When my partner and I first started planning our honeymoon, we wanted somewhere that offered it all—coastal beauty, rich culture, amazing food, and a touch of luxury without the stress of long-haul travel. Croatia ticked every box. From the moment we landed, we knew we’d made the right choice. Whether it was sailing along the Adriatic, wandering through medieval streets hand-in-hand, or sipping wine under the stars, Croatia gave us that perfect blend of romance and adventure.
So, if you’re in the early stages of planning your dream honeymoon and Croatia’s caught your eye, you’re in for something truly special. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything we learned—from choosing the best destinations, to when to go, what to pack, and how to make it magical without breaking the bank. Whether you're after boutique beach escapes, countryside hideaways, or luxurious island-hopping, this first-hand guide is here to help you plan a honeymoon in Croatia that you’ll remember forever.
Dalmatia is one of the dreamiest destinations in Europe, and the world, with this turquoise-tinged stretch of coastline having been named the 13th-best honeymoon destination in the world in 2022, and the sixth-best in Europe according to the list.
We’re hardly surprised with this result, as the coastline, and Croatia in particular, offers some of the most blissful areas of natural beauty and mesmerising landscapes that you can’t help but fall head over heels for.
And home to the likes of blissful beaches, gorgeous Mediterranean weather, and not to mention some of the most famous scenes from the hit HBO TV series ‘Game of Thrones’, at every twist and turn, you’ll be kept on your toes with the wealth of beauty that Croatia has in store for you.
So, if you’ve definitely decided to say ‘I do’ to a honeymoon in Croatia, here at Vida Villas, we’ve used our expertise of the country to compile what we feel are the best romantic places to visit, things to do, and other essential advice to consider. Meaning as you begin to plan a honeymoon in Croatia, you can create your picture-perfect experience for yourself and the love of your life.
One of the only challenges you’ll face when planning your honeymoon in Croatia? Choosing where to go! Almost every town and island offers something unique, whether you’re dreaming of luxury beach time, cultural adventures, or off-the-beaten-track serenity. To help narrow it down, here are our favourite honeymoon spots in Croatia—each with something special for every kind of couple.
When considering the best honeymoon islands in Croatia, there are two that we hold at the top of our list:
Hvar is often top of the list for honeymooners—and it’s easy to see why. While it’s known for its glamorous beach clubs and buzzy nightlife, don’t be fooled: there’s another, much softer side to this Adriatic gem. Think quiet coves, Venetian architecture, and cobbled streets that feel made for hand-in-hand exploring. The harbours are postcard-perfect, dotted with red-roofed stone houses and elegant sailboats bobbing in the sun.
We spent our evenings here dining by the sea, feasting on the freshest seafood and sipping local wine as the sun dipped into the horizon. If you're after a mix of sophistication, natural beauty, and authentic charm, Hvar is a honeymoon dream.
Known for its laidback and easy-going attitude, Vis, one of Croatia’s smallest islands, offers an opportunity to truly connect with your partner in tranquillity as a newly married couple.
If you're looking to truly unwind, Vis is where you’ll find peace and quiet in its purest form. As Croatia’s most remote inhabited island, Vis feels worlds away from the busier mainland spots—which makes it perfect for couples seeking a slower pace and a chance to truly connect.
With wild beaches, rustic villages, and a warm, unpretentious vibe, Vis was a highlight of our trip. We loved the feeling of being somewhere untouched and authentic. And film fans take note—Vis was the magical filming location for Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again! If you want your own romantic movie moment, this is the place.
And back on Croatia’s mainland, there are a plethora of bedazzling Croatia honeymoon destinations to boot. Whilst you may be thinking that our two favourite destinations for a honeymoon in Croatia are mainstream, trust us, there are reasons why we’re recommending them to be at the top of your list:
Split completely surprised us. At first glance, it’s a bustling city, but dive a little deeper and you’ll discover ancient Roman ruins, gorgeous beaches, and some of the best food we had in Croatia. It's the kind of place where you can spend your morning wandering the ruins of Diocletian’s Palace, your afternoon hiking Marjan Hill for panoramic views, and your evening sipping wine by the waterfront.
It’s rich in history, full of character, and within easy reach of stunning nature like Krka National Park and nearby islands. If you're the type of couple who loves variety—culture, adventure, and chill time—Split has it all.
Nicknamed “A Pearl in the Adriatic”, Dubrovnik has been a favourite destination for travellers all over the world for years, with the city being noted now as one of the most popular and well-known in the country.
Dubrovnik is the jewel of the Adriatic, and once you walk through its ancient stone gates, you’ll understand why. With its terracotta rooftops, marble streets, and sea-facing fortresses, the whole city feels like something out of a fairytale (or, again, Game of Thrones, as it famously stood in for King’s Landing).
We spent hours getting lost in its old town, watching boats drift by from the city walls, and taking lazy dips in the sea. Dubrovnik is beautiful at every turn and perfect for a romantic escape. Plus, it’s surrounded by hidden beaches and islands just waiting to be explored.
To ensure you experience your honeymoon in Croatia in the country’s prime, you’ll want to ensure that you’re avoiding peak times attracting hoards of tourists, but also arriving when you can make the most of the country’s blissful weather. We, therefore, recommend two times of year to visit Croatia for your post-nuptial celebrations.
Visiting Croatia before the start of the summer season, either in May or June for example, will ensure you skip the crowded beaches and jam-packed streets in some of the country’s top destinations, to soak in Croatia in its natural form. The weather is just beginning to amp up at this time, so you’re guaranteed the heavenly climate that the Dalmatia coast is famed for.
Equally, visiting at the end of Summer, from September to October, offers lesser-crowded hotspots. And whilst the weather might not be at its best, it still offers lovely, mild temperatures perfect to catch a few rays. When to visit Croatia will form an important part of your planning.
Whether you’re planning on staying on one of Croatia’s over one thousand enchanting islands or not, we’d recommend factoring in the opportunity to explore these floating gems during your honeymoon. From tiny, tucked-away splendours to famed and fabulous isles that attract even the rich and famous, you’re in for a treat if you choose to unravel the mysteries of these dazzling islands. Planning where to go in Croatia will make your honeymoon a holiday you'll remember forever
One of our absolute favourite parts of our honeymoon was island hopping. With over 1,000 islands to choose from, it’s easy to mix things up—spending a few days on a lively island like Hvar, then heading to a quiet paradise like Vis. Ferries run regularly from the major ports (Split, Dubrovnik, etc.), and you can even bring your rental car if you’re doing a road trip.
Some routes are seasonal, so be sure to check the ferry schedules in advance (especially if you’re travelling outside of summer). Whether you’re exploring hidden coves or enjoying sunset dinners by the water, hopping between these islands is a magical way to experience Croatia.
Itineraries can be found online, with Croatian Ferries offering the largest number of ferries in the country, but there are also other smaller providers that run ferries along the Croatian coast.
Croatia might not be the first country you think of when it comes to wine, but trust us—it should be. From the vineyards of the Pelješac Peninsula to the rolling hills around Istria, we discovered some incredible local wines in settings that were nothing short of breathtaking.
Many wineries offer tours and tastings, where you can sample regional varieties and learn about traditional Croatian winemaking. It's romantic, relaxing, and the perfect excuse to raise a glass together and toast to married life.
If you consider yourself to be somewhat of a wine connoisseur, Croatia is a fabulous destination to consider on your honeymoon. Whilst it may not be one of the most famed wine territories in Europe, it is home to a scattering of beatific wineries stretching from the Adriatic out to its Dinaric Alps.
You can sample some of the most delectable Croatian wines on offer and immerse yourself in the gorgeous countryside of Croatia’s mainland. Learn more about the country’s traditional winemaking techniques and sample some of its region's most delicious cuisine to tantalise all of your senses whilst on your honeymoon.
And, let’s face it, there’s nothing more romantic than raising a glass with your significant other as you gaze across rolling vineyards and toast to the rest of your life.
Croatia’s natural beauty is something else—and its eight national parks are perfect if you love a little adventure. We visited Krka National Park, famous for its waterfalls and emerald-green pools. You can hike, swim, or simply take it all in while having a romantic picnic surrounded by nature.
Other popular parks include Plitvice Lakes (with its fairytale lakes and waterfalls), Mljet (ideal for a day trip from Dubrovnik), and Paklenica if you’re into hiking or climbing. No matter where you're staying, you're never too far from a natural wonder in Croatia.
Boasting breathtaking natural wonders, Croatia is home to eight captivating national parks, each offering a new and equally bedazzling haven on unspoilt landscapes where you can connect with nature during your honeymoon, it's a must thing to do in Croatia
And you’re never far from one of these national parks wherever you’re staying in the country, making it all the more enticing to discover what all the fuss is about. Offering verdant green forestry and dramatic mountainous scapes, Croatia’s national parks are the ideal place to listen to the sights and sounds of local wildlife.
Hikes are a popular activity whilst visiting Croatian national parks, and visitors can explore some of the most popular trekking paths to some of the most breathtaking vantage points, or, to even explore some of the lesser-trodden routes.
Krka National Park, for example, is probably Croatia’s most famous of its eight parks. It’s the home of 16 blue-green gleaming waterfalls cascading through its lush landscapes. We recommend packing your swimming gear if you’re planning on venturing here, as its glistening pools are the perfect place to bathe and soak in the unrivalled atmosphere of one of Croatia’s most beautiful natural wonders.
You can find more details of Krka National Park, including how to reach it, alongside details of other famed and fascinating Croatian National Parks online.
With something to offer every couple, Croatia is a honeymooners paradise. Oozing with romantic destinations, from idyllic seafront ports to enchanting islands, and breathtaking natural landscapes, you’re guaranteed the most memorable honeymoon experience imaginable. We’d even dare say that there’s no better way to start the rest of your life together than here in Croatia.
If you are planning a trip to Croatia and need accommodation for your visit, Vida Villas offer a stunning selection of rental properties around the country. Alternatively, you can contact our team, who will be happy to provide any help or information you may need.
