Croatia Tour Packages

1. About Croatia
2. Tidbits
3. Things to Remember When Booking Croatia Tour Packages
4. Best Croatia Tour Packages
5. Croatia At A Glance
6. Top Reasons To Visit Croatia
7. Best Time To Visit Croatia
8. Top Things To Do In Croatia
9. Shopping in Croatia
10. Dos and Don’ts of Visiting Croatia
11. Foods to Try out in Croatia
12. Art and Culture in Croatia

Croatia is a Balkan country in Central Europe. It is historically connected to Austria and Hungary, as it was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire until World War I. The country shares its borders with Slovenia, Hungary, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro.

Croatian history spans thousands of years, from its ancient Illyrian roots to its modern Croatian identity as an independent state. The country has witnessed the ebb and flow of different empires, ranging from the Romans to the Byzantines, Hungarians, Ottomans, and Austrians. Croatia was even part of Yugoslavia from 1929 to 1991. A constant factor throughout this multifaceted history is Croatia’s struggle for autonomy and national identity.

The country is a nature lover’s paradise, with forests making up one-third of the total land area. Croatia is home to over eight national parks teeming with untamed wildlife: the nose-horned viper, the black widow spider, the European lynx, the European wolf, the brown bear, and the country’s national animal, the European pine marten.

Croatians are known for their commitment to family and respect for their environment. They are also very proud of their rich history and cultural heritage. Croatian cuisine is equally full of tradition and flavour.

Mediterranean influences like olive oil, crayfish, seafood, garlic, parsley, etc., and Balkan influences like cured meat, cheese, and minced meat dishes.

If you’d like to explore the different aspects of this jewel of the Adriatic Sea, check out our comprehensive Croatia tour packages.

• The Dalmatian dogs originate from Croatia, viz., the region of Dalmatia.
• The Adriatic coastal city of Nin is famous for producing fleur de sel, an expensive type of salt used to flavour food.
• Apparently, St Paul the Apostle spent 3 months stranded on the island of Mljet in Croatia.
• The Sea Organ of Zadar was commissioned in 2005 to produce music using the sound waves from the Adriatic Sea.
• The town of Hum is the world’s smallest, with only 52 residents.
• The world’s smallest commemorative coin, the Hum coin, was minted in 2024 and is only 0.08 inches.
• While Croatia is made up of over 1,244 islands, only 48 are inhabited.
• Nikola Tesla was originally from Croatia.
• Istria County in Croatia is famous for black and white truffles.
• Croatia is home to Galesnjak, popularly called Lovers Island because of its naturally occurring heart shape.
• Croatia was once part of the Yugoslav Republic
• The Olm, also called human fish, found in Croatia can survive for up to 10 years without food.
• The world’s first orphanage was established in Dubrovnik in the 15th century.
• Croatia has over 7000 caves.
• Odysseus was believed to have been trapped in a cave on the island of Mljet.

• Croatia offers Short Stay (C-Type) Schengen Visa for Indians – valid for up to 90 days.
• Credit and debit cards are accepted across Croatia. But the country is basically cash-heavy.
• Thanks to its geography, Croatia isn’t well connected by train. But buses are prevalent and the best way to enjoy the landscape.
• Taxis and car rentals are an equally good option.
• Many experiences, such as the Dubrovnik Wall Tours and Blue Cave Tours, sell out very fast make sure you book them ahead, especially during peak season.
• A city card for 1/3/7 days is cheaper than paying for different activities.
• Restaurants farther away from the touristy places are comparatively cheaper.
• Croatia can be a cold place for Indians. Carry a jacket and dress in layers to stay warm.
• Traditional Croatian dishes are meat-heavy. Remember to explain clearly your food preferences, i.e., what you don’t eat, when ordering food at restaurants. Or, carry ready-to-eat Indian meals with you.
• Carry swimming shoes if you plan to visit the beaches. The beaches are rocky and cannot be enjoyed barefoot.

From gorgeous beaches and historic cities to picturesque towns and abundant wildlife, Croatia has everything you could want in an ultimate holiday. No wonder the country attracts millions of honeymooners, families, and large groups. Here are a few other reasons to choose Croatia tour packages from GT Holidays.

Croatia is a fascinating country with extraordinary natural beauty. Despite its small size, it is home to a diverse landscape with 8 national parks, 12 nature parks, 26 rivers, 7 marine reserves, and over 1200 islands, including one shaped like a heart. Thanks to the rich and verdant valleys and mountains, including the Dinaric Alps and the Julian Alps, there are plenty of hiking and cycling trails for adventure enthusiasts.

The country’s nature reserves and national parks are home to abundant wildlife and unique fauna, including griffon vultures, wild horses, brown bears, pine martens, and golden eagles.

The gem of Croatia’s natural resources is undoubtedly the Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its collection of over 90 lakes and crystal-clear waters that fall from a height, creating breathtaking scenery. The waters exhibit an amazing palette of shades, ranging from emerald green to deep blue and light grey.

The Krka National Park is another incredibly marvellous natural wonder. The highlight of this park is the Roski Slap waterfall, popularly called Necklaces by locals. Water falls from over 22.5 m and is made up of a series of cascades, followed by several backwaters and islets. Another attraction at the Krka National Park is the Eye of the Earth, a natural spring with waters in deep shades of turquoise and blue.

You can hike to the peaks of Ucka National Park for a fantastic view of the Kvarner Gulf, explore the inland saltwater lakes and enjoy views from Mount Montokuc, or hike/bike/ski to the mountains of Gorski Kotar to enjoy the mesmerising view.

Some of the best natural wonders you must include in your Croatian tour package itinerary include:

• Mljet National Park
• Telascica National Park
• Imotski Blue Lake
• Paklenica National Park

Croatia’s amazing coastline stretches over 1700 km and is famous for its scenic beaches, crystal-clear waters, and charming islands. In fact, many of Croatia’s beautiful cities are along the coast. For instance, the Dalmatian Coast is famous for Dubrovnik, Split, and Hvar.

There are hundreds of islands scattered along the coast, many of which are uninhabited. Istria, the country’s largest peninsula in Northern Croatia, is famous for its beautiful beaches and mountain forests.

We promise that a refreshing swim in the sparkling Adriatic Sea will definitely be the highlight of your Croatia tour package. You can visit some of the country’s lesser-known islands to discover wild coves. For instance, Stracinska, a beautiful pebble beach on the little-known island of Solta, is secluded and the perfect place for a private beach vacation.

If you love windsurfing or diving, head to Borak on the island of Brac to enjoy your favourite watersports and the clear waters.

Some Famous Croatian Beaches Include:

• Bacvice, Split
• Zlatni Rat Beach, Borak
• Stiniva Beach, Vis
• Sakuran Beach, Dugi Otok

Croatia is famous for its fascinating cities, which are full of rich history, ancient ruins, magnificent castles and buildings, and well-preserved city walls. Dubrovnik, the most famous of all, is renowned for its ornate cathedrals, medieval monasteries, and towering city walls that meander through the city. No wonder the city’s ancient architecture was the backdrop for the Game of Thrones series.

Zagreb, the country’s capital, is another fascinating city with quirky museums, beautiful cathedrals, and traditional markets. Life in Zagreb is interesting, thanks to its street food, public art, and majestic green parks. Don’t miss riding on the world’s shortest funicular in Zagreb.

Zadar is another remarkable city on the Dalmatian Coast. It is famous for its one of a kind Sea Organ, a water-based musical instrument that uses sound created from the waves. The ancient city is also popular for its ancient cathedrals, town squares, traditional markets, and ancient Roman ruins.

Some of the must-visit cities in Croatia include:

• Kumrovec
• Sibenik
• Split
• Ston

Croatia’s stunning landscapes and ancient monuments have been the perfect backdrop to several Game of Thrones scenes. For instance, Dubrovnik was the setting for the fictional city of King’s Landing. The famous city walls were the setting for Fort Minceta and Fort Lawrence and the location where Tyrion and Lord Varys planned the defence of King’s Landing.

Fort Lovrijenac is famous among fans as the Red Keep, the palace of the Westeros family. The infamous Cersei Lannister’s Walk of Shame was filmed on the Jesuit Staircase and St Dominic Street in the Old Town of Dubrovnik. These locations draw thousands of Game of Thrones fans worldwide with specialised Game of Thrones walking tours.

Croatia may not be an under-the-radar destination like it once was, but it is still less popular than countries like Germany, France, and Switzerland in Western Europe. The country offers all the bells and whistles offered by popular European cities: picturesque landscapes, ancient ruins, beautiful beaches, fabulous Mediterranean food and climate, historical towns, and rich culture. But you can enjoy all of this and more at half the cost of travelling to other parts of Europe.

You can sample great wine, enjoy sumptuous truffle-laced delicacies and asparagus, and feast on fresh seafood on the Adriatic Coast without breaking the bank.

Given its unique geographical location, Croatia experiences a Mediterranean and Continental climate. As a result, cities on the Adriatic Coast, such as Zadar, Split, Hvar, etc., enjoy dry summers and cool, rainy winters, and towns in the interiors, such as Zagreb and Slavonski Brod, have hot summers and snowy winters.

Croatia has four seasons: Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter. The best time to choose Croatia tour packages is from July to August when it’s summer the days are hot, evenings are balmy, and nights are comfortable.

The low season is from November to April when temperatures are low and there’s abundant rainfall. In interior cities like Zagreb, temperatures can go as low as -2°C. If you’re looking for Croatia tour packages and unsure when to book, here’s a rundown of the different seasons to help you make a better decision.

Spring is a great time to visit Croatia, with bright blue skies, fragrant forests, and a dazzling landscape full of colourful flowers. It’s also less crowded, as peak season hasn’t started yet, and local restaurants are opening up after a dreary winter. You can enjoy all the major attractions without waiting in a queue or suffering humidity.

But don’t count on the weather being pleasant across the country. For instance, on the Dalmatian Coast, spring can start as early as the first week of March, but in interior areas like Istria, spring arrives much later. Temperatures range from 7°C to 23°C, with March being the coldest month. During May, temperatures can reach 22°C, especially in coastal cities, making it ideal for swimming.

The best thing about visiting Croatia in spring is the scant rainfall and low humidity. It’s also a great time to enjoy the Croatian wilderness.

• Go for a bike ride across Croatia’s stunning national parks and historic cities.
• Join locals for some wild asparagus foraging
• Visit the Flower Festival in Rijeka, Split, and Sveti Filip I Jakov.
• Join the Zrce Spring Break Festival

As discussed earlier, summer is a great time to visit Croatia. It’s the warmest season of the year and a perfect time to visit Croatia’s countless beaches, enjoy concerts and open-air shows, and go on wild adventures. The average temperature ranges from 25°C to 30°C but could reach 35°C during a heat wave. Evenings are, however, pleasant in the coastal regions, thanks to the constantly blowing sea breezes. Plitvice Lakes National Park is pleasant in summer; neither too cold nor too warm, but the water levels can be low.

While it’s rare to rain during summer, the inland areas experience some rain. In Zagreb, the weather could be hot, with temperatures hitting 35°C. The Istrian Peninsula is equally warm, with over 10 hours of sunshine, but it could get incredibly crowded thanks to its proximity to Germany, Austria, and Italy.

Besides Dubrovnik and Split, some of the best places to visit in Croatia include the Makarska Riviera, Murter Island, and Hvar.

• Enjoy a summer cruise along the Dalmatian Coast
• Enjoy swimming on the Adriatic
• Visit the Full Moon Festival in Zadar
• Visit the Split Summer Festival

Croatia is equally beautiful in Autumn, with thousands visiting the country to witness the vibrant foliage of yellows, oranges, and deep reds. It’s much less crowded and yet worth a visit, thanks to the national parks, vineyards, and coastal regions that look beautiful. Fewer tourists mean more time to explore some of Croatia’s top attractions. There’s so much to do and see, from strolling along the walls of Dubrovnik to savouring a glass of wine in Istria.

Autumn temperatures range from 15°C to 25°C, gradually decreasing as the months progress. The season is also an excellent time for truffle hunting. If you’re a wine lover, don’t forget to include a wine-harvesting event on your Croatia tour package itinerary.

However, autumn weather is a little more unpredictable. Cities across the coast will be warmer than inland cities like Zagreb and the Plitvice Lakes National Park, where temperatures could range from 9°C to 19°C. There can be occasional rainfall in these areas in autumn.

Autumn is the harvest season for grapes, oranges, and olives. No wonder there are plenty of food festivals across the country during fall.

• Wine and jazz festival in Dubrovnik
• Visit Truffle Days in Zigante
• Join a wine-tasting session in Istria and Peljesac.
• Join the wine festival in Vinistra in Istria

The problem with choosing an autumn Croatia tour package is that ferry services are less frequent. This is also true for restaurants and bars in heavily tourist areas. Also, since the days are shorter, you must plan your itinerary well.

Winter is the least favourite tourist season for a reason the temperatures are low, the country experiences rain, and many coastal hotels and restaurants close down. The temperature ranges from -1°C to 5°C. January is especially cold, with temperatures hovering at -3°C. Compared to cities like Zagreb, where temperatures can reach as low as -2°C, Dubrovnik can be warm, ranging from 7°C to 9°C. But nights can be terribly cold.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is covered in snow during winter, and temperatures range below zero. While the park is open during winter, some will be closed to tourists. We suggest you check with your tour guide when booking winter Croatia tour packages. Dalmatia and Istria experience a Mediterranean climate and aren’t as cold as the rest of the country.

The best part about visiting Croatia during winter is the Christmas markets. Some of the best places to visit during Yuletide include Advent Zagreb, the Dubrovnik Christmas Market, and the Split Christmas Market.

• Visit Advent Zagreb in Zagreb
• Visit the ski resort in Sljeme
• Go truffle hunting in Istria
• Skiing and snowboarding in Plitvice Lakes National Park

The downside of visiting Croatia during winter is that the working hours on most attractions and ferry schedules are limited. Make sure your Croatia tour package itinerary is planned carefully.

Croatia is a complete destination with beautiful beaches, historic cities, ancient sites, and fine food and drink. Not to mention vast stretches of coastline. If you are still unconvinced, here are a few things you must include in your Croatia tour package itinerary.

Dubrovnik is a coastal city in Southern Dalmatia and one of the most visited destinations in Croatia. The city was founded in the 7th century when Roman refugees fleeing the Slavs and Avars called it Ragusa. Dubrovnik is divided into Old Town and the modern city, which evolved outside the walls of the ancient city gates.

The Old City is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site with its well-preserved cultural and historical heritage structures, Old Town squares and streets, monasteries, churches, palaces, and fountains.

The medieval walls are one of Dubrovnik’s most famous attractions. They encircle the entire Old City and were built between the 12th and 17th centuries to protect the city from pirates and invaders. A tour of Dubrovnik includes a walking tour of the city’s walls, which are about 2 km long and include 16 smaller and larger towers.

The Plitvice Lakes National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its emerald lakes, mesmerising waterfalls, and caves. It was declared a park in 1949 and covers 33,000 hectares, making it one of Croatia’s oldest and largest national parks. The park is home to many animals, including bears, wolves, and pine martens. In addition to plant and animal species, you can also find fungi species like the saprotrophic fungi and mycorrhizal fungi that help balance the forest’s delicate ecosystem. Some of these lichens are critically endangered and found only in the park.

The Velliki Slap waterfall is the largest cascade, falling from over 78 metres. You can visit some of the park’s 90 waterfalls, often changing colours from deep blue to green and even light grey.

Some Plitvice Lakes National Park activities include lake tours, hiking, rowing, skiing, sleighing, and cycling.

There are plenty of other national parks where you can enjoy Croatia’s natural landscapes. For instance, the Krka National Park, which gets its name from the Krka River, is famous for Skradinski Buk, the park’s largest waterfall, which descends from over 46m before crashing into the lake below.

If you are travelling with children, don’t miss the safari park at Brijuni National Park. It has an amazing collection of animals, including peacocks, zebras, ostriches, albino peacocks, camels, and llamas.

Given Croatia’s strategic location, forts and fortresses are common throughout the country. Almost every city on the Croatian coast is fortified to protect it from attacks. Even mainland cities boast city walls, with nobles and Croatian lords busy building castles and palaces. While many of these are in disrepair, some are well-preserved or were restored.

The most famous is the Diocletian’s Palace in Split, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The palace was commissioned in the 4th century by the Roman Emperor Diocletian as his retirement home. It is famous for its lustrous white marble imported from Italy and Greece, columns from Egypt, and white stones from the island of Brac in Croatia.

Other notable castles and palaces include the 13th-century Medvedgrad fortress built on the verdant slopes of the Medvednica mountains. The fort is an excellent place for a panoramic view of Zagreb.

While there are countless castles in the region of Hrvatsko Zagorje, the Trakoscan Castle is definitely the most magnificent of them all.

Some of the other castles in Croatia include Veliki Tabor, a tentative world heritage site built in the 15th century, the Pejacevic Castle built in the 14th century, the Klis Fortress built to protect Dalmatia, and the St Michael’s Fortress in Sibenik.

The perfect skies, sparkling waters, and picture-perfect cities on the Dalmatian Coast make for a great sailing experience. The region’s three famous cities, Dubrovnik, Zadar, and Split, attract millions of cruisegoers. But if you want a truly luxury experience, we suggest you embark on a small ship cruising tour. You’ll explore some of the thousand or more islands and islets that are sparsely populated, ensuring privacy and seclusion while on the beach.

With just over 40 passengers, these luxury vessels ensure an intimate cruising experience, exploring areas out of reach for larger ships. You can relax in an onboard jacuzzi, savour exquisite beverages while admiring the view from a private balcony, and even stop for a swim in the clear waters of the Adriatic. Plenty of vessels are equipped with watersport equipment for guests to enjoy scuba diving and snorkelling. The Mediterranean climate only adds to the experience.

You can visit some of Croatia’s historic cities, enjoy delicious Croatian food, and even interact with the locals in the small islands you visit.

If you don’t have the time for an extended cruise stay, consider booking a short round-trip cruise with your Croatia tour package. Popular small-ship cruise tours include mini cruises from Split to Dubrovnik, Trogir to Bol, Hvar, Mljet and Dubrovnik, and Split, Makarska, Mjlet, and Dubrovnik.

Croatia was part of the Roman Empire from the 11th century BC to around the 5th century AD, with the latter building cities, military camps, and roads, especially in the coastal areas of Dalmatia. The Greeks, too, ruled parts of Croatia, establishing colonies in the islands of Issa and, Pharos, and Trogir. As a result, the country is home to several ancient ruins, including amphitheatres, fortresses, cobblestoned roads, monasteries, and even aqueducts.

The Grandest of them all is undoubtedly Diocletian’s Palace in Split. Built by the Roman Emperor Diocletian, it is an architectural marvel and the epitome of grandiosity.

The Pula Arena, a well-preserved amphitheatre, is one of the many remains of the Roman era. It is believed to have been a gift from Emperor Vespasian to his lover Antonia Cenida. The Twin Doors is another well-preserved relic from Roman times.

Salona, a 7th-century Roman city, is the largest archaeological site in the country and is believed to be the birthplace of the emperor Diocletian. The ruins include tombs – some with Christian inscriptions, a basilica, arched remains, and cobblestoned roads.

Zadar, another Roman colony, has several impressive ruins, including structures from the Roman Forum, the municipal square built from the 1st to the 3rd centuries.

The Greeks established the ancient city of Split, which was home to the Greek colonies of Issa, Pharos, and Melaina Korkyra. While many of these places are unexcavated, Greek statues and other relics can be found in many museums across Croatia. For instance, the Lumbarda Psephisma or Lumbarda Decree is a Greek inscription from the 3rd or 4th century BC.

Croatia has a long history of winemaking, thanks to the Greeks, who probably introduced it to the country. In fact, the peculiar wine called Grk, which can be found only on the island of Korcula, was believed to have been introduced by the Greeks when they came to the island. The wine is now produced only in a few wineries in Lumbarda – remember to include a visit to these wineries on your Croatia tour package itinerary to learn more about this unique grape variety.

Dalmatia is famous for its authentic grape varieties, especially Babic, Plavina, and the famous Dingac. The region also has famous wineries producing over 3 million bottles yearly.

If you haven’t heard about Croatian wine internationally, it is probably because most of the 69 million litres of wine produced yearly is consumed domestically. Wine is an important part of the Mediterranean diet, especially Bevanda, a red wine diluted with water.

On your Croatia tour package, you can sign up for a wine tour or a wine-tasting session, go on a day trip to vineyards in Istria and Dalmatia, and learn about wine-making from the best winemakers.

Your entire trip to Croatia would involve hopping from one island to another, savouring the beautiful views and lush green landscapes – each more alluring than the other. With 1000 captivating islands tucked on the Adriatic Coast, you’ll surely love every bit of the experience. You can either chart a yacht or take a public ferry. The latter is cheap and efficient.

Some fabulous islands you must visit in Croatia include Sibenik, an architectural gem with two UNESCO World Heritage Sites; Cres Island, a charming place with sleepy villages and gorgeous hidden beaches; and Vis, an island once the Yugoslav army’s military base. Milna, another quaint village on the island of Brac, is another great place to experience life in Croatia.

Croatia isn’t only famous for its stunning landscapes and gourmet cuisine but also for its array of luxury shopping options. The country has become the go-to destination for shopaholics looking for high-end fashion. Tourist cities like Zagreb and Dubrovnik are filled with luxury boutiques and upscale shopping streets like Ilica and Marticeva.

When in Hvar, don’t miss shopping for locally made products, such as high-end lavender perfumes, organic cosmetics, and gourmet products like fleur de sel.

But the country is equally famous for its local markets selling fresh produce, including lavender oil, fruits, honey, olive oil, and freshly baked bread. If you are looking for classy souvenirs to take back home, check Zagreb for coasters, mugs made of walnut wood, ceramics, desk lamps, and t-shirts.

Some souvenirs you can buy on your tour include:

• Ties: Croatians invented ties in the 17th century. The French picked up this fashion, and the rest is history. Croata is a luxury tie brand and the most popular in Croatia. The brand is known for its incredible ties, featuring pictures of famous Croatian landmarks on the back.
• Bajadera Chocolates: These are the most popular in Croatia and consist of Viennese nougat, almonds, hazelnuts or walnuts, and the finest cocoa. This is a three-layered chocolate with praline and nougat, almonds, hazelnuts, or walnuts, and a thin layer of milk chocolate.
• Sports Jersey: If you are buying souvenirs for a football fan, buy the chequered Croatian football jersey.
• Antique Pelinkovac is Croatia’s most famous liqueur, and Antique is one of the oldest and most famous brands. The company that makes this liqueur, Badel, dates back to 1862. The drink was introduced the same year. For over 150 years, it has been produced exactly the same way, in accordance with the original recipe and using natural ingredients.
• Penkala: These are the world’s first mechanical pencils and the perfect gift for your artist and designer friends. Invented by Eduard Penkala in 1906, every Penkala pen comes with a serial number and can be identified as a single product.
• Embroidered Products: Croatian markets sell hand-embroidered table runners, sofa covers, kitchen towels, handmade tunics, and lace dollies. The Dolac Market in Zagreb is a great place to buy these souvenirs.
• Licitar Hearts: These are handcrafted ornamental gifts offered to loved ones on special occasions and on Valentine’s Day. The shiny little hearts are adorably decorated with a little mirror in the centre, indicating that the person receiving it has their heart.

Some other practical yet adorable gifts include sestinski kisobran or handmade umbrellas in Zagreb, Croatian olive oil, and Croatian wine.

• Carry a bottle everywhere you go, as tap water is very safe in Croatia, and bottled water is expensive.
• Walking barefoot isn’t appreciated in Croatia. It’s believed that doing so could cause all kinds of illnesses, including bladder infections, rheumatism, and even the common cold. When you visit someone’s house, you must remove your shoes and wear the footwear offered by your host. In the same vein, do not sit directly on the floor without something underneath.
• Don’t assume that everything that’s mentioned vegetarian on the menu is actually vegetarian, especially in small, local restaurants. For many Croatians, chicken, turkey, and food from the poultry family is vegetarian.
• Don’t assume Croatia to be cheap like other Eastern European countries like Bulgaria, Slovakia, or Hungary.
• Buses are a great way to explore Croatia. While there are trains, they’re not well-connected.
• Don’t discuss Yugoslavia or the war with Serbia with the locals.

Croatian cuisine is widely varied, with the distinction most notable between the coastal cities and regions in mainland Croatia. The cuisine is heavily influenced by Mediterranean, Central European, and Balkan food, ensuring a delectable array of dishes that reflect the country’s history, culture, and geography. For instance, Croatia is home to the Grk grape, a variety introduced by the Greeks 4000 years ago. The Grk variety is indigenous to the island of Korcula and not found outside Croatia.

While coastal Croatian cuisine includes fresh seafood, continental Croatian food includes heavier dishes based on meat, hot spices, pickled vegetables, and river fish like catfish and carp. Central Croatian food is poultry and dairy-based, with dishes using fresh cheese, homemade butter, and fresh sour cream.

A lot of Croatian dishes are based on peasant cooking traditions, using basic ingredients like cereals, dairy, meat, local vegetables, and nuts. Some dishes are so integral to the cuisine that they’re often protected as an intangible cultural heritage. For instance, licitars are colourfully decorated biscuits made using sweet honey dough. Similarly, the soparnik pie is a traditional savoury pie made using Swiss chard and onions.

Another dish, Rudarska greblica, is so popular that Croatians hold events dedicated to it. The dish originated among poor miners and included cheese and leafy vegetables such as spinach, chard, or nettle. It was recently declared an intangible cultural heritage.

Black risotto is an iconic Italian-inspired dish that gets its unique colour from the ink of the cuttlefish. Grilled fish is another Croatian delicacy served with local seasonal vegetables and drizzled with olive oil. Given the vast coastline, you can always be guaranteed fresh fish expertly cooked using simple ingredients like parsley, olive oil, and garlic.

When in Croatia, some of the iconic dishes you must try include:

• Sarma: This is usually a winter dish made using minced meat wrapped in pickled cabbage leaves and slow-cooked in a cast iron dish with some sarma sauce. The minced meat is flavoured with herbs, garlic, uncooked rice, and paprika. In summer, the pickled cabbage is replaced with vegetables that grow in the season. The dish is influenced by the Ottomans and resembles the Turkish dolma. The best thing about sarma is that the older it gets, the tastier it is, as the meat and herbs infuse its flavours.
• Pasticada: This delicate yet rustic meat dish requires long hours of slow cooking. Thanks to the long hours of preparation, it is served during festive occasions and special family gatherings. The dish consists of beef stew marinated overnight in wine along with onions, herbs, and peppercorns. The beef is then cooked in a rich sauce using dessert wine, overnight wine marinade, vegetables, dried plums and figs, and tomato paste. Pasticada is then served with gnocchi.
• Brodet: This is one of the jewels of coastal Croatian cuisine and uses the best seafood from the Adriatic. In some areas of coastal Croatia, you’ll find homes where brodet is cooked with eels and frog legs. This seafood stew is generally made using scorpion fish, ocean perch, rockfish, or any other fresh reef fish you can buy from the fishmonger. The fish is cooked with tomatoes, onions, and parsley, seasoned with olive oil, and topped with fresh scampi. Brodet is served with octopus salad and polenta.
• Venison Stew: This is a popular Slavonian dish made using slow-cooked venison braised with onions, garlic, fresh herbs, juniper berries, and red wine. The meat is cooked for a long time until it is soft and falls off the bone easily. Venison from this region is especially flavourful as it grows on a diet of apples, chestnuts, fruits, berries, and acorns. The stew is served with polenta and gnocchi.
• Cobanac: This is another Slavonian recipe cooked in a huge cauldron over a slow fire using 2 to 3 types of meat, including game meat, pork, and beef. The stew is spiced with red paprika and herbs and served with bread or dumplings.
• Turkey with Mlinci: This is a classic Central Croatian food found in Zagreb. It is made using marinated turkey and served with a dried flatbread called mlinci.
• Licki Lonac: When visiting Plitvice Lakes National Park, you must try this lamb stew. While lamb is the main meat, it can also be made with mutton or beef, along with vegetables like cabbage, potatoes, onions, carrots, or parsley root.

Croatia boasts a rich art scene brimming with creativity with countless galleries, museums, musical events, theatre, film, and dance. Zabreb is home to quirky museums and street art. It’s also a haven for naïve art, a genre that refers to art by people with no formal training. In fact, the world’s first naïve art museum opened in Zagreb in 1952 and now has an impressive collection of over 2000 works.

If Zagreb is modern and quirky, Dubrovnik is steep in medieval history. The Old Pharmacy Museum displays interesting memorabilia related to the history of pharmacy. Split is equally interesting and famous for its lively cultural scene. Don’t miss the Split Summer Festival to witness performances by the best local artists, including drama, ballet, opera, and concert programmes.

Common folk dances include kolo and lindjo, the latter characterised by its lively footwork with dancers dancing to the tune of the lijerica, a three-stringed instrument.

Croatian culture is strongly influenced by Slavic traditions that emphasise community spirit and a simple, laid-back lifestyle. Religion is a huge influence in Croatian culture, with religious art found across the country. Croatians are also very proud of their national identity you’ll often find the chequered design on many t-shirts and other memorabilia.