Croatia
Explore Croatia: Food, Wine & Architecture
Croatia has numerous major tourist attractions. Additonally, the food and wine is some of the best in all of Europe.
A visa is not required for U.S. passport holders for temporary tourist and business trips for up to 90 days (during a six-month period, starting from the day of the first entry). All foreign citizens must register with the local police within 24 hours of arrival.
We spent a month each in Dubrovnik, Rovinj, and Trogir during our first year of full-time travel. Also, we spent several days in Motovun during our transfer from Italy to Bosnia. During our second year, we spent a month in Split and a couple days in Ston on our transfer to Montenegro.
We really enjoy speding time in Croatia and plan to return for another extended stay soon!
Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik (Stari Grad Dubrovnik) is located on the Adriatic Sea in the region of Dalmatia, in the southeastern semi-exclave of Croatia.
In 1979, the Old City of Dubrovnik was added to the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites in recognition of its outstanding medieval architecture and fortified old town.
Split
Split, historically known as Spalato, is the largest city in Dalmatia and the largest city on the Croatian coast.
The historic center of Split was added to the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites in 1979. The protected area includes the remains of Diocletian’s Palace from the late 3rd and early 4th centuries A.D., Romanesque churches from the 12th and 13th centuries, and many Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque palaces.
Ston
Ston is located at the entrance to the Pelješac peninsula. It is surrounded by three seas, protected by four hills, is rich in fresh water and saltwater, and has fertile plains. Because of its position, it has been an important political, cultural, and religious center since ancient times.
After the Republic of Dubrovnik acquired the peninsula in 1334, one of the longest defensive walls in Europe was erected to protect the saltworks and oyster farms in Ston and Mali Ston. Today, the Great Wall consists of three fortresses, 20 towers, and 5.5 kilometers of wall built in the shape of an irregular pentagon and linking Ston to Mali Ston.
Trogir
Trogir is located on a small island connected to the mainland by bridges in Split-Dalmatia County on the central Adriatic coast of Croatia.
The Historic City of Trogir was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1997. The well-preserved old town is known for its mix of Renaissance, Baroque, and Romanesque buildings.
Future Destinations
We had planned to stay in Croatia for January and February 2023, but that changed when they entered the Schengen Area in January 2023. Despite that curveball, we plan to spend at least one month a year in Croatia while traveling in Southern Europe.
Hvar
TBD
Korcula
TBD
Zadar
TBD
Croatia Food
Croatia’s food culture reflects its diverse geography and history, with influences from Mediterranean, Central European, and Balkan traditions. From seafood along the Dalmatian coast to truffle dishes in Istria and hearty stews in Slavonia, local specialties vary by region but share an emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Local Food Products
- Cheese
- Honey
- Meat
- Fruits and Vegetables
- Olive Oils
- Other Oils
- Pastry
- Seafood Products
Traditional Dishes
- Crni rizot
- Pašticada
- Ćevapi
- Peka
- Štrukli
- Punjene paprike
- Brudet
- Istarski fuži
- Sarma
Croatia Wine
Wine has been produced in Croatia since ancient times, and today the country is known for both indigenous varietals and modern winemaking styles. Istria is celebrated for its Malvazija, Dalmatia for its bold Plavac Mali reds, and continental regions for crisp Graševina whites.
Wine Regions
There are three major wine regions of Croatia:
- Eastern Continental Region
- Western Continental Region
- Coastal Region
Each of these main regions is divided into sub-regions, including Dalmatia and Istria.
Check out our Dalmatia Wine and Istria Wine pages for more information about these regions.
Wine Varietals
Red Wines
- Plavac Mali
- Babić
- Frankovka
- Postup
White Wines
- Rajnski Rizling
- Žlahtina
- Malvazija
- Graševina
Dessert Wines
- Sweet Malvazija
- Muškat Ottonel
- Prošek
- Traminac
Croatia Architecture
Croatia’s architecture reflects more than fourteen centuries of cultural exchange and layered history. Roman ruins, medieval fortifications, Venetian palaces, and Baroque churches stand alongside coastal towns shaped by maritime trade. Several sites, including Dubrovnik, Split, and Trogir, are UNESCO-listed, showcasing the range of architectural styles that define Croatia’s old towns and historic landscapes.
Architectural Styles
- Early Middle Ages
- Romanesque
- Gothic
- Renaissance
- Baroque and Rococo
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
- Episcopal Complex of the Euphrasian Basilica in the Historic Centre of Poreč
- Historic City of Trogir
- Historical Complex of Split with the Palace of Diocletian
- Old City of Dubrovnik
- Stari Grad Plain
- Stećci Medieval Tombstone Graveyards
- The Cathedral of St James in Šibenik
- Venetian Works of Defence between the 16th and 17th Centuries: Stato da Terra – Western Stato da Mar
Where Is Croatia Located?
Croatia is located in southeastern Europe along the Adriatic Sea. It borders Slovenia and Hungary to the north, Serbia to the east, Bosnia and Herzegovina to the southeast, and Montenegro to the south. Its long coastline and over 1,000 islands make it a prominent destination on the Balkan Peninsula.
FAQs About Croatia
What are the Regions of Croatia?
The Republic of Croatia is traditionally divided into four historical and cultural regions:
- Croatia proper – the central part of Croatia.
- Dalmatia – consists of much of the coastline of Croatia and stretches from the island of Rab in the north to the Bay of Kotor in the south.
- Slavonia – comprises the majority of inland eastern Croatia
- Istria – consists mainly of the Croatian part of the peninsula of Istria.
What language is spoken in Croatia?
Croatian is the official language of Croatia.
Do I Need to Speak Croatian to Visit Croatia?
No, speaking the local Croatian language is not needed to visit Croatia. A very large percentage of locals speak English.
What Currency is Used in Croatia?
The currency of Croatia is the Euro.
Do I Need a Visa for Croatia?
Citizens from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia don’t need a visa to visit Croatia if they stay 90 days or less. For more information on visa-free travel in Croatia, check out our article on traveling visa-free.
Do I Need an Electrical Adapter for Visiting Croatia?
Croatia’s electrical outlets are Type C, F, and L. Travelers from the United States will need an adapter. It is the same adapter used for the rest of Europe.
If you have many items to plug in, we recommend a travel power strip with multiple USBs and standard plug-ins. Using a power strip, you will only need one adapter to plug the strip into the wall.
Is Croatia Safe?
Yes, we stayed for three months in Dubrovnik, Rovinj, Trogir, and Motovun and felt extremely safe.
Is It Safe to Rent a Car and Drive in Croatia?
Yes, it is extremely safe to rent a car and drive in Croatia. The roads are very nice and easy to drive on. Be prepared to pay tolls, but they all take credit cards and are very easy to use. The major highways have high fences to keep the animals from crossing the highway and getting hit by cars. Every few miles, you will see land bridges for the animals to cross the roads safely on over-passes.
What do I Need on my Croatian Packing List?
Your packing list should include breathable clothing for the heat, lots of sunscreen for the sun, and non-slip shoes for the slick cobblestones when they get wet.