Summer, or ljeto in Croatian, is one of the most popular times of the year to visit Croatia. That's why summertime in Croatia is called "tourist season." There are positive and negatives to visiting Croatia in the summer. You cannot think about this season without thinking about the beach and Croatia has got a ton of them, not only along the lengthy coastline but on the over 1,000 of its islands as well. Favorite summer outdoor activities include all kinds of water sports, hiking routes, cycling trails, camping, golfing and more and there are all kinds of festivals and events to participate in too.
POSITIVES about tourist season is this is when Croatian businesses make the most money. The weather is amazing at the beach if you like it hot, and the sea is not too cold. It's also wonderful in the mountains if you're wanting something a little cooler and less humid. If you are someone who likes the energy of a lot of people being around at the bars, restaurants and clubs then this time of the year is perfect for you.
NEGATIVES about tourist season is everything is crowded and everything is more expensive, including flights, accommodations, rental cars, tours and activities. You will still see locals around but they tend to retreat to their secret summer spots and avoid the most popular locations. Traffic and parking can be a bit of a nightmare at times, especially for example in Crikvenica on the weekends because a lot of people living in Zagreb will drive 1.5 hours and stay last minute if the weather is nice. Lines are longer at stores like the market or sites like national parks and museums. You may have trouble finding a place to sit at cafes or restaurants with the best view or in a central location and people will save their spots at the beach early in the morning.
Summer Activities You Should Definitely Check Out:
Boat Tours - take a guided day trip to the islands on a boat, yacht or catamaran, experience local cuisine, historical sights and stunning beaches.
Boat & Jet Ski Rentals - discover hidden beaches, coves and bays.
Water Sports - parasailing, water skiing, windsurfing, kayaking, rafting and paddle boarding/stand up paddle (SUP). I highly suggest Metta Float in Pula for SUP and sea kayaking or Gorski Tok in Brod Na Kupi for river rafting and kayaking.
Scuba Diving & Snorkeling - dive with professional instructors in crystal clear waters and see shipwrecks and marine life. I highly recommend our friends Boris and Rikard at Dive City Crikvenica.
Hiking Routes, Cycling Trails & Rock Climbing - climb mountains reaching heights of 4,000 feet, see castle ruins and lookout points (great photo opportunities) and more.
Paragliding & Parachuting - fly like a bird as you jump off Croatia's largest mountain, Velebit, and land in the Vinodol Valley.
Zip Lining - Zip Line Pazin Cave in Istria or down a canyon with Zipline Edison on the island of Krk.
Bungee Jumping - over the town of Maslenica's Bridge.
Camping - choose from many different camp sites throughout Croatia whether you want to be by the sea or in the mountains and which style of camping you prefer, whether that's "roughing it" or more luxury "glam-ping."
Golf - you may be surprised that Croatia has actually had a small golf scene for a very long time. Check out the Old Golf Course Brioni or Golf Course Adriatic in Istria.
National Parks - Plitvice Lakes, Risnjak, Brijuni, Paklenica and Krka are some of our favorites.
READ: Best Outdoor Activities in Croatia and
Summer Festivals & Events To Look Into Attending:
Krk Music Fest - on the island of Krk in the city of the same name. The festival celebrates World Music Day and is the official opening to the summer season. Along with music, experience dance events and street food specialties from around the world.
RetrOpatija - in the town of Opatija celebrating swing, rockabilly, rock, jazz and electric disco from the 20th century. Retro musicians, pin-up models, dancers, cars and motorcycles fill the streets to party.
INmusic Festival - in the country's capital of Zagreb on the Island of Youth at Lake Jarun. This is the largest open air event in Croatia and each year it continues to grow internationally as one of the world's most popular music festivals.
Fiumanka - this annual, mid-June, international sailing event takes place in the city of Rijeka promoting all the Kvarner region has to offer, inlcuding sports and entertainment programs and the traditional cruiser regatta.
Cherrry Days of Lovran - in the town of Lovran this event has cherries as the main attraction. Offering several kinds of tastings, including a 10 meter long cherry strudel, as well as music and cultural festivities.
Festival of Sand Sculptures - in the town of Lopar on the island of Rab at Paradise Beach. Artists use only sand and water to create their masterpieces and the best sculptures are awarded prizes.
Rab Island Hero MTB Marathon - on the island of Rab, this race has sweeping views of the beautiful Kvarner region and travels over hardstone surfaces, sandy spots, stone cliffs, gravel and forests. Cyclists from all over the world come to compete here.
Velebit Ultra Trail - a 100 mile race that takes place a little further down the coast near the city of Zadar, through Paklenica National Park.
Ultra Europe Music Festival - in the city of Split and on the islands of Brač, Hvar and Vis with over 250 performers on multiple stages and one of the largest music festivals in Europe.
Split Summer Festival - in the city of Split, including opera, drama, ballet, concerts, movies, exhibitions, performances and street theatre.
Sea Sound Festival - in the city of Šibenik, taking place on five stages with each showcasing different styles of music using different sound systems.
Forestland - in the town of Brezje, near the capital Zagreb, a music festival held on two stages with over 60 DJs, artists, rappers and singers, as well as food trucks, zip line and nearby campgrounds.
Dubrovnik Summer Festival - in the city of Dubrovnik and is the largest cultural festival in Croatia with a wide variety of performances and events, including music, dance, singing, theatre, film, documentaries, exhibitions and more.
Crikvenica Day - in the city of Crikvenica on the north coast celebrating the Assumption of Mary, the patron saint of Crikvenica. Throughout the week there is a full cultural, entertainment and sports program. In the evening there is a fireworks display from the sea and the following morning is the Šilo to Crikvenica Swimming Marathon. A 3.5 kilometer race from the town of Šilo on the island of Krk to Crikvenica. Open to anyone from professional to recreational swimmers.
Špancirfest (Strollers' Festival) in the city of Varaždin and nicknamed the festival of "good vibrations" and celebrates art, music, dance and theatre of all kinds by performers from all over the world. Visitors can "stroll" throughout the city where stages are set up to feature street performances, musical programs, theatre, children programs, exhibitions, gastronomy and wine.
Sonus Festival - on Zrće Beach, near the town of Novalja, on the island of Pag, not far from the north coast is one of the largest and most popular music festivals in the country. Some of the world's best DJs perform across three open-air clubs along the beach.
Dimensions Festival - in the town of Tisno, not far from the city of Zadar, is a music festival of house, techno, jazz, funk, soul, pop and more with 100s of musicians performing on several stages on the beach and on party boats.
For more specific details about each month of summer in Croatia
Summertime in Croatia may be busy but it also can be so much fun! My husband and I are here every summer visiting family and friends and taking care of our guests at our summer rental apartments.
If you're in the Crikvenica area in the summer,
let me know and we can meet for a drink by the Adriatic sea.
Wherever you choose to travel to in Croatia I hope you enjoy your stay!
North Coast Croatia Travel Agency specializes in travel to Croatia and surrounding European countries. Providing consultations, custom itineraries, pre-designed theme itineraries, summer beach rentals and a travel blog. Booking flights, accommodations, cruises, tours, rental cars, transfers, bus/train/ferry tickets, travel insurance and more!
Book a FREE 30 minute Travel Consultation with me to discuss planning your trip to Croatia!
Happy Travels! Sretan Put!
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