How to Plan a Trip to Croatia: Frequently Asked Questions

Croatia is open to American travelers.

There are no restrictions and few requirements for travelers from the US. Entry requirements and conditions are contingent upon the government, but a Zicaso travel specialist will give you the latest information should anything change between the planning process and your departure.

For more ideas on where you can visit without restrictions, browse Where Americans Can Travel Right Now.

Learn more: Plan Your Trip to Croatia

The best time to visit Croatia is between May and early June, and again from the end of September to October. These months represent the shoulder seasons, with warm weather along the Adriatic Sea and smaller crowds inland.

Summer months like July and August are hot and crowded, but offer the highest probability of great weather for water activities. However, there is a chance of active tours such as cycling and hiking being canceled as temperatures can climb over 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

Learn more: Best Time to Visit Croatia

Ten days is a great amount of time to spend in Croatia.

This number of days will give you a chance to immerse yourself in the cities, landscapes, and islands, while also giving you a little space for relaxation between tours and transfers. It is possible to discover Croatia in a week, but this often leads travelers to hurry between places and experiences.

While 10 days is a great start for a Croatia trip, 14 days gives you more time to explore the islands, discover the tastes of the Istrian peninsula, or travel at a more leisurely pace.

Learn more: 7 Day Croatia Itineraries • 10 Day Croatia Itineraries • 12 Day Croatia Itineraries

Our list of the eight most popular cities, towns, and national parks to visit in Croatia include:

• Zagreb
• Split
• Dubrovnik
• Rovinj
• Sibenik
• Korcula
• Vis
• Zadar
• Plitvice National Park
• Trogir

The 10 Best Places to Visit in Croatia provides different experiences that demonstrate the variety the country offers for any type of traveler. Whether looking for a view over the Adriatic or a medieval town, you can find the right places to visit when exploring Croatia’s dynamic cities, towns, and landscapes.

How and where you travel depends on your goals, but our list of things to do in the country focuses on a few of the highlights:

• Discover the secrets and stories of Croatia’s most famous cities
• Delight in Zagreb’s reputation as host to the largest number of museums per square meter
• Explore the beautiful Plitvice Lakes National Park and Krka National Park
• Wander the grounds of Diocletian’s Palace
• Experience the beauty of the Adriatic
• Embrace the nautical paradise of Kornati National Park
• Uncover local culture and life at the Pazar Market
• Uncover the history of Dubrovnik’s historic ramparts, city walls, cobbled lanes, and ports
• Enjoy the pedestrianized lane of Tkalciceva to find vibrant cafes and welcoming restaurants

Our list offers some of the highlights you can enjoy during your Croatia trip but there is plenty more you can explore to uncover what makes travel to Croatia special with our Top 8 Things to Do in Croatia.

Croatia is a fantastic place to cycle year-round. The diverse landscape, mild climate, and unique trails provide opportunities for cycling enthusiasts of all levels. Take to the mountains, ride the coastline, or travel the distance between major cities. Whether cycling for speed or to enjoy the rugged terrain of a mountain, Croatia has the right trail for you.

A clean coastline and blue waters have earned Croatia more than 100 blue-flag beaches, providing visitors with some of the best coastal experiences in the world. White pebbles cover most of the shoreline across the island and mainland, leading to shimmering turquoise water.

Whether on the mainland or the islands, the beaches demonstrate the iconic beauty of the Mediterranean, accentuated by a temperate climate, historic architecture, hidden coves, and sea caves.

To find some of the best beaches you can visit during your trip, our 8 Best Beaches to Visit in Croatia highlights where to go and why for a round-up of unforgettable experiences the country’s coastlines offer.

Croatia is one of the world’s best sailing destinations, especially for leisure cruises. The distance between islands is minimal, making it much faster and safer to cross during a boating or yachting excursion. The winds are calmer than in many other sailing destinations and the coastlines along the mainland and islands provide remote coves to discover while weighing anchor.

Visit ancient ruins, witness antique Venetian architecture, or sample local cuisine at each marina. Sailing in Croatia is a great way to experience the country’s history and natural beauty, while also traveling between cities, islands, or coastal regions in comfort.

Croatia has a number of islands that draw tourists from around the world. The beautiful beaches, cultural traditions, and scenic views have shaped their rich histories, and the best ones to visit include:

• Hvar
• Vis
• Brac
• Krk
• Mljet
• Korcula
• Pag

Learn more: Croatia Island Itineraries

Croatia in winter is an unforgettable experience. Rather than the beaches and summer crowds, the winter months reflect a different side of the country, with elaborate Christmas markets, frozen hinterlands, and a festive, yet quieter, ambiance.

Winter sports reach their peak after the snowfall and the waterfalls across the county can freeze in motion. Hot springs provide a soothing escape from the cold and traditional dishes add to the cozy environment. You can find more insight into what makes the season a great time to visit with our Top 5 Things to Do in Croatia in Winter.

Croatia is considered part of southern Europe, with a western border along the Adriatic Sea.

The country borders Hungary and Slovenia to the north, Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina to the east, and Montenegro to the south. It has approximately 1,100 miles of coastline and shares a maritime border with Italy.

Croatia is famous for its islands and the soaring city walls that protect Dubrovnik. The country possesses a number of wonders that can immerse visitors in ancient life, local traditions, and incredible cuisine.

Beyond the celebrated beaches and stone walls, Croatia is also well known for its gastronomy and the beauty of the landscape, captured in places like Plitvice National Park.

Croatia is an incredible destination for adventures and memory-making. Its geographical diversity unveils waterfalls and beaches, while medieval walls bring the past to life and boutique shops and hidden restaurants are yours to enjoy along cobblestone streets.

Each day can bring new discoveries that are perfect for young kids and teenagers. Sail the Adriatic, hike to a scenic vista, or visit Roman ruins to see why Croatia appeals to families with kids of all ages.

Croatia is safe and comfortable, making it a fantastic destination for seniors. History spans millennia, food heritage spreads beyond the Mediterranean, and modern infrastructure makes transfers easy for cultural immersion and exploration.

With Roman ruins and Venetian palaces, seaside restaurants and art galleries, you can take your time enjoying each region slowly or dive into adventures at your pace by finding sample itineraries with our Croatia Tours for Seniors.

Croatia is a perfect romantic escape. The combination of Adriatic islands, cities protected by medieval walls, and rolling hills crowned with historical towns capture the fairytale experiences it provides. Whether sailing along the sea at sunset, sampling celebrated wines, or enjoying a couple’s hike for an unparalleled panoramic view, Croatia brims with fascinating features and legendary cultures.

Whether looking for a truffle hunt, enjoying a seaside meal, or eager to lounge on the beach of a hidden cove, Croatia is a wonderful place to celebrate an anniversary, honeymoon, or other romantic getaway. Explore Croatia as a couple with our Croatia Honeymoon Packages and Croatia Tours for Couples.

Croatia’s position along the Adriatic has resulted in great seafood dishes, but its landscape also supports other culinary diversity. The following list represents the best foods to try:

• Octopus salad
• Black risotto, made with squid or cuttlefish ink
• Boskarin, a traditional carpaccio made with local Istrian oxen
• Brodetto, a fisherman’s stew
• Buzara, a typical wine broth with garlic and breadcrumbs, often used for cooking shellfish like mussels and oysters
• Fritule, fried dough dusted with lemon or orange rinds and similar to donuts
• Fuzi, a homemade quill-shaped pasta often served with truffle cream or mild red sauces

Croatia is very safe. Popular tourist areas see petty theft such as pickpocketing, but this is rare. Your overall safety will not be jeopardized and if you keep a diligent eye on your belongings, they will remain safe. The majority of locals speak English, especially in larger cities, which makes it easy for travelers from North America to communicate, feel safe, and get around.

Croatia’s official language is Croatian.

Ninety-five percent of native Croatians speak Croatian as their first language. It is closely related to the neighboring languages of Standard Bosnian and Standard Serbian, but has key regional differences that make it its own.

English is widely spoken across the country, especially in popular destinations like major cities, medieval towns, or coastal villages that see many tourists. You should have little trouble with language barriers except in rural villages or remote border towns. In these instances, your guide can help navigate any challenges you may encounter.

Croatia’s vaccination requirements depend on where you visit and what you do. The CDC Croatia Vaccination Information has more details to help clarify specific and up-to-date requirements before travel.

Your Zicasso travel specialist can offer more understanding if you have concerns or additional questions. Your primary care provider or a travel nurse can also provide further information.

The most convenient route for most travelers is to fly into Zagreb and out of Dubrovnik, or vice versa. Arriving in one city and departing from another takes away the need to return to the city of your arrival, which will see you spending valuable time backtracking instead of enjoying your trip. The busiest airports in Croatia are:

• Franjo Tuđman Airport Zagreb (ZAG), Zagreb
• Airport Dubrovnik (DBV), Dubrovnik
• Airport Split (SPU), Split

As an American citizen, you do not need a visa to enter Croatia. Americans can travel to and around Croatia for up to 90 days with a passport valid for at least three months after the return date home.

From May 2023, you may need to register for the visa waiver ETIAS. This provides multiple-entry travel authorization for American citizens for three years in Schengen Zone countries across EU territories.

Your Zicasso travel specialist can provide you with more information when you start planning your trip.

The official currency of Croatia is the Croatian kuna (kn)

You should carry the kuna as they may be needed to pay for items that were not previously purchased, such as meals, souvenirs, tips, tours, etc. From January 1 2023 Croatia will use the euro (€)

Electronic banking makes payments across Croatia easy. Most establishments such as restaurants, shops, and museums accept major credit cards like Visa and Mastercard. In case of an emergency or when traveling to small villages, it’s best to have a few kuna on hand.

Our Croatia Vacations & Tours are a collection of curated trips where you can get a better idea of what your itinerary may look like.

You can select a sample trip that aligns with your ideal vacation, be it a family trip, honeymoon, adventure tour, or something else. These sample trips are often a stepping stone from which our travelers create unique itineraries.

When you are ready, you can complete a Trip Request to begin planning your vacation. We ask for more information on where you would like to go, how long you would like to spend in Croatia, the size of your party, and traveler ages to help streamline planning.

You can also provide additional ideas and set a travel budget, after which our Travel Care team will contact you to match you with a top Croatia travel specialist. Our Croatia travel specialists will use their expertise and understanding of your preferences to curate your dream vacation.

Croatia is a wonder of the Mediterranean that can take you from spectacular waterfalls to the opulence of a preserved Roman palace, the illustrious flavors of truffles to the quiet ambiance of a seaside town. You can find inspiration for your trip with sample itineraries from our Croatia Tours & Vacations.

Use Zicasso’s Croatia Travel Guide for more helpful tips and information on how you can have your perfect trip.