Travel advice for Croatia
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written by Helen Ochyra
updated 16.09.2021
How to choose between Split or Dubrovnik? Both cities are star attractions in Croatia. Both have UNESCO World Heritage listed historic centres. And each is vibrant enough to retain a large, local population. Plus, both cities have Adriatic beaches, good food and bars with sea views. The information in this article is taken from The Rough Guide to Croatia, your essential guide for visiting Croatia.
But which should you visit first? Here’s our lowdown on what each city offers. Or if you prefer a tailor made Split and Dubrovnik trip get in touch and we can connect you with a local expert to plan and book your ideal holiday.
Gorgeous gems of Hungary, Slovenia and Croatia
From the spas of Budapest to Lake Bled with its castle and further on to Croatia - this itinerary takes you across 3 countries, with a special focus on Slovenia's lake area and the Dalmatian coast in Croatia.
customize ⤍Sailing Croatia
If you want to experience the Dalmatian coast from a whole different perspective, then this trip is for you! Hop aboard a beautiful cruiser and sail along some of Croatia's most stunning islands.
customize ⤍Southern Pearls
This ten-day trip will take you around three adjacent countries, Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, and Montenegro. Your tour starts in Split, Croatia, moving south (hence the name "Southern Pearls") over the island of Hvar and Mostar in Bosnia & Herzegovina to end up in Montenegro.
customize ⤍Gourmet Tour
You will visit three different adjacent countries and experience traditional local food and wines. You will visit some of the most intriguing restaurants and wineries in the area taste the delicious contrast between fine restaurants, and more traditional, authentic taverns.
customize ⤍Culinary Secrets of Croatia
This vintage holiday celebrates the wine and olive oil-making traditions of Croatia’s Adriatic coastline, which form the foundations of the country's Mediterranean culinary heritage. Visit world-class wineries, and sample Dalmatian delicacies as you travel south to Dubrovnik.
customize ⤍Balkan Extended
The Balkan Extended tour truly showcases the finest of Balkan’s heritage and natural beauty as you make your way through the 5 countries. Learn about the Serbian Athens, climb the splendid Old Bridge in Mostar, observe Slovenia's water castle and dive into the pearl of Croatia's beauty in Istria.
customize ⤍Love Thy Neighbor - Croatia and Slovenia
Slovenia and Croatia are neighboring countries, and the close proximity of Slovenian and Croatian Istria make them a perfect destination for a single trip. The area has numerous stories waiting to be discovered, from magical alpine landscapes of Slovenia to charming historical towns inland.
customize ⤍Croatia's Best Kept Secret - Vis Island
Surrounded by an archipelago of other islands and islets, the island of Vis is simple, sleepy and authentic. As a military base, the island was closed until 1991 and has remained its original charm. Come for the unique experience, stay for the hospitality and friendliness of the locals.
customize ⤍The Ultimate Croatian Adventure
This trip is designed for people searching for an exciting lifestyle and never-ending adventure. With so many different landscapes, beautiful nature, stunning mountains, and picturesque Adriatic coast, Croatia is a place that can offer a truly incredible and adventurous experience.
customize ⤍Dalmatian Honeymoon
This honeymoon trip was inspired by love towards our home that Dalmatia is. The tour is planned out to the last possible detail, but still respecting the time you wish to spend at your own pace in privacy. It will take you around the most romantic islands of Korcula and Hvar.
customize ⤍Split first grew around Diocletian’s Palace. And today’s medieval mix of buildings was superimposed onto a Roman blueprint dating back to 295 AD. Wander this historic quarter's alleyways and courtyards to get to grips with the city. Climb the bell tower of St Domnius to look over red roofs to the harbour. Settle on the steps of a café and watch local life unfold. Or considering staying at Kastel 1700 Boutique Hotel in the historic quarter itself.
Or take an evening walking tour in summer to soak up Split’s lively atmosphere.
People still live in Dubrovnik medieval old town. So a walk along the 25m high city walls can mean peering into windows. Or you could even join the true locals and stay at The Pucic Palace in the heart of the old town.
Dubrovnik's peaceful today. But from 1991 to 1992 the city was under siege. For an insight into this painful chapter visit the War Photo museum. This moving collection of photojournalism pulls no punches.
Ride the cable car up Mount Srd to see where locals defended Dubrovnik from the Serbs. Or learn more about the city’s past on a private tour with local guides.
Classic Dalmatian pašticada (beef stew) is on offer at every konoba (traditional restaurant) in either city. And Dubrovnik specialises in fresh oysters from Ston: Croatia’s ‘oyster capital’.
For authentic Croatian food in Dubrovnik stick to the restaurants south of Stradun. Head to Gruž for the best seafood restaurants and the city’s fish market. Avoid Prijeko to the north as it’s a tourist trap. And if you want food mixed with sightseeing take a local food and wine scene tour.
Finding authentic food in Split is even easier. Just make for streets west of the palace, towards the Varoš neighbourhood. Or book a historical & gastro tour with a local guide.
In Split make for Riva. This strip of bars with large harbourfront terraces is the perfect spot to wave off the day’s cruise ships. Later, head to Diocletian’s Palace to perch on the steps and order a glass of local wine. Or if you want a less touristy hangout, keep moving upwards from the Palace.
In Dubrovnik, sundowners are best at one of the Buza bars. Buza means “hole” so you’ll find the bars tucked into the city walls. And beyond their small doorways expect tables perched on rocks and stunning Adriatic views. After, head back to Stradun and seek out tiny, traditional wine bars like D’Vino.
In Split, head to Bačvice. This city beach is a walk from the centre and known for shallow seas. It also has a sandy seabed: unusual in Croatia. Or escape to Kašjuni beach on the southern coast of the Marjan peninsula. It’s about 4km west of Split.
Few Dubrovnik experiences beat swimming at one of the Buza bars. Just take a dip from the rocks, then flop down in the sun with a cold beer. Banje beach to the east, just outside the city walls, is another good bet. Chic Banje Beach lounge bar even offers sunbeds on the sands.
Sea kayaks are another great way to explore the coast in Split. You could also try cliff diving or snorkelling. And if you’re with a group of friends, book a private speedboat tour to cruise the Elafiti Archipelago from Dubrovnik.
Dubrovnik lies far south in Croatia and is good for island hopping day trips.
In summer Dubrovnik heaves with cruise-ship passengers and tourists. Split is the less crowded high-summer city. So on balance, we’d say pick Split for summer.
However, Dubrovnik is Croatia’s crowning glory for a reason – it’s spectacular. If you can’t stand crowds, visit off-season when it’s much quieter.
Ready for a trip to Croatia? Read more about the best time to go to Croatia, the best places to visit and best things to do in Croatia. For inspiration use the Croatia Itineraries from The Rough Guide to Croatia and our local travel experts. A bit more hands on, learn about getting there, getting around the country and where to stay once you are there.
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Top image: Split, Croatia © novak.elcic/Shutterstock
written by Helen Ochyra
updated 16.09.2021
Helen Ochyra is a Scotland-obsessed freelance travel writer and author of the critically acclaimed Scottish travel book "Scotland Beyond the Bagpipes", a Times Travel “book of the week” and one of Wanderlust’s “best travel books of 2020”. Helen specialises in British travel and is currently studying towards a Masters in British Studies at the University of the Highlands and Islands. Helen's work has recently appeared in the Times, the Telegraph and Grazia among many others. She lives in London with her husband and two young daughters.
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