From medieval walled cities and forested national parks to sleepy islands and secluded coves, Croatia offers a wide range of places to visit, each influenced by its past Roman, Venetian, Napoleonic and Viennese rulers.
Our specialists will help you narrow down the best places to go, matched to your interests, whether you want to explore Diocletian’s Palace in Split, marvel at the Roman amphitheatre in Pula, laze on a quiet beach or hike between the Plitvice Lakes. You might tour the age-smoothed limestone streets of Dubrovnik, admiring its Baroque churches and shuttered townhouses, or stroll through laid-back Rovinj with its Venice-like bell tower and café-strewn squares.
And, with a coastline lapped by clear waters and littered with more than 1,000 islands, you can wind down your trip and enjoy a slower pace. You could take to the water on board a classic square-rigger sailing yacht, cruising along the Dalmatian coast from Zadar to Dubrovnik. On a tailor-made holiday to Croatia with Audley, you’ll see the scenic highlights — and much more — your way.
Creating tailor-made tours for over 25 years
Suggested tours for Croatia
These tours give you a starting point for what your holiday to Croatia could entail. Treat them as inspiration, as each trip is created uniquely for you.
Suggested activities for Croatia
Whatever your interests, our specialists will build activities into your trip that connect to how you want to experience Croatia.
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Plitvice Lakes National Park & Rastoke milltown visit ![Plitviče Lakes National Park, Croatia]()
Plitvice Lakes National Park & Rastoke milltown visit
Plitvice LakesPlitvice Lakes National Park & Rastoke milltown visit
Chalky sediment from the surrounding karst landscape has created a series of natural barriers on the lakes and rivers in Plitvice Lakes National Park. The resulting waterfalls tumble through verdant forest in a region renowned for its natural beauty.
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Peljesac wineries & oyster tasting ![Plavac mali vineyards, Peljesac Peninsula]()
Peljesac wineries & oyster tasting
DubrovnikPeljesac wineries & oyster tasting
Meet the producers of some of Croatia’s finest wines and seafood on a tour of the Dalmatian Coast. Take in two wineries and an oyster farm, where you can sample their products and hear about the work that goes into creating them.
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Elaphiti Islands private boat tour ![Franciscan monastery on Lopud, Elaphiti Islands]()
Elaphiti Islands private boat tour
DubrovnikElaphiti Islands private boat tour
An archipelago of 13 islands (only three of which are inhabited), off the Dalmatian Coast near Dubrovnik, the Elaphiti Islands offer historic villages, pine forests and karst scenery as well as leisurely swimming and snorkelling in crystalline waters.
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Why travel with Audley?
- 100% tailor-made tours
- Fully protected travel
- Established for over 25 years
- 98% of our clients would recommend us
Best time to visit
Our specialists advise on the best months to visit Croatia, including information about climate, events and festivals.
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Useful information for planning your holiday in Croatia
What language is spoken in Croatia?
Croatian is the official language of Croatia, but English is widely spoken throughout the country, particularly with the younger generations, making conversation easy.
What's the currency of Croatia?
The currency in Croatia is the euro (€). You can easily withdraw cash from ATMs and most businesses accept all major credit cards.
What food and drink should I try in Croatia?
Croatian food is fresh, seasonal, and Mediterranean in style, and the local oysters, truffles, olive oil, and wine are gaining an international reputation for excellence. Traditional Croatian dishes vary widely, with fish and seafood staples along the coast, and rich, hearty meat dishes more popular inland. Istria and Kvarner are particularly well known for their gourmet experiences, and Istrian truffles are a local delicacy worth seeking out. Additionally, Mali Ston on the Pelješac peninsula is renowned for its oysters.
The Pelješac Peninsula also produces award-winning wines, and nearby Hvar has thousands of years of wine-making history to explore. Look out for local varietals including plavac mali and teran reds, and pošip, graševina, and grk whites. You may also see the Croatian spirit rakija, a fruit brandy, on offer.
How much should I tip in Croatia?
Tipping in Croatia is appreciated rather than expected, with a tip of around 10% typical in most restaurants. If you’re paying by card, it’s not always possible to add a tip so carrying some cash is a good idea. Tipping in most bars is not expected. Taxi drivers and porters will appreciate rather than expect a tip, but it’s common practice to give a tour guide a tip, although this is always at your discretion.
Where can I find the latest travel advice for Croatia?
For the latest travel advice for Croatia, including entry requirements, health information, and the safety and security situation, please refer to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office website.
What can I experience in Croatia?
From wine and oyster tastings to boat and bike tours, kayaking to remote islands, exploring ancient palaces, and hiking through forested national parks laced with waterfalls, Croatia offers a wide range of experiences for the visitor. Explore Croatia’s rich Roman, Venetian, Napoleonic and Viennese past in its cities and towns or laze on sleepy islands where the pebble beaches are lapped by the clearest of seas.
You could take a guided tour through the storied streets of Split’s Roman masterpiece the Diocletian Palace, enjoy fresh seafood with views over the Adriatic, discover Game of Thrones locations in Dubrovnik, or escape to one of Croatia’s thousand or so islands and explore honey farms, olive groves and wineries. Jump on and off ferries on an island-hopping adventure, kayak around the Palenki Islands discovering hidden coves and bays, or just stay put and lose yourself in a good book as you sip a cocktail by the pool.
Where can I stay in Croatia?
Croatia’s rich architectural heritage, sun-drenched islands, and historic cities provide a wide range of places to stay from sleek, urban hideaways to waterfront resorts, and secluded villas. Soak up the country’s history at a 16th-century palace in Dubrovnik or a waterfront hotel on the island of Brač.
Enjoy contemporary style and facilities at a designer hotel set in the forests of Hvar or at the rustic-chic lodges in Plitviče Lakes National Park, or combine lavish styling with timeless charm at an Art-Deco-era hotel in Zagreb. Take a look at our collection of places to stay in Croatia for some ideas.
Where should I go in Croatia?
Whether you visit Croatia’s historic cities, sun-soaked islands, or lush national parks, you’ll be spoiled for choice for places to go. A relic of ancient Rome, Diocletian’s Palace sits in the heart of Split, its narrow lanes still teeming with life almost two thousand years after it was built.
In Dubrovnik, Baroque churches and ornate townhouses flank the marble streets in this walled city-state, while in Rovinj, steep, cobblestone lanes are lined with ornate Venetian palazzi. Take your pick of the islands from glitzy Hvar to artistic Korčula, explore Croatia’s gastronomic treats in Istria, or wander along boardwalks through lush forest in a landscape laced with tumbling waterfalls and clear green pools.
How long does it take to fly to Croatia from the UK?
A direct flight to Croatia from the UK takes approximately between two and a half and three and a half hours.
What's the time zone in Croatia?
The time zone in Croatia is UTC+1 hour. Daylight Savings Time is observed from late-March to late-October.
What's the best way of getting around in Croatia?
Renting a car is the best way to get around Croatia and gives you the freedom to explore as you wish. We can also arrange for private transfers or a range of tours if you’d prefer not to drive.
Do I need a visa to visit Croatia, and what do I need to check with my passport?
Use our travel tool to find up-to-date visa and passport requirements for Croatia. Enter where you’re travelling to and from (including any stopover destinations en route or flight layovers), along with your intended travel dates and passport details, for a full list of requirements.
Do I need vaccinations to visit Croatia?
Although no vaccinations are currently needed to visit Croatia, it’s always a good idea to speak to your doctor for advice. You can also check the suggested vaccinations on the Travel Health Pro website.
Croatia in pictures
Motovun
Dubrovnik
Ciovski Bridge, Trogir
Rovinj
Lion Gate at Cathedral of Saint James, Šibenik
Street tram, Zagreb
City walls, Dubrovnik
Minceta Tower, Dubrovnik
Our expert guides to travelling in Croatia
Written by our specialists from the viewpoint of their own travels, these guides will help you decide on the shape of your own trip to Croatia. Aiming to inspire and inform, we share our recommendations for how to appreciate Croatia at its best.
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A highlights guide to Croatia ![Dubrovnik, Croatia]()
A highlights guide to Croatia
A highlights guide to Croatia
From the brilliantly blue waters of the Adriatic to the vineyards of Istria, Croatia specialist Caroline outlines five highlights of any trip to Croatia, including two cities where Game of Thrones was filmed.
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A beginner’s guide to Croatian food ![Traditional Croatian peka]()
A beginner’s guide to Croatian food
A beginner’s guide to Croatian food
Full-bodied red wines, truffle-infused cheeses and lamb roasted over an open wood fire — these are just a few of the delicacies you can discover in Croatia. Specialist Casey suggests five experiences that will let you explore the country’s culinary heritage.
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Top 9 trips to Europe ![View over the Tiber River, Rome]()
Top 9 trips to Europe
Top 9 trips to Europe
From the wintry wilds of Iceland’s shores to the sun-drenched islands of Greece, Europe’s vast diversity means it can be hard to decide where to visit on the continent. Here, we’ve ranked our top tours of Europe to help you make up your mind.
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