When is the Best Time of Year to Visit Croatia on a Cruise?

Roam Dubrovnik

Nicknamed the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’, no trip to Croatia is complete without a visit to Dubrovnik. A historical gem on the country’s coastline, it showcases its rich coastal history and heritage. Often steeped in crowds, spring is a great opportunity to explore Dubrovnik at a quieter time, allowing you to appreciate the magnitude of this incredible stronghold and learn of the tales it has to tell.

Embark on a walk along the famed city walls at this time of year, and en route, stop to admire its many significant sites in its old town, including Stradun - the main pedestrian street - and the Pile Gate. There’s so much to discover in Dubrovnik, making it a wonderful location for the inquisitive traveller and, of course, history buffs!

Hike in Krka National Park

A paradise hidden in Croatia’s inland, Krka National Park is where you can immerse yourself in the country’s lush natural beauty. Home to beautiful waterfalls, crystal-blue waters and pristine wildlife, it’s an easily accessible location for adventurers and nature lovers alike, with spring being a fantastic backdrop for a visit.

Spring offers a fantastic opportunity to explore the national park, with numerous hiking trails of different proficiencies to embark on. Whether you’d prefer a more strenuous or family-friendly path, there are roughly 20 trails to hike, each offering a brilliant opportunity to uncover some of the park’s highlights.

Hop Between Croatia’s Islands

Go island hopping between Croatia’s many islands - of which there are 78 - to discover the country’s diverse landscapes and varied beauty.

Discovering Croatia’s islands onboard a cruise is the best way to do this. It offers a relaxing way to explore, where you can simply kick your feet up and indulge in breathtaking views as you weave between these islands and disembark in some of the best locations they have to offer.

Some islands that you shouldn’t miss visiting include Hvar, known best for its lively nightlife scene and its historic town of the same name; Brač, which is famed for its Zlatni Rat Beach and watersports; and Korčula, home to fantastic wine and olives.

Make sure you stop off in the beach clubs and bars on offer to quench your thirst as you hop between islands, and factor in some time to swim and snorkel in the Adriatic’s glistening waters beside their shorelines.

Explore Rovinj

The romantic and historic city of Rovinj in Croatia has a distinct Italian vibe that gives it its uniqueness because of its close proximity to Italy. With vibrant buildings and charming cobbled streets, the city is a mesmerising place to explore and embrace local culture on the coast of Croatia.

Other than exploring its historic town, Rovinj is part of an archipelago composed of 14 islands, meaning you can experience many water-based activities during your visit. From kayaking trips to Dolphin spotting tours, or even ocean fishing, you’ll have a brilliant time in Rovinj while sailing in Croatia in the summer.

Discover Split

Autumn is a fantastic time to discover Split, one of Croatia’s most famous and historically significant cities along the Dalmatia Coastline.

It is Croatia’s largest city and strikes a balance between modernity, history and time-honoured tradition. The vibrant city is less bustling during the autumn season, making visiting its many world-famous attractions all the more enjoyable.

These include the Diocletian’s Palace, the once residence of Roman Emperor Diocletian, built in the third century AD, and Saint Domnius Cathedral, which is the oldest Catholic cathedral in the world.

When you’re not sightseeing, be sure to sample local delicacies at the city’s bustling markets and embrace Split’s vibrant café culture.

Go Truffle Hunting and Wine Tasting

Croatia has developed a reputation for its delicious and diverse cuisine, and one of the best ways to sample this for yourself during autumn is to go truffle and wine tasting in one of the country’s gastronomic areas - the Istrian Peninsula.

Istria is the country’s triangular region, located at the top of the Adriatic. Its wines are among the best in Croatia, its olive oil is considered some of the best in the world and its white truffles are spectacular. As such, it has proven itself to be a gastronomic destination worth visiting. You can go truffle hunting with local experts in the Istrian forests or embark on wine and olive oil tastings at local vineyards and olive groves while you’re sailing in Croatia!

Festival of Istrian Truffles

Every year, the village of Livade in Istria organises a truffle festival known as ‘Truffle Days’. It brings together local and foreign guests alike to sample this speciality, harvested locally in the Istrian peninsula, which is showcased in local delicacies.

It begins in mid-September and extends through to November, with truffle-themed days taking place every weekend throughout much of autumn.

Zagreb Film Festival

Taking place every year in November, Zagreb Film Festival is an international film competition that has been gaining popularity in recent years. It celebrates and promotes young and upcoming filmmakers and is considered to be one of the most influential and significant cultural events in Croatia.

There are separate competition programmes taking place, and visitors can watch the films made from around the world.