Croatia holidays
Whether you want to relax on a sun-bleached beach, explore modern cities, watch the world go by from a rustic, harbour-side café or get to grips with some Europe’s most spectacular scenery, you can make your holidays to Croatia exactly what you want them to be. Families who want to enjoy some time together will find plenty to see and do, from river-kayaking in the mountains of the Gorski Kota province, to exploring the unspoilt beauty of the Plitvice Lakes National Parks. Couples can step back in time and visit the Roman ruins at Split, the medieval cathedral of Sibenik or sit in a sleepy bar and enjoy a leisurely rakija. With so much to see and do, you can make your Croatia holidays exactly what you want them to be.
Things to do
From white marble beaches to untouched islands with luscious green forestry, Croatia’s landscape is a perfect picture waiting to happen. Take a day trip to Zlatni Ratz beach where you’ll enjoy turquoise waters and a lively atmosphere. When you’ve had your share of sun lounging, hop on a bus to the historic city of Dubrovnik. If you arrive at the peak of summer you’ll experience the city’s vibrant Summer Festival in full swing. At any other time of the year, a simple wander around the old town to observe the medieval architecture and ancient monuments is a must.
Places to stay
With its trendy restaurants and famous Zlatni Ratz beach, Brac Island is the perfect location for energetic culture-seekers and watersports lovers. For a slower pace, head west to the city of Rovinj. Here holidaymakers are greeted with charming cobbled streets, ancient architecture and a thriving art scene. An al fresco meal in the old town promises to be one of the most pleasant moments of your trip. Further south of the country is Dubrovnik. Known as the ‘Gem of Croatia’, this bustling city is not only the location for several summer festivals, but home to the famous ancient city walls.
9–30°C
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.
2 to 4 hours
Between 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.
Travel guide
Things to do
Currency
Travel guide
Travel guide
Weather & Climate
This beautiful country is one of the sunniest spots in Europe, basking in an average of 12 hours of sunshine a day in spring and 13 hours a day in the summer! The hottest months are between May and September, with the mercury hopping into the low thirties between July and August. May and July offer temperatures in the twenties, as do September and October. November is the wettest month and the temperatures continue to fall, hitting their lowest in January, at around 9°C.
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 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.
Fast facts:
Language: The language spoken in 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 willing.
Currency: You’ll need to change-up your Sterling for Croatian Kuna, 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 UK: The flight time to Croatia is 2.5–4 hours.
Tourist Information: Further tourist information can be found here https://www.croatia.hr/en-GB.
Visa / Health:
Before your holiday, visit here https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/croatia/entry-requirements for recommendations and advice on visas and health.
Events
Easter regata: 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.
Getting around
By bus: Buses are the main form of transport here and, in the larger cities, services run once every 20 minutes. A trip usually costs between ten and 15 Croatian Kuna, although, if you buy your tickets from a news-stand, they may cost slightly less.
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.
Safety and Security:
For up to date advice on travelling to Croatia, please visit https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/croatia/safety-and-securityThings to do
With more than 1,700km of coastlines, holidays to Croatia are perfect if you’re looking for a beautiful beach break. Lapped by calm, clear waters, it’s established itself as something of a hotspot for snorkelers. 1,185 islands sit off the coast offer plenty of delightful days out for the whole family. If you want more from your holiday than a suntan, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Croatia. From historic buildings and national parks to rustic markets and high-end restaurants, you’ll find something to please all tastes.
Things to do in Croatia
Brijuni Islands Croatia
Take a boat ride along the coast to the beautiful Brijuni Islands to explore the Brijuni National Park. Interestingly the national park was first …Dubrovnic Old Town
Described by George Bernard Shaw as “the pearl of the Adriatic”, Dubrovnik has been attracting visitors for hundreds of years.Korcula Island Croatia
Korcula Island is the sixth largest of Croatia’s islands and a bit of a hidden gem. Just 20 miles long and five miles across, it’s famous …Visit Split In Croatia
The biggest city on the Dalmatian Coast, Split is a must-visit on your holiday to this part of Croatia. It’s the second biggest city in the …Guide to Hiking in Croatia
Croatia’s diverse geography includes spectacular mountains and 1,800km of coastline, with plenty of opportunities for hiking.Vidova Gora
For breathtaking views on your holiday to Brac Island, a visit to tallest peak Vidova Gora is an absolute must.Visit Zadar Croatia
With a historic old town and spectacular seaside setting, don’t miss Zadar on your trip to the Dalmatian Coast.Croatia Nightlife: Bars & Clubs
People choose Croatia for their holidays for a variety of reasons, from dipping a toe into its rich history to diving head-first into the clear …Stina Winery
Sample some of the best Croatian wine going with a visit to the Stina Winery. Head to the town of Bol on Brac Island’s south coast, and …Currency
Croatia travel money
Spending unfamiliar currency in an unfamiliar country can be daunting, particularly if you’ve never done it before. While changing your pounds and pence for the local equivalent is essential, learning how and where to use it while you’re abroad can be just as important! If you aren’t up to speed on things like exchange rates or where to get hold of extra cash while you’re on your break, here’s everything you need to know about Croatian currency!What is the Official Croatia Currency?
Despite Croatia joining the EU in 2013, it has retained its original currency, which is the Croatian Kuna. You’ll see it represented as Kn or HRK. The word ‘Kuna’ means ‘pine marten’ in Croatian, the fur of which was used as payment by Croats, hundreds of years ago. Despite this, you can still use Euros to pay for some items, including accommodation, transport and in some restaurants.Finding low and high costs
Lesser value Kuna (1Kn, 2Kn and 5Kn) are round, silver coins, each embellished with the picture of an animal. To make things easier for those with visual impairments, the coins are notably different in size, allowing users to ‘feel’ which denomination of Croatian currency they are spending. Larger value Kuna (10Kn, 20Kn, 50Kn and, 100Kn, 200Kn and 500Kn) are paper notes, each depicting the portrait of a famous Croatian, such as Stjepan Radic, a 20th Century politician.Cards and Bank Charges
Traveller’s cheques were once an easy way to get Croatian currency, but they’re falling out of favour. Credit and debit cards are a much better bet. There are plenty of ATMs in the larger towns and cities. If you do use an ATM, don’t select the option that allows you to be charged for withdrawal in Sterling. This is a procedure known as ‘Dynamic Currency Conversion’, which allows the ATM to give you a lower exchange rate. Instead, choose to be charged in the Croatian CurrencyTop destinations in Croatia
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