Europe
Croatia
- Flight from Zurichapprox. 1 h 45 min
- Best monthsMay to October
- CurrencyEuro (EUR)
- Visa for CHNo visa needed
Free intro call, we usually reply within 24 h
Experiences and tickets
What makes Croatia special
Croatia suits you if you want sea and sun without a marathon flight.
From Zurich it takes under two hours to reach Dubrovnik or Split, and by evening you could be on a harbour wall with a plate of grilled squid. The coastline is long and ragged, and nearly every bay feels a little different from the last.
Dalmatia, with its city walls, stone alleys and ferries to Hvar, Korčula or Vis, is the best-known stretch. Istria and the lakes inland at Plitvice are calmer. For Dubrovnik there is an All-Access Pass that can be worth it depending on what you plan to do. See our experiences for details.
Ideal for: Friend groups, Couples, Island hoppers, Food lovers
When to travel
January
Low season
Low season. Usually quiet, but some offers run on reduced schedules or pause.
February
Low season
Low season. Usually quiet, but some offers run on reduced schedules or pause.
March
Low season
Low season. Usually quiet, but some offers run on reduced schedules or pause.
April
Outside the months we recommend. Write to us if you want to travel exactly then.
May
Shoulder season
Shoulder season. Often pleasant and quieter than high season.
June
Shoulder season
Shoulder season. Often pleasant and quieter than high season.
July
High season
High season. Beaches and sights are usually busier, so it pays to book accommodation and transport early.
August
High season
High season. Beaches and sights are usually busier, so it pays to book accommodation and transport early.
September
Shoulder season
Shoulder season. Often pleasant and quieter than high season.
October
Shoulder season
Shoulder season. Often pleasant and quieter than high season.
November
Low season
Low season. Usually quiet, but some offers run on reduced schedules or pause.
December
Low season
Low season. Usually quiet, but some offers run on reduced schedules or pause.
By region
Dalmatia and islands
Late May to early July and September are warm and far more relaxed than peak summer. July and August are hot and busy.
Istria and Kvarner
Spring and autumn work for towns, hiking and food. Swimming is possible from June into September.
Zagreb and inland
May, June and September are pleasant. Winters are cold, but Advent markets make up for it.
The weather now and in the coming days
Weather currently unavailable
Weather data: MET Norway, CC BY 4.0
What you need to enter
Pick your passport and we show you the entry rule.
Entry rule
No visa needed
For Swiss citizens
Swiss citizens generally do not need a visa for tourist stays in Croatia. A valid ID card or passport is normally accepted. Look at the expiry date before booking and read the current entry rules on the FDFA site, all information without guarantee.
No guarantee – the official authority is binding.
Money and budget
- Currency
- Euro (EUR)
- Exchange rate
- Rate currently unavailable
Daily budget per person
Frugal
CHF 80
per day
Comfortable
CHF 140
per day
Generous
CHF 250
per day
Guide values excluding flights, in CHF.
How to get there and get around
Flight time from Zurich
approx. 1 h 45 min
Direct to Dubrovnik or Split (seasonal, often with a stop outside summer)
Getting around
Intercity buses link the coastal towns and ferries serve the islands. In summer, reserve car spots on ferries early. Traffic drives on the right, and parking in old towns is scarce.
Airports
- DBVDubrovnik Ruđer Bošković Airport
- PUYPula Airport
- RJKRijeka Airport
- SPUSplit Saint Jerome Airport
- ZADZadar Airport
- ZAGZagreb Franjo Tuđman International Airport
A selection of international airports.
Connected and mobile on the ground
eSIM for Croatia
Mobile data from the moment you land, no roaming fees and no SIM swap.
Car rental in Croatia
Compare rental cars and explore on your own schedule.
Airport transfer
Fixed price, driver waiting: a relaxed ride from the airport to your stay.
Activities in Croatia
Secure tours and tickets in advance.
Partner links: we may earn a commission, the price stays the same for you.
Where to go
Dubrovnik and southern Dalmatia
The city walls are most rewarding first thing in the morning, before it fills up. By boat you reach Lokrum or the Elafiti Islands.
Split and central Dalmatia
The old town grows around Diocletian's Palace and comes alive at night. Ferries head to Hvar, Brač and Vis, and Trogir makes a quiet day trip.
Istria
Hill villages like Motovun, truffles, olive oil and wine, plus Rovinj on the coast. This is about food and landscape rather than party beaches.
Plitvice Lakes
Terraced lakes and waterfalls inland, a handy stop between Zagreb and the coast. Go early, by midday the paths fill up.
Photos: Aerial view to Motovun by Ekaterina Polischuk, CC BY-SA 4.0; View of Diocletian's Palace, Split 02 by Bernard Gagnon, CC BY-SA 4.0; Plitvice Lakes1 by Tesla Delacroix, CC BY-SA 4.0; View of Rovinj (Rovigno) - Istria by Terragio67, CC BY-SA 4.0. Cropped and compressed. This adaptation is also licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where to sleep
Dubrovnik
Apartments and small hotels in Lapad or Ploče are cheaper and quieter than inside the old town
Split
Small hotels and apartments in the old town or near the beach
Islands
Guesthouses, holiday flats and family hotels, book early in summer
Istria
Country houses and apartments, for example in Rovinj or Pula
Travel well prepared
Travel advice
Current travel advice and the security situation are published by the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs.
View FDFA travel adviceHealth
No vaccinations are required for entry. The summer sun is strong, and rocky beaches have sea urchins, so water shoes help. Find out from your health insurer in Switzerland whether treatment abroad is covered before you go.
We are happy to advise you on travel insurance.
Good to know
- Language
- Croatian
- Plugs
- Type C, F
- Dialling code
- +385
- Traffic
- Drives on the right
- Tipping
- About 10 percent in a restaurant is normal if you were happy. In cafés and taxis, round up.
- Internet
- Mobile coverage is good, even on many islands. Ask your Swiss provider about roaming, or get an eSIM.
- Customs
- Croatia has used the euro since 2023, cards work almost everywhere, and a little cash helps at markets. Sockets are types C and F. Two-pin plugs (type C) usually fit, but Swiss three-pin type J plugs do not, so bring a travel adapter. People live inside the old towns, so keep noise down at night, and walking around town shirtless is frowned upon.
How long to stay
Recommended length
7 to 10 days
Suggested route
- Dubrovnik (3 nights) with the walls and a boat trip
- Bus or ferry to Split (2 nights)
- Hvar or Vis (3 nights) for swimming and downtime
- Optionally back via Zagreb or Plitvice Lakes (1 to 2 nights)
Frequently asked questions
When is Croatia worth visiting?
For the coast and islands, late May to early July and September work well. The sea is warm and it is quieter than in July and August.
How much should I budget per day?
On a tight budget about CHF 80 a day works, comfortable travel is closer to CHF 140, and with nicer rooms expect around CHF 250. Summer accommodation makes the biggest difference.
Is my ID card enough or do I need a passport?
For holidays a Swiss ID card is normally fine, and a visa is usually not an issue. The FDFA site shows whether entry rules have changed.
How do I reach the islands without a car?
By ferry or catamaran from Split, Dubrovnik and other ports. In high summer buy tickets early, and on the islands local buses run between the main villages.
Is Croatia easy and safe for a young traveller?
Generally yes. Watch your valuables in crowds and take the summer heat seriously. The emergency number is 112.
How many days do I need?
For Dubrovnik, Split and one island, 7 to 10 days is good. With only a week, stay in one region rather than moving every day.
We plan your trip to Croatia
In a free intro call we cover your wishes, dates and budget. Afterwards you receive a quote with options.
Pick a slot in the calendar right away – or message us wherever suits you best.
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