Deborah Chan
Croatia is a top honeymoon destination, offering a unique blend of cultural diversity, stunning natural scenery, and a thriving culinary scene. From the glittering shores of the Adriatic Sea to the charming Old Towns, Croatia promises an unforgettable romantic getaway. Planning a honeymoon in Croatia involves considering factors such as transportation, accommodation, and the best time to visit. With its vibrant colours, mild climate, and dramatic coastal setting, Croatia invites couples to indulge in a variety of experiences, from relaxing on pristine beaches to exploring historic sites and partaking in water sports adventures.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Southeast Europe |
| Language | Croatian |
| Currency | Croatian Kuna (HRK) |
| Flight time from New York | 10-12 hours |
| Transportation | Buses, ferries, car rentals, walking, taxis |
| Accommodation | Luxury hotels, private villas, boutique hotels |
| Attractions | Medieval architecture, beaches, lakes, waterfalls, vineyards, historic landmarks, national parks |
| Food & Drink | Seafood, wine |
| Best time to visit | May-June and September-October |
| Peak season | June-August |
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What You'll Learn
Where to stay
When it comes to where to stay on your honeymoon in Croatia, you will be spoilt for choice. The country is brimming with romantic activities for two, from the glittering shorelines of the Adriatic Sea to the stunning medieval cities and cascading waterfalls.
Croatia is an ideal destination for couples seeking a mix of luxury and exploration. If you're looking for a beach resort, consider Zadar, Plitvice, Split, or Dubrovnik. Dubrovnik, one of the most popular cities in Croatia, offers stunning architecture, historic walls, and a romantic setting for honeymooners. Its old town, with its mouth-watering restaurants, provides the perfect respite after a day of exploring. From here, you can easily access many other Croatian islands, such as Mljet and Korcula, making it a great base for island hopping.
For a more luxurious stay, opt for a luxury hotel in major cities like Dubrovnik and Split, or private villas and boutique hotels on quieter islands like Hvar and Korčula. Hvar, in particular, is known for its natural beauty, with aromatic fields of lavender and rolling vineyards. Rab Island is another excellent choice for beach lovers, boasting sprawling shores of golden sand and turquoise waters.
If you prefer to stay on the move, island hopping is a fantastic way to explore Croatia's favoured isles. Sail along the Adriatic and take in the magnificent scenery of turquoise waters, sandy coves, and rugged cliff edges. Stop off at some of Croatia's best islands, where you'll find untouched beaches and complete peace and seclusion.
To make the most of your time in Croatia, consider arriving and departing from different airports. This way, you can move through and enjoy the country at a more leisurely pace without having to circle back to your arrival airport.
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What to do
Croatia is a perfect honeymoon destination, with its romantic medieval architecture, stunning inland countryside, and miles of crystal-clear coastline. Here is a list of things to do when planning a honeymoon in Croatia:
Explore the Dalmatian Coast and Islands
Take a cruise along the Dalmatian Coast, starting from Split and making your way to Dubrovnik. Enjoy peaceful sandy beaches, snorkel in crystal-clear waters, and indulge in excellent cuisine. Island-hopping is a great way to explore Croatia's favoured isles, with their turquoise waters, sandy coves, and rugged cliffs. Stop off at islands like Hvar, Rab, Mljet, and Korčula to find untouched beaches and complete peace and seclusion.
Visit Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik is one of the most popular cities in Croatia, known for its stunning architecture, historic walls, and romantic setting. Stroll through the Old Town, explore the forts and walls (featured in Game of Thrones as King's Landing), and enjoy the mouth-watering restaurants. Dubrovnik is also a great base for accessing other Croatian islands, with regular boat trips available.
Indulge in Food and Wine
Croatia is renowned for its exciting culinary scene and local wines. Sample the fresh seafood and local wines in the port city of Split, or clink your glasses amidst the miles of vineyards. Don't miss the Gallery of Fine Arts in Split, and the ancient alleyways of Diocletian's Palace, one of the greatest remaining Roman ruins.
Adventure Activities
Croatia offers a wide range of adventure activities, especially water sports. You can also hike along scenic lakes and waterfalls, or explore national parks like Plitvice National Park. For a unique experience, visit the Sea Organ in Zadar, a seaside installation where the sea waves create harmonious tunes as they hit the staircase on the shore.
Relax on the Beach
Croatia boasts over 400 beaches along its Adriatic shores and islands, each with its own unique feel. Find golden sands and turquoise waters on Rab Island, or simply relax on a quiet beach and enjoy the accessible food and wine scene.
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How to get around
Croatia offers various transportation options to suit your honeymoon needs. The country's bus system is efficient and covers most major towns, but it can be a bit slower than a guided tour. If you're looking for a more relaxed pace, arriving and departing from different airports can give you more time to enjoy the country. Croatia has several airports servicing international destinations, so you don't have to circle back to your arrival airport.
If you're staying in and around Split, you can easily access beaches like Bacvice and Ovcice, which are teeming with cafes and restaurants. You can also take a ferry to nearby islands for a day trip or explore the city's bell tower, imperial fort, amphitheatre, and botanical gardens.
For a more active honeymoon, you can go hiking and biking around the islands and national parks, such as Plitvice National Park, Krka National Park, and Modro Jezero, where you can swim in the blue lake.
If you're looking for a romantic city break, Zagreb offers Austro-Hungarian architecture, a buzzing cafe scene, and attractions like the Church of St. Mark's and Zagreb Cathedral. Dubrovnik also appeals with its contrast of electric-blue sea, brick-red roofs, and fortified walls.
To explore the Dalmatian Coast, you can sail aboard a private charter or cycle into historic cities with VBT Bicycling Vacations. You can also visit the island of Vis, the stonecutters' schools on the island of Brac, and the natural beauty of Mljet.
With its islands, lakes, and cities, Croatia offers a range of transportation options to suit your honeymoon preferences, whether you're looking for relaxation, adventure, or a mix of both.
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Best time to visit
Croatia is an extremely seasonal destination, so it's important to consider when you plan to visit. The country has a Mediterranean climate, with warm summers and mild winters. The coastal regions, which are very popular among honeymooners, have hot and sunny summers from June to September.
The peak tourism season in Croatia is during the summer months of July and August, when there will be a lot of people everywhere you go. If you want to avoid the crowds, the shoulder seasons of May to June and September to October are less expensive, with more accommodation options and fewer crowds. The weather during these months is still romantic, and you can enjoy some of the most breathtaking scenery the country has to offer.
If you're looking for a balance of relaxation and exploration, the extended summer season of May to October is ideal. During this time, you can take advantage of the warm weather and enjoy various activities such as swimming and exploring ancient cities and natural parks. Keep in mind that some festivals, such as the Pula Film Festival, are held in July, so if you're interested in cultural experiences, you may want to plan your trip around these events.
Overall, the best time to visit Croatia for a honeymoon depends on your preferences. If you want to enjoy the hot summer weather and don't mind the crowds, July and August are ideal. If you prefer milder weather and fewer people, the shoulder seasons of May to June and September to October are better choices.
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What to eat and drink
Croatia is a foodie's dream, with one of the best and most underrated cuisines in Europe. The country's many miles of coastline mean seafood is a highlight of Croatian food, but you'll also find delicious meats and hearty stews inland. Croatian food is a delightful fusion of Mediterranean, Central European, and Balkan influences. The country also has a vibrant wine culture, with olive oil and truffle cultivation dating back to Roman times.
Black Risotto: This popular dish is a creamy concoction of squid or cuttlefish ink, which infuses the dish with a savoury flavour, and is complemented by tender squid or other seafood. It is best sampled in the small town of Ston on the Peljesac Peninsula, renowned for its high-quality seafood.
Buzara: This is a technique used to prepare seafood, cooking the fish in a rich and flavourful sauce made with garlic, wine, and tomatoes. Mussels are the main ingredient, but you can also find variations with clams, shrimp, and other shellfish. It is often served with fresh bread to soak up the sauce.
Burek: This is a flaky, layered pastry filled with cheese, apple, or meat. Cheese and spinach is also a popular combination. It is the ideal cheap snack to keep you going from mid-morning to early evening.
Ćevapi: These are short, fat sausages made of minced meat, ideally a beef and lamb mix. They are usually eaten as street food or in standard domestic restaurants. They are served with a large helping of flatbread.
Pag Lamb: This is a succulent dish that is best enjoyed in late spring and early summer.
Fritule: This is a beloved dessert and an iconic emblem of Croatian culinary tradition. These fried pastries are a must-try, with each region offering its own unique twist on the classic recipe. Some variations include plump raisins or a splash of rum.
Strukli: This is a signature dish of the northern regions, especially Zagreb and Hrvatsko Zagorje. It is a delicate pastry filled with cottage cheese, eggs, and other ingredients. It is a quintessential comfort food in Croatia, enjoyed any time of the year.
Paški Sir: This is a type of sheep's cheese produced on the island of Pag for centuries. The cheese is matured for up to 18 months and is similar in texture to Parmesan. It is sold at markets and served in restaurants as a starter or dessert.
Kulen: This is a type of dry, spicy sausage made from special cuts of top-quality pork sourced from mature pigs. It is hand-made and cured naturally for nine months. The only additives are salt, garlic, and red paprika.
Scampi from Kvarner Bay: These are considered the best in Europe and can be found boiled, grilled, prepared in sauce, marinated, breaded, wrapped in Istrian ham, spit-roasted, or even raw, always embellished with first-class olive oil.
When planning your honeymoon in Croatia, keep in mind that it is a seasonal destination, with the peak season lasting from May to October. The country offers a range of honeymoon accommodations, from luxury hotels in major cities like Dubrovnik and Split to private villas and boutique hotels on quieter islands like Hvar and Korčula.
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Frequently asked questions
The summer months are the high season in Croatia, with persistent sunshine and a full schedule of festivals. May to June and September to October are also good months to visit, as the country experiences pleasant weather and there are fewer tourists.
Croatia offers a range of romantic activities, including strolling through the Old Town of Dubrovnik, exploring the medieval cities and forts, visiting historic landmarks, and enjoying the local food and wine scene. Island-hopping and cruising along the Dalmatian Coast are also popular choices for honeymooners.
There are several options for accommodations in Croatia, depending on your preferences. Luxury hotels in major cities like Dubrovnik, Split, and Zagreb offer convenient access to popular attractions. For a more secluded experience, private villas and boutique hotels on quieter islands like Hvar, Korčula, and Rab Island provide a tranquil escape.
