With shimmering waters and Roman ruins, Croatia is calling you to its shores.
Croatia has steadily grown in popularity over the past couple of decades, but many people have yet to discover its wealth of treasures, both natural and man-made. Of course, destinations like the walled city of Dubrovnik or Korcula Island attract many admiring visitors to the Dalmatian Coast, not to mention the cascading waterfalls and epic mountains of Plitvice Lakes National Park. From the intricate medieval churches in the capital city Zagreb, to the country's unsung but undeniably delicious food and wine scene, Croatia cruises can make you feel like you've stumbled upon a hidden paradise.
Paradise Spotted On The Dalmatian Coast
Shimmering waters and beautiful ruins are calling you to its shores
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WALLS OF FAME
From ancient amphitheaters to preserved palaces, Croatia proves that Roman relics aren't only found in Italy. Step into the past as you visit expansive ruins and stroll through the walled city of Dubrovnik to the ancient ruins of Istria.
LIVE YOUR FANTASY
If Dubrovnik looks like a film set to you, that's because it is — you might recognize it from the popular TV series "Game of Thrones". The sheer magnificence of structures like Fort Bokar and the Pile Gate will make you feel like you're living in an epic fantasy story.
RISE TO NEW HEIGHTS
In Dubrovnik, walk up to the city walls and gain some perspective on this increasingly famous travel destination. In Split, the climb up the rickety stairs of the Cathedral of Dominus can be harrowing, but the view will make you feel immortal.
EMPIRE STATE OF MIND
In Istria, traipse through the palace built by Diocletian, who split the Roman Empire into East and West two centuries after Caesar. Or head up to the Istrian city of Pula, whose own Roman amphitheater dates back to 27 B.C.E.
DOGGED ADVENTURE
Situated on the Adriatic Sea, Croatia's Dalmatian Coast is one of the most picturesque corners of the Mediterranean. From relaxing beaches to coastal cities and bracing inland adventures and attractions, time spent by the water in Croatia during your vacation is time you won't forget
POSTCARD PERFECT
The only thing better than arriving on the island of Korcula and being stunned by the perfectly clear waters of its harbor is arriving hours later at Hvar or Mljet, two offshore islands that prove there's no such thing as too much time on the beach.
STEPS FROM SUN-SOAKED
Some of Croatia's best beaches are conveniently located right near its urban centers. Check out Banje Beach in Dubrovnik and soak in the sun and sand with the city's medieval Old Town backdropping your dip in the ocean.
LUSCIOUS LAKES AND ZESTY ZAGREB
Hike through Krka and Plitvice National Parks, where you'll find countless waterfalls and abundant forests. When you're itching to reenter city life, try some hearty Croatian cuisine in the underrated city of Zagreb, which blends Eastern and Western European cooking styles, with Mediterranean ingredients like olive oil and rosemary as well as root veggies and dumplings.
DROP ANCHOR
ON THE DALMATIAN COAST
Croatia remains shrouded in mystique, even though it's more popular than ever. Dock at the walled cities of the Dalmatian Coast, then explore the surrounding islands that offer a unique version of paradise.
ADRIFT IN THE ADRIATIC
Savor Croatia's coastal jewels with an Adriatic cruise from Venice (Ravenna). The water off the coasts of Dubrovnik, Split and islands like Hvar and Korcula is as crystal clear as the bottled variety.
SPLIT YOUR TIME
Pair your Croatia cruise with an adventure in one of its Mediterranean cousins. Explore Croatian ports like Dubrovnik and Split, then head to Italy and see the Colosseum in Rome and the Duomo in Florence. Or pair Croatia with Greece: Hike to the Acropolis in Athens or the volcano and hot springs in Santorini.
WHAT TO KNOW
BEFORE YOU GO
Europe's Best-Kept Secret
The best part about Croatia is its versatility. Although the country is more popular than ever, its crowds are tolerable even in peak summer months. The most popular times to visit are in April, May, September or October, when temperatures are warm and the sun is bright, but most European tourists are stuck at home.
While it rarely gets cold along the Dalmatian Coast, Zagreb and other inland destinations have four distinct seasons. If you cruise to Croatia during the shoulder seasons — April and October — make sure to pack accordingly.
With around 1,200 islands along the coast of Croatia, there are many public ferry options to get around and island hop. Always be sure to check schedules beforehand, as some ferry companies don't run frequently during the day or throughout the week.
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Many Croatians speak English. However, saying zdravo ("hello") and hvala ("thank you") in the local language will make the locals smile.
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Take care when diving into water, as its clearness can make it appear deeper than it is. Also make sure water is not too deep for children.
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Some local businesses accept the euro, but the official currency is the Croatian kuna. Change some of your dollars or euros to kuna when you arrive.
FOR FOODIE'S
BASK IN BALKAN CUISINE
Croatia sits at the intersection of the Latin and Slavic parts of Europe, and its cuisine reflects this. From Italian-inflected rice dishes, to meat-stuffed peppers that evoke lands farther east, to a local take on flan, Croatia is as delicious as it is beautiful.
TANTALIZING TENTACLES
Squid ink has become a global food coloring sensation, but the trend started in Croatia. The black color of crni rizot (black risotto) is only the beginning of its appeal, thanks to the tender, juicy octopus tentacles that rest atop its bed of arborio rice.
STUFF YOURSELF
While the food in many Croatian restaurants can seem like an alternative version of Italian, especially on the coast, punjena paprika (baked peppers stuffed with savory ground meat) evokes the flavors of the former Yugoslavia — and the centuries before it.
FLORAL FLAN
It might seem strange to eat a dessert like flan in a country where Spanish isn't the official language, but Croatia's rozata egg custard has a wild card: Its signature aroma (and name) comes from rozalin rose liqueur.
Related Ports
The more you know, the more fun your cruise will be. Read up on destinations around the Adriatic Sea, from the ports of Greece in both the Cyclades islands and the mainland, to Italian destinations like Rome, Venice and everywhere in between.
