Croatian tourism surged in the early 2000s and continues to grow, boosted by the country’s frequent appearances in popular TV series such as Game of Thrones and Below Deck Mediterranean. Visitors and filmmakers alike are drawn to Croatia’s dramatic Adriatic coastline, where natural beauty and well-preserved historic sites create unforgettable settings that often look cinematic yet remain genuinely authentic.
From the walled streets of Old Town Dubrovnik, with limestone alleys so bright they are sometimes mistaken for marble, to Diocletian’s third-century palace in Split and island-hopping along the Dalmatian coast, Croatia is rich in stunning landmarks and scenic variety. The coastline and islands inspire myths: ancient stories speak of gods debating the most beautiful island and of Odysseus’ encounter with the nymph Calypso, adding a timeless layer to the region’s appeal.
The tourism boom has also expanded Croatia’s capacity for events and meetings. Dubrovnik and Split, in particular, host numerous large hotels equipped to handle conferences and gatherings of up to about 1,000 participants. While Zagreb functions as the country’s business center, many sizable, well-appointed venues are located in coastal cities where incentive activities, leisure options and scenic backdrops are more abundant. This blend of business facilities and tourist attractions makes Croatia a strong choice for combining work and leisure or turning a corporate trip into a family vacation.
Trogir © Emicristea | Dreamstime.com
In Dubrovnik, cruise ship visitors often crowd Old Town during the day, so evening walks are ideal for those staying overnight and make for pleasant family outings after meetings, with cooler temperatures and softer light. A cable car to the top of Srd Hill provides panoramic views of the city and nearby islands; for those seeking adventure, dune buggy tours of the hill are a popular daytime option and typically do not require advance reservations. Dubrovnik and its surroundings also host a dozen Michelin-selected restaurants, including one with a star, offering excellent choices for celebratory dinners or romantic evenings, while family-friendly options are plentiful as well. For sweet treats, Old Town’s candy shops and gelato stands are visual delights that appeal to children and adults alike.
About an hour from Dubrovnik, Mali Ston is famous for its oyster farms and offers an authentic seafood experience. Visitors can tour oyster beds, learn about local aquaculture practices from producers and sample oysters directly from the sea—a memorable culinary excursion for seafood lovers.
Dubrovnik provides convenient access to nearby islands, and some visitors kayak to Lokrum for a quick island escape. However, if island-hopping is a priority, Split is an excellent base. Ferries from Split reach many islands, with Brač and Hvar among the most visited. Brač is home to Zlatni Rat (the Golden Horn), one of Croatia’s most iconic beaches: a long, shifting spit of sand surrounded by sea on three sides and shaped by currents and winds. Hvar is livelier, with multiple towns, beaches and an active nightlife; it’s a common choice for overnight stays but is also easily visited as a roughly 1.5-hour ferry trip from Split.
Zlatni Rat © Biletskiy | Dreamstime.com
Trogir, a UNESCO World Heritage site, sits about a 30-minute drive or roughly an hour by ferry from Split and rewards visitors with compact medieval charm and preserved Venetian architecture. It’s well suited for a half-day or afternoon visit, though visitors with more time can enjoy nearby beaches. Another popular daytrip from Split is Krka National Park, renowned for its waterfalls. The park requires some scenic hiking and stair climbing to reach the cascades, making it an engaging, nature-focused outing for families and active travelers who can manage moderate walking.
LODGING
Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik
A five-minute walk from Old Town, this five-star property has hosted notable guests and provides sea-view rooms with private balconies overlooking the Adriatic.
Ul. Frana Supila 12, Dubrovnik
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Hotel Supetar Cavtat
This boutique hotel in Cavtat’s historic center blends contemporary design with local charm and features a wine bar highlighting Croatian varietals.
Obala A.Starčevića 27, Cavtat
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© Nadtochiy | Dreamstime.com
Hotel Villa Harmony
Located on Split’s most famous beachfront, this hotel offers sea and island views from every room, modern in-room technology and suites with balcony hot tubs for added comfort.
Preradovićevo šetalište 1a, Split
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DINING
Restaurant 360
Dubrovnik’s Michelin-starred restaurant delivers meticulous presentation and refined flavors in a setting that complements its culinary precision.
Ul. Svetog Dominika bb, Dubrovnik
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Šug
A Bib Gourmand favorite in Split, Šug offers excellent Dalmatian cuisine at strong value; the tasting menu is a popular option.
Ul. Tolstojeva 1a, Split
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Vapor Restaurant
Located at Hotel Bellevue Dubrovnik and recommended by Michelin, Vapor showcases contemporary Croatian fine dining with a focus on local seafood, meats and produce, paired with terrace views.
Ul. Pera Čingrije 7, Dubrovnik
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INFO TO GO
Dubrovnik International Airport serves numerous airlines and connects directly to many destinations. The Old Town is less than 30 minutes from the airport, with shuttle buses typically costing under $10. Taxis, rideshare services and rental cars are readily available.
Split Airport (Saint Jerome Airport) also supports many carriers and offers shuttle buses timed with arrivals for about $10; two public bus lines provide a lower-cost option. Taxis, rideshares and multiple rental car agencies operate at the airport.