Honeymoon in Croatia

Honeymoon in Croatia: Everything You Need to Know

To make the most out of your post-vows adventure, visit the lovely country of Croatia. With its idyllic coastline dotted with picturesque beaches and charming medieval towns lined with cobblestone streets, Croatia is definitely not short on romance.

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Dejan Badnjarevic

25. June 2019

Honeymoon in Croatia can be an unforgettable experience. From beautiful coastal towns with palm-fringed ports and secluded beaches to vibrant cities and national parks, the country is home to many magical destinations for a memorable honeymoon.

Add luxurious spa resorts, boutique hotels, and excellent cuisine, and you’ve got yourself an ideal setting for a trip of a lifetime. This insider’s guide takes you to some of the best romantic destinations in Croatia.

 

1. Hvar 

The seaside promenade in Hvar, Croatia. Mediterranean vibes in Hvar. Unsplash/Marcus Löfvenberg. 

Located on the Dalmatian coast, Hvar is one of the most popular islands in the country. It offers a pleasant Mediterranean climate, peaceful beaches with crystal-clear waters, and many vineyards where couples can enjoy wine tasting.

The island is home to dozens of coves and islets and has rich vegetation of pine trees, palms, and lavender. To find bays that you can have all for yourself, visit the town of Jelsa and enjoy beaches like Grebišće, Zenčišća, and Bočić. 

Newlyweds who wish to be closer to civilization should stay in Hvar Town, the island’s fashionable center with many chic bars and restaurants.

Wine tasting Croatia.

Old town of Hvar Island, Croatia. The Old Town. Canva/mikolajn. 

The Old Town is well-known for its beautiful gothic chapels and palaces and is perfect for long evening walks. A visit to the nearby Paklinski Islands and their deserted lagoons is a great addition to a honeymoon itinerary in Hvar.

A lonely boat by the coast of the Paklinski Island, Croatia. The idyllic Paklinski Islands. Canva/jlazouphoto. 

As for the accommodation, the island is home to many romantic hotels such as the harbour-front Hotel Adriana, Villa Nora Hotel, and the swanky Riva Hotel where celebrities like Orson Welles and Tom Cruise spend their vacation days.

Read also: The Best Beaches in Croatia

Read also: Guide to Croatia's Regions

2. Rovinj

Narrow cobblestone streets of Rovinj, Croatia. The charming cobblestone streets of Rovinj. Canva/tupungato. 

Thanks to its narrow Venetian-style streets, stone pathways, and pastel-painted houses, Rovinj is without a doubt the most romantic city in Croatia. Located in the north of the country on the Istrian Peninsula, the city oozes charm at every turn and has plenty of activities for honeymooners.

From romantic boat rides to nearby islands of Katarina and Sveti Andria to candle-lit restaurants that offer fresh seafood and spectacular views of the Adriatic Sea, there is plenty to look forward to when visiting Rovinj with that special someone.

Serene blue waters by Rovinj, Croatia. The perfect place for a swim. Canva/PM78. 

Spend the day on the boat-shaped Punta Corrente peninsula, admire the beauty of the famous St. Euphemia Cathedral, or check out 1,500 pieces of contemporary art at the Rovinj Heritage Museum.

Rovinj also has a couple of cycling trails that allow visitors to see the city from a different perspective. Surrounded by a pine forest, the Lone Bay is ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and snorkeling.

3. Dubrovnik 

A beach in Dubrovnik, Croatia. A beach in Dubrovnik. Unsplash/John Weinhardt. 

Popular among couples in search of romance, Dubrovnik is located on the Adriatic Coast and has an irresistible Mediterranean charm and timeless beauty. The city is full of spectacular landscapes, boasts a rather unique historical charm, and offers plenty of activities for newlyweds.

See also: A Local's Guide to Dubrovnik

The biggest draw here is the famous Old Town famed for its massive stone walls and wonderful baroque style churches. It comes as no surprise that the historic center was used as a filming location for the popular Game of Thrones show.

Whether you wish to have a candle-lit beachside dinner, go on a Game of Thrones tour, or walk past Old Town’s Baroque and Gothic architectural marvels, there is plenty to do and see in Dubrovnik.

Beyond the gates of the historic center, there are a number of beaches where couples can unwind and indulge in activities like swimming, drinking refreshing cocktails, and enjoying magnificent sunset views. 

Keep in mind that Dubrovnik is one of the most popular tourist destinations in this part of Europe and gets extremely busy with tourists in high summer.

Game of Thrones, Croatia.

4. Zagreb

An aerial view of Zagreb during the twilight. The charming capital. Canva/RudyBalasko. 

The Zagreb church with its distinct mosaic roof. St. Mark's Church. Canva/maratr. 

The capital of Croatia, Zagreb is a perfect honeymoon destination for travelers who wish to visit historical landmarks and experience the country’s vibrant nightlife. Maksimir Park is ideal for long romantic walks, while the bustling streets around the main square are packed with hipster cafes and restaurants offering local food delicacies.

A visit to the colorful food market of Dolac is a great way to experience local life, while the popular Jarun Lake is a nice place for cycling, jogging, and enjoying romantic picnics. 

chapel

Although the Museum of Broken Relationships doesn’t sound like an appealing attraction for people on a honeymoon vacation, it is definitely a place worth visiting.

On the outskirts of the city, you will find the beautiful ruins of the Medvedgrad castle which boasts spectacular views of the lush green forests below.

Zagreb is also known for its buzzing nightlife and there are many bars and nightclubs worth checking out such as Bacchus jazz bar, Tolkien's House, Gallery Club, and Kset.

 

Q&A

When is the best time to go on a honeymoon in Croatia?

It really depends on what you’re after. The summer season offers warm weather and plenty of outdoor activities to look forward to, but it’s also a time when many popular destinations are crowded with fellow tourists and honeymooners. In spring and fall, there are fewer crowds and accommodation rates are cheaper. 

How to get to Croatia

Popular tourist destinations like Dubrovnik, Zagreb, Pula, and Rijeka have their own airport, which means that getting to Croatia is quite easy. To save some cash, you can always book a flight with low-budget airlines. 

If you’re already travelling in the Baltic area, you can easily skip across to Croatia for a romantic getaway. Bus or rental car would be the easiest means of transport in the area. 

Is Croatia an expensive honeymoon destination?

Compared to the French Riviera and Sardinia, Croatia is really not that expensive. Couples on a budget can find a nice apartment/guesthouse under 40 Euros per night even in the peak of the summer season.