Croatia Vacations & Tours

Experience crystal-clear coves, wooded islands, and vineyard-clad hills… active tours in Croatia! Once overlooked, Croatia has quickly reclaimed its reputation as one of Europe’s must-see destinations.

Renowned for its crystal-clear coves, wooded islands, vineyard-clad hills, and picturesque harbor towns, the Dalmatian Coast is an adventurer’s paradise. Visit Diocletianâ’s Palace (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), built in 293 by Roman emperor Diocletian. On our Croatia vacations, you will travel by private boat from Hvar Town to Vela Luka on Korcula Island for a day of biking. Set on a tiny peninsula on the Peljesac channel, Korcula was first home to Slavic pirates who used the island as a base from which to attack passing ships; in the year 1000, it was taken over by Venice, marking the start of an 800-year on-and-off Venetian rule. Today, the island is renowned for its gorgeous, white quarried stone, countless secluded bays, small, uninhabited islands, and breathtaking views.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT CROATIA?

Whether you plan on visiting the more mountainous interior of the country, the Adriatic coast, or even better – both, it’s important to know what to expect on your luxury Croatia vacation. See below for information on the four seasons.

Spring (March – May)

Spring is pretty mild in Croatia. Any snow on the ground begins to melt in March, and you can expect the average daytime temperature to be around 50°F. If you appreciate flowers, April is a fantastic month to visit Croatia. By late May, the weather is almost warm enough (average daytime high of 70°F) to begin to enjoy the coast and the islands. Although if you’re set on swimming when the sea is warmest, you’ll want to visit in the summer.

Summer (June – August)

July and August are the busiest months, and you can expect island hopping to be in full swing at this time. If you want to avoid the hustle and bustle on your Croatia adventure (although things will be busy in Dubrovnik) consider visiting in June when the average daily temperature is around 78°F. By the end of August, the average daily temperature is in the mid-80°s and reservations are a must because everyone and their mother are out making the most of what’s left of summer.

Autumn (September- November)

We recommend a trip to Croatia in September if you want to pay shoulder-season rates and still be able to swim in the sea. October and November are cooler (expect temperatures to be in the 60°s and 50°s) and many of the coastal properties close for the season. These months are a great time to explore the cities which are filled with neat cafes, galleries, and shops. It’s worth noting that fall is harvest season so expect to find the tastiest citrus, grapes and olives.

Winter (December – February)

Rain along the coast is common during winter, while snow is common in the interior. January is chilly with average daily temperatures ranging from 37°F in Zagreb to 52°F in Dubrovnik, but there couldn’t be a better month for hitting up the country’s ski areas. In February, the country goes all out to celebrate Carnival and there is never a shortage of parties to join. That said, we recommend reserving a hotel room in advance if you’re planning on visiting during Carnival week. Temperatures may be lower, but so are prices, so don’t write off a winter Croatia vacation!

WHAT TO PACK FOR YOUR CROATIA VACATION

Obviously, what you end up picking will depend on when you plan on traveling, but below are three things that you should pack for your luxury Croatia adventure, regardless of when you visit!

1. Electrical Converter

The voltage in Croatia is 220 whereas it’s 120 in the U.S. so if you plan on packing electronics, you’ll need to pack accordingly. This means that you may need an electrical converter in addition to the outlet adapter that you’ll need (outlets in Croatia have the standard Continental Europe two-pin plug). It all depends on what you plan on plugging in and if it works universally in the U.S. and Europe. Read your product manuals-especially if it’s an electric shaver or hairdryer and unless you want to replace an electronic, err on the side of caution!

2. Dramamine

While uncommon, sometimes people experience motion sickness while on boats. Whether taking a public ferry or island-hopping via a chartered boat, guests who think they might have motion sickness may want to pack Dramamine to combat the possibility of motion sickness.

3. Comfortable Footwear

No one likes sand in their socks, so flip flops and/or sandals are a must for the beach. If you’re planning on exploring the cities and villages, pack close-toed shoes like tennis shoes or hiking boots. Finally, for nights when you want to dress up, keep in mind that many streets are cobblestone so consider packing flats instead of heels.

TRAVEL TIPS FOR YOUR CROATIA VACATION

When it comes to travel tips, sharing is caring, so we’re happy to pass on a few pointers on how you can best experience Croatia.

1. Best Bar in Dubrovnik

Care to have a beer while gazing at the deep blue sea? Then you’ll want to hit up this bar which is found in the cliffs in the old town area of Dubrovnik. It’s called Buza (meaning ‘hole’ in Croatian), and you enter through a small door in the seaward-facing city walls. If you decide to climb down the rocks and go for a dip, do it before you order your drink!

2. Slow down and Sip

Croatians love their ‘kava’ a.k.a. coffee. They drink it all day, and it’s a beloved ritual that is much more like an art form than a quick caffeine pick-me-up. To blend in with the locals, have a seat in a ‘kafic’ a.k.a. cafe, sip your brew and partake in the people-watching. Do so as if you have all the time in the world it’s what the Dalmatians do!

3. Suit up in the South

Yes, your Croatia vacation will have plenty of nude beaches, but the southern beaches tend to be more modest, so keep that in mind before you drop your top!

Croatia Seasons & Climate

There are 4 seasons in Croatia, similar to much of North America and Europe, with hot dry summers, a mild spring and fall, and cold winters. In the summer, Croatia’s coast offers travelers a delightfully warm and arid Mediterranean climate (July – August), with the temperatures averaging between 75º and 80º F. Shoulder season travel, late April-early June, or September-October is still fairly dry and warm and offers travelers a great way to beat the crowds.

Travelers should be prepared for wind along the Dalmatian coast any time of year. From Split up north, there is sometimes an unpredictable and strong “Bura” that blows from the mainland towards the sea. This can cool temperatures on cloudy days, especially in the spring and fall, and occasionally alters maritime schedules based on sea conditions. In the winter, the temperatures along the coast average around 35º F in the North and 48º F in the South. Dubrovnik in the South tends to be one of the rainiest parts of the coast from October to December.

The Croatian interior is separated by the Dinaric Mountains and thus has a completely different climate than the coast. In July, the temperature rises to around 70º F, with occasional strong heat waves. Travelers should be prepared for cooler temperatures in the mountains and wetter conditions in the spring and fall. Winters get cold, with the temperature in January ranging from 28-32º F. Snow is common in the higher elevations, which provides Croatia with a ski season.