Croatia Travel Guide 2025: What You Need to Know Before You Go
Why You’ll Fall in Love With the Adriatic’s Hidden Gem
🇭🇷 Thinking About Visiting Croatia?
You're not alone. Croatia is quickly becoming one of Europe's most popular destinations — and for good reason. From ancient cities to crystal-clear seas and delicious cuisine, Croatia offers a mix of culture, adventure, and value.
Whether you're planning your first trip or just starting to explore the idea, this guide will show you exactly what makes Croatia special — and how to plan it right.
🗺️ Where Is Croatia, and Why Is It So Popular?
Croatia is located on the Adriatic Sea, bordered by Italy, Slovenia, Bosnia, and Hungary. It’s known for:
Over 1,000 islands
Historic cities like Dubrovnik and Split
Affordable luxury (compared to Italy or France)
Friendly locals and safe streets
Incredible national parks and road trip routes
✈️ How to Get to Croatia
You can fly into major cities like Zagreb, Split, or Dubrovnik from across Europe and beyond.
🔍 Compare flights with Trip.com
Tip: Book early for summer (June–August)
Budget airlines like Ryanair and WizzAir fly to Croatia, especially from EU cities
🏨 Where to Stay
Croatia offers something for every type of traveler:
🏖 Beachfront apartments
🏰 Old town guesthouses
🛏 Modern city hotels
👉 Browse Croatia hotels on Trip.com
You’ll find great deals, especially if you avoid peak weekends in July & August.
🚗 Should You Rent a Car?
If you want to explore beyond the major cities — yes. Croatia’s roads are easy to drive, and some of the best spots (national parks, wine regions, hilltop towns) are hard to reach by bus.
👉 Book a rental car with Trip.com
Make sure to check if your rental crosses borders (like Slovenia or Bosnia)!
📍 Best Places to Visit in Croatia
Here’s a quick list to inspire your itinerary:
Dubrovnik – Famous walled city on the sea
Split – Roman history meets beaches
Hvar – Glamorous island escape
Plitvice Lakes – Stunning waterfalls and hiking
Zagreb – Underrated capital with charm
Rovinj – Italy vibes in Istria
💡 When’s the Best Time to Go?
✅ May–June: Warm, fewer crowds
✅ September: Great weather, post-summer calm
❌ July–August: Beautiful but packed and expensive
📲 Travel Tips for Croatia
💶 Croatia uses the euro
🗣 People speak Croatian, but English is common in tourist areas
📶 Internet is fast — use Airalo eSIM (future affiliate) to avoid roaming charges
💳 Bring a Wise card or similar to avoid ATM fees (future affiliate)
🎒 What to Pack
Light clothes, swimwear, walking shoes
Reef-safe sunscreen (island boat tours often involve swimming)
Power adapter (Type C/F plugs for EU)
🧭 Ready to Plan Your Trip?
Start by comparing flights and finding a place to stay:
✈️ Search Croatia flights on Trip.com
🏨 Explore hotels in Croatia
🚗 Rent a car to explore freely