Beat the Croatia crowds! Discover Croatia’s hidden gems, historic architecture and natural wonders without the tourist traps

With searches for ‘Croatia island hopping’ up 130% in the UK over the past five months, it’s no surprise that Croatia is shaping up to be one of the year’s most popular destinations with UK holidaymakers. As a result, however, those wanting to enjoy the country’s fascinating history, untouched natural beauty and exceptional cuisine may find themselves battling hordes of tourists.

Here are four ways to beat the Croatia crowds and see the best the country has to offer, thanks to the latest Croatian island-hopping tours from guided touring experts Travelsphere and solo touring company Just You.
 

1) Visit in the shoulder months

If you can, visiting Croatia in the early summer or early autumn rather than in the height of July and August will mean avoiding the crowds as well as the peak temperatures. June offers average highs of 27°C and lows of 20°C, with sea temperatures around 22°C for pleasant swimming conditions. September is slightly cooler, with average highs of 25°C and lows of 18°C, with sea temperatures a warm 23°C. In both these months, even popular parts of Croatia are quieter as the bulk of tourists arrive in the height of summer.

Speaking of popular areas, while Dubrovnik and Split are must-sees for tourists visiting Croatia, they’re also the most likely to get overcrowded in the height of summer. In fact, according to a study from Statista, Dubrovnik had the most tourists per inhabitant in 2019, with 36 tourists arriving for every 1 local – the majority of which visit in July and August.

2) Avoid the hotspots

While Dubrovnik and Split shouldn’t be struck from your list entirely, visitors should consider spending more time in alternatives such as the picturesque island of Brac, the medieval town of Trogir, and the natural beauty of Mljet.

3) Go by boat

With so many stunning islands to see, the natural way to get the best out of Croatia is to explore by water. However, we recommend avoiding vast, unsustainable cruise ships which destroy environments with air pollution and sewage dumping, and instead booking your spot on a smaller alternative. River cruises cause less disturbance to both people and the environment, and you’ll only be surrounded by 30 to 40 passengers as opposed to thousands of people in one space, giving you more space to breathe and more chance to see smaller, quieter islands.

4) Escape to nature

Croatia may be known for its historical cities and medieval ruins, but there are also a huge number of green spaces to escape to if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle. The country is home to 8 national parks and 11 nature parks, the oldest of which is Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s famous for 16 interconnected lakes that flow into each other at different heights. The second most popular park is the gloriously green Krka National Park, the home of the Skradinski Buk waterfall which you can see from both sides of the river. If it’s swimming you’re after, try Mljet National Park, which offers two saltwater lakes, coves and beaches, as well as a Benedictine monastery-turned-restaurant located on an island.
 

CROATIA ISLAND HOPPING TOURS

Whether you’re travelling as a family, a couple, with friends or solo, Travelsphere and Just You have just the escorted tours to suit you. Both explore the country’s sights from exclusively chartered river boats (max 40 people), with departure dates in June, September and October 2024. All prices include travel, accommodation and meals,
Travelsphere – Croatia Island Hopping

• 8 days
• From £1,924pp
• Departures from June 2024 – September 2025
• 7 nights on board the Deluxe MV Adriatic Pearl exclusively chartered for Travelsphere
• Enjoy a tasting of Croatian olive oil on board your ship
• Step ashore on the island of Korcula
• Join a guided tour of Dubrovnik Old Town
• Tour Mljet National Park and discover its untouched beauty
• Visit the islands of Hvar and Solta
• Discover Split and the magnificent Diocletian’s Palace on a walking tour

Just You – Croatian Island Explorer

• 8 days
• From £3,124pp
• Departures from June 2024 – October 2025
• 7 nights on board the MV Paradis
• Tour of Trogir & visit to a Croatian tailor
• Krka National Park
• Vineyard wine-tasting
• Tasting of wine & homemade olive oil
• Tour of historical Sibenik
• Tour of Zadar
• Tour of the sophisticated island of Hvar
• Visit the island of Brac
• Enjoy a glass of wine at the top of Vidova Gora – the highest peak of the Adriatic islands
• Tour of Split & the fascinating Diocletian’s Palace