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 Helen Ochyra
updated 16.09.2021
How to choose between Split or Dubrovnik? Both cities are star attractions in Croatia. Both have UNESCO World Heritage listed historic centres. And each is vibrant enough to retain a large, local population. Plus, both cities have Adriatic beaches, good food and bars with sea views. The information in this article is taken from The Rough Guide to Croatia, your essential guide for visiting Croatia.
But which should you visit first? Here’s our lowdown on what each city offers. Or if you prefer a tailor made Split and Dubrovnik trip get in touch and we can connect you with a local expert to plan and book your ideal holiday.
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 ⤍Neither Split nor Dubrovnik are best explored in museums. Instead, these living cultural sites beckon you on to their sunny streets.
Split first grew around Diocletian’s Palace. And today’s medieval mix of buildings was superimposed onto a Roman blueprint dating back to 295 AD. Wander this historic quarter's alleyways and courtyards to get to grips with the city. Climb the bell tower of St Domnius to look over red roofs to the harbour. Settle on the steps of a café and watch local life unfold. Or considering staying at Kastel 1700 Boutique Hotel in the historic quarter itself.
Or take an evening walking tour in summer to soak up Split’s lively atmosphere.
People still live in Dubrovnik medieval old town. So a walk along the 25m high city walls can mean peering into windows. Or you could even join the true locals and stay at The Pucic Palace in the heart of the old town.
Dubrovnik's peaceful today. But from 1991 to 1992 the city was under siege. For an insight into this painful chapter visit the War Photo museum. This moving collection of photojournalism pulls no punches.
Ride the cable car up Mount Srd to see where locals defended Dubrovnik from the Serbs. Or learn more about the city’s past on a private tour with local guides.
Croatian food is fabulous. It uses the country’s excellent local produce creatively. And as Split and Dubrovnik are ports, excellent seafood and fish are a given.
Classic Dalmatian pašticada (beef stew) is on offer at every konoba (traditional restaurant) in either city. And Dubrovnik specialises in fresh oysters from Ston: Croatia’s ‘oyster capital’.
For authentic Croatian food in Dubrovnik stick to the restaurants south of Stradun. Head to Gruž for the best seafood restaurants and the city’s fish market. Avoid Prijeko to the north as it’s a tourist trap. And if you want food mixed with sightseeing take a local food and wine scene tour.
Finding authentic food in Split is even easier. Just make for streets west of the palace, towards the Varoš neighbourhood. Or book a historical & gastro tour with a local guide.
A night out in either city always begins by finding the perfect pavement table.
In Split make for Riva. This strip of bars with large harbourfront terraces is the perfect spot to wave off the day’s cruise ships. Later, head to Diocletian’s Palace to perch on the steps and order a glass of local wine. Or if you want a less touristy hangout, keep moving upwards from the Palace.
In Dubrovnik, sundowners are best at one of the Buza bars. Buza means “hole” so you’ll find the bars tucked into the city walls. And beyond their small doorways expect tables perched on rocks and stunning Adriatic views. After, head back to Stradun and seek out tiny, traditional wine bars like D’Vino.
The Adriatic has some of Europe’s cleanest waters. So you can’t visit Croatia without swimming.
In Split, head to Bačvice. This city beach is a walk from the centre and known for shallow seas. It also has a sandy seabed: unusual in Croatia. Or escape to Kašjuni beach on the southern coast of the Marjan peninsula. It’s about 4km west of Split.
Few Dubrovnik experiences beat swimming at one of the Buza bars. Just take a dip from the rocks, then flop down in the sun with a cold beer. Banje beach to the east, just outside the city walls, is another good bet. Chic Banje Beach lounge bar even offers sunbeds on the sands.
Sea kayaks are another great way to explore the coast in Split. You could also try cliff diving or snorkelling. And if you’re with a group of friends, book a private speedboat tour to cruise the Elafiti Archipelago from Dubrovnik.
Split is midway on Croatia’s long Adriatic coast. So it’s better than Dubrovnik for seeing more of the country. Split also has more international flight connections. And Croatia’s fast motorways make touring from the city even easier.
Dubrovnik lies far south in Croatia and is good for island hopping day trips.
That depends – how good are you with crowds?
In summer Dubrovnik heaves with cruise-ship passengers and tourists. Split is the less crowded high-summer city. So on balance, we’d say pick Split for summer.
However, Dubrovnik is Croatia’s crowning glory for a reason – it’s spectacular. If you can’t stand crowds, visit off-season when it’s much quieter.
Ready for a trip to Croatia? Read more about the best time to go to Croatia, the best places to visit and best things to do in Croatia. For inspiration use the Croatia Itineraries from The Rough Guide to Croatia and our local travel experts. A bit more hands on, learn about getting there, getting around the country and where to stay once you are there.
We may earn commission when you click on links in this article, but this does not influence our editorial standards - we only recommend services that we genuinely believe will enhance your travel experiences.
Top image: Split, Croatia © novak.elcic/Shutterstock
written by Helen Ochyra
updated 16.09.2021
Helen Ochyra is a Scotland-obsessed freelance travel writer and author of the critically acclaimed Scottish travel book "Scotland Beyond the Bagpipes", a Times Travel “book of the week” and one of Wanderlust’s “best travel books of 2020”. Helen specialises in British travel and is currently studying towards a Masters in British Studies at the University of the Highlands and Islands. Helen's work has recently appeared in the Times, the Telegraph and Grazia among many others. She lives in London with her husband and two young daughters.
Use Rough Guides' trusted partners for great rates
From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Croatia
Plan your tailor-made trip with a local expert
Book securely with money-back guarantee
Travel stress-free with local assistance and 24/7 support