Exploring small yet mighty Croatia: travel tips from a local expert

From dramatic waterfalls to sparkling beaches, historic cities to utterly scenic islands, you’ll find no shortage of both natural and man-made beauty in Croatia. Whether you’re seeking to uncover the history of its majestic palaces, sailing out to sea from its coastal hubs or sampling fine wines in diverse regions, find your own slice of paradise in this Balkan gem. Our local expert Sara shares her biggest Croatia travel tips and highlights to help you get started, so read on to feel inspired…

Croatia travel tips: recommendations from our local expert

What’s your favorite thing about living in Croatia?

My favorite thing about living in Croatia is the diversity of each region. Although small, it truly has something for everyone, from numerous national parks, picturesque towns filled with history, to, of course, the stunning Adriatic Sea.

When I was little, I was always amazed by the stunning scenery of Gorski Kotar and Lika (gorgeous, lush forest areas) when we were making our way to the coast for our summer vacation, as it is very different from our scenery in Zagreb!

What is one thing you would recommend someone visiting your country should do?

When visiting Croatia, keep in mind that some of the highlights are very far from each other, for example, Dubrovnik and Plitvice Lakes National Park. Make sure to have enough time to both explore and enjoy some downtime to truly immerse yourself in the local culture.

If there are two or three locations on your must-see list that are a bit further from each other, it’s always best to incorporate another destination in between, and this way you get to explore a whole new area!

Read more: Exploring Croatia: a Mediterranean gem

What top advice would you offer a first-time visitor?

Try to embrace the local coffee culture and just sit at a cafe for at least an hour and a half, to take in your surroundings and all the small details of local culture that can easily be missed. We love spending quite a long time chatting with friends, really enjoying our coffee and people-watching – you will find that somehow there are always people at the cafes, at any time of the year and at any time of the day.

What are three highlights you’d recommend when planning Croatia travel itineraries?

• Plitvice Lakes National Park – our most famous national park for a good reason! The crystal-clear water of the lakes and the wooden walkway surrounded by beautiful greenery make for a perfect getaway from the city’s hustle and bustle. There are also various trails to choose from, so more experienced hikers can enjoy a full day exploring both the Lower and Upper Lakes!
• Hvar Island – just a short catamaran ferry ride from Split, Hvar Island is perfect for those looking for a great day trip or those wanting to enjoy some beach time and have fun. Hvar is also quite a lively island, especially during the peak summer months, and a combination of stunning beaches, great food, and vibrant nightlife ensures a fun summer vacation!
• Dubrovnik – without a doubt, the most recognizable city of Croatia. Known for its stunning walled city and breathtaking panoramic views from Mt. Srđ, which is right above the town, Dubrovnik is like an open-air museum filled with beautiful architecture and history. Dubrovnik is perfect for all history lovers and for those looking to capture stunning photos of their time in Croatia. It also has a very strong restaurant scene with some exquisite fine dining places!

Read more: The best Croatian islands to visit on an island-hopping trip

Do you have a favorite dish to recommend for foodies traveling to Croatia?

The best dish to try would definitely be peka. Created from a mix of basic ingredients (potatoes, meat, and various vegetables) baked under an iron lid covered in coal, this deceptively simple dish will surprise you with the depth of its flavors.

When’s the best time to visit Croatia?

Anytime from April to October can be a perfect time to visit. Keeping in mind that for those travelers looking to spend most of their time exploring the beaches or swimming, the perfect time would be from June until late September, as the weather is warm and the coastline is bustling with activities!

Read more: Where to travel in May

Make it happen

Ready to dive in? Browse our top trip ideas for inspiration, or get your Croatia travel plans sorted by reaching out directly to our local experts, who will be happy to help you organize a personalized trip suited to your needs and budget.