Overview
Croatia has transformed from Eastern European secret to one of Europe's most sought-after destinations in the space of two decades, propelled in part by its fame as the filming location for Game of Thrones. But beyond the Westeros references, Croatia offers genuine world-class appeal: the walled medieval city of Dubrovnik, over a thousand islands scattered along its coastline, national parks of extraordinary beauty, and an Adriatic Sea so clear you can see the seabed from 10 metres depth.
Croatia's coastline stretches for nearly 6,000km — more than any other Mediterranean country — with over 1,200 islands, islets and reefs. The Dalmatian Coast in the south, with Dubrovnik, Split and the islands of Hvar, Brač and Korčula, is the most popular with international visitors. Further north, Istria combines Italian-influenced culture, outstanding truffles and wine, and quieter beaches. The island of Pag is famous for its wild summer festival scene; Vis and Lastovo are remote and utterly tranquil.
Croatia joined the Eurozone in January 2023, making it simpler than ever for UK visitors. The country consistently delivers exceptional seafood — fresh-caught fish grilled with olive oil and herbs is the staple everywhere — alongside a growing wine industry producing excellent indigenous varieties. The shoulder seasons (May–June and September) offer perfect conditions: warm enough to swim, without the intense July–August crowds and prices.
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One of the world's best-preserved medieval walled cities, Dubrovnik's limestone-paved Stradun promenade, baroque churches and city walls walkway with sweeping Adriatic views are genuinely unmissable. Famous as King's Landing in Game of Thrones, but magnificently beautiful in its own right.
Croatia's most visited natural attraction is a UNESCO World Heritage site of sixteen interconnected turquoise lakes linked by a series of stunning waterfalls, surrounded by dense forest. Wooden boardwalk trails lead over and around the cascades — one of Central Europe's most spectacular landscapes.
Croatia's second city is built literally inside a 4th-century Roman emperor's retirement palace — a UNESCO World Heritage site where bars, restaurants and apartments occupy the ancient colonnaded courtyards. Split is the main ferry hub for the Dalmatian islands and has an outstanding food and nightlife scene.
Hvar Town is Croatia's most glamorous island destination — a 13th-century walled town of Venetian palaces, lavender fields and a harbour lined with superyachts. The island's interior is fragrant with rosemary and lavender, its cliff-lined bays crystal clear, and its nightlife among the best in the Mediterranean.
The Krka river carves a spectacular canyon of travertine pools and waterfalls through inland Dalmatia. The centrepiece is the multi-tiered Skradinski Buk waterfall — historically you could swim directly beneath the falls, and while rules now restrict this, the scenery remains extraordinary.
Plan Your Trip
Dalmatia is at its greenest and most uncrowded in spring. Temperatures are mild and pleasant for sightseeing in Dubrovnik and Split. Sea temperatures are still cold for swimming until late May, but the shoulder-season prices and empty streets are very appealing. Istria is particularly beautiful.
Peak season brings hot, dry sunshine and warm Adriatic waters ideal for swimming and snorkelling. The islands are buzzing with life, ferries run frequently, and the nightlife in Hvar and Dubrovnik is excellent. Expect high prices and crowds in July–August — book months ahead.
September is arguably Croatia's best month — the sea is at its warmest (24–26°C), summer crowds have departed, prices drop significantly and the weather remains warm and sunny well into October. The wine harvest takes place in September across Dalmatia and Istria.
Croatia's coast is quiet and beautiful in winter — Dubrovnik without the summer crowds is a genuine pleasure. Temperatures are mild (10–15°C) for sightseeing. Plitvice Lakes often receive snow, creating magical scenery. The capital Zagreb has an excellent Christmas market.
Top Areas
Croatia's most iconic destination centred on the perfectly preserved walled medieval city of Dubrovnik — the "Pearl of the Adriatic". The nearby Elafiti Islands and the island of Mljet National Park offer quieter escapes. Premium prices but incomparable atmosphere.
Croatia's second-largest city combines extraordinary Roman history with a vibrant modern city. Split is the main gateway to the Dalmatian islands — ferries depart regularly to Brač (home of the famous Zlatni Rat beach), Hvar, Vis and Korčula.
The Dalmatian islands — Hvar, Brač, Vis, Korčula and Lastovo — offer some of the Mediterranean's finest sailing, snorkelling and beach experiences. Hvar is glamorous and lively; Vis is remote and authentic; Korčula is a miniature Dubrovnik.
Croatia's northwestern peninsula has a distinctly Italian character — a legacy of Venetian rule. Truffle hunting, outstanding local cuisine, excellent wine, hilltop medieval towns like Motovun and Grožnjan, and quieter, less developed beaches make Istria an insider favourite.
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