A honeymoon in Croatia is uniquely charming. This Mediterranean marvel in Eastern Europe flaunts picture-perfect landscapes, historic cities, and unforgettable honeymoon experiences. What’s even more impressive is that Croatia has the highest number of UNESCO Intangible Goods of any European country.
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Is Croatia a Good Place for a Honeymoon?
Croatia is an excellent place for a honeymoon. This crescent-shaped country is a luxe European honeymoon destination that offers panoramic ocean views, like you’d expect to see in Greece and Italy, at a wallet-friendly price.
It’s a perfect getaway for nature lovers, with over 1,000 islands in the Adriatic Sea, gorgeous beaches, and national parks with waterfalls and turquoise lakes.
Its enchanting culinary scene comprises drool-worthy foods and wine that will mesmerize foodie couples. History enthusiasts will marvel at the country’s cultural diversity and architectural charm of brick-red roofed edifices, historical cities, and cobbled streets.
What Activities Can You Do on a Honeymoon in Croatia?
- Bike rides around medieval cities
- Sailing or cruising on a private yacht along the Dalmatian coast
- Water sports like scuba diving, snorkeling, and swimming
- Visit Plitvice Lakes National Park
- Wine tasting in Dalmatia’s southern end Peljesac Peninsular
- Sightseeing at Roman ruins and Medieval churches in Zadar
- Island hopping
- Experience one of many cultural festivals
- Game of Thrones tour in St Dominic Monastery in Trogir, Dubrovnik’s forts, and Trsteno Arboretum
- Horseback riding
- Road trips along the coast of the Adriatic Sea
What Is the Best Month to Visit Croatia?
The best months to visit Croatia are May to June and September to October, as they fall within the shoulder season. That’s when you’ll experience pleasant weather, smaller tourist crowds, and lower flight and accommodation rates.
Summer (June to August) is also a great time to visit Croatia, especially for beach bums who enjoy full sunshine, high temperatures, and humidity. However, this peak season is characterized by large tourist crowds and costly honeymoon packages.
Although you can visit Croatia all year round, December to January might be a bad time to visit as it’s the holiday season. Hence, most shops, cafes, and restaurants are closed.
Is a Honeymoon in Croatia Expensive?
A honeymoon in Croatia is cheaper than other Mediterranean destinations like Santorini, Amalfi Coast, and Saint Tropez. On average, a 7-day Croatian honeymoon will cost $3,000 per couple. These rates will vary depending on the season, your accommodation choices, and itinerary preferences.
How To Plan a Budget Honeymoon in Croatia
- Plan ahead. Do your homework about a year before your wedding; then book your flight and accommodation 6 – 8 months before your honeymoon to enjoy great deals. Also, compare flight and accommodation specials from various hotels and airlines.
- Book directly. Travel agents may charge extra money to book your flight and hotel. Instead, book the services in person, and you might get a special offer or discount.
- Avoid peak seasons. You’ll spend less on your honeymoon when you visit Croatia during the shoulder or off-season.
- Stick to the basics. You don’t have to charter a luxurious yacht or stay in five-star accommodations every night.
- Be flexible. Prepare your meals when you can, eat what locals eat, and stay at a quaint Airbnb.
- Exchange your money when you arrive. It’s cheaper than doing so back home.
- Use public transport. Buses are the most affordable way to travel around the Croatian mainland.
5 Best Cities to Stay In Croatia
Dubrovnik
Fondly referred to as the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic,’’ Dubrovnik is one of the best cities to stay in Croatia. It flaunts picturesque islands, architectural heritage, and historical landmarks like Rector’s and Sponza Palace. The city is also famous for its significant role during the filming of the Game of Thrones.
This romantic city offers a lot to honeymoon couples, from beach bums to adventure lovers, foodies, and party enthusiasts. Fun things to do in Dubrovnik include an Old Town tour, cable car ride, strolling cobbled towns, cooking class, kayaking, ziplining, and winery tours.
Where to stay: Old Town, Babin Kuk, Ploče, Pile, or Lapad
Split
Split is a port city on the Dalmatia Coast with stunning beaches, bars, restaurants, and enchanting Roman ruins. It’s Croatia’s second-largest city (after Zagreb) and a gateway to the Dalmatian Coast. Split is also home to the Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
For a thrilling adventure in this Croatian city, take a day trip to Trogir, climb the Bell Tower, and hike on Marjan Hill. You can also explore the Diocletian’s Palace, visit the Ivan Mestrovic Gallery, or stroll the Riva (seafront promenade).
Where to stay: Split Old Town, Veli Varos, Bacvice, Dobric, Lucac, or Meje
Hvar
A paradisal island in Croatia, Hvar is one of the best honeymoon spots. The island flaunts magnificent beaches with lovely waterfront views and clear waters, flourishing olive groves and vineyards, and a vibrant main town.
Spending intimate time in Hvar with the love of your life offers the best opportunity to explore its gothic palaces and chapels, chic bars and restaurants, and islands.
Where to stay: Jelsa, Hvar Town, Stari Grad, Zastrazisce, Sucuraj, Milna, Zavala, or Sveta Nedjelja
Rovinj
Rovinj is a fishing town on the Istrian Peninsula and one of the most romantic spots in Croatia. With its cobbled alleyways and pastel-painted houses, this harbor town triggers the historical vibes of Venetian streets.
Rovinj’s charm is evident in its sweet little shops, art galleries, cocktail bars, and restaurants. Unwind and relax in the car-free historic center by dining in local restaurants, strolling cobbled streets, and sampling vintage shops.
Where to stay: Old Town, East Rovinj, Wider Town, South Rovinj, North Rovinj, or Porec
Zagreb
From its Austro-Hungarian architecture to its bustling nightlife, Zagreb offers couples a memorable honeymoon experience. The Croatian capital is one of the best cities to stay, especially for urban hipsters. The buzzing city flaunts iconic landmarks, a rich cafe culture, and an intriguing food scene of gourmet food and bouquet wines.
Indulge in Zagreb’s adventures by visiting the famous St. Mark’s Church, taking a romantic stroll on Tkalciceva Street, and exploring the unique Museum of Broken Relationships (while feeling thankful you’ve finally found your life partner).
Where to stay: Kaptol, Lower Town, Upper Town, British Square, Jarun, or Novi Zagreb
What Is the Best Way to Travel to Croatia?
The best way to travel to Croatia is to fly into Croatia’s largest airport, Zagreb International Airport. Aside from Zagreb, there are eight other international airports.
Traveling Within Croatia
Bus travel is the cheapest way to get around Croatia’s mainland. Croatia’s bus network connects almost every part of the country. Other modes of transport include renting a car or using a taxi. They’re more convenient but quite pricey.
Croatia also boasts a vast coastline with numerous islands. A ferry is the most convenient mode of transport when connecting from an island to the mainland (and vice versa). Once you’re on the islands, you can use a water taxi or boat to hop around.
What Types of Honeymoon Accommodations Are Available in Croatia?
Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly option or top-class honeymoon accommodation in Croatia, there’s a wide range of options, including:
- Boutique hotels
- Luxury hotels
- 5-star heritage hotels
- Beach resorts
- Villa hotels
- Luxury resorts
- AirBnBs
- Campsites
4 Local Foods to Try in Croatia
- Crni rižot (black risotto). This Dalmatian staple is risotto is cooked with cuttlefish or squid ink. It also contains olive oil, garlic, pepper, and red wine. The squid ink imparts a seafood flavor and black color.
- Brudet (brodetto). This is a traditional Croatian fish stew cooked with fish (including sardines, sea bass, tuna, and eel), tomatoes, a little wine, and herbs. It’s popular in the coastal areas and is served with bread or polenta.
- Fritule. Usually made during Christmas, these are sweet miniature doughnuts. These Croatian fritters have a buttery base containing eggs, flour, and milk. They’re enriched with citrus zest, vanilla, rum/brandy, and raisins. They may also have sugar, melted chocolate, caramel, or whipped cream topping.
- Fuži. A delicacy in Istria, Fuži is a traditional tube-shaped pasta. It’s usually paired with other dishes like chicken goulash and Croatian stew. It’s often topped with olives and served with red veal sauce.
Are There Any Cultural Experiences to Include in a Croatia Honeymoon?
Croatia boasts a rich and diverse culture, offering some of the most fascinating cultural experiences. A honeymoon in this idyllic destination is a perfect time to discover Croatia’s culture. Plan your visit around one of these local festivals:
- Zagreb’s Lights Festival
- Rijeka Carnival
- Korčula Sword Dance Festival
- Dubrovnik Summer Festival
- Rovinj’s Easter Food Festival
If your honeymoon doesn’t fall during one of these festivals, you can still experience Croatian culture by taking guided tours, trying new foods, and mingling with locals.
What to Pack For a Honeymoon in Croatia
A honeymoon in Croatia is casual. You will spend most of your days visiting coastal areas and old towns. Pack casual clothing, including summer dresses, casual tops and bottoms, comfortable shoes, swimsuits, hats, and sunglasses. Because many beaches have rocks instead of sand, a pair of water shoes may also be helpful.
Is Croatia Safe to Visit?
Croatia is generally a safe place to visit. However, it helps to observe the following general safety precautions:
- Avoid flaunting your valuables.
- Don’t accept gifts, food, or drinks from strangers.
- Use secure ATMs.
- Carry a copy of your passport when traveling.
- Avoid walking alone at night, especially in poorly-lit areas.
- Avoid visiting dangerous neighborhoods like Varazdin.
- Stay far away from remote locations with suspected landmines.
Do You Need a Visa to Visit Croatia?
As a US citizen, you don’t need a visa to visit Croatia for up to 90 days. However, ensure your passport is valid for three months after your departure. In addition, you need at least one blank passport page for an entry stamp.
Bonus Tips for a Honeymoon in Croatia
- The water quality is excellent, so feel free to ask for tap water instead of bottled water.
- You’ll need cash for most transactions. Croatia uses the euro.
- The local language is Croatian, but many people speak English.
- Tipping is not mandatory, but it is appreciated. Leave 10% or round up your bill.