Few destinations in Europe blend turquoise coastlines, ancient walled cities, and island-hopping adventure quite like Croatia. From the marble streets of Dubrovnik to the waterfalls of Plitvice and the sun-soaked beaches of Hvar, Croatia has earned its reputation as one of the Mediterranean’s most captivating countries. Whether you’re drawn by history, nature, or pure coastal relaxation, Croatia delivers all three — often in the same day.
Where Is Croatia?
Croatia is located in Southeast Europe, curving along the eastern shore of the Adriatic Sea in a distinctive crescent shape. It shares borders with Slovenia and Hungary to the north, Serbia to the east, Bosnia and Herzegovina to the southeast, and Montenegro to the far south. Its long, island-studded coastline — home to over a thousand islands — faces Italy across the Adriatic.
The country’s capital, Zagreb, sits inland in the north, while the coastal regions of Istria, Dalmatia, and cities like Split, Zadar, and Dubrovnik draw the majority of international travelers thanks to their beaches, historic old towns, and access to Croatia’s famous islands.
How to Reach Croatia from New York
Reaching Croatia from New York has become considerably easier in recent years, with a mix of direct and one-stop options:
- Seasonal direct flights from New York (JFK) to Dubrovnik and other Croatian cities are sometimes available during peak summer months, cutting travel time significantly.
- Connecting flights through major European hubs such as Frankfurt, Munich, Zurich, Vienna, or Istanbul are the most common route year-round, landing at Dubrovnik Airport (DBV), Split Airport (SPU), or Zagreb Airport (ZAG).
- Total travel time typically runs 11–15 hours, including the connection, depending on the gateway city and season.
Split and Dubrovnik are the two most convenient arrival points for travelers heading to Croatia’s coast and islands, and both cities have excellent onward connections by ferry, road, or short domestic flights to explore the rest of the country.
Main Tourist Attractions in Croatia
1. Dubrovnik Old Town
Encircled by massive stone walls overlooking the Adriatic, Dubrovnik’s Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe — instantly recognizable to fans of Game of Thrones.
2. Split & Diocletian’s Palace
Split’s Old Town is built around the ruins of a 1,700-year-old Roman palace, still alive with cafes, shops, and locals going about daily life among ancient columns.
3. Plitvice Lakes National Park
A UNESCO-listed park famous for its cascading waterfalls, turquoise lakes, and wooden boardwalks winding through dense forest — one of the most photographed natural sites in Europe.
4. Hvar Island
Known for lavender fields, a glamorous harbor, Venetian architecture, and some of the best nightlife and beach clubs in the Adriatic.
5. Istria Peninsula
A food and wine lover’s paradise, with hilltop towns like Motovun and Rovinj offering truffle hunting, vineyards, and Italian-influenced coastal charm.
6. Zadar
Famous for its Sea Organ and Sun Salutation installations, plus a beautifully preserved Roman and medieval old town right on the waterfront.
7. Korčula & the Dalmatian Islands
Often called “Little Dubrovnik,” Korčula offers a quieter, equally charming old town, along with dozens of nearby islands perfect for boat-hopping.
5 Reasons to Visit Croatia
1. A coastline unlike anywhere else
With over a thousand islands and some of the clearest water in the Mediterranean, Croatia’s coast rivals Greece and Italy for sheer natural beauty.
2. Living history at every turn
Roman ruins, Venetian palaces, and medieval fortress walls aren’t tucked away in museums here — they’re woven into daily life in cities like Split and Dubrovnik.
3. World-class islands for every traveler
From the party scene on Hvar to the tranquility of Vis and Korčula, Croatia’s islands offer something for every kind of trip.
4. Exceptional food and wine
Fresh Adriatic seafood, Istrian truffles, and Croatia’s growing wine regions make it a genuine culinary destination.
5. Easy to combine with the wider Balkans
Croatia’s proximity to Montenegro, Bosnia, and Slovenia makes it simple to build a multi-country itinerary without long transit times.
Let Redeem Travels Plan Your Perfect Croatia Trip
Croatia rewards travelers who plan well — knowing when to island-hop, where to base yourself, and how to avoid the crowds at peak sights. That’s where Redeem Travels, based in New York, comes in.
Redeem Travels specializes in fully customized trips to Croatia and the broader Balkan region, handling everything from flights and hotel selection to private drivers, ferry bookings, and day-trip logistics to islands like Hvar and parks like Plitvice. Their team designs each itinerary around your travel style — whether that’s a relaxed coastal escape, an island-hopping adventure, or a deeper cultural dive into Croatia’s history.
For travelers flying out of New York, Redeem Travels’ local expertise means they already know the best flight routings, ideal trip lengths, and how to seamlessly pair Croatia with Montenegro or other neighboring countries — so you get a stress-free, expertly planned trip rather than a string of guesswork bookings.
Featured Itinerary: 9 Days in Croatia
For travelers who want to experience the very best of Croatia in a single, perfectly paced trip, Redeem Travels has crafted this 9-day journey — moving from the historic walls of Dubrovnik to the waterfalls of Plitvice and the boutiques of Zagreb. Here’s how it unfolds:
Day 1 — Arrival in Dubrovnik
Touch down in Dubrovnik and check into your beach hotel, with the rest of the day free to settle in, unwind, and take in your first views of the Adriatic coastline.
Day 2 — Dubrovnik Old Town & Game of Thrones Tour
Spend the morning exploring Dubrovnik’s legendary Old Town, walking the same fortress walls and marble streets featured in Game of Thrones. In the afternoon, relax and enjoy the city — and the coastline — at your own pace.
Day 3 — Onward to Split
Check out and travel to Split, diving into the city’s rich history and charming neighborhoods built around the ancient ruins of Diocletian’s Palace. Overnight in Split.
Day 4 — Island Hopping or Beach Day
A flexible day: choose an optional speedboat island-hopping excursion to explore the nearby Dalmatian islands, or simply relax at your beach hotel and enjoy Split’s laid-back coastal rhythm.
Day 5 — Food & Sightseeing Around Split
Spend the day exploring Split’s culinary scene and surrounding sights — from local markets and seaside konobas to hidden viewpoints just outside the city.
Day 6 — Krka Waterfalls & Travel to Plitvice
Visit the stunning Krka Waterfalls before continuing on to Plitvice Lakes National Park. Overnight inside the park, surrounded by Croatia’s most famous natural scenery.
Day 7 — Plitvice National Park & Lakes
A full day dedicated to exploring Plitvice’s cascading waterfalls and turquoise lakes via wooden boardwalks and forest trails — one of the most photographed natural wonders in Europe. Overnight in Plitvice.
Day 8 — Travel to Zagreb & Shopping
Head to Croatia’s capital, Zagreb, for a day of exploring its charming Upper Town, cafes, and boutique shopping before your trip winds down.
Day 9 — Departure
Depart for home, taking with you memories of medieval old towns, turquoise coastlines, and some of Europe’s most stunning natural scenery.
Contact REDEEM TRAVELS
+1 253 334 1117
discover@redeemtravels.com
Ready to experience Croatia’s coastline, islands, and ancient cities for yourself? Reach out to Redeem Travels to start planning your fully customized Croatia itinerary today.