Italy or Croatia: Which Mediterranean Destination Is Right for You?

If the stunning Mediterranean shores are calling your name, you're certainly not alone.

There are countless reasons why this region is among the world's top tourist spots.

The tricky part of planning your trip is choosing the right destination. Two enticing options are the magnificent Italy and the stunning Croatia—both offer beautiful coastlines, rich culture, and a warm welcome.

But don’t fret... we’ve taken care of the hard work by having two of our most knowledgeable writers advocate for their preferred destination to win you over. It’s a thrilling contest, but the final choice of which Mediterranean marvel to visit is entirely yours.

Italy is always a great choice.

Nicola Williams, our Italy expert for twenty years, lives just a scenic hop from il bel paese through the Mont Blanc. She has co-authored Dinogo Planet’s guides on Italy, Sicily, Pocket Florence & Tuscany, and Experience Italy.

It's tempting to overlook heavily visited destinations like Italy for trendier, lesser-known spots filled with so-called “hidden gems.” As the fifth-most-visited country in the world, bella Italia has been a sought-after destination since the 18th-century Grand Tour, when young aristocrats traveled from Venice to Sicily via Florence, Rome, and Naples to complete their education and “fall madly in love.” This very familiarity—knowing you'll have a good time—makes Italy irresistibly appealing.

From the colossal Colosseum of Ancient Rome to the leaning tower of Pisa, the fiery Mt Etna, and the haunting streets of Pompeii, these world-famous landmarks were beloved by me long before I first experienced them two decades ago. Years of solo and family travels in Italy have shown me that, much like the stunning 24 Etruscan bronze statues unearthed by archaeologists in San Casciano dei Bagni in late 2022, Italy continues to amaze and enchant.

Every visit uncovers a fresh experience or insight, regardless of the season. In the last year alone, I've gone whale-watching in the Tyrrhenian Sea, flown a kite over Stagnone lagoon, explored the desert island featured in Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus, learned to prepare lamb intestines at a street market in Palermo, harvested manna in Sicily’s pristine Madonie mountains, and basked in the breathtaking views from countless medieval hilltop villages. Oh, those views!

Indeed, Croatia boasts stunning national parks, lakes, and islands (our sea-kayaking adventure around Korčula and Lastovo is a cherished family memory). But have you ever hiked under the stars from Stromboli’s black-sand beach to its mesmerizing, lava-spewing crater viewpoint? Gathered capers on Salina and tiny nutty lentils on Ustica? Snorkeled in the crystal-clear waters of Europe’s largest marine park? Wandered through the elegant, English-style botanical gardens that grace an entire island in Lago Maggiore? Honestly, from Sardinia and the over 100 islets of enchanting Venice to lively Ponza, star-studded Capri, and the wild Aeolian Islands of Sicily, Italy’s seven archipelagos, encompassing around 450 islands, offer a breathtaking variety. At four holidays a year (lucky you!), that means over a century of new discoveries awaiting you.

Apologies, Croatia: Italy seems tailor-made for avid history enthusiasts. It’s a cultural treasure trove, the heart of the Roman Empire and the cradle of the Renaissance, overflowing with artistic heritage. Where else, apart from Greece, can you witness a tragedy unfold in an ancient Greek theater, then immerse yourself in the powerful aura of Michelangelo’s David, the Sistine Chapel frescoes, or Leonardo’s The Last Supper? This is the land of Dante, Titian, and Verdi, and the setting for 13 of Shakespeare’s 38 plays.

Believe me, for history and culture aficionados, the dilemma isn’t about choosing between Croatia or Italy; it’s whether to connect with Romans in Pompeii, admire Byzantine artistry in Ravenna’s dazzling basilicas, appreciate Caravaggio in Naples, or revel in the artistic genius of the revolutionary Giotto in Padua and Assisi. For three-dimensional art, take in the breathtaking Pantheon, Milan’s pink marble Duomo, and contemporary masterpieces by starchitect Renzo Piano. Enough said.

If culture isn’t your cup of tea, delve into the Mafia’s legacy, the immigration debate, or the plight of ski resorts, volcanoes, and sinking Venice (thanks, climate change). Italy presents a living history. And let’s not forget the three Italian Fs: food, fashion, and football.

While Croats enjoy their fjaka, Italians embrace dolce far niente. This 'sweet doing nothing' infuses every moment in Italy, from exploring the untouched beauty of Abruzzo to reveling in the vibrant street life of Naples. You'll feel it while savoring a flawless cappuccino in an ornate café, indulging in a leisurely farm-to-table lunch, enjoying pistachio gelato on sun-kissed beaches, or relishing a perfect plate of cacio e pepe in a Roman trattoria.

Resisting Italy's charm is futile—its allure is simply intoxicating.

Croatia is the one for you.

Lucie Grace, a contributor to Dinogo Planet’s latest Croatia guide, discovered her love for the country after moving to its capital two years ago. Since then, she has explored every corner of Croatia, always on the hunt for the perfect slice of burek.

An elderly gentleman at Zagreb airport once told me, “This is the land of joy and dreams.” That quickly became my personal mantra for Croatia.

This relatively small nation is brimming with marvels, from the tranquil lakes on Mljet to the stunning travertine waterfalls in Krka National Park, alongside architectural wonders that span from medieval to modern styles. It’s a place that leaves me in awe time and again.

Upon arriving in Hrvatska (the name Croatians use for their country), I was aware of a few common facts: the nation boasts an impressive football team, hosts a variety of beloved electronic music festivals, and, of course, served as a stunning backdrop for Game of Thrones (at least the sunny scenes). Over time, however, I discovered a wonderfully intricate country where Slavic influences meet Roman heritage, with touches of Mediterranean and Ottoman culture throughout. Croatia is a destination that always surprises.

So, why opt for Croatia over Italy? First and foremost, this country is filled with spectacular natural wonders; its eight designated national parks, including the stunning Plitvice Lakes, make up an impressive 10% of its land. Additionally, there are over 1,000 islands, of which only 44 are inhabited. You could return four times a year for 11 years and still experience something new each visit.

As a devoted history enthusiast, I’m perpetually captivated by the rich history here. From the ancient Celts who erected stone circles 3,000 years ago to the Yugoslavia era that influenced much of the 20th century, I find the country’s past fascinating as it moves into its new Schengen-zoned, Euro-using future.

Furthermore – and this is especially important for me as a solo female traveler – Croatia is remarkably safe. I challenge you to name another European country where you can leave your apartment unlocked while running errands and trust that everything will be perfectly fine. This level of safety encourages ultimate relaxation. The Dalmatians have a special term for this blissful state: fjaka, which arrives during the hot summer months and is so relaxed it feels almost meditative.

Then there are my three B’s: beaches, buildings, and burek. Croatia’s beaches truly surpass the rest – and I say this as someone who has lived and worked in Italy. There’s nothing quite like diving into the Adriatic Sea from a charming cove you’ve discovered in the Kvarner Gulf. The entire Croatian coastline is beautifully adorned with pebble beaches and sparkling turquoise waters.

While many of Croatia’s iconic structures were crafted by Romans and Venetians, my heart belongs to 20th-century modernist architecture. Across the ex-Yugoslavia (exYu), you’ll find concrete giants – and Croatia boasts some of the finest examples. I enjoy hunting down these Spomenik (monuments), along with mid-century hotels, hospitals, and community centers, most of which are now abandoned. And though Croatia is rich in culinary delights – from hearty braised meats and stews inland to grilled fish dishes along the coast – it’s the mildly addictive pastry treat burek that has stolen my heart. You can order them filled with cheese, spinach, or meat, each one a satisfying meal on its own.

Lastly – and hear me out – there’s something magical about this place. Whether or not you believe in the ancient ley lines (or “dragon lines”) of Istria, the folklore is undeniable: it permeates every corner, and it’s not just for children. Scattered throughout towns across the country, you’ll find murals and statues honoring key figures from this enchanting aspect of Croatia. Friendly giants who constructed villages, benevolent witches who formed lakes...even the occasional Greek god drops by to create an island or two.

Croatia’s atmosphere is undeniably enchanting, leaving you with an irresistible desire to return.