Too many of us Americans consider Croatia a fly-over zone as we head to, say, India or Santorini. But discovering Croatia can be an unexpected and addictive delight. A single visit just scratches the surface of all this country offers. “I had no idea that this one relatively small country could unfold with so many gorgeous tile-roofed towns, UNESCO sites to see, world-class beaches, and woodsy mountains,” says Jeannie Ralston, NextTribe’s founder and CEO. “I was saying, ‘This place is amazing!’ about 20 times a day.”

Join NextTribe in Croatia! We’re taking a small group of women ages 45+ to see the highlights and off-the-beaten-path wonders in May 2026. A few more spaces still available. Check it out here.

Hugging the coast of the sparkling Adriatic Sea, Croatia is a thrilling mash-up of ancient history, stunning natural beauty, and distinctive and delightful culture. From sun-drenched islands along the Dalmatian coast to old towns with imposing walls to dramatic national parks and welcoming seaside villages, this country offers something for every traveler. Whether you’re craving an adventure in the mountains or a peaceful sunset by the sea (or both!), Croatia is ready to enchant you. Warning: You may feel more than a little mad at yourself for not coming here sooner.

A Brief History and Where Croatia Is

Croatia, a country in southeast Europe, lies at the crossroads of Central Europe and the Balkans. It shares borders with Slovenia, Hungary, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro, and boasts over 3,900 miles of Adriatic coastm lined with over a thousand islands. The region has been inhabited since prehistoric times, but much of its historic identity was shaped by the Greeks, Romans, Venetians, and the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

After centuries of foreign rule, Croatia declared independence from Yugoslavia in 1991. Despite a turbulent beginning, Croatia has since emerged as a peaceful, democratic nation and a full member of the European Union. Today, its Roman ruins, Venetian harbors, and medieval walled cities tell the story of its complex past, rich history, and cultural traditions.

Climate and the Best Time to Visit

Croatia enjoys two distinct climates. Along the coast, expect a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Inland, the climate is continental, with hot summers and cold, snowy winters.

Depending on whether you stay by the coast or inland, you’ll have very different climates.

The best time to visit is typically from May to October. May (when NextTribe travels there) and June are ideal for warm weather, fewer crowds, and vibrant greenery. July and August bring peak beach season, with lively festivals and bustling towns. September and early October offer warm seas, harvest events, and a quieter, more relaxed vibe. For hiking and exploring inland, spring and autumn are perfect.

How to Get There

Reaching Croatia from the United States is easier than ever. While direct flights vary by season, summer months typically see nonstop routes from New York (JFK or Newark) to Dubrovnik or Zagreb, often offered by airlines such as United or Croatia Airlines. More commonly, travelers can connect via major European hubs like Frankfurt, Munich, London, or Paris. Major Croatian international airports include Zagreb, Split, Dubrovnik, and Zadar.

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Dubrovnik: The Pearl of the Adriatic

Let’s start with Dubrovnik, often referred to as the “Pearl of the Adriatic.” It’s one of Croatia’s most iconic cities—and for good reason. Located in southern Dalmatia, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its remarkably preserved ancient walls, baroque buildings, and glimmering sea views. Whether you take a walking tour or want to tour the medieval town solo, it can be a good idea to start your visit by strolling the city walls, a 1.2-mile loop that offers sweeping vistas of red-roofed houses, the Adriatic Sea, and nearby islands. The best times to go are early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat and crowds.

Start exploring Dubrovnik with a city-wall walk, which offers sweeping vistas of red-roofed houses and the Adriatic Sea.

Within the Old Town, stroll along Stradun, the main promenade paved in smooth white limestone. Don’t miss the Rector’s Palace, which houses the Cultural History Museum, or the Franciscan Monastery, home to one of Europe’s oldest functioning pharmacies. For fans of film and television, Game of Thrones walking tours highlight filming locations used for King’s Landing. Take the cable car up Mount Srđ for breathtaking panoramic views, especially at sunset, or hop on a boat to nearby Lokrum Island, a nature reserve with botanical gardens, peacocks, and ruins to explore.

Beyond the walls, Dubrovnik offers excellent swimming spots like Banje Beach and Sveti Jakov, where crystal-clear waters that are pale turquoise turn a gorgeous deep blue as you wade in further. You’ll find charming seaside restaurants, and lively evening scenes with live music and cocktail bars tucked into historic courtyards. Whether you’re exploring its storied streets or relaxing by the sea, Dubrovnik never fails to inspire.

Dalmatia: Sun, Sea, and Stories from the Coast

But, now that we’ve told you all about Dubrovnik, let us add that you can have a totally unforgettable time discovering Croatia even if you skip the city entirely. Dalmatia, the famed southern coastal region of Croatia, is a paradise of limestone cliffs, turquoise waters, and age-old towns. Stretching from Zadar in the north to Dubrovnik in the south, it’s one of the most popular areas for travelers.

Split

Croatia’s second-largest city, Split, is an extraordinary blend of ancient and modern. At its heart is Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most impressive Roman monuments in the world. Today, the palace is a living city, filled with cafes, boutiques, and art galleries nestled between Roman columns and medieval walls. Sitting in a cafe, whether your beverage is coffee or a cocktail, is a joy.

Visit Split to see impressive Roman monuments, visit art galleries, and enjoy the cafe culture.

Stroll along the Riva promenade, visit the lively Green Market, climb Marjan Hill for sweeping views, and explore the Archaeological Museum. Split also serves as a gateway to the Dalmatian islands—Hvar, Brač, and Vis—each boasting their own charm and crystal-clear coves.

Šibenik and Krka National Park

Often overshadowed by Split and Dubrovnik, Šibenik is a medieval gem with a deep cultural history. It’s home to the stunning Cathedral of St. James, a UNESCO site renowned for its unique stone construction and 71 sculpted faces.

Krka National Park is a stunner, with jaw-dropping waterfalls, peaceful lakes, and trails for some forest bathing.

Nearby, Krka National Park is a wonderland of lush greenery, thundering waterfalls, tranquil lakes, and plenty of trails. The park’s crown jewel, Skradinski Buk, is a series of cascading falls with wooden walkways that allow you to wander through the landscape. Boat rides on the Krka River and a visit to the island monastery on Visovac are unforgettable.

Zadar and the Kornati Islands

Zadar is a coastal city rich in Roman ruins and innovation. Wander its marble streets to discover Roman forums, the Church of St. Donatus, and the Museum of Ancient Glass. But what sets Zadar apart are its contemporary art installations: the Sea Organ, which plays music from the motion of the waves (how cool is that?), and the Greeting to the Sun, a solar-powered light display on the promenade.

Zadar has cool contemporary art installations, including the Sea Organ which playes music made by the motion of the waves.

Just offshore lie the Kornati Islands, an archipelago of over 100 mostly uninhabited islands, perfect for sailing, snorkeling, and escaping into nature. The Kornati National Park is a favorite among boaters for its raw, rugged beauty.

Pag Island

Connected to the mainland by a bridge, Pag Island is a place of contrasts: lunar landscapes, salt pans, lacework traditions, and vibrant nightlife. The town of Pag is famous for Pag lace, a UNESCO-listed intangible cultural heritage, and Paški sir, a unique sheep’s milk cheese. Novalja, in contrast, is known for its beach clubs and youthful summer scene. For a quieter visit, explore the olive groves and hiking trails around Lun.

Paklenica and Omiš

For adventure lovers, Paklenica National Park in the Velebit mountains offers world-class hiking and rock climbing. But even if you’re not ready to go rappelling, you’ll love the incredible, imposing mountains and rustling pines trees. Trails lead through dramatic canyons, beech forests, and mountain peaks, making it ideal for nature photography and wildlife spotting.

Adventurous travelers and those who just like taking some excellent selfies will love the dramatic mountains of Paklenica National Park.

Nearby Omiš, once a pirate stronghold, sits at the mouth of the Cetina River. Today, it’s a hub for zip-lining, rafting, and canyoning. Don’t miss the climb to Fortica Fortress for sweeping views of the river valley and coastline.

Istria: Vineyards, Villages, and Venetian Influence

The heart-shaped Istrian peninsula in the northwest, feels like a blend of Italy and Croatia. With rolling hills, vineyard-draped villages, and a coastline dotted with Roman ruins, it’s a food and wine lover’s dream. Can’t you just imagine yourself relaxing with a nice glass or two of a delicious vintage?

Explore Rovinj, a postcard-perfect fishing town with pastel-colored houses, art galleries, and cobbled lanes. Climb the bell tower of St. Euphemia’s Church for panoramic views of the sea and rooftops. In Pula, don’t miss the Pula Arena, one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheaters in the world, still hosting concerts and film festivals today.

Hilltop towns like Motovun and Grožnjan offer truffle tastings, scenic trails, and artisan markets. Istria’s wine scene is thriving—try Malvazija (a crisp white) and Teran (a robust red) while sampling regional dishes such as Istrian pasta with truffles or seafood risottos.

Central Croatia: History, Hills, and Hidden Treasures

While many visitors focus on the coast, Central Croatia holds its own with pastoral landscapes, Baroque towns, historic sites, and intriguing heritage.

Start with Zagreb, the capital and largest city. Its compact center is walkable and filled with museums, cafes, and quirky charm. Visit the Museum of Broken Relationships, wander through the Upper Town (Gornji Grad) to see the colorful St. Mark’s Church, and take a ride on the world’s shortest funicular. Shop at Dolac Market, Zagreb’s vibrant open-air produce and flower market, or explore the boutiques along Ilica Street.

Zagreb is loaded with fun and beauty, from the world’s shortest funicular to the Museum of Broken Relationships to the open-air flower markets.

For nature lovers, the Plitvice Lakes National Park is a must. This UNESCO site features 16 turquoise lakes linked by spectacular waterfalls and boardwalks, surrounded by forest. It’s one of Croatia’s most photographed destinations—and rightly so.

Further east, explore Varaždin, a baroque jewel with palaces, parks, and one of the best-preserved old towns in the country. In the hills around Samobor, hiking trails and quaint pastry shops await.

Discovering Croatia: What to Eat, Drink, and Bring Back

Of course, travel experiences aren’t all about looking: Tasting an area’s cuisine is a big part of how to discover Croatia. Back home, you probably haven’t heard much about the region’s cuisine, so here’s more intel. Croatian cuisine is as diverse as its regions, influenced by Mediterranean, Central European, and Ottoman traditions. And it’s great food! On the coast, seafood reigns: grilled fish, black risotto (made with cuttlefish ink), and brudet (a tomato-based fish stew). Inland, you’ll find hearty fare like ćevapi (grilled minced meat), sarma (stuffed cabbage), and purica s mlincima (roast turkey with baked pasta).

A trip to Croatia will introduce you to delicious new dishes, from black risotto to baked pasta with roast turkey to fried dough strips for dessert.

Croatia also excels in cheese, olive oil, honey, and charcuterie. Paški sir, made from sheep’s milk on Pag Island, is a standout. For dessert, try kroštule (fried dough strips) or rožata, a caramel custard similar to flan.

Pair your meals with local wines—Malvazija, Plavac Mali, and Pošip are stars—or sample Croatian craft beers and rakija, a fruit brandy served in homes and taverns across the country.

As for souvenirs, definitely spend time at the picturesque market s and shops. A few ideas of what to look for: Pag lace, hand-painted ceramics, truffle products from Istria, olive oils, and lavender sachets from Hvar. Markets and artisan shops offer unique keepsakes, often handmade and deeply rooted in tradition.

Finding a treasure or two can be the perfect way to remember the magic of this extraordinary land long after you’ve landed back home. But given how magical Croatia is, your first trip isn’t likely to be your last.

Top photo by Adam Wilson on Unsplash