Croatia Travel Guides: Local Tips, Itineraries & Places to Visit
I’m Karla, a local Croatian, and I’ve spent years travelling around my own country and getting to know it from every angle. I’m here to help you discover Croatia beyond the typical tourist spots, from the sparkling Adriatic coast and charming old towns to quiet inland gems, beautiful islands, and all the delicious local food in between. There’s so much to see here, and I’m here to help you make the most of it!
Why trust my Croatia guides?
● Croatian with 15+ years exploring Croatia
● Based in Zagreb, lived in Dubrovnik & Osijek
● Regularly travels along the Adriatic coast
● First-hand destination experience
● Recommendations from personal visits and local contacts
The best starting point on the internet for someone who has decided “I’m going to Croatia in 2027, now what?”
I created all my Croatia Travel Guides based on my own experience spending more than 15 years exploring Dubrovnik, Dalmatia, the islands, Istria, Zagreb, and eastern Croatia. I’m constantly travelling around Croatia and revisiting popular tourist spots to see what’s new, so my recommendations come from personal experience and local knowledge. From the best places to visit, beaches, islands, restaurants, and things to do to practical travel tips, transportation, costs, and itineraries, I want to help you experience Croatia beyond the typical tourist attractions. I also work with local Croatian businesses and create personalised itineraries for travellers who want to experience Croatia in a more authentic and memorable way.
planning your trip is the most important part!
HOW TO PLAN YOUR TRIP TO CROATIA
If you want to see as much as possible, eat at great restaurants, and experience some of the best boat tours in Croatia, planning your trip in a bit more detail is really important. Use this guide as your checklist and planning help so you know what to book, where to go, and what not to miss during your trip to Croatia.
If you think that’s too much work and you’d rather have someone local create the perfect Croatia itinerary for you, I’m here! If you’ve checked out my ready-made itineraries but want something tailored specifically to your travel style, interests, and schedule, get in touch. I’d love to create a personalised Croatia itinerary just for you!
CROATIA TRAVEL TIPS
FIRST TIME VISITING CROATIA ?
Planning your first trip to Croatia? Find all the essential Croatia travel tips, practical information and Croatia 101 guides you need to know before you go. From money and transport to what to expect, these guides give you quick access to the key information you need to plan your trip with confidence.
What Is The Best Time To Visit?
Croatia is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on what you want from your trip. Summer is perfect for sunny beach days and island hopping, while spring and autumn offer milder weather, fewer crowds and lower prices. Winter is ideal for Christmas markets, city breaks and exploring Croatia without the summer crowds.
Can I Visit Croatia Without a Car?
Yes, you can visit Croatia without a car, especially if you focus on popular coastal destinations. Croatia has a good network of buses, ferries and local transport, making it easy to travel between cities and islands. However, a car can be useful for smaller towns, national parks and more remote areas like the islands.
Is Croatia Expensive?
Croatia can be affordable or expensive depending on where and when you travel. Coastal hotspots like Dubrovnik, Hvar and Split tend to cost more, especially in summer, while smaller towns and inland Croatia offer better value for money. With the right planning, you can enjoy Croatia on almost any budget.
What Croatian foods should I try?
Croatian food varies from region to region, from fresh seafood and grilled meats to homemade pasta, hearty stews and traditional pastries. Try local favourites like pasticada, peka, strukli, black risotto and fritule, along with Croatian wines, olive oil and regional specialities.
Istria & Kvarner
Croatia’s northern Adriatic, known for Italian-inspired hilltop towns, beaches, islands, exceptional food, wine, olive oil and truffles. Ideal for couples and families, with waterparks and a relaxed atmosphere. Explore Rovinj, Pula, Porec, Motovun, Opatija, Rijeka, Krk, Cres, Rab and Losinj.
Central Croatia
Green hills, historic towns, castles, vineyards, thermal spas and Croatia’s capital, Zagreb. Explore museums, Christmas markets and nearby Plitvice Lakes, with Zagreb making a great base for day trips. Discover Varazdin, Samobor, Karlovac, Krapina, Trakoscan and Cakovec.
Slavonia & Baranja
Croatia’s least-visited but maybe most authentic region, with plenty of local experiences, excellent wine, traditional food, and rich cultural heritage at more affordable prices. Known for warm hospitality and a slower pace. Explore Osijek, Vukovar, Đakovo, Ilok, Baranja, Kopacki Rit and Slavonski Brod.
Split
Discover where to stay in Split for the best combination of location, experience, and value for every budget.
Zagreb
Zagreb has plenty of accommodation options, so find the best hotels in Zagreb for every budget and travel style.
Dubrovnik
Where you stay in Dubrovnik can make a huge difference! Find the best areas and neighbourhoods to stay in Dubrovnik.
BEST CROATIA TRAVEL ITINERARIES
If you’re looking for ready-made Croatian itineraries to help you plan your trip, these are perfect for you. Just choose how many days you have and where you want to go, and you’ll get a detailed plan that you can easily adapt to your own travel style, preferences, and wishes!
BEST RESTAURANTS IN Croatia
Looking for the best restaurants in Croatia? Explore my restaurant guides for the best places to eat in Split, Dubrovnik, Hvar, and Zagreb, with recommendations for different budgets. These are restaurants I’ve either personally tried myself or had recommended to me by other locals, so you can discover great places to eat based on real experiences and local recommendations!
hotel reviews by karlatypes
BEST CROATIA BEACHES
Croatia is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe, and after visiting many of them several times, I can honestly say that each destination has its own special charm. From crystal-clear secluded coves to lively beach spots, these are some of my favourite places to swim, relax, and enjoy the Adriatic. Below, you can read more about some of Croatia’s most popular destinations and the beaches I’ve personally visited and returned to over the years, including Hvar, Korcula, Dubrovnik, Split, Brac, Makarska, Krk, and Losinj.
CROATIA’S NATIONAL PARKS 🌳
Deciding between Krka and Plitvice or planning a visit to Brijuni National Park, these guides have you covered. Find practical travel tips, transportation advice, and local recommendations to help you explore Croatia’s most beautiful national parks.
BEST TIME TO VISIT CROATIA ☀️
Wondering when to visit Croatia? Each season offers a different way to experience the country. Explore our month-by-month Croatia travel guides to find the best time to visit based on weather, crowds, prices, and things to do.
What are the best things to do in Croatia?
From exploring historic cities and charming coastal towns to island hopping, swimming at beautiful beaches, hiking through national parks, enjoying local food and wine, and discovering hidden gems, there’s something for every type of traveller in Croatia. My personal favourites are always island hopping, national parks and eating my way around the country!
Island Hopping Guide
Island hopping in Dalmatia is one of the best ways to experience Croatia’s stunning coastline, with Hvar, Brac & Korcula being the most popular islands with beautiful beaches and charming towns.
Explore National Parks
Croatia is home to some of stunning national parks, from the famous Plitvice Lakes and waterfalls of Krka National Park to the rugged landscapes of Paklenica and the beautiful islands of Mljet and Kornati.
Day Trips
Unforgettable day trips, whether you want to explore historic towns, beautiful islands, national parks or hidden coastal gems you will always find plenty of things to do close to your place of stay.
Planning a Croatia Road Trip?
Croatia is perfect for road trips, and having a car is honestly one of the best ways to explore the country. There are plenty of beautiful places, beaches, viewpoints and hidden gems that aren’t always easy to reach by public transport. A rental car also gives you much more flexibility and can save you from relying on bus schedules and expensive taxis, especially on the islands.
Here you’ll find my guides covering driving in Croatia, local road rules, renting a car, and practical tips from a Croatian local.
Click on the photo to choose your road trip guide!
My name is Karla aka KarlaTypes
I’m a full-time travel blogger with a big love for my home country, Croatia. Before this adventure, I was a English teacher, but for the last 5 years my passion is sharing stories, tips, and guides to help you have the best possible trip to Croatia.
I’ve lived in Croatia my whole life, and I never get tired of exploring it. Most of my summers are spent on the coast, specifically in Dubrovnik, hopping between islands and enjoying the sea.
15+ years exploring Croatia
5+ years publishing Croatia travel guides
300+ Croatia travel articles
300k+ annual readers
LET ME WRITE YOUR CROATIA ITINERARY!
I’ve lived in Croatia my whole life and have explored just about every corner of it. If you want a truly authentic experience, I can create a personalized, day-to-day itinerary just for you, with recommendations for where to eat, stay, swim, and explore, all based on what you’ll love most. If that sounds like something you need, feel free to contact me and I’ll help you out!
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to visit Croatia?
What are the best places to stay in Croatia?
Croatia has so many incredible destinations that choosing where to go can be the hardest part. If it’s your first time and you want to visit the most popular spots, start with Dubrovnik, Split, and Hvar. I’d also recommend Brac, Korcula, Mljet, and Istria. There are just so many amazing options to explore!
Is Croatia safe?
Croatia is one of the safest countries in Europe, so you really don’t need to worry too much about safety. Of course, it’s always smart to stay aware and keep an eye on your belongings, but overall you should feel completely comfortable here.
Can I use public transportation?
Yes, public transportation works perfectly well in Croatia, and you can easily explore the country using just buses and ferries. If you’d like more flexibility though, I’d definitely recommend renting a car. It gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace and reach places that are a bit harder to get to by public transport.
Is the tap water drinkable in Croatia?
Tap water in Croatia is completely safe to drink. Bring a reusable bottle since you’ll find plenty of public fountains in coastal towns.
What is the currency in Croatia?
Croatia switched to the EURO on January 1, 2023 and that’s the only currency being used.
What traditional Croatian foods should you try?
It really depends on where you are in the country, but in Zagreb you should definitely try štrukli and purica s mlincima. On the coast, go for mussels, oysters, peka (both lamb and octopus), and black risotto. Always ask in restaurants for the chef’s recommendations or what was freshly caught that day!
What are popular souvenirs or gifts to bring back from Croatia?
There are plenty of great gifts you can bring home. When it comes to food, the most popular are wine, cheese, olive oil, and truffles. For other souvenirs, look out for licitar hearts, lace, and lavender.
What are the visa requirements?
Since January 2023, Croatia has been part of the Schengen Area. Most travelers can stay up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa, though some nationalities still require a Schengen short-stay visa. Always check the rules for your country before traveling!
Is Croatia easy to travel around without a car?
Yes, you can travel around Croatia without a car, especially if you stick to the main coastal towns and use buses, ferries and occasional taxis. However, having a car gives you much more flexibility to explore smaller towns, beaches and places that are harder to reach by public transport.
What is the best way to travel around Croatia for the first time?
For a first trip to Croatia, a combination of rental car, ferries and buses is usually the easiest way to get around, depending on your itinerary. If you want to explore beyond the main tourist destinations and have more flexibility, I recommend renting a car for at least part of your trip.
Which airport should I fly into for a Croatia holiday?
The best airport depends on where you are planning to travel, with Zagreb, Split, Dubrovnik, Zadar and Pula being the main options for most visitors. For a coastal holiday, Split and Dubrovnik are particularly convenient, while Zagreb is a good choice if you want to explore inland Croatia or start a longer road trip, but for your first visit I would fly into coastal destinations like Split or Dubrovnik.
Is Croatia suitable for a road trip?
Absolutely! Croatia is a fantastic destination for a road trip, with scenic coastal roads, historic towns, national parks and plenty of beautiful places to stop along the way. Having a car also gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace and reach places that aren’t always well connected by public transport.
What are the best places to visit in Croatia in September?
September is one of my favourite months to explore Croatia, with warm weather, a quieter atmosphere and the sea still warm enough for swimming. Split, Dubrovnik, Hvar, Korčula, Istria and the national parks are all great choices, depending on what kind of trip you’re planning.
Can you travel from Split to Dubrovnik without a car?
Yes, travelling from Split to Dubrovnik without a car is easy, with regular buses and seasonal ferry connections available. The best option depends on the time of year and whether you prefer the convenience of a bus or the scenic experience of travelling by sea.