The Complete Travel Guide to Croatia: Itinerary, What to Do, & Tips (2026)
Croatia has been on my list before a list even existed. It all started in 2015, when my college bff and I were planning a graduation trip. She found The Blonde Abroad’s blog (one of my fave’s) and she talked about The Yacht Week and we were determined to go. At the time, it was still new so there were very few destinations offered, Croatia being one of them. When we went to book, it was completely sold out and we had to choose another adventure. Since then, it’s secured a spot on my “list”.
It’s now secured a spot on another list: my top 3 favorite places I’ve visited. Croatia is known for its stunning coastline along the Adriatic Sea across from Italy and its historical cities. Most people know it infamously from Game of Thrones.
Croatia offers something for everyone from national parks and hiking, charming islands and relaxing beaches, and it has a well-known party scene comparable to Ibiza. I love a vacation that incorporates all three so this really solidified my decision to travel here. Not to mention, the people are some of the most incredible people I've ever met. Friendly, hilarious, welcoming, and just down to have a good time. I felt at home and safe everywhere I went. Below is a quick guide of everything you need to know about Croatia.
QUICK CROATIA TRAVEL FACTS:
Currency: Euro
Language: Croatia
Time Zone: Central European (+8 hours of USA CST)
Airport: Split (SPU) or Dubrovnik (DVB)
Can I Drink the Water? Yes, and they have fountains all over that you can fill your water bottle up in
Power Plugs: Type C or Type F
BEFORE YOU GO:
Do you need a Visa?
If you’re visiting from the United States, you can visit Croatia for up to 90 days without a Visa.
Is Croatia Safe?
Croatia is one of the safest countries in Europe with a low crime rate especially for solo female travelers. A great place for your first solo trip. Obviously, always be smart and be aware of your surroundings!
Do you need cash?
Majority of places accept credit cards, you will only need cash for local markets or tipping. Tip: Unlike a lot of European countries, they do accept tips but only in cash. You won’t be able to adjust the bill if paying via credit card. Just something to keep in mind as some nicer restaurants do expect it as a courtesy.
Croatia Pre-Trip Must Do’s:
Before every international trip, I do these 3 things:
Get an eSim
International phone plans are expensive!! I use an eSim to stay connected so I have data as soon as I land.
Buy Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is always worth it, especially in today’s climate. Read why I always get it here. It covers flight delays, lost luggage, and medical emergencies. Just trust me on this one.
Register my trip at the nearest US embassy (especially for my solo travelers)
This is a free service that traveler’s can use so you can be contacted in case of an emergency. It’s always good to register where you are especially if you’re solo. You can do it here!
Things I Don’t Travel Internationally Without:
BEST TIME TO VISIT CROATIA
High season: busiest time of year, nicest weather, more expensive
This starts at the end of May through August, typical for summer vacations. Prices and crowds will reflect that and this is also when the beach clubs in Hvar will open if partying is your goal of the trip.
Off season: lower prices, cool weather but still nice, low crowds and more interaction with the locals
September through April will be off season which means lower prices, less people. My trip was at the end of April to early May and for me, it was the perfect time. The weather was a bit cooler at night but I enjoyed it. It wasn’t too crowded but still a good amount of people vacationing there and I got to interact with the locals more.
If you are going to go during busy season, just keep in mind that things like excursions, ferries, and restaurants/clubs will be more crowded and expensive so you need to plan accordingly.
WHERE TO STAY
Here’s just a quick rundown on the best areas to stay in Croatia by city
Split
The best area to stay is within the city walls or in Old Town, it’s a very walkable city so you can’t really go wrong. The Riva is the promenade that looks out to the water with a bunch of bars/restaurants so anywhere within walking distance of this street is your best bet. Here are some hotel recommendations for Split:
Dubrovnik
It’s best to also stay within the city walls here near the main street called Stradun. The city walls are more prominent here so it’s easier to see on a map. Inside the walls, they do not allow cars at all so if you rented a car, you will need to find somewhere else to park like a parking garage or lot. However, you will be able to walk literally everywhere. If you stay outside the walls, be prepared to take an Uber or the bus.
Hvar
This is a small island so you can’t really go wrong with where you stay but I would recommend staying near the promenade. It is hilly so if you stay further back from the port, you will have to walk up steps and hills. I learned that the hard way and walked up a lot of hills.
HOW TO GET AROUND
If you’re staying stagnant in one city, you can easily walk wherever you need to go. The best way to get around Croatia is by car (I already know what you’re going to ask and yes, they drive on the same side as the U.S.). Read everything you need to know about driving a car in Croatia here.
I rented a car and the roads are in great condition and very easy to navigate - thanks Google Maps. I was nervous about driving but it was as easy as driving in the states. They also have a great bus system to get from city to city for budgeting purposes and there are ferries for the islands. During high season, I would book your ferry tickets in advance because it will be crowded and unpredictable. Uber/taxis are also available and fairly cheap. Otherwise, it’s a very walkable country so get those extra steps in.
Tip: If you are renting a car, you can’t park within the city walls in Split and Dubrovnik so book a hotel with parking or just rent a spot and walk/uber to your place (that’s what I did).
WHAT TO EAT IN CROATIA
Croatian cuisine is delicious and fresh! Seafood is a prominent part of the cuisine, with dishes like grilled fish, octopus salad, and black risotto (made with squid ink). There are also dishes like Ćevapi (grilled minced meat sausage sandwich), sarma (cabbage rolls stuffed with meat and rice), and štrukli (pastry filled with cheese). The wine production is significant in Croatia and was some of my favorite. I seek it out here in Chicago even. The pizza is also incredible! My favorite dishes were the squid ink risotto and Ćevapi.
Tip: I always order the house wine from the menu and it’s good everywhere. Unlike the US, the wine will be delicious (even at the bars) because it’s produced locally and they don’t have to import it.
BEST THINGS TO DO IN CROATIA
Check out my blog post on the best things to do in Split
