Last updated: September 2026
Croatia holidays offer one of the most spectacular coastlines in Europe — a breathtaking stretch of the Adriatic Sea dotted with more than 1,200 islands, fringed by mountains and home to some of the best-preserved medieval towns anywhere in the world. From the iconic walled city of Dubrovnik in the south to the Roman amphitheatre of Pula in the north, Croatia packs an extraordinary range of experiences into a single destination.
Whether you are drawn by the game-changing beauty of Dubrovnik holidays, the truffle-rich hill towns of Istria, or the island-hopping culture of Hvar and Brač, this guide covers everything UK travellers need to plan the perfect Croatia holiday.
Croatia has transformed from a niche discovery into one of Europe’s most popular holiday destinations, and the reasons are easy to understand. The country offers clean, warm Adriatic water, reliably hot summers, a remarkable concentration of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and a food and wine culture that punches well above its weight. All of this sits within two to three hours’ flying time from the UK.
The coastline is the headline attraction: over 1,200 islands of varying size, each with its own character, sheltered coves, vineyards and seafood restaurants. Croatia also benefits from having several distinct holiday regions — the ancient city of Dubrovnik in the south, the Dalmatian coast centred on Split and the islands of Hvar and Brač, and the historically rich Istrian peninsula in the north — meaning repeat visitors can return and experience something entirely different each time.
The country joined the Eurozone in 2023, simplifying travel logistics for UK visitors. The tourism infrastructure is well-developed without being over-commercialised, and the local population’s warmth and the quality of service across accommodation types is consistently high. Croatia rewards visitors who explore beyond the obvious destinations.
The Dalmatian coast — stretching from Split in the north to Dubrovnik in the south — is the heart of Croatia’s holiday appeal. Split itself is a remarkable city built literally within the walls of the 4th-century Palace of Emperor Diocletian, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where locals have lived, worked and played for 1,700 years. The Riva waterfront promenade, lined with cafés and restaurants, buzzes with life every evening.
From Split, ferries depart regularly for the islands of Brač, Hvar, Vis, Korčula and many others. Brač is famous for Zlatni Rat — the “Golden Horn” beach near Bol — a unique spit of fine white pebbles that changes shape with the current and is one of Croatia’s most photographed natural features. Hvar is the most glamorous island on the Dalmatian coast: a medieval walled town of honey-coloured stone surrounded by lavender fields, with an upmarket marina and a well-established reputation for nightlife and dining.
The Makarska Riviera — a 60-kilometre stretch of coast between Split and Dubrovnik — offers a more traditional beach holiday experience with long shingle beaches backed by the dramatic Biokovo mountain range. Resorts here including Brela, Baska Voda and Makarska itself are popular with families and couples seeking a quieter alternative to the city breaks of Split and Dubrovnik.
Istria, the large triangular peninsula in north-western Croatia, is one of Europe’s most underrated holiday regions. It combines outstanding Roman heritage, a deeply atmospheric coastline of picturesque harbours and hilltop towns, world-class truffles and olive oil, and excellent Italian-influenced cuisine that reflects its long history as part of the Venetian Republic.
Rovinj is widely regarded as the most beautiful town on the Istrian coast: a cluster of coloured buildings rising from a rocky promontory topped by the Church of St Euphemia, surrounded by calm clear water and backed by pine forests. The old town is car-free and genuinely lovely, with a working fishing harbour, excellent seafood restaurants and a relaxed pace of life that makes it one of the most appealing small resorts in the Adriatic. Istrian Riviera holidays take in Rovinj alongside the Roman wonders of Pula and the UNESCO Basilica of Poreč.
Pula’s first-century Roman amphitheatre is one of the six largest and best-preserved in the world, and a remarkable sight to encounter in an otherwise modern coastal town. Regular summer concerts and events are held within the arena, adding a unique dimension to an evening in Pula. The Brijuni Islands National Park, a short boat ride from Pula, is a protected archipelago of 14 islands with remarkable wildlife, Roman ruins and the former presidential retreat of Yugoslav leader Tito.
Dubrovnik holidays centre on one of the world’s most perfectly preserved medieval walled cities — a limestone-paved old town enclosed within formidable 16th-century walls that are now walkable in their entirety. The Stradun — the main pedestrian street — runs the length of the old city, flanked by Baroque churches, palaces, cafés and shops. Dubrovnik gained global fame as a filming location for Game of Thrones, but its architectural and historical merit far transcends that association.
Zadar, midway along the Dalmatian coast, is a city that deserves more attention than it typically receives. Its old town occupies a narrow peninsula with an extraordinary density of Roman and medieval remains, including a 1st-century Roman forum and the fascinating 9th-century pre-Romanesque Church of St Donatus. Alfred Hitchcock famously declared the Zadar sunset the most beautiful in the world, and the Sea Organ — an architectural sound installation that plays music from the motion of the waves — is one of Croatia’s most original attractions.
Plitvice Lakes National Park, while not a coastal destination, is Croatia’s most visited attraction and arguably its most spectacular. The park contains 16 terraced lakes connected by waterfalls, set in a deep forested canyon and linked by wooden boardwalks. The vivid turquoise and emerald colours of the water result from the mineral deposits and algae that coat the travertine rock. A day trip from Split or Zadar is highly recommended for any visitor to Croatia.
Croatian cuisine varies significantly between the coast and the interior but is consistently based on excellent fresh ingredients and strong regional traditions. Along the Dalmatian coast, seafood dominates: grilled fish, black risotto coloured with cuttlefish ink, oysters from Mali Ston, and prstaci (date mussels) from the Pelješ ac peninsula are staples of coastal restaurants. The quality of fish in Croatia is outstanding — typically served simply grilled with olive oil and herbs rather than in heavy sauces.
In Istria, the cuisine reflects the region’s Italian heritage: fresh pasta, risotto, and above all truffles. Istria is one of Europe’s finest truffle regions, producing both black and the more coveted white truffle in significant quantities. Shaved over scrambled eggs or fresh pasta, Istrian truffles at a fraction of the price charged in Italy or France represent extraordinary value. Istrian olive oil and wines — particularly the indigenous Malvasia white and Teran red — have both achieved considerable international recognition.
Croatian craft beer has developed rapidly in recent years, with breweries producing excellent IPAs, lagers and seasonal ales alongside the traditional domestic brands. The local spirits tradition includes rakija — a fruit brandy made from figs, plums, grapes or herbs — which is offered as a welcome drink in many restaurants and is an essential part of Croatian social culture.
Croatia is served by several airports. Dubrovnik Airport (DBV) serves the south, Split Airport (SPU) covers the Dalmatian coast and central islands, Pula Airport (PUY) and Zadar Airport (ZAD) serve the north. Flight times from the UK are approximately 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours. UK airlines including British Airways, easyJet, Jet2 and Ryanair operate direct routes from London and major regional airports throughout the summer season.
Ferries from Split and Dubrovnik connect to the main islands — Brač, Hvar, Korčula and Vis — with frequent services throughout summer. Car hire is recommended for exploring the Dalmatian coast and Istria, though island-hopping by ferry is one of Croatia’s great pleasures and does not require a car. Many UK package operators offer split-centre holidays combining two resorts or a city break with a beach stay.
| Main Airports | Dubrovnik (DBV), Split (SPU), Pula (PUY), Zadar (ZAD) |
|---|---|
| Main Resorts | Dubrovnik, Split, Hvar, Rovinj, Makarska, Pula |
| Highlight | Dubrovnik Old Town and Plitvice Lakes |
| Best For | Culture, beaches, island-hopping, food, history |
| Climate | Hot dry summers (July avg 28°C); sea warm June–September |
| Flight Time from London | Approximately 2.5–3 hours |
| Currency | Euro (€) |
| Language | Croatian |
Look for ABTA membership, ATOL protection or ABTOT cover — these schemes protect your money if an operator ceases trading before or during your holiday. For a plain-English guide to what each scheme covers, read our holiday protection guide.
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June and September are the ideal months for most visitors. The weather is hot and sunny, the Adriatic is warm enough to swim, and the main tourist sites are noticeably less crowded than in the peak July and August weeks. Prices for flights and accommodation are also considerably lower.
July and August are peak season — guaranteed sunshine and maximum facilities, but busy beaches and higher prices. May and October offer pleasant walking and sightseeing weather, though some islands and smaller resorts have limited services outside the main season.
UK citizens do not need a visa to visit Croatia. The country is a member of the Schengen Area since January 2023, so UK passport holders can visit for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa as part of the standard Schengen allowance. A valid UK passport is required.
Croatia joined the Eurozone in January 2023, so the euro is the currency. UK travellers no longer need to exchange kuna and can use euros throughout the country. Card payments are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants and shops.
Croatia is an excellent family destination. The Adriatic is calm and clear with gradual slopes in many places, making it well-suited to children. The wealth of history — Roman ruins, medieval walls, island forts — provides natural interest for older children and teenagers, and the seafood-rich cuisine is generally child-friendly.
Island ferry trips are a genuine adventure for children of all ages, and many resorts offer kayaking, snorkelling and boat hire suitable for families. Self-catering apartments are widely available and good value, giving families flexibility over meal times and costs.
Dubrovnik suits those who want a city-focused cultural holiday with some beach time. Split suits visitors who want a lively city base with easy island access to Hvar and Brač. The Makarska Riviera suits families and those wanting a more traditional beach resort experience. Istria suits food and culture lovers who appreciate a quieter, more Italian-influenced atmosphere.
For first-time visitors, a split between Split and the islands (or Dubrovnik) gives the best overview. Repeat visitors often gravitate towards Istria or the less-visited Dalmatian islands of Vis and Korčula for a more authentic experience.
If you book a flight-inclusive Croatia package through a UK tour operator holding an ATOL licence, your money is fully protected if the company fails. Repatriation is also covered. Booking flights and accommodation separately on different websites removes this protection entirely. Our holiday protection guide explains ATOL, ABTA and Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act so you can compare and book Croatia packages with confidence.
All packages listed on Search4Sun are offered by ATOL-licensed UK tour operators, so you can compare and book with complete confidence.
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