The Ideal Croatian Summer Itinerary
Without a doubt, one of my favourite European Summer destinations is Croatia. From the crystal clear waters to the crazy clubs, it’s one country I can continue to go back to and always find something new to experience.
Here are my must-visit stops on your Croatia trip:
Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik is a city that has it all. When visiting in the heat of Summer, there is no shortages of spots to cool off with the town built on cliffs dotted with dozens of gorgeous swimming coves. A prominent location used in the Game of Thrones series, Dubrovnik is a unique city that is home to plenty to see and do.
Come sun-down, the old town comes alive as the dozens of clubs and bars open for the evening. These establishments are often equally as stunning as they are fun, with the Adriatic Sea and the 13th Century city walls as your backdrop.
Krka National Park
With day trips available from several cities in Croatia, Krka National Park is definitely worth setting a day aside for. The park consists of several waterfalls and lakes, all joined by a winding path. The waterfalls are simply stunning, easily some of the nicest I have ever seen. Plenty of food outlets are available to make a day out of it, as well as picnic tables if you prefer to bring your own food.
There are options available for every budget and preference- whether you prefer a fully guided tour, hiring a car to take things at your own pace, or simply jumping on a FlixBus and making your own way around. Whichever option you do choose, it is worth looking at booking in advance for Summertime due to Krka’s popularity.
The natural beauty of this place is insane; somewhere that must be seen to be believed.
Split
Like Dubrovnik, Split is also home to some pretty impressive nightlife. From hole-in-the-wall pubs, to pumping backpacker bars and nightclubs, it is easy to find somewhere for a beverage or three. If going out isn’t your thing though, Split spoils its visitors for choice with delicious restaurants, historical sites and picturesque beaches.
And, perhaps just as impressive as the city itself, are the various islands accessible from Split. Popular options include the party hotspot of Hvar, and the idyllic Brac. A day trip or night away to these is definitely an essential for the perfect trip to Split.
Zadar
Lastly is possibly the one spot on this list you haven’t heard as much about before- Zadar. Although a lot less busy than the bigger tourist hot-spots, Zadar definitely isn’t a place you should miss. Here, it is so easy to get lost between the unique streets hopping between beautiful seafood restaurants and gelato bars. As you venture from these streets down to the sea, you will be met by the sounds of the town’s Sea Organ, an incredible installation that creates music using waves and tides.
It’s also worth noting that there are often super cheap flights with Ryanair from the U.K into the seaside spot- so definitely worth considering starting or ending your trip here.
Extra Tips
Getting around: Buses in Croatia are not too flash by any means, however they are cheap and are a great way to get from point A to B. Be aware though, during the peak Summer months these buses can become very crowded. Prefer to have everything sorted for you without having to worry about logistics? There are some great tours available, which are also perfect for solo travellers.
Best time to visit: To get your sunshine fix, I would recommend visiting Croatia between the months of May and October. This period of time the country is buzzing, with July and August being the busiest months before it begins to start quietening down in September. May and June make for slightly milder days- perfect for exploring without working up too much of a sweat.
Currency: Throughout Croatia, a lot of establishments do not accept card payments. I would definitely recommend carrying some cash, with Croatia using the euro from 2023. Do be aware though that many ATM’s, especially at the airports, charge hefty fees just for withdrawing cash.
