Imagine the white-sand beaches, the crisp smell of sea breeze in the air, and the culture that surrounds you everywhere in southern Europe. If you’re looking for a trip with sand, sea, and plenty of culture, this region is for you. But if you’re torn between the Adriatic or the Balearic sea, here’s a guide to help navigate your way through choosing your next southern Europe discovery. Will you choose Croatia or Spain?
We’ll start with the basics, and then move you through how to choose what’s best for you based on travel style because, let’s face it, no two people will want the same trip. It’s time to choose your own adventure, and pick your next beach destination. Shall we?
| Spain | Croatia | |
|---|---|---|
| Capital city | Madrid | Zagreb |
| Most visited city | Barcelona | Dubrovnik |
| Natural attraction | Mediterranean Sea | Plitvice Lakes |
| Nightlife destination | Ibiza | Hvar |
Spain vs Croatia: everything you need to know
Croatia is located in the Balkans, which is in Southeastern Europe. Its population is 4.171 million, and it borders Hungary, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Slovenia, and Italy. From London, a non-stop flight is approximately 2h 40m. For the best weather, Croatia is most popular from July to September. The average highs are 31°C along the coast in the south. However, with the best weather comes the most tourists.
Spain is located in the Iberian Peninsula in Southwestern Europe. It has a population of 46.56 million and shares borders with Portugal, France, and Andorra. Spain is about a 2h 10m flight from London. The peak time to go for the best weather and experience is during the months of June to August. Go outside of those months or try a tour off outside of the most popular destinations and you’ll find fewer crowds and less money out of your bank account.
What are the most popular destinations in Spain and Croatia?
Spain’s capital city is Madrid, located basically smack-dab in the middle of the country. Madrid houses Spain’s royalty at the Royal Palace, and is home to plenty of culture and nightlife. But we can’t forget about Barcelona, whose food, coastal vibes, and architecture attracts tourists by the millions. If you’re looking for great nightlife, you can take a trip to the island of Ibiza from here. As one of the Balearic islands, it’s known for some of the largest clubs in Europe.
Don’t be mistaken, though: quiet villages for relaxation and yoga retreats are also common.
Croatia’s capital city is Zagreb, located in the north of the country. However, Split (the second-largest city) and Dubrovnik (the largest) are two coastal gems that you may be interested in. You can find the grandiose Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in Split. While you’ll find Sponza Palace, the Cathedral of Our Lady, and the 7th century port in Dubrovnik. We can’t forget about the island of Hvar either. It’s great for the nightlife, but also to take a look at the historical old town of Stari Grad while making your way atop its commanding fortress.
Choosing between Croatia vs. Spain
Of course, every country is going to be a different touring experience, depending on your needs and wants, which is why we’ve created a guideline to help you make this nearly-impossible choice.
If you’re a minimalist:
You live a simple life. There’s no fuss. There’s no hassle. You want to check off Croatia and Spain from your list and you want to have a good time doing it. That’s it. The best way to get a flavor for each of these countries is through your standard 7-10 day Croatia or Spain adventure of all the essential “most talked about” destinations.
At the very least, you must travel to Croatia for its islands. It’s one of the biggest attractions. It works out well, because two of the most popular destinations are Split and Dubrovnik. Sail your way through Croatia to see what the fuss is all about.
You can cross off all the major cities in Spain in 10 days – Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Seville, Granada, and all the quaint towns in between. You’ll explore the Gothic neighborhoods of Barcelona and experience a flamenco dance show, and indulge in the arts and the sights of the Andalusia region.
If you’re in it for the food:
It’s what keeps us going on those long tour days. It’s what allows us to slow down midday, get fired up at the crack of dawn, and keep us smiling after a long day in the sun. Food. The act of eating for enjoyment instead of rushing for nourishment. That’s why you travel.
Sailing along the Dalmatian coast while enjoying Croatian food and wine like a local. The cuisine you will experience here is so diverse that your taste buds will meet seafood, lamb, olive oil, and renowned Croatian wines. Want an even more local tour? You can visit local farmers, fishermen, and winemakers as they help travelers with traditional cooking tricks and tips. Mixed with the background of the crystal blue Adriatic, you’ll have the best dining time!
Spain is for wine drinkers and cuisine lovers, without a doubt. You can visit the famous wine region of Ribera del Duero, indulge in all of the tapas during a bar crawl in León, or enjoy what’s called the “best steak in the world” at Bodega El Capricho. Your mouth must already be watering…
If you want a thrill:
You crave adventure, the high life, the energy that comes with feeling invincible. It’s that little bit of excitement that comes out when you’re out of your element that only continues to grow the further into your tour that you get. You know the next experience is happening soon, so what will you choose next?
What better way to experience Croatia than a bus tour taking you from the top to the bottom of the country? You can swim in waterfalls, cruise along the beaches on bike, and enjoy the nightlight in all the major cities. This one has everything needed to get your heart racing.
While there are so many different ways to adventure in Spain, one of our favourites is a trek to Picos de Europa. This range of mountains on the northern coast of Spain is literally named The Peaks of Europe. Its origin comes from when European ships would see them as they arrive from the Americas, and they’d know they were home. It can only mean one thing – you must see The Picos if you are arriving from the Americas. What an expedition to take on for your next adventure!
If you’re a history buff:
What’s left of ancient civilizations can sometimes be the biggest draw for travelers today. You will not be disappointed in when visiting either of these countries. Impressive churches with architecture through the ages that just isn’t as prominent in Western countries or the South-Pacific. Back to the 14th century and onward, there will be no shortage of appreciation for deep roots in either country.
On the very northwestern edge of Croatia, you’ll find the remains of empires from across the ages. Be enriched and feel like royalty with this tour as the perfect background for a unique history lesson.
You can visit the northeastern region of Spain to experience the medieval villages of Costa Brava, which translates to “wild coast” in English. There you will find Tossa de Mar, an ancient fishermen’s village that has been transformed in the past 50 years for tourists to appreciate the beauty of this coastal region. The landscapes, lookouts and vibrant colors you’ll see on these adventures are the cherry atop the tradition and beauty.
If you love people:
People are what drive us to open up our minds to new communities and culture. Seeing the way different people live around the world can have a huge impact on how we live our daily lives, and this can often be seen through festivals and gatherings.
In Croatia, travelers can enjoy many great festivals and outdoor activities, including Yacht Week and Ultra Europe. Both are electronic music festivals that bring out great crowds and lots of togetherness. If that floats your boat, you can check out these great yacht tours to help guide you through the sea safe and sound.
If you want to be where the people are in Spain, you will not want to miss out on La Tomatina. This epic Spanish festival is held every August near Valencia in the town of Buñol. It’s thrilling, to say the least. The population triples for the largest food fight in the world with over 150,000 tomatoes being tossed all around you. Just make sure you’ve packed extra clothes.
Final thoughts
There is not one “better” country to visit, but rather the best tour for you to take to get a good sense of each unique location as it pertains to your very own travel style. And if that doesn’t help you decide, we suggest taking a look at these fun facts to help knock you off the fence:
- Croatia: Alfred Hitchcock once said that the seaside of the city Zadar in Dalmatia holds the title of the best sunset in the world. It’s always the perfect time to tour to Croatia.
- Spain: The infamous La Sagrada Familia church in Barcelona has been under construction for over 130, years and is expected to be completed in 2026. You don’t want to miss a look at history in the making.
And hey, if you still can’t decide, you can always visit Spain the beginning of its peak season of June and make your way over to Croatia for its peak season beginning of July. Like tapas and crystal blue waters, it’s the perfect pairing. Where will you choose for your next tour of a lifetime?
Phrases and Words
Spanish
- Hola
- Hello
- Buenos días
- Good morning
- Buenas tardes
- Good evening
- Buenas noches
- Good night
- Gracias
- Thank you
Croatian
- Bok
- Hello/bye
- Dobro jutro
- Good morning
- Dobro veče (pronounced vetshe)
- Good evening
- Laku noč (pronounced notsh)
- Good night
- Hvala
- Thank you
