Why Fly to Croatia
Croatia punches well above its weight for a country this size. You get a coastline that stretches over 1,700 kilometres, more than a thousand islands, and a string of old towns so well-preserved they look like film sets — because some of them literally are. Dubrovnik's medieval walls, Split's Diocletian's Palace, and Rovinj's Venetian-era harbour are all within a short flight or ferry ride of each other. Inland, Zagreb holds its own as a proper European capital with great coffee culture, a walkable historic core, and museums that are genuinely worth your time.
What makes Croatia work as a destination is the variety. You can spend a morning hiking Plitvice Lakes National Park, catch an afternoon ferry to Hvar, and eat grilled fish on a terrace by sunset. Istria, in the north, offers a slower pace — truffles, local wine, hilltop villages like Motovun, and far fewer crowds than the Dalmatian coast. The country has quietly become one of Europe's most well-rounded trips, and the infrastructure to handle tourists is solid.
Best Time to Visit Croatia
The sweet spots are April to June and September to October. Temperatures sit between 15–25°C, the Adriatic is swimmable from late May, prices are noticeably lower, and you can actually move around Dubrovnik's old town without queuing to breathe. July and August are peak season — hot (30°C+), expensive, and packed, especially along the coast. That said, if you're going purely for island-hopping and beach life, summer delivers. Just book everything well in advance and budget 20–30% more. Winter is quiet but Zagreb comes alive with Christmas markets and there's decent hiking inland if you're after something off the beaten path.
Getting Around Croatia
The country is long and narrow, which makes transport planning important. Ferries are the backbone of coastal travel — Jadrolinija runs reliable routes connecting Split, Dubrovnik, Hvar, Brač, Korčula and other islands. Book ahead in summer. Buses are the most practical way to move between cities on the mainland; the network is extensive and generally on time. Trains exist but are limited and slow on many routes — the Zagreb to Split line is scenic but takes around six hours. Renting a car makes sense if you're exploring Istria or the Dalmatian hinterland, but it's more hassle than it's worth if you're sticking to the main coastal towns. Rideshare apps and metered taxis work fine in Zagreb, Split, and Dubrovnik.
Visa & Entry Requirements
Croatia joined the Schengen Area in 2023, which simplifies entry considerably. EU citizens can enter freely with a national ID or passport. US and UK citizens get visa-free access for up to 90 days within any 180-day period — no visa application needed, just a valid passport with at least three months validity beyond your planned departure date. There are no border checks from other Schengen countries. Always check your government's travel advisory before you go, but Croatia is straightforward for most Western passport holders.
Money & Budget
Croatia switched to the Euro (€) in January 2023, making it easier for EU travellers and removing currency exchange hassle for most visitors. Cards are widely accepted in restaurants, hotels, and shops in tourist areas. Carry some cash for markets, rural stops, small ferries, and anywhere that looks like it hasn't updated its card reader since 2015. ATMs are easy to find in cities and larger towns. For daily budgets, expect roughly €50–70 on a tight budget (hostel, street food, public transport), €80–150 mid-range (private room, sit-down meals, a ferry or national park entry), and €200+ for comfort travel with nicer hotels and dining. Dubrovnik and Hvar in peak season will push those numbers higher — plan accordingly.
Top Cities to Visit in Croatia
- Dubrovnik — Walk the full circuit of the old town walls, take the cable car up Srđ Hill, and accept that it will be busy. Still worth it.
- Split — Diocletian's Palace is the real deal, and Split works as a base for day trips to Brač, Hvar, and other Dalmatian islands.
- Zagreb — The capital is underrated. Upper Town, the Cathedral, Dolac market, and the Museum of Broken Relationships make for a solid two-day stop.
- Zadar — Smaller than Split but charming, with the Sea Organ and Sun Salutation installation on the waterfront and good ferry connections north and south.
- Rovinj — The pick of Istria's coastal towns. Cobbled streets, colourful facades, excellent seafood, and a quieter crowd than the Dalmatian coast.
- Hvar — Croatia's most glamorous island, with a medieval town, hilltop fortress, lavender fields, and a party scene if that's your thing.
FAQ — Flights to Croatia
Which airports in Croatia handle international flights?
The main international airports are Zagreb (ZAG), Split (SPU), and Dubrovnik (DBK). Split and Dubrovnik handle the bulk of summer tourist traffic, with direct routes from the UK, Germany, and other European hubs. Zagreb is better connected year-round for those flying from further afield or visiting in winter.
How far in advance should I book flights to Croatia?
For summer travel, especially July and August to Split or Dubrovnik, book at least three to four months ahead. Prices spike and seats go fast. Shoulder season flights are easier to find at short notice, and you'll often save 30–40% compared to peak summer fares.
Is it worth flying into one city and out of another?
Yes, and it often makes more sense than backtracking. A common route is to fly into Split, travel the coast south to Dubrovnik, and fly home from there — or do it in reverse. This avoids retracing your steps and lets you cover more ground efficiently. Just check that the price difference on open-jaw tickets doesn't outweigh the convenience.