If you’re thinking about a holiday on the Adriatic, chances are you’ve already considered one of the most accessible Croatian islands — a place historically (and rightly) nicknamed the Golden Island. Krk in Croatia offers a truly unique blend of deep history, stunning wild beaches and excellent infrastructure that makes getting here remarkably easy.

One huge advantage is the massive bridge connecting the island to the mainland, so there’s no need to wait for a ferry or pay extra crossing fees. Just to give you an idea: since 2020 this grand bridge has been completely toll-free, which makes Krk an ideal destination even for spontaneous road trips.

In this guide I’ll walk you through 12 specific things to see and do so you can make the most of the island. We’ll wander the ancient lanes of the main town, explore the famous winemaking village perched on a cliff, and I’ll point you to the most beautiful beaches and the smartest spots to base yourself.

TL;DR

• Access: A 1,430-metre bridge leads from the mainland to the island and has been completely free for all vehicles since 2020.
• History: The main town of Krk boasts the third most extensive town walls in Croatia and a magnificent Frankopan Castle.
• Swimming: In the south you’ll find the resort of Baška with its famous pebble beach, nearly two kilometres long, with a sandy seabed.
• Wine and romance: Vrbnik is a picturesque hilltop town on a cliff where the unique white wine Žlahtina is born.
• Curiosities: You can try squeezing through Klančić alley, which measures just 43 centimetres across.
• Day trips: From the town of Punat you can easily hop on a taxi boat to the tiny green islet of Košljun with its Franciscan monastery.
• Ferries: From the port of Valbiska you can easily cross by ferry to the neighbouring islands of Cres or Rab.

When to visit Krk Island: weather and seasons

Krk Island is one of the sunniest places in all of Europe, racking up an impressive 2,500 hours of sunshine a year. If you love proper heat and swimming, the main season runs from June to August, when air temperatures stay steadily between 25 and 30 degrees and the sea warms up to a glorious 23 to 27 degrees.

Bear in mind, though, that July and August are the absolute peak of the season, which naturally means packed beaches, busier restaurants and significantly higher accommodation prices. That’s why I’d warmly recommend considering the shoulder months — May, June or September — when the weather is still lovely for swimming but the narrow lanes of the historic towns and the more remote coves are far quieter. Spring also brings beautifully blooming countryside, which you’ll especially appreciate on trips into the green interior.

If your main interest is sightseeing, cycling and sampling the local cuisine, October offers by far the best accommodation prices and still pleasant temperatures for staying active outdoors. The autumn months are also perfect for long hikes across the fascinating lunar landscape in the south of the island, where you’d needlessly suffer under the direct summer sun. Outside the main summer months, you’ll simply love not having to push through crowds of tourists — and you’ll soak up the authentic island atmosphere far better.

Where to stay on Krk Island: best hotels and areas

💡 Tip for accommodation and experiences: We prefer to search for places to stay on Booking.com, which usually has the best cancellation policies. For tickets, tours and activities, it pays to compare and book through GetYourGuide.

Choosing the ideal location mostly comes down to the type of holiday you prefer, because each part of the island has its own slightly different and very distinctive atmosphere. The town of Krk itself is a brilliant compromise if you want historic sights, excellent restaurants and easy access to the well-kept beaches nearby — all within reach.

Right in the town centre I can recommend the lovely Boutique Hotel Marina, which sits right by the sea and offers superb service and gorgeous views straight over the harbour with its moored boats. If you’re travelling with family and your main goal is relaxed swimming in shallow waters, definitely consider the resort of Baška in the far south of the island.

Baška is famous for its iconic long beach, and here you’ll find, for example, the well-equipped Corinthia Baška Sunny Hotel, with spacious pools just a few steps from the sea. For lovers of total peace, breathtaking views and romance, the unbeatable choice is historic Vrbnik on the rugged east coast.

Here you can stay at the luxurious Hotel Vinotel Gospoja, which elegantly blends modern design with a long winemaking tradition and offers some of the very best views of the mainland. Another popular and very quiet area for families is the smaller resorts of Malinska and Njivice in the northwest, which are close to both the mainland bridge and the island airport. Their promenades are pleasantly shaded by mature pines — something you’ll really appreciate on hot summer days.

12 things to do on Krk Island in Croatia

The island is fairly compact, but it offers a huge range of experiences — from exploring medieval fortresses and swimming in wild coves to tasting outstanding local food. Here are twelve specific spots you shouldn’t miss.

1. Krk town and its historic walls

The island’s main town is undoubtedly one of the oldest settlements on the entire Adriatic, with a fascinating history stretching back more than two thousand years. At first glance you’ll be enchanted by its majestic walls — which, incidentally, are the third most extensive fortifications in all of Croatia, after Ston and Dubrovnik.

A stroll through the old town feels like genuine time travel, because the narrow stone lanes are lined with ancient houses, small family cafés and local shops full of traditional handmade goods. The atmosphere is utterly unmistakable and immersive, especially in the early evening, when the warm light of the setting sun turns the old stones into gorgeous golden hues. Try stopping for a moment on the main square, Vela placa, which has served as the very heart of island life for centuries and where you can quietly watch it pulse around you.

💡 Tip: The best way into the old town is through the ancient town gates that still guard the historic centre. Be sure to set aside plenty of time to simply get lost in the maze of lanes, because that’s exactly how you’ll stumble upon the most interesting little galleries and romantic hidden squares.

2. Frankopan Castle and Kamplin square

Right by the sea, on the picturesque and quiet Kamplin square, stands the imposing Frankopan Castle, gradually built by the famous noble family between the 12th and 15th centuries. You’ll recognise it instantly by its characteristic towers — the oldest surviving square tower dates back to 1191, while the mighty round tower was added a little later, around 1476.

The moment you step into the spacious stone courtyard, you’ll feel the grandeur of this historic place, which once bravely protected the town from pirate attacks from the sea. In the 16th century the Venetians also remodelled the entire structure, giving the castle its unique present-day form. Today the whole castle complex is fully open to the public, and after climbing the old walls it offers absolutely fantastic panoramic views over the entire historic centre and the endless open sea.

💡 Tip: I’d recommend planning your visit to this medieval castle for the early morning or late afternoon, so you can avoid the worst of the summer heat and enjoy the best light for photographing the monuments. Admission is very reasonable, and the breathtaking view from the highest tower is absolutely worth it.

3. Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary

Right next to the medieval castle you’ll find another unmissable architectural gem — the striking Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. This beautiful 12th-century Romanesque building conceals an incredibly rich history, as it was originally built on the old foundations of ancient Roman baths and later on the ruins of an early Christian basilica from the 5th century.

Inside the cathedral itself, you’ll be immediately struck by the grand decoration and serenely peaceful atmosphere, which contrasts sharply with the bustle on the sun-drenched square outside. Special attention is deserved by the intricately carved column capitals and the beautifully decorated altars, which perfectly reflect the incredible skill of the stonemasons of the time.

💡 Tip: While touring the main cathedral, don’t forget to look into the adjoining Church of St Quirinus, cleverly connected to the cathedral itself. This particular church features a wholly unusual two-storey Romanesque architecture, which is a genuine historical rarity in this part of the Adriatic — definitely not one to overlook.

4. Baška and the famous pebble beach Vela plaža

If you head to the hot southern tip of the island, you’ll arrive at the popular resort of Baška, proud home to one of the most famous and beautiful beaches in all of Croatia. The iconic Vela plaža is an impressive 1.8 to 2 kilometres of pebble beach, which thanks to its sheer cleanliness has long held the prestigious Blue Flag eco-award.

What makes this beach so special and hugely popular, especially with families with young children, is the surprisingly soft sandy seabed and the very gentle, safe entry into the water. The sea here shimmers in gorgeous turquoise shades, and the dramatic backdrop of the deep bay is formed by steep, sun-baked hills that look almost majestic and create a perfect photogenic contrast to the azure surface.

💡 Tip: Because Vela plaža is extremely popular right across Europe, in the peak summer months it tends to fill up to the last spot fairly early. If you’re after more peace on holiday, I’d warmly recommend hitting the beach very early in the morning, or instead walking along the marked coastal trails to the smaller and far more secluded romantic coves nearby.

5. The mystery of the Baška Tablet in Jurandvor

Just a short way before busy Baška lies the seemingly unremarkable little village of Jurandvor, which nonetheless hides one of the greatest and most precious historical treasures of the entire Croatian nation. It was here, in the small and humble Church of St Lucy, that the famous Baška Tablet was discovered — historians date it to around the year 1100.

This massive stone monument is one of the absolute oldest written records in Old Church Slavonic Glagolitic script and carries enormous cultural and symbolic significance for all the locals. Although the precious original was moved to the Academy of Sciences in the capital, Zagreb, for safety reasons, in the ancient Church of St Lucy you can see up close a perfectly faithful copy and soak up the mysterious atmosphere of this magical place.

💡 Tip: While touring the old church, be sure to have the guides tell you the captivating story of how this heavy stone tablet was discovered entirely by chance in the church’s original floor. Around the building you’ll also find partly uncovered remains of an old Benedictine abbey, which you can wander through at your own leisurely pace.

6. Vrbnik: clifftop town and Žlahtina wine

On the rugged east coast of the island you simply can’t miss the utterly stunning hilltop town of Vrbnik, which rises dramatically on a steep limestone cliff some fifty metres above the sea. This romantic historic settlement, with more than nine hundred years of rich tradition, was once a hugely important centre of the Frankopan nobility and a cradle of old Glagolitic literature.

Today, however, Vrbnik is known worldwide above all for its local gastronomy, because exclusively here on the Vrbnik field, covering roughly 211 hectares, the unique indigenous white wine called Žlahtina is born. The result of the local winemakers’ careful work is a very dry, incredibly fresh and delicious wine whose subtle flavour pairs perfectly with traditional Adriatic cuisine and warm summer evenings.

💡 Tip: In the local taverns I definitely recommend trying the renowned speciality called šurlice — outstanding hand-made island pasta. If you prefer meat-free dishes, the šurlice served with fresh fragrant tomatoes, local mushrooms and grated island sheep’s cheese are absolutely superb, generously drizzled with homemade olive oil. Local restaurants often prepare meaty specialities too, like the famous Krk lamb or various Kvarner fish, but the vegetarian pasta versions with a chilled glass of Žlahtina are a genuine gourmet treat.

Lukáš and Lucie recommend

Where to stay on Krk Island

4 accommodations — hotels, wellness hotels and other lodging options

⭐ TOP CHOICE 🏨 Hotel

Boutique Hotel Marina

Beautiful hotel in the center of Krk town, located right by the sea and offering perfect service and stunning views directly of the harbor with moored boats.

★★★★ Check prices

Check availability 🏖️ Beach

Corinthia Baška Sunny Hotel

Excellently equipped hotel in Baška with extensive pools, located just steps from the sea and the iconic long beach Vela plaža.

★★★★ Check prices

Check availability ⭐ Luxury

Hotel Vinotel Gospoja

Luxury hotel in Vrbnik that elegantly combines modern design with long winemaking tradition and offers some of the best views of the mainland.

★★★★ Check prices

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View all accommodations on Krk Island

Explore all available accommodation options on Krk Island and find the best one according to your preferences and budget.

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7. Klančić: squeezing through the narrowest street in the world

As you wander the shady stone lanes of ancient Vrbnik, you’re guaranteed to come across one very unusual — and for many, rather entertaining — tourist attraction. Here you’ll find an inconspicuous alley named Klančić, which guidebooks very often (and rightly) crown with the unofficial title of the narrowest street in the world.

At its absolute narrowest point between the old stone houses it measures an incredible 43 centimetres across, so getting through successfully requires a bit of physical agility and, for adults, sometimes a good amount of breathing in. No wonder it’s a hugely popular spot for funny holiday photos, with plenty of curious visitors grinning as they test whether they can squeeze through to the other side without getting stuck.

💡 Tip: This charming little alley is fairly well hidden in the confusing maze of the old town, so it may take you a while to find it among the winding lanes. Don’t be shy about asking the locals — they’re used to tourists and will happily point you in the right direction with a smile, perhaps even throwing in a funny story about stuck travellers.

8. Punat and the boat trip to Košljun islet

On the sheltered southwest of the island sits the peaceful town of Punat, well known among sailors thanks to its sprawling Puntarska draga bay and one of the largest and best-equipped marinas in the entire Adriatic region. But the real and utterly unique gem of this enclosed bay is the tiny green islet of Košljun, which covers just six hectares and sits picturesquely right in the middle of the calm water.

The whole round islet is a strictly protected nature reserve with more than five hundred species of rare plants, and its unmissable landmark is the historic Franciscan monastery dating back to 1447. The monks here still live quietly to this day and carefully look after fascinating museums, where you can view extensive ethnographic collections and a rare historic copy of the famous Ptolemy atlas.

💡 Tip: Getting to Košljun islet is genuinely very easy, because small excursion taxi boats regularly depart from the harbour promenade in Punat. The crossing across the calm bay takes only about eight to ten minutes, and a return ticket costs you around a friendly five to ten euros per person.

9. Malinska and Njivice for a laid-back holiday

If you’re after a slightly quieter, distinctly relaxing atmosphere on your holiday, the northwest coast with its popular family resorts of Malinska and Njivice is an absolutely ideal choice. These pleasant holiday towns have beautiful, long paved promenades stretching along the sea, which positively invite long evening strolls at sunset and endless lingering in cosy local cafés.

In Malinska itself you’ll find well-kept, clean beaches like Rova or Rupa, which rightly carry the prestigious Blue Flag award for excellent water quality. Also very popular among tourists and cyclists is the so-called Paradise Path (Rajska cesta), a beautiful six-kilometre coastal trail richly shaded by pines that smoothly links Malinska with neighbouring, peaceful Njivice.

💡 Tip: These popular resorts are strategically very close to Rijeka International Airport, which — as you may already know — doesn’t actually lie on the mainland but, surprisingly, right here on Krk Island near the ancient town of Omišalj, perched on an 85-metre cliff. From the arrivals hall you can reach the sea and your accommodation in just a few minutes’ drive, which is absolutely priceless after a flight.

10. Biserujka Cave and underground karst beauty

This sun-drenched island offers not only perfect swimming and ancient monuments but also some very interesting dark underground spaces for adventure seekers. Just by the picturesque village of Rudine, which falls under the municipality of Dobrinj and sits right above Soline bay, hides the fascinating Biserujka karst cave, with the first surviving written mentions dating all the way back to 1834.

This mysterious cave is roughly one hundred and ten metres long and made up of seven smaller underground chambers, incredibly richly adorned with dripstone formations, stunning stalactites and mighty stalagmites. The whole intricate underground space is now beautifully and sensitively lit, with a safe, well-maintained path running through it, so the tour is genuinely comfortable and completely effortless, even for families with young children.

💡 Tip: Underground, a steady and refreshing temperature of around fifteen degrees holds all year round, which makes the cave an absolutely perfect natural refuge from the scorching summer heat. Just don’t forget to pack at least a light hoodie in your daypack, so that after the sharp transition from thirty-degree heat outside into the humid cave environment you don’t needlessly catch a chill and spoil the rest of your holiday.

11. Wild beaches and coves around Stara Baška

For those of you who deliberately avoid busy, overcrowded town beaches on holiday, there’s the picturesque little village of Stara Baška on the more rugged southwest coast. This more deserted spot is the legendary, sought-after gateway to wild, completely undeveloped coves that have retained their natural, raw character to this day.

One of the most beautiful and photogenic beaches on the entire island, according to locals and travellers alike, is the stunning Oprna beach. There’s no convenient paved road leading down to it, though — just a fairly steep, dusty trail winding straight down from the main road to the cliffs. Your reward for the slightly more demanding, sweaty descent is absolutely crystal-clear water and gorgeous, completely uninterrupted panoramic views of the neighbouring islands across the way.

💡 Tip: On these remote wild beaches you’ll generally find absolutely no natural shade, no sunbed rentals and no stalls with chilled refreshments. So definitely pack plenty of drinking water for the whole day, your own parasol and, above all, sturdy water shoes, because getting into the sea over the sharp stones and rocks can be quite uncomfortable barefoot.

12. Cycling and exploring the island on two wheels

Krk Island is an absolute, genuine paradise for lovers of active holidays, because winding smoothly across it are roughly three hundred kilometres of very well-marked and maintained cycle paths. These varied routes safely guide you through centuries-old shady olive groves, dense fragrant forests and the utterly barren, fascinating lunar landscape that resembles the surface of another planet.

The crown jewel for more demanding, experienced cyclists is the local flagship route, around forty kilometres long. It usually starts in the south at Baška, climbs relentlessly across the parched lunar plateau mentioned earlier, scenically passes the fertile green vineyards with the renowned Žlahtina variety and ends grandly in historic Vrbnik. Just be prepared for a total elevation gain of around one thousand metres, so conquering it requires genuinely decent fitness — or at least a well-charged, quality e-bike.

💡 Tip: In spring the island regularly hosts a very popular mass event called Krk Bike Story, which brilliantly combines competitive cycling with a relaxed taste of the local island gastronomy. If you arrive on the island without your own bike, don’t worry — you can very easily rent one in every larger resort, as the modern local rental shops are genuinely well and generously equipped for tourists.

Where to go next from Krk Island

Thanks to its strategic location, Krk is an absolutely ideal base for exploring the surrounding area. Since the bridge to the mainland is completely free, you can easily plan trips to nearby bustling Rijeka or explore the whole gorgeous Kvarner region in detail, which we wrote about in our article on the journey through the Julian Alps to Zadar.

If you’re tempted to explore more islands and experience the real Croatia by boat, head to the busy port of Valbiska on the west coast of Krk. From here, reliable ferries run by the national company Jadrolinija regularly sail to two interesting neighbouring islands.

The crossing to the large island of Cres into the port of Merag takes about twenty-five minutes, and you’ll pay roughly €29.50 for a car. If you head to the popular sandy island of Rab into the port of Lopar, the journey takes about eighty minutes and the price for a car is around €45.70, with off-season prices typically about twenty percent lower. Always check the current timetables carefully in advance on the official website. If you’re still looking for inspiration for the whole trip, take a look at our general article on where to go on holiday in Croatia or browse our tips on accommodation in Croatia in detail.

Frequently asked questions

If you’re dreaming of a summer beach holiday or a spring road trip in search of incredible food, Istria, Croatia is a sure bet. This largest Croatian peninsula, sitting between the Gulf of Trieste and the Kvarner Bay, offers a truly unique blend of cultures that will charm you in an instant. Along the coast you’ll find historic towns with Venetian architecture, while inland a rolling landscape of vineyards, olive groves, and medieval hilltop villages awaits.

Thanks to this very interior, Istria is often nicknamed the Croatian Tuscany, and it’s safe to say the comparison is well deserved. The local atmosphere is heavily shaped by Italian culture, something you’ll notice not only in the outstanding cuisine but also in the official bilingualism of the coastal towns. You’ll commonly see signs in both Croatian and Italian, so don’t be surprised when a sign points you toward Rovigno instead of Rovinj.

In this article you’ll find 15 things to see and do in Istria so you can make the most of your holiday. I’ll tell you which towns you simply can’t miss, where to taste the best truffles, and which natural corners are worth exploring. We won’t forget practical info on getting around, choosing accommodation, and tips for the most beautiful beaches either.

TL;DR

• Most beautiful town: Rovinj is the absolute jewel of the peninsula — don’t miss its old town with narrow lanes and the dominant Church of St. Euphemia.
• History and antiquity: For Roman monuments head to Pula and its enormous ancient arena, while lovers of Byzantine art will appreciate the Euphrasian Basilica in Poreč.
• The magic of the interior: Visit the hilltop towns of Motovun, Grožnjan, and Hum, which offer gorgeous views, peace, and an artistic atmosphere.
• Foodie paradise: Istria is world-famous for its truffles and excellent olive oil — be sure to try the local fuži pasta and Malvazija wine.
• Natural wonders: In the south of the peninsula, explore the wild coastline of Cape Kamenjak nature park, and the Brijuni National Park is well worth a boat trip.
• Getting there: The easiest options from the UK are direct flights to Pula Airport, or a flight to Trieste or Venice followed by a short drive. On the peninsula itself you’ll use the Y-shaped motorway.
• Best time to visit: Spring and autumn are ideal for sightseeing and food, while summer is the obvious choice for swimming — just be ready for the crowds.

When to visit Istria

Choosing the perfect time depends mostly on what you want from your holiday. If your main goal is swimming in the sea and topping up your tan, go in July or August. Air temperatures during this period typically hover around 27 to 30 degrees, the sea is beautifully warm, but you’ll need to be prepared for beaches and historic towns packed with tourists.

For an active holiday full of day trips, May, June, or September are your best bets. Temperatures are very pleasant, usually between 19 and 24 degrees, which is ideal for sightseeing and cycling. By June and September you can usually swim without any problem, but you’ll avoid the peak summer rush and accommodation prices tend to be a touch friendlier.

If you’re mainly drawn by the local food scene, consider a visit in October. This is when the main season for the rarest white truffles peaks, and many inland villages host all sorts of culinary festivals. On top of that, the autumn landscape turns gorgeous warm hues, giving the Croatian Tuscany an incredibly romantic atmosphere.

Where to stay in Istria

💡 Tip for accommodation and experiences: We love searching for places to stay on Booking.com, which usually has the best cancellation policies. For tickets, tours, and activities, it pays to compare and book through GetYourGuide.

Istria offers a huge range of options, so there’s something for every type of traveller. If you’re after romance and don’t mind paying extra for a prime location, stay right in Rovinj or its immediate surroundings. Families, on the other hand, often head for the area around Poreč or the Zelena Laguna resorts, where you’ll find perfect infrastructure, beaches with a gentle slope into the sea, and plenty of kids’ entertainment programmes.

For those wanting to combine swimming with ancient history and wild nature, Pula or the more southerly Medulin and Premantura make a great base. From there, the stunning Cape Kamenjak is just a short hop away. Lovers of peace, wine, and good food should consider staying inland, where you’ll find gorgeous stone villas with pools and authentic agritourism estates surrounded by olive groves.

Here are a few specific accommodation picks you can easily book through Booking:

• Hotel Lone in Rovinj is a design five-star hotel set right next to the Zlatni Rt forest park. It offers top-class wellness facilities and beautiful pools, making it an ideal choice for a luxurious couples’ getaway.
• Boutique Hotel Kaštel sits right at the top of the hill in historic Motovun. If you want to experience the authentic atmosphere of the interior, soak up views over the Mirna river valley, and taste truffles, you’ll be thrilled here.
• Maistra Select Amarin Resort just outside Rovinj is absolutely fantastic for families. You’ll find spacious apartments, several pools, and a pebble beach, plus a regular water taxi runs from here into central Rovinj.

15 things to see and do in Istria

Let’s take a look together at the very best this diverse peninsula has to offer. Whether you love wandering through narrow lanes, hunting for the most beautiful beaches, or looking forward to unforgettable culinary experiences, the following places shouldn’t be missing from your itinerary.

1. Rovinj and the Church of St. Euphemia

Rovinj is without doubt the most photogenic and romantic town in all of Istria. Its old town spreads across a peninsula that was originally an island, connected to the mainland only in the 18th century. Houses here literally rise straight out of the sea, and the narrow cobbled lanes instantly transport you back in time, so you’ll feel more like you’re in a miniature Venice than in Croatia.

The town’s biggest landmark is the Baroque Church of St. Euphemia, perched right at the top of the hill. This 18th-century building houses a sarcophagus with the relics of the town’s patron saint, which according to legend floated in by sea around the year 800. Entry to the church itself is free, but for around €4 you can climb the 60-metre bell tower — a faithful copy of the campanile of St. Mark’s in Venice — and enjoy a breathtaking view over the nearby archipelago.

On the way up to the church, be sure to walk along the famous Grisia Street, lined with little galleries, studios, and ceramic shops. On the second Sunday of every August, this street transforms into a huge open-air exhibition that draws artists from far and wide. Don’t forget to also take in the 17th-century Balbi Arch and soak up the atmosphere in the picturesque fishing harbour, full of traditional boats called batana.

💡 Tip: Cars are banned from the old town, so park at one of the car parks on the edge of the centre. In high season I recommend arriving really early in the morning to avoid the queues and find a free spot.

2. Zlatni Rt Forest Park (Punta Corrente)

Just about a 15-minute walk south of central Rovinj lies the gorgeous Zlatni Rt forest park, also known as Punta Corrente. This protected nature park covering 52 hectares was established back in the late 19th century and offers the perfect escape from the summer heat. You’ll find dense stands of pines, cypresses, and even exotic trees like cedars and ginkgo biloba.

The park is fringed by beautiful coves with pebble and rocky beaches, the most famous being Lone and Škaraba bays. The water here is incredibly clear and turquoise, making the park an ideal spot for a full day of swimming and snorkelling. Thanks to the tall trees, you’ll always find shade easily, so you can even do without a parasol.

Beyond swimming, Zlatni Rt is a paradise for active relaxation. The whole park is laced with wide gravel paths that are perfect for cycling, running, or long walks with a pram. If you enjoy a bit of adrenaline, you’ll even find a former quarry here that today serves as a popular free-climbing spot, with routes of varying difficulty right above the sea.

💡 Tip: Rent a bike in Rovinj and ride the whole coastline of the park all the way to the cape — it’s a great way to discover smaller, more secluded coves where you’ll have more privacy while swimming.

3. Poreč and the Euphrasian Basilica

The town of Poreč has preserved its original Roman urban layout to this day, so you’ll stroll along the main streets of Decumanus and Cardo, just as the ancient Romans did. At the end of the old town you can admire the remains of the ancient Marafor forum and the ruins of the temples of Neptune and Mars. But Poreč is known worldwide above all for one truly exceptional monument.

That is the early Byzantine Euphrasian Basilica from the 6th century, added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1997. This complex was built by Bishop Euphrasius, and its greatest treasure is the breathtaking golden mosaics in the main apse. These mosaics depict the Virgin Mary with angels and the bishop himself presenting her with a model of the church, and they rank among the most precious examples of Byzantine art in Europe.

Admission to the whole complex costs around €10 (students usually get a discount) and includes not only a tour of the basilica itself but also the adjacent bishop’s palace, the museum, and a climb up the bell tower. From the top you’ll enjoy a beautiful view over the red rooftops of the old town and the blue sea. In summer it’s open until late evening, but bear in mind that the complex is usually closed to tourists on Sundays and holidays.

💡 Tip: In and around Poreč you’ll also find a huge number of popular holiday resorts, such as Lanterna or Zelena Laguna, which boast beautiful beaches awarded the Blue Flag for cleanliness and quality of service.

4. Pula and its imposing arena

Pula is the largest town on the entire Istrian peninsula, and its atmosphere is markedly different from the charming lanes of Rovinj. This city breathes deep ancient history, and its absolute landmark is the staggering Roman amphitheatre, known simply as the Arena. Built in the 1st century AD, it is one of the six largest surviving Roman arenas in the world and is remarkably well preserved.

Admission to the amphitheatre comes to roughly €10, and you can explore not just the arena floor where gladiators once fought but also the extensive underground spaces. Today the arena comes alive with culture, hosting spectacular summer concerts and a famous film festival. Opening hours vary by month, but in July and August you can visit from 8 a.m. until as late as 11 p.m.

Beyond the arena, Pula offers other significant ancient monuments. As you stroll through the centre you definitely won’t miss the elegant Temple of Augustus on the main square, the richly decorated Arch of the Sergii, or the ancient Hercules Gate. The city feels lively and a little more industrial, but for history lovers a visit is an absolute must.

💡 Tip: If this ancient city has caught your interest and you’d like to learn more details, read our separate article dedicated purely to what to see in Pula.

5. Motovun and the truffle forests

When you head from the coast toward the interior, the landscape changes dramatically into green hills and vineyards. On one of the highest hills, rising steeply above the Mirna river valley, sits the gorgeous fortified town of Motovun. Preserved stone walls run around the entire town, and for a small fee you can walk along them and admire panoramic views in every direction.

But Motovun is famous above all for something hidden deep in the forests below it. The dense Motovun Forest is one of the world’s best sources of truffles. This damp habitat forms the so-called truffle triangle between the towns of Pazin, Buje, and Buzet, where gourmets from all over Europe gather each year. In the local restaurants you can savour fresh truffles in countless forms, and at prices a touch friendlier than in Italy or France.

The town also thrives on culture — for many years it hosted the prestigious Motovun Film Festival. It’s worth noting, however, that since 2023 this festival has moved to the Gorski Kotar region and changed its name, so if you were heading to Motovun primarily for the films, it’s best to check the current details and location in advance. Even without the festival, though, this place has incredible charm.

💡 Tip: You can’t drive all the way into the historic centre. You’ll have to park in the car park below the hill and either tackle the fairly steep climb on foot or use the local shuttle bus.

6. Grožnjan, the town of artists

Not far from Motovun lies another stunning hilltop town called Grožnjan. While Motovun smells of truffles, Grožnjan smells of paint and canvas and breathes incredible artistic energy. This town was almost abandoned in the mid-20th century, but in the 1960s a group of artists discovered it and began restoring the crumbling old houses, turning them into their studios.

Today Grožnjan is rightly called the “town of artists,” and in its narrow stone lanes you’ll find dozens of small galleries, craft shops, and independent boutiques. You can simply wander here for hours, watch the masters at work, and pick up truly original, high-quality souvenirs — from handmade jewellery to beautiful ceramics.

During summer the town also comes alive with music workshops and festivals. The sound of piano, violin, and jazz bands drifts into the streets through the open windows of the old houses, creating an utterly magical backdrop. Sitting in a little café with a view over the surrounding vineyards while listening to live music is the kind of experience you simply don’t forget.

💡 Tip: Grožnjan is very small, two hours will be plenty to explore it, so it’s ideal to combine your visit with a trip to nearby Motovun or Buzet in a single afternoon.

7. Hum and Buzet: the smallest town in the world and the truffle capital

If you love curiosities, you mustn’t miss Hum on your road trip. This charming spot proudly holds the title of the smallest town in the world, as just around 20 permanent residents live here. Despite its tiny size, you’ll find everything a proper town should have — town walls, a gate, a little church, and even a traditional tavern called a konoba where you can taste local specialities.

Hum is also closely tied to the Glagolitic script, an old Slavic alphabet. The famous Glagolitic Alley leads to it — a 7-kilometre trail starting in the village of Roč, lined with eleven large stone monuments dedicated to this script. In Hum itself, don’t forget to try the local speciality called biska, a traditional mistletoe-herb liqueur made to an ancient recipe.

About 14 kilometres from Hum lies the considerably larger Buzet, which proudly calls itself the “town of truffles”. If you arrive in September, you can experience the spectacular Subotina festival, whose highlight is the preparation of a giant omelette made from thousands of eggs and a hefty dose of fresh truffles right on the main square. It’s a great chance to taste this pricey delicacy in a relaxed and festive atmosphere.

💡 Tip: Around Buzet you’ll find a number of family farms and companies that organise truffle hunts. You can head into the forest with specially trained dogs and experience the fascinating process of finding these underground mushrooms firsthand.

Lukáš and Lucie recommend

Where to Stay in Istria

4 accommodations — hotels, resorts and other lodging options

⭐ TOP CHOICE ⭐ Luxury

Hotel Lone

A designer five-star hotel located right next to the Zlatni rt forest park. It offers top-notch wellness facilities and beautiful pools, making it an ideal choice for a luxury couple’s vacation.

★★★★★ Check prices

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Boutique Hotel Kaštel

Located right at the top of a hill in historic Motovun. If you want to experience the authentic atmosphere of the inland, enjoy views of the Mirna river valley and taste truffles, you’ll love it here.

★★★★ Check prices

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Maistra Select Amarin Resort

Located just outside Rovinj and absolutely fantastic for families with children. You’ll find spacious apartments, several pools and a pebble beach, plus regular water taxis run from here to the center of Rovinj.

★★★★ Check prices

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View all accommodations in Istria

Explore all available accommodation options in Istria and find the best one according to your preferences and budget.

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8. Istrian gastronomy: truffles, olive oil, and wine

Istria is an absolute paradise for everyone who loves good food and drink. As you already know, truffles are the local treasure. The most expensive white truffles (tuber magnatum) are in season from September to January, peaking in October, while the less aromatic black truffles grow from May to September. They’re most often served grated over traditional hand-made pasta known as fuži or pljukanci — combined with egg or mushrooms, it makes an utterly perfect vegetarian dish.

Another huge draw is the local olive oil. Istria has repeatedly been named the world’s best olive-growing region by the international Flos Olei guide, leaving even the famous regions of Italy and Spain behind. There are dozens of internationally awarded producers here, and I really recommend stopping at one of the family-run olive estates for a tasting, where you’ll discover the enormous difference between fresh premium oil and the supermarket variety.

Excellent local wine is an inseparable part of good food in Istria. The best-known white variety is Malvazija Istarska, which is dry, pleasantly citrusy, and mineral — ideal for hot summer days. Among the reds, the robust and full-bodied Teran reigns supreme. Also worth a mention are the hearty vegetable soup maneštra and traditional dishes made from the local long-horned cattle called boškarin, fish, and dry-cured ham (pršut), which you’ll see on the menu of just about every konoba.

💡 Tip: If you want to buy quality wine straight from the source, visit well-known wineries such as Kozlović in Momjan or Kabola, where the wine matures in amphorae buried in the ground — adding a very unusual dimension to the tour and tasting.

9. Brijuni National Park

The Brijuni archipelago, lying just off the coast near the town of Fažana, is a fascinating place with a very unusual history. It consists of 14 islands in total, of which the largest, Veliki Brijun, is open to the public. This island served for decades as the summer residence of Yugoslav president Tito, who received statesmen and celebrities from around the world here — something the local exhibitions still recall today.

On the island you’ll find a truly unexpected mix of attractions. There’s a sprawling safari park, created thanks to animals gifted by foreign delegations — so you might come across elephants, zebras, or llamas grazing freely in the Croatian countryside. You can also admire the remains of a luxurious Roman villa from the 1st century, Byzantine fortifications, and even a beautifully maintained golf course.

You can only reach Brijuni via an organised boat trip from the harbour in Fažana. The basic package — including a return boat ticket, a roughly hour-long ride on the tourist train around the island, a visit to the safari and the local museums — costs around €35 in season. The whole trip takes about 4 hours and offers a completely different perspective on Croatian history.

💡 Tip: The boats from Fažana are often sold out in the summer months, so reserve your tickets and sailing time well in advance online directly on the national park’s official website. Various boat trips can also be booked easily through portals like GetYourGuide.

10. Lim Bay (Lim Fjord)

Although it’s often called the Lim Fjord, geologically it’s a flooded river valley, or canyon. This roughly 10-kilometre-long, very narrow bay cuts deep into the mainland between the towns of Rovinj and Vrsar. Its steep banks are densely wooded and the whole area feels incredibly calm and almost Nordic, in sharp contrast to the bustling coast.

The water in the bay has a specific composition, as salty seawater mixes with freshwater springs, creating ideal conditions for farming oysters and mussels. You’ll see the breeding beds right on the surface, and on the shore you’ll find several renowned fish restaurants where gourmets flock for the freshest seafood. The bay also hides a famous pirate cave that tempts you to explore.

The most beautiful view of Lim Bay opens up from the deck of a boat. Plenty of excursion boats set sail daily from the harbours in Rovinj or Vrsar, taking you on a roughly four-hour cruise through the entire canyon with a few swimming stops. If you’re travelling by car, you can stop at several proper viewpoints along the road, where you’ll get the best panoramic photos.

💡 Tip: The whole Lim Bay area is a strictly protected nature reserve, so free swimming outside designated spots is prohibited, and likewise motorboats and jet skis are banned, which guarantees wonderful peace and quiet.

11. Cape Kamenjak Nature Park

Right at the very southern tip of the Istrian peninsula, near the little village of Premantura, lies one of Croatia’s most beautiful natural wonders — Cape Kamenjak. This protected nature park, covering roughly 14 square kilometres, offers more than 30 kilometres of stunning, wild, and rugged coastline. You’ll find 23 beaches and coves in total, alternating pebbles with dramatic rocky cliffs and turquoise water.

Kamenjak is an absolute paradise for lovers of active rest and adrenaline. Snorkelling fans will be in their element, as the water here is crystal clear, and so will those who love cliff jumping into deep water. The park is laced with a dense network of dirt tracks, making it the ideal spot for a full-day mountain-bike trip with plenty of swimming stops. Over 600 plant species grow here too, and with a bit of luck you might even spot the protected Mediterranean monk seal.

There’s an admission charge to the park, but you only pay for entry by motor vehicle. In high season, budget around €10 to €15 per car per day. If you decide to explore the park on foot or by bike, entry is completely free. Be sure to visit the iconic Safari Bar, built right in the dense reeds and offering fantastic refreshments in an unusual setting.

💡 Tip: In summer, long queues form at the entry toll gates, so buy your car entry ticket online in advance — you’ll save plenty of time and frustration waiting in the sun. You’ll find more details about visiting in our article on Kamenjak Nature Park.

12. Baredine Cave (Jama Baredine)

If you fancy a break from the scorching Croatian sun, head underground into the karst cave of Baredine. This geomorphological gem is located near the village of Nova Vas, just a few kilometres from Poreč. During the roughly 40-minute guided tour, you’ll descend on safe stairways to a depth of 60 metres, where a pleasant 14 degrees Celsius awaits.

The tour route leads you through five richly decorated halls full of stalactites and stalagmites of every shape and size. You’ll see beautiful stalactites, stalagmites, and mighty dripstone columns, some of which resemble a statue of the Virgin Mary or the Leaning Tower of Pisa. The cave is beautifully lit and the guides give commentary in several languages, so you’ll learn plenty of interesting facts about how this underground labyrinth formed.

At the very bottom of the cave, by a small underground lake, the biggest surprise awaits. A rare endemic amphibian, the olm, lives here — often nicknamed the “human fish” because of its pinkish skin. Admission to the cave, which is open from April to October, comes to €12 for adults, students pay €10, and children aged 5 to 15 get in for €8.50.

💡 Tip: A pleasant complex with a small tractor museum, a restaurant, and outdoor seating has been built around the cave itself, so you can easily spend a whole relaxed afternoon here even with small children.

13. The coastal towns of Umag and Novigrad

On the north-western coast of Istria lie the towns of Umag and Novigrad, which often serve as the first stop for travellers arriving from the north, as they sit closest to the Slovenian border. Umag is a modern resort known above all for sport — it hosts the prestigious ATP Croatia Open tennis tournament every year. The town boasts large marinas full of luxury yachts and excellent facilities for an active holiday.

Novigrad, by contrast, is a little quieter and has retained the charm of a small fishing town. Its historic centre sits on a small peninsula and is still partly enclosed by preserved medieval walls, along which you can take a romantic stroll. The town is renowned for its top-class cuisine and is home to some of the best fish restaurants in all of Istria.

The two towns are linked by a beautiful coastal promenade, ideal for evening walks or a morning run. The beaches in this northern area are mostly concrete platforms or landscaped pebble coves with a gentle slope, which families with younger children will especially appreciate as they look for safe swimming without big waves.

💡 Tip: If the northern Istria area appeals to you and you’re thinking of staying there, check out our detailed guide, where we round up everything you can do in Umag.

14. Opatija and the Lungomare promenade

Even though Opatija sits right on the border between Istria and Kvarner, it definitely shouldn’t be missing from your travel list. This town is nicknamed the “Vienna by the sea” for good reason, as it instantly charms you with its noble atmosphere and gorgeous Habsburg villas. Opatija is in fact the oldest tourist resort in Croatia, where the Austro-Hungarian elite came to relax as far back as the 19th century.

The symbol of the town’s tourism origins is the beautiful Villa Angiolina from 1844, surrounded by a sprawling botanical park full of exotic plants from all over the world. Today the villa houses the fascinating Croatian Museum of Tourism, which charts the development of travel along the Adriatic coast. The whole town feels very elegant, well-kept, and luxurious, full of cafés and top-class hotels.

Opatija’s biggest draw, though, is the famous promenade known as the Lungomare. This paved pedestrian path runs right along the sea for an incredible 12 kilometres and connects the fishing village of Volosko, Opatija itself, and nearby Lovran. Strolling in the shade of century-old oaks and laurels with a constant view of the sea and majestic cliffs is an absolutely breathtaking experience.

💡 Tip: Along the Lungomare promenade you’ll come across plenty of beautiful spots, but be sure to photograph the statue of the Maiden with the Seagull, which stands on a rock right among the waves and has become the most famous symbol of all Opatija.

15. The most beautiful beaches in Istria

Istria isn’t a typical destination with long sandy beaches, but that doesn’t mean you won’t find gorgeous places to swim. The coast is made up mostly of romantic pebble coves, picturesque rocks, and occasional concrete piers, which guarantees incredibly clean and crystal-clear water. Another huge advantage is that many beaches are lined with fragrant pine groves, providing that much-needed natural shade.

So where do you find the very best beaches? The absolute top spots are the hidden rocky coves in Cape Kamenjak nature park, where you’ll feel like you’re on a deserted island. If you prefer better-equipped beaches, head to the resort of Rabac on the eastern coast, which boasts bright white pebbles and several Blue Flags for water quality. The Lone and Mulini coves right in Rovinj’s Zlatni Rt forest park also offer lovely swimming under the trees.

For families with children, the resort of Medulin is the absolute ideal. The local Bijeca beach is sandy and incredibly shallow, so children can safely wade and play in the warm water dozens of metres from the shore. Very popular and well-equipped beaches with a gentle slope and plenty of water attractions can also be found around Poreč, for example at Borik or Brulo beach.

💡 Tip: As beautiful as the pebble beaches are, they can be rather uncomfortable to walk on without water shoes. Be sure to pack a pair, along with a snorkel mask, since Istria’s rocky shores are perfect for snorkelling.

Where to go next from Istria

If you have more time to explore Croatia and don’t want to stay in just one place, Istria is a great springboard for further discovery. You can head further south to explore more of the coast or the islands. To get inspired, I recommend browsing our other detailed guides, which will help you with your planning.

• If you’re still undecided about a specific destination, read our article on where to go on holiday in Croatia, where we break down the pros of each region.
• Wondering how it works with accommodation? We’ve got plenty of tips on accommodation in Croatia, from campsites to luxury hotels.
• And if you’d like to experience the sea from a completely different perspective, we’ve put together a guide on how to enjoy Croatia by boat, even without any previous sailing experience.

Frequently asked questions

As you approach Pag Island in Croatia from the mainland, you might feel like you’re landing on another planet. The bare, sharply carved white landscape without a single plant looks unbelievably mystical. Pag is the fifth largest island in Croatia and boasts the longest coastline of them all, hiding hundreds of gorgeous coves and beaches.

This island is full of extremes and contrasts that will keep you fascinated. On one side you’ll find the legendary Zrće Beach packed with music clubs, while on the other lie quiet historic alleys and centuries-old cheese-making traditions. So within a single holiday, you can experience both a wild party and a complete escape from civilisation into untamed nature.

I’ve put together a detailed guide focusing on what matters most. You’ll discover where to find the most beautiful hidden beaches, where to head for the best sheep’s cheese, and how to actually get to the island. Let’s take a look at everything you need to know before you go.

TL;DR

• Lunar landscape: Thanks to the powerful bura wind, the eastern side of the island is completely bare and resembles the surface of the Moon.
• Croatia’s Ibiza: Zrće Beach near the town of Novalja is the heart of European party tourism, with open-air clubs.
• Cultural heritage: The town of Pag offers a peaceful atmosphere, historic alleys and the famous Pag lace listed by UNESCO.
• World-famous cheese: Paški sir is a hard sheep’s cheese that gets its unique flavour from herbs and salt carried on the sea wind.
• Getting to the island: You can reach the south conveniently via the free Pag Bridge, while the fast Prizna–Žigljen ferry runs to the north.
• Hidden beaches: Beyond the busy resorts, the island conceals wild coves such as Beritnica and Ručica, among the most beautiful in Croatia.

When to visit Pag Island

Choosing the right time is absolutely key when visiting Pag, and it mostly depends on what you actually expect from your holiday. The main summer season runs from June to September, when the whole island springs fully to life and becomes one of the busiest places in all of Croatia. If loud music and huge festivals are your thing, come in July or August, when Zrće Beach is in full swing and the thermometer regularly hits a tropical 35°C in the shade.

For a quieter holiday and exploring the wild nature, late May and early June are absolutely ideal, as is the whole of sunny September. In September the sea is still beautifully warm after the long summer, yet the crowds have long since vanished and you’ll have plenty of that longed-for privacy on the pebble beaches. In autumn the island also hosts various local food festivals and the much-loved olive harvest begins, which is hugely charming and gives you a glimpse into the everyday life of the locals.

When planning your stay, you absolutely have to reckon with one unique local phenomenon that fundamentally shapes life on the island. Pag is regularly lashed by the bura, an extremely strong and cold wind that drops from the monumental mainland Velebit range straight onto the sea surface. In winter months its gusts can exceed 200 km/h, and occasionally, for safety reasons, the main Pag Bridge is temporarily closed because of it, so the only way to reach the island is then by ferry.

Where to stay on Pag Island

💡 Tip for accommodation and experiences: We love searching for places to stay on Booking.com, which usually has the best cancellation terms. For tickets, tours and activities, it pays to compare and book through GetYourGuide.

The decision about the right accommodation will shape your entire holiday, because the island is figuratively split into two completely different and distinctive parts. The northern part around the busy town of Novalja mainly attracts young people, party enthusiasts and lovers of endless nightlife. The southern part around the historic town of Pag, on the other hand, is very peaceful and is the ideal choice for families with younger children or loved-up couples seeking undisturbed seaside romance.

If you want to stay right in the middle of the action and just a short hop from the famous Zrće Beach, a great choice is the modern Liberty Plaza right in Novalja. This stylish complex offers gorgeous views over the open sea, perfect walking distance to the town centre with its restaurants, and tastefully furnished rooms. Most accommodation in this area is easy to book through Booking, but I warmly recommend doing so several months in advance, since in summer Novalja is hopelessly sold out well ahead of time.

For those of you who prefer a more historic atmosphere and long for quiet evenings, the town of Pag itself is a far better choice. A gorgeous, undisturbed stay is promised by the family-run Boutique Hotel Intermezzo, located just a short stroll from the old Renaissance centre, with a very personal and warm approach to all its guests. If you head a little further from the centre towards the quiet coves, you’ll find the very popular Hotel Belveder, where you’ll enjoy fantastic peace and a private beach reserved just for hotel guests.

12 things to see and do on Pag Island

The island offers an endless range of experiences for every type of traveller. I’ve put together a list of twelve places that will show you Pag in all its variety.

1. The fascinating lunar landscape

Looking out from the mainland, you’ll be treated to a view you simply won’t see anywhere else in Croatia, and it might catch you a little off guard at first. The eastern side of the island facing the Velebit range is utterly barren and stony, so at sunset it really does resemble, down to the smallest detail, the inhospitable surface of the Moon. This unique natural phenomenon is caused by the very same dreaded bura wind, which brings huge amounts of salty sea mist from the Velebit Channel and batters the coast with incredible force.

This aggressive salty spray literally scorches almost all ordinary vegetation on this side of the island, leaving behind nothing but bare white rocks. Only the toughest and hardiest plants survive here, mainly aromatic sage, yellow-flowering immortelle and wild island fennel. These unassuming herbs give the whole island a beautiful and highly distinctive spicy scent that you’ll be sure to catch within seconds of stepping out of the car.

I definitely recommend taking time for a slow drive along the eastern coast and stopping at one of the many viewpoints along the winding road. The contrast of bright white stone and the deep blue Adriatic Sea is an absolute paradise for keen photographers. Over the centuries, the locals have also threaded this harsh, inhospitable landscape with hundreds of kilometres of dry stone walls, cleverly used to divide the meagre pastures for the ever-present sheep.

💡 Tip: You’ll capture the best photos of the lunar landscape early in the morning or in the late afternoon, when the lowering sun casts beautiful long shadows across the rocks. During the day, the light reflects very harshly off the white stone and photos often come out overexposed.

2. Zrće Beach and the town of Novalja

The town of Novalja is without doubt the liveliest and loudest spot on the entire island, and the adjacent Zrće Beach is the main reason hundreds of thousands of young people from all over Europe head here every summer. This long pebble beach is rightly nicknamed Croatia’s Ibiza, because it’s home to the best open-air clubs, where life pulses 24 hours a day and electronic music blasts from literally every direction.

If you’re planning to visit in 2026, you need to be aware of one absolutely major change on the local club scene that surprised many fans. The famous NOA Beach Club was permanently closed and completely dismantled in February 2026, even though it had until recently ranked among the world’s ten best clubs. But don’t worry that you’ll miss out on a great party, because legendary venues such as Papaya, Aquarius and Kalypso are still going strong after recent extensive renovations, and modern new clubs like Symbol and Lift are opening too.

Throughout the long summer, the beach hosts a rotation of huge music festivals focused mainly on quality techno and EDM. Among the best-known and most-visited are the Sonus, DropZone and the popular Lunar festivals, which draw enthusiastic fans from around the world. If you’re interested in the exact dates of these summer festivals, be sure to keep an eye on the official site zrce.com, where you’ll always find the most up-to-date information and can safely buy your tickets right there.

💡 Tip: Reliable, regular night buses run from the centre of Novalja to the clubs at Zrće, so you can leave your car parked at your accommodation without a worry and fully enjoy a night of dancing.

3. The historic town of Pag

As a complete and very welcome contrast to the endlessly busy Novalja stands the island’s own main town. The town of Pag is a true oasis of calm and deep history, home to just over two thousand permanent residents who are in no rush at all. Its present-day form dates back to the mid-fifteenth century, and the whole town was cleverly built to a strict Renaissance plan, so you certainly won’t get lost in its logically arranged streets.

On a slow walk through the historic centre, you’ll come across beautifully preserved stone houses, cosy little cafés and remnants of the mighty old walls that once protected the town. The heart of the whole town is the spacious main square with its gorgeous Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, where local families and curious tourists naturally gather every summer evening. The whole town radiates a very slow and pleasantly relaxing atmosphere that immediately makes you slow down and soak up that southern calm.

Don’t forget to stroll along the beautifully maintained seafront promenade, which offers a stunning view over the whole bay and the surrounding bare hills. An evening walk along the softly lit harbour is one of the most romantic experiences you can take home from an island holiday. Throughout the summer, smaller cultural events, music performances and popular markets selling traditional local products are also held here very often.

💡 Tip: The town of Pag is an absolutely great base for your daily trips, as it lies just a short distance from the main bridge connecting the island to the nearby mainland.

4. The famous Pag lace (UNESCO)

This varied island is by no means only about wild nature and sun-drenched beaches; it also rightly boasts a globally unique craft. Pag lace is so exceptional that in 2009 it was proudly inscribed on the UNESCO list of intangible heritage, alongside the famous laces of Hvar Island and the northern Croatian town of Lepoglava. It’s an incredibly intricate needlepoint lace whose rich tradition reaches all the way back to the sixteenth century and the meticulous local Benedictine nuns.

Making a single small piece of this fine lace takes even the most skilled lacemaker several long months of daily painstaking work. The complex pattern is never sketched out on paper; instead, the local women create it purely from memory and pass this rare skill down from generation to generation, as they have done for hundreds of years. Every finished piece is therefore a complete and utterly unrepeatable original, carrying within it a piece of the island’s history.

When you wander through the old town of Pag in the early evening, you’ll surely see older local women sitting on chairs in front of their houses, patiently stitching more intricate patterns. You can buy genuine Pag lace directly from them, which is unquestionably the best and most authentic souvenir from your summer travels. You can also visit a small specialist lace gallery right in the town centre, where you’ll see the most intricate historic patterns from past centuries with your own eyes.

💡 Tip: Watch out for suspiciously cheap imitations in ordinary souvenir shops. Real handmade lace may be pricier, but you’re taking home a genuine work of art of priceless value.

5. The ancient salt pans and the Salt Museum

The traditional production of high-quality sea salt shaped the island’s complex history and overall wealth for many long centuries, and its influence is evident at every turn. Solana Pag spreads across an impressive area of nearly two million square metres and is the largest functioning salt works in all of Croatia. Historical written records of organised salt harvesting here date back as far as the tenth century, which proves its enormous significance.

The production of this valuable commodity is closely tied to the incredibly clean sea, the high number of sunny days per year and the constant drying wind. Since 2019, Pag salt has held the prestigious European Union protected geographical indication, clearly confirming its top culinary quality and unique composition full of healthy minerals. To this day, much of the total production is obtained by traditional natural evaporation in cascading shallow pools.

Right on the edge of the town of Pag you’ll find the old stone salt warehouses, the so-called “magazines”, which are today a protected and highly unique technical monument. One of these enormous historic warehouses now houses the modern Salt Museum, where you’ll learn everything about the history of salt harvesting, the intricate processes and its fundamental importance to the locals, all in an engaging way. A short distance away, a little shop sells the finest coarse salt to take home to your kitchen.

💡 Tip: The salt pans are best seen from the panoramic viewpoint above the town of Pag on the way towards nearby Zadar. From up high they look like a giant watery chessboard lying on the calm surface of the bay.

6. Pag cheese, the king of island gastronomy

If there’s one single thing you simply must taste on the island, it’s undoubtedly the phenomenal local sheep’s cheese. Paški sir is by far the most famous Croatian cheese and has won countless gold medals at the most prestigious culinary competitions in the world. Just like the renowned local salt, this exceptional cheese has held a European Union protected designation of origin since 2019.

Behind its phenomenal and very bold flavour, once again, lies the harsh island nature and the relentless bura wind that coats everything in salt. The Pag sheep graze on bare, stony pastures covered with salty mist and aromatic herbs, above all wild sage. This unique, nutrient-rich diet is naturally reflected in the extraordinary quality and flavour of the milk, from which the hard cheese is then made, maturing for at least sixty days in dark cellars.

The best place for a proper tasting is the small family cheese dairies, found mainly in the hilly surroundings of the village of Kolan. At a traditional tasting, the sliced cheese is served with fresh crusty bread, homemade olive oil and excellent local wine, which together create a perfect harmony of flavours. I warmly recommend buying at least a small wedge of this gastronomic treasure to take home, even though it’s undoubtedly one of the pricier delicacies.

💡 Tip: Remember that the longer the cheese matures, the harder, spicier and, logically, the more expensive it is. Younger cheese, on the other hand, is much milder and pairs beautifully with lighter summer white wines from the local vineyards.

Lukáš and Lucie recommend

Where to stay on Pag Island

4 accommodations — hotels and other lodging options

⭐ TOP CHOICE 🏨 Hotel

Liberty Plaza

Stylish complex in Novalja with stunning open sea views, perfect walking distance to the center with restaurants and very tastefully furnished rooms. Ideal for those who want to stay right in the center of the action and be close to the famous Zrće beach.

★★★★ Check prices

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Boutique Hotel Intermezzo

Family hotel just a short distance from the old Renaissance center of Pag town, offering a very personal and warm approach to all guests. Ideal for those who prefer a historical atmosphere and desire peaceful evenings.

★★★★ Check prices

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Hotel Belveder

Very popular hotel a bit further from Pag town center towards quiet bays, where you can fully enjoy fantastic peace and appreciate the private beach reserved exclusively for hotel guests.

★★★★ Check prices

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View all accommodations on Pag Island

Explore all available accommodation options on Pag Island and find the best one according to your preferences and budget.

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7. Traditional Pag lamb

Closely linked to the extensive grazing of free-roaming sheep is another great speciality of island cuisine, much sought after by lovers of traditional meat dishes. Pag lamb (paška janjetina) even holds its own protected status and has long ranked among the most sought-after culinary delicacies in the entire country. Its great secret lies in exactly the same natural principle as the famous sheep’s cheese.

Young lambs up to forty-five days old drink exclusively the nutritious milk of ewes that graze on local herbs heavily salted by the sea wind from Velebit. Thanks to this specific environment, the meat has an incredibly tender texture, and chefs say it needs no complicated seasoning or lengthy marinating at all. The renowned local restaurants most often prepare it very simply, with just a little coarse sea salt and a drop of quality olive oil.

The most traditional method of island preparation is very slow roasting, either whole on a spit or under a heavy iron bell called a peka, into which potatoes are added. This local speciality is most in demand during the spring months, when the meat is said to be at its most tender. For vegetarians and lovers of meat-free food, however, the island offers plenty of other great and hearty dishes, from delicious pizza and homemade pasta to fresh seasonal roasted vegetables topped with local sheep’s cheese.

💡 Tip: If someone in your group is keen to taste the most authentic version of this dish, seek out the traditional konobas — small family restaurants tucked away in the island’s interior, far from the tourist centres.

8. Beautiful Ručica Beach near Metajna

The whole island hides plenty of beautiful coves, but the locals themselves very often single out the pebble beach of Ručica as the most beautiful and photogenic of them all. It lies near the picturesque little village of Metajna and offers a perfect escape from the noisy world. You can reach the beach by car through a very interesting and completely deserted landscape, and you can park in a designated spot just a few dozen metres from the sea itself.

Ručica is made up of a pleasant mix of coarse sand and small light-coloured pebbles, which contrast sharply with the surrounding bare, parched hills. You’ll find no natural shade or tall trees here, so you absolutely must bring your own sturdy parasol, plenty of sunscreen and lots of drinking water. The crystal-clear water has an amazing turquoise colour, and thanks to the good visibility, it’s absolutely ideal for long snorkelling sessions along the rocks.

Over the past few years this beach has gained enormous popularity, and in peak summer season there are far more people here than before, but it still safely retains its rugged, wild charm. Taking photos in this deserted cove often looks like luxury shots from expensive travel brochures, because the surrounding stony scenery is utterly breathtaking. Don’t forget to bring comfortable water shoes — the pebbles on the seabed can be quite sharp in places.

💡 Tip: During the hot summer, a small makeshift stall with basic refreshments sometimes operates on the beach, but outside peak season you should bring all your food and drink supplies from your accommodation just to be safe.

9. Hidden and wild Beritnica Beach

Just over the next hill from the popular Ručica Beach lies one more, much larger and considerably harder-to-reach natural gem. The gorgeous Beritnica Beach is completely cut off from the outside world and ranks confidently among the most photogenic spots in all of Croatia. Its biggest and most unmistakable feature is the three mighty rock formations that rise majestically straight out of the shallow sea, just a few metres from the pebble shore.

You absolutely cannot reach this stunning beach by car, which is ultimately its greatest advantage and a guarantee of peace. You have to tackle roughly a thirty-minute hike directly from Ručica Beach across sharp stony hills, or rent a small boat with a captain in the nearby village. The path on foot follows the aptly named “Life on Mars” trail, which can be fairly demanding in the summer heat, so set off either early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

Your reward for the physical effort will be complete, undisturbed peace, an empty pebble beach and crystal-clear, waveless water. This remote cove is the perfect spot for all travellers who genuinely can’t stand overcrowded resorts and are deliberately seeking untouched wild nature. The strict rule applies here too: you must carry all your equipment and water supplies on your back, because there’s absolutely nothing built for miles around.

💡 Tip: If you enjoy sport climbing, the very popular and well-visited rock face of Stogaj rises directly above the beach, offering absolutely phenomenal views over the entire cove and the surrounding barren islands from the top.

10. The family-friendly Sveti Duh Beach

While the vast majority of beaches on this island are rather pebbly or downright stony with a steep drop, Sveti Duh Beach offers a very pleasant and safe change. This exceptionally long beach boasts a sandy-pebble bottom and a very gentle entry into the sea, which makes it an absolute paradise for families with small children and for non-swimmers. You’ll find it tucked away in the northern part of the huge, sheltered Bay of Pag.

Because the water here is really very shallow even several dozen metres from the shore, the sea warms up far faster and more intensely than anywhere else on the island. Younger children can play perfectly safely in the warm water and build endless castles out of fine gravel and sand, while you relax peacefully on a blanket and read a book. Right by the beach there’s also a popular campsite, so there are clean basic facilities and the chance for a quick bite to eat in the shade.

The beach is genuinely spacious beyond the norm, so even in the busiest August peak you can usually find a quiet spot for your big towel and parasol without much trouble. Straight from the shore, you also get a gorgeous, undisturbed view of the entire mainland Velebit range, which rises majestically high above the surface of the distant sea. Compared to the utterly wild Beritnica, this is simply a very civilised, safe and easily accessible spot for a laid-back afternoon.

💡 Tip: A smaller, peripheral part of this extensive beach is traditionally and long reserved for naturists. It’s always clearly and visibly marked with signs, so there’s no need to worry about accidentally wandering into the wrong section.

11. The historic Caska Beach near Novalja

Just about three very short kilometres from the constantly busy centre of Novalja lies a very interesting and spacious pebble beach called Caska. This deep cove offers a great compromise between the peace you crave and easy access to services, because you’ll find several pleasant beach bars for refreshment here, yet without the booming electronic music typical of neighbouring Zrće. A huge and not-to-be-overlooked advantage is the large paved car park, which is usually completely free for visitors.

Beyond the fantastic swimming in clean water, this particular spot is hugely fascinating from a rich historical perspective too. Right beneath the calm surface of the sea here lie the remains of the great ancient city of Cissa, which, according to legend, sank to the seabed during a mighty, devastating earthquake in the fourth century AD. If you bring quality diving goggles and swim slowly a little way from the shore, with a bit of luck you can spot the outlines of old walls and amphorae on the seabed.

What’s more, the whole beach is flanked on both sides by old half-ruined stone towers and romantic ruins, lending the whole place a very magical, ancient feel. The seabed here slopes fairly steeply and quickly into the depths, making it the ideal spot for more experienced swimmers who don’t enjoy endless wading through shallow water like at Sveti Duh Beach. The immediate surroundings of the cove are also crossed by several lovely, easy walking trails with amazing views of the open sea.

💡 Tip: The beach is so cleverly oriented geographically that only an absolute minimum of wind blows onto it from the mainland, so the sea here is almost always beautifully calm and as smooth as a mirror — something you’ll appreciate when swimming.

12. The hike up Mount Sveti Vid

If after a few days you grow tired of constantly lying by the sea and have a sporty spirit and a love of active holidays, the island offers surprisingly great hiking options too. The very highest point of this elongated island is the stony summit of Sveti Vid, rising to an impressive height of nearly 350 metres above sea level. On its windswept peak you’ll find just a small, abandoned stone chapel built back in the fourteenth century.

The route to this summit leads directly through the fascinating lunar landscape already mentioned and offers a truly amazing, unforgettable sporting experience. From the top, you’ll then enjoy the absolute best panoramic view over the entire rugged Bay of Pag, the historic town of Pag, the vast salt pans and the monumental mainland Velebit range stretching off into the distance. In really clear weather and good visibility, you can see all the way to the beautiful neighbouring islands of Rab, Lošinj and little Silba.

Two main, well-marked hiking trails lead to the summit, and you can choose between them according to your fitness. One is somewhat steeper and faster and starts near the village of Šimuni, while the other is gentler, longer and starts near the famous cheese-making town of Kolan. In the hot summer months it’s absolutely essential to set off on this demanding hike early in the morning at sunrise, because there’s no shade at all on the route and the sun reflects very strongly off the white rocks. Be sure to wear sturdy hiking boots, as loose stones can be unpleasantly slippery.

💡 Tip: Definitely remember to pack more than enough fluids and sunscreen in your backpack. On this entire bare hill there’s no natural spring, nor the slightest chance to buy drinking water along the way.

Where to go next from Pag Island

If you have more time on your holiday, Pag is a great base for exploring more of the Croatian coast. From the southern part of the island, you can cross the bridge straight into northern Dalmatia. I warmly recommend visiting nearby historic Zadar, famous for its sea organ and fantastic sunsets.

Wondering whether to choose a slightly different style of travel? Read our article about what it’s like to experience Croatia by boat, which lets you discover the most hidden coves without the crowds. If you’re still undecided about your final destination, you’ll find plenty of inspiration in our big guide on where to go on holiday in Croatia. And for tips on the best places to stay, check out our overview of tried-and-tested accommodation in Croatia.

Frequently asked questions

A Croatia road trip in your own car gives you incredible freedom, because you don’t have to rely on flight schedules and you can pack half your house into the boot if you fancy it. If you’re planning a summer holiday and wondering which way to head for the sun, a surprisingly relaxed journey awaits you — one that recent European changes have made even smoother. Proper preparation is absolutely essential, though, because pointless fines, endless queues or confusion at toll gates can really put a damper on the start of your holiday. I’ve put together a complete guide with a detailed comparison of routes, up-to-date information on motorway vignettes and practical tips for finding your way around the ports. Make yourself a good coffee and let’s plan your perfect summer road trip together.

TL;DR

• End of border checks: Croatia has been part of the Schengen Area since 2023, so you’ll no longer sit in long queues at the Slovenian and Hungarian borders.
• Transit vignettes: Driving through Austria, a ten-day vignette costs €12.80, a Slovenian weekly one comes to €16, and a Hungarian ten-day pass is roughly €18.
• Croatian tolls in 2026: The classic toll gates with barriers are still in operation, and you’ll pay an average of €7.50 per 100 kilometres for a car.
• Ferries and catamarans: If you’re heading to the islands with a car, you’ll need to book your Jadrolinija ferry ticket well in advance during the summer season, as spaces sell out fast.
• Pelješac Bridge: Travelling to the far south towards Dubrovnik, you no longer have to pass through the Bosnian corridor at Neum — instead you cross the new, toll-free bridge.
• Parking in cities: Historic centres of major cities are closed to cars or extremely pricey — in Dubrovnik you can easily pay over €10 for an hour of parking.

10 things you need to know

1. Two main driving routes

💡 Tip: Choosing the right route mainly depends on where you’re setting off from and exactly which destination you’re heading to.

If you’re driving to Croatia from the UK, most road-trippers cross the Channel and then head down through Germany, Austria and Slovenia — the classic and fastest approach. From the Channel you’ll aim for Munich, then continue past Graz and through the Slovenian city of Maribor until you reach Zagreb, where the A1 motorway takes you straight to the sea. Once you reach Zagreb, it’s roughly 750 kilometres onward, and reaching sunny Split takes over ten hours of driving (around 1,035 kilometres). If your goal is northern Istria or the Kvarner region, you’ll turn off already in Slovenia towards Ljubljana and drop down onto that picturesque peninsula via the Učka tunnel.

An alternative route through Hungary makes a lot of sense if you’re coming down the eastern side of Europe, saving both time and money. You’d head towards Budapest, then take the M7 motorway down to the Letenye border crossing, where you smoothly connect to the Croatian motorway network. The advantage of this route is not only the gentler terrain and the near-total absence of tunnels, but also the lower toll costs, since you only buy a single Hungarian transit vignette. So you can be sitting down for lunch in the Croatian capital and enjoying your first holiday coffee before you know it.

When planning, don’t forget regular breaks, because fatigue behind the wheel is genuinely treacherous on these long stretches and microsleep creeps up on you unnoticed. Along the Austrian and Hungarian motorways you’ll find well-equipped rest stops with clean toilets, where you can safely stretch your legs and perhaps grab a light vegetable sandwich or a fresh salad to recharge for the next few hundred kilometres.

2. Schengen and the end of border checks

💡 Tip: Before you set off, check that all your personal documents are valid, because random checks in border regions still take place.

Croatia joining the Schengen Area on 1 January 2023 is absolutely fantastic news for every motorist, and it saves hours of time and a whole lot of frustration. The dreaded border crossings at Macelj or Letenye, where in the summer heat you once sat in endless queues for hours, are now something you glide straight through without the slightest delay. No more rolling down windows, digging out passports that have slid under the seat and handing them to customs officers — you simply drive past the abandoned booths and carry on towards your holiday at motorway speed.

Although permanent border checks have been scrapped, that certainly doesn’t mean you can set off without any documents. Every traveller, including small children, must carry a valid passport or national ID card, because local police can carry out random checks anywhere inland or at motorway exits. As the driver you must of course have a valid driving licence, the vehicle registration document and a printed Green Card, which serves as international proof of insurance.

If you’re planning day trips outside the European Union during your holiday, for example to neighbouring Bosnia and Herzegovina or wild Montenegro, you won’t escape the classic border checks. Fairly long queues still form at these crossings during the summer months, so it’s best to plan any such excursions for the early morning hours, when traffic is a little calmer and the sun isn’t quite so scorching ☺️.

3. Transit vignettes and where to buy them

💡 Tip: Sort out all your vignettes comfortably from home through the official state e-shops to avoid overpriced commissions at petrol stations near the borders.

When driving through Austria you must have a valid vignette, which you can buy in purely digital form on the official website of ASFINAG. The ten-day version will cost you €12.80 in 2026, and a huge advantage is that the nonsensical 18-day consumer cooling-off period no longer applies, so the vignette becomes valid immediately after payment. Besides the standard vignette, don’t forget to check whether your particular route passes through any of the tolled Alpine tunnels, which charge a special section toll paid directly on the spot.

Slovenia uses a modern e-vignette system, which you buy most safely on the official DARS portal. For most ordinary cars you need category 2A, with a weekly vignette costing €16 and a monthly one €32 (an annual one is €117.50). If you’re heading to the coast for the classic two weeks, you’ll unfortunately need to buy either two weekly vignettes or one monthly one, which makes driving through Slovenia a bit pricier than Austria.

If you choose the route through Hungary, you’ll buy the electronic e-matrica vignette, sold exclusively on the nemzetiutdij.hu portal. A ten-day vignette for a car costs 6,900 forints, which is roughly €18. The system is very intuitive — you simply enter your vehicle’s registration plate and select the correct country of registration, and confirmation arrives in your inbox straight away.

4. Croatian tolls and the barrier system

💡 Tip: For a quicker passage, have some small euro notes or a payment card ready, or consider getting an ENC electronic device if you travel more often.

Croatia does not yet use the classic time-based vignette system — instead you pay for the kilometres you actually drive via toll gates. If you’ve read about a revolutionary barrier-free system, don’t be misled: during the 2026 summer season the classic barriers are still in place, so you’ll take a paper ticket from the machine when you join the motorway and pay an attendant or a machine when you exit. The new barrier-free Crolibertas system with cameras, for which foreigners will have to register in advance, is only planned to fully launch in March 2027, so this year be ready for the traditional stops.

The toll for an ordinary car (category I) averages around €7.50 per 100 kilometres, but remember that during the peak summer season (usually June to September) a surcharge of roughly ten per cent applies. If you drive the whole route from the Slovenian border via Zagreb down to sunny Split on the A1 motorway, budget around €26 in tolls for a single journey. You can pay in cash in euros, but it’s far more convenient and quicker to use an ordinary contactless card, which you just tap against the terminal.

If you go to Croatia regularly, or plan to travel a lot between the coastal towns during your holiday, getting an ENC device is worth it. This handy on-board unit lets you pass through dedicated toll lanes without stopping, and you also get around a 21 per cent discount on all charges. Starter packages with prepaid credit cost from around €60 and are available at selected HAC sales points.

5. Ferries and catamarans to the islands

💡 Tip: In high season, buy your car ferry ticket online well in advance, otherwise you may not fit onto the boat at all and end up spending half a day waiting.

Travel to Croatia’s magical islands is provided mostly by the state ferry company Jadrolinija, which operates an extensive and reliable network of lines along the entire coast. It’s very important to distinguish between a classic ferry, which carries cars and people, and a fast catamaran, which is intended solely for foot passengers. If you need to reach an island with your own vehicle, you must filter your search on the website or app exclusively for the large car ferries, otherwise you’ll buy a ticket for the wrong vessel.

The most popular routes, such as the crossing from Split to the port of Supetar on the island of Brač, take around fifty minutes and run fairly frequently in summer. A ticket for an adult costs around €6.50, but you’ll pay considerably more to transport a car — the amount often runs into several tens of euros depending on the size of the vehicle. Longer routes, say to the gorgeous island of Hvar (the crossing to Stari Grad takes over two hours) or distant Vis, are of course far more demanding on both wallet and time.

In the summer months it’s absolutely essential to arrive at the port at least an hour before departure, even if you’ve carefully bought your car tickets in advance. Cars are lined up in special lanes by destination, and boarding takes time and careful organisation by the port staff. Outside the main season the situation is much calmer and you can usually buy tickets on the spot at the kiosk by the pier without any problem.

6. Driving quirks and traffic rules

💡 Tip: Stick to the speed limits, because Croatian police are very uncompromising and fines are enforced on the spot with zero tolerance for excuses.

Driving in Croatia thankfully doesn’t differ much from driving elsewhere in Europe, though some details might surprise you and it’s worth being prepared. Speed limits are set at the usual 50 km/h in towns, 90 km/h outside built-up areas, 110 km/h on expressways and 130 km/h on motorways. Coastal roads, especially the famous and photogenic Adriatic Highway, are full of blind bends and steep drops, so it really doesn’t pay to rush anywhere — better to soak up the views of the turquoise sea.

The blood-alcohol limit for drivers in Croatia is set at 0.5 per mille, but with one huge exception that few tourists know about. For drivers under the age of 24 and all professionals the limit is absolute zero, so if you fall into that age group you’ll have to skip that evening glass of local wine. Mandatory vehicle equipment includes a warning triangle, a reflective vest for every passenger who gets out, and a first-aid kit — and it’s recommended to carry spare bulbs too, unless your car has modern LED headlights.

If a police patrol stops you for speeding, be prepared for the fact that fines are genuinely very high, ranging from seventy euros for a minor offence up to an unbelievable two thousand euros for the serious ones. Daytime running lights are only compulsory in the winter period, specifically from the last Sunday in October to the last Sunday in March, but for purely safety reasons I strongly recommend driving with lights on all year round.

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Where to stay in Croatia

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7. When is the best time to set off

💡 Tip: Avoid travelling on Saturdays, because apartment rentals change over and the whole motorway network sees the biggest surge of the entire week.

Even though scrapping the Schengen borders has significantly sped up crossing Europe and done away with the hour-long queues, your departure timing still plays an absolutely key role in how relaxed your journey will be. The biggest enemy of every driver heading south is Saturday mornings in July and August, when the vast majority of tourists from across Europe are checking into their accommodation or, conversely, ending their holiday. On these days huge queues form in front of the toll gates near Zagreb (especially at the Lučko toll station), and all the approach roads to the big resorts around Split or Makarska become hopelessly clogged.

If you have the option to plan your holiday flexibly, set off on a weekday, ideally from Tuesday to Thursday, or else leave your departure until Sunday afternoon or Monday. A great strategy chosen by many experienced travellers is driving overnight, which brings several notable benefits. Motorway traffic is minimal, outdoor temperatures are far more pleasant and you’ll also save fuel, because you won’t need to run the air conditioning at full blast — while the kids in the back seats comfortably sleep through most of the journey.

When driving at night, though, you must place maximum emphasis on rest and safety, because darkness and monotonous motorways can quickly lull you. If you’re travelling with a partner, swap over at the wheel regularly and stop at the nearest rest area for a coffee at the first sign of drooping eyelids. It helps a lot to monitor the traffic situation through various apps, such as the official app of the Croatian automobile club HAK, which will warn you in good time about overnight tunnel closures for maintenance and even show you live footage from the motorway cameras.

8. Parking in cities and useful apps

💡 Tip: Don’t drive into the historic centres at all — instead use the park-and-ride car parks on the edges of towns, saving yourself a lot of stress in the narrow streets and a lot of money on overpriced zones.

Parking in Croatian towns can be a downright nightmare during the hot summer, and the prices can catch an unsuspecting tourist off guard. The worst situation is down south in Dubrovnik, one of the most expensive and busiest spots in the whole country. Parking right next to the Old Town can cost you more than €10 an hour, and since 2025 there’s also been a restricted-traffic zone here that you’re not even allowed to enter with an ordinary car. It’s far more sensible to leave your car in a more distant car park (where prices drop to a bearable €3 an hour) and walk fifteen minutes into the centre, or not drive out from your hotel at all and use the reliable city bus.

In Split the situation is a little better, but the centre around Diocletian’s Palace is constantly packed with cars and tourists. The red zone near the port costs over a euro an hour, while the blue zone further from the sea is noticeably cheaper. To pay hassle-free, definitely download the local Parking M-Split app to your phone, so you don’t have to hunt for coins in your pockets and can easily extend your parking remotely, straight from the beach or your restaurant table 😅.

If you’re planning a trip to Zadar, I’ve got great news that will save you a lot of time hunting for a spot. Just a short distance from the historic peninsula you’ll find a large free car park by Marka Marulića street, from where it’s only a pleasant five-minute walk into the very heart of the centre. If it happens to be full, paid parking in Zadar is among the cheapest compared with the south, and an hour costs a very friendly few tens of cents, so you needn’t worry about a day trip ruining you.

9. The Bosnian corridor and the Pelješac Bridge

💡 Tip: The route across the new bridge is not only smoother but also offers absolutely breathtaking views of the turquoise sea and the surrounding islands, which you simply mustn’t miss.

If your journey heads to the very south, to Southern Dalmatia, until recently you had to pass through a roughly nine-kilometre stretch across the territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the small town of Neum. In the past this meant double border checks, tiresome waiting in queues and formally leaving the Schengen Area, which considerably complicated the trip to Dubrovnik and added long hours to it.

Since the summer of 2022, however, this long-standing problem has been very elegantly solved by the impressive Pelješac Bridge, which connects the Croatian mainland directly to the picturesque Pelješac peninsula. Thanks to this fantastic modern structure you can comfortably bypass all of Bosnia entirely on Croatian territory, without having to stop and show your passport to anyone. Crossing the bridge is completely free for all vehicles too, so you needn’t worry about any hidden extra toll — a very welcome bonus.

If for some reason you nonetheless decide to take the old route through the town of Neum, remember that for those few kilometres you are leaving the European Union. You’ll have to present valid travel documents, and you should watch out for data roaming, because internet charges in Bosnia are downright astronomical and your phone will switch to the local network very quickly as soon as you approach the border 😉.

10. Getting your bearings in the regions

💡 Tip: For a first visit to Croatia I recommend Istria, which is the closest region and offers gorgeous historic towns with an Italian flavour.

Croatia’s coastline is enormous and divides into several main regions, each with its own utterly unique atmosphere and distinctive landscape. In the northwest lies the Istria peninsula, which you reach fastest via Ljubljana. Here you’ll find romantic towns like Rovinj, Pula with its ancient amphitheatre, or the picturesque inland town of Motovun. In the hidden lanes of these little towns you’ll discover superb family-run konobas serving fantastic homemade truffle pasta or creamy mushroom risotto. Right next door is Kvarner, which includes well-known resorts like Opatija and the islands of Krk, Cres and Pag.

Heading south stretches the very long region of Dalmatia, which splits into three parts. In Northern Dalmatia you’ll be captivated by Zadar or the stunning national parks of Krka and Kornati. Central Dalmatia is best known for the Makarska Riviera and historic Split, from where the vast majority of ferries to the popular islands of Brač and Hvar set sail. The beaches here are mostly pebbly, beautifully kept and lined with fragrant pine groves.

Right at the bottom lies Southern Dalmatia, dominated by majestic Dubrovnik and the Pelješac peninsula, famous for its top-class vineyards. The journey here is admittedly the most demanding in terms of time (be prepared for at least thirteen hours of driving), but your reward will be beautiful, wild nature, far less crowded beaches and crystal-clear water that begs you to snorkel all day.

Practical summary and approximate prices

To give you a better idea of your travel budget, here’s an overview of the most important charges you need to reckon with in 2026.

• Austrian vignette (10 days): €12.80
• Slovenian vignette (7 days): €16
• Hungarian vignette (10 days): approx. €18 (6,900 HUF)
• Croatian tolls (car): on average €7.50 / 100 km
• Toll Zagreb – Split (one way): approx. €26 in the summer season
• Ferry Split – Brač (per person): €6.50
• Discount with an ENC device: approx. 21 to 22 per cent

💡 Tip for accommodation and experiences: We like to search for accommodation on Booking.com, which usually has the best cancellation terms. Tickets, tours and activities are then worth comparing and buying through GetYourGuide.

Where to next

If you’re after more practical information or looking for inspiration for your trip, we’ve prepared several other useful guides on the blog. If you’re not sure which spot to pick for this year’s holiday, take a look at the article on where to holiday in Croatia. Lovers of views and mountain passes will surely appreciate the unusual itinerary describing the amazing drive through the Julian Alps to Zadar. If adventure on the waves appeals to you, read what Croatia by boat looks like, and don’t forget to check out our tried-and-tested tips for the best accommodation in Croatia.

Frequently asked questions

If you’re looking for a spot in Croatia that has held onto its authentic character and doesn’t groan under the crush of tourists like its more famous neighbours, you’ll fall head over heels for Šibenik, Croatia. This picturesque town sits in central Dalmatia right at the mouth of the Krka River, and it offers a near-perfect blend of history, narrow stone alleys and a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere. Unlike Split or Dubrovnik, which were founded by the Greeks and Romans, Šibenik is the oldest purely Croatian town on the Adriatic coast.

Wandering through the historic centre, you’ll breathe in a calmer and far more genuine slice of Dalmatian life. There are two unique UNESCO-listed monuments here, medieval fortresses tower above the rooftops with breathtaking views, and the cafés on the squares tempt you into a long, lazy morning over coffee. In short, it’s the ideal destination for anyone who wants to soak up the beauty of the Balkans without the stress and the constant elbowing through crowds.

Beyond the historic core itself, the town makes a brilliant base for exploring the surrounding area. It sits just a short hop from the entrance to the gorgeous Krka National Park, while boats set sail from the local harbour to the fascinating Kornati archipelago. Whether you’re after romantic evenings in the old town or an active holiday out in nature, Šibenik has a little something for everyone.

TL;DR

• The oldest Croatian town: Founded by the Croats themselves, first mentioned in 1066.
• Two UNESCO monuments: St James’s Cathedral and the impressive maritime St Nicholas Fortress.
• Four historic fortresses: Offering the finest panoramic views over the sea and islands.
• An ideal base for day trips: The best starting point for visiting Krka NP and Kornati NP.
• Fewer tourists: A more authentic and peaceful vibe than nearby Split or Zadar.
• Great access: A quick exit off the A1 motorway, with Split and Zadar airports both around an hour away.

When to visit Šibenik

For the best experience, I’d recommend planning your visit for the shoulder months around the peak season — May, June or September. By then it’s pleasantly warm for long walks and your first dips in the sea, but you’ll safely dodge the fiercest summer heat. The town moves at a wonderfully easygoing pace in these months, every restaurant is open, and accommodation prices are considerably friendlier than at the height of summer. A huge bonus of spring and autumn is the entry fee to the nearby Krka National Park, which drops to a very reasonable twenty euros compared to forty in summer.

If you decide to come in July or August, be ready for the fact that the sun can turn the old town’s narrow stone alleys into a real furnace. In these months it’s ideal to head out for the sights early in the morning, while the air still has that fresh dawn coolness, and then spend the afternoon on a beach or by the hotel pool. You’ll also need to factor in that you’ll meet considerably more people at the popular waterfalls in the national parks, and boat trips need to be booked several days in advance.

The winter months and early spring, from November to March, have their own particular charm in the form of total peace and very cheap entry to the nature reserves. A ticket to the Krka waterfalls, for instance, costs just a symbolic seven euros in winter. That said, most smaller businesses and tourist attractions may have reduced opening hours or be closed altogether. The upside is that the magnificent historic fortresses and the famous cathedral are accessible all year round, and in the off-season you can even visit the high-perched Barone and St John fortresses completely free of charge.

Where to stay in Šibenik

💡 Tip for accommodation and experiences: We like to look for places to stay on Booking.com, which usually has the best cancellation terms. Tickets, tours and activities are then worth comparing and booking through GetYourGuide.

A lot depends on the kind of holiday you’re planning and whether you’ll have a car. If you want to soak up the romantic atmosphere and have all the wonderful sights within arm’s reach, look for apartments and small hotels right in the historic centre. Just bear in mind that the town’s core is entirely pedestrianised, laced with steep lanes and hundreds of steps. You’ll need to leave the car in a paid car park on the edge of the waterfront or in the underground garages beneath the fortresses, and carry your luggage the last stretch on foot.

For a guaranteed touch of luxury right in the heart of the old town, the beautiful Heritage Hotel Life Palace sits in a sensitively restored noble palace, blending centuries of history with modern comfort. For lovers of design and sea views, the stylish Armerun Heritage Hotel is a fantastic choice — just a few steps from the cathedral and the evening waterfront promenade. If you’d rather have your own private space, the booking portals list dozens of gorgeous stone apartments with a magical, authentic feel, where you’ll feel like a true local.

For families with children, or anyone who wants to combine sightseeing with lazing on the beach, the Solaris Beach Resort area is an ideal pick — it lies about six kilometres from the historic centre. Here you’ll find beautifully maintained Solaris Beach Resort beaches with a gentle slope into the sea, a huge water park and very convenient parking right by your accommodation. One option offering great, very comfortable facilities in this complex is the Amadria Park Hotel Ivan, with its enormous pools and perfect entertainment for the whole family. Getting into the centre of Šibenik from here takes just ten minutes by car or regular bus.

12 things to see and do in Šibenik

Let’s take a look together at the very best this Dalmatian town and its surroundings have to offer. You can explore the historic centre in one or two days, but thanks to the brilliant day trips on offer, you could easily spend a whole week here.

1. St James’s Cathedral (UNESCO)

This monumental building is an absolute gem of late Gothic and Renaissance architecture, and it rightly boasts a place on the prestigious UNESCO list. Construction began in 1431, took more than a hundred years, and it’s a world first because it’s built entirely of stone. You won’t find a single piece of wood, mortar or brick in it. The brilliant architects Juraj Dalmatinac and, after him, Nikola Firentinac slotted the huge blocks together using a special groove-and-tongue technique. The stone dome itself rises to an impressive thirty-two metres and forms the unmistakable landmark of the whole town.

The stone for its construction was shipped in from the Dalmatian islands of Brač, Korčula, Rab and Krk. The cathedral’s most famous detail is, without doubt, the unique frieze of seventy-one carved stone heads adorning the outer wall of the apses. These are utterly realistic portraits of ordinary fifteenth-century Šibenik residents, whose varied expressions and moods you can still study with fascination today. Also worth your attention are the magnificent Lion Portal with figures of Adam and Eve, and the intricate baptistery inside.

💡 Tip: Entry to the cathedral runs around five to seven euros, and don’t forget to dress appropriately with shoulders and knees covered. Since the cathedral still functions as a working church and Masses are held here, visits for tourists aren’t possible during services. In high season it’s usually open daily from around half past eight in the morning until eight in the evening.

2. St Michael’s Fortress

St Michael’s Fortress, in Croatian Tvrđava sv. Mihovila, is the oldest of Šibenik’s four fortresses and stands proudly right above the historic centre. The way up to the main gate at Zagrađe 21 winds through tangled alleys and up many stone steps, but the more demanding climb is well worth it. Once you stand on its mighty ramparts, you’re greeted by an indescribably beautiful view over the red rooftops of the old town, the famous cathedral and the broad scattering of islands across the Adriatic Sea.

Today this stunning historic space comes alive above all with culture and music. Inside the old walls, a unique open-air summer stage was recently created, hosting fantastic concerts and theatre performances throughout the tourist season. Listening to live music as the sun slowly sinks into the sea behind the stage is an experience of epic proportions.

💡 Tip: A single entry to St Michael’s Fortress costs an adult 11.50 euros in high season. But if you’re planning to explore more of the historic sites, it’s worth getting the combined ticket for fifteen euros, valid for the three land fortresses over seven days. Tickets can only be paid for in euros, and it’s usually open daily from nine in the morning until eight in the evening.

3. Barone Fortress and St John’s Fortress

These two fortresses were built in 1646 as a swift and desperate defence against the looming Ottoman raids, and they sit a little higher above the town. Barone Fortress, on Put Vuka Mandušića 28, recently underwent a beautiful restoration and now lures visitors with modern augmented reality. Using special tablets, lent out at the entrance, you can peer straight into history and watch with your own eyes how the dramatic siege of the town unfolded centuries ago.

A little further along and slightly higher still stands St John’s Fortress, in Croatian sv. Ivana, which is the highest defensive point in all of Šibenik. It offers a slightly different perspective and total peace, as far fewer tourists make it up here than to the main fortresses closer to the centre. It too has been extensively restored and invites you on lovely walks along the ramparts with views deep into the hinterland.

💡 Tip: While the main season from spring to autumn charges standard entry to these fortresses, in the off-season during the winter months, entry to the Barone and St John fortresses is completely free. What’s more, Barone Fortress has a very pleasant bistro open all year round, where you can enjoy a coffee with one of the best views over the entire town.

4. St Nicholas Fortress (UNESCO)

Unlike the previous three fortresses, which stand firmly on the hills above the town, St Nicholas Fortress is an imposing maritime structure from the sixteenth century. It sits on a small islet right at the entrance to the St Anthony Channel, and its garrison was tasked with protecting Šibenik from attacks by sea. Its distinctive Venetian defensive architecture and immense historical significance earned it a place on the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage list in 2017.

The fortress has a very characteristic, and for its time innovative, triangular shape. It was built from massive bricks and stone according to a carefully thought-out design by famous Venetian military architects. You can reach it either on an organised boat trip directly from Šibenik harbour, or on foot along a long scenic trail that runs along the channel’s shore and ends right opposite the walls.

💡 Tip: The fortress interiors are open to the public only during the main tourist season, and in the summer months it really is better to book your tickets for the official boat tour in advance. If you decide to walk to the fortress from the mainland along the maintained trail, be prepared that you’ll only get to see this beautiful structure from the outside.

5. Getting lost in the old town

Šibenik’s historic centre is made for aimless wandering and discovering hidden corners. Because the whole town is built on a fairly steep slope, you won’t find the classic wide streets here, but rather an endless network of steep stairways and narrow stone alleys. This is where you’ll best absorb the real, slightly raw but all the more romantic Dalmatian atmosphere — laundry hanging out to dry overhead, locals chatting across the street, and the smell of fresh lunch drifting from open windows.

On your stroll, you definitely won’t miss the Prince’s Palace on the waterfront, which today houses an interesting town museum full of historical artefacts. Stop too at the elegant sixteenth-century City Loggia, designed by the famous master builder Firentinac. Take in the picturesque Republic Square, peek into the churches of St Barbara and St John with its Renaissance clock, or seek out the quiet historic Square of the Four Wells, which once served as the main reservoir of drinking water for the whole town.

💡 Tip: Exploring the old town is fairly demanding thanks to the ever-present steps, so don’t forget to put on really comfortable shoes with a sturdy sole. The stone paving in the alleys has been polished smooth by centuries of footsteps and can be very slippery and treacherous, especially after morning rain or in sandals.

6. The scenic trail along the St Anthony Channel

If you want a break from the bustle of the town and a bit of pure nature, head out for a walk along the narrow sea strait that every boat heading into Šibenik harbour has to pass through. A well-maintained trail runs about four and a half kilometres along the crystal-clear St Anthony Channel, perfect for an easy hike or a morning run wrapped in the intense scent of pine and sea salt.

Along the way you’ll come across several informative panels, small pebble coves ideal for cooling your feet, and old abandoned military bunkers carved deep into the rock. But your greatest reward on the walk will be the magnificent panoramic views over the entire sea bay and, above all, of the majestic St Nicholas Fortress, which is essentially where this popular trail leads.

💡 Tip: The trail starts in the peaceful Paninkovac bay, which you can easily reach by car from the town centre in under ten minutes and where you’ll park comfortably. In the summer months I really recommend setting off early in the morning or, conversely, in the early evening, because along much of the route there’s nowhere to hide from the scorching Dalmatian sun.

7. Banj beach with a view of the town

At first glance, Šibenik isn’t your typical beach destination, but it still offers a brilliant spot for swimming right in the town. The town beach of Banj lies just a comfortable walk from the historic centre and is utterly iconic for its incredible view. As you lie on the small white pebbles or swim in the clear sea, you have the entire old town laid out before you, including the famous stone cathedral of St James.

The beach has a well-kept shore with a pleasantly gentle slope into the water, which families with children and non-swimmers will especially appreciate. You’ll find all the facilities you need here, including showers, changing rooms and a very popular beach bar, where you can grab a chilled drink and watch the gorgeous sunset in the evening.

💡 Tip: During the main summer season, Banj beach naturally gets fairly crowded with locals and tourists alike. If you’re after quieter swimming and a bit more privacy, it’s worth driving a short way out of town to the smaller rocky coves, or taking the regular boat service to the nearby tranquil islands of Zlarin, Krapanj and Prvić.

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Where to Stay in Šibenik

5 accommodations — hotels, resorts and other lodging options

⭐ TOP CHOICE ⭐ Luxury

Heritage Hotel Life Palace

Luxury hotel in a sensitively renovated noble palace right in the heart of the old town, offering a perfect blend of ancient history with modern comfort.

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Armerun Heritage Hotel

Stylish design hotel with sea views, just steps from the cathedral and the evening waterfront promenade.

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Solaris Beach Resort

Extensive beach resort about six kilometers from the historic center with beautiful maintained beaches, gradual sea entry, a huge water park and convenient parking. Ideal for families with children.

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Amadria Park Hotel Ivan

Comfortable hotel in the Solaris Beach Resort complex with huge pools and perfect entertainment for the whole family. Ten minutes to Šibenik center by car or bus.

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8. A day trip to Krka National Park

To be in Šibenik and not visit Krka National Park would be a real travel sin. The town is by far the best and closest base for this trip — it’s a mere half-hour drive to the park’s entrance gates. The most famous and most-visited spot is, without doubt, the wide cascading Skradinski buk waterfalls, around which a magical system of wooden walkways and bridges leads right above the crystal-clear water teeming with fish.

The easiest way into the park is via the main entrances in the picturesque little town of Skradin or from the huge Lozovac car park. If you choose the Skradin entrance, your ticket also includes a lovely boat ride straight through the deep river canyon right up to the waterfalls themselves. From April to October, you can also set off from the falls on further paid boat trips, for instance to the incredibly photogenic islet of Visovac with its Franciscan monastery.

💡 Tip: The entry fee varies dramatically throughout the year. In the summer months adults pay 40 euros, but if you arrive at the park after three in the afternoon, you get a discount and the ticket costs 30 euros. In the shoulder months in spring and autumn a full-day entry costs 20 euros, and over winter just a symbolic 7 euros.

9. A boat trip to the Kornati Islands

Another natural gem you have literally within reach of Šibenik is the incredible Kornati National Park. This fascinating sea labyrinth is made up of roughly a hundred and fifty limestone islands and islets, almost entirely bare of vegetation, giving them an almost otherworldly, lunar look against the blue water. The park is accessible only by sea and no individual tickets are sold for it — the entire entry fee is always tied directly to a specific vessel.

The easiest and most comfortable way to see this raw beauty with your own eyes is to book a full-day organised boat trip right on the Šibenik promenade. These trips usually last around nine hours, start early in the morning, and the boats don’t return to the harbour until early evening. During the long voyage you can look forward to stunning views of the cliffs and swimming stops in deserted coves with perfectly turquoise water.

💡 Tip: The price of a full-day trip usually ranges from around 35 to 40 euros per person and most of the time already includes the compulsory national park entry fee, a local guide and lunch served right on board. The trips are also very easy to find and book through the popular GetYourGuide platform.

10. A visit to the picturesque Primošten

About twenty-eight kilometres south of Šibenik, along a comfortable coastal road, lies one of the most photogenic little towns in all of Dalmatia — the beautiful Primošten. Originally it was a small stone islet separated from the mainland, only much later artificially connected by a narrow causeway. Today its ancient lanes, full of blooming flowers and stone houses, climb all the way up to a little church at the very top of the hill, from where there’s an absolutely gorgeous view of the open sea.

This sun-drenched area is also famous far and wide for its excellent winemaking. Just outside the town you’ll find the famous Bucavac stone terraces, where the local variety of strong red Babić wine is grown on incredibly poor soil. These unique vineyards, bounded by low stone walls, are even on UNESCO’s tentative list, and an enormous photograph of them hangs in the UN headquarters in New York as a symbol of human tenacity and hard work.

💡 Tip: I’d highly recommend timing your visit to Primošten for late afternoon, when the lanes aren’t so baking hot. Stroll along the maintained promenade that wraps around the entire peninsula town, enjoy a glass of the excellent local Babić wine and wait for one of the most beautiful sunsets in all of Croatia.

11. Beaches and fun at the Solaris resort

If you want a break from doing the rounds of historic sights and are after some carefree summer fun, head a short way out of town to the huge Solaris Beach Resort complex. Here you’ll find kilometres of beautifully maintained beaches, from the classic pebble kind to those with imported fine sand, all with a perfect gentle slope into the sea, making them absolutely ideal and safe even for the very littlest children.

The resort doesn’t just offer sea swimming, though — there’s also a huge water park full of adrenaline-pumping slides, lazy rivers and water attractions, which will keep the whole family entertained for a full day without the slightest trouble. On top of that there are plenty of modern sports facilities, a mini-golf course, a themed Dalmatian village showcasing traditional life, and lots of beach bars with very comfortable loungers and parasols.

💡 Tip: Even if you’re not actually staying in this giant resort, you can come here for a day trip without any problem at all — the complex is freely open to the public. Of course, you’ll need to factor in a sizeable fee for parking by the beaches and a separate entry fee for the water park itself.

12. Tasting Dalmatian cuisine

To be in the very heart of Dalmatia and not taste the local cuisine would be a huge shame. The whole regional gastronomy revolves above all around top-quality olive oil, fresh local ingredients and fragrant herbs. For lovers of meat-free food, the local restaurant offering is absolutely superb — you can look forward to wonderful fresh pasta prepared a hundred different ways, beautifully creamy vegetable and mushroom risottos, or refreshing Dalmatian salads with local sheep’s cheese and olives.

An absolute and incredibly healthy classic you simply have to try, either as a side or as a light lunch, is the traditional blitva with potato — soft-cooked chard with plenty of garlic and a generous splash of olive oil. If you’re keen on local meat specialities, the region’s typical dish is fresh fish, shellfish or octopus prepared the so-called “peka” way, a very slow and gentle braising under a cast-iron bell covered in hot embers.

💡 Tip: Good, hearty food naturally goes hand in hand with a good drink. Be sure to taste the strong red Babić wine already mentioned, from the stony vineyards around Primošten, whose full flavour pairs wonderfully with an evening spent over a cheese board and a bowl of crusty bread.

Where to go next from Šibenik

Once you’ve explored the town and its immediate surroundings, Dalmatia offers plenty of other gorgeous places worth a day trip or a stop on your road trip. If you’re planning to discover the waterfalls, be sure to read our detailed article on how to visit Krka National Park.

Heading south along the coastal motorway, in less than an hour you’ll reach another historic gem — the island town of Trogir with its beautiful architecture. If you’re drawn to larger cities buzzing with life and ancient monuments, you definitely shouldn’t skip Split with its famous Diocletian’s Palace, or head north instead to explore nearby Zadar with its world-unique Sea Organ. For general tips on travelling around the country, our guide on where to go on holiday in Croatia will come in handy, and if you still haven’t sorted your accommodation, take a look at our tips for accommodation in Croatia.

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