What are the top outdoor activities in Croatia?

Exploring National Parks: Croatia has eight beautiful national parks where visitors can enjoy nature's beauty in different ways. Kornati National Park, for example, is a prime spot for swimming, snorkelling, or diving. On the other hand, Paklenica is a good choice for more adventurous visitors. It is an ideal place for hikers, climbers, or cyclists. Relaxing on Scenic Beaches: Croatia has many beautiful sandy beaches where you can sunbathe and swim in the clear sea, which can strengthen and fill you with positive energy. Many beaches are surrounded by pine trees that provide bathers with natural shade, protecting them from the sun and creating a pleasant atmosphere. One of the most famous beaches is Zlatni Rat on the island of Brač. Biking in Istra: Visit the Istra peninsula, which is a natural paradise for cycling enthusiasts. With its diverse terrain, Istria suits all cyclists. However, it is ideal for those who are more recreational, capable of greater effort, and able to traverse steep slopes to reach one of the hilltops. Sailing: Indulge in sailing along the fairytale coast, surrounded by clear turquoise water, lounging on beautiful beaches, exploring hidden coves, and admiring charming fishing villages. Croatia is a paradise for sailing lovers and is a perfect reflection of the Mediterranean spirit of the past. Gastronomy: Croatia offers a wide variety of dishes and tastes. There are numerous ways to experience Croatian food, from street food stalls to top restaurants. Food in Croatia is diverse, ranging from fish and seafood to steaks and pasta. There are some similarities between Italian, Austrian and Hungarian, but Croatian dishes still have their specific taste.

What is the food like in Croatia?

Croatian cuisine is as diverse as its regions, influenced by Mediterranean, Central European, and Balkan traditions. Some traditional dishes to try include: Peka: A traditional way of preparing food. Meat or seafood is placed under an iron bell-shaped lid, then covered with hot coals. Black risotto: Squid ink gives this seafood rice dish its distinctive colour. Istrian truffles: Known for their high quality, these are used in a variety of dishes, from pasta to desserts. Pag cheese: A hard, salty cheese made from sheep's milk, originating from the island of Pag. Croatian wines and olive oil: Croatia has a long winemaking tradition, particularly white wines, and also produces excellent reds. Olive oil, mainly from Istria, is renowned for its quality.

Croatia Tours: Private & Small Group Packages

From the historic capital of Zagreb to the sparkling Adriatic coast, experience the best Croatia tours. We specialize in boutique small group journeys and private tailor-made trips. Choose between the comfort of a private driver guide or the company of a small group. Our local experts will design the perfect itinerary covering Zagreb, Plitvice Lakes, Dubrovnik, and Split.

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Croatia Private & Escorted Tours

We plan Croatia Tours with care and clear local insight. Our goal is simple. Help you choose the right time to visit, keep travel days smooth, and balance famous sights with quiet places that feel real. We listen first, then shape each day to your preferred travel style.

People enjoy different ways to explore. If you're looking for a set plan with a guide and a small group, consider our Croatia Escorted Tours. If you prefer complete flexibility and a custom schedule, choose our Croatia Private Tours. Both options include clear daily tips, simple choices, and time to relax.

We also add ideas that many visitors miss. In Zagreb, you can visit the creative and moving Museum of Broken Relationships. Near the city, you can step into the past at the Castles around Zagreb. In the south, you can walk along stone streets in Dubrovnik and learn about its rich film history. See more in our short guide to Dubrovnik's film locations.

Each tour keeps a calm rhythm. We space visits well and choose good times so you avoid the busiest hours. We pick simple routes that work for the day. Your guide shares practical advice, food ideas, and easy options, and our team can adjust the plan when needed. Expect clear plans, friendly faces, and authentic local flavor.

Croatia is compact and full of variety. With a good plan, you can see a lot without rushing. We would be happy to help you build a trip that fits you.

Walking on the Ston walls, Peljesac peninsula, Croatia

Croatia is compact and full of variety. With a good plan, you can see a lot without rushing. We would be happy to help you build a trip that fits you.

Top Places: Plitvice, Dubrovnik & The Coast

From historic towns to quiet bays, our Croatia tours help you see more without rushing. Here are the key stops to add to your itinerary.

PlitvicePlitvice National Park, renowned for its natural beauty, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The World Heritage-listed Plitvice Lakes National Park comprises 16 terraced lakes interconnected by a series of stunning waterfalls and surrounded by densely wooded hills. Walk among the waterfalls, take a boat ride through the crystal water, and take magnificent photos.

Plitvice

DubrovnikDubrovnik, "the Pearl of the Adriatic," is renowned on the Dalmatian coast. Its allure is timeless, boosted by Game of Thrones scenes filmed here. Encircled by 16th-century ramparts and adorned with churches, palaces, and museums, the city offers a year's worth of discoveries.

Dubrovnik

KornatiThe National Park Kornati consists of 89 islands and islets carved with cracks, caves and cliffs and dotted with tufts of evergreen forest. The Kornati National Park is a delight for any lover of unspoilt nature, limpid waters and tranquillity. Linger in a coffee shop and stare out at the blue horizon.

Kornati

SplitSplit is among Croatia's and the Mediterranean's most thrilling cities with its vibrant seafront cafes and historic lanes. Its energy is evident as you wander. Born from Emperor Diocletian's palace in 295 AD, the city's heart showcases a maze of homes, churches, and chapels shaped by successive settlers after Diocletian.

Split

ZagrebVisiting Zagreb, Croatia's capital, completes any trip. Explore the Cathedral, Ban Jelačič Square, the open market, and bustling Tkalčič Street. Spend a weekend enjoying its vibrant streets, with many cafes and restaurants inviting relaxation. The city's notable street art scene and alternative spots are also a must-see.

Zagreb

PulaThis seaside city on the Istrian Peninsula is renowned for its preserved ancient Roman buildings, including the well-preserved and impressive Pula Arena, one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheatres in the world.

Pula

Croatia Tour Highlights & Unique Experiences

Wondering which things to do in Croatia are really worth your time? Here are the highlights you can experience on our Croatia Tours.

Walk Dubrovnik's city walls at sunset. Then wander the lantern-lit Stradun in the UNESCO- listed Old City. Start early or late, plan for about two hours, and bring water, as there is limited shade.
Explore Split's Diocletian's Palace. See the Peristyle, the cellars, small chapels, and lanes with cafes. It is best to visit in the morning, before the crowds arrive. Finish with a short walk up Marjan hill for views.
Follow the wooden paths at Plitvice Lakes. Your ticket includes the electric boat across Lake Kozjak and the shuttle train. Choose a marked route, start early, and stay on the boardwalks.
Visit Krka National Park and the Skradinski Buk waterfalls. Take the park boat from Skradin in season, or use the riverside trail. Arrive early and leave time for viewpoints.
Take a small group boat trip to Kornati National Park from Zadar, Šibenik, or Murter. Expect quiet coves and high cliffs. Calm sea days are best.
Hear Zadar's Sea Organ and see Greeting to the Sun at sunset. Stay by the waterfront to watch the evening light show.
Step inside the Pula Arena, one of the best preserved Roman amphitheatres. Go early or late and check for evening events.
Sail to Brijuni National Park from Fažana. Summer boat places are limited. The island tour train is an easy way to see the main sights.
Swim at Zlatni Rat in Bol, a famous pebble beach that changes shape with wind and currents. Arrive before the usual afternoon wind and pick the calmer side.
Take a water taxi from Hvar Town to the Pakleni Islands. Enjoy quiet bays, kayaking, and seaside lunches. Check the time of the last return boat with the skipper.
Visit the Blue Cave on Biševo. On clear days, late morning to midday, blue light fills the cave. Tours depend on sea conditions, so it's best to have a backup plan.
Hike the limestone canyons of Paklenica on marked trails. Start early, wear sturdy shoes, and carry plenty of water.
Taste Mali Ston oysters straight from the bay and walk the historic Ston walls. Combine the trip with a wine tasting in Pelješac.
Go truffle hunting in Istria's Motovun Forest. Enjoy your find paired with local wines, such as Malvazija or Teran. Book guided hunts in advance, especially in peak season.
Shop at Zagreb's Dolac Market under the red umbrellas at dawn. Bring small cash for cheese sellers, then ride the short funicular to the Upper Town.

You’ll find these unforgettable experiences in many of our Croatia Tours.

Croatia Travel FAQ: What to Know Before You Go

Croatia offers a range of experiences throughout the year. The warm summer months between May and September are most popular for coastal and island trips, including beach relaxation and sailing. Spring and fall are ideal for exploring national parks and cities, with comfortable temperatures and fewer tourists. Winter, meanwhile, adds a unique charm to the historic towns and offers winter sports opportunities in the mountain areas.

Exploring National Parks: Croatia has eight beautiful national parks where visitors can enjoy nature's beauty in different ways. Kornati National Park, for example, is a prime spot for swimming, snorkelling, or diving. On the other hand, Paklenica is a good choice for more adventurous visitors. It is an ideal place for hikers, climbers, or cyclists.
Relaxing on Scenic Beaches: Croatia has many beautiful sandy beaches where you can sunbathe and swim in the clear sea, which can strengthen and fill you with positive energy. Many beaches are surrounded by pine trees that provide bathers with natural shade, protecting them from the sun and creating a pleasant atmosphere. One of the most famous beaches is Zlatni Rat on the island of Brač.
Biking in Istra: Visit the Istra peninsula, which is a natural paradise for cycling enthusiasts. With its diverse terrain, Istria suits all cyclists. However, it is ideal for those who are more recreational, capable of greater effort, and able to traverse steep slopes to reach one of the hilltops.
Sailing: Indulge in sailing along the fairytale coast, surrounded by clear turquoise water, lounging on beautiful beaches, exploring hidden coves, and admiring charming fishing villages. Croatia is a paradise for sailing lovers and is a perfect reflection of the Mediterranean spirit of the past.
Gastronomy: Croatia offers a wide variety of dishes and tastes. There are numerous ways to experience Croatian food, from street food stalls to top restaurants. Food in Croatia is diverse, ranging from fish and seafood to steaks and pasta. There are some similarities between Italian, Austrian and Hungarian, but Croatian dishes still have their specific taste.

The length of your stay depends on your interests, but generally, 7-14 days is enough to explore Croatia's diverse landscapes, historic cities, and beautiful islands. Of course, if you wish to stay longer, there are plenty of hidden gems and less explored paths.

Croatian cuisine is as diverse as its regions, influenced by Mediterranean, Central European, and Balkan traditions. Some traditional dishes to try include:

Peka: A traditional way of preparing food. Meat or seafood is placed under an iron bell-shaped lid, then covered with hot coals.
Black risotto: Squid ink gives this seafood rice dish its distinctive colour.
Istrian truffles: Known for their high quality, these are used in a variety of dishes, from pasta to desserts.
Pag cheese: A hard, salty cheese made from sheep's milk, originating from the island of Pag.
Croatian wines and olive oil: Croatia has a long winemaking tradition, particularly white wines, and also produces excellent reds. Olive oil, mainly from Istria, is renowned for its quality.

Croatia hosts a variety of cultural, music, and food festivals throughout the year. The most popular ones include the Dubrovnik Summer Festival, Pula Film Festival, and the Ultra Music Festival in Split. The Sinjska Alka, a traditional equestrian competition held in August, is a unique cultural event.

The official language is Croatian, but English is widely spoken, particularly among younger generations and in tourist areas. Italian, German, and Hungarian are also commonly understood.

Yes, Croatia is generally considered a safe country for tourists. As always, it is advisable to follow standard travel safety precautions, such as protecting personal belongings and avoiding less crowded areas at night.

The currency in Croatia is the Euro (€). Money can be exchanged at banks, post offices, and exchange offices, as well as via numerous ATMs that are widely available across the country. Credit and debit cards are extensively accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, check with your bank about any foreign transaction fees that may apply when using your card abroad. Having some cash on hand for smaller establishments or local markets that may not accept cards is always a good idea.

Tipping in Croatia is not obligatory but is appreciated for good service. It's common to leave up to 10% of the bill in restaurants. For services like taxis or tour guides, rounding up to the nearest whole number is customary.

Croatia is part of the Schengen area, so visitors from many countries, including the USA, Canada, and Australia, do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days. However, it is best to check current visa requirements before planning your trip.

Croatia operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz. It uses Type C and Type F power sockets. You'll need an adapter if your device uses a different plug type.

Internet access is widely available in Croatia. Most hotels, restaurants, and cafes offer free Wi-Fi. Mobile data coverage is good throughout the country, with 4G widely available.

Croatia is part of the EU's "Roam like at home" system, so that EU residents can use their mobile phones at no extra cost. If you're visiting from outside the EU, check with your service provider about roaming charges.

Croatia has a good standard of healthcare. EU residents can use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for necessary medical services. If you're visiting from outside the EU, it's advisable to have travel insurance that covers healthcare. Checking with your health insurance provider about coverage before travelling is always a good idea.

Absolutely. Our Croatia tours for seniors are designed with a relaxed pace. We use comfortable private transport, avoid excessive walking in the heat, and ensure hotels are centrally located.

Yes! For our private tours, the itinerary is fully flexible (tailor made). We can adjust the pace, add extra days in Dubrovnik or Split, or include specific sights you wish to visit.

A guided visit to Plitvice Lakes is included in almost all our tours. We recommend visiting early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds. Our guides will arrange this for you.