?
• Are you negatively affected by high humidity?
• Do you prefer to spend your time outdoors at the beach or exploring a new city?
• Do you plan on doing any specialized activities, such as truffle hunting?

Thinking about your answers to these questions will help you start to determine when to visit Croatia.

Not sure where to go? Check out our guide on all the best places to visit in Croatia to help narrow down your list.

Best Time to Visit Croatia Guide

Our experience in croatia, croatia geography overview, weather in croatia, summer in croatia, fall in croatia, winter in croatia, spring in croatia.

Overall BEST time to visit Croatia

Want a quick recommendation? Jump down to see our personal advice for the best time to visit Croatia. Plus, we’ll share what times of year we’d avoid visiting!

• Our Recommendation…

We’ve visited Croatia in May, July and September

Our experience:

• We visited Croatia in July 2016 and found it to be one of the most crowded places in Europe that summer. It was our fault for sticking mainly to the popular tourist spots, and we wished we would have added some lesser-known places to our route.
• Our Director of Content, Amanda, has visited Croatia in May 2018 and September 2018. 

I (Amanda) spent a month in Croatia in May 2018. The majority of that month was spent in Split (where I was based), but I also visited some of the islands, Dubrovnik, and road tripped through Istria. 

As a beach destination, Split was just beginning to “come to life” at the start of May. By the end of the month there was a noticeable increase in visitors as well as beach clubs that had opened fully and were offering their full services. 

Though I will mention, the sea water was still pretty chilly in May. 

Dubrovnik was the most crowded of all the places I visited in Croatia and the weather was already pretty hot. 

Istria was much less touristy (as a lesser-visited area of the country in general). And the islands were still waking up from their hibernation period so they weren’t too crowded yet. 

On the day I’d planned to visit Plitvice Lakes, a storm rolled in very quickly and completely rained us out. Since we weren’t at all prepared for the weather, we were not able to really enjoy the park and sadly that was the only day we could make it. 

Would we recommend visiting in spring?

Yes! Spring was a beautiful time to visit Croatia, especially if you want to experience less crowds but still have a warm weather experience. 

We (Katie and Ben) visited Croatia in the peak of summer season. Not to mention during the time Game of Thrones was still on TV and Croatia was really seeing its star rise as a European destination. 

We actually found our experience to be less enjoyable than anticipated because of the overwhelming crowds and we talk about that experience in our completely honest Croatia travel guide . 

Aside from the crowds, the weather was hot. In fact, it was scorching hot! With little repreve from the sun while doing popular activities like walking Dubrovnik’s famous walls, it wasn’t the most ideal time to be there. 

Would we recommend visiting during summer?

Not particularly… If you can avoid visiting Croatia during the peak of summer season (June – August), we would recommend that. 

I (Amanda) visited Croatia in September, the same year after visiting in May (back then it was an escape from the Schengen Zone visa – which is sadly no longer the case). 

I was in both Hvar and Split. Both places had near perfect weather in September with fewer crowds than what I would expect in the summertime. Prices were also slightly cheaper, however, some beach bars were already closed down for the season and no longer offered services like beach chairs.  

Would we recommend visiting during the fall?

Yes! Fall is a great time to experience Croatia, particularly if you still want a bit of beach time mixed in with sightseeing.

Although Croatia is bite-sized on the map, its landscapes are considerably diverse, from the flat, fertile plains in the northern inland to the low mountains and highlands along the coast.

The Dinaric Alps just north of Zadar slice the country in half with peak elevations around 6,000 feet (1,828 meters). A few smaller ranges are dotted around this part of the country as well.

In Dalmatia, along the coasts and on islands, the terrain is hilly and rocky, hence all the pebbled beaches.

The country has many significant river and lake systems, the two most famous being the Krka River and the Plitvice Lakes systems that formed due to meltwater of the middle mountain ranges.

Croatia is bordered by 5 different countries: Slovenia , Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina , Hungary , Serbia, and maritime Italy. 

The inland areas tend to have more contrasting weather patterns, such as freezing winters and scorching summers. Conversely, the coastal regions have a Mediterranean climate: hot summers and mild winters.

The summers across Croatia are both hot and dry, whereas the winters are wet, cold, and have notoriously high winds known as bura . Spring and fall are shoulder seasons where the weather will be a bit more inconsistent.

In general, since the country is so small, you can expect really close seasons in both regions. Significant differences are from elevation increases in the mountainous areas and proximity to the coast.

Also note that the inland areas will experience more rain throughout the year. Additionally, the coastal regions have one notorious storm every summer, so be aware that could happen while you’re here.

Stats on Croatia weather & seasons:

• Warmest month(s) in Croatia: July & August
• Coldest month(s) in Croatia: December & January
• Rainiest month(s) in Croatia: November & December
• Driest month(s) in Croatia: July & August
• Most crowded month in Croatia: August
• Least crowded month in Croatia: November

June, July, August

Like most countries in Europe, summer is when Croatia is at its peak. 

The daytime temperatures are at an all-time high, sitting from 27-35°C (80-95°F) during the day. Tourists and locals alike take to the beaches and islands of the Adriatic and Dalmatian Coasts to soak up the sun.

As it’s the high season, accommodations, tours, ferries, and tickets sell out fast, so it’s crucial to book well in advance if you’re planning to visit during the summer.  

You can also expect high prices this season that are comparable to Western Europe.

It’s the most sought-after time to visit. But after navigating the jam-packed streets of Croatian destinations in July, we really don’t recommend visiting in the summer unless you’re going to an event, are okay with navigating the Disneyland level of crowds, or are planning to get off the beaten path.

If you’re into this sort of thing, Yacht Week, Sail Week, and ULTRA Europe are defining events this season as they top many travelers’ Croatia bucket lists. 

Summer months at a glance

June is the best time to visit Croatia if you’re set on a summer holiday. The summer crowds haven’t peaked, but the ferries are fully operating, and the weather is hot and dry. Still be sure to book everything in advance to avoid disappointment.

July is the height of the event and festival season in Croatia. City streets are crowded, beaches are packed, and the weather is hot and sunny. Book everything well in advance and get off the beaten path in lesser-known destinations.

August has scorching temperatures, peak crowds, and an array of interesting events happening around the country. Relish in 14+ hours of daylight and late sunsets every night, giving optimal time for exploration and relaxation. Book well in advance and expect it to be packed.

Best places to visit during summer in Croatia

• Kor č ula: for food, music, and wine festivals
• Vis: for relaxation
• Gorski Kotar: for pristine mountain wilderness
• Š ibenik: to slow down and enjoy authentic culture
• Mljet: to beat the summer crowds

Best things to do during summer in Croatia

• Yacht Week or Sail Week (July)
• ULTRA Croatia (July)
• Go to the beach
• Diving/sailing/kayaking/water sports
• Road trip the coast
• Visit a lavender field (late June/early July)

September & October

Autumn is a beloved season across Croatia as the country very slowly makes its way into the winter season. 

September shakes away the brutal summer heat as daytime temperatures dip to around 25°C (77°F), then fall to around 20°C (68°F) by the end of October. Nighttime temperatures hang around 13-16°C (55-61°F).

This season is great since the country slows down significantly from summer, but islands are still accessible, sea temperatures are favorable, and the streets aren’t nearly as packed.

As the temperatures drop, fall foliage soon blankets the country, putting on the most impressive show among the waterfalls of Plitvice Lakes and Krka National Parks.

Many cultural events happen this time of year: prime truffle season in Istria, Nights of Diocletian in Split, and the Zagreb Film Festival.

Fall months at a glance 

September is a fantastic month to visit Croatia for an all-encompassing visit. The summer crowds have subsided, the sea waters are still warm enough for summertime adventures, and the last bit of nice weather is holding on.

October in Croatia welcomes the first signs of fall with cooling temperatures. Stunning fall foliage blankets Plitvice Lakes and Krka. Throughout the month, ferries and establishments slowly begin to close for the winter season, but you can still get around just about anywhere.

Best places to visit during fall in Croatia

• Krka National Park : for fewer crowds 
• Split : fewer crowds
• Pula: comfortable temperatures
• Motovun: for truffles
• Rovinj 

Best things to do during fall in Croatia

• Experience Istria Truffle Days (September) and take a truffle hunting tour
• Island hopping in Dalmatia
• Sunbathing at the beach
• Zagreb Film Festival (October)

November, December, January, February

Croatia experiences mild and wet winters across the country. This is the slowest time of year for tourism as rain sprinkles the coast. Both prices and crowds are at an all-time low.

Average temperatures range from 4-8°C (39-46°F) during the night and 9-14°C (48-57°F) during the daytime.

Much of the country is hibernating this time of year with tours on hiatus, ferries off limits, and shops closed, but it’s a fantastic time to enjoy local culture and winter sports. Plan your visit near the holidays for a bit of vibrancy among drury days.

Winter months at a glance

November is the slowest month in Croatia. Watch the last leaves of the fall and potentially the first snow of winter along the city streets. 

December is the start of the winter sports season with fresh snowpack in the mountains. In the cities, browse Christmas markets and sip mulled wine.

January brings the coldest temperatures across Croatia. It’s one of the best times for skiing and snowboarding or enjoying uncrowded city streets.

February is the tail end of winter, but boasts the exciting Carnival celebration. The weather begins to dry up near the end of the month, but is cold, wet, and windy the majority of the time.

Best places to visit during winter in Croatia

• Trogir: for super quiet, breathtaking streets
• Rijeka: for Carnival
• Dubrovnik: for New Years and crowd-free streets
• Hrvatsko Zagorje region: for snow-capped castles

Best things to do during winter in Croatia

• Wander Zagreb’s Christmas markets
• Skiing/snowboarding
• Soak in a thermal spa
• Harvest mandarins in Neretva 
• Indulge in hearty Croatian food

March, April, May

In the spring months, Croatia slowly warms up and prepares for the wave of summer tourism.

While you won’t want to hit the beaches and island hop this season, you’ll love enjoying the country with the locals, sightseeing in the cities, and scoring deals on flights, accommodation, and excursions.

Daytime temperatures early in the spring rarely exceed 13°C (55°F), then gradually build up to 23°C (74°F) by the beginning of summer. 

Easter celebrations are a highlight this season, as well as oyster/asparagus season for foodies.

Spring months at a glance

March in Croatia is when the winter finally melts away and the first signs of spring show. Waterfalls in Plitvice Lakes and Krka are powerful from snow melt. Note that it’s still a bit chilly for a beach day or a dip in the sea, but it’s a great time for sightseeing in cities. 

April is a toss-up month for visiting Croatia as the weather can be unpredictable, so pack for all the seasons. Businesses and tours slowly open up this month, Easter brings life to city streets, and the beaches begin to stir near the end of the month.

May concludes the rainy season as the coast warms up and everything comes alive. Locals still outnumber tourists this month and everything opens, preparing for summer. Flexibility will be key as the summer ferry schedules aren’t released til the last weekend of May. 

Best places to visit during spring in Croatia

• Zagreb: for blooming parks and buzzing streets
• Plitvice Lakes National Park – for coursing waterfalls and fewer crowds (late Spring)
• Dubrovnik : for mild weather and fewer crowds
• Hvar Island: for Easter 

Best things to do during spring in Croatia

• Ston Oyster Festival (March)
• Dubrovnik Festiwine (April)
• Forage for wild asparagus in Dalmatia
• Hiking/white water rafting/outdoor sports
• Porec’s Vinistra (May)

Best time to visit Croatia in our opinion…

In our opinion, the best time to visit Croatia depends on what you prefer to do. 

In general, for the best weather and fewer crowds, visit in the shoulder seasons. Late April – May and September – early October are both excellent times to visit.  

If you want to go sailing, island hopping, and indulge in water sports, summer is most popular, but note that this season experiences extremely large crowds and Western Europe prices.

We recommend avoiding summer (peak season) altogether as the most popular sites are filled to the brim with tourists and daytime temperatures are at an all-time high.

September and early October give you all the great weather of summer along the Dalmatian coast, but without the summer crowds and prices. The water is still warm and ideal for snorkeling, swimming, and island hopping. Plus, the weather is ideal for sightseeing in the cities.

If hiking and exploring the National Parks is your goal, March through May is best, as you’ll have favorable daytime temperatures and melting snowpack gives powerful waterfalls. 

For foodies, late spring is an ideal time to visit for food and wine festivals, the start of truffle season, and asparagus foraging.

Are you planning a trip to Croatia?

We have lots of resources on travel in Croatia and destinations throughout the country. Check out our  Croatia Travel Homepage  for everything you need to know, or start by reading some of our favorite Croatia articles here:

• Croatia: A Completely Honest Travel Guide
• Fun Things to Do in Dubrovnik + Advice for Traveling
• Can’t-Miss Things to Do in Split, Croatia + Travel Guide
• Krka National Park: Ultimate Visitor’s Guide

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We want to hear from you!

After reading through this article, have you decided on the best time to visit Croatia for YOU? Let us know in the comments below and we’ll do our best to get back to you!

Comments (2) on “ Best Time to Visit Croatia: When to Go & When to Avoid ”

Such a nice article. You have mentioned each and everything in details I love to read it. The places are amazing, i love to travel these places and would definitely try to visit this place. The place has such a wonderful sights. Each thing you mentioned in this article is very helpful for the people who are looking for a Croatia trip. Thank you for sharing this great with us.

Love Croatia! I swear I learn more and more from each of your guy’s blogs!

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• Croatia Tours
• Croatia Travel Guide
• When to Visit Croatia

Croatia in March: Weather and Travel Tips

• ~ mins read

Thinking about visiting Croatia without spending a fortune? Then March is your best bet. Croatia in March is relatively free of crowds and as a result, hotel prices are also low. As the month is the bridge between winter and spring, many ferry routes and resorts are not open yet and the weather is not quite warm enough for sunbathing and sea-dipping. But because of these very factors, you can enjoy a relatively quiet and affordable vacation.

• Julie Stokes
• From England

Croatia Weather in March

The weather in Croatia in March is a bit hit and miss. With an average daily temperature of 13°C, it is not exactly reaching the sunny vibes we expect from the Mediterranean. If you are heading to the historic city of Dubrovnik, you can expect highs of 12.7°C.

If you want to hit the slopes in the North in Platak, you will find highs of 9.2°C and lows of 3.4°C, with the last of the snowfall for the year. There is only around 19mm of snow across the month. You will also need to bring an umbrella as there is 60mm of rainfall.

Check out our guide on the best time to visit Croatia for more inspiration.

Weather in Croatia in March - Rainfall and Temperatures

Why visit croatia in march.

Despite less-than-ideal weather conditions, there are a lot of reasons to visit Croatia in March . Here are some of our picks:

• Rally Kumrovec: Got a need for speed? Well, head to the usually sleepy village of Kumrovec for a four-stage international car rally. Watch the village transform into a race track. Get your adrenaline pumping as the drivers careen around the route.
• Days of Asparagus: During the short wild Istrian asparagus season, the Istrian peninsula hosts a grand food festival with chefs creating entire menus of weird and wonderful dishes based on this delicious vegetable.
• Better rates: As March falls in the low season in Croatia, there are deals to be had. Though many hotels and resorts are not open yet, the ones that are will have cheaper rates and the flights are likely to be more affordable as well. Check out our best deals for a Croatian holiday .
• Lesser crowds: Croatia’s weather in March is not great by the Mediterranean standard, so most travelers tend to skip visiting the country this month. This means there are fewer tourists around major attractions, coastal areas and cities. You can have whole areas to yourself.

Where to go and what to do

One of the main benefits of the warmer weather in some parts of Croatia in March is that the snow is starting to melt off the mountains, bringing the famous Croatian waterfalls to life. See them in their full glory, without loads of visitors around when you visit Krka National Park. It is one of Croatia’s most visited sites, which is full of natural beauty — yes, even in March!

Now, when you think of European ski destinations, Croatia might not be your first thought. But head up north near Rijeka and you will find Platak ski resort. The weird thing about this ski resort is that it actually has a sea view. If you are traveling to Croatia in early March, you could enjoy the last couple of weeks of the Croatian ski season — and grab yourself a bargain as a result.

If you are not sure if it is going to be rain or shine, you want to have a contingency plan if a downpour starts. That is why March is one of the best times to visit Dubrovnik . Otherwise known as Kings Landing from Game of Thrones, Dubrovnik is home to some amazing museums, castles and architecture. You can wander around this walled city, free from crowds. If the weather turns, you will be able to pop in and out of indoor attractions, bars and cafes.

While you enjoy your March vacation in one of the many beautiful cities of Croatia, including Split, and Zagreb, why not jump on a city sightseeing tour? There are many different ones on offer from historic walking tours in Croatia to street art tours.

If you are looking for an affordable and quiet city break, March is a good time to visit Croatia — that is if you do not mind intermittent rain showers and wrapping up warm. If you want to take advantage of the ski season, you will want to visit Croatia in early March. Add sightseeing tours and local festivals to your itinerary, and you have a recipe for an amazing Croatian holiday in March.

Need a hand planning your next trip to Croatia? Our travel experts are here to create a perfect itinerary for you with our customizable trips to Croatia . Simply pop in a few travel details and our experts will sort the rest.

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The days are getting longer in March and the weather is warming up a bit. It's a great month for outdoor activities and a great month for visiting Dubrovnik as there are fewer people and the town beats to local rhythms.

Culture buffs will find the concert, theatre, dance and opera season in full swing in Zagreb , Split and Dubrovnik. With everyone hard at work at their day jobs, Croatian nightlife is mostly confined to weekends with bars, music clubs and discos thriving from Friday to Sunday.

Usually the winter snows are starting to melt which means it's a great time to visit places with waterfalls such is Plitvice Lakes and Krka National Park. Although still too chilly to swim. it's a good time for vigorous activities such as hiking , cycling or rock climbing .

Depending on the calendar, it may be time for Palm Sunday or Easter or you may be able to take part in Holy Week in Korcula when the streets of the Old Town are filled with processions by Korcula's age-old brotherhoods. There's likely to be a fair or special exhibition in Zagreb where you can also check out the yearly International Documentary Film Festival (late February-early March)

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Best Time to Visit Croatia: For Good Weather and More!

Adventurous Kate contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks!

When’s the best time to visit Croatia? You deserve a fantastic trip to Croatia — and that includes timing your trip perfectly! Croatia is one of the most beautiful bucket list destinations in all of Europe.

Croatia is one of my all-time favorite countries, and I’ve spent months traveling the country extensively. Not every time of year in Croatia is the same, and you’ll have a lot more fun in September than January.

Most people travel to Croatia in the summer months — and for good reason. Croatia has arguably the most beautiful coastline on the planet, with roads curving around mountains, tiny white stone villages topped with orange roofs, and hidden pebble beaches leading to bright teal water. Summer in Croatia is like turning the volume up to 11.

But summer isn’t the only option in Croatia. For certain kinds of travelers, the shoulder season might be even better for you than summer.

You can have fun in Croatia year-round! Even in January! But a lot of what makes Croatia wonderful — swimming in the Adriatic, hiking through national parks, dancing at music festivals — is very seasonally dependent.

Read on for the best time of year to visit Croatia!

Table of Contents

Best Time to Visit Croatia

Most travelers come to Croatia during the summer months to enjoy the beaches and islands. And while peak summer can be a bit too busy, you can enjoy yourself in the shoulder season as well.

Most people visit Croatia during the summer months , from June through September, so they can enjoy the beaches, islands, and warm days with very little rain.

In my opinion, September is the best month to visit Croatia , ideally late September. You get summer weather, fewer crowds, and the water is much warmer than in June.

You can visit Croatia year-round with kids . The summer months are your best options for a beach holiday, but spring and fall are excellent times for exploring Croatia’s culture.

Dubrovnik is best in June and September , when the weather is warm and summer-like but there are far fewer large cruise ships and tourists.

Croatia Weather

Croatia has an Adriatic climate, generally speaking, which is not surprisingly quite like a Mediterranean climate. Even so, the country doesn’t have one universal climate. There is a lot of variation within the country when it comes to weather.

Most Croatia travelers come to visit the Dalmatian coast in southern Croatia — including places like Dubrovnik, Hvar , and Split. This is the warmest and sunniest part of Croatia with a long summer season that runs from late May to early October.

Istria, the Italian-flavored peninsula in Croatia’s northwest, isn’t quite as sunny or as warm as Dalmatia, but you still have hot summers with slightly cooler springs and falls and a shorter summer season overall.

Zagreb is further inland and it can get both quite hot and quite cold here — and it snows most winters. Shoulder season is when Zagreb is at its best.

Slavonia, the off-the-beaten-path region in the far northeast, has more extreme temperatures than the rest of the country. Expect stiflingly hot summers and bitterly cold winters.

Spring in Croatia

Spring is when Croatia bursts into bloom. The weather starts to warm in early March in Dalmatia and later March in regions further north like Istria and Zagreb. Flowers dot the landscape in April and continue into May, making it a beautiful time to visit Croatia.

Croatia is a deeply religious country and Easter is the major holiday of the spring. Many Croatians take Easter week as a mini-holiday to enjoy the coast before the tourists arrive. Spring is also a popular time for cultural festivals.

Spring can be a particularly nice to visit the Plitvice Lakes and Krka National Park, as the waterfalls are extra flush with snowmelt.

Spring in Croatia lasts until late May. By that point, Jadrolinija (Croatia’s ferry line) starts up its summer schedule and people will be sunning on the beach in Dalmatia. The heat slowly creeps northward.

Overall, spring can be a lovely time to experience a beautiful and warm Croatia without the tourist crowds — but I would recommend visiting in April or May rather than March.

Summer in Croatia

Summer in Croatia is a sizzling time of year. This is when the Adriatic Coast comes to life! Summer is what most travelers have in mind when they visit Croatia, and summer is when Croatia receives most of its tourists from abroad.

Summer is a wonderful time to visit the Dalmatian Coast because it’s sunny and hot with very little precipitation. However, there tends to be one mega-thunderstorm once every summer, so know that it could happen during your visit! (I was in Pelješac for the 2020 storm. It rained so hard it felt like the world was ending. But a few hours later it was over!)

Summer is also when cruise ships are at their peak — particularly in late June, July, and August. Dubrovnik’s old city in particular is crammed with cruise ship tourists during the day, and for this reason I recommend avoiding the old city during the heat of summer days and sticking to visiting at dusk and at night.

Summer can also be quite hot in inland parts of Croatia, like Zagreb and the Slavonia region. Summer also brings tourists to the coastal areas of Istria, which don’t have quite as long a season as those in Dalmatia, so tourism is a bit more condensed here.

Summer brings you the Croatia of your dreams — but because it’s so busy, it’s a good idea to plan your trip ahead of time, especially accommodation, which can book out quickly. I find that early June and late September are better times to enjoy the best of Croatia’s summer while avoiding the worst of the crowds.

Fall in Croatia

Fall in Croatia — or autumn in Croatia — varies quite a bit based on where you are. In Dubrovnik, you’re enjoying summer weather into October; in Zagreb, Motovun, and Slavonia, October is when things start to get chilly. Either way, it can be a welcome relief from the summer heat and tourist crowds.

When does fall begin in Croatia? Usually in October, as September is still very much the summer months. The further north you go, the earlier the fall begins.

Croatia does get some fall foliage, and this can be a beautiful time to photograph the Plitvice Lakes and other national parks.

Fall is especially a wonderful time to visit Istria, where you can enjoy the bounty of the harvest, truffle hunting, and newly released wines.

Fall can also be a rainy time in Croatia and the rainiest months of the year are November and December. Make sure you bring your umbrella and have a plan for when the sun isn’t shining!

Winter in Croatia

From December through February, Croatia is engulfed in the winter months. In Zagreb, Slavonia, and mountainous parts of Croatia, you can see snow. In warmer parts of the country, like Dalmatia, you’ll have chilly temperatures and rain. It snows in Dubrovnik once in a blue moon.

Is winter a good time to visit Croatia? Generally, I don’t recommend it.

The exception would be if you’re spending time exploring Zagreb, which of course is a year-round city; visiting the Plitvice Lakes to photograph them in the snow; or perhaps spending time in a city like Zadar, which is very quiet but not shut down.

That said, there are a few big winter events in Croatia that deserves mention: Carnival, or Maškare , which takes place mostly in February, and Advent in Zagreb , Zagreb’s Christmas market celebration that lasts the full month of December. Both of these events are well worth your time.

Just understand that visiting Croatia in the winter is a very different experience.

High Season and Low Season in Croatia

High season in Croatia is during the summer months, particularly in Dubrovnik and along the Dalmatian coast, from June through September. This is when prices and temperatures are at their highest and crowds are at their worst.

The absolute peak of high season in Croatia is during the months of July and August, and these months are when most of the cruise ships are docked in ports. While June and September are still technically considered high season, there is a world of difference in crowd levels in places like Split and Dubrovnik.

Shoulder season in Croatia is April to May and late September to October. During this time you have decent prices, few crowds, and zero cruise ships. Most resorts along the Dalmatian coast operate from May through October.

If you’re looking for more of a cultural trip and less of a lie-on-the-beach trip, this can be an excellent time to travel in Croatia. Shoulder season is also my favorite time to travel in Zagreb, Istria, and Slavonia.

Low season in Croatia is during the cold months of the year, from November through March. There are deals to be had during these months, particularly in the larger cities, but much of the Dalmatian coast and more resort-y towns and islands mostly shut down.

Best Time to Visit Dubrovnik, Zagreb, Rovinj, and More

Croatia may be a small country, but the weather can vary quite a bit. One of my favorite experiences in Croatia is driving from the Zagreb area to Split and the Dalmatian coast, because you drive through mountains under a cloudy sky, go through an enormous tunnel, and when you come out, it’s bright and sunny, like you’ve entered a new country!

That’s how different Dalmatia is — and that’s how different Croatia’s climates can be.

Best Time to Visit Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is one destination in Croatia where I recommend timing your trip with precision, and the best time to visit Dubrovnik is during September or October. During these months you’ll enjoy warm weather and beach time, and the water will be warm enough for swimming, but you’ll avoid the worst of the cruise ship crowds that arrive in July and August.

Late May and June is another nice time to visit Dubrovnik, but the water won’t be as warm for swimming. If you’re not a swimmer, or you don’t mind cold water, go ahead! You might actually enjoy that more than September.

Dubrovnik Summer Festival takes place during July and August and features concerts, performances, and events in and around the city.

Good Food Festival , either in late September or early October, is a fabulous food celebration in Dubrovnik.

Winter in Dubrovnik is extremely local and very quiet. Locals celebrate the Feast of St. Blaise, Dubrovnik’s patron saint, on February 3 with performances, costumes, and dancing.

Best Time to Visit Plitvice Lakes

The Plitvice Lakes with their iconic waterfalls are one of the most stunning natural sights in all of Croatia. And because of that, they are a joy to photograph year-round!

In the spring you get extra-flush waterfalls due to snowmelt, plus flowers and budding trees. In the summer you get full, lush greenery. In the fall you get changing colors. And if you time your visit right in the winter, you can experience snow and frozen waterfalls — images that are coveted among many nature photographers.

No matter what time of year you visit, be sure to dress for the weather. The Plitvice Lakes aren’t outfitted with many indoor stations to take a break from the outdoors.

Like the rest of Croatia, July and August are the busiest months at the Plitvice Lakes and host lots of cruise ship shore excursions. It can get very crowded during this time, particularly at the Lower Lakes, so if you’re looking to avoid the worst of the crowds, I would recommend avoiding these two months.

And if you enjoy the Plitvice Lakes, don’t miss Krka National Park !

Best Time to Visit the Dalmatian Coast

The Dalmatian coast is blessed with a long and languorous high season. Summer is when this part of Croatia is at its best. You can enjoy summer-like temperatures from late May through early October (though the water is much warmer in September than June).

Whether you’re visiting the relaxing city of Zadar or the endlessly interesting island of Korčula , enjoying the forests and saltwater lakes of Mljet or hiding away in remote Vis, there is plenty to enjoy along the Dalmatian Coast in the summer.

However, I recommend avoiding July and August if possible. This is when tourism is at its peak along the Dalmatian Coast, and some destinations like Dubrovnik are overrun with cruise ship tourists.

My personal favorite month to visit the Dalmatian coast is September.

Shoulder season can be a nice time to visit the Dalmatian coast, but know that some places are going to be closed. I recommend sticking to April, May, and October — months when places are a bit more likely to be open.

In the winter, much of the Dalmatian coast shuts down. Accommodation closes, restaurants close, and ferries run less often. Honestly, I don’t see much of a reason to visit the Dalmatian coast during this time of year.

Split has a lot of festivals. April brings Gast Fair , Croatia’s largest culinary festival. May brings the Feast of St. Dominius, Split’s patron saint, and lots of celebrations leading up to it. Mediterranean Film Festival Split takes place each July. Split Summer Festival is similar to Dubrovnik Summer Festival and brings all kinds of concerts and performances in July and August.

In Ston on the Pelješac peninsula, the Festival of Oysters takes place on March 18, St. Joseph’s Day, and features lots of delicious oysters and wine. The mainland town of Šibenik celebrates Supertoon in July, a festival of animation. See below for more on music festivals.

The island of Korčula celebrates the Sword Dance Festival in June.

Best Time to Visit Hvar

Being on the Dalmatian Coast, Hvar is blessed with blissful summers — and locals like to say it’s the sunniest island in Europe. Hvar is very much a summer destination, but here summer can extend from late May into early October.

If all you’re looking for is sunshine and warmth, anytime between late May and early October is lovely.

If you’re looking to see Hvar’s famous lavender fields, aim for late June or early July. Lavender has a short season in Hvar.

But if you’re looking to visit Hvar specifically for the party scene, as many travelers do, the season is at its peak in July and August. You’ll pay in terms of crowds and prices, but that’s why you’re here, isn’t it? Being a party person in Hvar comes with a price tag.

In terms of festivals, Hvar celebrates the Feast of St. Prosper, its patron saint, on May 10 with traditional celebrations and a feast. Hvar Summer Festival puts on concerts, events, and performances throughout July and August.

Best Time to Visit Rovinj and Istria

Most people visit Istria in the summer months, and like the Dalmatian coast, summer can be a wonderful time to visit Istria and cities like Rovinj and Motovun. But Istria is not as warm as Dalmatia, nor as sunny as Dalmatia, and the season doesn’t last as long.

If you’re looking to experience summer in Istria, I recommend aiming between mid-June and late September. Know that tourism will be at its peak in July and August.

But shoulder season is another wonderful time to visit Istria — you can visit quiet beach villages and interesting hill towns, all without the high temperatures or peak crowds.

Istria was once part of Italy, feels a lot like Italy, and has many of the same qualities that make Italy great — including a wonderful harvest season. For that reason, visiting Istria during the fall months can be a lot of fun.

Winter in Istria is quiet, particularly in resort towns.

Some festivals to keep in mind for Istria: Rovinj celebrates a three-day Easter Food Festival just before the holiday; the renowned Motovun Film Festival takes places in late July or early August; the Pula Film Festival takes place in July.

The Visualia Festival in Pula takes places in September, with light installations throughout the city; and Zigante Truffle Days in Livade, near Motovun, has events from September through November. Marunada , a celebration of chestnuts, takes place in Lovran, near Opatija, in October.

Best Time to Visit Zagreb

Zagreb is Croatia’s largest city, home to 800,000 people. As a result, this city is vibrant year-round. Zagreb has the most tourists in the summer, but it’s nowhere near the level of tourism in Rovinj, Split, or Dubrovnik.

Personally, I think the best time to visit Zagreb is during the shoulder season — April, May, October — to enjoy nice temperatures and city life.

Keep in mind that Zagreb gets much colder than the Dalmatian coast and gets snow in the winter!

March brings the Zagreb Festival of Lights , with light installations over the city. July brings the International Folklore Festival , one of the biggest celebrations of the year.

September brings the International Puppet Festival , with both Croatian and international artists showcasing their craft. Zagreb Film Festival usually takes place in early November.

Perhaps most impressive, though, is Advent in Zagreb — Christmas market season. Zagreb goes all out with decorations, art installations, an ice rink, and food stands featuring traditional Croatian Christmas treats. Unlike Christmas markets in other parts of Europe, this market lasts until January 1 rather than December 23.

Best Time of Year to Visit Croatia

What is the best month to visit Croatia? Check out the overview here and find out which month is best for you.

January in Croatia

January is when you get the lowest temperatures of the year in Croatia. It will be cold, but there will be few other tourists around, and you’ll have many attractions to yourself — if they’re open, that is.

Some Carnival, or Maškare , celebrations begin in mid-January — particularly in the big Carnival cities like Rijeka.

Temperatures in Zagreb in January average from a low of 28 F / -2 C to a high of 37 F / 3 C.

Temperatures in Dubrovnik in January average from a low of 43 F / 6 C to a high of 54 F / 12 C.

February in Croatia

February is another similar month to January, with low temperatures and few tourists, but that’s okay — this month is when Carnival is at its peak!

Carnival, or Maškare , culminates in February with big celebrations. This is the time for costumed parades and parties. While Rijeka is the undisputed best place to celebrate Maškare, every place in Croatia puts their own spin on it in February.

Dubrovnik marks the Feast of St. Blaise, the city’s patron saint, on February 3 with local events and celebrations.

Temperatures in Zagreb in February average from a low of 32 F / 0 C to a high of 43 F / 6 C.

Temperatures in Dubrovnik in February average from a low of 43 F / 6 C to a high of 55 F / 13 C.

March in Croatia

March is when Croatia starts waking up to spring, with warming temperatures the first appearances of wildflowers. Like many countries, Croatia starts out firmly in winter and emerges into spring.

The Zagreb Festival of Lights takes place in March, with bright light installations representing the arrival of spring and a time of rebirth. In Ston on the Pelješac peninsula, the  Festival of Oysters takes place on March 18, St. Joseph’s Day.

Temperatures in Zagreb in March average from a low of 37 F / 3 C to a high of 52 / 11 C.

Temperatures in Dubrovnik in March average from a low of 46 F / 8 C to a high of 57 F / 14 C.

April in Croatia

April is the first official full month of spring. Easter is a major holiday in Croatia and many Croatians take this time to travel domestically. International tourists begin trickling into Croatia in mid-to-late April.

In the days before Easter, Rovinj hosts an Easter Food Festival . Keep in mind that some years this can be in March. Enjoy traditional Istrian Easter dishes, listen to traditional brass bands, and enjoy chocolate eggs! In April, Split hosts Gast Fair , Croatia’s largest culinary festival.

Temperatures in Zagreb in April average from a low of 46 F / 8 C to a high of 61 F / 16 C.

Temperatures in Dubrovnik in April average from a low of 52 F / 11 C to a high of 63 F / 17 C.

May in Croatia

Early May and late May have very different feelings in Croatia. Early May is still firmly in spring with lots of flowers, and by late May, it feels like summer. Tourists are pouring in, hotels have raised their prices, and ferries are running on their summer schedule.

May 7 brings the Festival of St. Dominius, Split’s patron saint, and Split goes all out in celebrations.

Temperatures in Zagreb in May average from a low of 54 F / 12 C to a high of 70 F / 21 C.

Temperatures in Dubrovnik in May average from a low of 57 F / 14 C to a high of 70 F / 21 C.

June in Croatia

Hello, summertime! June is undisputedly the kick-off of summer throughout Croatia. Expect the crowds to swell and temperatures to get fiercely hot.

While you can see Moreška sword dancing throughout the summer in Korčula, June hosts the Sword Dance Festival . Dancers from all over Korčula and other islands come together to compete and perform.

Temperatures in Zagreb in June average from a low of 57 F / 14 C to a high of 75 F / 24 C.

Temperatures in Dubrovnik in June average from a low of 64 F / 18 C to a high of 77 F / 25 C.

July in Croatia

Hot, sweaty, and incredibly crowded. July in Croatia brings long days, lots of sunshine, and the most tourists of the year.

July is festival season in Croatia! Zagreb hosts the International Folklore Festival , featuring traditional music performances all over the city in traditional costume. Šibenik celebrates  Supertoon , a festival celebrating animation, in July.

July is a big month for film festivals: Motovun Film Festival ,  Pula Film Festival , and Mediterranean Film Festival Split  all take place in July.

July is also a big month for music festivals: see the music festivals section here .

On the Dalmatian Coast, Dubrovnik Summer Festival , Split Summer Festival , and Hvar Summer Festival  bring concerts, events, and performances throughout the month of July.

Temperatures in Zagreb in July average from a low of 61 F / 16 C to a high of 77 F / 25 C.

Temperatures in Dubrovnik in July average from a low of 70 F / 21 C to a high of 84 F / 29 C.

August in Croatia

Yet another month of peak travel in Croatia. August is incredibly hot and one of the most crowded months of the year.

Music festivals continue into August. See the music festivals section here .

On the Dalmatian Coast, Dubrovnik Summer Festival , Split Summer Festival , and Hvar Summer Festival  bring concerts, events, and performances throughout the month of August.

Temperatures in Zagreb in August average from a low of 61 F / 16 C to a high of 77 F / 25 C.

Temperatures in Dubrovnik in August average from a low of 70 F / 21 C to a high of 82 F / 28 C.

September in Croatia

Welcome to the sweet spot. September is my personal favorite month fo the year in Croatia, where you can enjoy summer temperatures, warm water, and far fewer tourists than July or August. Early September is still busy (though most families have left), but late September, particularly in Dalmatia, is warm, airy, and divine.

September brings Visualia Festival in the Istrian city of Pula, where light shows take place all over the city and the cranes at the water’s edge light up in bright colors. Zagreb hosts the  International Puppet Festival . Zigante Truffle Days  in Livade, near Motovun, has events beginning in September.

Temperatures in Zagreb in September average from a low of 55 F / 13 C to a high of 70 F / 21 C.

Temperatures in Dubrovnik in September average from a low of 64 F / 18 C to a high of 77 F / 25 C.

October in Croatia

October can vary quite a bit through Croatia. In Dalmatia, early October feels like an extension of summer, but as you head further north, it’s a time for pleasantly cool temperatures, a bit more rainfall, and the food harvest.

Good Food Festival takes place in Dubrovnik (though occasionally in September). Zigante Truffle Days  in Livade, near Motovun, has events throughout October. Marunada , a celebration of chestnuts, takes place in Lovran, near Opatija in Istria, in October.

Temperatures in Zagreb in October average from a low of 46 F / 8 C to a high of 59 F / 15 C.

Temperatures in Dubrovnik in October average from a low of 57 F / 14 C to a high of 70 F / 21 C.

November in Croatia

November is when it cools down throughout the country — and it’s also at its rainiest time of year. You can enjoy some clear days in November, but be prepared for all kinds of weather.

Zagreb Film Festival usually takes place in November. Zigante Truffle Days  in Livade, near Motovun, has events concluding in November.

Temperatures in Zagreb in November average from a low of 37 F / 3 C to a high of / 48 C.

Temperatures in Dubrovnik in November average from a low of 50 F / 10 C to a high of 63 F / 17 C.

December in Croatia

Croatia has firmly cooled down by December, and there’s still some rain carryover from November. Zagreb and Slavonia might see the first snow. Christmas celebrations begin throughout the country.

Zagreb explodes with Christmas markets through the month of December for Advent in Zagreb , one of the most underrated city-wide Christmas celebrations in Europe.

Temperatures in Zagreb in December average from a low of 30 F / -1 C to a high of 39 F / 4 C.

Temperatures in Dubrovnik in December average from a low of 46 F / 8 C to a high of 57 F / 14 C.

Best Time to Visit Croatia for a Beach Holiday

September would be my first choice for a beach vacation in Croatia. At this time of year you’ve got summer temperatures, yet the crowds are smaller, the cruise ships are gone, and the kids are back in school.

Croatia in September is not exactly a secret, and there will be plenty of travelers there — but it’s nowhere on the level of tourism you see in July and August. For that reason, I recommend aiming toward later in September, when things calm down even more.

Planning a beach holiday in Dalmatia? Aim for late September. Planning a beach holiday in Istria? Plan for early September, as it isn’t quite as warm there.

On the other hand, if you don’t mind water that’s a little bit on the colder side, early June can be another lovely time in Dalmatia. For Istria I’d recommend aiming for late June.

Best Time to Visit Croatia for Music Festivals

Croatia’s coastline explodes with music festivals during the summer months. If you want to hit up a festival or two, the majority of them take place in July and August.

Ultra Europe is the biggest festival with the biggest names in EDM, and it takes place in July in Split.

Umag, a seaside town in Istria, hosts Sea Star Festival in May.

Tisno, on the Dalmatian Coast near Šibenik, hosts Dimensions in July, Hospitality on the Beach in July, SuncéBeat in July, Outlook Origins in July, and Defected Croatia in August.

Zrce Beach on the island of Pag hosts Hideout Festival in June, Fresh Island Week in July and Sonus Festival in August.

INMusic is held in Zagreb in June and draws big names like The Killers.

If you’re hoping to go to music festivals in Croatia and open to a longer trip to the Balkans, consider extending your trip to EXIT in Belgrade, Serbia, and Sea Dance in Budva, Montenegro (the latter of which I quite enjoyed).

Best Time to Visit Croatia with Kids

Croatia is an extremely family-friendly destination, so don’t worry about bringing your kids to Croatia! Croatians love children and the country is set up to welcome families with kids of all ages.

Most families traveling to Croatia with kids are looking for beach time. If that’s the case for you, aim during their summer vacation. It will be crowded, but it will be easy.

You may be tempted to plan a trip in May or early June, but keep in mind that the Adriatic can be cold during these months. It spends the whole summer warming up. If your kids don’t like swimming in cold water, they probably won’t be a fan of the Adriatic in late spring.

If you’re not visiting for a beach trip, consider visiting during the spring or fall months. You’ll still have nice weather and you won’t have the complete shutdown of winter.

Finally, if you’re up for visiting in February, Carnival can be a LOT of fun for kids — especially if you hit up one of the big festivals like Rijeka.

Bonus tip: of all the places I visited in Croatia, I think the island of Brač is a great choice if you have young kids. It’s the easiest to get to (a short ferry ride from Split, the biggest air hub), and the area around Bol seems designed for families with lots of beaches, a boardwalk, and kid-friendly amenities.

Cheapest Time to Visit Croatia

The cheapest time to visit Croatia is during the winter. This is when accommodation is at its cheapest; if you’re flying to Croatia from North America, you’ll likely find cheaper transatlantic flights.

However, keep in mind that winter in Croatia is cheap for a reason.

Much of Croatia is shut down during the winter months, from restaurants to shops to hotels. Places like the Makarska Riviera almost feel like ghost towns. Many seasonal flights in Croatia don’t run at all in winter; you may need to fly to Zagreb and drive or take public transportation from there.

It’s especially tough traveling the islands in the winter. The island population dwindles down to just the year-round locals, most of whom will wonder why you’re even there, and all the tourist-driven restaurants that the locals avoid won’t be in business.

If you’re looking to experience Croatia at a more active time of year that isn’t the heat of summer, consider April or October — not winter.

Best Time to Visit Croatia Overall

If you’ve read this far, you know what I think — the best month for visiting Croatia is September, and if you can, aim for mid-to-late September. That is the best time of year to enjoy the best of Croatia’s weather (as well as the Adriatic at its warmest temperature) while avoiding the worst crowds.

September may be golden — but there are so many wonderful times to visit Croatia. You can’t beat Zagreb in December, all decked out for Advent, or Rijeka in February, filled with costume parades, or Split in April, exploding with food festivals.

I hope you enjoy your time in Croatia, no matter what time of year you choose to visit. Then come back and tell me all about it!

Planning a Trip to Croatia:

• Two Weeks in Croatia Itinerary
• What NOT to Do in Croatia
• Solo Female Travel in Croatia: Is it Safe?
• 30 Stunning Mediterranean Islands To Visit In Your Lifetime

Croatian Islands and the Dalmatian Coast:

• How to Spend Three Days in Dubrovnik
• Why Korčula, Croatia, is the Coolest Island of All
• Vis, Croatia, is a Quietly Stunning Island
• Dubrovnik Survival Guide
• The Waterfalls of Krka National Park
• A Place Like Zadar
• 30 Fabulous Things To Do in Split, Croatia
• 29 Sunny Things To Do In Hvar, Croatia

Istria and the North:

• Guide to Rovinj, Croatia’s Prettiest City
• Places to Visit in Istria, Croatia’s Italian-Flavored Peninsula
• 21 Unforgettable Things To Do In Zagreb, Croatia

Have you been to Croatia? What time of year did you visit? Share away!

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Daring Planet

Dare To Explore

Best Time to Visit Croatia: A Season-By-Season Guide

Croatia is the stuff of dreams for many travelers. The calm, light, turquoise waters of the Adriatic Sea, the stunning pebble beaches on the coast, the acres of vineyards, and the centuries-old Medieval towns all make Croatia one of the most interesting and charming countries in Europe.

This small country stretches out for almost 22,000 miles in total. But don’t be fooled by its size! Even though it is only the 127 th largest country in the world and it only has 4 million inhabitants, Croatia’s landscapes make up for it. It’s hard to find a country with so much natural beauty to offer. Croatia has lakes, mountains, dozens of islands, and pebble beaches. Wherever you choose to go in the country, you’ll for sure be fascinated.

Tourism is on the rise as more people think that now is the best time to visit Croatia. But the country has a long history of enchanting travelers with its natural gems. The Romans built summer villas on the coast of Croatia and came here for the perfect get-away from their ruling the Empire. People from the entire Balkan peninsula have been coming here for centuries to bask in the warm sun of Croatia. And now people from all over to world visit this small country in the Adriatic Sea!

It has never been easier to get to Croatia and have the vacation of your life here. Airlines from Europe and the United States fly more often to one of the country’s airports, hotels have been completely renovated to embrace the modern times, and the roads connecting all the cool and once-inaccessible points of the country have been improved.

If you’re planning a summer, spring, fall, or even winter vacation, it’s time for you to explore Croatia! To help you decide when is the best time to visit Croatia, we’ve put together this Croatia travel guide for you.

Weather in Croatia

When deciding when the best time to visit a country is, the weather will probably the first thing you’ll think about. No one wants to plan a beach vacation and then realize it will be raining and windy for most of their trip.

To help you avoid these annoying vacation-ruining mistakes, we’ve put together this local travel guide. It tells you how the weather typically is in each region of Croatia, what are the best months to visit a certain location, cultural events going on in the country during certain months, and when to catch the best travel deals. We’ll help you figure out when the perfect time to go to Croatia is for you and help you figure out what to pack with you!

In the Adriatic Coast…

The Adriatic coast is one of the many reasons people book their trip to Croatia — and for good reason! It boasts the best climate in the entire country, one similar to that of southern European countries: Mediterranean.

Winters in the coast of Croatia are nowhere near as harsh as they are in Central Europe, for example. The southern Croatia coast has been blessed with mild winters temperature-wise but a lot of rain. January and February are the coldest months in the coast. During the day, you can expect temperatures of 11 and 12 degrees Celsius (between 52 and 54 degrees Fahrenheit). During the night, however, the temperatures drop to only 5 and 6 degrees Celsius (between 41 and 43 degrees Fahrenheit).

But despite the temperature not being that low, the so-called bora takes tourists by surprise. This is one of the strongest-blowing winds in the world. It’s so strong that it sometimes closes down bridges and coastal roads!

The summer months are the best time for a perfect holiday on the beach. The temperatures rise to a whopping 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit) and even higher during the day! The nights are much cooler and just right to go for nightly walks or go our partying to bars and clubs. You won’t see the temperatures drop below 20 degrees Celsius (or 68 degrees Fahrenheit), not even in the wee hours of the morning.

There’s a good reason why so many people love going to the beach in the summer in the Adriatic Coast. During this season, the sea is warm and it’s common to see the water temperature rise to 24 degrees Celsius (or 76 degrees Fahrenheit) — very inviting for a swim! To top it all off, there are only, on average, 6 days of rain during the entire summer and a whopping 11 hours of average daily sunshine. What more could you ask for when you plan a beach vacation?

Both spring and fall are the “middle” seasons. They’re not as cold nor as rainy as winter, but they aren’t warm and sunny all the time like the summer months are.

In the north…

The climate in the lowlands around Zagreb, in the northeast, and in the east of Croatia is much different from that in the coast. This part of the country has what is known as the Continental climate, meaning that it’s similar to that in Central Europe: the seasons are very pronounced and very different from one another.

In the winter months, the temperatures usually plummet down to 2 degrees Celsius (35 degrees Fahrenheit) during the day, and at night, it’s not unheard of for them to drop below freezing. This makes this part of Croatia a great ski resort as the white, light snow falls down hard during the coldest months of January and February.

Summers, on the other hand, are much more pleasant! During the day, the temperatures usually reach 27 degrees Celsius (80 degrees Fahrenheit) and even go above it. While nights are somewhat cooler, they’re perfect for strolls as the area isn’t known for strong gusts of wind. Another great thing about the summer is that it’s dry, unlike winter. You will most likely not see any rain during your stay in the northern and eastern parts of Croatia.

The months of spring and autumn are always a surprising in-between and mix of the two seasons. It’s neither too hot nor too cold but there aren’t as many sunshine hours or as many days of clear sky.

In the Center…

The mountains in the central part of Croatia, known as the Dinaric Alps, has what’s known as an alpine climate. While on the other side of the mountains, sunshine and mild winters bless the Adriatic Coast, the Dinaric Alps have cool summers and cool winters.

During the winter, temperatures drop drastically to 5 degrees Celsius (40 degrees Fahrenheit) during the day and to below freezing at night. It’s not unusual for the nights to be very chilly — the thermometers often plummet to -3 degrees Celsius (or 26 degrees Fahrenheit).

Summers, on the other hand, are much more enjoyable. They’re not nearly as hot as the summers on the Adriatic Coast, perfect for people who don’t want to get heatstroke. You’ll likely see forecasts of 24 degrees Celsius (75 degrees Fahrenheit) during the day — or even higher — and of slightly less at night. The cool summer breezes in this mountainous region make being outside much more tolerable than near the coast.

Finally, the spring months (March, April, May) and the fall months (September, October, November) are an interesting mix of the summer and winter seasons. There can be quite a bit of rainfall in the area as well as mostly cloudy days. You also won’t find the warm summer days during these months either.

Winter Months (Dec, Jan, Feb)

As we’ve mentioned, the weather during the winter months can be quite different from place to place in Croatia. But the one thing all of Croatia has in common is that it sees its fair share of extreme weather.

The months of December, January and February are great months to go to Croatia if you want an off-peak season winter adventure.

Festivities lovers will adore Croatia during mid- to late-December. People in Croatia go all out to celebrate their holidays, and Christmas has to be the biggest one. Despite the weather being cold and rainy, you’ll still have a blast in any of the biggest cities of Croatia.

Dubrovnik comes alive during the Christmas festivities. Every year, the main tourist attractions (Peskarija, Stradun, Pile, and Lazareti) are lit up with scenes from the nativity to dazzle spectators. This celebration is part of the fun and exciting Dubrovnik Winter Festival that lasts the whole month of December and a fraction of January. There’s no describing just how beautiful the city becomes! And, since it’s not that cold during the day, why not walk around the Dubrovnik wall ruins? You’ll most likely have them for yourself and they make for a perfect scenic view of the city.

But Zagreb is the city that has the most Christmas events going on in December. Being the capital, it’s no wonder that the celebrations are even more intense here. Every year leading up to Christmas there are markets set up in the city’s squares. One of the best travel tips we have for you is: visit a Christmas market, try some local delicacies, have a hot drink to warm you up, and follow the Christmas lights across the historic city center! We believe this really is the best time to visit Zagreb, Croatia without going over-budget or bumping into crowds wherever you go.

Another great month to see Croatia for city breaks is January. You can still feel the holiday spirit but the month is also the right time to avoid crowds. Because of this, it’s also one of the best months to go to Croatia if you’re on a budget, as you’ll find cheaper flights, accommodation, and other amenities.

Early January is, of course, marked by the New Year craze. Walking around the biggest cities of Zagreb, Dubrovnik and Split, you’ll still see Christmas decorations and feel the Christmas spirit in the air. This is also the time when stores have the biggest sales, which is perfect for shopping addicts.

Toward mid-January, most of the crowds have gone home. This is the ideal time to visit the city without running into hordes of tourists. You can walk along the ancient city walls of Dubrovnik and take in all the beauty of the city.

If you’re a fan of ski, you’ll already know that the Snow Queen Trophy is fought every January in Croatia. People flock down to Sljeme in the north of the country to see world champions compete for the coveted prize.

Since you’re in Sljeme, why not try to ski yourself? The Sljeme Ski Resort is only 15 km north of Zagreb and has great slopes even for beginners. There are five slopes in total, ranging from beginner-friendly to hard, and three lifts. The slopes have around 4045 meters in length (a little over 2.5 miles). This is where Olympic-gold-medalist Janica Kostelić learn how to ski!

Another thing you’ll love about visiting Croatia in January is the annual Night of Museums event. For once night a year (usually the last Friday in January), the entrance fee to all museums is waved. What better time to visit the Glass Museum in Zadar, the Museum of Broken Relationships in Zagreb, or the Museum of Croatian War of Independence in Dubrovnik?

If you love partying and immersing yourself in local folk culture, you’ll love Croatia in February.

February is known for being the best month to enjoy the world-famous Rijeka Carnival. This festivity starts in mid-January and it runs until early-March. As you can see, the celebrations go on for a whopping three months as this is the largest Carnival in all of Croatia. Rijeka is a beautiful port town on the Adriatic Coast. During any other time of year, it might look like any other 19 th -century European town — but not during the Carnival. People dress up in colorful costumes, organize parades, create large cars completely adorned, and laugh a lot.

The Festival of Saint Blaise is another important and interesting happening in Dubrovnik. Saint Blaise is the patron saint of the city has its celebrations have been going on every year since the year 972. If you happen to be visiting Dubrovnik when the festivities are going on, you’ll most likely see mass processions and the relics of Saint Blaise. It’s a great insight into what religious and spiritual life is like in Dubrovnik.

Spring Months (Mar, Apr, May)

When spring comes, so does all the life that went to sleep during the three months of winter in Croatia. If you’ve never visited the country, now would be a great time to. The flowers and plants all start to bloom, and the snow starts to melt in the mountainous region and in the north.

The spring months of March, April and May are good months to organize your trip on a budget. You should find cheap flights to Croatia and enjoy the relatively cheap accommodation options — especially in Dubrovnik, Split, and Zagreb.

March is a great month to visit otherwise-packed tourist destinations. The main cities, in particular, are perfect this time of year. Because it’s not the right time yet for a beach holiday, there are very few tourists in the country in March.

Take advantage of this by going on a city break in Croatia in March. We’ve already mentioned how beautiful both Zagreb and Dubrovnik are, but it’s never enough. These towns are extremely old and have so much history behind every single piece of stone. But there are many more cities worth exploring in Croatia. Split, for example, is one of them.

Split is a town on the Dalmatian Coast, Adriatic Sea. The city has been on this exact place since the 4 th century, when Roman Emperor Diocletian erected a fort here. Even after all these centuries, you can still see and visit this palace! The palace hugs the city of Split where you can find a multitude of courtyards, Roman ruins, houses, hotels, cafes, shops, and even bars. Because of its location, March here isn’t very cold, certainly not as cold as most of Europe is at this time of year!

Another fascinating event not to be missed is the Zagreb Festival of Lights. For a week in mid-March, Zagreb is home to a spectacular light-projection show. The historic center of the city is lit up with audio-visual installations. Think of 19 th -century buildings with gorgeous and massive façades being the background for the projection of stories told entirely through light and music — amazing, right? Every year, the theme is the same: renaissance. The event takes place in March for this exact reason too. Since March symbolizes the awakening from the wintery sleep and nature and cities come back alive again during this month, the light shows also make the buildings come alive. If you’re in Zagreb, make sure not to miss the viewings from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.!

While Croatia isn’t warm yet and only really brave people can go for a swim in the Adriatic Sea, there’s still plenty to do in April. You’ll especially notice how green and colorful everything is. After all, this is when spring is in full swing!

April is a great time of year to do a custom-made trip by train or car to explore all the nooks and crannies of Croatia. There is so much to see and April, being a shoulder month, will be easy on your wallet. Hotels and tourist attractions are not yet full, so you’ll feel like you have the country to yourself with no queues and no absurdly high prices.

We highly recommend taking a trip to the Plitvice Lakes National Park. The park is open year-round, but April is when it comes into itself. The waterfalls start to run once more, enchanting all visitors, the mountains are covered in green again, and there are stunning flowers blooming everywhere you look. It’s one of the coolest attractions in Croatia, especially if you’re a nature lover!

Lastly, the weeks between late-April and early-May are the perfect excuse to pay a visit to Croatia for wine lovers. Poreč is a coastal town in the county of Istria that is famous for its amazing wines. The celebrations going on celebrate wine and the region’s lifestyle. Visit this lovely little town and taste the Malvazija wine that they’re famous for producing locally. It’ll warm your body right up!

The last month of spring is, in our opinion and according to many travel experts in Croatia, the best time of year to visit Croatia. It’s the very last full shoulder month when you can still take an advantage of cheap accommodation and flights and no hordes of tourists.

This is the perfect time to take a ferry to the Island of Hvar and enjoy the island for what it is: a gem in the Adriatic Sea with unparalleled architecture. The winding, narrow streets and amazing weather during the shoulder and summer months make Hvar island a hotspot for partiers.

If you want to get away from the party scene, May is a great month for venturing more inland. The towns of Jelsa, Stari Grad, and Vrboska will give you a whole new perspective of life in the Dalmatian villages.

Another great holiday in Croatia in May is going up to the mountains. Sure, the weather is still a little chilly and you’ll need a coat and maybe a scarf, but nothing beats the fresh air of the Croatian mountains. If you want to get in touch with nature and take a break from life back home, then May is the month to travel here.

Summer Months (Jun, Jul, Aug)

Everyone knows that June, July and August are the peak season in Croatia. The temperatures go way up, the sun shines almost non-stop for the 11 hours of sunshine every day, and the Adriatic Sea becomes warm and inviting for a swim.

While June, July and August have the best weather, this is also when the cities and beaches flood with crowds of vacationing locals and tourists. This makes all the prices (for plane tickets and accommodation) sky-rocket. If you’re not looking to travel within a limited budget, the summer is the best time to visit Croatia.

If you love music festivals, you won’t want to miss one of Croatia’s largest festivals. INmusic is a summer festival that happens every year for two to three days in a hip neighborhood of Zagreb, Jarun. This once-peaceful neighborhood that’s full of nature comes alive when hundreds of thousands of festival-goers flock here. The billboard is always dominated by big international names, such as Queens of the Stone Age, David Byrne, Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds, Interpol, Portugal! The Man, and many more.

June is also a great time to hit the beaches on the Adriatic coast. The sea is warm after a long winter and spring and ready to welcome beachgoers from all places. You won’t find sandy beaches as you do in Spain, Portugal or Italy, but something much more special. Beaches in the Adriatic coast have large and small pebbles instead of sand. It’s quite an unusual sight if you’ve never been to one of these beaches, but totally worth it.

If you’d rather go more mainland, June also has you covered. June is the month when the lavender fields the country has are in full bloom. Whether you’re driving along the highway or you’ve chosen to take the train, don’t miss out on the stunning view that is seeing miles and miles on end covered in a deep purple hue.

During July, a lot of tourists drive to Croatia from Italy, which can make the cities and beach towns even more crowded. A fantastic alternative to busy cities and villages are the car-free islands of Lopud and Zlarin. For cyclers especially this will be a great trip. They’re not as crowded as other neighboring islands and the weather there in July is absolutely perfect. You can take your bike for a ride around the islands since it’s summer and nature is at its finest.

If you’re into partying, then July is just the month for you, with all its nightlife. The island of Hvar is the perfect example of what the party scene is like in Croatia and the Dalmatian coast. Every night there are clubs where famous DJs perform to thousands of people who dance the night away. Another cool thing to consider when visiting Croatia in July is partying on a boat. There are several party cruises that sail every evening and only come back to shore in the early morning. It’s a great way to meet other travelers who share your love of partying and a chance to chat with a local about the party scene!

Finally, if you’d call yourself a party animal, don’t miss the Ultra-Europe music festival. Split is home to one of the biggest electronic music festivals in all of Europe, and every July without fail the house is brought down by big DJs. Hardwell, David Getta, Afrojack, and Avicii are just some of the many DJs who have liven up the party here in Split during the month of July.

The most peak month of traveling in Croatia is August. The prices of everything are through the roof and the country is crowded, but nothing beats the things Croatia offers in August.

August is the best month to sightsee in Croatia and stay close to the ocean. If you’re visiting the coast, you’ll soon realize just how hot it gets both in the day and at night. This gives you the perfect excuse to go for a swim in the crystalline waters of the Adriatic Sea. Another great way of cooling down is practicing water sports. Croatia has lovely beaches that are perfect for water sports. Snorkeling, speed boating, kayaking to discover the many caves, and jet skiing are all great ways to make your vacation even better.

August also brings with it the Dubrovnik Summer Festival. Art and music displays are spread around the city so that visitors can absorb some more of the local culture before they depart. During the course of six weeks, there are also countless artists performing live, for free, in open air on the streets of Dubrovnik. If you love culture and the arts, we’re sure you’re going to love the Summer Festival.

Finally, there is yet another festival blesses Croatia. In the Dalmatian coastal city of Zadar, there is a festival every year dedicated to foodies. Local traditional and modern cuisine are put on display for all to savor. It’s the best opportunity you’ll get to experience local delicacies, such as figs, countless types of cheeses, and the best seafood you’ll have in the Balkans. During this festival, the island of Riva gets completely transformed. The small boats are used as ambulant markets of the freshest ingredients grown or caught in the region.

Fall Months (Sep, Oct, Nov)

September, October and November are the months when everything starts to calm down in Croatia again. The days become shorter, the temperatures coolers, the days of sunshine fewer, but the cultural events in Croatia keep going strong.

The weather during these months gets progressively colder until winter engulfs the whole country once more. It also means that the hordes of tourists go home and the cities become much quieter. These are what’s known as the shoulder months and they’re the best time to visit Croatia on a budget.

The month of September is great for exploring Croatia culture-wise. There are dozens of festivals and festivities that celebrate the traditions of all regions of Croatia.

In the town of Poreč, there’s a festival dedicated to history for three days during September. People dress up in Baroque-style costumes and try to mimic to the viewers what life was like back then. The festival, known as Giostra, is the perfect chance to learn all there is to know about Croatia in the 18 th century. There is even a knight tournament that is held at the end of the celebratory period that perfectly replicates the ones from 1745!

If you’re a film buff, you’ll love hearing that the Split Film Festival takes place in September. This is an international film competition that lasts a total of one week and gathers some of the most innovative and interesting film directors in all of Europe.

Finally, the Food Film Festival that is held in Zagreb in September mixes two fan favorites: food and films. Over the course of a week-and-a-half, the movies shown in several Zagreb theaters focus on gastronomy. If you’re both a foodie and a film buff, you won’t want to miss out on the Food Film Festival in September.

October in Croatia is as close to the saying “getting back to the roots” as possible. All the crazy of tourism has come and gone and now only locals can be seen wandering around the major cities and going about their lives in rural towns.

The month of October is when grapes start being harvested to be later turned into famous Croatian wines, such as Plavac Mali. The fact that in rural areas it’s time to harvest all the crops makes October a great month to go on a self-drive tour by car through the countryside.

In Istria, there’s another food festival that blows foodies’ minds away. The Istrian Truffle Days showcase the best truffles the Balkans have ever seen. Restaurants in this area take the local truffles and incorporate them into dishes to make them great. Try having a truffle omelet, a truffle risotto, and a truffle salad for a great price and dive into the local gastronomic culture! It’s also the perfect time to visit Livade and Motovun, two beautiful towns close to the Slovenia border.

In November, the weather has become wet and cool. This makes traveling in November somewhat unpleasant if you were planning on being outside. However, it’s the perfect chance to dive head first in the Croatian cultural scene.

Saint Martin is a holiday celebrated in many European countries on November 11. It has religious roots but nowadays it’s more of an excuse for people to drink warm wine and eat chestnuts and sweet potatoes. The dish of the day if goose, which is slaughtered and roasted all in the same day. The towns of Tar, Vrsar, and Buzet are the places to go if you want to live this day to the fullest.

November 1 st is All Saints Day in Croatia, yet another religious holiday. But this one is lived with much more attachment to religion. On this day, people go to their loved ones’ graves to place flowers and candles as a symbol of their love. If you’re interested in finding out more and seeing a Croatian cemetery, try visiting one when the commotion dies down. But don’t forget: always be respectful — this holiday means a lot to Christian Croatians.

Frequently Asked Questions about The Best Time to Visit Croatia

When is the best time to visit dubrovnik, croatia.

You’ll get the best picture of Dubrovnik during the shoulder months of May and September. The weather isn’t bad at all and you’ll actually get to move around in the city without bumping into other tourists.

What languages are spoken in Croatia?

The only official language in Croatia is Croatian. While not everyone speaks English, especially not the older generations and people in small towns, you can still get by relatively easily using English and by learning a few Croat words.

What is the currency used in Croatia?

The Croatian Kuna is the official currency of Croatia. But because the country is part of the European Union and is used to a heavy influx of tourists, some places in the major cities accept Euros and American Dollars as well.

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Figuring out when to go to Croatia goes hand-in-hand with planning an itinerary for your trip. Perhaps you’re hankering after some sun, sea and sand on the beaches of its extensive and glorious coastline and islands . You might intend to explore Croatia’s national parks and take advantage of the plethora of outdoor activities on offer, such as hiking, climbing, mountain biking, sea kayaking and sailing . If so, your trip will be weather dependent. Maybe you’re more focused on soaking up the country’s rich history and culture, in which case you won’t be put off by chillier temperatures or a bit of rain. If you’re enticed by Croatia’s burgeoning festival scene , this takes off in the summer months.

Weather in Croatia

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From the spas of Budapest to Lake Bled with its castle and further on to Croatia - this itinerary takes you across 3 countries, with a special focus on Slovenia's lake area and the Dalmatian coast in Croatia.

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This ten-day trip will take you around three adjacent countries, Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, and Montenegro. Your tour starts in Split, Croatia, moving south (hence the name "Southern Pearls") over the island of Hvar and Mostar in Bosnia & Herzegovina to end up in Montenegro.

Tailor-made trips for   Croatia

Chances are you’ll be looking at a combination of these things during your trip. So, for a taster of everything, the best time of year to visit Croatia is early or late summer. You’ll sidestep the hottest months of the season and it’ll be less busy all round.

Inland it’s a climate of contrasts, with sweltering temperatures in mid-summer, and freezing winters. The coast, however, experiences a Mediterranean climate – that is to say, hot in summer, mild in winter. So, if you’re planning to visit Croatia it’s worth taking a closer look at the country’s weather patterns.

Visiting Croatia in March–mid-May

Spring is sprightly by mid-March. It’s warm and dry, which makes it the best time to visit Croatia for cycling, hiking and sightseeing. Also, locals are likely to be particularly welcoming at this time of year – before the tourism season takes off again.

Easter is an important marker on the festival calendar, with religious processions in full swing on the islands of Hvar , Korčula and in many other parts of Croatia. In April, Zagreb hosts the Music Biennale festival (every odd-numbered year), showcasing contemporary classical music by top international artists.

Easter aside, April is also the best month to travel to Croatia for a shoulder season flight at bargain prices, and enjoy a city break.

Hopping over to the island of Hvar © Shutterstock

Visiting Croatia in late-May and June

The early summer months are perfect for sunbathing: balmy temperatures lie between 23-27°C on the Adriatic coast, yet beaches are devoid of the crowds that appear as soon as school’s out. And by mid- to late May it can be warm enough in southern Dalmatia to swim in the sea. You’ll also have more stamina for sightseeing – before temperatures soar – and fewer people makes travelling between sights easier. For a smorgasbord of activities, this is perhaps the best time to visit Croatia.

Visiting Croatia in July and August

This is peak season on the Adriatic, drawing foreign travellers, as well as Croats to its sunny sands. And if you like to combine beach action with a buzzing café culture this is the best time to go to Croatia. However, with soaring mid-summer temperatures on the coast (and inland), you may want to limit the amount of sightseeing you pack in.

Island hopping off the coast of Croatia is a big draw. In peak season you’d do well to arrive at ports early to get at the front of the queue for ferries. Also, bear in mind that accommodation soon fills up at the height of summer along the coast and islands, and facilities can be overstretched.

As most head for the coast, cities in the hotter interior of the country are pretty dormant this time of year, with little happening in the way of cultural or social activities. However, the relative quiet is ideal for a trip to take in the magnificent scenery at Croatia’s inland national parks, such as Plitvice Lakes , Risnjak and Northern Velebit.

Waterfalls at Plitvice Lakes © Shutterstock

Croatian culture heads for the coast in summer. Almost every Adriatic town organizes a cultural programme, usually featuring outdoor concerts of pop, classical music or folk. And Croatia has quite a reputation for hosting some of the best and diverse music festivals in Europe, which are in full swing by July. Read our summer festivals section for a round up of events, or check out our annual calendar for a full list.

Visiting Croatia in September – November

September is the best month to visit Croatia for weather warm enough for idling on the beaches and swimming in the sea, and for island hopping – without the summer crowds. But the end of the month marks the end of the season and many islands close their bars and restaurants for the winter.

Kornati Islands © Shutterstock

It’s naturally much quieter throughout the country during the autumn months. This is, perhaps, the best time to travel to Croatia to enjoy inland Istria and national park areas, like the Plitvice Lakes and the River Krka . You’ll get to see foliage in full colourful glory and visitor numbers are low.

Come October the temperature of the Adriatic Sea is still warm enough to enjoy watersports, but coastal towns can be very quiet indeed, and many hotels and tourist attractions may well shut up shop for the winter. The cooler temperatures are better suited for pursuing outdoor activities, such as trekking and mountain biking. But don’t forget to pack wet weather gear and a snug extra layer, as it’s a rainier time of year and temperatures noticeably dip.

Visiting Croatia in November – February

Given the innocuous winters on the Adriatic coast, this can be a good time for urban sightseeing in historic centres such as Zadar , Split and Dubrovnik . And budget travellers may find this the best time to visit Croatia for huge savings on hotel prices – over 50 percent on the Adriatic. cheaper than in peak season. Winters inland are a different kettle of fish entirely: snow is common and transport in highland areas is frequently disrupted as a result – though it can also be a picturesque backdrop to sightseeing.

Christmas in Croatia used to be a quiet affair as far as tourism goes, but the wonderful Christmas market in Zagreb has been enticing ever more visitors to the capital over the festive period. It’s a magical scene of cosy candlelight, little wooden huts selling gifts, alongside traditional cuisine and mulled wine, and outdoor concerts.

Dubrovnik comes to life in the first week of February with the Feast of St Blaise festival. Processions and pageantry, concerts and theatrical performances, honour the city’s patron saint.

Winter festival in Dubrovnik © Shutterstock

Croatia offers an increasingly crammed festival calendar, with rock and DJ events, annual beach parties, niche art gatherings and folksy fairs taking place up and down the Adriatic throughout the summer. The bulk of the ‘serious’ cultural festivals take place in Zagreb in spring and autumn. However, Dubrovnik, Split and Rijeka offer a lot in the way of heavyweight drama and music, and almost every region of the country offers a film festival of one sort or another. In addition, the Croatian year is peppered with religious holidays, featuring church processions and celebratory feasting.

So, if you’re wondering when is the best time to visit Croatia for one of its many festivals, here is a selection to help you decide, followed by a full calendar of events.

Please note that the current coronavirus situation means some events may be postponed or cancelled. Check individual events before booking your trip.

This is a selection of the best annual cultural events, including film, theatre, classical music and folk festivals, taking place in Croatia.

• Zagrebdox : International documentary film festival. Feb
• Carnival ((Karneval; fašnik; pust): Processions and masked revelry in towns all over Croatia. Rijeka, Samobor and Velika Gorica (just south of Zagreb) host the biggest events. Climaxes on Shrove Tuesday (or weekend preceding it). Feb/March
• Easter : Processions in many parts of Croatia, especially on the islands of Hvar and Korčula. April
• Motovun : One of the biggest and most popular film festivals. Usually 5-6 days in July/Aug
• Animafest : Animation film festival of high-art seriousness – and post-show partying. June
• Music Biennale : Cutting-edge contemporary classical work. April-Sept; odd-numbered years.
• Contemporary Dance Week : Zagreb; May/June
• Split Summer : Rivals the Dubrovnik Festival for high-culture stakes. Top-notch music and theatre. June
• Rab Fair : Medieval extravaganza, with parades, archery contests, feasting and merriment. July
• International Folklore Festival , Zagreb: Best place to see songs and dances from all over the country. July-Aug
• Dubrovnik Summer Festival : Important classical music and drama event, much of it performed in squares and courtyards of the Old Town. 6 weeks, beginning early July
• Pula Film Festival : Feature films screened in the Roman amphitheatre. July
• Omiš Klapa Festival : The biggest of the festivals celebrating traditional choirs (klape). July
• St Donat’s Musical Evenings : A medieval church and other venues in Zadar host performances by classical musicians. July/Aug
• Kastav Cultural Summer : Include music, art, theatre, film and literary events in the streets and squares of Kastav, near Rijeka. July/Aug
• Osor Music Evenings : Classical music, in historical buildings and squares of Osor, on the island of Cres. July/Aug
• Festival of World Theatre : Performances from leading international theatre companies. Zagreb; Sept
• St Martin’s Day : tasting the first wines of the season – often to excess. Nov
• Zagreb film festival : Promoting new international filmmakers. Nov
• Advent in Zagreb : The best in Christmas markets, with mulled wine, traditional gifts, music, and performances. Dec

Croatia has muscled its way into the European party calendar in a major way. From late June to early September there’s a packed schedule of events, and big-name DJs perform every weekend at the dance clubs along the Adriatic coast.

Please note that the current coronavirus situation means some events may be postponed or cancelled. Do check individual events before booking your trip.

• Hideout : A long weekend of cutting-edge electronic music on Pag island’s Zrće beach. June or Sep
• InMusic : A three-day rock and indie fest at Lake Jarun, Zagreb, with sets from leading international bands and DJs. Late June
• Fresh Island Festival : A week-long bash of hip hop, Afrobeats, R&B and more at Zrće Beach, on the island of Pag. July
• Love International : Electronic music with DJ’s doing their thing, at this dream setting at Tisno on the Adriatic. June
• Ultra Europe : Electronic music festival with leading names takes place in the Park Mladeži stadium in Split. July
• Seasplash : Reggae festival at Martinska pier and beach, Šibenik. July
• SuncéBeat : Spin-off of the UK DJ event the Southport Weekender, this festival celebrates disco, house, soul, and R&B at the Garden site at Tisno. July
• SuperUho : Alternative music and indie-rock at an idyllic shore-side site just outside Primošten. Aug
• Moondance : Big names on the techno scene, as well as underground artists, in Trogir’s historic and atmospheric Kamerlengo fortress. Aug
• Sonus : A long weekend of cutting-edge DJ-ing on Zrće, Pag island’s party beach. Aug
• Soundwave : A long weekend of partying with major international DJs at Tisno festival site. Aug
• Dimensions : Experimental dance music at Fort Punta Christo near Pula. Aug
• Špancirfest : The centre of Varaždin comes alive with performances, pop, rock, and folk concerts. Aug

View over Split © Shutterstock

January–March

Snow Queen Trophy : World Cup downhill skiing on Mount Sljeme, with a big-screen broadcast on the main square. First and second weekends in Jan; Zagreb.

Feast of St Blaise : Processions and pageantry in honour of Dubrovnik’s patron saint. Feb 3; Dubrovnik.

Carnival : (Karneval; fašnik; pust). Processions, fancy dress and festivities in Rijeka, Velika Gorica and Samobor : Shrove Tuesday or weekend preceding.

Zagrebdox : A feast of documentary films from around the globe, with a packed week of screenings. Late Feb/early March; Zagreb.

April – May

Easter : Religious processions on the islands of Hvar, Korčula and in many other parts of Croatia. April or late March.

Music Biennale : Ten days of contemporary classical music featuring new work by major international composers. Every odd-numbered year; Zagreb.

Days of Croatian Film : Major review of Croatian films made during the previous twelve months, including features, shorts and documentaries. If you are on the lookout for new talent, this is the place to find it. Zagreb.

Feast of St Domnius : Church processions, craft fairs and feasting. May 7; Split.

Subversive Film Festival : A wide range of films and lectures on contemporary political topics, followed by the usual after-party drinking. Zagreb.

Roč Accordion Festival : Accordion bands from Croatia and beyond. Second weekend in May; Roč.

Festival of One-Minute Films : Exactly what it says in the title, with plenty of eccentric, experimental work. Late May; Požega.

Jewish Film Festival : A week of feature films, documentaries and post-screening concerts addressing wider issues of race and tolerance. Co-founded by Holocaust survivor and Oscar-winning producer Branko Lustig. Late May; Zagreb.

Festival of the European Short Story : Engaging and accessible lit-fest attracting major international participants (and big-screen English-language translations). A two-centre festival based in Zagreb and at least one Adriatic city. Late May/early June.

Cest is d’Best : Live bands and street entertainment on stages throughout the city centre. Early June; Zagreb.

Mediterranean Film Festival : New shorts and features from the Mediterranean region, screened in the open-air cinema behind Split’s Bačvice beach, with an accompanying after-show DJ programme. Early Jun; Split

Strossmartre : Summer-long sequence of gigs, puppet shows and open-air art in Zagreb’s Gornji grad. June to early Sept; Zagreb.

Animafest : Among the animation world’s most important and longest-running festivals, screening a week’s worth of commercial, arty and edgy films. Early June; Zagreb.

Contemporary Dance Week : Croatia’s premier dance event, with a strong contemporary edge. June; Zagreb.

Dan-D (“D-Day”): A long weekend devoted to contemporary design, with local creatives displaying their wares and DJ events in the evening. Mid-June; Zagreb.

Summer Nights : Classical music and drama in a variety of indoor and outdoor venues. Mid-June to late July; Rijeka.

InMusic : Three-day rock-and-pop fest on the shores of Lake Jarun, featuring major international bands and DJs. Attracting a daily average of 30,000 people, it’s big enough to feel like a major event but small enough to preserve a laidback vibe. Late June; Zagreb.

International Children’s Festival : Puppet shows, street entertainers and musicals, with a young audience in mind. Late June/early July; Šibenik.

Hideout . Festival of cutting-edge DJ music takes over Zrće beach for a long weekend. Late June; Novalja, Pag island.

Fantastic Film Festival : Week-long event devoted to fantasy, horror and sci-fi genres, with open-air screenings and DJ events. Late June/early July; Zagreb.

Dan-D ("D-Day"): A long weekend devoted to contemporary design, with local creatives displaying their wares and DJ events in the evening. Early July; Zagreb.

Kastav Summer of Culture ( Kastafsko kulturno leto ): Concerts in the streets and squares of Kastav, near Rijeka. July/Aug.

St Donat’s Musical Evenings : Classical soloists and ensembles performing in an early medieval church. Early July to early Aug; Zadar.

Đakovo Embroidery : Folklore groups from all over Croatia celebrate traditional costumes, music and dance. Early July; Đakovo.

Omiš Klapa Festiva l : Traditional choirs ( klape ) from all over the country, with prizes for the best performances. Omiš.

Dubrovnik Summer Festival : Prestigious classical music and theatre event that makes full use of Dubrovnik’s historic buildings and atmospheric open spaces. Early July to late Aug; Dubrovnik.

Electric Elephant : Five-day fest for connoisseurs of quality dance music old and new, on the dedicated seaside festival site first established by the Garden Festival. Mid-July; Tisno.

Ultra Europe Festival : Mega-popular DJ festival with leading names entertaining the masses in the Poljud Stadium. Mid-July; Split.

Courtyards : The semi-hidden courtyard spaces of Zagreb’s Upper Town are opened up to the public in a week-long festival of live music, wine and food. July; Zagreb.

Vanka Regule (“Outside the rules”): Sports- and activity-based festival with an imaginative range of everybody-can-join-in competitions, followed by outdoor gigs. Late July; Sutivan, Brač.

Stop Making Sense : The cream of cutting-edge London club culture descends on Dalmatia for another long weekend of round-the-clock partying. Mid-July; Tisno.

International Folklore Festival : Highly enjoyable display of ethnic music and dance from all over Croatia, plus a range of international guests. Mid- to late July; Zagreb.

Seasplash : Reggae fest in the Punta Christo fortress, just north of Pula. Late July.

Osor Music Evenings : International chamber music. Late July to late Aug; Osor, Cres.

Pula Film Festival : The country’s annual crop of feature films, screened in the Roman amphitheatre. Pula.

Rab Fair : Huge medieval pageant featuring parades, archery contests, fine victuals and hearty drinking. July 25, 26 & 27; Rab.

SuncéBeat : The Dalmatian offshoot of well-known UK DJ event the Southport Weekender, held at the Garden site at Tisno. Late July; Tisno.

Motovun Film Festival : High-art film festival that also functions as a five-day open-air party. Late July/early Aug; Motovun.

Split Summer : Opera, orchestral music and a host of other high-cultural delights, with many performances taking place in Split’s ancient piazzas and squares. Mid-July to mid-Aug; Split.

Supertoon Festival : Hugely enjoyable animation fest with outdoor screenings of kids’ films, music videos and arty stuff. Late July/early Aug; Šibenik.

Soundwave : Another long weekend of DJ-orchestrated bliss at the Tisno festival site; early Aug

Saljske užance : Seafood feasts, donkey races, island madness. First weekend in Aug; Sali, Dugi otok.

Alka : A sort of medieval joust held in celebration of the 1715 victory over the Ottomans. Early Aug; Sinj.

Neretva Boat Marathon : Teams in traditional rowing boats race through the Neretva delta towards the sea. Second Sat in Aug; Metković.

Days of Diocletian : Locals dress up as ancient Romans for a night of city-centre swords-and-sandals partying, symbolically welcoming third-century Emperor Diocletian back into town. Mid-Aug; Split.

Tilting at the Ring : Competition in which horsemen attempt to spear a ring on the end of a lance. Third weekend in Aug; Barban, Istria.

Špancirfest : One of the few festivals to light up inland Croatia during the month of Aug, Špancirfest takes over the centre of Varaždin with a week of outdoor variety performances alongside pop, rock and folk concerts. Late Aug; Varaždin.

Vukovar Film Festival : New features from southeastern European countries, screened at various outdoor venues around town. Late Aug; Vukovar.

Dimensions : Eclectic, experimental dance music festival at Fort Punta Christo near Pula. Late Aug; Pula.

Outlook : A spectacular treat for fans of jungle/dub/dubstep and beyond, with sound systems and live music stages in and around the Punta Christo naval fort. Early Sept; Pula.

PIF International Festival of Puppet Theatre : Puppet productions from all over Europe. Mid-Sept; Zagreb.

Korkyra Baroque Festival : Ten-day festival of early music, with many of the performances taking place in historic churches. Early to mid-Sept; Korčula Town.

Hartera : Weekend rock-fest in an adapted old factory complex. Sept; Rijeka.

Buzet Saturday : Gastronomic and musical fiesta dedicated to the opening of the truffle-hunting season. Second weekend in Sept; Buzet.

Festival of World Theatre : Seriously worthwhile drama festival attracting the big European names. Mid- to late Sept; Zagreb.

Split Film Festival : Shorts, documentaries and art-house films. Mid- to late Sept; Split.

Varaždin Baroque Evenings : One of Europe’s most prestigious early music events, with performances in Varaždin cathedral and other city churches. Mid- to late Sept.

International Festival of Experimental Film and Video : Moving pictures from the cutting edge. Late Sept; Zagreb.

October – December

BIT ( Blind in Theatre ): International festival for visually impaired theatre groups. Extraordinary and unique. Odd-numbered years only. Early Oct; Zagreb.

Zagreb Film Festival : Outstanding documentaries and art movies from around the world. Generates a genuine festival atmosphere: free access to the late-night DJ parties is well worth the price of your cinema ticket. Oct or Nov; Zagreb.

St Martin’s Day : Festivities in all wine-producing regions of the country, with the chance to taste and buy the season’s new produce. Nov 11 or nearest weekend.

Human Rights Film Festival : Politically engaged documentaries from around the globe, plus the inevitable after-parties. Early to mid-Dec; Zagreb and Rijeka.

Advent in Zagreb : Food stalls, rakija bars, kooky gift markets, outdoor music stages and gallons of mulled wine; venues throughout the city centre. Dec; Zagreb.

Header image: © Shutterstock

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Travel advice for Croatia

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• Eating and drinking in Croatia
• How to get to Croatia
• Getting around Croatia: Transportation Tips
• National Parks in Croatia
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• Travel Tips Croatia for planning and on the go

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written by Rough Guides Editors

updated 25.05.2021

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Croatia, a mesmerising European destination, offers a diverse and captivating landscape that beckons travellers throughout the year. While summer is the most popular season for visiting this coastal gem, March unveils a different kind of charm that is often overlooked. As winter's grip begins to loosen and the country slowly awakens from its slumber, Croatia in March offers a unique blend of tranquillity, mild weather, and a variety of attractions waiting to be explored. In this guide, we will take you on a journey through the best places to visit in Croatia and Croatia March vacation ideas, where you can experience a balance between the fading winter and the emerging spring, all against a backdrop of stunning natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture.

Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a history buff, or simply seeking a peaceful escape, Croatia has something to offer everyone during this transitional season. Exploring Croatia during March is pleasant and provides a unique experience. So, pack your bags and get ready to discover Croatia's hidden treasures in March.

List Of 10 Best Places Of Croatia In March 2024

• Dubrovnik | Symbol of Croatia's Resilience
• Plitvice Lakes National Park | Hiking, Wildlife, and Pristine Natural Beauty
• Split | Unique Blend of History and Seaside Charm
• Zagreb | Cultural and Political Hub
• Rovinj | Romantic Ambiance
• Hvar Island | One of Croatia's Most Popular Islands
• Korčula | A Historic Gem
• Pula | Testament to its Roman Heritage
• Kopački Rit Nature Park | Haven for Nature and Bird Enthusiasts
• Krka National Park | Waterfalls, River Landscapes

1. Dubrovnik | Symbol of Croatia's Resilience

Dubrovnik is a stunning coastal city known for its well-preserved mediaeval walls, historic old town, and breathtaking Adriatic Sea views. The city's intact walls and charming streets make it a UNESCO World Heritage Site. One of the best places to visit in Croatia in March, the city's orange rooftops, crystal-clear waters, and rich cultural heritage are awe-inspiring.

• Major Attractions: Old Town, City Walls, Fort Lovrijenac, and the stunning coastline.
• Best Things to Do: Walk the city walls, visit historical museums, and enjoy seafood at local restaurants.

2. Plitvice Lakes National Park | Hiking, Wildlife, and Pristine Natural Beauty

Plitvice Lakes is a national park featuring a series of cascading lakes and waterfalls. The park is famous for its interconnected lakes and waterfalls, forming a unique karst landscape. The emerald lakes and lush surroundings make it a paradise for nature enthusiasts. One of the most popular Croatia travel destinations in March, it's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Croatia's most visited natural attractions.

• Major Attractions: Plitvice Lakes, Veliki Slap (Great Waterfall), and scenic trails.
• Best Things to Do: Hike the wooden walkways, take a boat ride, and capture the stunning scenery.

3. Split | Unique Blend of History and Seaside Charm

Split is a coastal city with a rich history, characterised by its well-preserved Roman Emperor Diocletian's Palace. The ancient palace is the heart of the city, blending history with modern life. The city's coastal setting, historic architecture, and vibrant street life are captivating. One of the best Croatia tourist attractions in March, Diocletian's Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as well.

• Major Attractions: Diocletian's Palace, Marjan Hill, and the Riva promenade.
• Best Things to Do: Explore the palace, enjoy local cuisine, and stroll along the waterfront.

4. Zagreb | Cultural and Political Hub

Croatia's capital, Zagreb, is a dynamic city with a mix of Austro-Hungarian and socialist architecture. It has a lively arts and cultural scene with numerous museums and galleries. The city's historic Upper Town and Lower Town offer diverse architectural beauty. The Zagreb walking tour is one of Croatia's off-season travel spots for a unique sightseeing experience.

• Major Attractions: St. Mark's Church, Ban Jelačić Square, and Zagreb Cathedral.
• Best Things to Do: Visit museums, experience local cafes, and explore the historic districts.

5. Rovinj | Romantic Ambiance

Rovinj is a picturesque coastal town with colourful buildings and a Venetian influence. The town is perched on a small peninsula, creating a charming, labyrinthine layout. The Adriatic views, cobbled streets, and charming squares make Rovinj a visual delight. Rovinj is a gem on the Istrian Peninsula.

• Major Attractions: St. Euphemia's Basilica, Rovinj Harbor, and Punta Corrente Park.
• Best Things to Do: Climb the bell tower, explore art galleries, and savour Istrian cuisine.

6. Hvar Island | One of Croatia's Most Popular Islands

Hvar is a sunny island known for its lavender fields, historic towns, and vibrant nightlife. The island's lush vegetation and Mediterranean charm set it apart. Hvar offers crystal-clear waters, picturesque villages, and a mild climate—a prime destination for beach lovers and partygoers.

• Major Attractions: Hvar Town, Pakleni Islands, and Stari Grad.
• Best Things to Do: Explore historic sites, relax on stunning beaches, and enjoy the island's nightlife.

7. Korčula | A Historic Gem

Korčula is an island with a mediaeval walled town believed to be the birthplace of Marco Polo. The town's layout resembles a fishbone, a design that optimises cooling breezes. The island is known for its vineyards, olive groves, and pristine waters. Korčula is famous for its history, wine, and traditional Moreska sword dance.

• Major Attractions: Korčula Old Town, St. Mark's Cathedral, and Lumbarda wine region.
• Best Things to Do: Explore the old town, taste local wines, and watch the Moreska dance.

8. Pula | Testament to its Roman Heritage

Pula is a coastal city with well-preserved Roman ruins, including a remarkable amphitheatre. Pula boasts a mix of historical and natural beauty, with clear waters and green landscapes. The city is a historical treasure trove with a modern twist.

• Major Attractions: Pula Arena, Temple of Augustus, and Kamenjak National Park.
• Best Things to Do: Explore Roman history, attend concerts in the arena, and visit natural parks.

9. Kopački Rit Nature Park | Haven for Nature and Bird Enthusiasts

Kopački Rit is a vast wetland in eastern Croatia, home to diverse wildlife and bird species. The park's extensive marshes, lakes, and floodplains make it a unique natural habitat. It offers serene landscapes and opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife photography.

• Major Attractions: Birdwatching, boat tours, and hiking trails.
• Best Things to Do: Observe the rich birdlife, explore the park's trails, and take a boat tour.

10. Krka National Park | Waterfalls, River Landscapes

Krka National Park is known for its series of cascading waterfalls, vibrant flora, and cultural heritage. Visitors can swim near the waterfalls and visit historic watermills. One of the hidden gems in Croatia in March, the waterfalls and lush surroundings are a visual delight.

• Major Attractions: Skradinski Buk Waterfall, Visovac Island, and Roški Slap Waterfall.
• Best Things to Do: Take a refreshing swim, explore the monastic heritage, and hike along the river.

Read More: Places To Visit In Croatia

Visiting Croatia in March allows you to experience a more peaceful and less crowded side of this beautiful country while still enjoying its natural beauty, rich history, and cultural treasures. Plan your trip to Croatia and places across the globe with Adotrip.com . Enjoy a wealth of information, end-to-end travel assistance and BOOK Flights, Hotels, and Tour Packages under one roof.

With us, nothing is far!

Frequently Asked Questions About Best Places To Visit In Croatia In March

Q1. What are the top destinations to explore in Croatia during March? A1. The top destinations to explore in Croatia during March are:

• Plitvice Lakes National Park
• Hvar Island
• Kopački Rit Nature Park
• Krka National Park

Q2. How's the weather in Croatia in March, and what activities are suitable? A2. Weather in Croatia in March is mild and pleasant for activities like sightseeing and exploring natural beauty.

Q3. Are there any cultural or historical sites that are must-visits during this time? A3. Cultural or historical sites that are a must-visit during this time

• Diocletian's Palace
• Dubrovnik City Walls
• St. Jacob’s Cathedral
• Euphrasian Basilica
• Pula Amphitheatre
• Salona Roman ruins

Q4. What are the natural attractions or national parks worth seeing in March in Croatia? A4. Natural attractions or national parks worth seeing in March in Croatia are:

Q5. Any recommendations for experiencing local cuisine and traditions in Croatia during March? A5. Recommendations for experiencing local cuisine and traditions in Croatia during March:

• Punjena Paprika
• Traditional charcuterie
• Black risotto

--- Published By  Adotrip

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The Best Month to Visit Croatia

If you’re planning a trip to Croatia , you want to be sure to pick the best month to visit this gorgeous country. The weather and prices vary a lot depending on the time of year and the places you want to visit, so it’s easier to break it down into months. 

Want to skip right to the best times to travel to Croatia? Head to May or October!

Weather in Croatia by Month 

Here’s what the weather in Croatia looks like by month in a typical year, and my recommendations for the best months to travel to Croatia. I lived here for almost two years as a digital nomad and resident , so I am a good source of info!

Croatia in January 

January is the cheapest time to go to Croatia – and it’s also the coldest. In Dalmatia and Dubrovnik with their warmer coastal climates, this is the only month of true winter we get. If you’re coming from a northern climate, it will feel pretty mild. 

The weather in Croatia in January still has a fair amount of sunny days, though there’s also typically some rain mixed in. And the wind can bite pretty hard once in a while too. 

In Split in January, once the Feast of the Epiphany marks the end of the Christmas season on January 6, a whole lot of restaurants, bars, and shops close down for anywhere from a week to over a month. The owners and workers take their break in this quiet time of the year. Don’t expect to have a lot of options for dining in the city center. 

There are also very few flights to Croatia in the winter, particularly if you’re going anywhere but Zagreb. Croatia currently is a heavily seasonal tourist destination, and you’ll feel that especially on the coasts. But the quietness of life is also a nice change from the crowds of summer—the chill atmosphere is why I love visiting Croatia in winter.

When you move inland to Zagreb or the western part of Croatia, it’s truly winter there – you will probably see snow at some point. It’s not bitterly cold usually, but you’ll need to bundle up. Since Zagreb is a major city, it remains open and lively at this time. 

Croatia in February 

The weather in Croatia in February starts to slowly grow milder. But it’s still fairly chilly and windy on the coasts, and cold inland. The coast and islands are still very quiet, so Zagreb is still your best bet at this time and prices are low. 

Don’t miss: 8 things you need to know before you travel to Croatia

Croatia in March 

The weather in Croatia in March is warming up, and spring here is very beautiful. Everyone is out in cafes again sipping coffee on the terraces, the trees are an almost neon green, and flowers are in bloom all around. 

But there’s one big reminder that it’s not summer yet – the bura winds are blowing on the coast. There are supposedly four winds of March, and those are the last of the spring bura. Bura doesn’t sound that bad, but let me tell you, when you get windburn every time you step outside and are awakened in the night by 75+ mph wind gusts, it’s no joke. 

The coast is waking up a bit as well, as shops and restaurants begin to reopen. 

Croatia in April 

April in Croatia is the full Mediterranean spring experience.

The weather inland is warmer, and the coast smells like a mix of jasmine and the sea when you visit the beach on a walk.

Everyone is happy and relaxed because the tourist season has just begun (it typically starts after Easter) and it seems like the world is in bloom. If you prefer temperate (not cold, not hot) weather, this is the best season for Croatia travel!

Croatia in May 

May is the best month to visit Croatia, in my opinion, especially if you’re visiting Split , Dubrovnik , Zadar, or any other part of the Croatian coastline. It’s warm enough most days to go to the beach in Split to sunbathe and enjoy a cool (but not cold) swim. It’s not too hot to be walking around and exploring all day, and the bars and restaurants are nearly all open at this point. 

But since it’s not yet high season, prices are still reasonable and the crowds haven’t arrived (unless a cruise ship has pulled into Dubrovnik).

It’s the best weather at a decent price – I highly recommend visiting Croatia in May!

Plus, if you’re in Split on May 7, you can enjoy Sveti Duje Day – the feast of St. Domnius. It’s a major local celebration full of fireworks, parties in the street, and a lot of ringing bells from the Sv. Duje bell tower in the center of Diocletian’s palace. 

Croatia in June 

June also has terrific beach weather – it’s warm enough for almost anyone to swim comfortably, but not yet too hot to sit on the beach for a few hours. The crowds are arriving on the coasts though, and costs begin to rise at this time. 

Early June is better than late June to visit Croatia to avoid the heat and the crowds. Inland Croatia and Istria are quite temperate as well, and beautiful. 

Croatia in July 

The madness of the season on the coasts is in full swing. It’s hot every day – too hot to sit on the beach in the middle of the day or walk around in the sun. The old towns of Split, Dubrovnik, and Zadar are packed with tourists from all over, and it’s nearly impossible to get a seat at a decent central restaurant. 

And prices are sky-high in all the coastal areas. You’ll pay a lot to be crowded by careless tourists, wait in line for everything, and need to book well in advance. Not my favorite time of year here in Croatia, for digital nomads or tourists alike.  

Even Zagreb is pretty hot at this time of year, and you can’t jump in the sea there to cool down. On the plus side, there are tons of flights. 

Croatia in August 

The weather in August is pretty similar to July—plus there are even more crowds and higher prices on the coast, and more heat everywhere. Again, not my favorite unless you get a villa on a quiet part of an island away from the crowded towns.

Croatia in September 

In September, the weather in Croatia begins to cool down and the crowds start to thin out. There’s still plenty going on and the coast is very open, and flights are still available. But prices go a little lower, and the heat is a bit less intense. 

If you’re looking for guaranteed beach weather with a very warm sea, but don’t want to battle the full summer crowds, this is a good time to visit Split or the islands. Istria is also beautiful at this time of year if you’re interested in visiting that region (and you should be!).

How to Spend 3 Days in Split, Croatia

Croatia in October 

October is the other best month to visit to Croatia. The crowds are gone but most sites and restaurants/bars are still open, even in the smaller coastal areas and the islands. It’s still warm enough to lie on the beach and swim in the sea most days. Prices go down because the season is over on the coasts. 

And more inland, the fall is beautiful as well and there are no crowds in the nature parks, so visiting Croatia in October is great if you’re into more than just sunbathing. Zagreb is bustling, and you can still visit attractions like Plitvice and Krka parks to see them without the crowds and with the changing fall leaves. 

The weather on the coasts be occasionally be rainy and stormy—this is the only downside. But a Dalmatian thunderstorm has its own intense beauty, and it means you can visit a cozy konoba and eat pasticada and drink wine while the storm passes, which usually happens quickly. 

Croatia in November 

This is when the coastal towns and islands start to shut down and get a bit quieter. It’s not that you can’t visit them – there’s still people who live there – but your options will be fewer for sure. 

The weather takes a turn for the colder, though it’s a mild chill. Stick to Zagreb, Rijeka, or Split for a base if you want to have more options for hotels and restaurants and to meet more people. 

Croatia in December 

Croatia is an under-the-radar place to spend Christmas in Europe. It’s a very Catholic country, so they love to celebrate Christmas to the max and it’s one of the best times to visit Croatia if you want a festive local atmosphere.

Every city and town has their own decorations and celebrations. Zagreb is the place to be for the Christmas decorations and markets, full of stalls selling beautiful handmade gifts and mulled wine and fritule (tiny donuts). Split has a smaller version and several Christmas markets to explore all through Advent, and the party continues until the Feast of the Epiphany on January 6. 

If you’re looking for an undiscovered Europe Christmas market destination, Croatia is a great option. Prices for accomodations do go up in Zagreb in December because it’s a popular domestic destination, so plan accordingly. 

The Best Time to Travel to Croatia

What is the best time of year to visit Croatia? Ultimately, it depends on what you want to do on your trip. Croatia might be small in population, but it’s got a huge variety of things to do and places to see. I hope you enjoy this country I’ve come to love and have lived in for much of the past two years!

More Croatia Travel Info:

• Planning the Perfect Croatia Trip: Everything You Need to Know
• How to Spend 3 Days in Split
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Best Time to Visit Croatia: For Weather, Island Hopping, Sightseeing & More

By: Author Taylor Lorenz

Posted on Last updated: 03/27/2023

Croatia has been a hotspot on the map of popular European tourist destinations for many years now, and it’s a truly wonderful place to visit for its stunning blue waters, island hopping, and old towns that were a backdrop for films, TV, and tourist pictures alike.

The time of year that you take your Croatia vacation will depend on all kinds of different things, and it can be tricky to choose a month or a season sometimes, especially when you’re going somewhere that has areas that lovely all year round.

To help you out, we’ve written this guide outlining the best time of year to go to Croatia based on factors that can affect your trip.

Table of Contents

Best Time of Year to Visit Croatia

Whenever you choose to go to Croatia depends on your personal preferences, but there are some things that you may wish to consider. Weather, expenses, and crowds can all have an impact on your trip.

For Weather

Croatia is a country in the Balkans and its weather is mild.

Like most places in the northern hemisphere, Croatia is generally warm and dry in the summer and cool in the winter, but the climate differs from place to place throughout the country.

The closer you are to the Adriatic Sea, the warmer you’ll be. For example, some of Croatia’s most popular cities such as Dubrovnik, Split, and Zadar , are on the coast, so you can expect a typical Mediterranean climate there. While in the capital, Zagreb, which in inland you can expect snow in the winter but hot summers.

The coldest months of the year are January and February, which have temperatures with highs of 10°С and lows of 2°С. On average, December is the rainiest month, with 80mm of rain and 13 rainy days.

For Budget Conscious Travellers

Those who have a tight budget will benefit from going to Croatia outside of the high season. The high season is June, July, and August, when North American and European schools break for the summer.

If you travel during the shoulder seasons (the months before and after the high season) in May and September, you’ll be able to benefit from cheaper flights and accommodation, as well as having the possibility that prices will be lower at attractions and eateries.

Prices can really shoot up in December over the Christmas period, as this is when people travel to see their family or take Christmas vacations, so avoiding these times can help you save some pennies.

So, the best time to travel to Croatia on a budget is either during the months of May or September, or anywhere outside of June, July, August, and December.

To Avoid Crowds

The best months enjoy all that Croatia has to offer while still avoiding crowds are likely to be May and September. These are the shoulder seasons and they offer you the best of both worlds. You’ll still get to enjoy the weather and events that are available, but there will be fewer people around and prices are often cheaper!

Croatia has some great festivals, many of which are held in the months of July and August, so be aware that there can be even larger crowds than typical summer tourists.

The school holidays, which are usually from mid-July to early September, over the Christmas and Easter periods, in October, and in February, can be incredibly busy times to travel to Croatia, too.

For Island Hopping

Croatia is popular for its island-hopping holidays, which is hardly surprising considering the islands and the surrounding waters are so beautiful.

While it may be a touch on the busy side, the best time to travel to Croatia to go island hopping is the summertime, such as July and August. This is because the weather is warmer, the sea is warmer, and the ferries are more active.

The ferries that can take you from island to island will often have reduced schedules out of peak times, so it can be much easier to island-hop during the summer. 

If you really want to avoid the crowds, try going in June or September instead. However, some accommodations, restaurants, clubs, and bars close in the autumn (typically mid-end of September), so we don’t recommend island hopping during the autumn or winter months.

READ MORE: 11 Best Islands in Croatia for a Scenic Visit

For Sightseeing

There are a great many much-loved beaches in Croatia, such as the most famous beach in all of Croatia, Zlatni Rat Beach in Bol, and Banje in Dubrovnik.

The beaches can get super busy during the peak beach seasons (May-September), but that’s not necessarily a bad thing! If you want to avoid the hustle and bustle, you’ll still get warm weather and sea temperatures at the beaches in April and October too.

The Adriatic Sea is generally warm, apart from during the winter, so swimming when you go to the beach should be on the cards, especially if you go during the warmer summer months. 

Croatia is known for its stunning national parks, and spring is a great time to visit them because of the foliage and wildlife that comes to life during that season. If you like hiking, visiting the national parks in spring or early autumn can be perfect because the weather is nice, but it won’t be too hot.

There are a number of popular destinations for tourists in Croatia, including Split and Dubrovnik. Split is Croatia’s second-largest city and is on the Dalmation coast. The best time to visit Split for activities and events is the peak season, but you can actually enjoy what this city has to offer all year round. One of Split’s most popular events is the Split summer festival, which is held in July, and has been running since 1954! 

Dubrovnik is perhaps the most famous destination in Croatia, popular with tourists, it’s listed as a UNESCO world heritage site. It has around 2,900 hours of sunshine every year, making Dubrovnik a wonderful place to go if you like to catch rays. With that in mind, we think that the best time to visit Dubrovnik is in the spring and summer months, from April to August, as you’ll see some of the best of nature, as well as experiencing awesome weather.

Croatia is also known for its music festivals, including Hideout Festival (June), Suncebeat Festival (July), and Defected Croatia (August). These music festivals are loved by both visitors and locals and bring music lovers to the country from far and wide.

There isn’t really a bad time to go to Zagreb, the main city to go to that’s inland, but there are some key events that tourists like to attend, such as Dance Week Festival, We Love Sound music festival, and Zagreb Pride, all of which are held in June.

Croatia Travel Insurance

Best Season to Visit Croatia

Croatia isn’t a place of extreme weather, but you can expect four distinct seasons, with hot summers and much cooler winters.

Summer (June-August)

The summer months are the best time to go to Croatia weather-wise, with July and August being the warmest.

The average temperature in June during the day is 26°С and the sea temperature is 23°С. In July, you can expect temperatures of around 29°С and sea temperatures at 25°С. August is the hottest month of the year in Croatia, with average temperatures of 30°С and sea temperatures at 26°С.

This is the high season and is definitely the best time for sun-seekers to take a vacation to Croatia.

Autumn (September-November)

You’ll still get hot weather when you visit Croatia in the autumn. In fact, you can expect averages of 25°С in September and sea temperatures of 24°С. October has temperature averages of 21°С and 20°С for the sea.

In November, the temperature drops dramatically, with averages of 14°С and the sea at around 17°С. Early autumn can be an awesome time to visit because it’s still warm, but it’s not scorching hot like it can be in the summer.

Winter (December-February)

Winter is cool throughout the country, with average temperature highs at 11°С in December, 10°С in January, and 9°С in February. February is the coldest time of year in Croatia. Winter is the only time of year in Croatia that the sea temperature is warmer than the temperature on land.

S pring (March-May)

Spring is when you can start to see temperatures rise again. In March, the average temperature during the day is around 13°С, in April it’s 17°С, and in May it’s 23°С.

May is when temperatures really start to get high again and the sea temperature will be around 19°С, so this can be a great time to visit.

When is the best time to go to Croatia?

After taking into consideration everything above, the best month to visit Croatia is June. Other brilliant months to go are May and September (when I personally went and loved). In May and September you can expect fewer crowds and lower prices, but still get warm weather.

If you don’t mind a bit of busyness, going to Croatia in July and August could be a great option for you, especially if you enjoy the hot weather or want to go island hopping. The summer is also a brilliant time to visit Croatia as it’s music festival season. There are some awesome music festivals in the country, but we recommend booking early to avoid disappointment.

Visiting cities such as Zagreb , Split , and Dubrovnik is great throughout the year and you should find that most attractions are open. However, in parts of the low season, bars, restaurants, and clubs close on the islands, even the most popular ones such as Hvar , Brac , and Korcula , so it’s far from an ideal time to go island hopping.

Since Croatia is on the Adriatic coast, it’s great for swimming because the waters are warm almost year-round. The waters are good for swimming, however, it can get windier and wetter during the winter, and the waters are colder, so we don’t recommend swimming in the winter unless you do it for a shock!

When is the best time to visit Croatia and Slovenia?

Croatia and Slovenia are neighbouring countries and are similar in climate, although Slovenia is a little cooler. The best time to visit Slovenia and Croatia are May and September, the shoulder seasons. Visiting during these months means that you get ideal weather without it being too hot or cold, fewer crowds are around, and prices are typically lower for flights and accommodation. September is your best bet if you want to see fall foliage, especially in hot spots such as Lake Bled in Slovenia , and Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia.

Enjoy your visit to Croatia, make sure to give yourself plenty of time, there’s so much to see and do!

Continue planning your trip to Croatia!

• Croatia Travel Tips & Guides
• Slovenia Travel Tips & Guides

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The best time to visit Croatia: our season-by-season guide to planning an Adriatic adventure

When is the best time to visit Croatia? Whenever you’re ready! Whether you’re chasing summer sun, celebrating the harvest, or cozying up for winter festivities, Croatia is ready to welcome you. Join us on one of our Croatia tours and see for yourself why there’s no bad time to visit this diverse, coastal country.

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Croatia Travel Guide: Things To Know Before Traveling To Croatia

Welcome to our Croatia Travel Guide where you will find all the information you need for planning a trip to Croatia.

When I think of Croatia, I associate it with small, safe, sublime, pebbles, islands, sea, and countryside. The country has over a thousand islands , 8 national parks , 11 nature parks, over 6.000 km of coastline, and ten World Heritage sites .

From Paklenica climbing sites , beautiful beaches of central Dalmatia , the great food of Istria , Croatia’s fabulous wines, partying on the islands, and sailing the Adriatic , Croatia has much to offer its visitors.

We’ve dedicated this entire website to this wonderful country. Vera was born and raised in Croatia, and I moved here in 2005. We’ve been traveling around Croatia extensively. And here at our blog, we share the best of Croatia just as we discover it.

Visitors to Croatia can find useful travel tips , in-depth destination guides, things to do , places to stay , and lots of information on Croatian food and restaurants. I also sometimes share my musings on ex-pat life in Croatia .

Table of Contents

Where is Croatia located?

Before moving forward, let’s get the basic facts sorted out. Croatia is located in Europe! It is a Central European and Mediterranean country, bordered by the Adriatic Sea to the west. Croatia shares borders with Italy, Slovenia, Hungary, Serbia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, and Montenegro. It shares The longest land border with Bosnia and the longest sea border with Italy.

Below you will find the location of Croatia on the map.

Do you need a visa?

Most foreign visitors don’t need a visa to enter Croatia, including, but not limited to, EU countries, the UK, the USA, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.

Foreign citizens of those countries can enter Croatia and stay here for 90 days within 180 days.

Citizens of EU countries can enter Croatia using only their ID cards; all others need to travel with a valid passport to enter Croatia.

If you require a visa to enter Croatia but hold a valid Schengen visa, as well as visas for Cyprus, Romania, and Bulgaria, you don’t need a separate visa for Croatia. You are free to travel to Croatia under the condition of your current visa from the above-mentioned countries.

If you require a visa for Croatia, you can print and fill out the application forms here and submit them along with the requested documents to the Croatian Embassy, Consulate, or an accredited tourist agency.

To apply for a Croatian visa, you’ll need a valid passport issued less than 10 years ago with an expiry date at least three months after the intended departure date from Croatia.

All questions regarding visa you can send via [email protected].

Weather in Croatia

Croatia has three distinct climates: the continental climate in its interior, the Mediterranean along the coast, and the mountain above 1200 m.

Along the coast, you can expect dry, hot, and sunny summers and mild, although sometimes wet, winters. Weather along the south Adriatic region of Dalmatia is generally drier and sunnier than in the northern Adriatic region of Istria. Daily temperatures can differ up to 5°C (40°F).

Although the average summer temperatures are around 22°C (72°F), in July and August, you can expect over 40 days with daily temperatures of over 30°C (86°F).  Average winter temperatures are around 10°C, with January being the coldest month with daily average temperatures of less than 10°C (50°F).  The average sea temperature varies from 12°C (54°F) in winter to 25°C (77°F) in summer.

Croatia’s interior has a moderate continental climate. Winters are cold and wet, with lots of fog, while summers get hot and dry.  Average winter temperatures are around 4°C (40°F), while the average summer temperature is around 22°C (72°F).

Money in Croatia

Croatian currency.

The Croatian currency is Euro, a common European currency, as of January 1, 2023. At the time of writing this article, for 1 $, you get almost 1 € (0,94  to be exact), for 1 £ you get 1,13 €, for 1 CAD, you get 0,70 €, and 1 AUD will get you 0,64 €.

Exchanging the money in Croatia

The majority of the exchange offices advertise a “no commission policy”. While it is true that they don’t charge the typical commission, they do set their own exchange rates. These rates can vary significantly. Beware of these discrepancies, and shop around for the best rate.

ATM machines in Croatia

When withdrawing money from an ATM, try to use official banks’ ATM machines (they should have a sign of one of the Croatian banks like Zagrebacka, Privredna OTP, Erste, or Adikko Bank). These ATM machines are usually near the bank’s branch offices.

In resorts and hotels, you’ll often find Euronet (blue and yellow), Auro Domus ATM machines (yellow and black), or any other non-bank ATM machine. While they are often located at more prominent spots in towns, hotels, and resorts and are thus more convenient to use, they are also more expensive. However, if convenience is more important to you than a few euros here and there, go ahead and use these machines as well. I personally never use them.

Credit cards in Croatia

Although credit cards are widely accepted in Croatia, they aren’t accepted everywhere. One of the first things you will notice in Croatia is the abundance of ATM machines wherever you go. Smaller businesses, as well as some restaurants and bars, prefer cash. A general rule of thumb is that if you see a credit card sticker at the door or near the cashier, you should be able to pay by credit card. But the only safe way to know is to actually ask.

Another thing regarding money that you need to be aware of is the so-called dynamic currency conversion . This basically means that the amount of your credit card transaction is converted to your home currency at the point of sale (rather than by the card issuer).

In hotels or restaurants, or just about anywhere you intend to pay by credit card, the staff will ask you if you prefer the charge in local currency (Euro) or your own currency. While theoretically, you might sometimes profit from being charged in your own currency by a merchant on the spot, it rarely happens in reality. You will just end up paying more than you otherwise would. So, always choose to pay in local currency . Or ask for the exchange rate and compare it with the one you find that day on the internet.

When is the high season in Croatia?

The high season in Croatia is from mid-June to mid-September. The peak travel time includes the last week of July and the first two weeks of August.

However, the busiest time is not always the best time to visit Croatia.

Best time to visit Croatia

The best time of the year to visit Croatia is in June and September . There are far fewer people around (definitely no queues, traffic jams, or crowded beaches), the weather is still warm and sunny, prices are more affordable, and the sea is warm enough to swim in. Another tip: The Sea is usually warmer in September than in June.

Also, remember that Croatia is extremely popular among Germans and Austrians, especially the northern Adriatic regions of Istria and Kvarner. So, crowds (and accommodation prices) tend to increase around German school holidays (like Corpus Christi – it’s either in mid-May to early June or late May to mid-June; it changes from year to year). Ha, but this also means that in the year when German school holidays are in May, hotels often offer special discounts for June. And vice versa.

What to bring to Croatia

We all have our own rules and tricks when it comes to packing. However, we’ll give you a few ideas on what to bring and what to wear in Croatia.

Croatia has four seasons and three distinctive climates: a Mediterranean climate along the coast, a mountain climate on its rugged mountains, and a continental climate inland.

This means that if you are visiting Croatia during the summer, most of your clothes should be light. Nevertheless, a windbreaker jacket, a pair of long pants, and leggings always come in handy. For the rest, take a couple of shorts and tops that you can mix and match or a few casual summer dresses. Don’t forget your beachwear, including swimsuits and cover-ups, water shoes, sunglasses, and a microfiber towel. A pair of sandals and a pair of walking shoes are also a must, as well as a travel money belt .

Also, with luggage restrictions and weight limits, it’s worth investing in lightweight luggage  to travel to Croatia.

As for the rest, don’t forget your photo equipment (with plenty of extra batteries), waterproof phone bag, adapters, converters, and other small things you will find indispensable in Croatia. Croatia uses 220V, 50 Hz frequency, and type C & F plugs. Both are similar plugs with two round prongs with 19 mm between them.

Here is our full post on what to bring and what to wear in Croatia. 

Getting to Croatia

Traveling to Croatia from anywhere in Europe is quite easy. From April through September, many airlines have direct flights from all over Europe to all major Croatian towns. Besides, Split and Zagreb are connected by plane with the rest of Europe throughout the year. For detailed information on flights scheduled to Croatia, consult the CheapOair website.

We’ve also recently found out about Scott’s cheap flights program . They basically search for airline mistakes or intentionally great deals and email them to you. We haven’t used it, but it seems worth a try (they have a free plan too).

You can also travel to Croatia from other European towns by bus . Bus schedules are a bit harder to search for as many bus companies run the service. However, if you want to travel by bus, we highly recommend using the GetByBus website to check and book intercity buses in Croatia and beyond.

You can also check with a local bus station once you are at your destination and can physically walk there. Getting information over the phone or email can be impractical and expensive (yes, they still use automated phone machines that make you wait forever and charge you a fortune for waiting!).

Find out more here:

• Zagreb Bus Station
• Split Bus Station
• Zadar Bus Station

Train connections to and around Croatia are quite limited, and we generally don’t recommend traveling by train to Croatia. However, if you really have to, you can find more information on the Croatian Railways website .

International ferries connect Croatia and Italy. Directferries’ website is the best place to check ferries schedules and book tickets online. Jadrolinija operates Bari to Dubrovnik, Split to Ancona, Split to Bari, and Zadar to Ancona car ferry lines, while Venezialines passenger ferry connects Porec, Rovinj, and Pula with Venice.

Our favorite way to travel around Europe, and to Croatia as well, is by car . Whether it’s your own car or a rental car , it’s the most convenient way to move around Europe.

Getting around Croatia

The best way to travel around Croatia is by car . Croatia is a small country with great roads and nice little villages , totally worth a detour. The only way to really discover the country is to travel by car. We’ve written a full post about driving in Croatia and car rental in Croatia .

Another excellent way to travel around Croatia is by bus . Buses are modern, fast, affordable, and frequent. The islands and Istria are the only places we wouldn’t recommend bus traveling . For the rest, if you can’t travel by car for whatever reason, hop on the bus and enjoy the ride. Use BookAway to check lines and schedules and to book your bus ticket online.

Ferries are still the most popular and sometimes the only way to get to the islands. The main ferry ports include Rijeka, Zadar, and Split, but ferries also depart from smaller coastal towns like Brsecine, Makarska, Drvenik, Orebic, Ploce, and Prapratno. Jadrolinija is the largest ferry operator in Croatia, and its ferries cover most of the routes. You can also book your ferry tickets for some routes online through the Bookaway website .

Public transportation in bigger towns is reliable and efficient. Split, Rijeka, Zadar, Pula, and Dubrovnik use city buses, while Zagreb has an extensive network of electric trams and city buses. Public transport costs around 2€ per ride.

Taxis are generally pricey (except in Zagreb and Rijeka), but since Uber entered the market in 2015, cab rides have become more affordable. UberX is available in most popular tourist towns like Zagreb, Split, Rovinj, Dubrovnik, Zadar, etc… Uber and Cammeo Taxi are the cheapest taxi options in Croatia. However, both companies also adjust their rates to demand dynamically, and rates generally increase during the main tourist season.

Croatia holiday destinations

One of the most common questions is  where to go in Croatia . Many visitors who travel to Croatia for the first time tend to visit the main tourist towns and attractions, like Zagreb, Split, Plitvice, Hvar, and Dubrovnik. However, Croatia has many hidden gems , charming villages , wonderful natural sites , and  beautiful beaches .

Where to go depends heavily on the type of traveler you are, the things you want to do , the time you plan to spend in Croatia, and your budget .

We have written extensive travel guides on the following holiday destinations in Croatia:

• Split Travel Guide
• Dubrovnik Travel Guide
• Zagreb Travel Guide
• Plitvice Lakes Travel Guide
• Hvar Island Travel Guide
• Rovinj Travel Guide
• Porec Travel Guide
• Rabac Travel Guide
• Pula Travel Guide
• Brac Island Travel Guide
• Peljesac Peninsula Travel Guide
• Dalmatia Region Travel Guide
• Dubrovnik Region Travel Guide
• Istria Travel Guide

National parks

Croatia is a small country with a surface of just over 56.000 m2. However, due to its geographical location, geomorphological and ecological conditions, and climate, in terms of biodiversity, Croatia is one of the richest countries in Europe.

The nature here is divine: from the Adriatic sea and high-rising mountains to the plains of Slavonia and the rolling hills of Istria and Zagorje.

The country has eight national parks, ten nature parks, and two strict reserves. Almost 10% of the country’s territory is protected. The national parks of Kornati, Brijuni, and Mljet are located on the islands and are characterized by rich marine life. The Risnjak, Northern Velebit, and Paklenica national parks cover mountainous areas. They all feature interesting limestone rocks, meadows, and vast forests.

Plitvice Lakes, Croatia’s most visited national park, and Krka national park are famed for their lakes, streams, rapids, and waterfalls.

Unesco World Heritage Sites

Croatia doesn’t lack cultural and historical sites. Even ten of them made it to the Unesco World Heritage Sites list.

These sites include The Euphrasian Basilica in Porec, St. James Cathedral in Sibenik, the old town of Trogir, Diocletian Palace in Split, Dubrovnik old town , Stari grad planes on the island of Hvar, Plitvice Lakes, the Venetian Works of Defence from the 16th and 17th centuries in Zadar and Sibenik, Stećci Medieval Tombstone Graveyards in Cista Provo and Konavle, and Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests in national parks Paklenica and Northern Velebit.

With the exception of the Plitvice Lakes, all other sights are located along the coast. Here is our list of 10 Unesco World Heritage Sites in Croatia not to be missed.

Accommodation

We often get asked about the best type of accommodation in Croatia. For this reason, we’ve written a full post on different types of accommodation in Croatia , with their pros and cons.

Croatia offers a variety of accommodations to choose from: hotels, hostels, apartments, villa rentals, and campsites. Which is right for you depends heavily on your travel style and budget.

Croatia is mostly seen as a  4-star family destination . However, some destinations are fancier than others. This is particularly true for Dubrovnik, Hvar Town, and partially Rovinj.

We’ve written extensive guides on accommodation in the following destinations in Croatia:

• Where to stay in Split
• Where to stay in Dubrovnik
• Accommodation in Zagreb
• Where to stay in Rovinj
• The Best Hotels in Rovinj
• Where to stay in Porec
• Plitvice Lakes Accommodation
• Where to stay in Pula
• The 12 Best Makarska Hotels

Hotels in Croatia

A good choice of 5-star hotels you’ll find in Zagreb, Dubrovnik, Rovinj, and Losinj Island. Although some hotels offer an all-inclusive formula, all-inclusive resorts aren’t popular in Croatia. All-inclusive Croatia mostly refers to a full board meal plan with unlimited selected drinks at mealtimes. Many hotels in Croatia offer a half-board meal plan , and dinner often comes cheap when purchased as a part of a room rate.

Booking.com is by far the most popular website for browsing and booking hotels in Croatia. They offer the most flexible booking policy and offer the most choice of properties. You can also check the hotel’s official website. Sometimes hotels offer special deals available only through their website.

Apartments in Croatia

Many Croatians rent apartments to tourists. Apartments are a good alternative to hotels. They are cheaper, offer more space, and come with a fully-equipped kitchen.

Apartment rentals, just like hotels, need to be licensed and get an official star rating. The most popular websites for apartment rentals in Croatia are Booking.com and Airbnb.

Villas in Croatia

Another popular and emerging type of accommodation is villa rentals . Mostly located off the big tourist resorts, these villas offer peace and quiet, and lots of privacy. Besides, villas come with a pool where you can chill all day long.

Croatia is also a very popular camping destination . There are lots of campsites all along the coast, and just a few of them are in continental Croatia.

Popular campsites in Croatia include Lanterna in Porec , Valkanela in Vrsar, Polari in Rovinj, Park Umag, and Zaton near Zadar. The best place to make yourself familiar with Croatian campsites is the Camping.hr website, an official website of the Croatian Camping Association.

Many of our readers reach out to us with a question about driving in Croatia, road condition, and safety on Croatian roads. Croatian roads are in very good condition. A fairly new multi-lane motorway connects Zagreb to the north and Rijeka to the northwest with Ploce in the south.

Tolls apply on all multi-lane motorways named with the letter A, as well as on some tunnels (eg. Ucka tunnel between Rijeka & Istria), etc. A one-way fee from Zagreb to Split (approx. 400 km) costs 24 € (25 $)*.

Besides motorways, you can also travel on toll-free state roads. These roads are also in good condition, but a single carriageway road, with a single lane for each direction, and some of them, particularly a coastal road D1, are winding.

*prices checked in January 2023

Renting a car

The best way to explore Croatia is by car. And if you don’t travel in your own car, don’t shy away from renting a car in Croatia. You’ll be able to take in the sights; travel off the beaten path; see more in less time, and have the freedom to stop wherever and whenever you feel.

Car rental in Croatia is very  seasonal . This simply means that you’ll need to secure your car rental well in advance if you plan on visiting Croatia in July and August. This also means that  rental prices  increase dramatically in these two summer months. We recommend using Rentalcars.com for your car rental in Croatia.

Tourist registration

All tourists staying in Croatia need to be registered at a local tourist office. And non-EU citizens will also be automatically registered with the police.

This is the reason why during the check-in process at any hotel, private accommodation, or campsite, you’ll be requested to show (and often leave until the next morning) your passport or an ID card.

We love food in Croatia. It’s varied, fresh, local, and tasty. In continental Croatia, people eat lots of meat, while a diet in coastal regions is heavily based on fish, other seafood, and green veggies.

As a traveler, you might also make some false assumptions based on food offered in touristy restaurants along the coast. These restaurants often offer what tourists ask for, and not necessarily typical Croatian dishes.

One of the most popular posts on our blog is our post on must-try Croatian dishes . Make sure to read it so you don’t miss some of the local specialties.

We also give a couple of tips on where to find local, delicious, and cheap eats in Croatia .

And don’t miss our ultimate list of the best places to eat in Croatia . Istrian restaurants rank the highest on this list.

Tap water is safe to drink in Croatia. However, if you still prefer to drink bottled water, bear in mind that bottled water is extremely expensive here. For instance, a 1.5 L bottle of natural water costs around 0.9 € in a supermarket, three times more expensive than in Italy. You can find cheaper bottled water in Lidl, and Eurospin supermarkets.

The legal drinking age in Croatia is 18. Among alcoholic drinks, wines, beer, and spirits are very popular in Croatia.

Drinking usually takes place at cafe bars, serving any kind of drinks, from coffee, and tea, to wine, beer, and any alcoholic drinks. Cafes work all day, opening as early as 6 am, and closing usually around midnight. Nightclubs, pubs, and some bars work until 4 am.

Local wines are good. In the last two decades, many small, family-run wineries have set high standards in the production of quality wines made of indigenous grape varieties, like Malvazija, a dry white wine produced in Istria , or Plavac Mali, a red variety dominating vineyards of the southern Dalmatia .

Croatians also drink lots of beer , but you’ll hardly find an exciting choice of beers here in Croatia (not the case any longer, the craft beer scene in Croatia is now super exciting! ). The most popular mass-produced local beers are Karlovacko and Ozujsko, both light-lager types. In recent years many microbreweries started putting on the market a more appealing craft beer, like San Servolo , LAB, or Zmajska Pivovara .

Spirits are very popular in Croatia, and they come in a variety of flavors. Here they are called rakija . The basic one is most often produced from grapes (called Loza), but then they are flavored with different ingredients. The most popular are travarica (herb brandy), medica (honey brandy), orahovaca (walnut brandy), visnja (cherry brandy), mirta (myrtle brandy), and rogac (carob brandy).

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance covers all kinds of situations if things go wrong: from luggage loss, to trip cancellation, to medical assistance.

If you are an EU citizen then your European Medical Insurance Card covers your basic medical needs and emergency medical care. However, it doesn’t cover emergency transport to your home country.

Non-EU citizens are advised to check with their embassies for what level of medical care they are covered in Croatia, as it heavily depends on the bilateral and reciprocal agreement between the countries.

For other damages like document and baggage loss, loss of belongings, and trip cancellation, you’ll definitely need to purchase travel insurance. There are many travel insurance companies offering different insurance options and packages. You can compare all your options using a website like Travel Insurance Review .

We recommend buying travel insurance from Safety Wing . Available to people from the majority of countries (only sanctioned countries are exempt) it’s designed for all kinds of travelers. And it covers overseas medical, evacuation, baggage, and a range of travel misadventures and delays. And, one child up to 10 years of age is included in an adult’s policy free of charge. You can buy it and claim it online , even after you’ve left home.

Tours and activities

Croatia offers a lot of activities to do for all ages and all year round. The country is rich in history, natural beauty, ancient towns, wonderful architecture, pristine beaches, and rugged mountains.

Foodies will enjoy exploring restaurants in Croatia, especially in Istria, Zagreb, Dubrovnik , and Split . Croatia produces some of the world’s best extra virgin olive oils (if you wonder why you should care, read Tom Mueller’s book Extra Virginity: the sublime and scandalous world of olive oil ). There are lots of places where you can go for an  olive oil tasting , and learn how to distinguish the real stuff from the crap. A visit to a winery  is a must in Croatia, particularly in Istria.

Tisno on the island of Murter, Novalja on the island of Pag, and the town of Hvar offer 24 h partying for the young and restless.

Outdoor enthusiasts will love Omis, Paklenica, and Cicarija. They all offer an endless choice of adventures  to enjoy.

We’ve written a full post on  things to do in Croatia . You can also check the Get Your Guide website for a full list of tours and activities in Croatia.

Itineraries

We are often asked to suggest or revise a proposed itinerary for Croatia. So here are a few things to bear in mind when planning your Croatian itinerary.

Although the country is relatively small, it’s long (from Umag in the northwest to Dubrovnik in the south there is over 700 km), and it’s not that quick to travel from north or west to the south.

If you plan to visit Croatia for less than a week , we highly recommend you pick up one destination and stick to it. Do day trips from there , but don’t pretend to visit the entire country in less than a week. Also, in July and August, you need to take into account possible traffic jams, and congestion on the roads, as well as queues for ferries.

If you stay a week or ten days , you can include a few highlights in your itinerary, like Zagreb, Plitvice, Split, and Dubrovnik.

Suggested week itineraries

a | Zagreb – Plitvice Lakes – Split – Hvar – Dubrovnik

b | Dubrovnik – Peljesac Peninsula – Korcula – Split – Zagreb

c | Zagreb – Plitvice Lakes – Istria

Suggested two-week itineraries

a | Zagreb – Opatija – Istria – Plitvice Lakes – Zadar – Krka Waterfalls – Split – Brac Island – Korcula – Peljesac – Dubrovnik

If you prefer to join a group tour, we highly recommend checking tours proposed via Tour Radar. They have a classical coach and boat tours, but they also have a great choice of adventure, cycling, and various themed tours.

Here are a few suggested group tours found on Tour Radar:

Croatia & Adriatic Cruise

This 11-day tour gives you the best of continental Croatia and the Adriatic. The tour starts in Zagreb, and ends in Split, with a visit to 10 other destinations in between. We like that this tour takes you to the Peljesac Peninsula, one of our favorite regions in Croatia. You also get to see Korcula, Hvar, Elafiti Islands and Mljet islands. The small cruise ship can fit 30 passengers in air-conditioned cabins.

Check availability and prices!

Best of Croatia and Slovenia

This 11-day discovery coach tour starts in Zagreb and ends in Dubrovnik. However, it’s packed full of exciting destinations in Croatia, and neighboring Slovenia including Ljubljana, Bled, Rovinj, Opatija, Plitvice, Trogir, Split, and Peljesac peninsula. You will get to see many great destinations in a short period of time, while still having ample time on your own. The tour also includes one special “Be my guest” dinner where you get a chance to experience a traditional meal with a local family.

Croatia Island Hopper from Split

This 8-day island hopping tour operated by G Adventures is one of the most popular tours in Croatia on Tour Radar. The boat tour starts and ends in Dubrovnik with stops in Hvar, Mljet, Korcula, Brac, and Solta.

Cycling the Dalmatian Coast

A small group tour takes you from Split to Dubrovnik in 8 days on your bicycle. The tour provides accommodation, meals, and transportation. You’ll get a chance to test your cycling abilities in Hvar and Korcula Island, along the Peljesac peninsula and Dubrovnik. The tour is intended for all levels of cyclists. The scenery along the route is lovely.

When you think of shopping, Croatia doesn’t necessarily come to mind. However, there are a couple of awesome things to buy in Croatia.

Croatian artisan olive oils are some of the best in the world. Croatian design and concept stores are also making momentum; check the Take Me Home store in Zagreb or Prostoria in Rovinj for some original souvenirs, accessories, unique clothes, bags, and jewelry.

We’ve written a full post on the subject: Croatian souvenirs: fun, cool, and authentic . Don’t forget a high-end tie store – Kravata Croata .

Open markets , where you can buy fresh produce, are popular in Croatia. The largest national supermarket chain is Konzum. Other popular supermarkets in Croatia include Lidl, Kaufland, Plodine, and Spar.

Supermarkets are open throughout the day, Monday to Saturday. On Sunday some shops are open all day, particularly in shopping centers, while downtown shops often close at 1 pm or 3 pm. In summer, along the coast, shops are open seven days a week, and often as late as midnight.

Is Croatia a safe place?

Croatia is a very safe country with very little street crime and almost no violence. However, as everywhere, take care of your belongings, especially when using public transport.

Land mines are still present but in remote areas where tourists rarely visit anyway.

Croatia travel guide: Internet

The Internet in Croatia is widely available. WiFi coverage is pretty good, with many towns offering free wifi hot spots at prominent places in a town. Most of the private accommodations, as well as hotels, and even campsites, offer a free WiFi internet connection.

However, the broadband internet in Croatia isn’t as fast as you are perhaps used to. At least it’s not as fast everywhere in Croatia. In bigger towns, the internet is fast, easily available, and reliable. According to Speedtest.net , Croatia has the 22nd fastest download speed for mobile internet in the whole world. But, the fixed broadband is pretty slow (Croatia takes 89th place on the global scale).

The average internet download speed in Croatia in March 2023 was 71,16 Mbps for mobile, and 45,61 Mbps for fixed broadband.

Roaming charges

Since the summer of 2017, roaming surcharges within EU countries don’t exist longer. This means that, if you are with any EU mobile provider, you will pay the same prices for data, calls, and SMS as you would pay back home.

How free is free? You need to check with your provider what’s the amount of roaming data within the EU. For example, we have a flat rate for internet data in our mobile phone rate package. But, when we spent two months in Spain in the winter of 2022, we realized that we have only 10 GB of data free of charge in other EU countries.

So while the roaming data is free in the EU, the free data isn’t unlimited. Anyways, 10 GB is pretty enough, unless you are binge-watching Netflix shows for hours at times. I hope you don’t do that on vacation!

However, roaming charges for other countries are still pretty high. You can purchase some of the mobile operators’ packages either in your home country or in Croatia.

In Croatia, Telemach sells 10-days unlimited surfing for less than 11 € while T-com sells 7-days unlimited surfing for 11€ . It includes nano, micro, or SMS card. You can buy these packages at gas stations, newsstands, T-com or Telemach centers, and Croatian post offices.

The Airalo eSim packages are a good alternative to local SIM providers. We always use Airalo when traveling abroad.

Is Croatia part of the EU & Schengen visa regiment

As of January 1, 2023, Croatia is a member of Schengen, and thus it is a part of the Schengen visa regiment. This means that there aren’t border or customs controls between Croatia and other Schengen member countries for people crossing the borders by road, rail, or water. However, border and customs controls at the airports will stay in place until March 2023.

If you have a valid Schengen visa, you don’t need a separate visa to visit Croatia and vice versa. This also means that visiting Croatia and the days spent here will count toward 90 days maximum stay within 180 days for your Schengen visa.

When crossing into and out of the non-EU, and non-Schengen countries, you’ll still need to show your documents at the border, and vice versa. These include Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, and Montenegro.

The sea and sun are still two main reasons for so many people to visit Croatia. Croatia has over 6.000 km of coastline and over 1.000 islands. The two most popular coastal regions are Istria to the north and Dalmatia to the south.

The Croatian coast is mostly rocky with pebble beaches mostly formed in coves and bays. Makarska Riviera, located in central Dalmatia, offers  the most beautiful beaches in all of Croatia . Perfectly round and small pebbles that feel almost like sand but that don’t stick on you forever.

The sea is limpid and clear, you can often see the seabed from far away. My in-laws have a seafront property in Komarna , in southern Dalmatia, and I can see the fish swim in the sea from the third floor of their house.

So, if you search for that perfect sandy beach, you might get disappointed with the beaches in Croatia. Although there are some sandy beaches here too, they are simply not a Croatian thing.

In Istria, the coast is a bit rougher than in Dalmatia, and pebbles are rare to find. However, the beaches here feel less crowded, due to the well-preserved coastline.

Parking in Croatia

If you travel to and around Croatia by car, you might wonder about the parking situation in Croatia. Generally speaking the majority of hotels and private accommodations offer a parking spot free of charge.

However, bear in mind that city centers are usually car-free zones or have limited car traffic. If your accommodation is within the city center enquire about parking before booking.

There are three types of parking: garage parking, open-air parking lots, and street parking. Expect to pay around 1.1 € to 1.6 € per hour in town centers. However, some parking is more expensive, like parking at Riva in Split which cost 4 € an hour; then, in Dubrovnik, where you will pay for an hour of parking in Zone 0 as much as 10 €.

We talk more in-depth about parking in our destination guides . Don’t forget to check them once you decide on your destination .

Do people speak English in Croatia?

You don’t speak Croatian? No worries, most Croatians speak at least some English, and many speak at least another foreign language. Besides English, German and Italian are the most widely spoken languages in Croatia.

Is Croatia expensive to travel to?

Croatia isn’t a cheap place to visit. It’s more expensive than the neighboring countries, like Bosnia & Herzegovina, Serbia, or Hungary.

Generally speaking, continental Croatia and Zagreb, in particular, keep prices moderate to, I would dare to say, even cheap.  However, the coast is mostly expensive, and the prices tend to increase year after year.

That said, if you travel on a tight budget, you can still keep it under control. Stay away from top destinations (visit them but sleep somewhere else), come in the off-season, explore places off-the-beaten-path, forget hotels, choose instead an apartment with a fully-equipped kitchen and prepare your own meals, ask locals for good value restaurants, etc.

Check our budget tips for traveling in Croatia , and also a post on the total Croatia trip cost .

Tipping in Croatia

People often ask us what’s tipping etiquette in Croatia. In short, tipping isn’t necessary but it is widely appreciated and accepted.

The majority of Croatians, in bars and restaurants, simply round up the bill. We on the other hand, out of habit, always leave around 10%, and only if we are satisfied with the service.

If you are taking a group bus tour, someone will usually collect the tips for the driver and the guide at the end of the tour. Here, usually, people chip in on what they feel is appropriate.

What time zone Croatia is in?

Croatia belongs to the Central European Time Zone, meaning it is one hour ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time), and two hours ahead of GMT when daylight saving time is observed.

Daylight saving time makes us move our watches one hour ahead. It takes place from the last Sunday in March until the last Sunday in October.

Find here the time differences between some major towns when compared to Croatia:

• Barcelona: 0
• London: – 1 hour
• Montreal: – 6 hours
• New York City: -6 hours
• L.A.: -9 hours
• Chicago: -7 hours
• Tokyo: +7 hours
• Sydney: +8 hours

If you are traveling from overseas, you will certainly experience jet lag when visiting Croatia. You can check this no-jet lag homeopathic remedy to ease your symptoms.

How much is VAT in Croatia and is it refundable?

At the moment, VAT in Croatia is 25% for the majority of products. If you are a foreigner without permanent or temporary residence in Croatia, you can ask for a tax refund for all purchases above 100 €.

Ask the salesperson for the tax-free form at the moment of purchase. Fill it up, get it stamped right there, and then again at the airport, or at the border by a customs officer. You have six months from the purchase date to claim your VAT return by mailing it back to the shop where you originally bought the item.

Another way to achieve a VAT tax refund is to look for shops that are part of the Global Blue Tax-Free service . They all have a sign displayed in the window along with the working hours, and credit cards that they accept. The procedure is similar (fill up the tax-free form and get it stamped at the shop, and at the airport), but the refund is quicker and can be obtained already at the airport, in Global Blue’s office.

Croatia plugs, adapters, and converters

Croatia uses 220V, 50 Hz frequency, and standard European type C & F plugs. Both are similar plugs with two round prongs with 19 mm between the two.

If the plugs of your devices are different,  you will certainly need an adapter in order to charge them. You can find one here.

While adapters will help you use your plugs in Croatia, converters will help transform voltages from higher to smaller or vice versa. If you need a converter you can easily buy one on Amazon .

Recommended travel guides

• Fodor’s Croatia Travel Guide (we are co-authors!).
• Lonely Planet Croatia Travel Guide  
• Rick Steves Croatia & Slovenia

Further reading from our Croatia travel guide

• Croatia Travel Guide: Things To Do In Croatia
• Ultimate Guide To Accommodation In Croatia
• Packing List For Vacation In Croatia
• How To Choose Your Destination In Croatia
• Where to go in Croatia: best places to visit in Croatia
• Car Rental In Croatia
• Driving In Croatia
• Cost of Travel To Croatia
• Croatia On Budget: Money-saving Tips 
• Outdoor Activities in Croatia
• 49 Awesome Beaches In Croatia
• Snorkeling In Croatia
• White Water Rafting In Croatia
• 20 Must-Try Foods In Croatia

We hope you’ve found our Croatia Travel Guide useful. Is there anything else you’d like to know? Let us know in the comments below.

Frankaboutcroatia.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. This post might also contain affiliate links to other sites, like accommodation or activities. And if you purchase anything using these links, we earn a little commission with no extra costs for you. Thank you for supporting our blog! Read full disclaimer here.

Home / Croatia Travel Tips / Croatia Travel Guide: Things To Know Before Traveling To Croatia

48 thoughts on “Croatia Travel Guide: Things To Know Before Traveling To Croatia”

Love your blog. A lot of useful info.

We’re thinking of coming in mid-October to November 4. Will tourist sites still be open in that first week of November?

Thanks for your input.

I am Croatian and I must say, epic post!

Hi we plan to travel to Croatia in July 2020. I am trying to convince my husband to rent a car but he is worried about driving in a foreign country. Can you give any opinion on this topic? I am more worried about the inconsistency of travelling by train and having to wait and plan with the transportation schedules, as well as carrying luggage everywhere.

Hi Marcia, this is the exact reason why we suggest that you take your charges in Kuna. Because your credit card doesn’t charge you a transaction fee. If you take it in your home country, then Croatian bank will charge the transaction fee, or rather they will use the less favorable exchange rate, so they make money. Just keep it in the local currency, even more so if your credit card doesn’t charge these fees. Hope this helps.

You stated that it is probably best to request credit charges be made in kuna, rather than US currency. If my credit card does not charge a foreign transaction fee, would that still be true?

Firstly, congratulations on your brilliant web site, so helpful to first time visitors to Croatia. We are staying on Korcula at the end of September, would you recommend booking the ferry, and if so which is the best web site to use?

It all depends. Zagreb is ok for a day or two, Split for two or three, the same goes for Dubrovnik, or Rovinj.

Thanks for all the info. We are coming from Canada for a 10 day stay beginning of July. We fly in & out of Zagreb but want to see Split & go up north for a bit too to see some family birthplaces. How much time do you recommend for each city stay & absolute must sees while we are there?

Epic post Frank! I’ve spent the last couple of summers sailing around Croatia and think it’s incredible. Favorite island is most probably Kos. Have some great memories of playing cricket with some of the locals. Cant wait to get back!

What is the best option to travel from Zagreb to Venice

This was amazing and super helpful! For first timers going to Croatia (about a week) where do you recommend going? Was planning for a July trip, but your post sort of scared me to be mentally prepared ha!

Do you ever work with readers to come up with an itinerary?

This was super helpful! Thanks!

Great info…thank you very much. My Bride and I will be in Croatia from Sep 11 to Sep 20. We will arriving in Dubrovnik and leaving from Zagreb. We are planing to stay 3 days in Dubrovnik, 3 in Split and 2 in Zagreb. Would you recommend any changes to this and what places around those three cities are a must? We will have a car. We love waterfronts, small (Mom & Pop) licensed restaurants, some beach time and sightseeing. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Mário & Fatima Sousa…….Mississauga, Canada

Hi Frank! Thank you for all of the info. I am a bit overwhelmed. My husband, 2 adult daughters and I are planning our trip to Croatia in late May/early June 2019 for a week to 10 days. We love adventures! What itinerary would you suggest?

Great info, thank you. We are planning our trip for Sept/Oct 2019, touring around Croatia and neighboring countries for 2 weeks. Planning on staying just outside of Zagreb, Split and Dubrovnik. We are travelling from Canada, renting a car and booking Apartments and BnB’s. Wondering if there would be any significant differences between September and October for weather, costs, tourism, crowds, etc. Thanks in advance.

Your blog is really helpful.

We are from India and we are planning to visit croatia in the last week of february, 2019. And we are majorly looking to cover North (Alps, Gorski Kotar) and South (the beaches and other popular places).

Since we are not fully aware of the weather conditions in Feb, I wanted to ask whether it is decent enough to travel in feb? without any complications brought in by weather?

I am planning a week-long trip to Croatia in September with 8 young adult family members. Is it best to go from city to city staying in a hotel, rent a villa one place and do day trips or rent a boat and go down the coast? Amy

In Septemeber everything should still be open. No worries.

I always go with 10% when in restaurants. As for the rest, you give what you feel. Normally, you collect from the entire group and you give it at the end of trip if you were happy with the service. I am not aware that there is a tipping rule for drivers and guides as for how much should you tip. You basically tip what you feel they deserve.

There is plenty things for kids to do. If I knew where exactly you go, I could have provided more info

Porec, Rovinj, Bol, Brela

thanks for sharing, Lynn! Great clip, it shows well what to expect. However, most of the video is made in the northern part of the road, between Rijeka and Zadar.

Thanks for reading, May! Hope you had a great time in Croatia.

Haven’t been there, Kass. Sorry!

great! let us know if we can help with anything

Have fun, and drop us a line if you have a question

You can stay in Zagreb for a day, Plitvice either for a day or in transit from Zagreb to Split, Hvar for 2-3 days if you want to visit the entire island; otherwise book an island tour from Split. So if you only want to stay in two or three of these towns, make it Zagreb, SPlit and Dubrovnik, because they are best located to do day trips elsewhere.

Thanks for all the great advice. For a two week holiday, can you suggest which towns to stay in? I’d love to visit Zagreb, Plitvice, KrKra, Split, Hvar and Dubrovnik. I’d like to stay in two or three places and do the rest from there.

Great blog. Thanks for the info. We – fellow Canadians – plan to spend Jan to Mar 2019 in Croatia, basically in the Trogir area. We’d appreciate any further thoughts you’d wish to pass on.

I would like to know about tipping in Croatia for bus drivers and tour guides. Our travel club is bring a group to Croatia in May 2019.

Hi..We are planning to visit next year..Have children who will be agedelivered 11 and 13..are there things for them to do?

Hi there. Thanks for all the information. So useful! Question re timing. I would head over in the September holidays to beat the crowds but want to check most of the bars etc are still open all year round. Sometimes in countries like Japan where we lived for 8 years they are very strict on seasons and so going outside (even slightly) means u go to a great beach bar only to find it closed. Thanks

Thank you for your blog and the very valuable information you provide. My family (a total of 16 of us) are visiting Croatia at the end of this month. 3 of us are from BC Canada so it has been even more exciting to hear what you have to share.

Hello Just found your blog and its just what i,m after, so much information. I am visiting Croatia next month with my son, we are staying near Trogir. I was going to take kuna but you say most places take Euros? I have rented a car and plan to travel around a bit. Thanks Karl

I am watching the World Cup finaland cheering for the team! I decided to visit the beautiful country in 2019 with my family. Look forward to it!

We’re going in September to visit Lokve, where my husband’s people are from. Have you been there? Can you tell us anything about it? Thanks!

We are currently in Croatia and it is just beautiful. The water shades from turquoise to deep blue and the rocky hills provide a beautiful contrast in the landscape.

We stayed rather in the south and we took the E65 coastal road. If you have time to spare and you are not in a hurry, I recommend this road compared to the highway. I wish I could describe it but I will never be able to narrate the full picture, so I made a short clip on our journey that I wish to share.

It is on YouTube — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKEiQI4NOos&t=60s

Hello, very nice blog of yours! I was wondering what area you would suggest a family of four to stay in. A place that is child friendly and filled with entertainment is something I had in mind, but would like to know what places wold exactly fit my needs. Thank you!

Hi there, me and my husband have been trawling the internet looking for ideas of where to visit with our two children (2 & 9 years) and we’ve stumbled upon your AMAZING site. It’s literally a godsend!! Please could i pick your brains and ask where you would best recommend? We love the beach, history and lovely food!! Any advice would be so gratefully recived!

Hi, loving the information on your website. We are coming to Croatia for 2 weeks from the 6th of September, and are wondering if you think we need to pre-book accommodation or should we be able to book a few days in advance? Cheers, Karen

Hi Frank, just found your website and love it. My husband and I will be vacationing from US to Croatia from Sept. 5 to 19. First time. Don’t plan on seeing the entire country on this visit but would like a few highlights. We will land in Split and leave from Dubrovnik. Are there any and can you recommend a private tour guide company?

Hi – so glad I stumbled upon your wonderful post ! We are thinking of travelling to valamar island in July . I am concerned it will be very busy and hugely commercial ? X

Hi Colleen, if you would like to receive our newsletter, please sign up for it through the website. Let us know if we can help with anything regarding your upcoming trip to Croatia.

Frank, Please add me to your list. I plan to visit this wonderful country in 2019. Colleen

Hi. Will be in Croatia July 17-31. We’d love to book a 3-5 day sailing or yacht trip around the islands. Possibly start and end in Split. Do you have any recommendations?

I have been to Croatia with my mum last year and this charming country won our hearts, Frank! I still haven’t crossed Dubrovnik off my bucket list, but your post was truly inspiring. I guess now I have plenty of more reasons to explore magnificent Croatia!

Really enjoy your detailed travel guide! My gf and I (early/mid 20’s) are traveling to Dubrovnik, Croatia next week and we plan to rent a car for about 10-11 days. Our plan is do explore the coast of Croatia, spend some time in several cities and eventually make our way to Slovenia where we’ll return the car.

Do you have any advice with regard to having the “luggage” of the car, and doing trips to islands and etc.? We want the car to have the flexibility, but we may not use it EVERY day. We also don’t want to try and pack too much into the week and a half we are in Croatia. There is the potential we stay longer, but we thought it may be neat to make our way up to Slovenia, spend a few days there then make our way to Austria for a week.

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Hi guys, we love your blog and passion for Croatia. We are a family run business, that runs 3 adventure bases in Croatia. We only employ local staff and follow green responsible policies. We would love to talk about working with you. Whats your best mobile number?

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13 of the best places to visit in Croatia

Your guide to where to go in croatia, from picturesque zagreb and popular dubrovnik to the top parks and beaches.

C roatia’s Adriatic coast is hard to resist — more than 1,000 miles of a meandering coastline running alongside a glittering blue-green sea. But there are many more regions of Croatia to explore away from the coast, where natural wonders sit alongside beautiful historic towns and Unesco world heritage sites. There’s also a chance to see where both the Venetian and Habsburg empires made their mark over the centuries — both in the architecture and the gorgeous cuisine. These are the best places to visit in Croatia.

Main photo: swimmers in Zadar (Alamy)

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Best for a bit of everything There’s no bad time to visit Croatia ’s largest city — it’s picturesque and Christmas-markety in the winter, and has sunny springs, mild autumns and not-too-stifling summer months. In warmer months, its “horseshoe” of nine parks often has food stands and music stages, as well as cooling shade and leaping fountains. But the best bit? The lack of crowds –— there’s room for all along the gossipy strip of alfresco bars on Tkalciceva Ulica. You won’t need more than a few days to do the basics: a wander through its medieval twin old towns, Kaptol and Gradec; a spin around the fairytale cathedral and one of its many museums (try the conceptual Museum of Broken Relationships, the Zagreb City Museum or the National Museum of Modern Art); visiting the morning Dolac food and flower market; and drinking lots of beers.

2. Kopacki Rit Nature Park

Best for for wetland wonders Up in northeastern Croatia near the Serbian border, it’s a vastly different world from the resorts of the Adriatic. In the Kopacki Rit Nature Park, where the Danube and Drava rivers meet, you’re surrounded by the luxuriant marshland and waterways that make up one of Europe’s largest wetlands. The whole nature reserve teems with an astonishing amount of wildlife and several hundred species of birds — best enjoyed from one of the boat tours that glide lazily through this serene landscape.

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3. Dubrovnik

Best for historic sights Forget the received wisdom that you should tour the 16th-century city walls at 9am — that’s when the big groups arrive at this corner of the Dalmatian Coast to curl around the Unesco world heritage site. Instead, start the day in Dubrovnik gently. Amble along residential streets on the city’s south side — washing strung like bunting, cats in sunny corners — or see art and a dreamy cloister perfumed by orange trees in the Franciscan Monastery.

Then it’s time for a drink and swim at Buza Bar, tiered over cliffs outside the walls that inspired Game of Thrones . Go up the stairs at Gundulic Square, then follow signs reading “Cold drinks and the most beautiful view”. They omit “high prices”, but that view of shimmering sea and creamy stone is worth it.

By 5pm, temperatures and crowds ease, so walk the ramparts in the soft light of late afternoon. Minceta Tower is the high point for views — and from here it’s easy to see why Croatia’s nicknamed the Pearl of the Adriatic. Not high enough? Ride a cable car 400m (1,312ft) up Mount Srd to watch Dubrovnik’s terracotta roofscape ripen in the sunset. Buy tickets online to beat queues.

• Best hotels in Dubrovnik • Best things to do in Dubrovnik

4. Plitvice Lakes National Park

Best for nature Croatia is home to eight national parks across topography as diverse as Italy’s, which renders the Adriatic a mecca for activities as varied as skiing, diving and inter-island swimming. Head to Plitvice Lakes National Park for waterfalls that cascade through 16 lakes and bucolic countryside, creating a sybaritic home for wolves, eagles, wildcats and deer — as well as hikers and bikers. Electric boats chug across the main Kozjak Lake, leading to more trails past waterfalls and lakes of the most extraordinary shade of turquoise.

Best for history Croatia’s oldest city is an enchanting mishmash of history — most of it handily located within the old town which sits on its own peninsula. In just one square you’ll find ruins of an ancient Roman forum, the 9th-century St Donatus Church, the Romanesque St Anastasia Cathedral and 11th-century Benedictine monastery. Then walk out on to the waterfront for two very modern art installations — the haunting sounds of the underwater Sea Organ and the brilliant blue solar panels of the Greeting to the Sun. Don’t miss Zadar’s daily food market, which includes an excellent fish market, before heading to one of the cafés along the Riva or in the midst of 13th-century Narodni Trg (People’s Square).

The smallest of Croatia’s “big three” tourist hubs, Split is living history — much of the city centre is built around the remains of Roman ruins and the emperor Diocletian’s Palace, and you can still see crumbling walls jumbled in with chic shops and Venetian-style squares. The main gateway to the nearby islands of Brac, Hvar and Vis, Split is popular, especially during the day, when cruise ships pull in and passengers from early flights try to kill time before hopping on afternoon ferries. Things calm down at around 4pm, so stay the night to soak up the magic of the cobblestone streets from wine bars and traditional konoba kitchens.

• Best hotels in Split

Best for never-ending views Pula is the gateway city to northern Croatia’s heart-shaped peninsula. Late spring is a glorious time to visit this rural region, with weather warm enough to plunge into the clear waters of its secluded beaches, and outdoor tours of farms and wineries. The food is fantastic, too. Lovely hotels are opening up in its lovely, Tuscany-esque hills. Try San Canzian, near the day-trip town of Buje. It has fabulously sharp interiors and stone-clad cottages with endless views over olive groves and vineyards. For sheer romance, it’s hard to beat Rovinj, which nearly outdoes Venice for exquisite architecture.

Best for adrenaline kicks It’s hard to find a coastal town with a more dramatic setting than Omis. As the River Cetina flows into the Adriatic, it comes rushing through gorges and canyons and divides the town in two. Get your adrenaline fix at the top of gorges by whizzing across the canyon on a zip line — that’s if you haven’t had your fill of thrills from rock climbing and clinging on for dear life on the via ferrata. Hike to the top of Mirabella Fortress — a pretty steep climb — and take in some extraordinary views. Prefer your adventures on the water? Hire a kayak or canoe and row your way into this glorious landscape.

9. Biokovo Nature Park

Best for mountain hikes Looming over the Makarska Riviera, Biokovo Nature Park is one of the most compelling parts of the Dinaric Alps that run along much of Croatia’s coast. The hiking here is superb: trek across rocky trails that wind their way towards mesmerising views of the sea, stopping at conveniently located stone huts that offer very welcome cold glasses of beer. Keen hikers will want to make a beeline for 1,762m (5,780ft) Sveti Jure, Croatia’s second-highest peak. If you’re fine with heights — or want to test yourself — take a walk along the glass-bottomed, semi-circular Biokovo Skywalk and look straight down into an abyss.

10. Peljesac peninsula

Best for gourmets This thin finger of land jutting into the Adriatic north of Dubrovnik is crisscrossed with vineyards that produce some of Croatia’s finest wines. The robust red plavac mali grape goes into full-bodied dingac and postup — follow the wine route signs and you’ll come across boutique wineries tempting you inside for a wine tasting and, more often than not, generous platters of Dalmatian meats and cheeses. Once you’ve had finished your wine tour, and perhaps had a dip in some of the lovely pebbly coves on the western side — try Divna, Belecica or Orebic’s town beach — it’s time to head east. Stop at the village of Ston and marvel at the 14th-century defensive walls that climb up the mountain. If you fancy a hike, walk the walls for about half an hour and you’ll reach the village of Mali Ston — and some of the best oysters and mussels you’ll ever taste, thanks to the oyster beds around the village.

11. Sibenik

Best for Venetian splendour While most tourists see Sibenik merely as the jumping-off point for visits to nearby Krka National Park and the Kornati National Park, those in the know will have realised that this historic city is worth a longer visit. Lose yourself in the tangle of Venetian marble lanes flanked by pretty stone houses and the old town’s bijou café-filled squares. The magnificent 15th-century Cathedral of St James Cathedral — also on the Unesco list — is the only European cathedral to be built entirely of stone, and it’s a beauty. Wander along the Riva waterfront where you can watch the world go by from one of the café terraces. Follow the alleyways towards the top of the town and you’ll reach the trio of forbidding Venetian fortresses — St John’s (which includes an open-air theatre for summertime concerts), Barone and St Michael’s — all of which show off sweeping views of the city. The fourth fortress, St Nicholas, is at the end of a three-mile hike along St Anthony’s Channel and rewards you with even more stupendous views.

12. Krka National Park

Best for waterfall drama A rival for Plitvice’s beauty, Krka National Park follows the course of the River Krka as it winds through soaring canyons and down thundering waterfalls. Start at Skradin, where you join a boat trip along the river; it’s not long before you reach the spectacular waterfalls of Skradinski Buk. Hop on and off the ferry, mixing hiking through nature trails and lofty viewpoints with gliding past yet more glorious waterfalls.

13. Neretva Delta

Best for sandy beaches Croatia’s Dalmatian coastline, usually lined with soaring, scrubby peaks, takes on a gentler look around the town of Ploce at the Neretva Delta. As the river flows into the sea, it creates a wonderfully calm world of waterways, lakes and marshes. Fans of sandy beaches head straight for Delta Beach at the mouth of the river, where kiteboarders flit across the sands. For a truly relaxing experience, take a boat ride along the river past countless orchards and roadside fruit stalls.

Mary Novakovich is the author of My Family and Other Enemies: Life and Travels in Croatia’s Hinterland (£8.99; bradtguides.com)

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A Far-Right Party Emerges as a Possible Kingmaker in Croatia

The Homeland Movement came third in parliamentary elections, setting itself up as a possible partner for the ruling conservatives, who failed to achieve a majority.

By Joe Orovic and Andrew Higgins

A far-right party emerged on Thursday as a potential kingmaker in Croatia after the governing conservatives finished first in a bitterly contested parliamentary election but fell short of winning enough seats to form a new government.

The outcome of Wednesday’s vote signaled a new era of messy political uncertainty in the Balkan nation, which has been dominated by one party, the Croatian Democratic Union, or HDZ, since 1991 when it declared independence from Yugoslavia.

The HDZ, led by the incumbent Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic, won 61 seats in the 151-member legislature, according to the near-final official tally . That was more than all its rivals, including Rivers of Justice, a left-leaning coalition formed by President Zoran Milanovic, which won 42 seats to finish second. The far-right Homeland Movement finished third with 13 seats.

Speaking early Thursday in Zagreb, the Croatian capital, Mr. Plenkovic said his party had “convincingly won” but acknowledged that he would need help from rival groups to form a government and secure a third term as prime minister.

He later said in a post on Facebook that talks had already started with potential allies that he did not name. “Everything is going well,” he said, and predicted that a government would be formed “soon.”

Tihomir Cipek , a political science professor at the University of Zagreb, said the result reflected a general trend in Europe, particularly among new members of the European Union, which Croatia joined in 2013. “The political center starts losing voters to parties on the far right and far left that are a reaction to Europeanization,” he said.

Pressure from Brussels to adopt E.U. policies on gender and L.G.B.T.Q. rights, he said, “creates a type of protest which leads to support for far right politicians,” such as members of the nationalist Homeland Movement.

Anger over inflation, the second highest in the European Union, corrupt deals between officials and business, and an exodus of young people to higher paying countries in the bloc, have added to anti-establishment sentiment in Croatia.

To stitch together a majority in Parliament, HDZ, badly tainted by a long series of corruption scandals, will most likely need support from the Homeland Movement and others. The Homeland Movement favors staying in the European Union unlike similar groups elsewhere, and its support is unlikely to change Croatia’s stance on issues such as its support for Ukraine, analysts said.

“What I can say for sure, with full right and certainty, is that Homeland Movement is the third strongest party in Croatia,” the party’s leader, Ivan Penava, said in a postelection speech. He repeated promises made during the campaign to reject any coalition that included ideological opponents on the left or ethnic Serb legislators, saying that “In no way and under no conditions can they be our partners.”

But that left open the possibility of joining forces with HDZ, which began as a far-right nationalist party during the Yugoslav wars but has since evolved into a more mainstream conservative force. Homeland Movement opposes some of the governing party’s policies on Europe, particularly its decision to adopt the euro, the European Union’s common currency, but is closer to HDZ than to the left-tinged Rivers of Justice coalition, whose main component is President Milanovic’s Social Democratic Party.

The election campaign was dominated by a bitter personal rivalry between the prime minister, Mr. Plenkovic, and the president, Mr. Milanovic. The two men traded insults throughout the campaign: Mr. Milanovic denounced the prime minister as the “godfather of crime in Croatia” and Mr. Plenkovic accused his rival of being a Russian stooge and coward because of his opposition to helping Ukraine and his claim that NATO is responsible for Russia’s invasion.

When voters turned out on Wednesday, however, they rewarded neither man, gravitating in unusually large numbers to parties on the political flanks and giving the populist Homeland Movement a potential kingmaker role in forming a new government. The turnout of 62 percent was the highest in Croatia since 2000.

This election had been expected to be a sedate repeat of earlier races until President Milanovic announced an early vote and said that he would head the opposition campaign as its candidate for prime minister. Croatia’s top court declared his candidacy unconstitutional, ruling that he could not run to head the government while still serving as president. He ignored the ruling.

The president had not yet commented on the election results but Peda Grbin, the nominal leader of the Social Democrats, indicated the party would try to form its own coalition government to keep Mr. Plenkovic from staying in power.

“It is not over,” Mr. Grbin said. “Days, weeks and perhaps months of talks are ahead of us.”

Andrew Higgins is the East and Central Europe bureau chief for The Times based in Warsaw. He covers a region that stretches from the Baltic republics of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania to Kosovo, Serbia and other parts of former Yugoslavia. More about Andrew Higgins

20 amazing places to visit in the Balkans

Posted: March 6, 2024 | Last updated: March 6, 2024

The Balkan countries are an underrated part of Europe, rich in history, culture, and scenery. Not to mention kind people and unique food and drink. Here are 20 places to consider visiting!

Zagreb, Croatia

The capital of Croatia is very different from other major cities in the Balkans. Home to numerous museums, including the wonderful yet heartbreaking Museum of Broken Relationships, you could spend weeks learning in Zagreb. When you need a place to rest after museum-hopping, chill out at one of the amazing coffee shops in the city or stylish bars, often housed in ruins.

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Istria Peninsula, Croatia

Often skipped by visitors in favor of the ever-popular Dalmatian Coast, Istria is Croatia’s best-kept secret! A peninsula close to Italy, you’ll be forgiven for thinking you’re in the land of pizza and espresso. Brightly colored buildings, amazing olive oil, and some of the best truffles in the world can be found here. Don’t miss towns like Rovinj, Bale, Motovun, Grožnjan, and Vodnjan.

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Zadar, Croatia

Alfred Hitchcock adored Zadar, particularly at sunset. Visit this up-and-coming city, and you’ll see why. One of Croatia’s best vegan restaurants calls the city home and some of Croatia’s best Roman ruins. The waterfront features two unique art installations: the Sea Organ (organ pipes drilled under the water) and “Greeting the Sun” (lights that change color per the sun’s movement.)

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Split, Croatia

The former Greek and Roman center still houses one of the most impressive ruins in the Balkans, Diocletian’s Palace. The former retirement home of Roman rulers is now home to apartments, shops, and restaurants, with various parts sectioned off as museums. Split also has a small but beautiful promenade, a forest park with views above the city, and many of the country’s top restaurants.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

This list, of course, couldn’t have been completed without mentioning arguably the most famous destination in the Balkans. Game of Thrones ensured the city is now on every traveler’s wishlist, so while you won’t ever have Dubrovnik to yourself, it’s still worth a visit. Enjoy views from atop the city walls, kayak around the hidden coves, and have dinner in the magical Old Town. 

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Korcula, Croatia

A little over two hours by ferry from Dubrovnik is this gem of an island, home to wineries with many unique varietals and many high-quality restaurants, including LD, a Michelin-star restaurant that uses mainly ingredients from Korcula. You can hike or bike one of the island’s endless trails when not drinking.

Vis, Croatia

Vis lacks activities compared to other islands, but that’s the point. You come to the island to relax and not do much else. Popular with the sailing crowd, you’ll find a different type of traveler here, as it’s the furthest island from the Croatian mainland. Come with a stack of books, sunglasses, and not much else.

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Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina

This capital city is full of history (the Latin Bridge is where Franz Ferdinand was shot and WWI began) and is still visibly marked by the Bosnian War. Numerous walking tours and museums are dedicated to telling Sarajevo’s story. You can also take the cable car up Trebec Mountain and walk the old bobsled run from the 1984 Olympics.

Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina

In the south of the country, solidly in the region of Herzegovina, is one of the Balkan’s most adorable towns. Mostar and its small Old Town will have you in love at first glance. Wander the many bridges, have coffee at one of the cute cafes, sample regional wine, and watch the locals jump off the Old Bridge into the river on a hot day.

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Herzegovina wine country

The Balkans aren’t known for wine, but the region is home to some amazing producers. If you’ve had wine from the area, it was likely from Croatia (and even that’s rare outside of the country itself.) However, the best up-and-coming destination is Herzegovina. This region has two main varietals; Žilavka, an acidic white wine, and Blatina, a full-bodied red. Both can be sampled in Mostar; however, for the best experience, visit the vineyards outside of town!

Kotor, Montenegro

The cruise ship capital of Montenegro is worth a visit whether you’re arriving by land or sea. The epic fortress is a must, hike up for the best views in the country or trek the Ladder of Kotor, a winding trail with amazing views. Then, take a boat to Our Lady of Rocks and the Blue Cave and wander Old Town to round out your site-seeing!

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Budva, Montenegro

One of the Balkan's best-kept secrets is this gem of a town on the Bay of Kotor. Unlike many regional destinations, the beaches here are sandy and can be enjoyed without water shoes! The Budva Old Town is also super cute for a wander and has some great cafes.

Herceg Novi, Montenegro

Another adorable small Montenegran village just a couple of hours from Dubrovnik, the town of Herceg Novi isn’t commonly visited, despite being one of the most charming destinations in the Balkans! A green oasis home to many tropical flowers, it’s commonly called the “town of 100,001 steps” due to the climbing necessary to make your way around town.

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Tirana, Albania

This is probably the quirkiest capital in the Balkans. Italian architecture from the Mussolini period is mixed with Communist-era blocks and historic remains of its varied past as an Ottoman stronghold and closed-off country under a dictatorship for 50 years. These days, the city is full of life. From the trendy Blloku neighborhood to Tirana’s huge city park and endless monuments and museums to explore.

Sarandë, Albania

The unofficial capital of the “Albanian Riveria,” Sarande feels like a world away from the rest of the country. Electric blue waters rival those of Greece (which you can see from the town), trendy beach clubs could fool you into thinking you’re on the beaches of Tulum, and the outfits on the evening promenade will have you thinking it’s Milan Fashion Week.

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Berat, Albania

This ancient city is best known for the traditional white Ottoman homes that make up the center. The windows of the homes give the impression that you’re being watched as you arrive or stroll the riverfront promenade (a favorite evening activity for the locals.) There are also Byzantine churches, Ottoman mosques, and a castle with amazing views!

Skopje, North Macedonia

This capital in a highly fought-over country is truly a bizarrely beautiful city to visit. Wide roads from the communist era (built to accommodate large armies) are now tiled pedestrian streets making strolling the city center the perfect way to spend the day. However, don’t be surprised by the imposing giant monuments all over, commissioned in 2014 as part of redevelopment aimed at attracting tourists. The city's best views are from the Fortress and Mount Vodno — each on opposite sides of the river. 

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Lake Ohrid, North Macedonia

A true Balkan gem, the 138-square-mile lake is shared between Albania, Greece, and North Macedonia. However, it’s the Macedonian side that is the true beauty. Numerous villas and lakeside accommodations dot the shores, along with the UNESCO Saint Naum Monastery and a charming Old Town.

Pristina, Kosovo

Europe’s youngest country has what is potentially the coolest capital city. Pristina is home to a cute pedestrian area (the local government is currently trying to expand) and many interesting attractions like the futuristic National Library and NEWBORN monument that are redone every year. Additionally, the best coffee in the Balkans can be sampled at any of the city’s numerous cafes. 

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Prizren, Kosovo

Pristina may be the political and educational seat of Kosovo, but Prizren is the cultural and economic capital. Just an hour’s drive from the capital city, the Ottoman-style city feels like a world away. Visit one of the numerous mosques, hike to the city's top for amazing views, or just wander the Old Town and step back in time.

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Croatia's ruling conservatives win parliamentary vote, but cannot rule alone

Croatia's governing conservatives have won a highly contested parliamentary election, but without enough seats to rule alone

ZAGREB, Croatia -- ZAGREB, Croatia (AP) — Croatia 's governing conservatives convincingly won a highly contested parliamentary election Wednesday, but will still need support from far-right groups to stay in power, according to the official vote count.

The election followed a campaign that centered on a bitter rivalry between the country's president and prime minister.

The ballot pitted the ruling conservative Croatian Democratic Union, or HDZ, led by Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic, against an alliance of centrist and left-wing parties informally led by populist President Zoran Milanovic and his Social Democratic Party, or SDP.

With over 90% of the ballots counted, the state electoral commission said that the HDZ won 60 seats in the 151-seat parliament. The SDP got 42 seats. The far-right Statehood Movement was third, with 14 seats, making it a kingmaker in future talks for the next government.

“Starting tomorrow morning, we will start forming a new parliamentary majority in order to form our third government," Plenkovic said in his victory speech. “I want to congratulate the other parties that were defeated by the HDZ.”

Turnout was more than 50% — a record — hours before the polls closed.

The election was held as Croatia, a European Union and NATO member, struggles with the highest inflation rate in the eurozone, a labor shortage, illegal migration and reports of widespread corruption.

At stake in the race for Croatia’s 151-seat parliament wasn't just the Adriatic Sea country's future domestic policies, but also the EU’s unity as it grapples with the instability from Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine .

If the HDZ stays in power as expected, the country would continue on a pro-Western course in supporting Ukraine in its fight against Russia. Success for SDP could put it on track for victory in the European Parliament election in June and the presidential election in December. It would shake the HDZ’s long dominance of politics and potentially open space for stronger pro-Russia influence in the country, akin to Hungary and Slovakia.

The HDZ has largely held office since Croatia gained independence from the former Yugoslavia in 1991. The Balkan nation became the newest member of the European Union in 2013, and joined Europe’s passport-free travel area and the eurozone last year.

The president holds a largely ceremonial role in Croatia, while the prime minister exerts most of the political power. The election has played out as the final episode in a long-running rivalry between Plenkovic and Milanovic.

After Milanovic scheduled the election and announced his surprise bid for prime minister, he began campaigning on behalf of the SDP. But Croatia’s constitutional court judges stepped in, saying the move was unconstitutional.

The judges said that the president can’t run for prime minister, take part in the parliamentary election or campaign in favor of any party, unless he first resigns.

Milanovic refused, openly ignoring the top court and continuing to campaign in favor of the left-wing alliance

Milanovic has accused Plenkovic and the HDZ of rampant corruption and “massive theft” of state funds, referring to past and present scandals, some of which had ended up in the courts.

Plenkovic, who has led the government since 2016, repeatedly denied the accusations, saying Milanovic as the prime minister would shift the country away from the EU and closer to Russia.

Milanovic has often voiced a pro-Russia stance during the war in Ukraine, opposing the training of Ukrainian soldiers in Croatia as well as sending weapons to Ukraine because, in his view, it only prolongs the war. He also criticized the EU’s policies over Ukraine.

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