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

Why Croatia? 💙

🏖️ Beach heaven with personality - over 1,000 islands means you're never far from your own slice of paradise, whether you want buzzing beach clubs or secret coves

🏰 History that doesn't bore you - ancient Roman palaces you can actually walk through, medieval towns straight out of a fantasy series (hello, Game of Thrones!), and city walls with views for days

🍷 Proper foodie destination - fresh seafood that's been caught that morning, wine regions that'll surprise you, and black risotto that tastes way better than it sounds

🎉 Something for everyone - party islands, family-friendly beaches, romantic sunset spots, and national parks that'll have you reaching for your camera every five minutes

💰 Great value - you get that Mediterranean lifestyle without the Mediterranean price tag. A pint in smaller resorts won't break the bank, and the food's brilliant value

Read more about things to do in Croatia and travel advice for Croatia by clicking the tabs up there 👆

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 holidays to Croatia

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: Hvar is 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.

What are the best beaches to visit for your Croatia holidays 2025 / 2026?

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.

When to Visit Croatia 🌞

Summer (June-August) - this is Croatia at its absolute buzziest! July and August bring guaranteed scorching sunshine (think 28-32°C), warm sea temps perfect for swimming, and that brilliant holiday atmosphere with everything in full swing. The Adriatic's at its warmest, all the beach bars and restaurants are open, and there's a proper vibrant energy everywhere you go.

Shoulder Season (May-June & September-October) - gorgeous weather (22-27°C) with fewer crowds and often better value. The sea's warm enough for swimming from late May onwards, and September's particularly lovely as the water's still toasty from summer. Perfect if you want to explore cities without melting or fancy a more chilled vibe on the beaches.

Spring (April-May) - the country bursts into bloom, perfect for exploring national parks like Plitvice Lakes when the waterfalls are at their most dramatic. Still a bit fresh for beach lounging, but brilliant for sightseeing without the heat.

Winter (November-March) - quieter coastal towns, festive Christmas markets in Zagreb, and a completely different side of Croatia. Not one for beach holidays, but great for culture vultures and winter sun-dodgers who fancy exploring historic cities without the crowds.

Your Handy-Dandy Croatia Travel Guide

🧑‍🧑‍🧒‍🧒 Things to do in Croatia for families

• Plitvice National Park is famous for its stunning waterfalls

• For more active famalams, Cikola Canyon, near Split, offers an amazing zip-lining experience, and nearby, you can also do family-friendly rafting down the Cetina River.

• Dubrovnik's amazing city walls are an easy, historical, and beautiful walk.

🍕 Things to do in Croatia for foodies

Croatia has mahuuusive coastline, so it's no surprise that seafood is a big part of its cuisine. Make sure to try...

• Black risotto: Made with squid ink, giving the rice a striking black colour and distinct flavour (many places also offer black pasta)

• Brudet: A Croatian spicy fish stew

🏛️ Things to do in Croatia for culture vultures

• Game of Thrones tour in Dubrovnik. Explore iconic filming locations, like Fort Lovrijenac and Pile Gate, and hear behind-the-scenes stories from guides who might have been extras on the show!

• In Zagreb, the Nikola Tesla Technical Museum will have you mindblown with its sciencey vibe. Highlights include a 350-meter model mine and exhibits showcasing Tesla's groundbreaking inventions.

❤️ Things to do in Croatia for couples

• Dubrovnik's Old Town, ooh-ing and ahh-ing over its historic streets and seaside sunsets.

• No matter where you are in Croatia, there are always some islands nearby. For a touch of luxury, you can hop on a private boat tour around the islands, accompanying glass of fizz always recommended.

• Istria is home to boujee wine-tastings set in vineyards that look like something from a Nicolas Sparks movie.

Getting Around on your Croatia holidays 2025 / 2026

Easy peasy! Here’s the scoop:

• ⛴️ Ferries: With over a thousand islands, ferries are your go-to for getting around. Think of them as buses but with way better views - ideal for island-hopping your way across the Adriatic. Top routes include Split to Hvar or Dubrovnik to Korčula.

• 🚌Buses: Croatia’s buses are fab, linking up towns, cities, and every beach worth visiting. They’re comfy, affordable, and get you from A to Beach without a fuss.

• 🚃Trains: Trains are limited around these parts, mostly covering northern Croatia and major cities, but they’re a super-chill way to travel if you’re in no rush.

Explore 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.