Sibenik

Plan Croatia for May Half Term 2026

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We’re almost at the end of April, which can only mean one thing – it’s May in a few days’ time, which in turn means two bank holidays for all of those in the UK (yay) and which also means there’s another half term coming along (gulp). But, good news! The end of May is perhaps one of the best times of the year to visit Croatia, so May half term is so well placed for you to enjoy a holiday with your family in the country. But let me help you plan your trip to Croatia for May half term with this post!

Plan Croatia for May Half Term - an aerial view of Sibenik in North Dalmatia
Sibenik

Why go to Croatia for May half term?

I mean, why not, but if you really need me to twist your arm:

  • Flight time from the UK is roughly two or two and a bit hours, which is very doable with little ones, as that’s about 17 episodes of Bluey (remember, screen time isn’t a concern when you’re on holiday)
  • The weather will be great
  • The Adriatic will just about be warm enough for swimming in
  • But should you find it too cold, practically every family resort will have its own pool – maybe even an indoor one too
  • As it’s early season, holidays will be cheaper than during the summer holiday months of July and August
  • The crowds will not have descended yet, so you will have more pool-space, beach-space, sightseeing-space, national park-space and all other kinds of space to yourselves
  • The ice cream
Croatian ice cream (on the island of Ugljan)
Delicious ice cream

I’m not constrained by school holidays, should I go to Croatia for May half term

I mean, no. Why would you do that to yourself? Go the week before or the week after.

If you’re already booked your holiday for that last week in May, then – oh yay, well done, never mind.

Seriously, don’t worry, Croatia isn’t exactly a peak half term holiday destination.

Are you sure the weather will be good enough?

Yes. All along the coastline, the weather will be very fine indeed. Temperatures are likely to be in the mid-20s Celsius (at least), and days will be very sunny. Rain isn’t likely, but if you do encounter any rainfall, it won’t be for long.

On that note, do bring your summer clothes to enjoy the most of the weather, but pack some cover-ups (cardigans, light jackets) for evening time. Late May doesn’t bring the same kind of sweltering heat as summer does, so evenings will be a little fresher but not cold.

Fine, I’m sold. Where should I go in Croatia for May half term?

There are plenty of family resorts up and down the Croatian coastline, which of course means plenty of choice for you!

I have two hotels in particular to recommend to you in Croatia for May half term, both in the gorgeous region of north Dalmatia. First off, the Falkensteiner Funimation Hotel Borik in Zadar has multiple outdoor pools and is right on the beach, but also has a decent-sized indoor pool should the weather not play ball. If swimming gets boring, there’s a great indoor soft play (yes, really!), kids’ clubs with activities for different ages, indoor games and best of all, it’s all-inclusive! Zadar Old Town is a short journey away (book an Uber or Bolt, it will be less than €10) to enjoy everything that lovely town has to offer.

Falkensteiner Funimation Hotel Borik
The exterior of the Falkensteiner Funimation Hotel Borik, as seen from the garden/pool area – at sunset!

My other personal favourite is the Amadria Park Hotel Jakov, which offers smart, trendy yet fun accommodation (bunk beds for the kids!) with very relaxing vibes throughout. Again, there are several pools here, including a nicely sized baby pool, a kids’ club, and a bear mascot that likes to turn up at random times. The whole Amadria Park resort is interconnected, so you can stroll along the seaside promenade to enjoy the multiple restaurants and areas. There’s even a mini golf here. Hotel Jakov’s neighbour, the Hotel Andrija, is also suitable for a holiday with kids, who may shriek with delight when they see the giant octopus on the outside. (Don’t worry, he’s not real.) And if all of this isn’t enough, the Aquapark Dalmatia is just steps away. The outdoor portion of this opens in June, but there’s an indoor section that is open year-round!

Review Jet2 Holidays - View from Amadria Park Beach
A beach at the Amadria Park resort in Sibenik

Otherwise, take a look at Visit Croatia’s guides to Family Hotels in Croatia and Family Holidays in Croatia for more ideas.

Families with older kids

Those of you who are travelling with teens may want something more than just a family hotel with a pool to jump into about 97 times a day. If so, consider renting an apartment that has access to a pool and is a short walk to a beach, but also is well placed for trips to a larger town or city for sightseeing and excursion opportunities. Here are some ideas:

  • Trogir is a short distance from Split and very easy to reach from Split Airport. This small island town itself is exceptionally charming, but for more traditional holiday vibes, stay on the connected island of Ciovo, which offers plenty of apartments (and some hotels) and beaches. You can reach Split very easily by bus or boat (or car, of course).
  • A small resort in southern Dalmatia, such as Cavtat, Slano, Zaton or Mlini, so you can have a relaxing day-to-day existence, but make the journey into Dubrovnik by bus or boat
  • Enjoy a city and nature break combo by flying into Zagreb and spending half your holiday there (so many sightseeing and cultural opportunities!), and then taking a bus down to the Plitvice region and taking several walks/hikes in the Park on subsequent days
A boat crossing a lake in the Plitvice Lakes National Park
A boat crossing a lake in the Plitvice Lakes National Park

Activities in Croatia for May half term

A holiday in Croatia isn’t a holiday in Croatia without an excursion of some sort. And if you only do one trip, make sure it’s getting out onto the Adriatic on a boat. Everyone will love it, trust me! Boat trips can be booked almost all along the coast – mainland or on the islands. When you’re in Croatia, enquire at your hotel or at any of the little stands you’ll see dotted around the town you’re staying in.

For a preview, take a look at some of the options below:

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Late May would be an ideal time to see the magical Blue Cave before the peak summer crowds, and combining it with a trip to where Mamma Mia 2 was filmed (yes, really) – what could be better? Or dolphin watching in Istria, how amazing is that?

Day trips can absolutely include a little bit of adventure, from quad biking to fun and games on the Cetina River (which is practically adventure central in Croatia):

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Or, seeing as you’re in Croatia, why not experience a bonus destination by hopping over a border and ticking another country off your list?

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Book me in!

Take a look at what holiday packages operators such as Jet2 Holidays (one of my favourites), TUI, Easyjet Holidays or British Airways Holidays have to offer. You may well be able to snap up a half term deal, and tweak your holiday depending on your requirements.

Or put your holiday together yourself! (Go on, be brave!) Take a look at what flights can be booked for the end of May (the answer is plenty, but use our Flights to Croatia from the UK & Ireland page as your guide) and then snap up the accommodation in Croatia of your dreams.

And…relax…

Lucky you! You’re going on holiday to Croatia very soon!

How to spend the Easter Holidays in Croatia - an aerial view of Dubrovnik Old Town

How to spend the Easter Holidays in Croatia

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The Easter break is fast approaching, with less than a couple of weeks left of the school Spring term! (Sorry to surprise you if you weren’t already aware.) Whilst I’m sure many of you will have already booked your holidays, some travellers may be seeking alternative arrangements to planned breaks or perhaps booking last-minute deals. And be thinking…is Croatia suitable for an Easter holiday? Well, you’re on the right page to find out! Here’s how you can spend the Easter Holidays in Croatia.

How to spend the Easter Holidays in Croatia - an aerial view of Dubrovnik Old Town
Dubrovnik would be an ideal location for an Easter Holidy break!

Wait a minute, when’s Easter again?

Easter Sunday is fairly early this year, on 5th April. Do be aware that Easter Monday is also a public holiday in Croatia, but the Friday before is not – but will still be commemorated as part of the Easter weekend. As a Catholic country, Easter is understandably a rather religious affair for many here. In fact, Easter is probably the most religious of all the holidays during the year. Mass on Easter Sunday is a very well-attended affair at churches all over Croatia.

Because of its status as a religious holiday, most establishments will be shut on both the Sunday and Monday. That includes shops, cafes, restaurants, many attractions (but not all) and similar, so do be aware of this.

If you would like to witness a traditional religious Easter procession, you may like to head to the island of Hvar. The 500-year-old Easter tradition, Za Krizen, sees six parishes follow a cross on an overnight journey all around the island. This journey begins on the Thursday before Easter (Maundy Thursday) into Good Friday.

Of course, the Easter Holidays – as far as schools and similar institutions go – are always a two-week-long holiday. If you are concerned that spending Easter in Croatia will disrupt your enjoyment (I mean, it shouldn’t, but for some it might), consider holidaying in the second week.

But what about the weather?

Okay, this is bound to be a big consideration for many travellers if you’re thinking about spending the Easter Holidays in Croatia. It’s too early in the year to have summer weather, that’s for sure – you definitely won’t get temperatures in the high 20s Celsius (high 70s/low 80s Fahrenheit) and endless stretches of very hot sun. Sunbathing on a beach is unlikely and swimming in the Adriatic is a no-go…unless you’re very brave.

Having said that, it is too early to be looking at weather forecasts to see what the weather will actually be like for the first two weeks of April. Generally, however, you can expect coastal areas to be sunny and hopefully reaching around 20ºC (or perhaps a few degrees higher). The further south along the coast you are, understandably, the better/warmer the weather should be. So opt for Dubrovnik and the surrounding area to try and get the best of the weather if you really, really need to have the best weather possible.

Once we get closer to April, take a look at the forecasts on the Croatian Meteorological Service, or a weather app of your choosing to find out what will actually be forecast.

Flights to Croatia for the Easter Holidays

The end of March is a time when many airlines start their “seasonal” services, and that’s certainly the case for flights to Croatia. Whilst not every single route starts operating at this time of year, you can certainly make use of an incredibly high number of flights from the UK and Ireland to Croatia during the Easter Holidays. Such as:

I’ll be honest with you, before I started writing out this list, I didn’t expect it to be quite so long! That’s 28 (28!) routes you can make use of if you’re heading to Croatia during the Easter Holidays.

As ever, head to Visit Croatia’s guide to Flights to Croatia from the UK & Ireland 2026 to see days of operation and actual start dates.

Getting to and from Split Airport
Split Airport

Get a deal on a package holiday to Croatia during Easter

If I’ve managed to persuade you to spend your Easter holidays in Croatia, why not consider a package break? At this time of year, you’ll very likely enjoy some very good deals indeed because it’s quite early in the season. Seeing as Jet2 have commenced their flights to Dubrovnik, let’s take a look at some of Jet2Holidays‘ packages to this city.

For example, you can take advantage of 7 nights (departing Sunday 5th April) at the very comfortable 4-star Grand Hotel Park for £1,380 for two people. Close to restaurants and a bus journey away from the Old Town, this hotel has an indoor pool, so you can enjoy some swim time whatever the weather.

For luxury at a relative steal, 7 nights at the 5-star Royal Blue Lapad for the same dates costs £1,744 for two people. Or you could opt for 7 nights at the 5-star Hotel Croatia in genteel Cavtat for £1,408 for two people.

For something super upscale, you could enjoy 7 nights at the 5-star Hotel Excelsior – one of Dubrovnik’s most famous hotels – departing London Stansted on Sunday 5th April for £2,660 for two people. Pricey, yes, but I found the same package offered for over £5,000 for two people for dates in June.

Other types of holidays in Croatia

City breaks galore

Okay, so given it’s not exactly beach weather in Croatia during early April, how about considering another type of holiday? A city break to Zagreb would really be ideal for this time of year. Springtime in Croatia’s capital city is wonderful, with the pleasant weather providing a cheerful air and the perfect setting for days spent in cafes (although, really, the Zagrepčani have no problem doing that all year round) with gentle strolls through the Upper and Lower Towns, taking in many of the museums and sights.

Easter Holidays in Croatia - Springtime in Zagreb
Springtime in Zagreb

Or, what about a coastal city for a city break? Glorious springtime offers much for visitors in cities such as Pula, Zadar or Split.

Who doesn’t love a road trip?

April may be the perfect month to undertake a road trip in Croatia. The roads won’t be busy with summer “commuters”, and you won’t have to suffer through sweltering temperatures as you slog down the coastal road. (Scratch that – the coastal road is anything but a slog, whatever the outside temperature.)

That very coastal road, with its spectacular views, would be the top choice for a road trip. Get the full experience of Dalmatia by starting in Zadar (to where you can fly) and then making the drive all the way down to Dubrovnik. Or, if you have more time, start in Pula in Istria! And of course, doing the reverse of either of these is possible.

For a mix of inland treasures and coastal delights, start in Zagreb and then head down to the Plitvice Lakes to enjoy a couple of days here in the spring sunshine. Then head down in the direction of Zadar and further down the coast, as above.

Island life

Croatia’s islands are waking up in springtime, but are still relatively quiet locations when it comes to holidaying at this time of year. But that’s what you might be looking for! Even the larger and most popular of Croatia’s islands – Hvar and Brac, for example – still have low numbers. Not all accommodation may be fully available to you, but for a peaceful and relaxing stay, consider some time on an island during the Easter Holidays.

How to spend the Easter Holidays in Croatia - A pretty view on the island of Hvar
A peaceful Spring moment on the island of Hvar

What’s on in Croatia during the Easter Holidays?

Look out for Easter-related events wherever you are, often involving child-focused happenings. (Such as Easter egg hunts, for example.) One of the best Easter-related events is the display of giant Easter eggs in the northern Croatian town of Koprivnica. These eggs – labelled Easter Eggs from the Heart – are hand-painted in naive art style, typical for the region.

Non-Easter events

Around 3,000 competitors are expected for the Istria 100 (9th – 12th April), which actually covers five different race distances, the longest being 100 miles in length…hence the name. The competition is sold out, but you can certainly watch the racers whizz by in Central Istria.

If you’re more into cars and less into…er, people…the Croatia Rally takes place on the exact same dates (9th – 12th April). This official FIA World Championship event is held on roads in Istria, Gorski Kotar, Lika and Karlovac counties this year.

The first concert of Dubrovnik Musical Spring, a wonderful classical music event featuring the Dubrovnik Symphony Orchestra, will take place at Revelin Fortress on 10th April.

April is asparagus month, and if you’re a fan of this woody vegetable, you must head to Lovran in Istria! The whole month celebrates the Asparagus Festival, with local restaurants offering special menus. The highlight of the festival takes place on 11th April when a giant fritaja (similar to an omelette) is made with 1,000 eggs and 30 kilograms of asparagus and bacon. That’ll be quite some party!

The UCI Gran Fondo cycling race will be taking to the roads in and around Umag on 11th April.

On the evening of 11th April, the Zadar Night Run will see competitors race on routes (5km, 10km or 21km) at night. Most of the routes run right by the sea. A super sweet kids’ night run takes place the day before at 6pm, with kids running down Siroka ulica in the centre of the Old Town.

On Fridays in April (10th, 17th and 24th), head to Kvaternik Square from 6pm to enjoy the street food event Place. With good vibes and great music too, you can enjoy a tasty dish from a street food stall.

All in all, there’s lots to enjoy if you’re spending the Easter Holidays in Croatia!

Visit Croatia Review: Plitvice Lakes in Winter

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Plitvice Lakes National Park is one of the top sights to visit in Croatia. With its stunning interconnected lakes and waterfalls, gorgeous nature and animal inhabitants (although the larger ones are rarely seen by people), it’s a wonderful place to spend a day – or hopefully longer. The inland location, in the Lika region of Croatia, is also somewhere that many visitors wouldn’t otherwise experience, preferring the coast or Zagreb. Visiting the park provides a wonderful opportunity to experience another slice of Croatia. My latest visit to the National Park was last month, at the start of the coldest season of the year. So what was it like visiting the Plitvice Lakes in winter? Is it worth it? Find out what I thought!

A view of the lakes in Plitvice - Plitvice Lakes in winter

Early arrival

To make the most of my day, I decided to take the first bus from Zagreb to the lakes. That meant getting up before 6am (normally, waaaay too early for me) to make the 6.45am bus. The bus, run by Prijevoz Knezevic, ended up being a little mini-bus to my surprise, but no matter. The comfy seats and decent leg room were just the thing for a snooze all the way to the lakes. (The mini-bus was half full, and one small group also disembarked at the lakes.)

The bus stopped right by Entrance 1, from where it’s possible to visit the Lower Lakes – which are the ones that are accessible in winter. It is also this entrance you need to visit Veliki Slap (Big Waterfall – the clue’s in the name, as it’s the tallest waterfall around these parts). Funnily enough, although you’re visiting the Lower Lakes, you enter the Park from up on high and first experience one of the most beautiful and most famous views of the National Park.

Plitvice Lakes in winter - a first view of the lower lakes
A first view of the lower lakes
The Lower Lakes in Plitvice Lakes National Park
Looking down toward Veliki Slap

I headed to the ticket booth to snap up my €10 ticket (which would be €40 in the peak summer months!) and then talked to the helpful guy in the adjacent booth who explained what paths and trails were open and would be possible to visit. In this case, he told me Trails A and B would be able to be followed. I decided to opt for the longer Trail B (which they say takes 3 to 4 hours, and 4,000 metres in length).

And then, reader, my adventure began.

Oh, wow!

As I’ve already hinted, just a few steps beyond Entance 1 is one of the most the unbelieveable sights of the Plitvice Lakes, looking down onto three interconnected lakes (Milanovac, Gavanovac, and Kaludjerovac) and the waterfalls inbetween them. You might even stand yourself here, take in the amazing sight, snap a photo or three, and then head home. But you wouldn’t, because you’re not crazy, are you?

From here, I descended down the path in the direction of Veliki Slap. This waterfall is actually in the wrong direction from the trails, essentially down a dead end, but if he’s the biggest guy in town, you need to pay him a visit – right?

Veliki Slap in the Plitvice Lakes National Park
Veliki Slap
The Plitvice Lakes in Winter - an image of waterfalls

Two things quickly became apparent to me. The first was that it was literally freezing (I do mean literally), so I had to dress myself in all additional items of clothing I wasn’t yet wearing.

The second I realised was that by arriving at the Plitvice Lakes just before 9am in winter, I had totally won in life. As I descended down to the Lower Lakes, I didn’t pass a single other person. On my way to Veliki Slap and back, I passed two people – Plitvice Lakes maintenance workers. Heading further around the paths, heading in the direction of Lake Kozjak, I passed only a handful of people – maybe 10 at most? Having the Lakes essentially “to myself” was really such a magical experience that I can barely put into words. It was probably one of the best days of my life!

The Lower Lakes in Plitvice on a winter morning
The Lower Lakes in Plitvice on a winter morning
The lovely wooden paths in Plitvice
The lovely wooden paths in Plitvice

Heading round the wooden paths and admiring all the lakes and waterfalls, the lack of other visitors meant I could really go at my own pace. This also meant I could take in all the particular signs and points of interest I came across without being hurried along.

Milka Ternina plaque in the Plitvice Lakes National Park
A plaque explaining how a set of falls are named after opera singer Milka Ternina
A wonderfully still lake
Plitvice Lakes
Milanovac Lake

Time for a pit stop

On reaching Lake Kozak, I discovered a small souvenir shop and a small cafe. Of course, I made good use of both – I couldn’t leave without getting something for my fridge’s magnet collection. The cafe was relatively basic, but very warm and just the thing for a recharge, for both myself and my phone. It had a reasonable selection of hot drinks and offered things like sandwiches, burgers and chips and a few sweet treats. (Also, a fairly impressive range of Croatian spirits…I’m sure a shot would have been warming, but I didn’t go for it!) I would highly recommend a warming coffee and a slice of cheese strudel (savijača). Delicious.

Cheese strudel and coffee in Plitvice
Just the thing for a cold December morning
Plitvice sign
Information signs in Plitvice
Plitvice sign
Information signs in Plitvice

On I go

The cafe and shop are right by the shore of Lake Kozak, which has an electric boat running across it. This in itself is another awesome experience – the boat glides softly and quietly over the lake as you take in the nature on both sides.

The boat was actually the largest number of people I saw at any one time during my Plitvice winter adventure, with about 15-20 people on board. A few seemed to be part of small tour groups, who I assumed to be undertaking private tours of the Park. (I certainly saw one couple clearly being guided around the lakes.)

Lake Kozjak, Plitvice Lakes
Lake Kozjak

I disembarked on the other side of the lake – past a sad, understandably closed ice-cream stall – to continue my journey on Trail B. Most of my fellow boatgoers seemed to disappear at this point (don’t worry, I don’t mean in a sinister way), so I assume they were heading up to Entrance 2, to be taken elsewhere.

Heading up the hill here, I encountered what’s called the “panoramic vehicle”, essentially a small coach with comically sized windows. (Comically big not small, although the latter would be more comical.) By this time, I was alone again, and the bus took me on a short journey to continue Trail B. Excitingly, this part of the Park had snow! Real snow, on the ground! Okay, only on the parts where no one walked, but as I had hoped to encounter Plitvice in snow (but delayed my visit for a few days to get better weather), it was a teensy bit exciting.

Panoramic vehicles in the Plitvice Lakes
Panoramic vehicles in the Plitvice Lakes
Snow in the Plitvice Lakes - Plitvice Lakes in Winter
Snow in the Plitvice Lakes

The bus dropped me off to continue my walk along the top of the canyon, towards Entrance 1, and I again encountered the lakes of Milanovac, Gavanovac, and Kaludjerovac from up high. By this time, the sun had properly emerged, and the temperature had gone up a few degrees, so the gorgeous lakes and waterfalls could be their best twinkly self.

And again on the paths back to Entrance 1, I only encountered one or two people at a time. Solo but not lonely at all. And no “fights” for the best photo viewpoint!

A panoramic view of the Plitvice Lakes
A panoramic view of the Plitvice Lakes
A panoramic view of the Plitvice Lakes
And a second panoramic view of the Plitvice Lakes!

Conclusion – was visiting Plitvice Lakes in winter worth it?

Oh my goodness, yes. A million times yes.

Visiting the Plitvice Lakes is worth it any time of year, but in peak season, you’ll encounter so many crowds of people that it will be practically like a traffic jam to get around. Nevertheless, Plitvice in peak summer is still a sight to behold.

The different seasons give visitors a different Plitvice experience. Sure, winter means hardly any fellow visitors, but also shorter opening times and quite strict logistics in terms of where you can travel from and at what times. You also have to pay closer attention to the weather. I would have loved to have visited in proper snowfall (tempted as I was by social media posts!), but I’m aware that that could have meant a more treacherous journey around the Park. I don’t regret waiting a few days for a cold but eventually beautifully sunny, dry day!

So yes, please do visit the Plitvice Lakes in winter. It is absolutely worth it.

A close-up of the interconnected Lakes in Plitvice
A close-up of the interconnected Lakes in Plitvice
The view from Entrance 1 of the Plitvice Lakes, now almost four hours later
The view from Entrance 1, now almost four hours later

Getting to the Plitvice Lakes in winter

If travelling by public transport, it is easiest to reach the Plitvice Lakes in winter from Zagreb. With a journey time of around just two hours, and the fact that there are a number of buses per day, makes a day-trip very doable. Take a look at the Zagreb Bus Terminal website to look up bus schedules and to buy your tickets. Do also make your life easier and buy your return ticket before travel as well – you don’t have to use the same bus operator. Tickets are mostly electronic these days, and can be presented on your phone upon boarding.

You can also hire a car to make the relatively easy journey to the Lakes. Parking in the Lakes car park is free in winter (in December, January and February).

Alternatively, you may prefer an organised tour. Take a look at some of the possibilities below:

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Opening Hours of the Plitvice Lakes in Winter

The park is open from 8am to 3pm, with both Entrance 1 and 2 generally open unless conditions prove otherwise. Ticket sales are only available until 1pm.

The electric boat over Lake Kozjak operates from 8am to 2.30pm/3pm (end time depends on the direction) in winter.

Good to Know

What to wear

Dress appropriately! And warmly! Winter at the park can be very cold indeed, so make sure you have appropriate winter clothing – which means many layers, and a proper winter jacket. A waterproof coat/jacket in addition wouldn’t be a bad idea, or at least take along a waterproof top layer that you can put on if you need.

Gloves are an absolute must, as are hiking shoes or boots or footwear that has a good grip when you’re walking. The paths can be wet and/or icy.

I personally didn’t have any hand warmers, but I saw a few other visitors with them. They seem like a good idea!

Eating, Drinking and Shopping

Right by entrance 1 is a small snack bar (think sandwiches, burgers, hot and cold drinks) for refreshment and a souvenir shop with Plitvice Lakes branding. Although the products comprised a mix of regular souvenir takeaways (t-shirts, baseball caps) and more pleasing items (carved wood ornaments, kids’ books on Plitvice), I found it to be rather expensive! I wanted to buy a book (in English) for my children, but baulked at the price of €15 for a very slim book!

I’ve mentioned the shop and cafe by Lake Kozjak for another pit stop. However, for a proper, hearty and very filling lunch, I would return to Entrance 1 and head over the footbridge to Licka Kuca (Lika House in English) Restaurant. Absolutely delicious food, typical of the Lika region, with very friendly service and a warm ambience. Recommended!

Licka Kuca Restaurant, next to Plitvice Lakes National Park

Getting there

If you’re using public transport – i.e. bus – you really do want to get to the lakes as early as possible. Although you’ll curse an impossibly early start, you’ll thank yourself when you get to the lakes and experience them!

Return buses might run a little late – they don’t start from Plitvice, but are travelling from further afield. Wait by the little wooden huts (make sure you’re at the hut that’s going in the right direction) and be patient!

Tickets

You can buy tickets for the National Park in advance online on the Plitvice Lakes National Park – Tickets webpage. But I wouldn’t bother, they are very, very unlikely to sell out in wintertime!

One thing to note is that you can buy a 2-day ticket for €15 in winter. If you’re driving yourself to the Lakes and staying locally, a two-day visit would be lovely.

More info

You can find out all the latest information on visiting the Park, including current conditions of trails and what can be visited, on the Plitvice Lakes National Park website.

Take a look at the Visit Croatia guide to Plitvice Lakes National Park.

Krk Town on the island of Krk

Reader’s Trip Report: A Four Week Itinerary for Croatia

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I’ve recently been in communication with a lovely lady – M – who needed a little bit of assistance with planning her trip around Croatia. M was lucky enough to be travelling around Croatia for four weeks (yes, four!) and visited an incredible nine towns/cities and nine islands! Read on below for some very helpful travel tips and M’s itinerary:

Travel Tips

Having just returned from backpacking around the beautiful country of Croatia for 4 and a half weeks – visiting 9 towns/cities and the main towns on 9 islands – we thought we would share some of the knowledge we gained about travel and our itinerary.

We found Rome2rio.com very helpful as it gave us the travel options available to get from one place to another and the names of the companies that we needed to use. Many of these companies have their own app.

The main ferry companies are TP Line, Krilo and Jadrolinija. We booked through directferries.com, which was easy as it gave us all the times and prices for all the ferries on our chosen dates.

The bus companies we used were mainly Arriva and FlixBus. For many of the buses, you have to pay for your luggage that goes into the hold. This costs about €1.30 per bag. 

Travelling from Split airport to Split can be done in a few ways. The airport shuttle (from right outside the airport) takes passengers down to the ferry port, whereas the local bus number 37 (from across the road) takes you to the bus station at the top of the town. This then goes to Trogir.

I hope the above information helps you with planning your itinerary.

Ferries and catamarans in the port of Split
Ferries and catamarans in the port of Split

The Four-Week Itinerary

Our itinerary was as follows:

  • Split – we did a day trip to Trogir, taking the 37 bus there and returning on the water taxi with Bura Line
  • Bus from Split to Zadar – used the local bus from the Autobusni Kolodvor to visit Plitvice Lakes
  • Ferry from Zadar to Mali Losinj
  • Bus from Mali Losinj to Cres
Cres Town
Cres Town
  • Ferry from Cres to Pula (we had to change ferries on Unije) – from here we took a local bus to Rovinj for a day trip
  • Bus from Pula to Porec
  • Bus from Porec to Rijeka
  • Day trip from Rijeka to the island of Krk using the local bus
Krk Town on the island of Krk
Krk Town on the island of Krk
  • Ferry from Rijeka to Rab
  • Ferry from Rab to Pag – the ferry arrives in Novalja on the north of the island. The local bus station is a 25-minute walk away from the port if you want to get to Pag Town 
  • Bus from Pag to Split (we had to change buses at Zadar) and then a ferry to Vis 
  • Ferry from Vis to Split, then a ferry to Korcula
Korcula Town
  • Ferry from Korcula to Dubrovnik
  • Ferry from Dubrovnik to Hvar
  • Ferry from Hvar to Split, then by water taxi to Trogir
  • Bus 37 from Trogir to Split Airport

I contacted Visit Croatia a couple of times for additional information, and they were very helpful.

Thank you so much, M, for sharing your amazing itinerary with us, and also for your travel tips. Thank you also for your kind words about Visit Croatia!

The new Entry/Exit System and Croatia - EU border sign

The new Entry/Exit System (EES) and Croatia from October 2025

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As of 12th October 2025, the EU’s new Entry/Exit System will start being rolled out in Croatia and other EU countries. This has been in the works for some time now (it was due to be implemented about a year ago – I wrote about it in The new Entry/Exit System and Croatia), but it is now finally going live. Find out what it means for you when travelling to Croatia and the rest of the EU, and what you actually have to do about it.

The new Entry/Exit System and Croatia - EU border sign

When will the new Entry/Exit System start?

The Entry/Exit System will finally start being rolled out at Croatian borders and other EU borders from 12th October 2025. This will be a gradual rollout, with full implementation across the Schengen Zone expected by 10th April 2026.

Who is the Entry/Exit System for?

The Entry/Exit System will only apply for visa-exempt travellers to Croatia and the EU – such as those of you travelling from the U.S., the UK, Australia, New Zealand and similar – OR for those of you who hold short-stay Schengen visas.

EU travellers will not need to take part in EES, and can continue to travel to Croatia as before. You can still travel using just your country’s ID card, if you wish!

What does the Entry/Exit System involve? Do I have to do something ahead of time when travelling?

You do not have to do anything ahead of time for the EES.

The above-mentioned travellers to Croatia and the rest of the EU will now need to have their fingerprints and their photo taken at the border when entering the Schengen Zone, as well as providing their passport details. Of course, you only need to provide this information the first time you enter the Schengen Zone after 12th October. On subsequent visits, your details will be checked against the information you first provided.

As you can imagine, this will likely cause longer queues at each border into the Schengen Zone. Be prepared for this – I expect uproar against this EU measure in certain British newspapers!

So what does this mean when I travel to Croatia?

The next time you visit Croatia – after 12th October 2025 – you will likely need to provide the above information when entering the country.

Is this the same thing as ETIAS?

No, the EES is NOT the same thing as ETIAS.

Once the EES is up and running in full across the Schengen Zone, ETIAS will be rolled out in the near future. ETIAS is something that you have to be aware of and obtain before travelling. This is essentially the EU’s visa waiver programme – much like the ESTA that exists for the United States. This pre-screening service will require you to submit your personal details and travel information online before travelling, as well as requiring you to pay a fee.

ETIAS is not yet being introduced, but is expected to come into effect at the end of 2026.

More info

You can find out more about the Entry/Exit System on the European Union website at travel-europe.europa.eu/en/ees. Travellers from the UK may also like to look at the advice on the Foreign Office website.

As I mentioned, I also wrote about the new system quite extensively about a year ago – do read The new Entry/Exit System and Croatia as there is a fair amount of useful information there, such as why EES is being introduced.

Happy travelling!

Nautical Tourism in Croatia - Dubrovnik

The growth of nautical tourism in Croatia

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We all know that Croatia has many, many delights, all along its stunning coastline. You can therefore imagine that one of the best ways of experiencing the country and everything it has to offer is by sailing the Adriatic. What could be better than gliding over the twinkly sea on a luxury vessel, exploring islands big and small, swimming in private coves before enjoying a hearty lunch on board and then moving on to some relaxing sunbathing or snooze time.

Nautical tourism in Croati

Yacht rentals have become one of the fastest-growing luxury travel segments, and it is no surprise to discover that the Adriatic and Croatia are among the most popular destinations for such holidays. Croatia, in fact, accounts for 40% of global yacht charters according to data from the Croatian Ministry of Tourism.

And this figure is indeed growing, according to the latest figures! Between January and July 2025, Croatia welcomed 72 foreign cruise vessels making 377 journeys and carrying over 516,000 passengers, representing a 10.8% increase in vessel arrivals and a 9.2% increase in overnight stays compared to the same period in 2024. (Source: Croatian Bureau of Statistics, Sept 2025.)

Nautical Tourism in Croatia - Split

Darijo Saric of VIP Holiday Booker explains why Croatia has become a leader in nautical tourism and yacht holidays.

High-profile visitors have played a part in raising Croatia’s profile. Just a few months ago Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez were photographed celebrating with foam parties on a yacht ahead of their wedding. Beyonce and Jay-Z have been spotted touring multiple islands on a private yacht. The Beckhams, Jon Bon Jovi, and many others have also been spotted sailing the Dalmatian coast. 

Celebrities do bring more attention. Whether it is one of their holiday selfies being shared on social media or simply journalists covering celebrities in news outlets, it has inadvertently promoted Croatia as a yachting destination with global reach.

Nautical tourism in Croatia

But it’s not just celebrities showcasing Croatia’s appeal. Events such as Yacht Week, a week-long sailing festival that brings together thousands of young travelers for island-hopping, beach parties, and live music has become increasingly popular since it first started in 2006.

It presents the vibrant, social side of yacht holidays.

At the same time, yacht holidays in Croatia can be the opposite of high-energy partying. Yachts can be slow, authentic and deeply relaxing. 

Many of our villa guests are increasingly requesting yachts as a part of their holiday packages. For them, it’s not only about accommodation, but about enjoying the full experience. They want to wake up in a beachfront villa and then set off on a yacht to explore hidden bays and remote islands.

This reflects how Croatia has been cleverly marketed to appeal to both adventurous younger travelers and a more refined segment seeking privacy, comfort, and curated experiences.

Nautical Tourism in Croatia - Dubrovnik

About VIP Holiday Booker

VIP Holiday Booker is a holiday letting agency that is primarily focused on Croatian villas, offering visitors to the country a wide range of luxury accommodation. The company prides itself on providing a truly personalised service, arranging extras such as private chefs, transfers and much more to ensure a premium holiday experience.

The best ways of travelling from Dubrovnik to Split

The best ways of travelling from Dubrovnik to Split in 2025

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Every so often, I sit down and write one of these guides on one of the most travelled routes in Croatia. Many thousands of travellers make the journey from Dubrovnik to Split (or the return journey, from Split to Dubrovnik…or both!) during their stay in Croatia, so it makes sense that I write a guide to it. And about time for an update, for this guide is the first since the Peljesac Bridge was opened in 2022. So here’s the updated guide for 2025 for travelling from Dubrovnik to Split. (Or the reverse!)

The best ways of travelling from Dubrovnik to Split

Travelling from Dubrovnik to Split by Catamaran (but not ferry)

Let’s first get this out of the way – I say “…but not ferry” for there are no large ferry boats operating on the Dubrovnik to Split or Split to Dubrovnik route. Many years ago, Jadrolinija used to operate a long-distance ferry from Rijeka via Split to Dubrovnik, which was a much-loved sailing option. But this option is long gone, and there are no car ferries operating today.

So, what sailing options can you make use of? These days, three companies offer a catamaran that sails from Dubrovnik to Split – Jadrolinija, Kapetan Luka and TP Line. Jadrolinija has one boat sailing this route, whilst Kapetan Luka and TP Line have two boats each. All operators make stops at islands (and the mainland, in the case of one of Kapetan Luka’s routes) along the way. Whilst all operators and sailings are much of a muchness, it is important to note that some routes operate from Dubrovnik to Split in the morning, whilst some run in the afternoon. I would suggest which one you go for depends on what time you want to arrive in Split.

Jadrolinija’s Dubrovnik to Split catamaran

The following catamaran is operated by Jadrolinija. You can buy tickets for the sailing on their website.

Timetable

DailyOperates from 6.6.25 to 21.9.25Daily
7.45am↓Dubrovnik↑9.25pm
9.25am
9.40am		Korcula7.25pm
7.10pm 
10.50am
11.10am		Hvar5.55pm
5.35pm
11.55am
12.10pm		Bol (Brac)4.45pm
4.30pm
1.05pmSplit 3.30pm

Note: no sailing from Dubrovnik to Split on 6th June, and no sailing from Split to Dubrovnik on 21st September

Ticket Prices

RoutePrice 
Dubrovnik – Korcula/Korcula – Dubrovnik 

€25

Dubrovnik – Hvar/Hvar – Dubrovnik €48
Dubrovnik – Bol/Bol – Dubrovnik €48
Dubrovnik – Split/Split – Dubrovnik€48
Korcula – Hvar/Hvar – Korcula€23
Korcula – Bol/Bol – Korcula€27
Korcula – Split/Split – Korcula€27
Hvar – Bol/Bol – Hvar€25
Hvar – Split/Split – Hvar€25
Bol – Split/Split – Bol€23

TP Lines Dubrovnik to Split Catamaran Option 1

The following catamaran is operated by TP Line. Tickets can be purchased on their website.

Timetable

DailyOperates from 14.4.25 to 26.10.25Daily
8.05am↓Dubrovnik↑8.20pm
10.00am
10.10am		Korcula6.20pm
6.10pm 
11.40am
12.00pm		Hvar4.45pm
4.30pm
12.45pm
12.50pm		Milna (Brac)3.50pm
3.45pm
1.25pmSplit 3.10pm

Note: no sailing from Dubrovnik to Split on 14th April, and no sailing from Split to Dubrovnik on 26th October

Ticket Prices

RoutePrice 
Dubrovnik – Korcula/Korcula – Dubrovnik €25
Dubrovnik – Hvar/Hvar – Dubrovnik €48
Dubrovnik – Milna/Milna – Dubrovnik €48
Dubrovnik – Split/Split – Dubrovnik€48
Korcula – Hvar/Hvar – Korcula€25
Korcula – Milna/Milna – Korcula€25
Korcula – Split/Split – Korcula€25
Hvar – Milna/Milna – Hvar€15
Hvar – Split/Split – Hvar€25
Milna – Split/Split – Milna€10
Travelling from Dubrovnik to Split by catamaran - a TP Line catamaran near Dubrovnik
A TP Line catamaran near Dubrovnik

TP Lines Dubrovnik to Split Catamaran Option 2

Timetable

Daily9.5.25 – 12.10.25Daily
2.55pm↓Dubrovnik↑2.20pm
4.50pm
5.00pm		Korcula12.20pm
12.05pm
6.25pm
6.40pm		Hvar10.40am
10.20am
7.20pm
7.25pm		Milna (Brac)9.35am
9.30am
8.00pmSplit9.00am

Ticket Prices

RoutePrice 
Dubrovnik – Korcula/Korcula – Dubrovnik €25
Dubrovnik – Hvar/Hvar – Dubrovnik €48
Dubrovnik – Milna/Milna – Dubrovnik €48
Dubrovnik – Split/Split – Dubrovnik€48
Korcula – Hvar/Hvar – Korcula€25
Korcula – Milna/Milna – Korcula€25
Korcula – Split/Split – Korcula€25
Hvar – Milna/Milna – Hvar€15
Hvar – Split/Split – Hvar€25
Milna – Split/Split – Milna€10

Kapetan Luka Dubrovnik to Split Catamaran Option 1

The following catamaran is operated by Kapetan Luka. Tickets can be bought on their website.

Timetable

DailyOperates from 1.4.25 to 31.10.25Daily
3.30pm↓Dubrovnik↑12.30pm

4.50pm
4.55pm

Pomena (Mljet)11.10am
11.05am
5.30pm
5.40pm		Korcula10.30am
10.20am
6.50pm
7.00pm		Hvar9.10am
9.00am
7.30pm
7.35pm		Milna (Brac)8.30am
8.25am
8.00pmSplit8.00am

Ticket Prices

RoutePrice 
Dubrovnik – Pomena/Pomena – Dubrovnik€20
Dubrovnik – Korcula/Korcula – Dubrovnik €25
Dubrovnik – Hvar/Hvar – Dubrovnik €50
Dubrovnik – Milna/Milna – Dubrovnik €50
Dubrovnik – Split/Split – Dubrovnik€50 
Pomena – Korcula/Korcula – Pomena€20
Pomena – Hvar/Hvar – Pomena€25
Pomena – Milna/Milna – Pomena€25
Pomena – Split/Split – Pomena€30
Korcula – Hvar/Hvar – Korcula€25
Korcula – Milna/Milna – Korcula€25
Korcula – Split/Split – Korcula€30
Hvar – Milna/Milna – Hvar€15
Hvar – Split/Split – Hvar€25
Milna – Split/Split – Milna€10

Kapetan Luka Dubrovnik to Split Catamaran Option 2

The following catamaran is operated by Kapetan Luka. Tickets can be bought on their website.

Timetable

DailyOperates from 1.6.25 to 25.09.25Daily
2.45pm↓Dubrovnik↑1.30pm
4.25pm
4.30pm		Pomena (Mljet)11.55am
11.50am
5.10pm
5.20pm		Korcula11.20am
11.10am
6.05pm
6.10pm		Sucuraj (Hvar)10.25am
10.20am
6.40pm
6.50pm		Makarska9.50am
9.40am
7.20pm
7.30pm		Bol (Brac)9.05am
8.55am
8.25pmSplit8.00am

Ticket Prices

RoutePrice 
Dubrovnik – Pomena/Pomena – Dubrovnik€20
Dubrovnik – Korcula/Korcula – Dubrovnik €25
Dubrovnik – Sucuraj/Sucuraj – Dubrovnik €25
Dubrovnik – Makarska/Makarska – Dubrovnik€45 
Dubrovnik – Bol/Bol – Dubrovnik €50 
Dubrovnik – Split/Split – Dubrovnik€50 
Pomena – Korcula/Korcula – Pomena€20
Pomena – Sucuraj/Sucuraj – Pomena€20 
Pomena – Makarska/Makarska – Pomena€25
Pomena – Bol/Bol – Pomena€25 
Pomena – Split/Split – Pomena€30 
Korcula – Sucuraj/Sucuraj – Korcula€25
Korcula – Makarska/Makarska – Korcula€25 
Korcula – Bol/Bol – Korcula€25 
Korcula – Split/Split – Korcula€30 
Sucuraj – Makarska/Makarska – Sucuraj€25
Sucuraj – Bol/Sucuraj – Hvar€20
Sucuraj – Split/Split – Sucuraj€20
Makarska – Bol/Bol – Makarska€20
Makarska – Split/Split – Makarska€20
Bol – Split/Split – Bol€20

For any of the above sailings, I would suggest you always pre-book tickets – at least a few days in advance if you can’t do so earlier – as the Dubrovnik to Split (or Split to Dubrovnik) catamaran is a popular route.

Travelling from Dubrovnik to Split by Bus

Travelling by bus from Dubrovnik to Split is a very easy, reliable and cheap option – and there are numerous buses operating on this route, year-round.

Journey time between the two takes around 4 to 4.5 hours. Although buses no longer go through that small slice of Bosnia, some buses make numerous stops along the way, which means a longer journey time. In the summer months, the coastal road can also be congested with holiday traffic, making the journey longer than expected. If you are travelling during the peak summer months, consider taking an early morning or later evening bus.

Dubrovnik Bus Station - Travelling from Dubrovnik to Split
Dubrovnik Bus Station

If a shorter journey time is important to you, take a bus that hardly makes any stops and uses the motorway (where it starts, near Ploce) instead!

A one-way bus ticket from Dubrovnik to Split in 2025 costs €20-€25.

  • Good to know: You can look up bus timetables and buy bus tickets on Traveling.com or on the Dubrovnik Bus Station website.
  • Good to know: Sit on the left-hand side of the bus (on the same side as the driver) to be closest to the amazing view!

Driving from Dubrovnik to Split

If you’re renting a car during travels in Croatia, making the drive from Dubrovnik to Split is relatively straightforward. As with travelling by bus, the fastest option is to take the A1 motorway (from where it starts, near Ploce) and zoom all the way up to Split! On the way to the motorway, you’ll drive part of the coastal road up and through the Peljesac Peninsula and across the Peljesac Bridge, so you’ll experience this charming part of south Dalmatia. Why not stop for a coffee? Perhaps in Ston, and you can then visit those town walls!

Or if you’re after something a bit more slower paced – and utterly beautiful – take the D8 coastal road all the way from Dubrovnik to Split. You’ll be rewarded with utterly gorgeous views all the way, and you’ll have plenty of opportunity to stop for coffee, lunch, some photos at a viewpoint and more along the way.

Travelling from Dubrovnik to Split - Croatia coastal road
Part of the coastal road

The motorway option takes around 3 hours, whilst the coastal road would take you 4 hours to drive, but that assumes no stops at all. During summer, the coastal road option can be slower (as we’ve mentioned for the bus option above) because of holiday traffic. Simply take it in your stride!

Do also be aware that if you use the motorway, you will need to pay a toll. Take a ticket just before entering the motorway and then pay at the toll on exit. For a regular-sized car, the motorway toll in 2025 will cost €7.30 from Dubrovnik to Split (entering at Karamatici and exiting at Dugopolje for Split). You can see prices for other vehicles on the Toll Rates section of the Croatian Motorways website.

Travelling from Dubrovnik to Split by Plane

If you want to make the journey from Dubrovnik to Split very, very quickly, travelling by plane is, of course, the best bet.

Trade Air operate flights year-round twice a week, on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Flight time from Dubrovnik to Split is 55 minutes. A one-way ticket costs around €75 for a non-refundable ticket.]

Dubrovnik Airport
Dubrovnik Airport

Travelling from Dubrovnik to Split by Train

Impossible!

Let me elaborate – Dubrovnik has no train station, so there’s no way you can travel from Dubrovnik to Split by train! Use one of the options above instead.

Dubrovnik to Split by Private Transfer

If you fancy taking all the organisation of travelling from Dubrovnik to Split out of your hands, a private transfer may be the best choice for you. These are generally rather pricey – you are making a journey of over 200 kilometres, after all – but if there’s a small group of you plus luggage, you may find it easiest to opt for a transfer. Take a look at some of the private transfers available below:

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So what’s the best way of travelling from Dubrovnik to Split?

Oh yes, I did promise to tell you that, didn’t I? If I said, “there’s no best way”, would you be really cross with me?

Well, if you have your own rental car, then you’ll be driving, of course, and this option gives you the most flexibility and possibility of exploring.

Flying is only possible twice a week, and I would only recommend this if you’re really pushed for time and perhaps are only travelling with a small amount of luggage. But it’s undoubtedly the fastest option.

Travelling by catamaran is a great way of experiencing sailing on the Adriatic, but it is a long journey from Dubrovnik to Split by sea. I would personally choose a catamaran if making overnight stops on one (or more) of the islands along the way.

So, call me old-fashioned, but I love the bus option! Sit back and relax, put some music on your headphones (or listen to the gorgeous Croatian music the bus driver has chosen) and watch the gorgeous view as you’re driven by. And this is the cheapest option!

Whatever way you choose for travelling from Dubrovnik to Split, enjoy your journey!

Sakarun Beach

How to Plan Your Perfect Trip to Croatia in 2025

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This year is already speeding past – can you believe that we’re already halfway through the third month of 2025? Now is the perfect time to start thinking about your travel plans for the year ahead, and if your travel plans concern Croatia well…you in the right place! Let me guide you in planning your perfect trip to Croatia in 2025 to give you the best holiday ever!

Step 1 – Choose where you want to go

Now, this is one of the most difficult steps in planning a perfect trip to Croatia. There, I said it. But only because Croatia is such a beautiful country that it’s difficult to choose where exactly to holiday! Luckily you’ve come to the Visit Croatia website and we’re all about helping you choose a destination in Croatia.

Do you have an inkling of where you’d like to go? Perhaps you’ve seen gorgeous photos of Dubrovnik’s Old Town, the stunning imagery of Zlatni Rat Beach near Bol on the island of Brac, the glorious views from above Hvar Town overlooking nearby islands, shots of the charming Istrian coastal towns such as Rovinj, Porec, Umag or Novigrad, or scenes of the waterfalls of Plitvice or Krka National Parks? If one of these has inspired you, then go for it! You’ll find plenty of information about these destinations and how best to get to them in our special guides.

Photos of Dubrovnik
Walking along the Old Town walls in Dubrovnik
Top Sights in Croatia - Zlatni Rat Beach
Aerial view of Zlatni rat beach in Bol, Island Brac, Croatia
Ten Days in Croatia - Hvar
View of Hvar Town
Istria
Rovinj
Exploring the Plitvice Lakes National Park

But what if you’re not sure at all, and nothing really springs to mind when you’re thinking about where to go in Croatia? Here are some ideas for different things you may want on a holiday:

  • Amazing sights? Head to Pula with its excellent selection of Roman sights, with a Roman amphitheatre – the Arena – that can’t be beaten. Or Split, for the Diocletian’s Palace area that is something that has to be seen and experienced to be believed
  • Parties non-stop? Alright, I get you. Zrce Beach on the island of Pag is the place for you, with its excellent open-air clubs that play host to many of the top festivals in Croatia. But don’t forget The Garden Tisno, a specially made festival site that also hosts some of the best events in the country.
  • A charming coastal town? Let’s go for the pretty Rovinj, with its colourful buildings, cobbled streets and lovely harbour…with many a top restaurant
  • A charming coastal town in Dalmatia? My top pick would be Sibenik, with its beautiful yet compact Old Town that includes the Cathedral of St James, a UNESCO World Heritage site
  • A city break with a difference? Consider Osijek in eastern Croatia – Ryanair flies there – and explore the city and its sights, with a good selection of dining options and hotels. You’re also in a place to explore Kopacki Rit Nature Park and the wineries of this part of Croatia, such as Ilocki Podrumi.
Sibenik
Mali Losinj
Mali Losinj on Losinj island
Accommodation in Mljet
Mljet
  • Nothing but relaxation? Opt for one of the health and wellness resorts on the island of Losinj, known for its relaxation (and good food!)
  • Somewhere far away not many others will go to? Pick one of the islands furthest away from the Croatian coast, such as the so pretty Vis or very much off-radar Lastovo
  • Something new? If you like to be the first of your friends to experience things, why not try one of the new hotel openings in Croatia? My choice would be The Isolano on the very quiet island of Cres
  • Gorgeous nature? I mean, any of Croatia’s eight national parks or twelve nature parks would fit this bill but you’re probably wanting Plitvice or Krka National Parks. But do also consider Mljet with its lush greenery or Dugi Otok, home to Telascica Nature Park.
  • Foodie heaven? Don’t be scared by Croatian cuisine (I’m sure you’re not), but Istria would be the destination for you. Delight in its truffles, olive oil, wine and delicious natural produce
Top Sights in Croatia - Krka National Park
Krka National Park
Lastovo
Sakarun Beach
Sakarun Beach on Dugi Otok
  • Somewhere to stick the kids in…sorry, to enjoy with the kids? The Zadar region, especially as it is home to the Zaton Holiday Resort has something for everyone
  • Wine country? Hey, I get you – try Istria, as above, or southern Dalmatia to be able to enjoy the wineries of the Peljesac Peninsula
  • An island that’s not really an island and within easy reach of the sights of the mainland? Ciovo would totally fit the bill for this, seeing as it’s less than a kilometre away from the mainland and connected by bridge. And then you’re super close to places such as Split, Krka NP, the Dalmatian islands…
  • Croatia, but make it France? …niche, okay, I’m not sure I’ve ever been asked that before…but I’ve still got the place for you – Opatija.
  • That place with the awesome walls and red rooftops? Dubrovnik

Oh, what’s that? You want more than one destination on your perfect trip? I get you! We’ve got plenty of ideas for multi-destination holidays to Croatia on our special guides to One Week, Ten Days, Two Weeks and Three Weeks in Croatia.

Still stuck for inspiration? Have a read of our Where to Go in Croatia guide for some more inspiration.

Just want to look at pretty pictures and choose a holiday destination that way? See Top Ten Destinations in Croatia or Top Ten Sights in Croatia. And don’t forget What Not to Miss in Croatia!

Step 2 – Who are you going to go with?

Trust me – mention your idea of going to Croatia and suddenly every man, woman and his/her dog will want to join. Will your holiday to Croatia be a family affair, a romantic trip, a girls-only sojourn or a short city break with friends? You’ll need to narrow it down because, quite frankly, trying to do all of the above will get messy!

Trust me, Croatia is a really ideal destination for those of you with families. There are many family-friendly hotels and resorts all up and down the coastline. A few years ago, my family and I enjoyed the Hotel Jakov, part of the Amadria Park resort near Sibenik. It was excellent for us two adults and two kids (and all the other families who were there at the same time). See my full review: Visit Croatia Review: Amadria Park Resort, Sibenik.

Review Jet2 Holidays - View from Amadria Park Beach
View from one of the private beaches at the Amadria Park resort

A spot of romance? Maybe you’re considering Croatia for a honeymoon? (Oooh, congratulations.) How lovely – take a look at my Honeymoon in Croatia travel planning advice.

A girls’ trip? I enjoyed a short stay at the Grand Hotel Brioni in Pula last year and I can’t wait to go back with my girlfriends to enjoy the spa, the top dining options, the infinity pool and private beach and excellent cocktails!

Luxury hotels in Croatia - Grand Hotel Brioni, Pula
A room with a view (oh, what a view) at the Grand Hotel Brioni in Pula

For a city break with friends, I would strongly suggest mighty Zagreb which has something for everyone. Better still, go to Zagreb at one of its best times of year – Christmas – to enjoy Advent in Zagreb.

(But maybe leave the dog behind. All that faff with getting a pet passport and all that.)

Step 3 – Money, money, money

“Unusual to involve Abba as one of the steps, but alright, you know what you’re doing” you’re probably thinking.

Now that you’re humming Benny and Bjorn’s most famous hits – sung beautifully by Agnetha and Frida, of course – you need to seriously think about your budget for your Croatia trip. Are you trying to keep costs in check as much as you can? You will need to look at our guide on How to do Croatia on a budget. That page in itself offers some suggestions for where and when to go, so it may give you some further holiday inspo.

At the other end of the scale, perhaps money is no object. Lucky you! There are more and more luxury and five-star openings in Croatia all the time, so peruse our Luxury Hotels in Croatia page for ideas.

Step 4 – Finding your way…otherwise known as booking flights (or buses or trains)

If flights are what you need then flights is what you shall have…by first looking at our pages on Flights to Croatia from the UK & Ireland, US to Croatia Flights and Flights from Asia to Croatia.

Open up another tab on your browser and get the information you need from our Getting to Dubrovnik, Getting to Split, Getting to Istria, Getting to North Dalmatia, Getting to the Kvarner Riviera and Getting to Zagreb pages.

Maybe you want someone to book a whole holiday – flights and hotels – for you? I’d recommend Jet2 Holidays…and I’m not being paid to say that!

If you’re trying to limit your carbon emissions in 2025, why not consider alternative ways of reaching Croatia than by flying? I’ve recently written about Getting to Croatia from the UK by bus as well as Getting to Croatia from the UK by train. It has to be said (and to be expected), that neither option is particularly fast BUT… Why not consider Croatia your endpoint on a fantastical adventure across Europe? Spend perhaps a week reaching Croatia by bus or train or a combination and then a week (or more) relaxing on the Croatian coast.

Step 5 – You need a place to stay

Of course, you do! Now that you’ve figured out where you’re going and how to get there, you will need a roof over your head, whether that’s camping, a hostel, a holiday rental, a five-star hotel or a luxury villa.

If you’re undecided take a look at our Accommodation in Croatia section which highlights accommodation options for practically everywhere in Croatia (if I’ve not written a page about it, it’s not worth staying there!) as well as guides to different types of accommodation.

Or use the map below – which, yes, shows Dubrovnik but type in your own destination – as a starting point!

Step 6 – What are you going to do?

Even if all you’re planning on doing is lazing by a pool or beach day in, day out, on repeat every day, it would be advisable to have some idea of what there is to at your destination. Look up some of our day trip ideas – Day Trips from Dubrovnik, Day Trips from Split, Day Trips in Istria pages as an example. Or take some suggestions from our Bonkers Tours of Croatia list if you want to try something completely off the wall!

If this is all a bit TL;DR for you here’s my one tip – go on a boat trip! Any boat trip, preferably to a nearby island. It is so much fun to be out on the Adriatic. Failing that, book yourself onto a local ferry for a short hop and simply explore!

Step 7 – What have you forgotten?

Have you hired a car and planned your driving route in Croatia? (If you’re choosing to rent a car, that is.)

Have you checked your passport and made sure it’s valid for entry into Croatia and the EU? It needs to have been issued within the last ten years and have at least three months validiltiy left on it after your departure from Croatia. (See UK Passport Requirements for Croatia and also our Visa Requirements for Croatia page.)

Have you packed everything you need for a trip to Croatia? Read my guide to Croatia Holiday Essentials for some tips on what to take.

You’ve done all of the above? Good! Then congratulations, you’re all set for a perfect trip to Croatia in 2025!

New for Croatia in 2025

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As we’re now well into March and fast approaching proper Spring time – both weather-wise and on the calendar – let’s take a look at what’s new for Croatia in 2025. This post will round up the new flight routes, hotel openings, transport links and events on the calendar that are all new for Croatia in 2025. As you can see, there’s lots to get excited about this year!

New for Croatia in 2025 – Flights

From the UK and Ireland

Jet2 has been operating flights to Croatia for a number of years now but this year they are to fly to a new destination (for them) – Pula in Istria! From May, the airline will fly there from London Stansted, Birmingham and Manchester airports. Their sister company, Jet2Holidays, is also launching holidays to Pula and the Istrian Coast this year.

New for Croatia in 2025 - An aerial view of Rovinj in Istria
An aerial view of Rovinj in Istria

In other airline news, Easyjet has a new route for 2025. They will operate flights from Liverpool to Split, flying twice a week (on Mondays and Fridays) from 9th June. The same airline has also already started operating some of their routes for the year, which is unusually early. Their London Gatwick and Manchester routes started flying in the last week of February. That means you can make it there right now to take advantage of the pleasant early spring weather.

Don’t forget to take a look at our Flights to Croatia from the UK and Ireland page for details of all flight routes to Croatia this year!

From Europe

There are a number of new flight routes to Dubrovnik for this summer. Easyjet will introduce flights from Bordeaux, whilst Ryanair also has a new French route to Dubrovnik – from Marseille. The same airline will be adding flights from Katowice in Poland and Gothenburg in Sweden. FInally, Swiss airline…er…Swiss will begin flights to Dubrovnik from Zurich. 

Aside from the new Easyjet route from Liverpool (mentioned above), it’s just one new route to Split that’s so far been announced and that’s from Porto.

For Zadar, Easyjet will begin flying from Lyon whilst Ryanair is adding two new Italian connections – from Bari and from Rome Fiumicino. The same airline is also to begin flying from Bratislava in Slovakia to Zadar, whilst Edelweiss Air will begin to operate flights from Zurich to Zadar.

Tiny Rijeka Airport doesn’t get a lot of love (or flights, to be honest) but at least for 2025 it will see two new routes! Ryanair will start operating flights to Rijeka from Frankfurt Hahn and from Wroclaw in Poland.

For Pula Airport, Play are introducing flights from Reykjavik. Seeing as the airline also operates flights from U.S. cities such as Boston and New York to Reykjavik, you could potentially consider using them to reach Istria or Croatia via a stopover. There’s also another new Scandinavian connection to Pula for this summer – from Gothenburg in Sweden with Ryanair.

Finally, Croatia’s capital city Zagreb will see the most new flights this year with six new routes starting up. The country’s national carrier, Croatia Airlines, will be introducing most of these new routes with flights from Prague, Hamburg, Milan, Bucharest and Madrid providing some excellent new connections. As a Ryanair hub, that airline also has a new route – from Palermo on the Italian island of Sicily, meaning they now have 31 (31!) routes from all over Europe to Zagreb.

From elsewhere in the world

At the time of writing, there are unfortunately no new flight routes to Croatia from beyond Europe. Nevertheless, take a look at our U.S. to Croatia Flight and Flights from Asia to Croatia pages to see what airlines do fly from these continents.

New for Croatia in 2025 – Festivals and Events

Who loves a brand-new festival in Croatia? That’s right, everyone! This year it’s the turn of Balance Croatia which will take place in one of Croatia’s main festival destinations – The Garden in the small town of Tisno in central Dalmatia – from 8th to 11th August. The electronic music event is coming to Croatia’s shores thanks to Australian label Balance Music and will see some truly fantastic acts perform including Dave Seaman, Danny Howells, Guy Mantzur, Sasha & John Digweed and many more. Further details: Balance Croatia Line-Up Phase 1 Revealed + Ticket News.

Balance Croatia

New for Croatia in 2025 – Hotels

New hotel openings keep coming thick and fast for Croatia all the time, and 2025 is no exception.

One of the best new hotel openings must surely be The Isolano, an Autograph Collection Hotel on the very much off-the-beaten-track island that is Cres. Billed as an adults-friendly resort (only welcoming guests aged 12 and over), this luxury five-star hotel has a stunning outdoor pool and is just metres from the nearest beach.

New for Croatia in 2025 - The Isolano Hotel, Cres
Creski Beach Bar at the Isolano Hotel (Credit: The Isolano Hotel)

In a similar vein, the Hotel Preko on tiny Ugljan island is a Curio Collection by Hilton property. Opening on 15th July 2025, this expertly furnished hotel is close to beaches and really provides a slice of relaxation for guests.

Another luxury hotel opening is the Hyatt Regency Zadar. Also a sumptuous five-star property, the hotel is in an excellent location within walking distance of Zadar’s Old Town – home to many top sights – as well as beaches and Zadar Marina.

Actually opened at the end of 2024, it’s also worth mentioning the new Pullman Zagreb, the first Pullman hotel in Croatia. This contemporary, four-star hotel is located in Novi Zagreb and relatively close to Zagreb Airport; an ideal place to stay if you’re looking for accommodation near the airport.

Pullman Zagreb
Pullman Zagreb (Credit: Pullman Zagreb)

Future hotel openings

Obviously not opening this year, some of you may be interested to hear that the large abandoned Kupari resort near Dubrovnik may finally be redeveloped. You can read the interesting back story to this resort and future plans here: Holidays at a one-time Communist luxury beach haven? Yugoslav resort built for Tito to rise from ruins.

New for Croatian in 2025 – Ferries and Catamarans

In the Dubrovnik region

Following on from the launch of a new catamaran connecting Dubrovnik and Budva last summer, the same ferry operator – Adriatic Lines – will commence operating a service connecting Dubrovnik and Kotor at the start of June 2025. This new catamaran service will allow you to enjoy a day trip in historic Kotor and see its stunning bay, giving you five hours there before the return boat to Dubrovnik departs.

Kotor in Montenegro

Read the full details of this catamaran including timetable information and ticket prices on our blog post: New Dubrovnik to Kotor Catamaran for 2025.

In the Istrian region

Announced a few months ago, this summer will see the return of ferry services from Trieste to destinations in Istria, such as Porec and Rovinj, and the island of Mali Losinj as well. (There will also be a stop in Piran in Slovenia along the way.) Timetable details – or indeed that of the ferry operator – have yet to be announced, so this is definitely a case of watching this space. Visit Croatia will absolutely keep you updated as soon as I hear anything!

New for Croatia in 2025 – Entry Requirements

There are no new entry requirements for Croatia or the EU per see, although the introduction of ETIAS and the new Entry/Exit System for the EU and the Schengen Zone keeps hovering in the background!

The latest news on this front is that the Entry/Exit System is that it is expected to start in October 2025. This new system will see travellers have their passport details registered when entering the Schengen Zone – essentially, have your fingerprints scanned and your photo taken. The word expected is doing some heavy work there, as the scheme has already been postponed from last autumn. I’d suggest keeping an ear out for news closer to October to see if it does in fact come into existence.

Another new EU entry requirement that’s fairly imminent is ETIAS. This visa waiver scheme for the EU will act much like ESTA does for travellers to the U.S. However, the introduction of ETIAS has now been pushed back to the last quarter of 2026, so you still have some time to go before you start concerning yourself about that.

The above requirements all relate to those travellers who can visit Croatia either visa-free or on short-term visas. Take a look at our Visa Requirements for Croatia page for general entry rules.

Getting to Croatia by bus from the UK

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Not that long ago, I wrote about travelling to Croatia from the UK by train. Travelling by train has, of course, rather romantic connotations and making the dash across part of Europe to Croatia by rail would be a rather fancy way of starting your holiday. These days, many travellers are also rather conscious of avoiding air travel where possible, trying to reduce their carbon footprint. So, whilst it’s certainly possible to travel to Croatia from the UK by train, can you do the same by bus? And should you?! Well, let’s see – how can you travel to Croatia by bus from the UK?

Croatia from the UK by bus - A Flixbus bus in Berlin, Germany

Is there a direct bus from the UK to Croatia?

No, there is not.

Wait, come back! There are still some possible ways of travelling to Croatia by bus!

You can get to Croatia from the UK by bus with one transfer of bus, although do consider two transfers to give yourself more options. You might be surprised by how many major European cities do in fact have direct bus services to Croatia, meaning there are a number of different routes available to you.

When travelling by bus, do also consider the timings of your travel. If you depart the UK early on day 1, you’ll be reaching Croatia in the evening of day 2 of travel. That means there’s just one night on the bus. If you depart the UK in the evening of day 1 of travel, you’ll be reaching Croatia in the morning (or lunchtime) of day 3 of travel – meaning you have two nights on the bus.

On very long bus journeys (hello my fellow South American travel buddies!), some people prefer nighttime journeys as the hours fly by when you’re asleep. Other travellers perhaps can’t sleep on a bus no matter what, so two nights on buses isn’t a plus for them.

How long does it take to get to Croatia by bus from the UK?

You’ll be looking at a total travel time – if you do the journey all in one go – of around 34 to 37 hours.

Wait, come back! I wouldn’t recommend that you undertake the journey to Croatia by bus all in one go. Why not take the opportunity to stop off along the way and do some exploring? A night or two in Paris? Exploring a German city you’ve never been to before?

Some of the above-mentioned total travel time does also include transfer time (or rest time) which can be around two to three hours. Which – if you do plan on doing the whole journey all in one go – is essential for you to stop and stretch your legs, perhaps have a nice meal and maybe even do a bit of souvenir shopping.

The World Clock and TV Tower in Berlin - Getting to Croatia by Bus from the UK
Make a stop in Berlin

What are the best bus routes to Croatia from the UK?

So let’s choose London as our starting point in the UK (sorry, non-Londoners…I know the world doesn’t revolve around us except it mostly does) and Zagreb as a destination to get to by bus from the UK. Here are some options for making the journey by bus.

Note: Prices shown below are given as a range as they depend on how far in advance you book a ticket. You may find tickets are slightly less or more expensive than the prices shown below.

Option 1 – Via Paris and Munich – 36 hours and 5 minutes travel time

FromTo…Departure TimeArrival TimeJourney Time
London VictoriaParis (Bercy Seine)07.0017.3510 hours 35 minutes
3 hours 25 minutes stopover
Paris (Bercy Seine)Munich Central Bus Station21.0008.50 11 hours 50 minutes
2 hours 10 minutes stopover
Munich Central Bus StationZagreb11.0020.05 9 hours 5 minutes
PRICE: £85 – £95

Option 2 – Via Berlin – 35 hours and 10 minutes travel time

FromTo…Departure TimeArrival TimeJourney Time
London VictoriaBerlin Sudkreuz09.3005.5521 hours 25 minutes
1 hour 25 minutes
Berlin SudkreuzZagreb07.1521.4014 hours 25 minutes
PRICE: £80 – £100

Option 3 – Via Antwerp and Dusseldorf – 33 hours and 35 minutes travel time

FromTo…Departure TimeArrival TimeJourney Time
London StratfordAntwerp Rooseveltplaats23.3008.559 hours 25 minutes
1 hour 55 minutes stopover
Antwerp RooseveltplaatsDusseldorf10.5013.502 hours
2 hours 50 minutes
DusseldorfZagreb16.4008.5016 hours 10 minutes
PRICE: £100 – £125

Option 4 – Via Frankfurt and Munich – 32 hours and 30 minutes travel time

FromTo…Departure TimeArrival TimeJourney Time
London VictoriaFrankfurt Central Train Station21.0012.3515 hours 35 minutes
1 hour 10 minutes stopover
Frankfurt Central Train StationMunich Central Bus Station13.4519.00 5 hours 15 minutes
2 hours 30 minutes
Munich Central Bus StationZagreb21.30 6.309 hours
PRICE: £94 – £116

All bus journeys above are with Flixbus.

Once you’ve reached Zagreb, you can easily travel on by bus or train to other destinations in Croatia. Or perhaps stay in Zagreb for a few days, not travelling anywhere!

The Eiffel Tower in Paris - Getting to Croatia by Bus from the UK
How could you not make a stop in Paris?!

Do I have to travel via Germany?

Not especially, although routes through Germany generally tend to be the quickest. Those fast autobahns certainly help!

You’ll certainly need to travel in a general southeastern direction. to reach Croatia, that’s for sure. So another possibility would be to travel via northern Italy, for example:

Option 5 – Via Paris and Milan – 35 hours 10 minutes travel time

FromTo…Departure TimeArrival TimeJourney Time
London VictoriaParis (Bercy Seine)07.0017.3510 hours 35 minutes
3 hours 10 minutes stopover
Paris (Bercy Seine)Milan20.4509.1512 hours 30 minutes
1 hour 15 mins stopover
MilanZagreb10.3020.259 hours 55 minutes
PRICE: £107

Should I travel to Croatia by bus from the UK?

Bus travel across Europe is obviously relatively cheap, but what with the existence of low-cost airlines (and national carriers trying to act like low-cost airlines sometimes) flying is cheaper than ever these days. Especially if you make use of some travel hacks, such as travelling mid-week, travelling out of season, wearing all your clothes when you board to avoid paying luggage fees…

As you can see from the prices above, bus travel is cheap-ish and but not super cheap! And that’s fair enough, as you’re making journeys of around 35 hours in length.

So it’s not cheap and it’s a very long journey, but at least you benefit from departing and leaving in the centre of each city. Think of it as an adventure – because what else is travel? I’d certainly recommend it as an experience providing you are able to make stops – at least for one night, if not more – in the cities on the way to Croatia. A bit like interrailing but by bus.

Another possibility would be to mix up your travel methods. Perhaps take a train to Paris, then a bus to Munich and then another train to Zagreb? Or buses to Milan, then a train to an Italian Adriatic city, such as Ancona, and then a ferry across to Croatia?

Whatever way you choose to travel to Croatia, I wish you happy travels!