Croatia

If your Mediterranean fantasies feature balmy days by sapphire waters in the shade of ancient walled towns, Croatia is the place to turn them into reality.

Explore Croatia

City Walls & Forts
No visit to Dubrovnik is complete without a walk around the spectacular city walls that encircle its historic core. They're among the finest in the world…
Diocletian’s Palace
Taking up a prime harborside position, the extraordinary complex of Diocletian's Palace is one of the most imposing ancient Roman structures in existence…
Plitvice Lakes National Park
By far Croatia's top natural attraction and the absolute highlight of Croatia's Adriatic hinterland, the Plitvice Lakes National Park is a glorious…
Klis Fortress
Controlling the valley leading into Split, the imposing Klis Fortress spreads along a limestone bluff, reaching 1260ft (385m) at its highest point. Its…
Zlatni Rat
Zlatni Rat, Croatia's most photographed beach, extends like a tongue into the sea for about a quarter of a mile (400m). Despite the hype and constant…
Cathedral of St Domnius
Split’s octagonal cathedral is one of the best-preserved ancient Roman buildings still standing. It was built as a mausoleum for Diocletian, the last…
Euphrasian Basilica
Top billing in Poreč goes to the 6th-century Euphrasian Basilica, a World Heritage Site and one of Europe’s finest intact examples of Byzantine art. Built…
Roman Amphitheatre
Pula’s most famous and imposing sight is this 1st-century oval amphitheatre, overlooking the harbour northeast of the old town. It's a huge and truly…
St James' Cathedral
The crowning architectural glory of the Dalmatian coast and the undisputed masterpiece of its principal designer, Juraj Dalmatinac, this World Heritage…

City Walls & Forts
No visit to Dubrovnik is complete without a walk around the spectacular city walls that encircle its historic core. They're among the finest in the world…
Diocletian’s Palace
Taking up a prime harborside position, the extraordinary complex of Diocletian's Palace is one of the most imposing ancient Roman structures in existence…
Plitvice Lakes National Park
By far Croatia's top natural attraction and the absolute highlight of Croatia's Adriatic hinterland, the Plitvice Lakes National Park is a glorious…
Klis Fortress
Controlling the valley leading into Split, the imposing Klis Fortress spreads along a limestone bluff, reaching 1260ft (385m) at its highest point. Its…
Zlatni Rat
Zlatni Rat, Croatia's most photographed beach, extends like a tongue into the sea for about a quarter of a mile (400m). Despite the hype and constant…
Cathedral of St Domnius
Split’s octagonal cathedral is one of the best-preserved ancient Roman buildings still standing. It was built as a mausoleum for Diocletian, the last…
Euphrasian Basilica
Top billing in Poreč goes to the 6th-century Euphrasian Basilica, a World Heritage Site and one of Europe’s finest intact examples of Byzantine art. Built…
Roman Amphitheatre
Pula’s most famous and imposing sight is this 1st-century oval amphitheatre, overlooking the harbour northeast of the old town. It's a huge and truly…
St James' Cathedral
The crowning architectural glory of the Dalmatian coast and the undisputed masterpiece of its principal designer, Juraj Dalmatinac, this World Heritage…

Latest Stories from Croatia

Hiking
5 of the best hikes in Croatia
Jan 13, 2023 • 7 min read
From easy forest walks right outside Zagreb to multiday mountain hikes through wild landscapes, here are the best of Croatia's diverse trekking routes.
Tips & Advice
A reason to travel to Croatia in 2023: meet the eurozone’s newest member
Jan 11, 2023 • 4 min read
Croatia is a traveler’s paradise loaded with culture, history, beaches and incredible landscapes. And accessing it all just became more hassle-free.
Tips & Advice
Croatia's best food and drink experiences
Sep 28, 2022 • 5 min read
Croats are passionate about food. With such a delectable blend of cuisines, foodie culture is on the rise here. Here’s what to eat and drink in Croatia.
Cycling
Croatia's top 4 national parks for wolves, waterfalls and stunning archipelagos
Jun 13, 2022 • 3 min read
From waterfalls to wildlife-watching and the best mountain hikes, here are the top experiences in Croatia's national parks.
Beaches
Best beaches in Croatia: our faves from over 2500 miles of coastline and more than a thousand islands
May 26, 2022 • 7 min read
If you’re planning a summer holiday in the Adriatic, start with some of these best beaches in Croatia.
Beaches
See the best of Croatia with this week-long itinerary
May 19, 2022 • 7 min read
This week-long itinerary takes in the highlights of Croatia and is a perfect guide for first-time visitors to this dazzlingly beautiful country.
COVID-19
What to expect when traveling to Croatia this summer as rules are eased
May 4, 2022 • 1 min read
Pre-pandemic entry restrictions have returned to Croatia.
Wildlife & Nature
Head to Croatia’s hinterland to discover its nature parks
Jul 1, 2021 • 5 min read
Croatia is known for its islands and beaches, but its nature parks protect a variety of landscapes, from wetlands and forests to mountains and canyons.
Digital Nomad
How to spend a year in Croatia as a digital nomad
Feb 16, 2021 • 2 min read
Croatia has expanded its short-term residency permits to include remote digital workers from outside the European Union.
History
Explore the Balkans on these four epic drives
Feb 1, 2021 • 5 min read
Explore the Balkan Peninsula and the turquoise waters of the Adriatic with these scenic drives in southeastern Europe – a perfect road trip experience.
Cruise
Two blissful weeks on the water from Dubrovnik to Split
Nov 9, 2020 • 6 min read
Dalmatia’s natural beauty, historic villages, and fine foods make for an uplifting antidote to the dark horizons that have cast their pall over travel
Wildlife & Nature
Responsible outdoor excursions in Croatia this fall
Nov 9, 2020 • 5 min read
Croatia is the ideal place to reconnect with the wild. Its natural beauty has been able to breathe and regenerate in preparation for a return to travel
History
Why food and culture fans need to explore inland Croatia
Oct 16, 2020 • 4 min read
Slavonia is one of four historical and cultural regions in Croatia and provides rare insight into early European civilization and plenty to see, do and eat
Story
Why these families left the US to see out the pandemic abroad
Oct 16, 2020 • 9 min read
Two families who are embarking on new lives on foreign shores share their experiences with Lonely Planet.

Planning Toolkit

Discover some of the most unique and fulfilling experiences your next destination has to offer.
Tips & Travel trends to help you pick the perfect time to visit this destination.
Golden rules to keep in mind when traveling to this destination.
Put these must-see destinations on your next travel wish list.
Everything you need to know about services, requirements, and the application process when traveling internationally.
Deals and tips on ways to save without sacrificing the fun on your next trip.
Check out these fun-filled activities that the entire family can enjoy.
Browse the various transportation options to make your trip that much easier when you arrive.

Discover some of the most unique and fulfilling experiences your next destination has to offer.
Tips & Travel trends to help you pick the perfect time to visit this destination.
Golden rules to keep in mind when traveling to this destination.
Put these must-see destinations on your next travel wish list.
Everything you need to know about services, requirements, and the application process when traveling internationally.
Deals and tips on ways to save without sacrificing the fun on your next trip.
Check out these fun-filled activities that the entire family can enjoy.
Browse the various transportation options to make your trip that much easier when you arrive.

Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Croatia.

See
City Walls & Forts
No visit to Dubrovnik is complete without a walk around the spectacular city walls that encircle its historic core. They're among the finest in the world…
See
Diocletian’s Palace
Taking up a prime harborside position, the extraordinary complex of Diocletian's Palace is one of the most imposing ancient Roman structures in existence…
See
Plitvice Lakes National Park
By far Croatia's top natural attraction and the absolute highlight of Croatia's Adriatic hinterland, the Plitvice Lakes National Park is a glorious…
See
Klis Fortress
Controlling the valley leading into Split, the imposing Klis Fortress spreads along a limestone bluff, reaching 1260ft (385m) at its highest point. Its…
See
Zlatni Rat
Zlatni Rat, Croatia's most photographed beach, extends like a tongue into the sea for about a quarter of a mile (400m). Despite the hype and constant…
See
Cathedral of St Domnius
Split’s octagonal cathedral is one of the best-preserved ancient Roman buildings still standing. It was built as a mausoleum for Diocletian, the last…
See
Euphrasian Basilica
Top billing in Poreč goes to the 6th-century Euphrasian Basilica, a World Heritage Site and one of Europe’s finest intact examples of Byzantine art. Built…
See
Roman Amphitheatre
Pula’s most famous and imposing sight is this 1st-century oval amphitheatre, overlooking the harbour northeast of the old town. It's a huge and truly…
See
St James' Cathedral
The crowning architectural glory of the Dalmatian coast and the undisputed masterpiece of its principal designer, Juraj Dalmatinac, this World Heritage…

Learn more about Croatia

Ready to go? Get to the heart of Croatia with one of Lonely Planet's in-depth, award-winning guidebooks.

Croatia

Planning Toolkit

Top attractions

Featured videos

Hunting for truffles in Croatia

Learning to dance in a Croatian fairytale castle

Discover Zadar and beyond

Winter wonderlands around the world

When to go to Dubrovnik, Croatia

How to pack for Dubrovnik, Croatia

7 amazing islands in Croatia

Discover Croatia's national parks

Outdoor adventures in Croatia

Croatia's cultural hotspots

Where to go when in Croatia

Introducing Croatia

Learn more about Croatia