Your ultimate guide to Croatia
Discover Croatia's best things to do, attractions, restaurants, bars and nightlife
Croatia is opening its borders to visitors
Are daydreams of lazing on sun-kissed Mediterranean beaches, sipping sweet wine next to the vineyards it grew from and savouring fresh-off-the-boat seafood on your mind? Croatia (along with Greece, Italy and Spain) is, under special circumstances, delivering such experiences to travellers as soon as this summer. On May 9, Croatia reopened its borders to travellers, but only if they're able to provide necessary documentation. What's required is: proof of accommodation reservations, the address(es) visitors plan to stay at, contact numbers and precise lengths of stay. The need for documentation doesn't apply to relatives and partners of Croatian citizens. The documentation process is mandatory through June 15 - though this date and all travel restrictions are subject to change according to future decisions by the Croatian government. Upon arrival to Croatia and approval of entry, most visitors are currently not subject to the mandatory two-week self-isolation period that was previously required. However, the period is still imposed on individuals who have been in contact with anyone infected with COVID-19. Otherwise, visitors are given a pamphlet containing the Croatian Institute of Public Health's official instructions which must be followed for the first two weeks of their stay. Inter-county travel via roadway, sea and air is allowed throughout Croatia at this time. International flights are being reinstated at the discretion of individual airlines and countries. For internat
Zagreb, the phoenix-like city
Two months have passed since an earthquake, measuring 5.4 on the Richter Scale, hit Zagreb hard. Thanks to emergency responders' diligence, medical and construction efforts, strong community support, and the city's undying spirit, Zagreb is on its way to recovery. Zagreb is no stranger to hardships - but from a visit to the equal-parts-lively-and-lovely city, you wouldn't know it. Let's, then, honour this resilient city and explore its recent history of natural disasters to see how it's risen out of each struggle ever stronger. The Zagreb Fire of May 30-31, 1731 Fighting off years of foreign invasion and emerging victorious, the once-town of Gradec (today a Zagreb neighbourhood) was proclaimed free by King Béla IV of Hungary in 1242. The King issued Gradec an official edict (today carefully kept in the Croatian State Archives) which made it a self-governing city. The 'Golden Bull' edict of 1242, currently held in the Croatian State ArchivesFrom the Croatian State Archives Citizens celebrated and reinforced this achievement by building, in the 1260s, a series of fortifications (pictured below) comprised of walls and gates - including what is today known as the Stone Gate. Located in the modern-day Gornji grad (Upper Town), this gate stood as a symbol the importance of independence to the people of Gradec. Modern-day Zagreb was once two separate towns - Gradec and Kaptol.© Zagreb city schools Gradec town sits above Kaptol town. Depiction of the towns from the 1
A long, hot summer predicted for Croatia
Long term weather forecasts released in the past week predict another long, hot summer for Croatia. While the next few months look unsettled for some (elsewhere in Europe, storms and drought are predicted), summer in Croatia looks as though it will be yet another filled with sunshine. Croatia's summer is usually one of the most reliable in Europe, with hot sunny days lasting from spring right until mid-autumn. Over recent years, people taking advantage of the warm weather and warm waters have been seen swimming in the Adriatic as late as October. The long term forecast was published by reliable source AccuWeather. The company is 58-years-old and has a substantial reputation for the accuracy of its global weather predictions.
Croatia sailing: superyachts arrive, marinas open and the season begins
While the country's famous music festivals may be on hold, sailing in Croatia looks to be one of the most viable options in 2020. The marinas are open, the superyachts are arriving and so are the holidaymakers. For Croatia sailing, the season has already begun. With Croatia's borders now open, the country's Jutarnj List yesterday reported the arrival of the first sailing enthusiasts, stating that these were largely Slovenian, Austrian and German boat owners who have vessels moored on Croatia's Adriatic coast. They came to inspect their boats at the start of the season, some to begin their holidays. Croatian marinas are open to receive guests, and boat owners and their families can visit their boats without restriction. Rogoznica, Sibenik county @ Croatian Tourist board There are no restrictions for the entry and departure of ships within Croatia's waters and many larger yachts (24 metres and above) currently moored in Italy, France, Spain and the Caribbean are expected to soon make the journey to Croatia to begin the season. While a downturn is expected this year within the industry, Croatia is expected to suffer less than other Mediterranean countries due to its successes in containing Coronavirus and the relative swiftness with which travel and other restrictions have been lifted.Some restrictions still apply in Croatia – the dining, cafe and bar experience will this year not feel exactly the same as normal. However, the supreme standard of the food, wines and beers o
What makes the Dinara mountain so special?
Holding official recognition for eight national parks and eleven nature parks, Croatia can rightly claim to be making the most of its incredible natural assets. And, very soon the country might be adding a twelfth nature park. The Croatian Ministry of Environmental Protection and Energy has issued a proposal that the Dinara mountain and its surroundings be listed as the latest nature park. If successful, the Dinara massif, which consists of the Dinara, Troglav and Kamešnica mountains, as well as the upper course of the Cetina river and the Hrvatačko, Pašno and Vrličko karst fields, would gain a new level of governmental protection. Glavaš, the amazing source of the Cetina river© Ivan Banović The Dinaric Alps are one of the most rugged and extensive mountainous ranges in Europe, stretching from Italy in the northwest through Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro and Kosovo to Albania. The Dinara is situated in the hinterland of Šibenik-Knin County, with one side of the mountain existing across the border in Bosnia. It is wholly uninhabited. The area surrounding the mountain is the site of Glavaš, a spectacularly coloured rock pool which is the source of the Cetina river. Other Croatian mountains, Biokovo and Velebit, already enjoy nature park status, but standing at 1831 metres, Dinara's peak is the highest in Croatia (the massif's other high peak, Troglav, is even higher, standing just across the border in Bosnia at 1913 metres). Although it lie
The best of Croatia
The 51 best things to do in Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik is a one-town tourist industry on its own, with endless things to do all year round. As stunning as the clear blue sea around it, the former centre of the independent Republic of Ragusa invites superlatives and attracts the lion's share of Croatia's visitors. Read on for our insider's guide to the best things to do in Dubrovnik. RECOMMENDED: More great things to do in Dubrovnik. Done something on this list and loved it? Share it with the hashtag #TimeOutDoList and tag @TimeOutEverywhere. You can also find out more about how Time Out selects the very best things to do all over the world, or take a look at our list of the 50 best things to do in the world right now.
Eye candy
PHOTO GALLERY: Cruise Croatia through 10 fantastic photos
Many countries still have travel restrictions in place, so, Cruise Croatia is providing travellers with 10 photos of the most dazzling Croatian locations - to keep stir it up the wanderlust when travel is safe again. Take in hidden areas of Croatia, from sea-surrounded saltwater lakes in Mljet National Park to the world's smallest - and probably most charming - town Hum, with a population of 30. When things get back to normal, fully satiate your wanderlust with a small ship cruise throughout the Croatian coast with Cruise Croatia.
In pictures: Top 42 photos of Croatia's terrific nature trails
From forest-blanketed mountains in the verdant Gorski Kotar region to islands as beautiful as they are historic, Croatia is chock-full of nature trails waiting to be traversed. Discover the best treks and routes in the country through our gallery of the top 42 photos of Croatia's terrific trails.
In pictures: Top 42 photos of where to go stargazing in Croatia
Croatia is rife with perfect places for all your stargazing day dreams, from a designated Dark Sky area just outside of Zagreb to countless Milky Way-lit spots on the coast - and much more. Explore these space-ial area with out gallery of the top 42 photos of where to go stargazing in Croatia.
In pictures: 42 photos of Croatia's marvelous mountains and canyons
The landscape of Croatia is every nature lover's dream. It changes from mountain ranges along the coast across endless flatland fields to canyons carved from the winding rivers - and much more in between. Take an online trek with our gallery of Croatia's marvelous mountains and canyons.
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Sail Croatia, the best way to see the country in summer
From Michelin-recommended restaurants and internationally famous music festivals to some of the world's best-preserved Roman architecture, secret coves and idyllic beaches, Croatia has endless options for a summer holiday. But, with so much to choose from, how can you make sure you catch the very best of what Croatia has to offer? Croatia sailing holidays are one of the very best ways to take it all in. Sailing in Croatia allows you to tailor your holiday to be the once-in-a-lifetime experience you always wanted, allowing you to take in everything and for each day to hold a different, unforgettable experience. As Croatia's largest charter yacht company, Gulet Expert is one of the Mediterranean's best experts in this type of holiday. Here are just some of the reasons why a sailing holiday is the best option for experiencing Croatia.
Croatia villa holidays with Villsy
A land of over 1000 islands and almost six thousand kilometres of pristine coastline, Croatia villa holidays are often the very best way to experience and explore this beautiful country. And with over 1000 properties scattered all across the country, Villsy are one of the best choices for Croatia villa holidays. Whether it's the preserved, historic architecture of Pula, quiet coves and beaches reachable only by boat, epic national parks, world-famous music festivals in Dalmatia or bustling cities like Split and Dubrovnik, Croatia is a country with countless offers for the visitor. Choosing to spend your nights in one of Villsy's luxury villas will allow you the freedom to explore whichever part of Croatia appeals to you and your fellow travellers, whether they be family members, business colleagues, friends or just that special someone. Here are five destinations with distinctly different offers, each of which can be explored while on Croatia villa holidays with Villsy.
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The incredible monuments of Bjelovar-Bilogora county
Bjelovar-Bilogora county is steeped in history, reflected in its attractive Habsburg buildings, its Austro-Hungarian spas and its post-war memorials. These three monuments provide distinctly different architectural value, which anyone visiting Zagreb, central Croatia or Slavonia should see. This article is sponsored by the Bjelovar Bilogora county TB and The Croatian National Tourism Board: 'Croatia Full of Life'.
Croatia's 'island of vitality' opens itself to restorative weekends aimed at men
Losinj Hotels & Villas' award-winning Hotel Bellevue is launching a restorative weekend getaway aimed at men. The five-star hotel is the brand's principle wellness resort and holds the famous Bellevue Spa Clinic, which was just renovated in 2018. Located in Čikat Bay, the complex will play host the men's health and wellness weekend between October 4 and 6. In addition to the usual wellness treatments available from Bellevue Spa Clinic, the weekend offers a specially constructed calendar of event and activities specially designed to interest, destress and relax a male clientele. There will be a welcome dinner at the hotel's fusion restaurant Matsunoki, which combines Japanese and Mediterranean foods. On the weekend's second day, attendees will be offered the chance to experience some of the natural beauty of the island with a selection of outdoor activities including FootNet, SUP, kayaking and much more in the natural embrace of the island. Lunch will be served by the waterside and will be comprised of local wines and Mediterranean specialities. In the afternoon, guests will take their pick of treatments at the Bellevue Spa before that evening's seafood-based dinner at the hotel's sister property, the nearby Boutique Hotel Alhambra which will have a theatrical cabaret theme and will be followed by cognac and cigars at Villa Augusta. On Sunday, a hiking tour around Čikat Bay concludes the weekend. The two-night Gentlemen's Getaway Weekend starts from EUR 351.00 per person (a
Osijek on a plate
Fresh pasta from Istria, served with generous shavings of truffle, sumptuous seafood accompanied by zesty wedges of lemon and the traditional green chard; Croatia's cuisine has become one of the more famous facets of a holiday on the country's coast. And deservedly so. Locally-sourced flavours and ingredients are nearly always found alongside summertime coastal dishes although, with an ever-expanding gastro scene, some of Croatia's top chefs are now looking to employ adventurous techniques which allow them to experiment with such time-honoured dishes. However, Croatia's gastronomical offer extends much further than the seasonal menus of the seaside. And, after turning their attentions to the famous coastal platters of Istria and Dalmatia, the next area ripe for culinary rediscovery must surely be Slavonia. Čobanac © Maja Danica PečanićThe county of Osijek Baranja, located in the far east of Croatia and at the heart of the flatlands known as the Pannonian Basin, is Croatia's great unknown gastronomic star. Here, as in Istria and Dalmatia, flavours and components are selected from nearby, creating a menu in which ingredients complement each other naturally. But, the difference here is the wealth of ingredients on offer. Dalmatia is characterised by its crystal clear Adriatic, glorious sunsets and the spectacular backdrop of the Dinaric Alps. The rock which lies beneath accounts for much of what you'll see there, from the shingle beaches to the mountain ranges. But, it won't
Lošinj's Hotel Bellevue celebrates art and beauty at an exclusive pop-up exhibition
Lošinj Hotels & Villas has announced an exciting new pop-up exhibition at the five-star Hotel Bellevue, a collaboration with leading galleries and curators Josip Konta Art Studio, Galerija Libar Gallery and Patrizio Contemporary Gallery. This autumn season, from September 28 to October 5 2019, guests at the luxurious hotel can experience the rejuvenating 'Art & Beauty' package which offers exclusive access to a curated collection by iconic artists including pop-art icon Andy Warhol and a visit to the Croatian Apoxyomenos, one of the world's best-preserved ancient Greek statues - plus art-inspired treatments at the Bellevue Spa Clinic. Launching on September 28 with an opening reception, the gallery open daily from 10am until 6pm for one week and offers guests the opportunity to meet with prominent curator Goran Margeta and international art dealer and historian Dr. Marco Antonio Patrizio. The pop-up exhibition is the collaboration between academic sculptor and painter Josip Konta, one of the most prominent names of the contemporary Croatian art scene; Croatian art gallery Galerija Libar and art advisor and collector Dr Marco Antonio Patrizio. Visitors can see works from domestic and international artists Julie Knifer, Getulio Alviani, Piero Gilardi, Arnaldo Pomodoro, Bernard Aubertin, Giorgio de Chirico, Andy Warhol, Edo Murtic, Ivan Picelj and many more. The hotel's award-winning Bellevue Spa Clinic will also feature a dedicated menu of pampering treatments inspired by fam
Croatia's best cities
20 great things to do in Pula
Istria’s historic main city of Pula is symbolised by its Roman amphitheatre, scene of a surprisingly wide range of outdoor events every summer. Festivals of film and electronic music, and concerts by everyone from Elton John to José Carreras, fill the 2,000-year-old arena, with its near intact walled ring. Roman remains also form Pula’s city centre, dominated by a hilltop Venetian fortress. With docks rather than beaches nearby, many head south for out-of-town seaside fun in Verudela and Medulin. RECOMMENDED: more great things to do in Pula. Done something on this list and loved it? Share it with the hashtag #TimeOutDoList and tag @TimeOutEverywhere. You can also find out more about how Time Out selects the very best things to do all over the world, or take a look at our list of the 50 best things to do in the world right now.
What's happening in Zagreb
Popular destinations in Croatia
Croatia's best bars and restaurants
The best Dubrovnik restaurants
Dubrovnik restaurants are beginning to offer the culinary quality and variety that should be expected of such a luxury destination. And dining in Dubrovnik needn't cost an arm and a leg: many places offers simple, wholesome dishes at wallet-friendly prices.
The best Zagreb bars
People in Croatia's capital city always give themselves time to linger and socialise over drinks. Whatever the time of year, new Zagreb bars are always raising and lowering their banners across the city centre and beyond, while traditional landmarks stay firm. Time Out's experts discover the best places to sip across town.
