Croatia Holidays

Passing through the ancient city gates, you'll find marble streets, centuries-old churches and elegant palaces that reflect Dubrovnik's time as the powerful Republic of Ragusa. Its remarkably preserved centre has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979.

Walking through Split's Old Town means stepping inside Diocletian's Palace, a Roman complex built over 1,700 years ago. Its courtyards, narrow lanes and ancient stone walls remain part of everyday city life rather than a preserved museum.

Still dominating the centre of Pula, this remarkably preserved Roman amphitheatre once hosted gladiator contests before becoming one of Croatia's best-known ancient landmarks. Today, it regularly welcomes visitors and serves as a venue for concerts, film screenings and cultural events.

Tucked away in Poreč's historic centre, the Euphrasian Basilica is best known for its remarkably preserved sixth-century Byzantine mosaics. The complex has changed little over the centuries, offering a rare glimpse into early Christian art and architecture.

Set above a wooded lake in northern Croatia, Trakošćan Castle has overlooked the surrounding countryside since the 13th century. Its restored interiors, period furnishings and landscaped grounds reveal how Croatian nobility once lived.

Paddling away from Dubrovnik's Old Port gives you a completely different view of the city's medieval walls, which rise directly from the Adriatic. Most guided routes continue towards Lokrum Island, with stops at secluded sea caves that can only be reached from the water.

Just outside Omiš, the Cetina River winds through a limestone canyon where rafting trips combine gentle rapids with quieter stretches surrounded by steep cliffs. The route is suitable for first-time rafters, while still offering enough excitement to make it one of Croatia's most popular outdoor experiences.

Walking through Velika Paklenica Gorge, you'll follow forest paths beneath towering limestone cliffs that have made the park a favourite with hikers and rock climbers for decades. Several trails continue higher into the Velebit Mountains for those looking to spend a full day outdoors.

Launching from the hills above Omiš, the zip-line crosses the Cetina Canyon on a series of cables suspended high above the river. The course combines short woodland walks with panoramic views of the canyon before returning to the starting point.

With hundreds of islands scattered along Croatia's southern coastline, sailing is one of the easiest ways to explore the Dalmatian archipelago. Routes often link destinations such as Hvar, Brač, Vis and Korčula, with stops at quiet bays that are only accessible by boat.

Klapa is a traditional style of a cappella singing performed by small vocal groups, particularly along Croatia's Dalmatian coast. The harmonies are often heard during local festivals, community celebrations and summer concerts held in historic towns.

Brightly decorated Licitar hearts have been made in northern Croatia for centuries and are traditionally given as gifts during celebrations and festive occasions. Today, you'll find them hanging in market stalls, souvenir shops and Christmas markets across the country.

Made entirely by hand, Pag lace is one of Croatia's finest traditional crafts. Skilled lacemakers on the island of Pag continue to produce intricate patterns using techniques that have remained largely unchanged for centuries.

Held every August in the town of Sinj, the Sinjska Alka is an equestrian tournament that commemorates the town's successful defence against the Ottoman Empire in 1715. Competitors attempt to strike a suspended metal ring while riding at full speed.

Across Dalmatia, olive groves and vineyards have shaped local life for centuries. Family-run estates continue producing olive oil and regional wines, with many welcoming visitors for guided tastings that showcase traditional growing and production methods.

Held annually from 10 July to 25 August, the Dubrovnik Summer Festival transforms the city's squares, fortresses and historic streets into open-air stages, with a programme of theatre, classical music, opera, dance and cultural performances.

Taking place annually in Split during July, Ultra Europe brings together leading electronic music artists for three days of performances, before continuing with official island parties across Croatia's Dalmatian coast as part of the Destination Ultra programme.

Held every year in January and February, Rijeka Carnival fills the city with colourful parades, elaborate costumes and long-standing local traditions. The International Carnival Parade marks the finale, attracting thousands of masked participants and spectators from across Europe.

During the summer months, historic squares, fortresses and waterfront venues across Croatia host open-air film screenings. Watching a classic or recent release beneath the evening sky has become a popular way to end a day of sightseeing.

Held annually in late August in Varaždin, Špancirfest turns the city's Baroque streets into a lively festival of music, street theatre, art installations and open-air performances, with events taking place across the historic centre.

As the afternoon cools, many visitors head to the bars built into Dubrovnik's cliffs just outside the city walls. Drinks are served with uninterrupted Adriatic views, while the setting sun gradually lights up the coastline before disappearing beyond the horizon.

Hvar's beach clubs come alive from late afternoon, with waterfront lounges, live DJs and relaxed dining overlooking the Adriatic. Many visitors spend the day swimming before staying on for sunset drinks and evening entertainment by the sea.

The Pelješac Peninsula is Croatia's best-known wine region, where family-run wineries welcome visitors to sample local varieties such as Plavac Mali. Tastings are often paired with regional cheeses, olive oil and stories from the winemakers themselves.

Evening cruises offer a slower way to experience Croatia's coastline, sailing past islands, hidden coves and historic waterfronts as the sun sets over the Adriatic. Many include local wine, light refreshments or dinner served on board.