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Travel advice for Croatia
From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Croatia
Book your individual trip, stress-free with local travel experts
written by Rough Guides Editors
updated 19.01.2021
With its breathtaking beaches, dramatic sunsets and palm-fringed ports, Croatia certainly isn't short of romance and beauty. In fact, you voted it one of the most beautiful countries in the world making it pretty much perfect for a honeymoon you'll never forget.
Happily, Croatia is currently emerging as one of Europe’s best options for that magical post-vows trip, thanks to a recent swell in the number of boutique hotels, spa resorts, outstanding restaurants and specialist tour operators. Whatever you’ve jotted down on your honeymoon wish-list, the necessary infrastructure is here.
Indeed, there’s hardly a single corner of the country that hasn’t got something going for it, and the real trick is deciding when to do the deed.
Arrive in high summer (when the peak tourist season coincides with what is traditionally the peak wedding season) and it can seem as if every couple have booked into the same hotel. Choose spring, early autumn, or even December, and you could come back with some very special memories indeed.
For more on the best time to visit, read up on when to go to Croatia, and read on to discover Croatia's best honeymoon destinations to help you plan your perfect getaway. If you'd prefer to forgo the stress of planning, explore our customisable tailor-made Croatia trips.
16 days / from5341 USD
Gorgeous gems of Hungary, Slovenia and Croatia
From the spas of Budapest to Lake Bled with its castle and further on to Croatia - this itinerary takes you across 3 countries, with a special focus on Slovenia's lake area and the Dalmatian coast in Croatia.
view tour ⤍10 days / from2800 USD
Sailing Croatia
If you want to experience the Dalmatian coast from a whole different perspective, then this trip is for you! Hop aboard a beautiful cruiser and sail along some of Croatia's most stunning islands.
view tour ⤍10 days / from2349 USD
Southern Pearls
This ten-day trip will take you around three adjacent countries, Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, and Montenegro. Your tour starts in Split, Croatia, moving south (hence the name "Southern Pearls") over the island of Hvar and Mostar in Bosnia & Herzegovina to end up in Montenegro.
view tour ⤍12 days / from3074 USD
Gourmet Tour
You will visit three different adjacent countries and experience traditional local food and wines. You will visit some of the most intriguing restaurants and wineries in the area taste the delicious contrast between fine restaurants, and more traditional, authentic taverns.
view tour ⤍11 days / from5176 USD
Culinary Secrets of Croatia
This vintage holiday celebrates the wine and olive oil-making traditions of Croatia’s Adriatic coastline, which form the foundations of the country's Mediterranean culinary heritage. Visit world-class wineries, and sample Dalmatian delicacies as you travel south to Dubrovnik.
view tour ⤍13 days / from3182 USD
Balkan Extended
The Balkan Extended tour truly showcases the finest of Balkan’s heritage and natural beauty as you make your way through the 5 countries. Learn about the Serbian Athens, climb the splendid Old Bridge in Mostar, observe Slovenia's water castle and dive into the pearl of Croatia's beauty in Istria.
view tour ⤍11 days / from2703 USD
Love Thy Neighbor - Croatia and Slovenia
Slovenia and Croatia are neighboring countries, and the close proximity of Slovenian and Croatian Istria make them a perfect destination for a single trip. The area has numerous stories waiting to be discovered, from magical alpine landscapes of Slovenia to charming historical towns inland.
view tour ⤍8 days / from3532 USD
Croatia's Best Kept Secret - Vis Island
Surrounded by an archipelago of other islands and islets, the island of Vis is simple, sleepy and authentic. As a military base, the island was closed until 1991 and has remained its original charm. Come for the unique experience, stay for the hospitality and friendliness of the locals.
view tour ⤍9 days / from2131 USD
The Ultimate Croatian Adventure
This trip is designed for people searching for an exciting lifestyle and never-ending adventure. With so many different landscapes, beautiful nature, stunning mountains, and picturesque Adriatic coast, Croatia is a place that can offer a truly incredible and adventurous experience.
view tour ⤍9 days / from2551 USD
Dalmatian Honeymoon
This honeymoon trip was inspired by love towards our home that Dalmatia is. The tour is planned out to the last possible detail, but still respecting the time you wish to spend at your own pace in privacy. It will take you around the most romantic islands of Korcula and Hvar.
view tour ⤍10 days / from2593 USD
Balkan & Adriatic
The most relaxing Balkan & Adriatic tour! This trip is for travellers who are interested in visiting different locations in the Balkans but prefer a comfortable way of travelling. Get to know parts of Serbia, Montenegro and the beautiful towns of Croatia, all while travelling at a slow pace.
view tour ⤍12 days / from4577 USD
Croatia and Slovenia: An Adriatic Adventure
This expansive trip celebrates the splendour of Croatia and Slovenia, with their wondrous hilltop towns and stunning cities, such as Dubrovnik, Ljubljana and Split. Experience the wine and olive oil-making traditions of these two countries, and go truffle hunting on the Istrian Peninsula.
view tour ⤍8 days / from2442 USD
The Best of Croatia and Slovenia
Combine the highlights of neighboring countries Croatia and Slovenia on this self drive trip. Explore Dubrovnik, Plitivce Lakes, Zadar and Zagreb in Croatia before heading out to see Lake Bled and Slovenia's capital Ljubljana. Make stops along the way and soak in the culture, food and history.
view tour ⤍9 days / from2376 USD
Adriatic Roadtrip from Istria to Dalmatia
Croatia from North to South - start your trip in Rovinj, a town close to the Italian border with a lovely medieval port. Pick up your rental car and make your way through Croatia's inland with Plitvice Lakes and further down to Zadar, Split and Dubrovnik. Nature, culture and adventure await!
view tour ⤍7 days / from1036 USD
An active trip to authentic Hvar
Meet an entirely different Hvar, discover its hidden corners, learn about the local food and wine production and day-to-day life of a typical island family. Easy hikes will allow you to experience the island with a local, through many vineyards, olive groves and dense pine forests.
view tour ⤍6 days / from1521 USD
Wine & Adventure in Croatia
Land in Dubrovnik and explore the city on a guided tour before basing yourself in Split for the remainder of your trip. Explore the surroundings in your rental car, including Krka National Park, rafting on the Cetina river, Zadar, a special wine tasting, kayaking and more.
view tour ⤍10 days / from3695 USD
Highlights of Croatia Trip: Zagreb, Split, Hvar and Dubrovnik
Discover Croatia, with its fascinating history and glistening Adriatic coast. Your adventure begins in the capital, Zagreb, before moving on to Split, via the stunning Plitvice Lakes. Continue to the beautiful Hvar Island, before ending your trip in dazzling Dubrovnik, 'the Pearl of the Adriatic'.
view tour ⤍12 days / from2987 USD
Nature & Culture
Inspired by timeless natural and cultural landmarks of the area, this trip is taking you through the highlights of Croatia, Southern part of Bosnia & Herzegovina and coastal Montenegro.
view tour ⤍8 days / from2724 USD
The Pearl of the Adriatic - Dubrovnik
Stay in a beautiful hotel in Dubrovnik and take day tours, either in small groups or privately guided, all throughout Dalmatia. Visit vineyards, hidden bays, islands, a stint to neighboring Montenegro and more. Ideal for those hating to unpack and pack again, discover on day tours.
view tour ⤍8 days / from1472 USD
Croatia Game of Thrones and Highlights
Discover the lakes and waterfalls of forested parks that are Croatia Game of Thrones locations, before exploring medieval walled Trogir and the Diocletian’s Palace in Split. Ancient fortresses on the stunning Makarska coastline await en route to dramatic Dubrovnik and Lokrum Island monastery ruins.
view tour ⤍11 days / from2572 USD
Feel & Taste Dalmatia
This trip is inspired by the traditional Dalmatian lifestyle, including some of the most amazing and dream-like Croatian islands. It is tailored for people who wish to take a break from everyday life, get a genuine insight into the local culture and taste local products.
view tour ⤍10 days / from2212 USD
Balkan Essentials
The Balkans are stunning and you will have a chance to experience their beauty during this 10 day-multiple country trip. Feel the welcoming vibe of Belgrade, visit Kotor, Europe's unmissable town, walk down the famous Bridge on Drina and observe stunning Plitvice Lakes.
view tour ⤍10 days / from1988 USD
Explore the Balkans
Enjoy the sights of Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Croatia in one trip - the best of the Balkans! Stroll through the old towns, marvel at the historic buildings and stunning natural landscapes as you make your way through these four interesting countries.
view tour ⤍7 days / from1831 USD
Treasures of Slovenia
This trip will take you around a rather small country that is Slovenia, yet a place full of natural wonders, cultural landmarks and delicious foods. In 7 days, you will go from Europe-worthy capital of Ljubljana, along a charming part of the Slovenian Adriatic coast all the way across the Alps.
view tour ⤍11 days / from3216 USD
Sailing across Dalmatia
With some of the most exciting islands, pristine Adriatic sea waters, intoxicating lagoons, bays and inlets, charming and historical coastal towns, rich culture, delicious food, and easy-going locals, Dalmatia is easily one of the most valuable and desirable regions of Croatia.
view tour ⤍When it comes to Mediterranean romance, Dubrovnik is hard to beat. A breathtakingly beautiful city, dramatically situated — it really is as seductive as all the photographs suggest, which is partly why our experts hailed it one of the best places on earth for 2022.
Be warned that you’re unlikely to be on your own in high summer, when hordes of day-trippers render the old-town alleys almost impassable. Better to save your strolling energies for the evenings and early mornings, when the city is guaranteed to charm your pants off.
Adding to the romance, Dubrovnik offers easy access to a smattering of stunning islands — take your pick from fertile nature reserves and chic retreats. Plus, it's also close to several of the best beaches in Croatia. For more inspiration, read up on top Croatian island getaways, and discover top things to do in Dubrovnik.
For private a balcony, terrace and classic views, you can’t beat Villa Dubrovnik.
Discover more places to stay with our guide to the best areas to stay in Dubrovnik.
Few Croatian destinations have changed as much as Lošinj, an island that transformed itself from two-and-a-half star family package resort to five-star lap of luxury in only a handful of years.
The key component in Lošinj’s makeover is the provision of a broad palette of spa and beauty treatments, many of which owe at least something to the island’s extraordinary natural treasury of medicinal plants and aromatic herbs. Indeed, special two-person spa ‘rituals’ are included in the honeymoon packages offered by the main hotels.
For beach addicts, local ferry lines offer the chance to cruise leisurely towards some of the Adriatic’s most seductive smaller islands, notably sandy Susak.
Lošinj’s single most popular tourist attraction is the Apoksiomen, a Graeco-Roman statue of a handsomely naked athlete, which adds to the island’s sensual appeal.
Hotel Bellevue offers five-star comforts complete with wellness centre and seaside location.
Explore more places to stay in Lošinj.
A city whose most celebrated tourist site is the Museum of Broken Relationships — as featured in our run-down of unexpected highlights of Croatia — may not immediately spring to mind as the most promising place to celebrate your nuptials.
However, this buzzing Central European capital has a lot to recommend it, with its café culture, cutting-edge contemporary design, and copious cake shops.
Arrive on a Saturday and you can join the local newlyweds having their photographs taken in front of St Mark’s Church — the city’s main registry office is nearby. If your hearts are set on a December wedding then consider Zagreb very, very seriously — it’s home to one of the best Advent scenes in Europe, with boutique wines, gourmet food and live music enlivening its parks and squares.
Need more convincing? Find out why Zagreb is Croatia's capital of cool.
Enjoy Art Deco elegance at the luxurious Regent Esplanade.
Discover more Zagreb accommodation.
Located on the ruggedly handsome island of Hvar, Hvar Town has an international reputation for being something of a celebrity magnet and party destination, yet it never seems to lose its refined edge. Fittingly enough, it's known as the Queen of the Dalmatian Islands.
Arrive in style by taking the European Coastal Airlines seaplane from Split to Jelsa before picking up a taxi to Hvar Town. After being blown-away by its medieval charms, explore Stari Grad Plain and Start Grad historic centre — both UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Hvar is the kind of place where chic bars and restaurants rub shoulders with gothic palaces and chapels, while water taxis whisk bathers to idyllic offshore islets. Talking of which, in good news for beach-lovers, Hvar bagged a few spots in our overview of the best beaches in Croatia.
Harbour-front Hotel Adriana has great views, a spa and top-floor pool.
View more Hvar accommodation.
With the reflected colours of its pastel-painted houses rippling across the harbour, you’d be forgiven for thinking that Rovinj had jumped straight out of the French Riviera or Italy’s Ligurian coast. It’s an undoubtedly traditional spot, with an old quarter of cobbled alleyways overlooked by the trademark tower of a Venetian-style church.
However, Rovinj also scores high marks for discreet sophistication, with a sprinkling of bijoux galleries and suave wine and cocktail bars. Excellent local restaurants serve up platefuls of fish, scampi, truffles and other regional goodies. Oysters from nearby Lim Fjord, for example, make the ideal aphrodisiac.
Talking of food, the gourmands among you will want to read up on Croatia's top foodie experiences.
While in Rovinj, take a trip down the coast to pretty, historic Pula — hailed by one of our experts as a place that should be your next city break.
Cute harbour-side Adriatic Hotel is arty and intimate.
Read up on other places to stay in Rovinj.
Arguably saving our best tip for last, arranging a honeymoon can be pretty stressful, so why not let our our experts take the hassle out of planning and do it all for you?
All Rough Guides trips are 100% customisable, which means you'll be able to curate the honeymoon you've been lusting after without having to go through the pain of planning and coordinating all those pesky details.
If you adore fine food and idyllic islands, the Feel and Taste Dalmatia itinerary may well float your honeymoon boat. Alternatively, if you and the love of your life share a love of the great outdoors, how about sailing across Dalmatia, or enjoying the ultimate Croatian adventure?
Contact Marko, our local Croatian expert, to start making your honeymoon dreams a reality.
For more inspiration, read up on best things to do in Croatia, and arm yourself with our Croatia travel tips for first-timers.
You'd also do well to get your hands on a copy of The Rough Guide to Croatia, with a handy pocket guide also available.
Decided on Dubrovnik? Packed with rewarding walking routes, the Explore Guide to Dubrovnik is the perfect companion for romantic strolls.
We may earn commission when you click on links in this article, but this doesn’t influence our editorial standards. We only recommend services we genuinely believe will enhance your travel experiences.
written by Rough Guides Editors
updated 19.01.2021
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