Summer in Croatia: Things to do and places to see

If you are looking for a breathtaking summer vacation spot, look no further than Croatia. This country is located in the Mediterranean Sea and boasts some of the most beautiful coastlines in the world.

Croatia is one of the most beautiful places in Europe with its sapphire-blue waters, lush green countryside, and charming medieval villages. In addition to its stunning scenery, it is also home to various historical and cultural attractions.

One of the best ways to experience Croatia is by sailing around its stunning coast. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to swim, sunbathe, and explore the many islands dotting the Adriatic Sea. And, of course, don’t forget to enjoy some of the delicious seafood!

If you’re more of a landlubber, you can spend a day hiking in one of its many national parks. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, go zip-lining or rafting through the country’s gorgeous landscapes.

Whatever you feel like doing, you will indeed have a fantastic time in Croatia. This article will give you the specifics necessary to plan the perfect summer vacation.

This is the busiest season. The weather is warm to hot, there are many tourists, and almost every destination is packed with people. Summer in Croatia hits in mid-may when the temperatures reach over 25 °C. All the way from June to mid-September, it’s always hot, and south more than the north and internal parts like Zagreb.

Even though the water is perfect for enjoying the beaches and you might be tempted to travel to Croatia during these months, you must remember that this is when the prices are the highest. 

Expect to pay more for accommodation, food and pretty much any kind of service related to tourism.

Croatia has a Mediterranean climate, which means it has warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The average summer temperature in Croatia is 26°C (79°F), with highs often reaching into the 30°C (86-95°F) range. 

With this, Croatia becomes the perfect place to relax on one of the many beaches, go for a swim in the crystal-clear waters, or explore the country’s stunning natural scenery.

However, internally and in the remote areas, Croatia can be a bit chill in summer too. So carry with you a jacket or sweater just for nights or morning early wake up.

Croatia in June

Summer in Croatia starts in June, with the average temperature being a comfortable 23°C (73°F). This is the perfect time to enjoy all that Croatia has to offer, as the crowds haven’t arrived yet and you’ll be able to find cheap accommodation.

In addition, you’ll have fun exploring one of Croatia’s many mediaeval towns or going for a hike in one of its national parks.

Croatia in July

July is probably the busiest month in Croatia, as this is when most people take their summer vacations. 

Croatia in July has the ideal weather for spending a day at the beach, going for a swim, or enjoying the country’s beautiful coastal scenery. July is also an excellent month for exploring Croatia’s many historical and cultural attractions.

August in Croatia

August is still a busy month in Croatia, but you’ll start to see the crowds thin out towards the end of the month. 

Enjoying the country’s stunning coastline and clear blue waters is a great time. So take advantage of the quieter beaches and go for a swim or sunbathe to your heart’s content.

September in Croatia

September is a great month to visit Croatia, as the weather is still warm and most of the crowds have gone home. 

You’ll have the country’s beautiful landscapes all to yourself and can enjoy its many attractions without the summertime crowds. 

September is also an excellent month for exploring Croatia’s wine country, as the grape harvest is in full swing. Also, make sure to check out the olive oil production in Istria, and book this tour if you fancy it!

There are a few different ways to get around Croatia in summer. The most popular way is by car, as this gives you the flexibility to explore at your own pace. You’ll find car rentals in Croatia through significant companies such as Hertz, Avis, through Discover Cars comparison. Also, check out some of the best prices for renting a car in Croatia.

Another popular way to get around Croatia in summer is by taking the bus or the train ride. Both are cheap and convenient options, but the main downside is that you’ll be limited to the schedule, making exploring difficult. However, bus and train rides are the best if you want to relax and enjoy the country’s stunning scenery.

Several charter companies offer boat rentals if you’re planning on sailing around the coast. This is an excellent option if you want to explore the coastline at your own pace.

Public transport in Croatia

Even if you travel by car, you will need public transportation at some point. For example, you’ll need boats when visiting the islands, and when visiting smaller cities, you’ll need buses.

If you don’t have a car, the cheapest option to travel throughout Croatia would be by bus. In the next section, we’ll describe all you need to know about each form of public transportation in Croatia.

Travelling by bus in Croatia

We liked our backpacking vacation in Croatia, travelling mainly by bus. This trip was long-awaited, and the Croatia bucket list was dusted off, taking off all the beautiful places one by one and exploring Croatia in the summer. Check the best route, using this comparison tool.

Buses are the most common mode of transportation in Croatia and are more dependable than railways. Local buses extend out to rural locations and may occasionally save your $$ when you’re in the middle of nowhere.

Some local buses accept payment on board, so have some cash with you. Others, mainly for considerable distances, require a previous booking.

Flixbus is the most popular and frequently combines with local businesses to serve short distances. Seats must be reserved in advance, as they sell out rapidly, especially during the summer months in Croatia.

How much does cost to travel to Croatia by bus?

Travelling by bus in Croatia is the most environmentally friendly way to see the nation. This exploration is also less expensive and more enjoyable in some situations. For example, we enjoyed our night bus from Zagreb to Dubrovnik (yes, you can go this far with Flixibus), but it also saved us when our boat from Dubrovnik to Hvar was cancelled.

A bus ticket from Zagreb to Dubrovnik costs between 190 and 230 kn, even when purchased in advance. A bus ticket from Split to Dubrovnik will also cost you between 100 and 130 KR. Prices may differ during peak season.

Travelling by bus in Croatia is convenient. The majority of buses are contemporary and feature air conditioning. A few night buses can also help you save money (you won’t have to pay for overnight accommodations).

Good to know | You might be asked to pay extra for your luggage (5-10 kn)

Trains in Croatia

Trains are pleasant and inexpensive, but there are few connections, making rail travel in Croatia, not the ideal option. Furthermore, the trains are rather old and sluggish. It is more dependable if you intend to go to Croatia by rail from another country. Zagreb, the capital, is well connected to Ljubljana, Slovenia, Budapest, Salzburg, Austria, and Munich, Germany.

We recommend taking the bus if you just have a few days in Croatia. Trains take longer, and you may have to change trains and platforms while waiting hours. As previously said, there are certain sections with no links, such as Split to Dubrovnik, where you can take the bus or the ferry. Because there are so few trains, you’ll need to adjust your Croatia itinerary accordingly.

When it comes to prices, the trains are pretty affordable.
Zagreb to Split – 8h 40min | Average Cost: £20/€20.50/$25/Kn 180
Zagreb to Rijeka – 2h 40min | Average Cost: £12/€14/$15/Kn 105

Domestic flights in Croatia

Flight is the quickest way to go from one place to the next. Internal flights are popular in Croatia, and many travellers travel from Zagreb to Dubrovnik daily. The lines connect the cities properly and are ideal if you don’t want to spend hours on a bus.

You can fly from Zagreb to Split, Zadar, Pula, Rijeka, and Dubrovnik.

However, the tickets are more expensive than other modes of transportation around the country. If you are travelling to Croatia in the summer, you should buy your tickets ahead to save money.

Travel by ferry in Croatia

Travelling by ferry is the most effective way to go island hopping or just reach faraway locations. Creating the ideal Croatia itinerary by combining bus routes and boat crossings is the most thoughtful way to get around. The boat is ideal for getting from Split to Dubrovnik. Instead of wasting time crossing the short border between Croatia and Bosnia on your trip to Dubrovnik, use the boat instead.

On the route to Dubrovnik, spend a few days at Hvar Island and Korcula to experience the Dalmatian island.

Also, have you ever considered taking a day excursion from Croatia to Venice? You may visit two nations by taking a catamaran voyage to Venice from Pula, Rovinj, or Porec.

Croatia Currency

Croatia is a member of the EU, although not in the economic sense, as they do not have their own currency. The native currency is Kuna, although you may pay with Euro and receive Kuna in return in many locations.

Remember that you can pay by card wherever in Dubrovnik, so you don’t need to load up on cash.

Croatia is outside the Schengen Area

Like Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania and some others in the Europe zone, also Croatia is outside of the Schengen Zone. However, it will not last long, as, from 2024, Croazia is obliged to join the club.

Croatia is popular among tourists in Europe, and it’s one of the first destinations promoted by travel agents.

The pristine landscape, lovely beaches, crystal clear water, and a pleasant overall atmosphere make the Mediterranean country one of the most beloved.

In our opinion, the best time to visit Croatia during the summer months is in June, early as possible or shifting from September. We don’t love the mass crowds, which is one of the main reasons we gave you a perfect time.

However, if you only have July and August for your regular annual leave, it’s better to discover hidden gems in Croatia and find alternative routes to travel. This post will give you a mix of well-known locations and still less popular Croatia summer destinations.

Festivals and events | summer season in Croatia

Summertime in Croatia is filled with festivals and events that celebrate the country’s rich culture and history. Some festivals glorify Croatia’s traditional music and dance, while others are more modern and focus on contemporary music and art.

Whether you’re interested in music, dance, history, or culture, you’ll be sure to find a festival or event to suit your interests in Croatia during the summer months. Here are some of the best ones to check out according to Croatia’s cities.

• International Film Festival in Zadar (July) | The Zadar film festival is held in the city in the centre of Croatia and screens a wide range of films from all over the world. The festival has something for everyone, focusing on independent and avant-garde cinema.
• Summer Festival in Pula (July) | This is one of the most popular summer festivals in Croatia, which features a wide range of musical performances and other events such as theatre, dance, and visual arts. This is usually held at arenas around the city.
• Croatian World Games in Pag (July) | This annual event is held in Pag town and features many different sports such as basketball, football, volleyball, and more. This is a great event for anyone interested in sport, as it brings together some of the best athletes from all over the world.
• MoDem Festival in Plitvice Lake (July) | This annual festival is held in Plitvice Lake and features a wide range of electronic music. The MoDem Festival is an excellent event for anyone who loves to dance, as the festival goes on all night long.
• Makarska Jazz Festival in Makarska Riviera (July) | This annual festival is held in the city of Makarska and features a wide range of jazz performances. This is a great event for anyone who loves jazz music, as it features some of the best performers from all over the world.

Dubrovnik | Best places in Croatia summer

Dubrovnik is probably one of the most popular cities in Croatia. Definitely, you have seen some of the best photos of Dubrovnik on Instagram (Check out our account for some inspiration).

Like the rest of Croatia, Dubrovnik is most popular during the summer when the city struggles with over-tourism. High season in Dubrovnik means accommodation is limited and at its most expensive, lines are at their longest, and tours or activities may well be sold out. Check out our guide on how to spend three days in Dubrovnik.

Zadar

Zadar is a small city on the coast of Croatia, often left out of the itineraries, located on a beautiful peninsula surrounded by high walls. It’s a quiet place that becomes full of tourists during summer. The historic city centre is full of history and legends, and the promenade on the seaside is one of the most lovely places in Europe.

Zadar is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe but less touristy compared to Split or Dubrovnik. The Sea Organ is a famous landmark in Zadar, attracting locals and vacationers every evening at sunset. Depending on how the waves strike the steps, they make distinct sounds. It’s both intriguing and soothing.

Other tourist attractions in Zadar are the People’s Square, the Archaeological Museum and, of course, a stroll around the old town.

Best day trips from Zadar

• Kornati & Telascica by boat
• Zrmanja River Trip
• Zadar Canal Sailing Trip 4 hours
• Sakarun Beach day trip
• Plitvice Lakes – 8 hours tour
• Dugi Otok day trip

Split | Best city in Croatia for summer

Split is Croatia’s second-largest city and the regional administrative centre for Central Dalmatia. The city’s Old Town revolves around Diocletian’s Palace. To avoid public scrutiny in 305 A.D., Roman Emperor Diocletian built the UNESCO World Heritage Site near his birthplace, Spalatum, in the fourth century. 

The city is usually lively, and youngers attracted by the fun nightlife prefer the location. Spending some time in Split in summer will let you hit the beaches and natural and unspoiled locations.

Check out some day trips from Split to the local islands; the best suggested by us is Hvar Island, where you should spend a few days at least.

For the perfect guide to Split, check out our itinerary. Split will leave you stunned no matter how much time you have and will have you already planning your next trip back.

Hvar Island | Best nightlife in Croatia in summer

Hvar, the sunniest of the Adriatic Sea islands, is located along the Dalmatian coastline and is ideal for experiencing Croatian life. Winding stone roads, Gothic architecture, a historic plaza with the Arsenal building, St Stephen Church, a little harbour, and, of course, the 16th-century Spanish fortification, Fortica, flank the eponymous town here.

The summer wind on Hvar Island is fragrant with lavender and sea salt. With year-round weather, this famous isle is packed with beach parties, gastronomical jewels, swimming holes, and lovely stone towns. The lavender fields on the island are well-known.

You must include Hvar Island in your Croatia bucket list and explore it this summer.

Trogir

One of the most hidden gems in Croatia is Trogir, a Unesco World Heritage site close to Split. Our itinerary of two weeks in Croatia was already packed with locations and must-do activities, but we were audacious to add another stop along the way.

Without a doubt, it was a great addition, as Trogir is wonderful and you can’t miss visiting the coast of Croatia in the summer. The old town seems frozen in time, and the cobblestone streets are picture-perfect. Spending Summer in Trogir, check out the program of the two months jampacked Trogir summer festival with many activities, concerts and performances.

Šibenik | Best place for summer holiday in Croatia

Continuing along the coast, you will discover Šibenik, another incredible historic city in Croatia. The Unesco World Heritage site is full of incredible activities and picturesque spots. Šibenik features many quintessential Dalmatian resorts and has often lagged behind neighbouring Zadar and Split.

The main attractions range from a wildlife conservation centre to a refurbished masterpiece of Renaissance history, the Cathedral of St James. Šibenik is peaceful, away from the busy streets of Split. It is an advantage if you want to visit Croatia in summer to remain away from the crowds, while nevertheless delivering great Adriatic food, great beaches and a lot of activities.

Rijeka

Things to do in Rijeka in Summer

Rijeka, Croatia’s third city, is a low-key location to visit in Summer. Less popular compared to destinations like Dubrovnik and Split, but definitely more authentic and still pristine in certain ways. We found Rijeka also cheaper compared to other well known locations across the country, and anyway with many day trip opportunities.

Rijeka is a city where you can immerse yourself in Croatian daily life, whether it is over a cup of coffee, a dinner, or a night out on Korzo, Rijeka’s popular promenade. The food in Rijeka was insane, fresh and well cooked with a variation that is very similar to the Italian style thanks to its past. In the morning, we visited the local market by the harbour, and it was a feast of colours, flavours and smells.

Then, we stopped at a local pop-up shop to buy fresh fried seafood, and it was incredible and cheap. There is plenty to do in Rijeka, from the unspoiled beaches to the architectonic building and many places to visit.

The architecture will remind you of well-known European locations, such as Italy, Milan and Rome, or Budapest in Hungary. There is also a small airport in Rijeka with fewer flights every day, and this is where we took our flight back to London; worth checking to plan your Croatia Itinerary.

Rovinj

Before travelling to Rovinj, many people referred to it as the Positano of Croatia. Even though we still believe that the city on the Amalfi Coast is unique and romantic, Rovinj is definitely unmissable while planning your holidays in Croatia.

The town in northern Croatia is made of narrow cobblestone streets that take you to the top of the best viewpoint, the Church of Saint Euphemia. Exploring Istria Region in summer, you can’t miss Rovinj and its maze of streets and fantastic promenade.

Rovinj is a magnificent tiny Croatian city that occupies the entire peninsula bounded on three sides by the Adriatic Sea. The ancient town’s centre is primarily Venetian and made of pale limestone that sparkles in the light, with intriguing remnants from every period of its violent past.

During the summer, you may explore the maze of alleyways before dining under a parasol, ending the day with a refreshing gelato.

Porec

Often left behind exploring Croatia, Porec is one of Croatia’s most popular tourist spots. This gorgeous beach village on Istria’s west coast is a great place to start exploring the peninsula since it boasts an excellent mix of nightlife, family activities, sports, beaches, and hotels.

Enjoy a beautiful sunset strolling around the seaside, exploring the unique buildings of the old town. Then, stop by a restaurant to taste the perfectly cooked seafood or purchase unique souvenirs from Croatia.

Must-visit in Porec is the Euphrasian Basilica in Porec originates from the 4th century and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The old town on the Adriatic coast offers many water sports activities, and you will have a wonderful time in Porec in summer.

Pag

Well known for its crazy nightlife and being one of the most lively party islands in Croatia, Pag is a superb location to enjoy summer in Croatia.

The temperatures are pleasant from the end of May toward the whole of September. Pag is an island, and there are so many beaches to discover.

If you are not so much for nightlife, small villages around the island are still quiet and relaxing where to enjoy the slow lifestyle. So get away from the crowds and experience Croatia’s tasty food and simple life.

Plitvice Lake

You can’t miss Plitvice Lake staying in Zagreb or Split, and visiting Croatia in the summer. The unspoiled nature will leave you speechless.

The wooden bridges that pass over the lovely waterfalls and streams create a breathtaking landscape. Take a day off from the chaos of the main cities, and relax in the calm of Plitvice lakes, slowing down your Croatia itinerary just a bit.

Hiking through the park for an entire day, enjoying the whole national park and following the walking trails. The entrance fee costs 200 KN per person, and many tours start from Zagreb or Split. Book your tour from Zagreb or check the availability from Split.

Makarska Riviera | Best Croatia resorts

We guess you haven’t wandered of Makarska while checking the best locations for this summer vacation. This destination in Croatia is mainly known by locals or adventurers and mostly for word of mouth.

The little beach city between Split and Dubrovnik should be on your Croatia bucket list. Sun lovers will be kept satisfied for days on end by white pebbled beaches lapped by crystal blue Adriatic Sea waves, while the more adventurous may explore the spectacular peaks of the Biokovo Alps. There is some for everyone; that’s why Makarska is ideal for families and also young couples.

The area’s Dalmatian heritage, UNESCO sites, and exuberant attitude combine with Makarska’s magnificent natural beauty for a tempting summer retreat.

We found that one week in Croatia is perfect for a quick escape to the beaches and enjoying the relaxation in most cities. However, if you review your itinerary carefully, you might still enjoy three days in Dubrovnik and three days in Split, taking the best of Croatia in one go.

If you are a backpacker like us, planning a 10-day Croatia itinerary gives you a chance to explore Istria, spend a few days in Zagreb, and have a few day’s trips around. Two weeks in Croatia are the right match for an adventure and peaceful relaxation. The Adriatic Country is perfect for exploring the still unknown inland, with lower prices than the coastal towns. This perfect match makes Croatia one of the most exciting locations for a workation in Europe.

We carefully planned our escape to Croatia before our big trip of the year to Barbados (which was the most expensive one). We did plan Croatia, assuming it would be a budget trip in Europe. We were so wrong.

The costs of Dubrovnik are insane compared to Zagreb. The accommodation prices are somewhere double or even more in the high season. I travelled to Croatia about 10 years ago, which was definitely less expensive. If you want to travel through Croatia on a budget, follow where locals go, and go off the beaten path (Northern Croatia, Zagreb, inland).

CROATIA TRAVEL INSURANCE

Don’t travel anywhere without travel insurance, no matter your journey. We have learned that at our expense while travelling from Dubrovnik to Hvar, our ferry was cancelled because of rough sea weather.

Even though Croatia is safe, the pandemic taught many people that things might go wrong everywhere in the world, and insurance is frequently the only option to mitigate any problems with the least cost or stress to you.

Hey Mondo | COVID-19 coverage, medical expenses and total travel costs. A fantastic app with 24-hour medical care and no extra charges. You can save 5% on your insurance by booking through our link.

SafetyWing | COVID-19 coverage, comprehensive travel & medical, and insurance can be purchased while travelling for digital nomads.

Before you travel to Croatia, we have some recommendations for you:

PHOTOGRAPHY | Explore the best photo spots in Dubrovnik, or get a glimpse of the most incredible locations for Instagram photos of Split. Check our Guides!

THINGS TO DO IN CROATIA | a nifty guide to all the best attractions in Croatia. Explore Croatia hidden gems or get inspired by our Croatian Bucket list.

Q&A Croatia in summer

From June to September are generally considered the summer months in Croatia and Europe. The best temperatures to enjoy summer in Croatia are in this part of the year when you can experience.

The best time to visit Croatia is during the summer months, from June to September, when there is a lot of sunlight and the days are longer. Also, Croatia’s summer temperatures are warm, between 19°C (66°F) and 30/32°C (90°F).

Yes. Don’t get into the sun in the central hours of the day to avoid sunstroke. 

July in Croatia is scorching and dry, with temperatures reaching over 30°C, and it is often referred to as the hottest month of the year. However, this is the peak season in Croatia, and we suggest avoiding it.

Croatia in summer is beautiful. The lovely season is bright and sunny, occasionally scorching, but the breeze helps to keep the heat at bay. Even in July, there might be cold days with rain and a touch of Bora. There may also be hot and humid spells with highs of 35 °C (95 °F) or higher.

Yes. English is widely spoken in Croatia, and the north of the country (Istria) also speaks Italian. Overall, statistics want one out of every two people you meet in Croatia to be likely to speak English.

WHERE TO GO NEXT?

Every time is good to travel and make new experiences. As London-based travel bloggers, it’s easy to find cheap flights and explore new places even just at the weekend. Our Croatia itinerary was detailed and easy to plan thanks to the direct flights from London. If you’re adding Croatia in your bucket list, read our guides here.

SEASIDE, BEACHES AND ITINERARIES

Amazing things to do in Croatia

Best Instagram Spots in Dubrovnik

How to spend 3 days in Split
The ultimate guide of Backpacking in Croatia
The ultimate 3 days Dubrovnik itinerary
How to spend one day in Dubrovnik
Things to do in Sibenik
Is Dubrovnik worth visiting?
From Split to Hvar by ferry
Day trip from Split to Hvar