Croatia

What to do in Croatia: Top Tips for Your Croatia Getaway

Iglu Cruise

Sep 13, 2023 • 13 min read

Dubrovnik

With a history that dates back to the 9th Century, Croatia is a historic, awe-inspiring country that’s filled with natural beauty, bustling towns and hearty cuisine that’s divided into several distinct types; including the cuisine of Dubrovnik and Dalmatia. Visited by over 10 million tourists each year, it’s rapidly becoming one of Europe’s most visited tourist destinations, with people in particular visiting the picturesque coastal city of Dubrovnik, the relaxed city of Split and Croatia’s 8 breathtaking national parks.

If you’re considering booking a cruise to Croatia in the near future and you’re looking for some much-needed travel inspiration, including where you should visit along the way, our extensive guide is perfect for you.

Read on to find out more about this captivating country, whether you’re visiting one destination or have opted for a getaway that visits multiple cities and towns in Croatia along the way.

Contents:

How to Holiday in Croatia
Top Must-See Attractions in Croatia
What to do in Croatia for a Week
What to do in Croatia with Family
Can You Cruise to Croatia?
How Much is a Holiday to Croatia?
Is Croatia a Good Place to Holiday?
What to Take on Holiday to Croatia
Is Croatia Safe to Go on Holiday?
Croatia Holiday FAQs

How to Holiday in Croatia

There are many ways that you can holiday in Croatia. A destination that offers something for all ages and tastes, whether you’re looking for a more relaxed adventure or an exhilarating one, Croatia has it all. Once you reach this fascinating country, whether that be by cruise ship or plane, you can start to explore all that it has to offer.

If your first stop is Dubrovnik, you can spend your time exploring the historic walls (for a cost of €35 each), taking in the picturesque views out over the harbour and the old walls. Alternatively, you could take to the sky on the Dubrovnik cable car and enjoy breathtaking, panoramic views out over the mountain and city below (€27 each). Or if you’re looking for something a little more relaxing, Dubrovnik has lots of small local shops spread throughout the winding streets, cafes, restaurants and bars to enjoy. Although there are a lot of steps surrounding Dubrovnik, the city itself is very walkable.

Or, perhaps you begin your journey in Croatia’s capital of Zagreb? A popular winter destination, Croatia’s capital is home to a variety of attractions, from the Cathedral of Zagreb that dates back to the early 20th Century to the colourful Croatian National Theatre. And, although it is the capital, it’s still an up and coming city; making it a great place to visit if you’re looking for a city getaway without too much hustle and bustle.

Top Must-See Attractions in Croatia

Throughout Croatia, there are so many incredible attractions to choose from. For those that love natural beauty, there’s national parks throughout the country, including the popular Plitvice Lakes National Park and Krka National Park. Alongside its natural beauty, Croatia also has prominent landmarks, such as Diocletian's Palace and the Amphitheatre de Pula, which dates back to between 27 BC and 68 AD.

If you’re not sure what attraction to visit first, we’ve created a list of what to do in Croatia, including the top national parks in Croatia, activities and more!

Plitvice Lakes National Park

Croatia’s largest and oldest national park, Plitvice Lakes draws nature enthusiasts from across the world due to its beautiful, turquoise-coloured waters and lush plant life. A natural splendour, it was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1979 and is visited by over 1 million tourists each year. Spanning 295 square kilometres, it boasts 16 tiered lakes connected by waterfalls that jut into a limestone canyon.

Although the closest large city to Plitvice Lakes National Park is Zadar, quite a few people that visit Split during their cruise choose to venture to the national park, which is approximately 2 hours 30 away from the city by car. Excursions are often offered by both the cruise lines themselves and local vendors.

Palazzo di Diocleziano (Diocletian's Palace)

Situated in the heart of the city, Diocletian’s Palace is one of the most iconic landmarks in Split. Within easy walking distance of the port, Diocletian’s Palace is a large complex that features a crypt, tower (which you can climb), forum and more.

Once a residential villa that was built for Diocletian (a prominent Roman emperor), the ruins of the palace date back to the late 3rd Century AD. Although there is a small charge to enter parts of the palace, it makes for a fascinating exploration during your time in Split.

Lokrum Island

When visiting Dubrovnik, make sure to visit the nearby island of Lokrum. Only 600 metres from the city, this beautiful island is easily accessible by a regular ferry service. Home to a nature reserve, it’s a tranquil and picturesque place to explore. Plus, it’s great if you’re looking for a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Marjan Park

Another top attraction in Split is Marjan Park. A beautiful park that’s filled with lush green spaces, a church, a zoo and other incredible features, Marjan Park should be on your list of places to visit when in Split. There’s even an extraordinary panoramic viewing point from the top of Marjan Hill that gives you breathtaking views out over the city and the surrounding sea; making it a great place to stop any cruise ships that are in port!

Sea Organ (Morske Orgulje)

An attraction in the pretty seaside city of Zadar, the Sea Organ (or Morkse Orgulje in Croatian) is a unique art installation that’s located below large marble steps. As the waves reach its surface, the ‘instrument’ plays a harmonic tune; a wonderful yet extraordinary attraction that’s bound to impress.

Dubrovnik Cable Car

If you’re feeling daring, or you’re looking for some amazing photo opportunities whilst in Dubrovnik, you can head up the awe-inspiring Dubrovnik Cable Car. Taking 4 minutes each way, you’ll soar above the city to a height of 778 metres. At the top, you can spend your time wandering the walls of the lookout, enjoying a meal at the restaurant, purchasing some souvenirs or even heading out on a rip-roaring safari buggy ride!

Amphitheatre de Pula

Alternatively, if you’re looking for your history fix, head to the Ampitheatre de Paula. Located in Pula, a small coastal city situated on the tip of the Istrian Peninsula, it is one of the largest surviving arenas from the Roman Empire. An impressive structure that’s immersed in history, you’ll feel as though you’ve been transported back in time the moment you arrive.

Historic City of Trogir

Next up is Trogir. Although it’s a town, the beauty of Trogir is arguably an attraction in itself. From its picture-perfect Romanesque churches to its combination of Baroque and Renaissance architecture, Trogir is a preserved city that features the 13th Century Cathedral of St. Lawrence, the archaic Kamerlengo Castle and the 15th Century mansion - Cipiko Palace.

Biokovo National Park

There’s no denying that Croatia is home to some of the world’s most mind-blowing and breathtaking national parks. And Biokovo Nature Park is no exception. Dominating the southern Dalmatian coast, it was named a national park in 1981. Within easy reach of Split, the national park has waterfalls, cliffs, lush forests and other beautiful features. Spanning 19,550 hectares and reaching a height of 1762 metres at its highest point, Biokovo Nature Park is a must see when in Split or its surrounding areas.

Hvar Town

A bustling port and resort town that boasts a warm climate year round, enchanting architecture and a lively nightlife, there’s plenty to do throughout your time there. Many cruise lines even visit Hvar (including the likes of Azamara Cruises and Silversea Cruises) and dock within easy reach of all of its key attractions, including the 16th century Franciscan Monastery, Hvar Cathedral and the Pakleni Islands.

Blue Cave on Bisevo Island

Arguably one of the most popular attractions is the Blue Cave on Bisevo Island. Located within a small bay, 5 kilometres from the island of Vis, the Blue Cave glows a beautiful bright blue colour thanks to light reflecting throughout the cave at certain times of the day. You can take a boat ride into the cave (you’ll have to duck on the entrance to it!) for less than €5.

Dubrovnik Game of Thrones Tour

If you’re a big Game of Thrones fan, Croatia is the ultimate country to visit; with many of the popular programme’s scenes filmed throughout it. From King's Landing to the City of Qarth, there are so many locations to explore throughout Dubrovnik; that will make you feel as though you’ve been transported into the screen. There are even Game of Thrones tours on offer throughout the city, giving you an immersive experience through the eyes of a passionate tour guide.

What to do in Croatia for a Week

If you’re heading to Croatia for a week, then you’ll want to plan out which places you stop off throughout the way. Croatia is quite a large country, so you’ll want a route that doesn’t involve too much travelling. Here’s the route that we suggest you take:

Day 1: Zadar - known for its historic city walls, delicious food and friendly locals.

Day 2: Plitvice Lakes - beautiful national park with lots to explore.

Day 3: Split - bustling seaside city with an abundance of shops, restaurants and cafes.

Day 4: Omis - surrounded by mountains, this quaint town is a wonderful place to relax and take in the breathtaking surroundings.

Day 5: Makarska - stunning beaches, delicious seafood and more awaits in Makarska.

Day 6/7: Dubrovnik - a city that you can spend two days exploring, there’s so many things to see and do throughout Dubrovnik, from its cable car to its old town and local breweries.

What to do in Croatia with Family

Travelling with your kids in tow? Then you might be wondering whether Croatia is good for families, and whether there’s enough attractions throughout the country that will appeal to them. Well, you’ll be pleased to know that Croatia is a very family-friendly country, with kids welcome throughout. With child-friendly dishes like pasta and pizza on offer in restaurants, and attractions including zoos, theme parks, national parks and more, kids and adults of all ages will love their time in Croatia.

Top family-friendly attractions in Croatia include the Split Zoo (home to a variety of animals from donkeys to tortoises), Aquacolours Water Park , Dalmaland and the large selection of beaches throughout its picturesque coast. Top beaches in Croatia include Paradise Beach (in Lopar) and Punta Rata beach (in Brela).

Can You Cruise to Croatia?

You might be wondering, are there cruises to Croatia? As mentioned above, you can easily cruise to Croatia; with many different cruise lines offering itineraries that visit this fascinating country each year. Cruises to Croatia start from a variety of ports, from Rome (Civitavecchia) to Athens and Venice. There are even some Croatia cruises from Southampton.

What cruise lines go to Croatia?

Which Cruise Port is Best in Croatia?

When booking a cruise to Croatia, you might be wondering which cruise port is best to visit. And whilst sometimes the cruise ports are a little further away from the main destinations, with Croatia, the cruise ports are often in the heart of it. For example, when stopping in Dubrovnik, the Old Town is within a 15 minute drive from the port; and cruise lines will often run shuttle services throughout the day. Surrounding the port is also several restaurants and cafes, and even a brewery. Dubrovnik cruise port is also very picturesque, with a large bridge, houses and more surrounding it; making it arguably the best (or at least one of the best) to sail into.

Similarly, the city of Split is within a 20 minute walk of the port, and along the way you’ll not only see ferries coming in, but cafes, shops and restaurants. There’s even a bustling market that you can explore at the start of the city. You’ll not need to get a tender boat for Split either, as cruise ships can dock right at the port.

How Much is a Holiday to Croatia?

When booking your Croatia getaway, you’ll undoubtedly be looking at different cost options. Croatia isn’t the cheapest country in Europe. And the cost of a holiday to Croatia can vary hugely depending on what you're looking for. For example, if you’re looking to rent a holiday apartment for a week in Dubrovnik, you’re looking at anywhere from £400 a week to £1000 depending on the fit and finish. However if you want to visit a less popular destination, like Crikvenica, you can pay as little as £150-£200 for a week.

A cruise to Croatia also varies, depending on the cruise line you sail with. For example, you can sail on a 7 night cruise that visits Croatia onboard MSC Cruises starting at £600. However if you’re looking for a luxury cruise, Seabourn offers cruises that sail to Croatia starting at around £2,500 per person.

Is Croatia a Good Place to Holiday?

No matter what type of getaway you’re looking for, Croatia is a great option. If you’re a sun-seeker that wants to relax on a picturesque beach, Croatia has you covered. Or perhaps you want to explore historic landmarks? Croatia’s rich history and beautiful architecture is just the ticket. With 1,244 islands waiting to be explored, whether you explore one or several destinations throughout this mesmerising country, you’ll have a fantastic getaway.

What to Take on Holiday to Croatia

When planning what to bring with you to Croatia, you’ll first want to think about the time of year you’re visiting. And whilst Croatia is known for having a warm climate for the majority of the year, in the winter inland the temperature can drop to as low as 0°C.

If you’re visiting Croatia throughout the spring and summer, you should bring a hat, sunglasses, a swimsuit, shorts, dresses, etc. And if you’re planning on doing a lot of walking, you’ll not only need walking shoes, but a backpack and a refillable water bottle. It can get very warm on the coast, so sunscreen is a must. The evenings can get a little colder however, so it’s also worth bringing a sweatshirt or hoodie with you just in case.

In the autumn and winter, jeans/trousers, long skirts, long tops, jumpers, hats and other warmer clothing is suggested. Layering is the perfect way to ensure that you keep warm, but that you can also adapt your clothing if it does warm up throughout the day.

Is Croatia Safe to Go on Holiday?

When travelling, you’ll want to ensure that you‘re visiting a country that’s safe; whether you’re travelling solo, with your partner or with your family in tow. Noone wants to feel unsafe when travelling- you want to know that you can explore without feeling any threats along the way.

Thankfully, Croatia is one of the safest destinations to visit. Ranked the 15th safest country in the 2022 Global Peace Index, it has a low crime rate, with pickpocketing and other street crimes being very rare. There also tends to be a lot of police patrolling the streets, and not a lot of homelessness throughout its major cities.

Croatia Holiday FAQs

What is the Best Month to Cruise Croatia?

The best month to cruise to Croatia is April due to the temperate climate and lower population of tourists. Similarly, September is a good time to visit Croatia as children have gone back to school, but the temperature can still reach highs of 30°C.

Is Croatia a Good Place to Cruise?

Although Croatia might not be the first country you think of when it comes to cruising, the variety of cruises on offer that visit this captivating country showcase its popularity. It’s a wonderful place to cruise, with so many sights to see along the way. No matter where you stop off, whether it’s Dubrovnik, Hvar, Split or another destination, you can spend your time taking in their natural and manmade attractions, the decadent local cuisine or just sipping a refreshing drink whilst watching the world go by.

Is Croatia Expensive?

As mentioned above, Croatia is often considered to be one of the more expensive European destinations; especially in the main towns and cities. For example, in Dubrovnik, a main meal can cost anywhere between £13 and £35 (depending on what you order) and a beer can cost upwards of £7.

However, in the smaller towns/cities, the prices are lower, with a main meal costing approximately £10 and a beer costing around £4 (depending on the place you stop off in). Accommodation can also vary depending on where you are in Croatia, alongside the cost of attractions.

How Much is a Cruise to Croatia?

A cruise to Croatia can cost anywhere from £600 to £3000 for a 7 night cruise.

Book a Croatia Getaway with Iglu Cruise

If you’re looking for a cruise that will be unlike any other, then a cruise to Croatia is just the ticket. An enchanting, picturesque country with so many things to see, there’s no denying that Croatia is a fantastic destination to sail to. Discover our wide range of cruises to Croatia and enjoy a truly magical getaway.