What are the best islands to visit in Croatia during May?

Croatia's islands are particularly appealing in May before summer tourists arrive. On Hvar Island the first hints of lavender begin to bloom while Brač Island's Zlatni Rat beach welcomes early-season swimmers in waters that reach comfortable temperatures. Wine enthusiasts can explore Korčula Island's local venues such as Čakula wine bar where tables are easy to secure. Accommodations like Grand Beach Resort Amfora on Hvar and Hotel Port 9 on Korčula still have good availability. A TourRadar traveler noted: "The islands in May were incredible - we had perfect weather for swimming and the ports weren't overcrowded."

What special events or festivals happen in Croatia during May?

Croatia's festival calendar comes alive in May with the Festival of Flowers brightening Split's streets and Zagreb's Spring Food Festival filling Dolac Market with local producers. Dubrovnik celebrates the Festival of St. Blaise with local music performances and traditional dancing throughout the old town. Hotel Dubrovnik located on Zagreb's main square puts visitors in the center of the festivities. As one TourRadar traveler shared: "The food festivals in Split during May were amazing with local specialties and wine tasting opportunities everywhere."

What makes May an ideal time to visit Croatia's national parks?

The mild spring weather in May creates perfect conditions for exploring Croatia's national parks. Plitvice and Paklenica parks see temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C) making them comfortable for walking and hiking. The spring rainfall feeds Plitvice's network of waterfalls creating powerful displays. Hotels like Mirjana Rastoke near Plitvice and Hotel Vicko in Starigrad Paklenica offer convenient bases for park visits. According to TourRadar reviews "the waterfalls were all chock full and lovely."

What are the advantages of taking a sailing trip in Croatia during May?

The Adriatic Sea in May offers calm waters and warming temperatures ideal for sailing Croatia's coastline. Premium vessels like MY Vilma can easily dock at popular ports with fewer boats competing for space. Water temperatures become suitable for swimming stops between islands. Prices run 20-30% lower than peak season rates and harbor reservations are easier to secure. TourRadar travelers note May sailing tours provide "plenty of swim stops and chill time."

What are the best coastal towns to visit in Croatia during May?

May presents an opportunity to experience Croatia's coastal towns without summer crowds. The weather suits walking Dubrovnik's city walls and exploring Split's ancient streets. Smaller destinations like Trogir and Korčula maintain their local character with one TourRadar reviewer noting "the magical atmosphere in Korčula's old town without the summer crowds." Consider staying at Hotel Tragos in Trogir or Palace Hotel in Dubrovnik for central locations.

How much should I budget for a Croatia trip in May?

Traveling to Croatia in May offers better value than peak summer months. Premium hotels range from 200-250 USD nightly while mid-range options like Hotel Globo in Split or Hotel Central in Zagreb average 150 USD. Eight-day island hopping tours start at 1200 USD per person including lodging and select meals. A TourRadar traveler noted: "May prices were notably lower than summer months especially for accommodations and activities."

Croatia Tours in May 2027

10 best Croatia trips in May 2027

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City & Culture
Impressive Croatia
4.6 (15 traveler reviews)
"Very well organised. Good amount of free time to explore"
Graham, traveled in May
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Zagreb, Plitvice Lakes National Park, Zadar, Trogir, Split,Dubrovnik+1 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Regions
Croatian IslandsDalmatiaAdriatic+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
PALMA DMC & TO
From
US$2,028per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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6 May, 2027
10+ spaces left
20 May, 2027
10+ spaces left
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City & Culture
Explore Croatia
4.6 (24 traveler reviews)
"Plitvice Lakes and Lake Bled were highlights of the trip. Konoba Mate on Pupnat provided the best dinner."
David, traveled in April
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Dubrovnik, Hvar Island, Vis, Split
Age Range
Ages 15+
Regions
Croatian IslandsDalmatiaAdriatic+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
25% Off
From $3,295
US$2,471per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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8 May, 2027
10+ spaces left
15 May, 2027
10+ spaces left
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Ancient Wonders
Discover Croatia
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"crystal clear waters, all spring fed! Our hotels were all comfortable with outstanding breakfasts!"
ruth, traveled in April
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Zagreb, Plitvice Lakes National Park, Zadar,Krka National Park,Solin,Split,Trogir,Brac,Hvar,Peljesac,Ston,Dubrovnik,Elaphiti Islands+10 more
Age Range
Ages 16+
Regions
Croatian IslandsDalmatiaAdriatic+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Exodus Adventure Travels
10% Off
From $3,823
US$3,450per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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15 May, 2027
8 spaces left
29 May, 2027
8 spaces left
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City & Culture
Croatian Rhapsody Tour
4.9 (11 traveler reviews)
"Nice hotels needed the pools to cool off."
Heather, traveled in June
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Zagreb, Opatija, Pula, Rovinj, Motovun,Plitvice Lakes National Park,Zadar,Split,Trogir,Ston,Dubrovnik+6 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Adriatic
Operated in
English
Operator
Katarina Line
10% Off
From
US$2,188per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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7 May, 2027
10+ spaces left
21 May, 2027
10+ spaces left
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River Cruise
Dalmatian Highlights Zadar and Split Region Cruise (Standard Boat Category)
4.0 (2 traveler reviews)
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Zadar, Vodice, Skradin, Sibenik, Primosten, Split, Omis,Milna (Brac Island),Trogir,Drvenik,Zlarin,Kornati National Park,Nature Park Telascica,Ugljan+7 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Croatian IslandsDalmatiaAdriatic+2 more
Operated in
English, German
Operator
Gulliver Travel
15% Off
From $950
US$808per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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1 May, 2027
6 spaces left
8 May, 2027
6 spaces left
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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River Cruise
Dalmatian Highlights Split and Dubrovnik Region Cruise (Deluxe Boat Category)
4.0 (6 traveler reviews)
"More time in Dubrovnik was needed. Clearer instructions as time to walk wall."
Jennifer, traveled in June
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Trogir, Ciovo island, Split, Hvar, Korcula Island, Pomena,Polače,Elaphiti Islands,Dubrovnik,Korčula,Brac+5 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Croatian IslandsDalmatiaAdriatic+2 more
Operated in
English, German
Operator
Gulliver Travel
15% Off
From $1,521
US$1,293per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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1 May, 2027
6 spaces left
8 May, 2027
6 spaces left
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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River Cruise
Highlights of Kvarner to North Dalmatia Cruise (Standard Boat Category)
3.0 (1 traveler review)
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Rijeka, Island of Krk, Punat, Rab, Zadar,Kornati National Park,Dugi Island,Zverinac,Molat,Olib,Mali Losinj,Cres+7 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Croatian IslandsAdriatic+1 more
Operated in
English, German
Operator
Gulliver Travel
15% Off
From $950
US$808per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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1 May, 2027
6 spaces left
8 May, 2027
6 spaces left
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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Island Hopping
Croatia Island Hopping, 11 Days
4.7 (3 traveler reviews)
"all transfers on time, drivers waiting at every need. good communication prior."
Darin, traveled in September
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Split, Brac, Bol, Pucisca, Hvar, Korčula, Dubrovnik, Trogir
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Croatian IslandsDalmatiaAdriatic+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Gulliver Travel
15% Off
From $2,219
US$1,886per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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1 May, 2027
10+ spaces left
2 May, 2027
10+ spaces left
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City & Culture
Dubrovnik and Split, Private Tour
4.3 (6 traveler reviews)
"Croatia was absolutely to my expectations.. everything was organized very smoothly and to the detail."
Jugana, traveled in August
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Dubrovnik, Split
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Croatian IslandsDalmatiaAdriatic+2 more
Operated in
English, German,Italian,French,Spanish+3 more
Operator
Gulliver Travel
15% Off
From $1,034
US$879per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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1 May, 2027
10+ spaces left
2 May, 2027
10+ spaces left
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Island Hopping
Croatia Island Hopping, 8 Days
3.0 (1 traveler review)
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Split, Supetar, Bol, Pucisca, Brac, Hvar, Trogir
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Croatian IslandsDalmatiaAdriatic+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Gulliver Travel
15% Off
From $1,679
US$1,428per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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1 May, 2027
10+ spaces left
2 May, 2027
10+ spaces left
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City & Culture
Sailing Croatia 8 day -Split, Blue Lagoon, Vis, Hvar, Bol and Trogir
4.7 (3 traveler reviews)
"I loved the places we visited and our Chef kept us well fed with delicious Croatian food."
Sue, traveled in September
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Split, Stomorska, Hvar Island, Milna (Brac Island), Bol,Primosten,Vis,Biševo,Ciovo island,Trogir+5 more
Age Range
Ages 21+
Regions
Croatian IslandsDalmatiaAdriatic+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Rhythm Travel Experience
30% Off
From $1,039
US$727per person
+$11 local payments
Price based on Private Double Room
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28 May, 2027
10+ spaces left
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River Cruise
Dalmatian Highlights Split and Dubrovnik Region Cruise (Superior Boat Category)
4.6 (9 traveler reviews)
"The overall experience was amazing!"
Cammy, traveled in June
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Trogir, Ciovo island, Split, Hvar, Korcula Island, Polače,Mljet Island,Elaphiti Islands,Dubrovnik,Korčula,Brac+5 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Croatian IslandsDalmatiaAdriatic+2 more
Operated in
English, German
Operator
Gulliver Travel
15% Off
From $1,236
US$1,050per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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1 May, 2027
6 spaces left
8 May, 2027
6 spaces left
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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City & Culture
Sailing Croatia Split- Blue Lagoon and Trogir
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"We visited remote locations far off the usual tourist trail—places I never would have discovered on my own."
Raj, traveled in September
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Split, Primosten, Vis, Biševo, Ciovo island, Trogir
Age Range
Ages 21+
Regions
Croatian IslandsDalmatiaAdriatic+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Rhythm Travel Experience
30% Off
From $582
US$408per person
+$11 local payments
Price based on Private Double Room
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31 May, 2027
10+ spaces left
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Road Trip & Self-Drive
Best of Croatia 11 Days, Self-Drive
4.5 (8 traveler reviews)
"Good and quality car that gives travellers the assurance that the car can bring them through all the outback region."
Chee, traveled in April
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Zagreb, Opatija, Plitvice Lakes National Park, Zadar,Split,Dubrovnik+2 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Adriatic
Operated in
English
Operator
Gulliver Travel
15% Off
From $1,530
US$1,300per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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1 May, 2027
10 spaces left
2 May, 2027
10 spaces left
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Bicycle
Cycle the Dalmatian Coast
4.5 (100 traveler reviews)
"Loved everything we saw. Loved the accommodations."
Laurie, traveled in May
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Kaštel Kambelovac, Trogir, Split, Stari Grad, Jelsa,Vrboska,Hvar,Korčula,Račišće,Lumbarda,Pupnat,Zuljana,Ston,Dubrovnik,Cavtat,Konavli+11 more
Age Range
Ages 16+
Regions
Croatian IslandsDalmatiaAdriatic+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Explore!
7% Off
From $2,400
US$2,230per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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8 May, 2027
10+ spaces left
15 May, 2027
10+ spaces left
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