If you want a holiday that involves balmy days, crystal clear waters, and ancient walled towns, visit Croatia. It’s home to approximately 1,200 islands, luring travellers to its picturesque islands and some of the world’s most stunning beaches. 

Knowing the best time to visit, how to get around the islands, the best things to see in the country, where to stay, and what to pack can help you plan a trip you will never forget.

The Best Time to Visit

Croatia has a temperature climate characterised by warm and dry summers and colder winters. It receives plenty of sunlight, and temperatures range between 21°C and 29°C in summer.

The best time to visit Croatia will depend on the activities you wish to do since the country offers fantastic experiences all year. However, the country’s peak season is in summer, between June and August, when they have warm and dry summers. The hottest is July, with the daily temperature reaching a maximum of 31°C.

April, May, and October bring colder conditions, making it an ideal time to enjoy outdoor activities like kayaking and hiking. The coldest month is January, with daily temperatures averaging 5 to 11°C.

When you visit Croatia in winter, between November and March, the best places to see are Zagreb or Split, as they are at their quietest. They also enjoy mild temperatures at this time, averaging between 8°C and 16°C.

How to Get Around the Islands 

Cruising is the best way to get around Croatia, with an extensive network of ferries connecting the main cities and the surrounding islands all year round. Cruising around Croatia is a great way to see several islands in the country in one visit. 

The hubs for cruising in Croatia are Dubrovnik, Split, and Zadar. You can also take water taxis to get from one island to another. These boats have comfortable seating, while the larger ones come with restaurants, bars, and snack counters. 

Getting around Croatia on a cruise is a fantastic experience. You’ll sit on the deck and admire the country’s picturesque landscapes, from stunning shores to charming fishing villages and secluded coves.

The Best Things to See in Croatia

Croatia boasts medieval cities, historic ruins, spectacular beaches, and stunning national parks. While you cannot see everything in one trip, you should at least visit the country’s highlights. So, here are the best things to see in Croatia.

• Dubrovnik Old Town – your trip to Croatia won’t be complete without exploring the historic Old Town of Dubrovnik. It’s home to many fascinating historical features, including the defensive walls dating back to the 13th century. You may recognise locations from TV series Game of Thrones which was filmed here.

• Plitvice Lakes National Park – if you only have time to visit one park in Croatia, make it the Plitvice National Park. It has many scenic lakes, waterfalls and lush forests, offering the perfect spot for exploring the great outdoors.

• Diocletian’s Palace – Split’s Diocletian’s Palace is another highlight of your trip to Croatia. It’s an ancient palace complex built around the 4th Century AD by the Roman emperor Diocletian.

• Golden Horn Beach – when going to Croatia for a beach holiday, visit the harbour town of Bol on the island of Brac, where you’ll find the Golden Horn beach, also called Zlatni Rat. It’s a lovely beach attracting thousands of tourists for its crystal-clear waters and golden sands.

• Pula Arena – another historical site not to miss in Croatia is the Pula Arena, which lies on the island of Pula at the southern tip of the Istria peninsula. It is one of the world’s best-preserved Roman amphitheatres, built around 27 BC.

Where to Stay in Croatia  

You will be spoilt for choice when looking for accommodations for your holiday in Croatia. The most excellent accommodations are in Dubrovnik and other popular cities in Croatia. Those who want to indulge in luxury can stay in five-star hotels, offering upscale amenities like roll top baths, pillow menus, and swimming pools, spas and gyms. 

As the capital city, Zagreb is an ideal base for exploring Croatia. It also has its share of beautiful attractions, including colourful Renaissance architecture and fantastic museums.

Split, which lies in Croatia’s southern coastal region, is the best place to stay for exploring the south. The island is home to excellent hotels and guesthouses. What’s great about staying in Split is that it’s close to the other famous seaside destinations in Dalmatia, perfect for island hopping trips.

The medieval town of Dubrovnik is also an ideal base for your Croatian holiday, as most cruises would depart from here. While in Dubrovnik, you’ll enjoy exploring the well-preserved medieval old town that feels like you’ve stepped back into the Middle Ages.

What to Pack

Before you get excited about your trip to Croatia, ensure you have the necessary things. So, here’s a list of some essential items to include in your packing list.

• Light back pack – a day pack is any bag you can carry when strolling around Croatia. It’s good to store your daily essentials, such as wallet, mobile phone, and camera on hand while travelling.

• Swimwear and cover-up – since you’ll most likely be swimming in Croatia, an essential item to pack is swimwear. Bring something to cover up for going to restaurants and bars.

• Pants and jackets – even when Croatia enjoys warm and sunny weather most of the year, it can get chilly at night, so pack a pair of long pants and a jacket to keep you warm.

• Shorts, tops, and dresses – don’t forget to pack a couple of shorts and tops to go with your swimwear. Choose those you can easily mix and match. You should also bring some dresses for formal dinners and night outs.

• Walking shoes, sandals, or flip-flops – a pair of walking shoes is essential when sightseeing in historic cities and hiking at national parks. You can also bring sandals or flip-flops for the beach.

• Sunscreen – don’t forget sunscreen, especially when visiting Croatia in summer when the temperature can reach over 30°C.