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Aerial view of Dubrovnik’s old town: red roofs and stone walls above the Adriatic Sea

The complete travel guide · 2026

Croatia,
one coast, a thousand islands

From Dubrovnik to Istria, by car, ferry or yacht: itineraries, real prices, and what is actually worth your time.

Plan your route All destinations →
Population: ≈ 3.8 millionCapital: ZagrebCurrency: Euro (EUR)Language: Croatian Time in Croatia: UTC+1

About Croatia

Croatia is a long strip of coast along the Adriatic, from Istria in the north to Dubrovnik in the south. Around 3.8 million people live here, and more than a thousand islands and islets are scattered along the coast, about 50 of them inhabited. It joined the Schengen Area and the eurozone in 2023, and it is only about three hours’ flight from Israel.

Coast, islands and stone towns

Croatia blends a beach holiday with a real trip: Venetian stone towns, national parks full of turquoise lakes, ferries hopping between islands, and one of the most beautiful coastal drives in Europe. This guide is built so you know exactly where to go, how long to stay, how to get around and what it costs — no fluff and no hidden links.

Three facts before you start

Entry

Israelis enter visa-free for stays of up to 90 days in any 180, under Schengen rules.

Flights

About three hours to Zagreb or Dubrovnik. Direct-flight options vary by season.

When to go

June and September: the sea is already warm, crowds are thinner and prices are lower than in July–August.

Where to start

Each section is an in-depth guide of its own. Pick whatever interests you right now.

Where to stay Which area to stay in for Dubrovnik, Split, Zagreb and the islands, and which hotels are worth it at every budget. Read guide Cities & regions Dubrovnik, Split, Zagreb, Zadar and Istria: what to see, how long to stay and where to sleep. Read guide Islands Hvar, Brač, Korčula, Krk and Vis: which island suits you and how to get there by ferry. Read guide Nature & beaches The lakes of Plitvice, the waterfalls of Krka, the best beaches and rafting on the Cetina. Read guide Sailing & boats Yacht charter with a skipper, day trips to the Blue Cave and week-long sailing routes. Read guide Itineraries One week, 10 days, two weeks, and Croatia with Slovenia — with real driving times. Read guide Travel info Flights, entry rules, car rental and driving, ferries, money, where to stay and when to go. Read guide Food, wine & kosher What to eat, wine and truffles in Istria, and how to manage kosher food and Shabbat. Read guide Tailored trips Families with kids, couples, Jewish heritage and combining with Montenegro and Mostar. Read guide

Start with the destinations

Most trips pass through at least one of these. Take a look and see what appeals.

All destinations →

Dubrovnik

The walled city: red roofs, stone lanes and a deep-blue sea.

Read guide

Split

A living Roman palace at the heart of the city, and the gateway to Dalmatia’s islands.

Read guide

Plitvice

16 terraced lakes and waterfalls on wooden boardwalks — the country’s most famous park.

Read guide

Looking for a place to stay in Split?

Compare live prices on hotels and apartments in and around the old town, a short walk from the ferry port.

Check availability & prices