Here’s a selection of some of the best guidebooks on Croatia
Croatia: The Bradt Travel Guide (Sixth Edition)
Piers Letcher
We highly recommended this travel guide for all its earlier editions, and we definitely do the same for the sixth one too (published 2016). One of the best guides on Croatia, a must for all those visiting the country this year. The Bradt Travel guide goes into considerable detail on all aspects and features, has rather extensive background and practical information sections, whilst of course also providing comprehensive information about all areas and regions of the country.
Great for all types of travellers, from holidaymakers to backpackers, families to lone travellers. Contains stunning photos and various clearly laid out maps – also very well written with plenty of insider hints and tips from the author, which are even quite humorous at times. Read our interview with Piers Letcher, the author, and take a look at some of his stunning photos on our Images of Croatia 1 and Images of Croatia 2 albums.
National Geographic Traveler: Croatia
Rudolf Abraham
The second edition of National Geographic’s guide to Croatia, this is from the same excellent author as the Walks and Treks in Croatia book (see further down the list) and a collaborator of the most recent edition of the Bradt Guide mentioned above – so you can be guaranteed Rudolf knows his stuff about the country! Beautiful images accompany the text, and there are some really great activity routes (covering walks, hikes, bike rides, and wine tours) that are clearly laid out for you. Great on the historical aspect of Croatia’s sights too. Published April 2015.
The Rough Guide to Croatia
Rough Guides
Someone on Amazon once said: “The Rough Guide to Croatia is fantastic! There is a great balance between what to see and the history behind it. Since I live here, I know where the places are that are listed, and now I know the interesting facts behind them.” Your webmasters could not agree more! Very comprehensive, well researched and packed with details. Our hats off to the author! We can’t believe that this guide is already on its ninth edition (published December 2022, post-Covid).
Lonely Planet Croatia
Anja Mutic, Lucie Grace, Isabel Putinja
We are already on the twelfth edition (published March 2024) of Lonely Planet Croatia! But that’s no surprise when you learn that their guidebook to the country was one of the very first on Croatia ever published! We’re sure that everyone’s used a Lonely Planet guide at least once in their lives, so you know what to expect from this one. Recommended (as always with Lonely Planet guides), this one also neatly lays out what to see and do (and where to stay) in all regions of Croatia. Excellent research and writing.
Rick Steves’ Croatia and Slovenia
Rick Steves and Cameron Hewitt
This guide on the two countries comes from the famous American travel writer – we’re sure that this guide will delight his many fans and help plan a great number of holidays. Very handy if you’re combining a holiday to Croatia with seeing some of the sights in Slovenia. This book is now in its ninth edition (published August 2023).
DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: Croatia
From the renowned Dorling Kindersley Eyewitness series, it has everything you might expect! Stunning photos and graphics, with an eye for attention and detail. Definitely a must-buy for those interested in sightseeing and for those interested in gaining a bit of extra knowledge about Croatia’s amazing sights. This edition was published in May 2023.
Walks and Treks in Croatia
Rudolf Abraham
This is the first book on the subject in a very detailed format. Some wonderful walks to be had all over Croatia – the book covers 20 walks and seven short treks in Croatia. Includes the regions of Istria, Dalmatia and around Zagreb, with a primary focus on the Gorski Kotar/Velebit region. Published June 2019.
The Islands of Croatia: 30 Walks on 14 Adriatic Islands
Rudolf Abraham
By the same author as the above, this book covers walks on islands such as Krk, Losinj, Pag, Dugi Otok, Brac, Hvar and Vis, Korcula, Lastovo and Mljet plus more. All walks can be done in a day, this book is an excellent companion for those looking to explore some of Croatia’s islands on foot.
The Croatian Adriatic
Radovan Radovinovic (Editor)
Although this book was published decades ago now, we would thoroughly recommend it to anyone who wants slightly more detailed knowledge of what they’re going to see in Croatia. This amazingly in-depth guide mentions almost every city, town and village (no matter how small!) along the coastline with particular attention being paid to cultural and historical sights. Includes maps and city plans, as well as many fantastic photographs.
This book, however, should really only be bought as an accompanying or second guide to one of the above books as no accommodation, entertainment, travel details and so on are provided. Published by the leading Croatian publishers Naprijed in Zagreb.
Croatia Cruising Companion
Jane Cody & John Nash
Great idea for a book, this is a fantastic guide to Croatia from a sea-cruising point of view – and with sailing in Croatia becoming more and more popular, this guide is indispensable. Includes port guides, colour charts for harbour entrances and approaches and pilotage directions.
