Things to do in 

Croatia

Seek alternative things to do in Croatia, from hilltop Istrian villages to quiet Dalmatian coves, and find authentic moments that slow the pace between coast and countryside.

Cultural experiences: In Zagreb, browse Dolac Market with a local and decorate a Licitar heart in a small workshop, a gentle activity older travellers appreciate. In Istria near Motovun and Buzet, follow truffle dogs through oak woods, then share a simple lunch; couples often linger over olive oils in nearby Grožnjan. In Ston on the Pelješac Peninsula, north of Dubrovnik, taste oysters straight from the brackish beds with a private skiff, a favorite for luxury-minded food lovers. In Omiš near Split, hear klapa a cappella in a stone courtyard and learn the rhythm behind the harmonies.

Day trip ideas: From Split, climb Klis Fortress for sweeping views, then raft the Cetina River near Omiš for an active afternoon. From Dubrovnik, ride out to Cavtat for a seaside promenade and continue into Konavle to visit village mills and sip domestic wines. From Zagreb, try kremšnita cake in Samobor and stroll baroque streets in Varaždin, both easy for families. From Zadar, cross the bridge to Pag for a small cheese dairy visit, then stop in Nin to walk the salt pans and sandy lagoon.

Explore Croatia's regions: In Dalmatia around Split, ferry to Šolta or Vis for quiet coves, simple konobas, and vineyard walks as the sun cools the stone lanes. In Istria between Rovinj and Pula, bike through vineyards to hill towns and taste malvazija in family cellars. In Kvarner, hop from Rijeka to Cres and Krk for wind-shaped cliffs, sheep pastures, and clear-water swims. In Lika, pause between Zagreb and the coast to wander lesser-used trails near Plitvice Lakes and taste potato dishes in small villages. In Slavonia around Osijek and Kopački Rit, glide by reed beds on flat-bottom boats and visit wine cellars in Baranja for something far from the coast crowds.

Give yourself 10–14 days to weave the coast with an inland detour; add Slavonia and remote islands for a comfortable two weeks or more. If you’re expanding the trip, link Croatia with Slovenia, Montenegro, or Bosnia And Herzegovina for a fuller Adriatic circuit.

More places to see in Croatia

Once you’ve walked Dubrovnik’s walls, give yourself time to roam the rest of Croatia. Day trips turn into easy, unhurried days here, with markets to browse, coastal promenades to follow, and small towns that welcome you in for a snack or a glass of local wine.

Istria: Start at Rovinj’s green market in the morning and pick up figs or a slice of local cheese, then climb the bell tower of St. Euphemia for a clean view of the harbor. Head to Pula to step inside the Roman amphitheater and feel the cool stone under your hands. If you’re curious about truffles, follow the road to Livade and sample a simple pasta at Zigante Tartufi before a slow walk along Motovun’s hilltop walls near sunset.

Zadar: Wander the Roman Forum and step into the round Church of St. Donatus in late morning, when the stones feel warm and the square is lively. Drift to the fish market by the bridge and watch the day’s catch get traded. As the light softens, sit by the Sea Organ and listen to the waves play through the steps, then watch the “Greeting to the Sun” installation glow as the sky goes dark.

Pelješac Peninsula: Roll into Mali Ston at midday and slurp a plate of oysters pulled from the farms you can see across the bay. Walk the Ston Walls in the late afternoon when the heat eases and look down on the salt pans that still shine white in the sun. Follow the coastal road to Trstenik and taste Dingač at Grgić Vina, letting the view of the vines running to the sea set the pace for the evening.

Slavonia & Baranja: Join a morning boat ride in Kopački Rit Nature Park, where herons lift off the reeds and the Danube backwaters slide past. Head into Osijek for a bowl of spicy fiš paprikaš at a riverside čarda and watch the steam curl up from the pot. As night comes on, stroll the cobbles of Tvrđa, the old fortress quarter, and cross the Drava promenade as café lights flicker on.

Seasonal activities

Spring: Mild, sunny days and cool nights make April and May easy to explore old towns without the crush. Watch Holy Week traditions like Hvar’s overnight Za Križen procession, walk wildflower-lined paths at Plitvice or Krka when waterfalls thunder, and ease into early sailing weather that suits couples and seniors. For many, spring is the best time to visit Croatia, with mild days and waterfalls in full flow.

Summer: High summer means long swims in glassy coves, island ferries in full swing, and late dinners on stone terraces. Take in open-air moments during the Dubrovnik Summer Festival, wander fishermen’s nights in coastal towns, and time Hvar’s lavender fields in June; families and luxury travellers often add a boat day to reach quieter bays.

Fall: September keeps the sea warm and the lanes quieter, perfect for unhurried island hopping and city walks. Join grape and olive harvest experiences in Dalmatia and Istria, hunt for Istrian truffles around Motovun, and linger over tastings that appeal to food-loving couples and seniors.

Winter: Winter slows the coast and brightens the cities, with Advent in Zagreb often topping lists for Christmas markets and mulled-wine nights. Explore Dubrovnik’s quieter streets during its Winter Festival, catch the lively Rijeka Carnival in January or February, and warm up in a konoba after a brisk walk through snow-dusted Plitvice. It’s a rewarding window for Christmas in Croatia without the summer rush.

Across the year, Croatia circles back to beloved traditions: the Dubrovnik Summer Festival fills courtyards with music and theatre, Rijeka Carnival parades brighten winter weekends, and St Blaise Day each 3 February brings banners and folk dress to Dubrovnik’s Stradun. In Istria, autumn truffle fairs pop up around Livade and Motovun, while the Sinjska Alka knightly tournament each August celebrates centuries of pageantry in the Dalmatian hinterland.