Croatia holidays: our travel guide
Croatia is the Mediterranean at its clearest: a long coast with more than a thousand islands, towns of pale stone and water so clear the boats seem to float.
The Dalmatian coast
Photo: Ante Hamersmit / Unsplash
Why go to Croatia?
Croatia has become one of the most popular summer destinations in Europe, and it is easy to see why. The Adriatic coast is long and fragmented, with more than a thousand islands and islets. The towns are old and beautiful, the food is good, and the water is among the clearest in the Mediterranean.
The country has used the euro and been part of Schengen since 2023. Most visitors head for Dalmatia, the southern stretch of coast, with Split and Dubrovnik as the main cities. Further north is the Istrian peninsula, with an Italian feel, and inland are national parks and the capital, Zagreb.
Croatia is one of the countries in Europe we cover. Below you will find our city guides.
Hvar
Photo: Geio Tischler / Unsplash
Cities and places in Croatia
Split
The city built inside a Roman emperor's palace, and the starting point for boats to the islands. Read our Split guide.
Dubrovnik
The walled medieval city in the far south. Read our Dubrovnik guide.
The islands
Hvar is the liveliest, Brač has Zlatni Rat beach, Korčula has a small old town on a peninsula and Vis is the most unspoilt. All can be reached by boat from Split or Dubrovnik.
Plitvice and Krka
Two national parks of lakes and waterfalls. Plitvice lies inland between Zagreb and the coast, Krka near Šibenik. Read more about the Plitvice Lakes and Dubrovnik.
Istria
The peninsula in the north, with towns such as Rovinj, truffles, olive oil and wine.
The islands
Photo: Dominik J / Unsplash
Things to do in Croatia
Walk Dubrovnik's city walls early in the morning.
Have coffee on the Riva in Split, then take the boat to Hvar or Brač.
Follow the boardwalks in Plitvice National Park.
Hire a boat for a day and find a bay of your own.
Eat grilled fish, octopus salad and black risotto at a konoba.
Where to stay in Croatia
Choose Split as a base for island hopping, Dubrovnik for history and atmosphere, and one of the islands for a quiet beach holiday. Each city guide has its own hotel picks. The links to the hotels are partner links. If you book through them, Picolo may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Hotel Jezero, Plitvice
Photo: Hotels.com (Expedia Group)
Hotel Jezero: stay inside the national park
The hotel is inside Plitvice National Park, so you can walk the trails before the day-trippers arrive.
Book your stay: See rooms at Hotel Jezero
When is the best time to visit Croatia?
May, June and September are often best, with a warm sea and fewer visitors than in July and August. High summer is hot and busy, especially in Dubrovnik and on Hvar. Many island hotels close in winter, while the cities stay open all year. There are direct flights from the UK to both Split and Dubrovnik in summer.
Frequently asked questions about Croatia
Where should I go in Croatia?
For a first trip, Split and Dubrovnik are the best bases, ideally combined with an island such as Hvar or Brač. For nature, add Plitvice or Krka.
What currency does Croatia use?
Croatia has used the euro since 2023, and the country is also part of the Schengen area.
When is the best time to go to Croatia?
May, June and September bring warm weather, a warm sea and fewer crowds. July and August are the hottest and busiest.
How do you get between the Croatian islands?
Ferries and catamarans link the mainland and the islands, especially from Split. In summer there are also boats between Split, Hvar, Korčula and Dubrovnik.
Does Croatia have sandy beaches?
Most beaches are pebble or rock, with very clear water. There are sandy beaches, including on some islands, and Zlatni Rat on Brač is known for its fine pebbles.