Top 10 unusual Croatia holidays
Any travellers looking to escape the crowded beaches and opt for a more unusual holiday in Croatia should consider this top 10 before they head off. We’ve compiled a great collection of holidays that will take you into Croatia’s lesser-known countryside and coastlines. From staying in rural stone cottages surrounded by vineyards to taking the train from London to Zagreb – here’s how you discover a side to Croatia that the cruise ships miss.
1. Sea kayaking around the Adriatic islands
Paddling around Croatia’s Adriatic islands in a kayak is the best way to get to all the out-of-the-way coves and beaches the cruise ships simply can’t reach. Local kayaking guides know all the top places to swim, snorkel and share a picnic, so all you have to do is follow their lead and dive right in. Staying in locally owned guest houses on the islands of Sipan and Lopud gives you plenty of opportunities to meet local people and get a real taste for traditional Croatian cuisine, without the overpriced menus.Our top selling trip: Sea kayaking holiday in Croatia
See all our trips: Sea kayaking holidays
Read more: Sea kayaking in Croatia travel guide
2. Cultural homestay experience
Travelling as part of a small group, you’ll be invited to dine out at family-owned restaurants as well as spending the night in guest rooms that are rented out by local folk during the summer. Wherever you go – Dubrovnik, Korcula, Hvar or Split – getting to know local people is the best way to become immersed in the culture of Croatia.Our top selling trip: Croatia cultural holiday with homestay
Read more: Croatia travel guide
3. Road-tripping from city to coast
There’s nothing unusual about self drive holidays, but not many people choose to go self driving in Croatia. They’re definitely missing something – this is your chance to zoom down the new highway from capital to coast or (our preferred option) take your time meandering down minor roads between little-visited villages, vineyards and national parks. Tailor made itineraries give you every opportunity to get out from behind the wheel for hiking through coastal pine forests and kayaking around crystal-clear bays.
Our top selling trip: Croatia self drive holiday
See all our trips: Croatia holidays
Read more: Croatia self drive guide
Our top selling trip: Croatia self drive holiday
See all our trips: Croatia holidays
Read more: Croatia self drive guide
4. Train adventure
Setting off for Croatia by train from London will appeal to old romantics and responsible travellers alike. This is an opportunity to relive Interrail adventures past as you cross from Paris to Munich, then Austria to Slovenia, before finally arriving in the Croatian capital city of Zagreb. Spending nights off the train helps break up the journey, as well as providing plenty of talking points as you board the train the next morning and continue to ride the rails across Western Europe.Our top selling trip: London to Croatia by train holiday
See all our trips: Europe by rail holidays
Read more: Balkans by rail travel guide
5. Rural cottage stay in the Konavle Valley
If you want to discover Croatia away from the cruise ship crowds and souvenir stands, book into a rural cottage in the Konavle Valley and you’ll be transported back in time. Surrounded by green fields, vegetable patches and endless vineyards, this stone cottage makes the most of natural resources as well as the peace and tranquillity of rural Croatia.Our top selling trip: Vineyard cottage in rural Croatia
See all our trips: Croatia holidays
Read more: Croatia travel guide
6. Self-catering lighthouse outside Dubrovnik
There are island escapes… and then there are island escapes. Grebeni Lighthouse was built in the 19th century, perfectly poised on a rocky islet to warn ships of the reefs and rocks on the approach to Dubrovnik. Its retirement as one of our most unusual holiday villas is a little more sedate. Take your pick of five bedrooms, lounge on the terrace with views over Lapad Bay and the Elpahiti Islands, and take a dip in the sea-view pool. You’ll spy some of the best sunsets and starry skies in Croatia from here.Our top selling trip: Lighthouse accommodation near Dubrovnik
See all our trips: Dubrovnik holidays
Read more: Dubrovnik travel guide
7. Self guided coastal walks
This wonderful week of walking is just the ticket for any travellers looking to make the most of Croatia at their own pace. B&B accommodation, detailed trip notes, luggage transfers and ferry tickets are all included, so all you have to do is put your best foot forward and explore. From the water mills and green hills of Konavle to the natural island charm of Lopud and Mljet – self guided coastal walks in Croatia are all about enjoying a daily dose of exercise and sea views.
Our top selling trip: Self guided Croatian coast walking tour
See all our trips: Croatia walking holidays
Read more: Croatia walking holidays travel guide
Our top selling trip: Self guided Croatian coast walking tour
See all our trips: Croatia walking holidays
Read more: Croatia walking holidays travel guide
8. Active family holiday on the Split Riviera
Take your family off for a week of adventures in the mountains, lakes and waterfalls of Croatia. Stay on the Split Riviera, and you can try your hand at sea kayaking alongside schools of fish, tubing down rivers deep in the Dalmatia hinterland, and canyoning to the Gubavica waterfall, all under the watchful tutelage of local guides and instructors. An active family holiday in Croatia is a great way to get to know the country’s lesser-visited landscapes – and each other.Our top selling trip: Croatia activity holiday for families with teenagers
See all our trips: Croatia family holidays
Read more: Croatia family holidays travel guide
9. Self guided cycling trip to secluded coastlines
Pedal off into the Croatian countryside and along secluded stretches of coast as you embark on this worthwhile week of self guided cycling. Luggage is transferred ahead as you ride and you’ll have plenty of opportunities to get off the saddle and explore the restaurant and beach recommendations in your route notes. This cycling trip covers good distances, riding from Dubrovnik and Konavle Valley on the mainland to the Adriatic islands of Mljet, Sipan and Korkula – but also includes plenty of chances to relax and soak it all in.Our top selling trip: Croatia self guided biking tour
See all our trips: Croatia cycling holidays
Read more: Croatia cycling holidays travel guide
10. Exploring Croatia’s national parks
Joining a small group of like-minded travellers is a great way to meet new people and enjoy the protected rivers and mountains of Croatia at the same time. National parks such as Krka and Paklenica are ideal for finding out more about rural Croatia’s cultural heritage. Most people only get the chance to see them on day trips from the cities. Set off on the trail with knowledgeable local guides and stay in cosy but comfy hotels.
Our top selling trip: Small group walking holiday in Croatia
See all our trips: Croatia walking holidays
Read more: Croatia walking holidays travel guide
Our top selling trip: Small group walking holiday in Croatia
See all our trips: Croatia walking holidays
Read more: Croatia walking holidays travel guide
More about Croatia
Our Croatia travel guide has tips on culture, food and shopping, plus what we rate (and don't).
The best time to visit Croatia is in summer between June and September - July and August get very busy.
Our Croatia highlights go beyond Dubrovnik, focusing on the country's stunning scenery.
Small ship cruises in Croatia glide away from the crowds and into heavenly seascapes.
The best family holidays in Croatia involve adventure, activity, and lots of splashing.
Read our guide to find out the best way to travel between islands in Croatia.
Croatia island holidays are among the most picturesque and responsible ways to travel.
Discover the best beaches in Croatia, along one of Europe’s most venerated coastlines.
Uncover Croatia's cultural heritage - and that of the wider Balkan region.
Looking for the best Croatia honeymoon ideas? Romance and adventure begin right here.
No surprises, our top things to do in Croatia all involve getting out and about!
Our holiday experts reveal their best Croatia tips and advice to help your planning.
Responsible tourism in Croatia, and how your trip can make a positive difference.
All of our Croatia guides in one place, featuring particular locations such as Dubrovnik, or perhaps you want to know more about different types of Croatia holidays we offer such as cruising or walking in Croatia.
