Croatia holidays

Best hotels in Croatia

Whether you want to relax on a sun-bleached beach, explore modern cities, watch the world go by from a harbour-side café or get to grips with some of Europe’s most spectacular scenery, Croatia holidays are packed with amazing experiences.

Families who want to enjoy some time together will find plenty to see and do, from river-kayaking in the mountains of Gorski Kotar to exploring cascading waterfalls at Plitvice Lakes. Couples can step back in time and visit the palatial Roman ruins of Split, the medieval cathedral of Sibenik or sit in a sleepy bar and enjoy homemade rakia. With so much to see and do, holidays to Croatia are whatever you want them to be.

There is nothing like Croatia's pristine islands adorned with fragrant pines and shingle beaches. Go island-hopping to Brac where you’ll enjoy turquoise waters and a shape-shifting beach of white pebbles at Zlatni Rat. Wild and windswept, with ancient villages dotted around the coast, Brac island is the perfect getaway for beach lovers and outdoorsy families.

Holidays to Croatia are just as varied as its many gorgeous landscapes. In the northwest region of Istria, close to Italy, is the compact city of Rovinj. Here holidaymakers are greeted with charming cobbled streets, pastel-coloured townhouses, and a vibrant foodie scene. An alfresco meal in the old town promises to be one of the most memorable moments of your trip.

When you’ve had your share of sun lounging on islands, hop on a boat to the historic city of Dubrovnik, located south of the country. Dubrovnik is no doubt Croatia's most impressive city, and it's no wonder it's known as the "Pearl of the Adriatic”. Not only does this UNESCO-protected town host a lively summer festival, but it is also home to some of the best-preserved ancient city walls in the world. During any other time of year, just strolling through the old town and admiring its medieval architecture is a delight.

Travel back in time

Around 229BC, Romans crossed the Adriatic and took control. Today, their influence can be seen almost everywhere you go. Roman architecture, buildings and artefacts are some of the most popular attractions in Croatia and an absolute must for anyone with an interest in history. Head to the city of Split to see Emperor Diocletian’s Palace. Over 2,000 years old, it still cuts an imposing figure and attracts thousands of visitors each year. The Cathedral of St Domnius is conveniently close and gives a fascinating insight into early Roman beliefs. Pula is home to a huge Roman amphitheatre, which seats over 20,000 people and is still used today.

Explore ancient history

With such a rich history and spectacular countryside, it should come as no surprise that Croatia has acted as the backdrop to an impressive list of films and TV shows. Most recently, Dubrovnik has doubled as King’s Landing in the TV series Game of Thrones, while sci-fi fans might recognise parts of it from the Star Wars franchise. Croatia also has its share of unusual and totally unique attractions.

Zadar is home to 'The Greeting to the Sun', an interactive art installation: a giant, circular arrangement of solar panels that soak up the sunshine by day, turning the energy stored into a mesmerising light show by night. The main attraction has to be the underground sea organ, which uses the motion of the waves to create a range of eerie and soothing sounds.

What should I pack?

What you pack for your trip will depend largely on which part of Croatia you’re visiting, so it’s a great idea to check the weather forecast before you set off. If you’re heading here for a beach break in the summer months, don’t forget to pack plenty of sun cream, a hat and a cover-up for the beach, as the sun can be pretty fierce.

If you’re planning a trip to Croatia in the winter, you’ll need cosy layers, comfortable shoes and a warm, waterproof jacket, as well as winter accessories such as a hat and gloves to ensure you don’t feel the cold when the temperature drops.

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9 - 30 ℃

If you’re looking for a warm break with plenty of sunshine, book your holidays to Croatia between May and August, when the temperature climbs from the mid-twenties, into the early thirties.

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2-3 hoursBetween two and three hours, depending on where you fly from and to.
Pula Airport (PUY) is located five miles northwest of the city of Pula; Dubrovnik Airport (DBV) is located approximately nine and a half miles from Dubrovnik city centre; Split Airport (SPU) is located 15.5 miles southeast of the city of Split

Types of holidays in Croatia

Map of Croatia

Croatia is best for...

History Buffs: Split is home to the elegantly ragged ruins of Diocletian’s Palace; widely hailed as the most atmospheric Roman ruins in the world. Unleash your inner Indiana Jones and explore underground passages and ancient temples, and while you might not find the hidden treasure, you can enjoy a nice cool drink in one of the hidden bars.

Honeymooners: Spend your first days as a married couple on one of the fantastic beaches or enjoy a city break in Dubrovnik, a romantic city of beautiful architecture, quiet restaurants and superb sunsets.

Nature lovers: If you’re a fan of the Great Outdoors, Croatia has no less than eight national parks to explore, famous for their unspoilt scenery and an abundance of wildlife.

Getting around Croatia

By bus: Buses are the main form of transport here and, in the larger cities, services run once every 20 minutes.

By train: Although trains are slightly slower than buses, they are more comfortable. Cost-effective and a great way to meet the locals, trains offer a laid-back way to travel long distances and soak up the spectacular scenery.

By taxi: Taxis are plentiful in here and can be flagged down from the roadside or booked in advance by phone or online. Although they are metered, it’s best to double-check the price with your driver, to ensure you get the best deal.

Fast facts for Croatia

Language: The language spoken here is Croatian. While the locals have a basic command of English, it’s worth packing a phrasebook or downloading our handy language app, just to show willingness.

Currency: You’ll need to change up your Sterling for Euros before you fly off on your break.

Local time: Croatia is 1 hour ahead of GMT/UK time.

Fly to: Pula, Dubrovnik or Split Airports. Transfer times from Split to resorts on the Dalmatian Coast and Brac Island are between 1 hour and 10 minutes, and 2 hours. The Dubrovnik Coast is up to 1 hour and 15 minutes from Dubrovnik Airport. Rovinj is 45 minutes from Pula Airport.

Flight time from the UK: The flight time to Croatia is 2.5–4 hours.

Tourist information: Further tourist information can be found at the offical website for tourism in Croatia.

Visa / health: Before your holiday, visit The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office for recommendations and advice on visas and health.

Events in Croatia

Easter Regatta: Held in April, the Easter Regatta changes location from year to year. This three-day event attracts sailing fans from across Europe, who come to marvel at the fleets of boats racing across the ocean to claim the coveted first prize in each class. The spectacles are accompanied by live music, plenty of food and drink, and capped off with a fantastic firework display.

IN Music Festival: Head to Zagreb in July and you could find yourself caught up in the heady atmosphere of this outstanding, open-air music festival. Big names from the world of pop and rock wow the crowds over three days.

Dubrovnik Summer Festival: This is the biggest celebration in the Croatian cultural calendar! Musicians, actors and artists come from all over the world to perform at a variety of outdoor venues, over a two-week period.

Croatia safety and security

Passport and Visas

Do I need a passport?

All visitors to Croatia will need a passport. Although your passport will need to be valid for the entire length of your stay, it doesn’t need to be valid for any specific period of time beyond this.

For more information on Croatia passport regulations and details of the country’s entry requirements, head to The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.

Do I need a visa?

British citizens do not need a visa to enter Croatia as a tourist. It’s not unusual for immigration officials to ask to see evidence of your departure plans such as a return flight or evidence of your financial means to fund your trip.

Should I get travel health insurance?

Travel and health insurance is something you should always have before setting off on holiday, particularly if you’re elderly, have a health condition, or are travelling with young children. Insurance covers you in case you need emergency medical treatment while you’re on holiday.

We always recommend reading through your policy documents carefully before your trip, to ensure you know what is and what isn’t included. It’s also a good idea to check you’ll be covered for any activities you’re planning on taking part in while you’re in Croatia.

Any other tips?

It’s a good idea to carry your passport with you at all times as it’s the only recognised form of ID for tourists visiting the country.
Tap water is generally safe to drink in Croatia, but bottled water is also readily available.
In many towns and cities, it is important to dress modestly. Wearing swimwear or going shirtless is frowned upon in some areas, and in many towns, it is prohibited by law.
For more information and Croatia travel advice, head to The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.

Croatia weather

When’s the best time to go?

Home to historic cities like Zagreb and Dubrovnik, stunning coastline, beautiful islands and a rich history, it’s easy to see why Croatia is such a popular spot for visitors. Follow our Croatia travel advice to make sure you visit Croatia at the best time of year.

The country enjoys a pleasant Mediterranean climate, with plenty of sunshine and warm temperatures. If you’re looking for a beach break, come to Croatia in the summer months when temperatures on the coast range from 21°C to a scorching 39°C, perfect for sunbathing. Outside the peak season, visiting Croatia from May-June or September-October (the ‘shoulder’ seasons) may be a better option if you want to avoid crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures. The weather is still generally sunny, the sea is warm, and most tourist resorts are open, with temperatures averaging 21°C.

Croatia can get cold in the winter months, when many resorts on the Adriatic Coast are closed. In the Northern and central parts of the country snow is common in January, with temperatures dropping as low as -10°C. However it can still be a spectacularly pretty time of year for a winter break to one of Croatia’s cities such as Zagreb or Dubrovnik, and the skiing is excellent.

More hotels in Croatia

Popular Croatia holiday resorts

PorecFancy a holiday to Poreč? You can’t go wrong! Centred around a gorgeous Old Town, this mini city-by-the-sea offers a mesmerising mix of medieval streets, Roman ruins, swoon-inducing scenery, and Croatia’s largest waterpark. With all that plus beaches, islands and tantalising cuisine, the Poreč area is one of the best places to stay on the Istrian coast.

DubrovnikWith pretty pebbled streets, medieval architecture and terracotta-tiled houses, Dubrovnik holidays are charming and unique, with a piece of history hidden behind every stone. Lit up by the turquoise waters of the Adriatic Sea, holidays to Dubrovnik offer a warm and pleasant break with postcard-worthy views and endless cultural attractions.

ZagrebZagreb city breaks mean discovering a vibrant national capital, complete with superb gastronomic offerings and a lively bar scene. Historic sights dot the cobbled streets of the quaint Upper Town, while a cutting-edge Museum of Contemporary Art stands on the other side of the Sava river.

KorculaThe island of Korcula is the perfect place to soak up everything the Mediterranean has to offer. Korcula holidays are all yours, whether you want a romantic getaway for two or a snorkelling adventure with the whole family. Known for its pristine beaches, lush forests, and centuries of history, this tiny island boasts 20 miles of spellbinding coastline.

CavtatCavtat holidays are all about slowing down, with great food and wine, Renaissance art and culture, hidden rocky coves, and crystal clear waters - all surrounded by swathes of citrus groves and pine forests. This tiny terracotta-roofed harbour town sits on a narrow peninsula, at the southernmost tip of Croatia, just half an hour from Dubrovnik.

ZadarKnown for its ancient history and breathtaking seaside location, Zadar holidays offer the best of both worlds. There's an international airport here too, so you won't have to travel far to get to your hotel. Immerse yourself in the vibrant history of the old town.

SplitAre you after a sunny beachside escape or a vibrant city break? Split holidays give you both. In the shadow of the Dinaric Alps lies this ancient palatial city, with socialist-era skyscrapers in the north, and the turquoise Adriatic Sea in the south. The Roman Emperor himself is responsible for the erection of Diocletian's Palace at the turn of the fourth century.

HvarIf you’re seeking a picture-perfect island break, look no further than Hvar. Hvar holidays offer everything you could possibly want from an Adriatic island getaway - and then some. Besides unspoiled nature and historic towns, the island of Hvar has a super energetic nightlife and tons of amazing beaches to explore.

Brac IslandWhen you're looking for a trip off the beaten path, you can't go wrong with Brac holidays. The island of Brac may be the biggest in Croatia, but it's raw, authentic, and ideal for those craving a taste of the Mediterranean as it used to be. Laze on the Zlatni Rat beach (a famous, winding stretch of white-stone pebbles) or hop from bar to bar along Bol's winding cobblestone alleyways.

MakarskaAre you after a sunny beachside escape or a vibrant city break? Split holidays give you both. In the shadow of the Dinaric Alps lies this ancient palatial city, with socialist-era skyscrapers in the north, and the turquoise Adriatic Sea in the south. The Roman Emperor himself is responsible for the erection of Diocletian's Palace at the turn of the fourth century.

IstriaDiscover the beauty of the westernmost region of Croatia with holidays to Istria. Nestled between Slovenia, Croatia and Italy, this heart-shaped peninsula is framed by rugged natural landscape and the tranquil blue of the Adriatic Sea. The Istrian Riviera promises an authentic holiday experience, attracting foodies and history buffs from across the globe.

Dalmatian CoastLook forward to spectacular scenery, stunning beaches and glorious weather on your holiday to the Dalmatian Coast. If you're after a relaxing break in the sun then you’re going to the right place, although there’s plenty of fun activities to keep you occupied away from the crystal clear waters of the Adriatic Sea.

RovinjRovinj holidays are postcard-perfect. A cluster of pastel-coloured townhouses adorns the peninsula, framed by the brilliant-blue Adriatic Sea. In the morning, St Euphemera, a Baroque church rising above the hilltops, rings its bells to awaken the city.

PulaFound on Croatia’s Istrian Peninsula, Pula holidays are celebrated for their antique attractions, Adriatic beauty and picturesque Old Town. From a towering amphitheatre dominating its streets to centuries-old temples showcasing Pula’s long history, the city’s Roman sights should be first on your must-see list.

FAQs

What is Croatia known for?

Croatia is known for its Dalmatian coastline, the walled city of Dubrovnik, the historic centre of Split, and the Plitvice Lakes, along with hundreds of islands scattered in the Adriatic Sea.

What's the best time of year to visit Croatia?

May, June and September offer warm, pleasant weather without the peak crowds of July and August, when the coast and popular cities like Dubrovnik get considerably busier. September, August and July are our busiest months for Croatia.

Is Croatia good for a family holiday?

Yes, Croatia's coastal resorts generally offer calm, clear water and a relaxed pace, and destinations like Istria and the islands around Split have plenty of family-friendly hotels and apartments.

How do you get to Croatia from the UK?

Direct flights to destinations like Split (SPU), Dubrovnik (DBV) or Pula (PUY) take around two and a half to three hours from the UK, making it a straightforward Mediterranean option. Manchester, Gatwick and Stansted are our most popular departure airports for Croatia.

Is Croatia expensive compared with other Mediterranean destinations?

Croatia sits somewhere in the middle for cost, generally pricier than its Balkan neighbours like Albania but often more affordable than Italy or the French Riviera – particularly away from the busiest tourist hotspots.