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 16.05.2022
Given that Croatia's idyllic Adriatic coast offers over 200km of azure waters speckled with more than 1000 islands, it'll come as no surprise that it's one of Europe’s most popular sailing destinations.
Beautiful bays backed by sleek resorts; lush olive groves rising over ancient fishing villages; sheltered harbours, and scatterings of Roman ruins — these Adriatic attractions were among the reasons you voted Croatia one of the most beautiful countries in the world.
Adapted from The Rough Guide to Croatia, read on for an insider's guide to enjoying your first sailing holiday in Croatia.
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 ⤍The southern Dalmatian islands are ideal for first-time sailing holidays. Most routes here involve round trips from Split or Dubrovnik, so you'll need at least a week. In fact, it's advisable to allow at least eight days for a one-way trip from Split to Dubrovnik (or vice versa).
Not sure where to start? Read our feature on Split or Dubrovnik - where to go first? Alternatively, take all the hassle out of planning by booking a tailor-made Dalmatia sailing trip.
As for which islands to focus on, here's a run-down of what to expect from some of the country's finest during your Croatia sailing holidays. You might also want to dive into our overview of top Croatian island getaways.
Boasting plenty of secluded coves you won’t have to share, stylish bars, a glamorous marina, and exceptional island-produced wine and olives, there’s a reason Hvar has been crowned Queen of the Dalmatian Islands.
Hvar’s food scene is outstanding, from fresh seafood and exquisite cheeses to pasta dishes that give Italy a run for its money. Into food? Find out more about eating and drinking in Croatia, and discover Croatia's top foodie experiences.
While Hvar is the perfect sailing stop-off for foodie couples, the island is also great for families, with safe bays to swim in, and affordable accommodation options alongside all the luxury villas.
If you're into history, you're in luck, too — Hvar's Stari Grad Plain and Start Grad historic centre are UNESCO World Heritage sites, while Hvar Town is a medieval charmer. Think winding pedestrianized alleys overlooked by stone houses — the perfect backdrop to al fresco eating experiences.
Where to stay: explore apartments and hotels in handsome Hvar.
One of Brač's beauties is that it can deliver the bliss of a back-to-nature break alongside the liveliness of local bars. That said. even at it's liveliest, Brač — Croatia's third-largest island — retains a laidback vibe.
Supetar, the island's largest town, is an attractive former fishing village with shallow pebbly beaches. With a modest Old Town around its curved harbour, Supetar oozes understated elegance.
On the opposite side of the island, Bol boasts spectacular Zlatni rat beach, with a mild-breeze climate that makes it a top spot for windsurfing. Zlatni rat also earned a spot in our overview of the best beaches in Croatia, along with Lovrečina Bay.
Meanwhile, Brač's interior isn't short of beauty, either. Scrub-covered karst uplands are dotted with fertile depressions of vines, olive groves and orange trees that provide an idyillic backdrop for romantic walks.
Talking of which, if you're in the mood for love — and maybe a spot of hedonism — Hvar features in our round-up of Croatia's best honeymoon destinations.
Where to stay: from luxury villas, to gorgeous guest houses, take a look at Brač's accommodation bounties.
One of Croatia's more secluded and sleepy islands, Šolta might be close to Split, but it remains off most tourist maps. It's a place to unwind while enjoying walks and cycling trips at your own pace.
The village of Stomorska has limited moorings for visiting boats, while the picturesque harbour of Maslinica offers a satisfying mix of unspoiled village and yachting chic, making it Šolta's best-kept secret.
To explore lesser-travelled trails, you'll want to take to Šolta's unspoiled interior, where tiny, ancient villages of stone houses speckle the hilly landscape.
After docking in Rogac, follow a steep hill to Grohote, the island's largest settlement, where a maze of stone alleys, secret courtyards and medieval charm awaits.
Where to stay: though secluded, Šolta isn't short of a range of stunning places to stay.
Car-free Sveti Klement is the largest of Croatia's wooded Pakleni Islands. Fun fact — these islands are often known as Hell's Islands as a result of pakao being the Croatian word for hell. But in actual fact, the name comes from a kind of pine resin — paklina — that used to be harvested here. And it has to be said that these islands are more heaven than hell.
Located to the south of Hvar, and easily reached from Hvar Town — in fact, you can see it from town — Sveti Klement has just three sleepy settlements on its 5 sq km.
Set on a beautiful horseshoe bay, Palmižana boasts a bustling marina, restaurants and a bijou sandy beach.
Where to stay: chances are, you'll visit Sveti Klement on a day trip, so check out hotels in Hvar.
The furthest flung of the Southern Dalmatian Islands, Vis was cut off from tourists until the early 1990s due to military activity, which means it's unsullied by over-tourism, and famously unspoiled.
Vis is something of a magnet for independent travellers and foodies. The surrounding waters offer up some of the Adriatic’s finest fish and lobster. The island even has its own fast-food, pogača od srdele, an anchovy pasty and local bakery staple.
Home to the magnificent Blue Cave, you'll want to visit Vis in summer when sunlight bathes its interior in aquamarine light.
Where to stay: take your pick from elegant apartments and villas on Vis.
With soft sand bays and quiet coves on its southern coast, Korčula is a great place for travellers with kids to stop-off on during Croatian sailing holidays — the Adriatic here is especially clear and calm.
With plenty to satisfy history buffs, beach-lovers and foodies, the medieval walled city of Korčula Town preserves a beauty that has few equals in the Adriatic. It has a magnificently atmospheric centre, lovely out-of-town-beaches, and a clutch of excellent restaurants and bakeries.
Cloaked in vineyards, olive groves and Aleppo pines, Korčula is also one of the greenest Adriatic islands. Thanks to its soil and climate, Korčula is famed for its dry whites. Grk, for example, only grows in Lumbarda, while Pošip, cultivated around Smokvica and Čara, is more widespread, but just as tasty.
On the subject of food, alongside serving top-notch seafood, Korčula excels in lamb and goat, which tend be be served goulash-style with Žrnovski makaruni, a succulent, hand-rolled, cigar-shaped local pasta.
Where to stay: explore Korčula's family-friendly hotels and quaint accommodation options.
One of the largest Southern Dalmatian Islands, verdant Mljet is popular as a day trip from Dubrovnik, especially with nature-lovers who are drawn to Mljet National Park.
Unspoiled and serene, Mljet really does justify a longer stay, with stunning nature walks, quiet bays, beautiful lakes, and awe-inspiring quaint places to stay offering jaw-dropping views of forests and sea. Adding to Mljet's romantic aura, legend has it Odysseus and Calypso holed up here for seven years.
Mljet is also known for its white and red wines, olives, and goat's cheese, all of which can be gorged on in the island's main settlement, Pomena.
Where to stay: these Mljet accommodation options come with magnificent views.
High summer in Croatia is busy, but the weather’s glorious. Expect averages of 26–27°C in July and August, with similar sea temperatures. All of which means you can experience excellent snorkelling and swimming in the clear, balmy Adriatic.
Croatia's sailing season runs from May to the end of September, and it's worth being mindful of these dates. Temperatures drop to 15°C in October and many businesses shut up shop for the year in autumn. So, if you're tempted by start or end of season deals, you might not get the Croatian sailing holiday you envisaged.
Find out more about when to go to Croatia.
For first time sailing holidays in Croatia, it’s a good idea to book a skippered yacht. You’ll learn sailing skills while also having the freedom to relax and enjoy the experience.
Expert local skippers really are invaluable on first time sailing holidays. They’re able to recommend routes and adjust them in response to weather changes. What's more, they'll also know the top swimming spots, attractions, restaurants and islands to visit. You could also consider booking someone to take care of cooking and cleaning.
More experienced sailors can opt for a “bareboat” Croatia sailing charter. While requirements for these vary between operators, you will need full certification, such as the ICC (International Certificate of Competence).
Not all yachts in Croatia are the same. They vary from cosy set-ups to floating paradigms of luxury. With most companies offering a range of different boats, see what’s available from your chosen operator, and always be realistic about expectations of space and facilities.
At the lower end, you’ll find older, smaller boats, with cramped cabins and shared bathrooms, while modern, high-end catamarans offer an entirely different experience. Often fitted with plush furnishings and en-suites, you'll also enjoy more extensive deck space.
Meanwhile, solo travellers booking a group trip with budget operator may have to share a cabin, or even a double bed. If you are travelling alone, read our tips for surviving solo travel.
You might have seen the glamorous promos for Croatia's Yacht Week. But beware — while this mega flotilla trip for moneyed 20-somethings promises the party of a lifetime, it’s far from sustainable, and doesn’t reflect Croatian culture.
In fact, local sailors have voiced safety concerns about inexperienced Yacht Week skippers. In the past, some towns have even refused moorings to the boozy crowds.
Sea-based experiences aside, Croatia has something for everyone — from outdoor adventuring, to uncovering history. So, you'd do well to take a few days to explore some of the country either side of your Croatian sailing holiday. Here are a few ideas:
Somewhat off most visitor's radars, Zagreb has always been a more arty, quirky and creative place than its tourist-deluged cousins on Croatia’s coast. Home to a thriving alternative music scene and eccentric bars, it's a city that never sleeps, with tonnes of clubs, and a burgeoning food scene.
Captial of Croatia since 1991, find out why Zagreb is also Croatia's capital of cool.
Backed by rugged mountains, and jutting into the Adriatic Sea, Dubrovnik is one of the world’s best-preserved medieval cities. Its atmospheric Old Town presents itself as a maze of pretty passages, with plenty of boutiques and world-class restaurants.
If that's sparked your interest in visiting, read up on things to do in Dubrovnik. In the mood for love? The city is one of our best honeymoon destinations in Croatia. In addition, our experts hailed it one of the best places on earth for 2022.
Game of Thrones fans might want to find out how to enjoy a real Game of Thrones adventure in Dubrovnik, while hardcore aficionados could consider taking a Game of Thrones trip.
For outdoor action, it doesn’t get better than Plitvice Lakes National Park, a forested Eden of deep blue lakes and rushing, romantic waterfalls.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts twelve hiking trails through pristine landscapes, plus there's a fantastic network of bike trails on its northern edge.
If all that talk of the great outdoors has got you thinking about switching from a sailing hoilday, you'll find inspiration in our customisable ultimate adventure trip around Croatia.
You will find some useful tips for travelling in Croatia in our practical guide to island-hopping in Croatia.
Ready to take the plunge for your first Croatian sailing holiday? If you'd prefer to spend more time enjoying it than planning, take a look at our fully-customisable tailor-made Dalmatia sailing trip.
Prefer to go it alone? Arm yourself with The Rough Guide to Croatia and read our run-down of the best places to visit and best things to do in Croatia.
Looking for practical tips? Find out more about getting to Croatia, and getting around once you're there.
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written by Rough Guides Editors
updated 16.05.2022
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