Croatia holidays: where culture meets coastline, home to ancient cities, buzzing festivals and drool-worthy eats.

Holidays to Croatia 2026

• 🏖️ Beach heaven with personality - over 1,000 islands with buzzing beach clubs and secret coves

• 🍷 Proper foodie destination... think fresh seafood, wine regions and black risotto

• 🎉 Something for everyone from party islands to family-friendly beaches, romantic sunset spots, and national parks

• 💰 Great value - you get that Mediterranean lifestyle without the Mediterranean price tag.

Fun Facts About Croatia 🎉

• 🏰It's a Game of Thrones set - Dubrovnik isn’t just a pretty face - it doubled as King’s Landing in Game of Thrones. Yep, you’ve been walking with royalty - well, kind of.

• 🌊There's a Sea Organ - in Zadar, there’s a literal musical instrument powered by the sea. The waves crash, and the organ sings. It’s a bit like nature’s very own DJ.

• 🍻Beer prices will remind you of home - a pint of beer in Dubrovnik costs £5-£7, while smaller resorts might offer better prices.

Best Areas to Stay on your Croatia holidays

Croatia, like a football game, is made of two halves. The Dalmatian coast spans from the middle of the country down to Dubrovnik, the capital. And the Istrian Riviera occupies the north of the country, with a range of smaller, but equally charming resorts.

For Couples ❤️

• Dubrovnik - think romantic walks along the old city walls, sunset dinners by the sea, and gorg views for days. Dubrovnik oozes romance for a classic couples holiday.

• Hvar - it's one of the larger islands off the coast of Croatia. With private beaches, swanky resorts, and wine tours galore. Hvar’s got that swish honeymoon vibe, so pack your best swimmers!

For Families 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

• Istria - this large peninsula in the north of the country is home to kid-friendly beaches, cute little towns and loads of activities - from kayaking to biking, plus plenty of castles to explore. The kiddos won’t know where to start.

• Split - a mix of beaches, historical sites and parks. Plus, there's practically an ice cream parlour on every corner - perfect for a family holiday with minimum tantrums.

For Groups 🎉

• Zadar - known for its bangin' nightlife, this town’s great for partying with your pals on your group holidays. There are tons of bars and clubs, and the Sea Organ is there to add some culture to the mix.

• Pag Island - Croatia's answer to the Ibizan island vibes (especially the Zrće Beach area). Party 'til sunrise, sleep, repeat.

🏨 Croatia Hotels 2026/2027

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Families

• Valamar Meteor Hotel - A 4-star beachfront resort on the Makarska Riviera with indoor and outdoor pools, an infinity pool, kids' club and buffet restaurant. Steps from the beach with the Biokovo mountains as a backdrop. Easy island-hopping to Brac and Hvar from the harbour.

• Hotel Lapad - A family-run hotel in Dubrovnik's Lapad peninsula that's been going for over 100 years. Family rooms with interconnecting doors, a pool, marina views and a bus ride into the Old Town. Proper charm with genuinely friendly staff.

• Valamar Bellevue Hotel & Residence - An all-inclusive family resort in Rabac on the Istrian coast with kids' clubs for ages 3-12 (complete with Xbox and Nintendo consoles), family splash pools, swim-up rooms and themed buffet nights. The Istrian coastline here is gorgeous and much calmer than the Dalmatian coast.

💑 Couples

• Hotel More - A boutique 5-star in Dubrovnik's Lapad Bay with sea views from every angle, a natural cave bar carved into the rocks, Mediterranean restaurant and a 5-minute walk to the beach. Properly romantic.

• Hotel Cavtat - A stylish hotel overlooking the Bay of Tiha in Cavtat with a rooftop infinity pool, seafront restaurant and sunset views. Just 10 minutes from Dubrovnik Airport and a boat ride across to the Old Town. A romantic escape without the Dubrovnik prices.

• Pharos Hvar Bayhill Hotel - A trendy pop-art-styled hotel on Hvar island, a short ferry from Split. Five-minute walk to the beach, close to the marina and Hvar Town's lavender-scented streets and waterfront bars.

🎉 Groups

• Hotel Split Inn - A chic boutique hotel in Split with a rooftop bar, spa and sauna, and easy access to Diocletian's Palace and the Riva promenade. Walking distance to the nightlife and a base for island-hopping ferries to Hvar, Brac and Vis.

• Hotel Dalmacija - A modern hotel on the Makarska Riviera with a pool, a la carte restaurant and panoramic sea views. Central enough for the bars and nightlife on the Makarska strip, and easy boat trips to the islands. Good for groups who want a mix of beach and town.

✨ Luxury

• Hotel Croatia Cavtat - A 5-star resort on a pine-forested peninsula above Cavtat Bay with five pools, a spa, multiple restaurants and direct beach access. Dubrovnik is a 30-minute boat ride across the bay. One of the leading luxury hotels in the south Adriatic.

• Rixos Premium Dubrovnik - Built into the cliffside with panoramic Adriatic views, three restaurants, a wellness spa and direct beach access. Two minutes to the shore and 30 minutes from the airport. Properly swanky with a unique design that makes the most of its dramatic setting.

• Sun Gardens Dubrovnik - A sprawling 5-star seafront resort with 16 bars and restaurants, three outdoor pools, a kids' club and residences with kitchenettes for longer stays. Set in Mediterranean gardens on a gorgeous bay with views to the Elaphiti Islands. Works for luxury couples and families alike.

💰 Value

• Adriatic Hotel - A solid 3-star near Lapad beach in Dubrovnik with a buffet restaurant, outdoor terrace bar and tennis courts. No frills but clean, well located and a fraction of the price of the Old Town hotels. A good base for exploring on a budget.

👉 See all Croatia hotels

What are the best beaches to visit in Croatia?

With over 1,000 islands and a coastline that spans 3,600 miles (no biggie!), Croatia holidays aren't exactly lacking in scenic coastal views. We reckon you'll be hard pressed to find a beach you don't get that love-at-first-sight feeling with, but we thought we'd help narrow down your list (just a tad, we're still beach-lovers over here):

• Zrće Beach - the ultimate party beach, home to 4 open-air clubs, pumpin' music, all-night raves, plus snack bars and even bungee jumping if you're in the mood. Some say the 'After Beach' parties are legendary, and they take place every day during summer if you fancy finding out for yourself!

• Omis Beach - set against a backdrop of mountains, this place is all soft gold sands and shallow waters - perfect for young paddlers or a chilled beach stroll. The surrounding pine trees drench the far edges in plenty of shade, and there are a choice of cafés and play areas to keep the whole fam happy.

• Zlanti Rat Beach - known as the 'Golden Cape', this is possibly the most iconic beach in Croatia thanks to its constantly-shifting shape. It's a pebbly spit that juts out into the sea where the water's clear and gets deeper the further out you go - a fab spot for swimmers and windsurfers.

• Paradise Beach - the name says it all with this one - expect warm waters that stay shallow for a good while before getting any deeper, ideal for the kiddos who fancy a saltwater swim. There are also tons of snack spots nearby, as well as shaded areas, an inflatable waterpark, and pedalos.

• Cape Kamenjak Bay - a rugged cluster of coves and rocky bays located in a protected nature park, making for a top snorkelling spot or just somewhere to enjoy some cliff-jumping or peaceful swimming away from the crowds. Heads up though, this really is an off-the-beaten-track spot, so you'll need to bring your own gear. However, there are a few beach bars tucked away in the trees for your fave tipples.

• Banje Beach - you'll find this spot just outside of Dubrovnik's Old Town walls - it's like beach holidays and city breaks had a gorgeous, sandy baby. It's a bit pebbly in parts, but it's got all the classic gear (sunbeds and parasols), plus watersports and full bar service.

Your Handy-Dandy Croatia holidays 2026/2027 Travel Guide

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Families

• 🏞️ Plitvice Lakes National Park is one of Europe's most stunning natural sights - 16 terraced lakes connected by waterfalls, with wooden boardwalks through the forest. Kids love it and it's an easy day trip from Split or Zadar.

• 🏖️ The Makarska Riviera has some of Croatia's best family beaches - soft pebble shores backed by pine trees for natural shade, with shallow water and play areas. Omis Beach is a standout with mountains behind and cafes alongside.

• 🌊 Krka National Park lets you swim beneath a waterfall - Skradinski Buk is the main event, with cascading falls dropping into natural pools. Take the boat trip to Visovac Island monastery for something a bit different.

• 🏰 Dubrovnik's city walls are a brilliant family walk - 1,940m around the top of the medieval walls with views over the terracotta rooftops and out to the Adriatic. It takes about 90 minutes and the kids get a proper history lesson thrown in.

💑 Couples

• 🌅 Walk Dubrovnik's marble streets at sunset, then take the cable car up Mount Srd for panoramic views over the Old Town and out to the Elaphiti Islands. Follow it with dinner at a harbour-front restaurant - grilled Adriatic fish, local wine and candlelight.

• 🛥️ Island-hop from Split to Hvar for lavender fields, waterfront cocktails and private beach clubs. The ferry takes about an hour and Hvar Town is gorgeous - cobbled streets, a hilltop fortress and some of Croatia's best sunset spots.

• 🍷 Istria is Croatia's answer to Tuscany - rolling vineyards, truffle-hunting in ancient oak forests and hilltop medieval towns like Motovun and Groznjan. Book a wine and truffle tasting at a family-run estate for a properly memorable day out.

• 🍽️ Try peka - meat and vegetables slow-cooked under a metal bell over an open fire. It's Croatia's signature dish and you'll find it at konobas (taverns) along the coast. Black risotto (crni rizot) made with squid ink is the other must-try - best eaten harbourside.

🎉 Groups

• 🎶 Zrce Beach on Pag Island is Croatia's answer to Ibiza - Papaya, Noa Beach Club and Aquarius run all-day-all-night parties with international DJs from June through September. Boat parties, foam parties and sunrise sets are the norm.

• 🏛️ Split is a brilliant group base - Diocletian's Palace has bars and restaurants built into 1,700-year-old Roman ruins, the Riva promenade is buzzing every evening, and Central the Club hosts legendary afterparties during Ultra Europe festival.

• 🚣 Kayaking around Dubrovnik's Old Town walls gives you a completely different perspective - paddle past hidden caves, dramatic cliffs and Fort Lovrijenac (the Red Keep from Game of Thrones). Most tours include a snorkelling stop and a beach break.

• 🏖️ Zlatni Rat on Brac Island is one of the most iconic beaches in Europe - a golden pebble spit that shifts shape with the wind and currents. Crystal-clear water, great windsurfing and a proper wow-factor day trip from Split.

🗣️ Local Lingo

• Bok (BOK) - Hello (informal)

• Hvala (HVA-la) - Thank you

• Molim (MO-lim) - Please / You're welcome

• Jedno pivo, molim (YED-no PEE-vo MO-lim) - One beer, please

• Zivjeli! (ZHIV-ye-li) - Cheers!

• Dobar dan (DO-bar DAN) - Good afternoon

• Koliko kosta? (KO-li-ko KOS-ta) - How much does it cost?

More Croatia Destinations:

• Dubrovnik - Croatia's most iconic city with those famous medieval walls, marble streets, and Game of Thrones filming locations. Perfect for couples after romance and culture, with stunning beaches just outside the Old Town.

• Split-Dalmatia - buzzing Split is home to the incredible Diocletian's Palace (1,700-year-old Roman ruins full of bars and shops!), plus gorgeous beaches and easy island-hopping to Brač and Hvar. Brilliant for families and groups who want history, beaches, and nightlife.

• Hvar Island - glamorous and sophisticated, with lavender fields, beach clubs, waterfront bars, and secluded coves. Perfect for couples or groups wanting that bit of island luxury.