Game of Throngs: How to Beat the Crowds in Croatia

Game of Throngs: How to Beat the Crowds in Croatia

Despite the recent tourism explosion, it's possible to beat the crowds in Croatia. Here we show you how

I have unfinished business in Croatia. A few years ago I came across some cheap flights to Dubrovnik and booked them without doing enough research. It was summer. It was Europe. Surely it would be easy, I thought.

Soon after, I realized that five nights in Dubrovnik in mid-August was not a good idea. Since its use as a filming location in Game of Thrones, Dubrovnik has experienced an explosion in tourism.

In 2010, a year before the show began, eight million tourists traveled to Croatia. In 2018, that number rose to nearly 19 million – a 135% increase in just eight years.

I didn't want to spend five days fighting crowds in a historic city, so I canceled my flights (not easy!) and decided to leave Croatia for another time. To save yourself the same hassle, follow our advice on how to beat Croatia's crowds.

1. Visit outside the summer months

In summary: Don't visit in July or August; choose May or September

alt=“Avoid July and August if you want to beat the crowds in Croatia”>Xbrchx/ShutterstockAvoid July and August if you want to beat the crowds in Croatia

If you want to beat the crowds in Croatia, it is imperative that you visit outside of summer. July and August are high season and tourists flock to the country, particularly to the old town of Dubrovnik. The summer sun there hits the stone walls and paths, making the place hot and stuffy - not ideal when it's crowded.

Instead, visit Croatia in the shoulder months of April, May, September or October. May and September offer mild temperatures, lots of sun and fewer people than in midsummer.

2. Take a cruise on a small ship

In summary: Take a small ship cruise with Croatia Cruises & Tours

• alt=“Eine Kreuzfahrt mit einem kleinen Schiff ist eine großartige Möglichkeit, die Menschenmassen in Kroatien zu besiegen“>
• alt=“zwei betten auf einer kleinen kreuzfahrt in kroatien“>
• alt=“Messebereich auf einer Kreuzfahrt mit einem kleinen Schiff nach Kroatien“>
• alt=“Deckbereich auf einer Kroatien-Kreuzfahrt“>
• alt=“Besiegen Sie die Massen in Kroatien, indem Sie eine Kreuzfahrt unternehmen“>

Croatia Cruises & Tours

With over 1,000 islands, islets and cliffs, Croatia feels tailor-made for small ship cruising. Large ships cannot reach small ports, so a small ship cruise is a great way to reach remote destinations.

Croatia Cruises & Tours has been operating small ship cruises in Croatia for 30 years - long before the tourism boom. The range of excursions includes the main sights of Split and Dubrovnik as well as quieter destinations such as Biševo and Brijuni.

3. Visit mid-week

In summary: Visit the main attractions from Monday to Wednesday

alt="The old town of Dubrovnik is a big attraction for tourists">SchnepfDesign/ShutterstockThe Old Town of Dubrovnik is a big attraction for tourists

To beat the crowds in Croatia, avoid weekends when the main attractions are busy with international tourists as well as local visitors from other parts of the country.

It's advisable to visit early to mid-week, preferably before Thursday, when some of the large cruise ships arrive and bring thousands more ashore.

4. Go late in the day

In summary: Visit Dubrovnik Old Town after 4pm

alt=“Visiting Dubrovnik at dusk is a great way to escape the crowds”>Cge2010/ShutterstockDubrovnik at dusk

At important sights such as the old town of Dubrovnik, there is a constant rush of tourists from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Therefore, consider keeping yourself busy in the morning (e.g. a sea kayak tour) and visiting the Old Town later in the day.

Croatia Cruises & Tours docks overnight in Dubrovnik so you can stay on land. Stroll the city walls in the late afternoon light, enjoy the views from the Minčeta Tower and discover why Croatia is nicknamed the “Pearl of the Adriatic”.

5. Avoid large cruise ships

In summary: Check Port Authority cruise schedules and avoid peak times

alt="Avoid visiting at the same time as large cruise ships">Biletskiyevgeniy.com/ShutterstockAvoid visiting at the same time as large cruise ships

If you happen to dock at the same time as a large cruise ship, you can expect thousands of additional people on land. Therefore, it is best to avoid these days.

The Croatian Port Authority publishes charts showing the cruise schedule in different ports every month. It is worth comparing your planned trip with the schedule at your intended port(s).

6. Venture to a quieter place!

In summary: Visit the northern regions of Croatia

alt=“The picturesque island of Lošinj”>Creative Travel Projects/ShutterstockThe picturesque island of Lošinj

Everyone wants to see Split and Dubrovnik, but with over 1,000 islands to choose from, you'll have plenty of options to beat the crowds in Croatia.

You can choose from Biševo, Lošinj, NP Brijuni, Opatija and Vis, all of which can be seen on a small boat cruise to Croatia.

We recommend using Bookaway to find bus, ferry and train tickets in Croatia. Popular routes in Croatia can be found here.

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Lonely Planet Croatia is a comprehensive travel guide to the country, ideal for those who want to both explore the top attractions and take the road less traveled.

Main image: Ihor Pasternak/Shutterstock

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