Top 12 Reasons Why You Need to Visit Croatia This Year

Where else can you explore dramatic walled cities in the morning, swim in pristine beaches by afternoon, and dine on fresh seafood as the sun sets over watercolour-painted skies?

From the moment you set foot in this Mediterranean paradise, you’ll understand why Croatia has captured the hearts of our Contiki travellers worldwide.

If you’re still on the fence about planning your next adventure, here are all the reasons why you need to visit Croatia this year.

1. Each region has a unique history

Although most of the country’s population lives along the coastline, Croatia has four distinct historical and cultural regions, including its landlocked areas.

Likely, when you think of Croatia, you think of the Dalmatian region. This coastal region is home to Split and Dubrovnik and five of the country’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

In the country’s northern Istria region, you’ll find beautiful coastal cities like Rovinj and Pula selling the region’s typical products like high-quality olive oil, truffles, and wines.

If you want to split your time between the mountains and the sea, the region of Central Croatia is the one to visit. The country’s inland capital, Zagreb, is found here, along with natural landmarks like the Rastoke waterfalls.

When you visit the Slavonia region, you might feel like you’re in a hidden gem. The Ottomans dominated this inland area and later the Austro-Hungarians. You’ll find an authentic and less touristy side of the country here.

2. Dubrovnik is one of its most famous cities

Dubrovnik, often called the Pearl of the Adriatic, is a medieval marvel, sitting right on the edge of the Adriatic Sea.

Wander its pedestrian-only historic centre, where terracotta rooftops touch the sky, and you can determine which ones were rebuilt following the Siege of Dubrovnik at the start of the 1990s.

The former city-state still has intact city walls that wrap a protective circle around the Old Town for 1,940 meters or 1.2 miles. These walls offer spectacular views of the city center from all angles.

Crowning its cultural credentials, Dubrovnik’s cinematic charm has lured blockbuster productions, most famously as a stand-in for King’s Landing in Game of Thrones.

On our Best of Balkans itinerary, you can spend time admiring the city from the water on a dinner cruise and kayaking the next day.

3. Croatia has a captivating coastline

Have you seen the meme about Croatia hogging all the Adriatic Sea from its neighboring countries? There’s a bit of truth to it since the borders were established hundreds of years ago in a 17th-century treaty between Dubrovnik and the Ottoman Empire.

But now, it means that the modern-day country of Croatia has over 1,100 miles of mainland coast. That’s not to mention that it has more than 1,200 islands.

Island hopping along the Dalmatian Coast? Yes, please!

The best way to experience Croatia’s coastline is by boat. Thankfully, Contiki offers Croatia Island Sails trips at both a standard and plus level for you to choose from. It’s an opportunity to fully experience the country’s crystal-clear waters up close.

4. That coastline has some of the most pristine beaches

If you’re absolutely ocean-obsessed, Croatia has just under 100 beaches awarded the prestigious Blue Flag designation.

One of the most iconic is Zlatni Rat, also known as the Golden Horn, located on the island of Brač. This unique pebble beach changes shape with the currents and winds, creating a living postcard that looks different each time you visit.

But don’t let the word “pebble” scare you! Croatia’s pebble beaches offer a beach-going experience without the sandy mess.

If you have space in your suitcase, remember to pack water shoes. They’ll make navigating those gorgeous pebbles much more comfortable while you soak up the Mediterranean sun and protect your feet from spiky sea urchins that live in the clean seawater.

5. There are several spectacular national parks to explore

Croatia’s natural beauty will leave you absolutely breathless. Eight national parks and hundreds of nature reserves protect almost 10 percent of the small country’s total land area.

Plitvice Lakes National Park stands as Croatia’s crown jewel of natural wonders. Imagine 16 terraced lakes connected by waterfalls, with wooden walkways allowing you to wander among them. The turquoise waters seem impossibly vibrant, and they really don’t need a filter before you post your pictures.

Krka National Park offers a similar but more intimate experience. Unlike Plitvice, you can actually swim in designated areas beneath some of Krka’s magnificent waterfalls during the summer months.

For a completely different landscape, Brijuni National Park is an island chain that was once the summer residence of Yugoslavia’s President Tito.

6. Croatia is full of cultural treasures

The history of Croatia is one of the coolest reasons to visit. You’ll find yourself walking through streets touched by the Romans, Venetians, and Austro-Hungarians. And each world power left its own mark on architecture and culture.

Diocletian’s Palace in Split is a massive ancient Roman complex. It isn’t just a museum; it’s a living UNESCO World Heritage Site where locals shop, dine, and still live within ancient walls built in the 4th century.

You’ll find that Croatia’s culture extends beyond its buildings into museums, galleries, and theatres. The Museum of Broken Relationships in the capital, Zagreb, offers a window into the universal rollercoaster of emotions that come with love and loss. Each artefact tells a story, accompanied by an intensely personal narrative that resonates across cultures.

7. You won’t run out of outdoor adventure activities

Croatia’s stunning landscapes aren’t just for looking at; they’re also for experiencing. This Mediterranean gem offers endless opportunities for thrill-seekers, like white water rafting, scuba diving, and mountain biking.

One of the most famous reasons to visit Croatia is for its sailing. Days spent jumping off the side of the boat into crystal clear waters, kayaking in Dubrovnik, and nights partying in the middle of the sea with other travellers is its own adventure.

For hikers and climbers, Croatia’s terrain offers options for every experience level. The karst mountains provide climbs with breathtaking views, and the national parks have trails that range from gentle coastal paths to challenging mountain treks.

8. Croatia is a very safe country

Safety while travelling is one of the most important things to consider, which is another reason why you need to take a Croatia vacation this year. The Global Peace Index ranked the coastal country as the 15^th safest country in the world in 2024. 

Croatians are also known for their warmth and friendliness, creating an atmosphere that feels immediately inviting. This means that whether you’re a local or a tourist, you will have a greater sense of safety and security here than in many other countries.

Of course, like anywhere, it’s always good to stay aware of your surroundings, particularly in busy tourist areas.

9. It’s surprisingly easy to get around

Although Croatia’s train system isn’t the most modern, Croatia has other public transportation infrastructure, which makes travelling around easy. Their extensive public bus system offers frequent and affordable routes between major cities, coastal towns, and even some smaller inland villages.

With so many islands, it’s no surprise that public ferries are also a key part of Croatia’s transportation system. Many routes run year-round, though schedules expand significantly in the summer to accommodate visitors.

Another recent travel to Croatia perk? Croatia now uses the Euro, making exploring even easier, especially if you’re travelling from other countries, like on our European Contrasts. No more currency exchanges or mental maths when arriving from Italy or Slovenia.

10. You haven’t tasted seafood until you’ve had it fresh from the sea

With its long Adriatic coastline, fresh seafood is a cornerstone of the country’s cuisine. The flavors are distinctly Mediterranean, drawing influence from its neighbors like Italy and Greece and hinting at its Ottoman history.

Family-run konobas (taverns) are the best places to experience the most authentic Croatian cuisine. Seaside specialties like octopus salad or grilled sea brim, paired with local olive oil and wine, are a nod to simple, high-quality ingredients.

As you head inland, the food shifts toward heartier dishes, like stews and grilled meats.

11. You can really only taste Croatian wines in Croatia

If you walk into a wine store at home, you probably won’t find many Croatian wines available for purchase. Only about 42 thousand hectolitres of its total wine production is exported to other countries, meaning most of its stellar wines you can only taste inside the country.

And tasting their local wines should be on your list when you visit Croatia. The country has over 300 officially recognised wine regions.

In the northwest, Istria is often compared to Tuscany, but without the crowds and sky-high prices. This region is famous for Malvazija Istarska, a crisp white wine that pairs beautifully with Istria’s truffle-infused cuisine.

Further south, the Pelješac Peninsula is home to Plavac Mali. This bold red grape thrives on the region’s sunny season. A standout stop on our Croatia Island Sail itinerary is supporting Sunj Winery in Trstenik. This family, women-owned business has been producing wine for over 300 years. As one of our Make Travel Matter experiences, you’ll have an opportunity to learn more about how the wine is made and sample some of the family’s varieties.

12. You can party all night at a summer festival

Are you a fan of musical festivals? Whether you’re into electronic beats or traditional performances, the country’s musical festival scene has exploded recently.

Every summer, Ultra Europe in Split transforms the ancient city with modern electronic music, where you can dance until sunrise.

If you thought Ultra was big, INmusic Festival is actually the country’s largest outdoor musical festival. You can watch amazing international acts in the middle of the Isle of Youth in Lake Jarun.

And don’t forget the Roman amphitheatre in Pula, one of the best places to visit in Croatia. This ancient venue still hosts film and theatre festivals and Gladiator reenactments every summer.

What is Croatia best known for?

Croatia is best known for its stunning beaches, incredibly fresh seafood, and beautiful architecture.

With over 1,200 islands and thousands of kilometres of coastline, you can enjoy endless beach days, truly soaking up the sun and exploring spectacular historic city centres.

What makes Croatia special?

Croatia’s varied history contributes to why the country is so unique today.

From its origins as a Roman settlement to its occupation by the Venetians, Ottomans, and Austro-Hungarians, its culture has been influenced by many different societies.

Then, with its inclusion in the communist state of Yugoslavia, the aftermath of its dissolution and later ascension into the European Union radically transformed this maritime country in the last century.

Why should I visit Dubrovnik?

Known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” Dubrovnik is worth including on any Croatia trip.

Its history as a wealthy maritime republic is still seen as you wander through its streets today. Most of its Medieval architecture has been restored after experiencing devastating warfare during the Siege of Dubrovnik in the 1990s.

Now, the city has been immortalised in Game of Thrones as King’s Landing. You can swim on the city beaches, visit the nearby Lokrum Island, or head to the top of Mount Srđ.

Croatia stays with you long after you leave. Whether you come for the historical sites, the views, or the food, don’t be surprised if you fall in love with this coastal country before the end of your trip!