Things To Do
in Croatia
Croatia is a diverse Mediterranean country known for its dramatic Adriatic coastline, thousands of islands, and well-preserved medieval towns. The country blends Central European and Mediterranean cultures, offering historic cities, crystal-clear waters, and national parks of exceptional natural beauty. Croatia's cuisine mixes coastal seafood and Italian influences with hearty inland stews and grilled specialties.
Visitors can expect excellent photo opportunities, established tourism infrastructure, and a warm, relaxed atmosphere throughout the year.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Wake up to artisanal coffee at a charming café on Tkalčićeva Street. Wander through Dolac Market’s vibrant stalls brimming with fresh produce and local cheeses. Immerse yourself in the historic atmosphere as you stroll toward Zagreb Cathedral’s twin spires.
Step into the Museum of Broken Relationships for an emotional journey through personal artifacts. Admire the ornate foyer of the Croatian National Theatre and catch glimpses of rehearsals through the glass doors. Pause for a leisurely lunch of štrukli and local wines at a traditional tavern.
Ascend the funicular for panoramic sunset views over red tile roofs and distant Medvednica mountain. Sample craft beers and charcuterie at a hidden bar in the Upper Town. Conclude the night with lively traditional music at a cozy downtown venue.
Depart early for Plitvice and arrive before the crowds at sunrise. Hike the wooden trails carved over turquoise lakes and cascading waterfalls. Listen to the gentle roar of water as sunlight filters through the forest canopy.
Board the electric boat across Lake Kozjak and admire the mirror-like reflection of trees. Continue along elevated walkways past Veliki and Mali Slap waterfalls. Enjoy a picnic of local cured meats and cheeses by the water’s edge.
Check into a rustic lakeside lodge and relax on a balcony overlooking the park. Savor a hearty dinner of mashed potatoes and stewed venison in the cozy restaurant. Step outside for starlit views and the faint echo of distant cascades.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-15 |
| ☕Coffee (espresso) | $1.50-3 |
| 🚌Local public transport ticket | $1.50-3 |
| 🍽️Meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $40-80 |
| 🏨Hotel (3-star, per night) | $60-120 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning Adriatic coastline and numerous islands
- Rich historical towns and UNESCO sites
- High-quality food and wine with regional variety
- Well-developed tourism infrastructure in popular areas
- Very crowded and more expensive in high summer months
- Some island and rural services reduce frequency off-season
- Summer traffic and parking can be challenging along the coast
- Language can be a barrier in remote areas
- "Bok / Dobar dan" - Hi / Good day
- "Hvala" - Thank you
- "Molim" - Please / You're welcome
- "Govoriš li engleski?" - Do you speak English?
- "Koliko košta?" - How much does it cost?
- "Gdje je...?" - Where is...?
- "Živjeli!" - Cheers!
- "Hitna pomoć - 112" - Emergency number - 112
Places to Visit in Croatia
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic medieval city walls with sweeping views over red roofs and the Adriatic—best at sunrise or late afternoon for golden light.
Turquoise lakes and cascading waterfalls framed by boardwalks and lush forest—photogenic throughout the year, especially after rain or during autumn colors.
Ancient Roman architecture mixed with modern life—narrow alleys, cellars, and the Riva waterfront provide varied urban shots.
Charming harbor scenes, lavender fields (seasonal) and clear sea vistas—perfect for sunset and island hopping photos.
Modern coastal installations that combine sound and light with the sea—great evening shots during sunset and after dark when the light installation activates.
Picturesque Istrian fishing town with a leaning bell tower and colorful waterfront—beautiful at dawn or dusk.
Glass-floored viewpoint above the Makarska Riviera offering dramatic coastline panoramas—best on clear days.
Food in Croatia
Croatia Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A slow-braised beef in a rich sweet-and-sour sauce, typically served with homemade gnocchi—common in Dalmatia and found in konobas (traditional taverns).
Must-Try!
Squid ink risotto with tender seafood, a coastal specialty widely available in seaside restaurants.
Grilled minced meat sausages served with flatbread and raw onions, popular in inland and urban spots across Croatia.
Flaky filo pastry filled with meat, cheese or spinach—great for a quick street snack or bakeries.
A hard, salty sheep’s milk cheese from Pag island—available at markets and restaurants and excellent with local wine.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Central produce market near the cathedral—perfect for fresh fruits, local cheeses, and pastries; try seasonal fruit and local honey.
Busy morning fish market right by the waterfront where you can see the day’s catch and sample simple seafood dishes nearby.
Street food vendors and small bakeries selling burek, fritule (mini doughnuts) and ćevapi—good for quick bites while exploring.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A firm handshake and direct eye contact are common when meeting; use 'Dobar dan' (good day) or 'Bok' (informal hello). Politeness and modesty are appreciated—say 'hvala' (thank you) and 'molim' (please/you're welcome).
Respect churches and religious sites—dress modestly when required and be quiet during services. When photographing people, ask permission where appropriate.
Avoid making assumptions about ethnicity or bringing up recent conflicts unless you know someone well—political and wartime topics can be sensitive. People appreciate interest in local culture, history and food.
Keep beaches and parks clean—littering is frowned upon and many areas have protected status. Respect local wildlife and follow rules in national parks.
Safety
Tipping in Croatia
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory—rounding up small bills or leaving 5–10% in restaurants is common for good service. For taxis, rounding up or adding a small tip is normal; hotel porters and guides can receive a small tip for good service.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in cities and tourist areas; carry some cash for markets, small cafés and islands. Croatia uses the euro (EUR); ATMs are common but may be sparse on small islands—notify your bank before travel.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and sunny on the coast (25–35°C), beach season in full swing with busy tourist hotspots and ferries. Expect crowded towns, higher prices, and lively nightlife and festivals; book accommodation and transport in advance.
Milder temperatures and fewer crowds—ideal for sightseeing, wine harvest events, and coastal walks. Some island services reduce frequency after high season, but cities and popular parks remain accessible.
Coastal areas are mild and quiet, though some tourist facilities close; inland and mountainous regions can be cold with snow, enabling skiing near Zagreb and Gorski Kotar. Good time for off-season city visits and lower prices.
Blooming landscapes and pleasant weather with fewer tourists—great for hiking, cycling and early-season island visits. Ferry schedules and tourist sites begin ramping up by late spring.
Croatia at Night
Hiking in Croatia
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Network of boardwalks and paths around turquoise lakes and cascades—accessible loops for varying fitness levels and spectacular photo opportunities.
Karst peaks, gorges and marked trails offering multi-day hikes and world-class rock climbing; dramatic alpine scenery near the coast.
High coastal mountain with steep trails and the Skywalk viewpoint—offers panoramic views over the Makarska Riviera and islands.
Istrian mountain ridge with accessible summit trails and sweeping views over the Kvarner Gulf—good for day hikes and flora observation.
Island trails around saltwater lakes and dense Mediterranean forest—ideal for relaxed walks, cycling and a visit to the islet monastery.
Airports
How to reach Croatia by plane.
Main international airport serving the capital—good connections across Europe and a hub for domestic transfers; access by shuttle, taxi and train/bus links to the city.
Primary gateway to Dalmatian coast and many islands—busy in summer with charter flights and seasonal routes; airport shuttle and bus services connect to Split city and ferry ports.
Serves southern Dalmatia and the Dubrovnik region—very seasonal with heavy summer traffic; convenient bus and taxi links to the Old Town and surrounding resorts.
Regional airport serving northern Dalmatia and Zadar; useful for reaching northern islands and road connections to Plitvice and Istria.
Main airport for Istria with summer charter and scheduled routes—handy for exploring Istrian towns, vineyards and coastal attractions.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Ethnic Croats make up the majority of the population, with a shared language (Croatian) and cultural traditions varying by region.
Communities such as Serbs, Bosniaks, Italians and Roma live across the country—particularly in border and coastal regions—contributing to cultural diversity.
Major cities like Zagreb, Split and Rijeka have younger populations, universities and growing tech/startup scenes.
Seasonal tourists from Europe and worldwide swell coastal towns in summer; an international expat community is present in larger cities and popular islands.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport nationwide with passionate local clubs and strong national team support; local matches are lively community events.
A coastal favorite with Croatia historically strong at international level—observe competitive matches in coastal towns and clubs.
Widely played and followed sports with strong club systems; games attract enthusiastic supporters in many cities.
Popular along the Adriatic—many regattas, yacht charters and sailing schools cater to tourists and locals alike.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are increasingly available in cities—expect salads, grilled vegetables, pasta, and cheese-based dishes. In smaller towns and coastal fishing villages, ask for vegetable or cheese dishes; learning the word 'bez mesa' (without meat) helps.
Vegan options are more common in Zagreb and Split; in tourist areas many restaurants can adapt dishes if asked. Carry snacks when visiting rural areas where vegan choices may be limited.
Awareness of gluten-free diets is growing—many restaurants offer gluten-free pasta or can adapt meals. For bakeries and street food (like burek), check ingredients carefully and consider bringing substitutes if you have severe intolerance.
Healthcare
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Croatia.