I'm heading to Croatia in October. Who has been before and what are your recommendations
Thanks.— with Christine Ann.

Jonah Gillis
Highly recommend Plitvice Lakes National Park. One of my favourite places in the world.

Jonah Gillis I second that. So stunning.

Jonah Gillis Yeah it’s amazing.

Jonah Gillis but in Oct it isn’t as good, I’ve been in June and again in Oct, I’d say skip it at this time of year

My family is from Croatia and we just came back from a 2 week holiday. Here is a great itinerary for a first timer:
- spend 2-3 days in Zagreb. There’s lots to see like Old town, the cathedral, the shop, etc. 2 days is plenty if you’re crunched for time. It’s easy to get around in Zagreb with trams.
- rent a car and drive to the coast. Drive to Pula and stay there for 2 nights. The colesseum is one of the largest outside of Italy. Totally worth the trip.
- then drive to nearby Split. Split is VERY similar to Dubrovnik but much closer. Yes Dubrovnik is beautiful, but actually the entire coastline is littered with ancient Venetian architecture, so if you want an insider tip, go spend a day in Split, but if you’re nearby, a trip to Trogir is also gorgeous. It’s lesser known, but still has all the gorgeous charm and MUCH less touristy. Budget as much time as you can in the coast here, it’s very worth it. Sneak in a beach day, or if time permits, get on a tour boat and check out the gorgeous coastline from the water, the views are absolutely stunning.
- on your way out from Split, head to Plitvitse national park. Budget at least 6 hours here and sturdy walking shoes. It’s absolutely gorgeous, make sure you have lots of room on your phone for pictures.
I love Croatia, I’ve been many times. It’s very welcoming to tourists and almost everyone can speak English. You will have a lovely time.
Some tips: the tolled highways are worth it, but budget anywhere between 9-40 euros (one way) depending on your route.
Buy olive oil when you’re on the coastline - they grow and make it right there.

Where are you going in Croatia and will you be renting a vehicle? It’s a beautiful place but definitely in the low season in October so it depends where you’re going.

Matjaz we fly into Zagreb. We would like to travel around the country. Don't want to stay in Zagreb the whole time.
We have 12 days there

Paulette - Plummer Zagreb is a beautiful place, with lots of museums and architecture and good food. I would recommend 2-3 days in Zagreb. Then Pula is not far away by car or train, you can visit the Roman Pula Arena there. From there you could visit Poreč, a seaside town with great beaches and usually the warmest sea temperatures in Croatia might still be able to swim in October. Split is Croatia’s 2nd largest city in Dalmatia which is another lovely place to visit. It is also a big port that could take you to some of the islands like Hvar which is one of the best. Makarska, and Murter are also great for beaches. Of course everyone visits Dubrovnik in the south but that is very far to drive and I think overrated and expensive.

Matjaz I just came here to recommend Makarska but you beat me to it.

Matjaz we did a 7 day sail Croatia trip from Split to Dubrovnik and back. Well worth it to see a lot of islands. We also did it the start of October.

Zadar and split were so pretty

Take a look at the
YouTube channel “jumping places” as they were just there……. very informative!
https://youtu.be/1QGxM6aa4Yg?si=GD2uD3S-QfZ5eAyF
YOUTUBE.COM
PARADISE BOAT TOUR IN DUBROVNIK! ?? CROATIA

Had three days in Zagreb and worried it was too long but we loved it. Loved Dubrovnik and walking the wall was one of my favorite things we did. Loved Plitvice, so beautiful. Zadar has a sea organ and people gather at night to listen to the organ and watch the sunset. That was magical. Split had a guy playing the guitar in the castle at night. It was open air, people danced and it was amazing! We also did a week on a boat with Sail Croatia going island to island and swimming in the sea everyday. So much beauty in Croatia. Have an amazing vacation.

Take 8 days and Island hop from Dubrovnik to Split or visa versa on Sail Croatia Great trip

Dubrovnik is beautiful. Walk the wall.