Croatia Holidays

Things to do in Croatia

Croatia has a wide range of things to do in various resorts, making it perfect for group holidays and solo holidays alike. So whether you choose to visit Split, Dubrovnik, Pula or Hvar, you’ll be sure to find something appealing. Or have a look at a sneak peak of Croatia's top attractions here.

Split on Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast is best-known for its beaches as well as its historic sites including Roman remains. Things to do in Split include:

• Diocletian’s Palace - A magnificent palace which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was home to Roman emperors.
• Marjan - This is a great spot to admire the stunning views of Split. Expect sights of the harbour backed by the city and lush, hilly terrain.
• Saint Domnius Cathedral - This historic cathedral is considered the oldest Catholic cathedral in the world which still uses its original structure.

Dubrovnik is a stunning, historic city overlooking the Adriatic Sea. Its ancient heart is a spellbinding warren of arcaded streets, grand palaces and splendid squares. Things to do in Dubrovnik include:

• Dubrovnik Cable Car - Jump in the cable car and you’ll be taken to a plateau within four minutes. Here, you can enjoy some cuisine at the restaurant and soak up amazing views.
• Walls of Dubrovnik - This city is known for its encircling walls which are full of history. Walk along these walls to enjoy a range of views.
• Lovrijenac - A fortress which highlights Dubrovnik’s historical defences. Performances are sometimes held here.

Things to do in Pula & Cavtat

Pula is also a city located on the waterfront. But, it has many Roman ruins and a harbour to add to its name. Things to do in Pula include:

• Pula Arena - A massive Roman amphitheatre which includes an exhibition highlighting the production of olive oil and wine.
• Aquarium Pula - Interested in marine life? Head here for a look at everything from turtles to jellyfish.
• Brijuni - These islands are located off the coast of Pula. Full of lush green areas, it’s perfect for a spot of golf.

Cavtat is one of the most charming destinations in Croatia, with a perfect balance of tranquil beaches, winding ancient streets and lush green trees. Things to do in Cavtat include:

• Church of St Nicholas: This distinctive church has a lovely interior filled with altars and paintings.
• Vlaho Bukovac’s House: A fascinating museum including a selection of the artist’s paintings.
• Rector’s Palace – Take a stroll around the Rector’s Palace, a splendid Renaissance mansion.

Croatia beaches

Croatia beach holidays are all about enticing little beaches and bays, set against rolling hills covered in pine trees. There are a mixture of shingle and sandy beaches, with Croatia’s islands providing some of the best. Check out the best beaches in Croatia for you!

Split has plenty of beaches to choose from:

• Bacvice Beach – Perhaps one of the most popular beaches in Split due to its sandy shores and shallow waters.
• Kasuni Beach – This shingle beach boasts clear waters and gorgeous scenery.
• Znjan Beach – This stretch covers a sandy beach as well as pebbly bays.

Pula lies along the Istrian Riviera, home to many beaches:

• Histria Beach – This pebble beach has been awarded the Blue Flag.
• Ambrela Beach – A stony beach, its true attraction includes clear waters and a range of amenities from deck chairs to showers.
• Hawaii Beach – Another pebble beach, you can enjoy the shallow water or admire the nearby cliffs.

Hvar, one of Croatia’s picturesque islands in the Adriatic Sea is home to some of the best beaches in the country:

• Dubovica Beach – A simply stunning pebble beach which is surrounded by nature. It’s the perfect place for a swim and seafood.
• Milna Beach – Located in the village of Milna, this beach is backed by a lush pine forest. Its clear water is great for snorkelling.
• Palmizana Beach – You’ll find the Pakleni Islands just of Hvar, which is a must-visit for beaches. This beach is one of the most popular and features sun beds and bars.

Croatia history and culture

Since the 12th century, Croatia has been under the control of other nations. Holidays to Croatia will involve soaking some of this history up. This is one of the reasons Croatia has been so heavily influenced in terms of its food, architecture and arts. You will find a variety of influences when visiting the country: Italian, Hungarian, Turkish and more have all blended into one. Croatians have taken these influences and truly developed them to make something unique.

In northern Croatia, you will find the influence of Austrians and Hungarians. Large parks, pedestrian areas and large plazas make up parts of the cities. The northern cities of Croatia are gorgeous and reflect those old ties to the past. Once you make your way south, you will find a Mediterranean vibe. You will notice a contrast in the cultures of both areas from the foods they eat to the layouts of cities. Thanks to Croatia's two distinct regions, you will have the chance to experience very different places in the same country. Just for example, in Porec, close to the city of Pula, you'll find the Euphrasian Basilica, declared a UNESCO heritage site in 1997.

Croatia family holidays

Family holidays to Croatia are ideal. A beach holiday to Croatia is perfect for the kids, with calm waters and sandy bays. If your little ones aren't so little anymore, then there are plenty of cultural sights, delicious food and a welcoming atmosphere to keep your whole holiday party entertained.

The quieter areas of Cavtat, Pula, and Mlini are ideal for families looking for something away from the bustle of Dubrovnik. Pula has some fantastic beaches for kids while Cavtat and Mlini are quiet resorts for a bit of peace and quiet on your Croatia holidays. Beaches galore and quiet tavernas with friendly locals, these destinations offer a good choice of hotels or head down the coast on a day trip during your holidays to the Adriatic Riviera. Pick the beachfront Remisens Hotel Albatros or the kiddies focused Amadria Park Hotel Andrija for a memorable stay.

Best place to stay in Croatia for couples

Split is the perfect place for a romantic stroll. It is a town filled with history around every turn, and walking down Riva Boardwalk at night when it is all lit up is the perfect ending to a beautiful day on the Adriatic. From Split, you can also take a ferry over to Brac island. Whilst in an island mood, Hvar is another popular spot for love-doves. Further north, Pula is a secretive city, with many secluded spaces to explore and cultural sights to adore. Couples that love old world charm will enjoy a holiday to Zagreb. Gas-powered lamps and narrow streets welcome you to the capital. For quiet Italian charm on the Riviera, try Rovinj.

For a 5-star stay in Dubrovnik, book the Hotel More, situated in the Bay of Lapad along the riviera, you can enjoy impressive views of the Adriatic Sea from the pool. Or try Hotel Cavtat where you can experience a private beachfront location and a rooftop infinity pool. Or you can choose an adults only escape, so you relax in peace and quiet, perhaps at an all inclusive resort.

Croatia food and drink

Typical Croatian cuisine:

Many of Croatia’s dishes vary by region, for example along the Dalmatian Coast you can expect Mediterranean style dishes with an emphasis on seafood. In other parts of the country, you’ll find Eastern European influences with dishes like hearty stews, goulashes and meat dishes. Popular in Hvar, hvarska gregada is a combination of fish, herbs, potatoes and white wine. Pasticada is a beef stew which will be sure to warm you up during the colder months in Croatia.

Croatian street food:

On the go during your trip? No need to worry, Croatia has a couple of popular choices when it comes to its street food. Cevapcici and burek both have Middle Eastern influences. The former is made up of thin sausages or kebabs made of different types of meat, typically pork, veal or beef. This is usually served up with bread and cheese. The latter is a pastry which is filled with a variety of meat or vegetables.

Croatia food and drink prices:

Croatia is quite reasonably priced when it comes to eating out. Although, it is cheaper than some European destinations. Local beers and street food are low-priced.      

Vegetarian food in Croatia:

Croatia isn’t well known for its vegetarian options, in fact most of their popular dishes contain meat. Sometimes, it can be hard to find a meat-free dish in many restaurants. However, you can’t go wrong with pasta or salad dishes. So, Italian restaurants may be your best bet in Croatia for a vegetarian friendly meal.

Croatia nightlife

Croatia’s nightlife can vary from place to place, and season to season. Summer holidays to Croatia offer music festivals on Hvar and the Pag islands, so if you want to catch a world-famous DJ or musician, those are the places to go. Holidays to Croatia will provide no end of nightlife if that's what you're looking for.

Zagreb is another great destination for a nightlife full of variety. The city has local pubs and brightly lit dance clubs where you can mix with locals

Of course, everyone loves Dubrovnik, and the city caters to everyone. Informal or formal, it doesn’t matter in Dubrovnik. The city has everything when it comes to going out after dark. If you want a holiday on the romantic side, Dubrovnik is the spot. What is more intimate than sipping exotic cocktails with a loved one and looking out over the sea as the sunsets? Not much in Croatia can compare to Dubrovnik.