A Few Tips to Make your Trip to Croatia an Unforgettable Adventure

Croatia is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. It is surrounded by sweeping coastlines, serene countrysides, and plenty of islands and national parks to explore. With over a thousand islands, nearly 20 nature parks, and over 3,700 miles of coastline, there is a lot to explore.

There are many ways to make the most out of your trip to Croatia and we’re here to assure that your trip is one to remember. We will cover everything you need to know about transportation, sites to see, and where to stay. With this guide, you won’t soon forget your trip to Croatia.

Traveling to Croatia

Whether you are traveling from the US or somewhere else in Europe, getting to Croatia is easy. There are plenty of direct flights to almost all of the major Croatian cities, including Split, Zagreb, Sadar, and many others. If you are flying from LAX, your flight will likely cost about a grand, unless you can find a deal. Sites like Skyscanner and Scott’s Cheap Flights help travelers find a great deal on flights because they track for airline mistakes and price changes. If you are flexible with your dates and when you go to Croatia, you might be able to score a great deal.

Goregous view from the air. Wonderguide/Hlöðver. 

You can also travel to Croatia by bus, especially if you are traveling from a nearby country. GetByBus is a site that will help you determine your bus route because calling or emailing these bus stations can be impractical. Instead, figure out what bus station you are coming from and where you want to go and map out your route online. Zagreb, Zadar, and Split all have major bus stations.

Lastly, renting a car is a great way to travel around Europe, including Croatia. The roads around Croatia are well-built and easy to navigate, and most rental cars come with a travel assistance kit, which has everything you might need in the case of an emergency (jumper cables, a reflective warning triangle, multi-tool, LED flashlight, PVC tape, cable ties, etc.). Traveling by car is safe and efficient.

Traveling Around Croatia

Once you’ve gotten to Croatia, it’s time to figure out how you’ll travel around this beautiful country. There is so much to see that to make your trip as unforgettable as possible, plan out your route for traveling around and seeing as much as you can. As mentioned, the quickest and easiest way to get around Croatia itself is by car. There are countless little towns along the way that you'll want to stop at and going by car is the best way to see everything this country has to offer.

If you don’t have access to a car, Croatia’s bus system is very advanced and another great way to travel around the country. While buses aren’t the best pick for traveling around Croatia’s many islands, they are a great way to get around the mainland.

Photo: Wonderguide/Hlöðver. 

If you do want to venture out to the islands (which you definitely should), many ferries can take you between these beautiful Mediterranean destinations. Chartering a small yacht or sailboat is also a fun and scenic way to travel around the country. Croatia is home to one of the most beautiful oceans in the world, the Adriatic Sea, so make sure you have a chance to see these crystal blue waters up close.

What to See

There is so much to see in Croatia. It's nearly impossible to know where to start. Depending on what kind of traveler you are and the budget you have for your trip, you may want to hit the beaches, the country’s many National Parks, or the quaint little towns that dot the country’s coastline. Here are a few places to see, depending on your travel goals:

• For the wine lovers - Istria is one of the most popular stops in Croatia because of its colorful buildings, rocky coast, mountainous homes, and delicious olive and grape vineyards. This colorful city is perfect for the international wine lover who can’t get enough of sweeping ocean and vineyard views.
   
• For the beach explorers - Croatia is home to hundreds of beautiful beaches and Dalmatian Coast offers a little bit of everything. From pebble beaches to historic sites to national parks, this nearly-500 mile coastline has it all.
   
• For the island lounger - Did you know that only very few of Croatia’s many islands are inhabited? There’s no way to cover the over 1000 Croatian Islands, but nearly all of them are perfect for a relaxing beach day with the family or solo.

Photo: Wonderguide/Hörður. 

Where to Stay

Visitors to Croatia have plenty of choices on where to stay, depending on your needs and budget. If you want to enjoy the 5-star resort experience, the larger cities are sure to have the luxurious accommodations you're looking for.

If you want a more authentic stay or are traveling with a group, and apartment rental might be better. Many Croatians list their homes on sites like Airbnb and one benefit of these listings is that they’re often more affordable and you might have more space (like a full kitchen). Here, you can cook your own Croatian delicacies and enjoy each other’s company!

Photo: Wonderguide/Hlöðver. 

Lastly, villa rentals are the best of both worlds when staying in Croatia. These villas are often more secluded, so you get more privacy, and they are larger to accommodate groups. They might be more expensive than short-term apartment rentals, but they are designed with maximum comfort and relaxation in mind.

Croatia is a country full of history, culture, and beauty. If you are planning a trip to Croatia, plan out your excursions, travel, and accommodations before you head out to enjoy this country entirely.