Best things to do in Croatia: our favorite experiences
Dubrovnik's walls first thing, a boat tour, Hvar's fortress, the beach clubs and the Pakleni Islands: what we recommend most in Croatia.
Croatia is a trip of contrasts: history and elegance in Dubrovnik, beaches and nightlife in Hvar. These are the experiences we recommend most from each side.
Dubrovnik's walls, first thing
They're a must, and going early is key: enter around 8:00 or 8:30 and allow 1.5 to 2 hours. First thing it's calm, and at midday it fills up. From the top you see the Adriatic and the orange rooftops, and no photo does it justice.
The Old Town at night
Walk the Stradun, Onofrio's Fountain and LuΕΎa Square, and even better at night, when the crowds thin out and the stones take on another color under the streetlights.
A boat day
The 3-island tour includes blue caves, hidden beaches and small villages, with a relaxed, paradise-like atmosphere. If you'd prefer something calmer, Lokrum, 15 minutes away. Carry cash and sunscreen, because many stops have no ATM or shade.
Beaches: Banje and the more secret ones
Banje, a 10-minute walk away, has direct views of the Old Town; Sveti Jakov is quieter. Buza Beach, a rocky cove outside the wall, is great for jumping into the sea. None of them have sand, so bring water shoes.
Hvar: the fortress and Dubovica
Climb to the fortress when you arrive, and the next morning go to Dubovica beach, with turquoise water: it's about a 10-minute walk down. More in what to see in Hvar.
Beach clubs and the Pakleni Islands
Hula Hula Beach Club and Carpe Diem Beach Club, with music and cocktails. And as a counterpoint, the Pakleni Islands by taxi boat, hopping between two or three coves.
Dubrovnik makes you fall in love, but Hvar tells you from the first minute that you came here to have a good time too.
Our recommendation
The walls in the morning, a boat day, and in Hvar a beach morning, a beach club afternoon and a day on Pakleni. The whole plan is in our 7-day Croatia itinerary, and where to eat in where to eat in Croatia.
Our favorite activities in Croatia
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