Nine To Know: Key Tips for Travel in Croatia

1. Croatian travel is best by boat

’s craggy Dalmatian Coast is dotted with natural harbors, secret coves, hidden ports and more than 1,000 islands. A secluded spot is always within reach by boat (for instance, the island of Hvar has over 200 bays). Exploring by sea has a leisurely pace thanks to the pristine Adriatic and the stunning onshore views of pine forests, terracotta roofs and medieval villages dwarfed by the hulking Balkan range. Sailing up to a walled city, isolated and coiled in stone, is a surprising thrill. Private charters are key to the summer social scene in more populated harbors like Hvar and Trogir, but everything from splashy mega yachts to wooden skiffs ply these shores. Frequent ferries also make land-based island hopping a cinch, but our tip is to book a private boat for at least one offshore excursion during your stay.

2. Know your Croatian islands

Your cruising itinerary is endlessly customizable. Each Croatian island has a distinct personality and quirk: visit Korcula for pine forests and vineyards; Vis for caves (including Croatia’s own “Blue Grotto”) and wild, pebbly beaches; Brac for olive groves, lemon trees and white limestone quarries; Hvar for delicate lavender and its infamous nightlife; Miljet for sweeping forests, monasteries and saltwater lakes; and one of the many uninhabited islands for adventure. Contact the Indagare Bookings Team for help choosing the right islands to visit.

3. Go beyond the beach

Once lulled by Dalmatia’s low-key seaside charm, you might find it hard to leave your yacht or rocky perch. The medieval cities along the coast, however, are worth a visit (Dubrovnik, Korcula Town, Split, Trogir and Sibenik are favorites). Invasion by successive waves of Mongols, Romans, Venetians, Ottomans, Slavs, Austro-Hungarians and French have left the Dalmatian towns with a fascinating mix of culture, art and architecture. Visitors can admire the walled cities and wander the polished labyrinths within. Crowds ebb with each twist away from the main drag and the stone walls muffle sounds, transporting you back in time until a chic wine bar or café jolts you back to present day.

4. It’s a distinct Mediterranean destination

Croatia feels quite different from its Mediterranean neighbors Italy, France and Greece. This is likely due to its Eastern European roots. A certain Slavic coarseness prevails – but the result is interesting and endearing. The accommodations tend to be simple in an authentic rather than understated way and meals are unfussy and based around fresh seafood. The Balkan Wars of the 1990’s are well past, but most Croats you’ll encounter lived through turbulent times as a result are humble and warm. Croatia’s distant and recent past add depth to a beach escape.

5. Don’t overlook the Croatian wine

What Croatia does share with its Mediterranean neighbors is a sunny climate and bountiful produce including figs, lemons, olives and grapes. Croatia makes great wines, and the industry is becoming more sophisticated as the varietals grow in popularity abroad (fun fact: Croatia is home to the Zinfandel variety). Tip for wine-lovers: There are plenty of casual vineyards to explore, but make sure to stop at Bibich winery near Sibenik and Krka for a refined tasting and dinner.

6. Strategize to avoid crowds

Word about Dalmatia has spread, and its charms have lured a whole new group of travelers, many of which unfortunately arrive by cruise ship. Summer is the best time to experience the Dalmatian coast, but the presence of mass tourism can sour seasoned travelers. To avoid crowds, plan your city tours for early in the morning or after 6pm and spend the rest of the day on your boat.

7. Croatia has beautiful national parks

Just inland from the coast, Plitvice and Krka National Parks are easily accessible for full- or half-day trips. Drive up and over the Balkan range and watch the landscape change from rocky, parched coast to ancient scrub pine to improbably lush greenery (Krka can also be reached by boat from the town of Sibenik). See lakes and pools in every shade of teal, turquoise, and jade, which pop against the moss and emerald green forests.

The main attraction at Krka is a massive blue-green waterfall with seven travertine falls and an overwater boardwalk that takes about an hour to circle. If you have a full day, head to Plitvice and hike the trails (ranging from two to eight hours) to explore its colorful lakes connected by waterfalls.

8. Go before the Euro sets in

Croatia joined the EU in 2013 but has yet to adopt the Euro. Prices in Croatia are relatively affordable, especially compared to similar coastal destinations. The country is projected to adopt the Euro in the years to come, and prices will inevitably rise, so our tip is to plan a trip soon.

9. Croatia is a standalone travel destination

To truly unwind, take seven to ten days to island hop along the Dalmatian coast with a mix of city and land excursions. Since most hubs in Europe connect to Split or Dubrovnik, Croatia can also be a coastal getaway after a city trip. The region pairs particularly well with Rome, Florence and other parts of Italy, but keep in mind that most flights back to North America will connect through Frankfurt, Rome or Vienna. Montenegro is a natural pairing with coastal Croatia, and a visit there can also be planned as a day or overnight trip from Dubrovnik.