Croatia Travel Guide

Last Updated on 16 December 2025 by Johan

Croatia lies on the eastern Adriatic coast. It borders Slovenia, Hungary, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro. Its long shoreline faces Italy across the Adriatic Sea. The country is known for its islands, mountains, fertile plains, and historic towns. Tourists visit for its natural beauty, cultural heritage, and lively festivals.

Explanation of the name: Croatia

The name Croatia comes from the ethnonym “Croat,” recorded in medieval Latin as Croātia. The native name is Hrvatska, derived from Hrvati. The earliest written references date to the 8th and 9th centuries. The Croats settled in the region during the 6th and 7th centuries. Linguists often trace the origin to Iranian roots rather than Slavic. Over time, the name replaced earlier designations such as Illyria and Dalmatia. Today Croatia is the internationally recognised name of the country.

History: Croatia

Illyrian tribes lived along the coast before Roman conquest brought cities like Pula and Split into prominence. After Rome’s decline, Goths and Avars invaded, followed by the arrival of the Croats. By the 10th century Croatia had its own kingdom. Later centuries brought Venetian influence along the coast and Ottoman pressure inland. In the 19th century Croatia became part of the Austro‑Hungarian Empire. After World War I it joined the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes, later Yugoslavia. Independence was declared in 1991. Croatia joined the European Union in 2013. Today it is a parliamentary republic with 20 counties, 128 towns and cities, and 428 municipalities.

Tourist information: Croatia

Croatia is celebrated for its Adriatic coastline, medieval towns, and UNESCO sites. Split is home to Diocletian’s Palace and the Riva promenade. Dubrovnik, the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” is encircled by 1,940 metres of walls dating back to the 6th century. Visitors can walk the City Walls early or late to avoid crowds. The Nona Ana catamaran connects Dubrovnik to Mljet Island, famous for its national park, and continues to Korčula, birthplace of Marco Polo. Other coastal gems include Novigrad, Opatija, Pula, Savudrija, and Stara Novalja. Inland, Zagreb offers vibrant culture, museums, and nightlife.

Attractions sorted by distance from Zagreb

Lotrščak Tower in Zagreb is a medieval tower with panoramic views. Each day at noon a cannon is fired from the tower, a tradition dating back to the 19th century. It is located in the Upper Town and offers one of the best views of the capital.

Museum of Broken Relationships in Zagreb is unique in Europe. It displays personal objects donated by people from around the world, each telling a story of love and loss. The museum has won awards for its originality and emotional impact.

Croatian Museum of Naïve Art in Zagreb houses works by self‑taught artists. The paintings are colourful and imaginative, often depicting rural life. It is one of the first museums in the world dedicated to naïve art.

Zagreb City Museum presents the history of the capital. Exhibits include medieval artefacts, maps, and models of the city. The museum is located in a former convent and offers a clear overview of Zagreb’s past.

Krapina Neanderthal Museum is about 60 kilometres north of Zagreb. It is built near a famous archaeological site where Neanderthal remains were discovered in 1899. The museum uses interactive displays to explain human evolution.

Plitvice Lakes National Park lies 130 kilometres south of Zagreb. It is Croatia’s most visited natural site. The park has 16 lakes connected by waterfalls and surrounded by forests. Wooden walkways allow visitors to explore the area safely.

Krka National Park is near Šibenik, about 260 kilometres from Zagreb. It is known for its waterfalls and historic monasteries. The Skradinski Buk waterfall is the most famous, and boat trips are available to explore the river.

Zadar Sea Organ is a modern installation on the waterfront. It uses sea waves to create music through pipes hidden under the steps. The sound changes with the tide, making each visit unique.

Greeting to the Sun is located next to the Sea Organ in Zadar. It is a solar monument that lights up at night. The installation consists of glass panels that collect solar energy during the day and produce a colourful display after sunset.

Diocletian’s Palace in Split is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Built in the 4th century by the Roman emperor Diocletian, it is one of the best preserved Roman palaces in the world. Today it forms the heart of Split’s old town.

Zlatni Rat Beach on Brač Island is famous for its changing shape. The beach extends into the sea and shifts with the wind and currents. It is popular for swimming and windsurfing.

Dubrovnik Old Town is 600 kilometres from Zagreb. It is surrounded by medieval walls and towers. The town has Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque buildings. The Stradun street is the main promenade, lined with shops and cafes.

Fun things for children

Families will find child‑friendly beaches in Novigrad and Opatija. Aquariums in Pula and Dubrovnik introduce marine life. Plitvice Lakes and Krka National Park offer easy trails. Interactive museums such as the Nikola Tesla Technical Museum provide hands‑on learning. Seasonal festivals include street performances and music.

Local events in 2026

Ultra Europe in Split runs from 10 to 12 July 2026. INmusic Festival in Zagreb takes place from 22 to 24 June 2026. Sea Star Festival in Umag is scheduled for 28 to 31 May 2026. Hideout Festival on Pag Island runs from 30 June to 3 July 2026. Sonus Festival in Tisno takes place from 16 to 20 August 2026. The Dubrovnik Summer Festival offers theatre, music, and dance performances throughout July and August.

Culinary destinations

Croatian cuisine blends Mediterranean and Central European traditions. Dalmatia is known for seafood dishes such as grilled fish and octopus salad. Istria offers pasta with truffles and olive oil. Slavonia is famous for spicy sausages and paprika‑rich stews. Zagreb features štrukli, a baked cheese pastry. Local wines and olive oils are internationally recognised. Vineyards in Pelješac and Istria offer tastings, and oyster farms in Ston are popular with visitors.

Cycling and walking routes

Cycling is popular across Istria, Slavonia, and Dalmatia. EuroVelo 8 connects Croatia to the wider European cycling network. Walking trails in Plitvice and Paklenica provide stunning scenery for hikers. The Velebit mountains are ideal for trekking, while coastal paths in Istria offer gentle routes with sea views.

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Fun things to do in Croatia

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