Have you been thinking about visiting Croatia? I recently spent time there and packed the trip with hiking, kayaking, sightseeing, and plenty of delicious local food. Below is a practical, first-hand travel guide to Croatia—what we did, where we stayed, and tips to help you plan an unforgettable trip. If Croatia is on your list, this guide will make you want to start booking right away.
Hi, I’m Linley. If you follow my account @linleyshands you might have seen photos from this trip. Croatia wasn’t originally on my travel radar beyond hearing historical references, but an adventurous family trip changed that quickly. My partner’s mother turned sixty and chose to celebrate by kayaking the Croatian coast—so we went for thirteen days, combining Croatia with short visits to Montenegro and Switzerland.
Trip planning
We prepared for the trip by making a few strategic choices to save money and add convenience. Early in the year we applied for a premium travel card—the Chase Sapphire Reserve—to collect bonus points, access airport lounges via Priority Pass, and benefit from travel protections. Those perks made airport layovers more comfortable and helped us redeem points for additional flights during the year.
Because we booked only a couple of months before departure, airfare required some flexibility. Direct round-trip flights to Croatia were expensive from our departure city, so we flew round-trip to Zurich, where we had friends and planned the final leg of our journey. From Zurich we took a budget flight onward to Croatia. This approach cut costs and maximized the time we had to explore the region.
What we did
We spent the end of May into early June traveling. With a group of ten, our trip was mostly organized through Adriatic Kayaking Tours, which handled logistics and offered a curated “Best of the Balkans” week-long kayaking itinerary. Using a specialist outfitter made the active parts of the trip easier and more enjoyable, especially with guides who knew the islands and local culture well.
Croatia: coastal islands and Dubrovnik
Our Croatian portion began with a day and night in Dubrovnik after arriving from Zurich. Dubrovnik’s historic walls, film locations, and charming streets make it feel cinematic at every turn. It’s an excellent spot for sightseeing, sampling gelato, trying local seafood, and tasting Croatian white wine—surprisingly delightful even for those who don’t usually prefer white wines.
Because Dubrovnik is a popular cruise stop, daytime crowds can be intense. We took a short ferry to Lopud Island where we stayed five nights in a simple, family-run hostel with local charm. From there we kayaked each day to different islands and coastal spots. Highlights included:
- Kayaking to Koločep for scenic hikes and freshly prepared seaside lunches
- Paddling through dramatic sea caves and hidden coves
- Swimming in some of the clearest, bluest water I’ve seen
- Enjoying grilled fish and seafood prepared daily
- Visiting the historic Trsteno arboretum
- Discovering quiet, rocky Croatian beaches tucked between cliffs
Some days were physically demanding—kayaking requires stamina and coordination—but the landscapes and the camaraderie with our guides made every effort worthwhile. Our tour leaders were exceptionally knowledgeable, attentive, and genuinely invested in our group’s experience.
Montenegro: mountains and the Tara River
Halfway through the week we crossed the border into Montenegro for mountain scenery and river activities. The contrast from Adriatic beaches to alpine valleys was dramatic and beautiful. We stayed at Camp Grab on the Tara River, an ethno-lodge offering local food and outdoor adventures like white-water rafting and guided hikes.
The Tara River’s turquoise color and the surrounding untouched peaks felt like a fairy-tale setting. The river is fed by glacial runoff, so even in summer the water is very cold, but the scenery and the hearty regional meals—homemade cheese, local meats, and pastries—were unforgettable. After Montenegro we drove through Bosnia to return to Switzerland for the final portion of our trip.
5 tips for traveling in Croatia
- Drive the coast: Renting a car and taking a road trip along the coastline reveals scenic mountain roads, quiet villages, and unexpected viewpoints.
- Choose local stays: Skip the big tourist hotels when possible. Small guesthouses, hostels, or Airbnbs in towns along the coast offer more character and better local interaction.
- Talk to locals: Croatians are warm and hospitable. Chat with your host or restaurant owners—you’ll often discover the best places to eat and hidden gems.
- Get outdoors: Balance sea and land activities. Croatia has coastal kayaking, pebble beaches, and inland trails for hiking and climbing.
- Explore regions: Each region differs in cuisine and atmosphere. Spend time on islands for kayaking and seafood, then head inland or to the mountains for hiking and different local specialties.
Overall, Croatia is an ideal destination for an active vacation that includes great food, dramatic coastal scenery, and welcoming people. Whether you opt for a guided kayaking trip or create your own road-and-island adventure, the region rewards travelers who like to mix outdoor activity with cultural exploration. I can’t wait to go back and discover more of its cliffs, coves, and mountain trails.