Croatia is one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations. Croatia has beautiful beaches, craggy islands, historical buildings, and more. Despite the popularity, the cost to vacation in Croatia is surprisingly inexpensive compared to the rest of Europe. Hvar, Split, Dubrovnik, Istria, and the famous Plitvice Lakes are Croatia’s most popular tourist destinations. Croatia is a fantastic place to visit. I wish I had more time to spend and explore this beautiful country. This travel guide will provide you with all the information you need to arrange an incredible trip to Croatia.
19 Things to See and Do in Croatia
Visit Pula
Pula is a seaside city with a spectacular 1st-century Roman amphitheater overlooking the harbor where musicals, and film festivals, are held. ‘Spectacvla Antiqva’ is a summer celebration that recreates Roman Gladiator fights and is a must-see. The cost of admission is 80 HRK($11.52). Visit the Archeology Museum and spend some time touring Brijuni National Park while you’re in Pula. You can also visit a 14th-century monastery in the area.
Go Island Hopping
It would be a disappointment to visit Croatia and not go island hopping. Croatia has over 1,000 islands. Did you know the islands of Croatia have been the backdrop for several movies and shows such as Game of Thrones, James Bond, and Star Wars? Plan to spend at least a couple of days on one of the islands to immerse yourself in the Croatian culture truly. Brac, Hvar, Krk, Cres, and Loinj are the most popular islands. I’d recommend booking a tour
and discovering lesser-known islands like Silba, Vis, and Lastovo. The boats between most islands cost less than 30 HRK($4.32).
Visit St. James’ Cathedral
St. James, located in Sibenik, is thought to be the world’s largest stone church. This Cathedral became a UNESCO world heritage site in 2000. It’s an architectural marvel that began in 1431 and took 105 years to complete. You can expect to see Gothic and Renaissance period art, Bishop Sizigori’s tomb, and a 15th-century Gothic crucifix among the Cathedral’s features. The cost of admission is 15 HRK($2.16).
Visit Krka Monastery
This Serbian Orthodox monastery is one of Croatia’s most important religious monuments, dedicated to the Archangel Michael. It was founded in 1345 and is located 45 minutes from Sibenik, by a tiny and tranquil lake. Krka Monastery is a nice blend of Byzantine and Mediterranean architecture, built in the Romanesque style. Underneath the structure lies a natural cave system (dubbed the “hidden church” by locals) where they discovered Christian symbols dating back to the first century. There are also books from the 16th century in the library. Entry to Krka Monastery is free.
Go Diving
Because of Croatia’s maritime heritage, the entire coastline is littered with shipwrecks. Baron Gautsch and Taranto are two of the most prominent shipwrecks along the coastline. A single-tank dive will only cost you 289 HRK($41.630). If you’re not yet PADI certified, you can go for it in Croatia. The cost of open water certification is approximately 3,000 HRK($432.13) and requires up to a couple of weeks and several dives. The best times to go diving in Croatia are between May and November.
The Museum of Broken Relationships
This museum is located in Zagreb, and contains relics from past failed relationships between family members, friends, and lovers. Clothing, jewelry, handwritten notes, photos. You’ll also find odd and unusual stuff like bellybutton lint and old chocolate bars on exhibit. Each object has a narrative associated with it, some of which will give you a good laugh and others heartbreaking. The museum takes a straightforward, basic look at humanity’s broken relationships. The cost of admission is 40 HRK($5.76).
Exploring the Vucedol Culture Museum
An archaeological dig site was discovered in this riverfront locale, with remains dating back over 8,000 years. Built on top of the site, the museum is a cutting-edge recreation of the old hamlet, replete with replica dwellings. It celebrates the city’s culture, which was among the first in Europe to produce calendars and brew beer. The cost of a guided tour is 105 HRK($15.12) in addition to the museum admission fee, and it is accessible in English. The price of admission is 45 HRK($6.48).
Go hiking
Croatia has a lot to offer, from beach walks to mountain climbs to hiking in the inland gorges, hills, and woods. Mljet National Park, on the island of Mljet, is the most popular coastline hiking trail. Medvednica Mountain near Zagreb or Risnjak National Park are the most popular trekking destinations inland. Brijuni National Park (which has 14 separate islands), Krka National Park (which has stunning waterfalls), and Paklenica are also worth visiting (which have some rugged canyon trails).
The Blue Cave of Bisevo
The Blue Cave (or Blue Grotto) is a natural sea cave with a short passageway that boats can only reach. The water inside the grotto has a beautiful, unearthly hue and appears to illuminate. Only one watercraft is allowed inside the cave at a time. The cave is located on the eastern side of Komiza, in the Balun Cove. The best time to visit is between 11 a.m. and 12 p.m., when the light is most optimal. A full-day tour should cost roughly 750 HRK($108.03) (and expect crowds).
Listen to the Sea Organ
In the beach resort of Zadar, the Sea Organ is hidden beneath a set of steps that lead down to the water. The organ is made up of 35 tubes that are played by the passing wind and the waves. The music, which architect Nikola Basic created, sounds like whale calls. I recommend you visit around sunset to take in the beautiful vistas and listen to the sea’s soothing sounds.
Go Sailing
Croatia is one of the top sailing locations in the world. The islands are a great area to explore by sailboat, with moderate winds, short distances, and a coastline studded with islands and historical landmarks. Prices rise considerably during the peak tourist season, but you can get some fantastic offers if you schedule your trip in advance and go during the non-peak season. You can charter a private boat if you don’t want to join a tour. Charters can be costly, with a 7-day trip costing between 13,000($1872.56) to 15,000($2160.64) HRK. Another option is a company called Busabout. Busabout offers really fun hop-on, hop-off boat cruises. You can expect to pay 8,700 HRK($1253.17) for a 7 to 8-day trip.
Visit Zagreb
Zagreb boasts a lovely Old Town that is evocative of Prague and Budapest. There’s a lot of vegetation and green areas, a couple of local lakes, and interesting architecture if that’s your thing. Visit the towering Neo-Gothic Cathedral and the historic Old Town Gate, which houses a magnificent 18th-century portrait of the Virgin Mary that survived the city’s Great Fire of 1731. There are also numerous museums (including the Mimara Museum) and the Medvedgrad fortification, which offer spectacular views of the city.
The Yacht Week
Check out The Yacht Week if you want to splurge and spend a week partying aboard a yacht, Dubai-style. You’ll find week-long parties and festivals featuring famous DJs and entertainment throughout the summer. From May to August, there are “Yacht Weeks.” The cost per person usually starts at 1,500 HRK($216.06). It’s one of the summer’s most incredible and popular experiences if partying on yachts excites you.
The Hvar
Hvar is a lovely island off the coast of Split with a vibrant nightlife. It’s a popular hangout for those who want to dance and drink all night. If you travel during the day, though, there are many gorgeous coves, lavender fields, vineyards, and isolated beaches to explore. While many visitors visit as part of their sailing adventures (or as a day trip from Split), I recommend staying here for at least two nights. It’s one of the most beautiful locations in the country. It’s also the sunniest, with almost 250 days per year of sunshine.
Explore Slavonia
Slavonia, a rural region in eastern Croatia known for its wine production, attracts tourists looking for good Croatian wine. Visit the wine-growing town of Zmajevac, which is not too far from the Hungarian and Serbian borders. Make sure to try the local wines and the region’s hallmark, fish paprikash. This tatsy dish is a paprika-laden fish stew slow-cooked over an open flame for hours. Also, don’t forget to visit Osijek, Slavonia’s capital. It boasts a vast historic core with Gothic architecture and cobblestone streets.
Eat oysters in Mali Ston
If you enjoy oysters as much as I do, drive an hour up the coast from Dubrovnik to Mali Ston. The location was initially home to a defensive stronghold when it was founded in the 14th century. It is now well-known for the oysters cultivated in Mali Ston Bay. Come to know about the oyster sector and sample some oysters at adjacent farms. A guided oyster tour should cost roughly 225 HRK($32.41) per person (with samples).
Karlovac – A Great Place to Unwind
Karlovac, with a population of roughly 55,000 people, is a lesser-known city just an hour away from Zagreb. Karlovac was built by the Austrians in the 16th century. The city’s “castle” is actually a reconstructed fort, but it’s worth a brief look when wandering about town. Muhc of the original city from the 16th century is gone. The brewery, Karlovacko, is a popular attraction. Karlovacko is one of the most recognizable brands in Croatia. Spend a night here to get a feel for the local culture. If you want to get out and stretch your legs, there’s also some hiking trails and local waterfalls nearby.
Visit Istria
Istria is a peninsula known for its delectable wines and white truffles. It’s a gastronomic haven. Rovinj is the most famous and well-preserved city on the peninsula. It boasts a beautiful Old Town, a lot of beaches, and a lot of ruins. Learn about the region’s history at the Heritage Museum, then relax on the beautiful beaches (Monte, Lone Bay, and Amarin) which are ideal for swimming and relaxing. Pula, as previously discussed, is also located here.
You can go on a truffle tour while you’re here because Istria is a significant truffle producer. A famous (but pricy) expedition is offered by Prodan Tartufi, a family-run truffle-hunting business in the mediaeval hill town of Buzet. The price of a tour is around 375 HRK($54) per person, Tarandek Truffle Hunting provides a variety of small-group truffle hunting adventures.
Croatia Travel Costs
Accommodation
You can expect hotel accomdations to start at roughly 400 HRK($60) per night in the most popular destinations.
If you prefer AirBnB, private rooms start at 190 HRK($30) and at least 375 HRK($55) per night for an entire place.
Rates can rise around 30% or more if you along the Dalmatian coast, or visit during a the heigh of peak tourist season.
Central European, Mediterranean, and Balkan influences can all be found in Croatian cuisine. Along the coast, seafood is a popular delicacy. Most traditional restaurants also provide sausage and schnitzel, as well as a range of pasta dishes and stews, particularly goulash. There is a strong Italian influence in Istria.
Except on the Dalmatian shore, food is generally inexpensive. A gourment burger at a nice restaurant would cost you between 60 -110 HRK($9-$15) which is on par with most of Europe.
A fast food(McDonalds) costs roughly 45 HRK($7), whereas international cusisie such as Thai and Chinese costs around 85 HRK($12). Pizza can be found almost anywhere. A medium pizza will set you back roughly 47 HRK($7).
A higher-end lunch (such as a fresh fish fillet) with wine costs roughly 125-150 HRK($20 average). If you really want to splurge, 600 HRK($90) can get you a great sushi meal with beverages and appetizers.
A beer will set you back 20 HRK($3), while a latte or cappuccino will set you back 11 HRK($2). Bottled water costs 10 HRK a glass, while a glass of wine costs 20-40 HRK($3-$6).
Backpacking Croatia Budgets
The recommended daily budget for backpacking in Croatia is 205 HRK($30). This implies you’re sleeping in a hostel dorm, preparing all of your meals, restricting your alcohol use, participating in free activities like hiking and free walking tours, and getting around utilizing local transportation. If you’re going in the summer or intend to drink, you’ll need to budget more.
On a daily budget of 670 HRK($100), you can stay in a private Airbnb or private hostel room, eat out multiple times a day, have a few drinks, go on guided tours, go diving, take the occasional cab, and visit museums and sites.
Croatia is one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations. Croatia has beautiful beaches, craggy islands, historical buildings, and more. Despite the popularity, the cost to vacation in Croatia is surprisingly inexpensive compared to the rest of Europe.
