Croatia isn’t just having a moment – it’s THE moment. This Balkan beauty serves up everything from Game of Thrones filming locations to crystal-clear waters that’ll make your Instagram followers weep with envy. Ready to get lost in the good way?
Diocletian’s Palace isn’t your average museum piece – it’s a living, breathing neighbourhood where people actually live inside 1,700-year-old walls. Grab coffee in what used to be the emperor’s bedroom, then hit up the underground cellars that doubled as Daenerys’ dragon dungeon. The waterfront Riva promenade is perfect for people-watching with an Aperol Spritz in hand.
Pro tip: Skip the touristy restaurants and find where locals eat – look for places with no English menu and questionable lighting.
The “Pearl of the Adriatic” lives up to the hype, even if it’s crawling with cruise ship crowds. Walk the medieval walls at sunrise before the masses arrive, then escape to Lokrum Island for some peace (and peacocks). The cable car sunset views hit different when you’re not fighting for selfie space.
Budget hack: Stay in nearby Lapad and bus into Old Town. Your wallet will thank you.
Sixteen terraced lakes connected by waterfalls that look like they’re straight out of a fantasy novel. The wooden walkways wind through emerald pools that are almost too perfect to be real. Go early, go late, or go in shoulder season – trust us on this one.
Reality check: Swimming is banned, but honestly, you’ll be too busy jaw-dropping to care.
By day, it’s lavender fields and hidden coves. By night, it’s yacht parties and beach clubs that go until sunrise. Hvar Town brings the glam while Stari Grad keeps it real. Zlatni Rat beach on nearby Brač is worth the ferry hop for those golden horn vibes.
Insider move: Rent a scooter and chase that perfect sunset spot – trust your GPS less, trust your instincts more.
While everyone’s obsessing over the coast, Zagreb’s out here being effortlessly cool. The Upper Town’s cobblestone charm meets Lower Town’s Austro-Hungarian elegance. Hit up Dolac Market for the realest Croatian breakfast, then get lost in the alternative art scene of Martićeva Street.
Local secret: The Museum of Broken Relationships is weirdly therapeutic and absolutely worth the emotional journey.
Forget what you think you know about Balkan food. Croatian cuisine is having its Renaissance moment:
The crowds in July/August are no joke – think Santorini levels of chaos. May, June, September, and October are your sweet spots for weather without the human sardine experience. Learn a few Croatian words – locals light up when you try, even if you butcher the pronunciation.
Money matters: Croatia uses the Euro now (since 2023), making life infinitely easier for travellers.
Croatia gives you that rare combo of rich history, stunning nature, and modern energy without trying too hard to impress. It’s where you can explore Roman ruins in the morning, swim in secluded coves by afternoon, and dance until dawn.
Pack light, bring a good camera, and prepare for that post-Croatia depression when you have to leave. Fair warning: this place gets under your skin in the best possible way.
Now stop scrolling and start booking. Your Croatian summer is waiting.