Croatia

Croatia sits in south-east Europe along the Adriatic Sea and is known for its long coastline, clear waters, and many islands. The capital city is Zagreb, which feels more local and less touristy than the coastal areas. Some of the best-known cities include Split, Dubrovnik, Zadar and Zagreb and each place has its own feel, which keeps travel here interesting.

Croatia is easy to enjoy, as you can mix cities, beaches, nature and history in one trip.

How to Get to Croatia and Local Transport

Croatia has several international airports, including Zagreb, Split, Dubrovnik and Zadar. Split Airport is ideal if you plan to explore Dalmatia, as many key sights are close by. That’s the airport we used, and it worked really well for our trip.

Getting around Croatia is easy. Buses are reliable and affordable, and they connect most towns and cities. Car hire gives you the most freedom, especially if you want to stop at viewpoints and smaller places. We found driving simple and stress-free. If you are planning a road trip, this guide will help: Driving in Croatia.

Main Regions of Croatia

Croatia may look small on the map, but it is very varied. Each region has its own feel, from inland cities to island-filled coastlines. Travel distances are short, which makes it easy to see different sides of the country in one trip.

Central Croatia is centred around Zagreb and the surrounding countryside. This area feels more local and less rushed. It’s a good place for cafés, museums and getting a feel for everyday life in Croatia.

Istria sits in the north-west, close to Italy and Slovenia. The region has a strong Italian influence, especially in the food. You’ll find coastal towns, hilltop villages and a slower pace of travel.

Kvarner Bay lies between Istria and Dalmatia. It includes islands like Krk and Cres, along with coastal towns such as Rijeka. This area offers a mix of beaches, islands plus mountain views.

Dalmatia runs along the Adriatic coast and is one of the most popular regions in Croatia. It’s known for historic cities, clear waters and easy access to islands and national parks. Split sits at the heart of Dalmatia, and this is the region we focus on next.

Dalmatia: Split and Surroundings

Dalmatia is one of the most visited regions in Croatia. It runs along the Adriatic coast and is known for historic towns, clear waters, and easy day trips. You can mix city walks, beaches & nature without travelling far.

Split sits right in the heart of Dalmatia and makes an excellent base. We chose Split because of the direct flight from Birmingham, which made travel simple and stress-free. From the airport, getting into the city was quick and easy.

Split works well as a base for exploring the region. Many key sights are close by, and day trips are easy to plan. You can head out in the morning and still be back in time for an evening walk by the sea.

We stayed at Hotel Ambasador in Split, and it was an excellent choice. The location is ideal, close to the old town but away from the busiest areas. The hotel feels calm and comfortable, with lovely sea views. It’s a great option if you want a relaxed stay while still being within easy walking distance of the main sights.

Trogir

Trogir is a small historic town just outside Split, close to the airport. It sits on a tiny island and is easy to reach by car or bus, which makes it a popular half-day trip. The town is compact, flat, and easy to explore on foot.

Trogir is best known for its beautifully preserved old town, stone streets, and waterfront cafés. You can read more in our full guide to visiting Trogir from Split, which covers what to see and how long to spend there.

Klis Fortress

Klis Fortress sits high in the hills above Split and is easy to reach by car. The drive itself is scenic, and the location feels calm compared to the busy city below. It’s a simple trip if you are staying in Split.

Klis Fortress is famous for its dramatic views and long history. From the top, you get wide views over Split and the coastline. We go into more detail in our full guide to Klis Fortress, including tips for visiting and what to expect. It is a place that is very popular with fans of the TV series Game of Thrones.

Krka National Park

Krka National Park is located in central Dalmatia, not far from Split. It’s easy to reach by car or bus, making it a perfect day trip from the city. The park is famous for its waterfalls, wooden walkways and lush green surroundings, which make it a great spot for walking and photography.

Krka is very popular with locals and tourists. And I loved it too - the mix of nature and ease of access makes it a winner. For more details, you can check our full guide to visiting Krka National Park from Split, including the best times to go and what to see.

Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park sits further north, roughly a three-hour drive from Split. It’s one of Croatia’s most famous attractions, known for its turquoise lakes, layered waterfalls and forested trails. Plitvice feels more wild and expansive compared to Krka, giving a real sense of adventure.

The park is popular with both international and local visitors, and it’s easy to see why. Walking along the wooden paths, surrounded by cascading water and clear lakes, is simply magical. We highly recommend a visit, and you can read more in our detailed guide to exploring Plitvice National Park, including tips for getting there and the best walking routes.

Statue of Our Lady of Loreto

Statue of Our Lady of Loreto sits above the coastal town of Primošten, offering wide views of the sea and surrounding landscape. We planned this trip last minute while staying in Trogir, and it turned out to be a brilliant idea. The road up is scenic, and the area feels calm compared to the busier towns nearby.

The statue itself is peaceful and makes a great spot for photos or just enjoying the views. It’s easy to reach by car, and the short walk up is gentle. You can read more in our guide to visiting the Statue of Our Lady of Loreto, including tips for timing and parking.

Top Souvenirs from Croatia

Croatia has plenty of options for souvenirs. Both Split and Trogir have plenty of small shops and markets selling locally made items, which makes browsing fun and relaxing.

We loved picking up lavender products, olive oil, local desserts and handmade jewellery. It felt good to support local crafts, and the souvenirs are easy to carry home. For more ideas, check our full guide to top souvenirs from Croatia, with tips on what to buy and where to find them.

Practical Information for Visiting Croatia

Here’s some practical information to help you plan your trip to Croatia, from the best time to visit to money and weather tips.

The best time to visit Croatia is in late spring or early autumn, around May, June, September and early October. The weather is usually mild, and the crowds are smaller than in peak summer. Summers can be hot and busy, especially along the coast, while winters are quiet and better suited for city trips rather than swimming.

Croatia uses the euro, and cards are widely accepted in most towns, restaurants, and shops. It’s still handy to carry some cash for smaller vendors or markets. ATMs are easy to find in cities, so you won’t have trouble getting local currency when needed.

Croatia is easy to fall in love with. It offers a lot of variety without long travel times, so you can see cities, beaches and nature in one trip.

Dalmatia, especially around Split, is perfect for first-time visitors. You get history, beautiful scenery and the sea all in one place.

The country suits slow travel, giving you time to explore without rushing. It’s the kind of place you’ll want to return to again and again.

Croatia Travel Guides

Here are all my Croatia articles in one place. Have a look if you want more ideas or want to plan your trip in detail.