Somewhere Wonderful in Croatia is Waiting

Croatia boasts a mix of neo-baroque buildings, cobblestone streets, grandiose fortifications and azure beaches. Whether you choose to visit the country’s bigger cities like Zagreb, Dubrovnik and Split, or spend your days lying on an exotic beach on a dreamy island hideaway, Croatia’s natural beauty is bound to win you over. For now, we focus on three cities to give you an idea of all that the country has to offer.

Verdant, artistic and with a rich heritage all at once, Croatia’s capital could be love at first sight. The city’s 18th- and 19th-century Austro-Hungarian buildings – including the neogothic Zagreb Cathedral with its striking spires – are sure to grab your attention. Walk the Upper Town’s cobblestone streets, pass by the colourful St Mark’s Church and enjoy a cup of coffee at the cafés and bakeries of Ilica Street, which spans through most of the northwestern part of the city. Head to Zagreb’s Lower Town for a wide selection of shops, museums and abundant parks. Europe’s largest park, Maksimir, lies here, boasting magical lakes and intricate footpaths. Not to be missed are also the Mimara Museum with its extensive art collection and the bittersweet Museum of Broken Relationships, which showcases the heart-breaking stories of past lovers from around the world.

Dubbed the “pearl of the Adriatic”, Dubrovnik is one of the prettiest fortress cities in Europe. With its medieval fortifications and stone bridges, it’s no wonder the city served as a set for the hit TV show Game of Thrones. Brightly lit at night, the imposing Pile Gate is the main entrance to Dubrovnik’s historic walled city, which houses medieval churches and secluded monasteries as well as no end of konobas, the city’s quaint taverns specialising in fresh fish. On the edge of the Old Town, you will find the sumptuous Rector’s Palace, a Gothic and Renaissance building that was a site of defence in the Middle Ages. Outside the walls, Dubrovnik brims with Ottoman, Venetian and Austrian monuments and baroque buildings. Among the city’s natural beauty highlights are the rugged beaches fringed with azure waters and the uninhabited islet of Lokrum, which appears as if swallowed by a large pine forest.

Split is the largest city in the narrow coastal strip of central Dalmatia. Almost half of the city’s old town is part of the Unesco-listed Diocletian’s Palace, which feels more like a lavish town. Along its meandering streets, you will find Gothic and Renaissance buildings next to hip cafés and little shops. Outside the historic centre, the classy Riva, Split’s seafront promenade, is locals’ main meeting hub. Created in Napoleon’s time and revamped in 2007, Riva is lined with palm trees next to bars and restaurants, while hosting most of the city’s high-calibre cultural events. Don’t miss a chance to visit Split’s outdoor markets and dreamy beaches, or the runners’ favourite, Marjan Hill. The arduous 300-stair climb to the top will compensate you with superb sunset views. On a clear day, you might even see as far as the exotic islands of Brač and Hvar.

UK nationals travelling to Croatia must carry a negative COVID-19 antigen or PCR test result taken up to 48 hours and up to 72 hours respectively, before arrival. Alternatively, if you have already been vaccinated, you may bring proof of vaccination. Should you have recovered from COVID-19 within the past three months, you must show proof of recovery in the form of a doctor’s certificate or a negative test result. In the case of a rapid antigen test and a stay of longer than ten days in the country, a test must be repeated within ten days from the date of issuing the first test. Keep in mind that, while in Croatia, travellers have to wear masks on public transport and taxis, as well as in shops and other commercial premises.

In addition to evidence of your negative COVID-19 status, you are also required to hold a valid accommodation booking or proof of property ownership in Croatia to enter the country.

From 19 July, those returning to the UK will be required to take a COVID-19 test on or before day 2 after their arrival. You do not need to quarantine unless the test result is positive.

Zagreb’s lush parks and neo-gothic churches give way to Dubrovnik’s arresting city walls and the opulent Diocletian’s Palace in Split. Croatia’s landscape and architecture, combined with a rich cultural scene and delicious local cuisine, offer a plethora of ways to explore and appreciate this country. You can discover the best things to do in Zagreb, Dubrovnik and Split, or on the idyllic islands of Brač and Hvar through our guides, or search for amazing tours, activities and experiences to book in Croatia. For now, here are our favourite things to do while there.

Neo-gothic churches and royal fortifications create the perfect setting for some of Croatia’s most impressive places to stay. From Zagreb’s boutique hotels and Dubrovnik’s luxury villas to Split’s spa and wellness hotels, there are plenty of accommodation options to choose from. For a more traditional experience, you can choose to stay in one of these local beauties, or if you’d rather search for your dream hotel personally, our search function may come in handy. In the meantime, here are our top three picks.

From Zagreb’s lively Dolac market to Dubrovnik’s pretty konobas, Croatia is filled with beautiful places to taste local and international flavours. Seafood is at the heart of the country’s traditional eateries. Don’t miss a chance to try Dalmatian specialities such as black cuttlefish risotto, fried squid and octopus salad, pairing the lot with a glass of aromatic Croatian wine. You can browse through our extensive Food & Drink guides for the full picture, or choose a restaurant from our suggestions below.