Croatia: Dubrovnik Travel Guide
Dubrovnik, Split & the Adriatic islands
This Dubrovnik travel guide covers Croatia's walled old towns, clear Adriatic water and island-hopping routes. Croatia beaches in summer are some of Europe's best, and the waterfalls of Plitvice and Roman Split make it far more than a beach holiday.
Capital
Zagreb
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Language
Croatian
Population
~3.9 million
Timezone
CET (UTC+1, UTC+2 in summer)
Driving Side
Right
Plug Type
Type C / F
Visa
Schengen Area — visa-free up to 90 days for many nationalities
Best Season
May–June & September
Emergency
112
Flights to Dubrovnik
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Hotels in Dubrovnik
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May, June and September are the best months to visit Croatia: the sea is warm, the weather sunny and prices lower than July and August, when Dubrovnik and Split are crowded.
Winter is quiet on the coast, but Zagreb's Advent Christmas market is one of Europe's best.
Weather
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The Adriatic coast has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers (around 28–32°C) and mild winters. Inland Zagreb and Plitvice have colder, snowier winters.
Currency
Croatia has used the euro (EUR) since 2023. Cards are widely accepted, but carry cash for small konobas (taverns), markets and some island ferries.
Budget
Croatia costs roughly €60–90 per day on a budget and €120–200 per day mid-range. Dubrovnik is the most expensive place in summer; staying in Split, Zadar or private apartments (sobe) saves a lot.
Language
Croatian is the official language. English is widely spoken along the coast, and German and Italian are also common in tourist areas.
Visa
Croatia joined the Schengen Area in 2023: EU citizens travel freely, one Schengen visa covers all Schengen countries, and many other nationalities (including UK, US, Canadian and Australian citizens) can visit visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Visitors from visa-exempt countries will also need an online ETIAS travel authorisation once that system starts. Rules depend on your passport, so always confirm with the official government website or embassy before you book.
Transportation
Croatia has few coastal railways, so buses are the main way to travel between Dubrovnik, Split and Zadar (Split to Dubrovnik takes around 4–5 hours). Jadrolinija and catamaran companies run ferries to the islands.
Renting a car is ideal for Plitvice, the Istrian peninsula and smaller beaches.
Food
Coastal Croatia is all about seafood, olive oil and grilled fish; inland, try štrukli (cheese pastry) and slow-cooked peka. Istria is famous for truffles, and local wines are excellent.
Culture
Croatians are relaxed and welcoming, with a strong café culture. Churches and old towns expect modest dress, and walking around town in swimwear is fined in Split, Dubrovnik and Hvar.
Internet
Mobile coverage is good across the coast and islands, and Wi-Fi is standard in accommodation. EU roaming applies; prepaid SIMs are easy to buy.
Best Cities
Dubrovnik
5The 'Pearl of the Adriatic', a perfectly preserved walled city of marble streets above a turquoise sea.
Why visit: Walking the city walls, sea kayaking and day trips to the Elaphiti islands.
Split
5A lively harbour city built around the Roman Emperor Diocletian's palace.
Why visit: History, nightlife and the best ferry connections to Hvar, Brač and Vis.
Zagreb
4Croatia's green capital, with an Austro-Hungarian upper town, cafés and museums.
Why visit: City culture, the famous Advent market and a gateway to Plitvice.
Best Attractions
Plitvice Lakes National Park
Sixteen terraced turquoise lakes connected by waterfalls and wooden walkways, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Why visit: Croatia's most spectacular natural wonder.
Diocletian's Palace
A vast 4th-century Roman palace that today forms the living heart of Split's old town.
Why visit: One of the best-preserved Roman monuments in the world.
Walls of Dubrovnik
Nearly two kilometres of medieval walls encircling Dubrovnik's old town.
Why visit: Unforgettable views over the terracotta roofs and the Adriatic.
Walk Dubrovnik's city walls as soon as they open, or late in the afternoon — cruise-ship crowds and the midday heat make late morning the worst time to go.
Do I need a visa to visit Croatia?
Croatia has been in the Schengen Area since 2023. Many nationalities can visit visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180 days; others need a Schengen visa. Check the official requirements for your passport.
What is the best time to visit Croatia?
May, June and September for warm sea, sunshine and fewer crowds.
What are the best Croatia beaches in summer?
Zlatni Rat on Brač, the beaches of Vis and Hvar, and the coves around Dubrovnik and the Makarska Riviera.
How do I find cheap flights to Dubrovnik?
Compare Dubrovnik and Split airports, avoid peak summer weekends and book early. Rahal compares live fares for your dates.
Which currency does Croatia use?
The euro (EUR), since January 2023.
How many days do I need in Croatia?
A week covers Dubrovnik, Split and one island; add two days for Plitvice and Zagreb.
Related Reading
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Overnight ferries cross the Adriatic between Split and Ancona.