Vegan Travel in Croatia
Croatia has a way of making you slow down.
There are mornings spent wandering through ancient stone streets, afternoons swimming in the Adriatic, long lunches that seem to stretch into the evening, and sunsets that make you want to sit just a little longer.
For vegan travellers, Croatia is a particularly interesting destination. Traditional Croatian cuisine has plenty of meat, seafood and dairy, especially along the Dalmatian coast, but the country’s Mediterranean influences also bring an abundance of vegetables, beans, potatoes, fresh herbs, olive oil and seasonal fruit to the table.
Over the past few years, Croatia’s plant based food scene has continued to grow too. Split and Zagreb have become particularly exciting cities for vegan dining, while smaller coastal towns and islands offer plenty of opportunities to enjoy simple, seasonal food.
Add in the history, coastline, islands, wine and genuinely beautiful scenery, and Croatia deserves a spot on your vegan travel list.
Why Croatia Is Worth Visiting as a Vegan
Croatia might not immediately come to mind when you think about vegan friendly European destinations. Cities like London, Berlin and Lisbon tend to get most of the attention, but Croatia has its own appeal.
The country’s food culture is closely tied to the Mediterranean. Fresh produce is abundant during the warmer months, and many meals are built around ingredients that need very little done to them.
Tomatoes taste like tomatoes. Olive oil is something worth seeking out. Fresh figs appear in markets during the summer, and a simple plate of vegetables can be incredibly satisfying when you’re eating it beside the Adriatic.
There is also a growing community of chefs, restaurants and businesses creating entirely plant based food.
Split has several dedicated vegan restaurants, while Zagreb has one of Croatia’s strongest vegan and vegetarian dining scenes.
The result is a destination where vegan travellers can eat well while still experiencing the flavours and traditions of the country.
The Food You'll Find in Croatia
Croatian food varies quite a bit depending on where you are. Along the Dalmatian coast, Mediterranean influences are especially noticeable. Olive oil, garlic, herbs, vegetables and fresh seafood are staples, while inland cuisine has more Central European and Balkan influences. Obviously, much of the traditional food is not vegan, but there are plenty of ingredients worth looking out for.
Blitva
If you see blitva on a menu, ask whether it can be prepared vegan. This simple dish of Swiss chard and potatoes is commonly cooked with garlic and olive oil. It is a great example of the kind of uncomplicated Mediterranean food that works beautifully for plant based travellers.
Beans and Legumes
Beans appear throughout Croatian cooking, particularly in soups and stews. Always ask about the broth, as traditional recipes can include meat, but vegetable based versions are available and make a hearty meal after a day of exploring.
Fresh Vegetables
Summer is an especially good time to experience Croatian produce. Tomatoes, peppers, zucchini, eggplant, potatoes and leafy greens are plentiful, and you’ll often find them prepared simply with olive oil, garlic and herbs. Sometimes that is all you need.
Fruit
Croatia’s markets are another highlight for vegan travellers. During the warmer months, you’ll find cherries, peaches, watermelon, grapes, figs and other seasonal fruit. Pick up some for a beach day or an afternoon exploring the city.
Olive Oil
Olive oil is a huge part of Croatian food culture, particularly along the coast. The Dubrovnik region has a long history of olive cultivation, and local gastronomy places considerable importance on regional olive oils. Try it with fresh bread, use it to dress vegetables or look for a local producer to take a bottle home.
Vegan Travel in Split
Split is one of those cities that is easy to fall in love with.
The historic centre is built around Diocletian’s Palace, and thousands of years of history are woven into the streets, courtyards and buildings. You can walk through the Old Town and suddenly find yourself standing beside Roman ruins, then continue towards the Riva for a coffee overlooking the water.
Marjan Hill offers another perspective of the city. The wooded peninsula is a beautiful place to escape the busy streets for a few hours, with walking trails and views across the Adriatic.
And then there is the food. Split has developed a strong vegan scene, making it one of the easiest places in Croatia for plant based travellers.
Where to Eat Vegan in Split
Barakokula Plant Based is a fully plant based restaurant in the historic centre. Its menu focuses on colourful, Mediterranean inspired food and makes an easy addition to a day exploring the Old Town.
Pandora Greenbox is another well known plant based restaurant close to Diocletian’s Palace. The menu includes bowls, pasta, burgers, brunch dishes and desserts, giving you plenty of choice when you’re looking for something more substantial.
Veg offers completely plant based food with a more casual feel, including dishes inspired by different cuisines.
There are also a number of restaurants throughout Split that offer vegan options, so even when you’re not visiting a dedicated vegan restaurant, finding something to eat is becoming much easier. The city is a particularly good starting point for exploring Croatia as a vegan because you can combine a strong restaurant scene with everything that makes Dalmatia so appealing.
Spending Time in Dubrovnik
Croatia's Islands
Croatia’s islands are a huge part of the country’s appeal, with more than a thousand islands, islets and reefs scattered along the Adriatic. Only a portion are inhabited, and each has its own character, from lively islands known for their beaches, nightlife and restaurants to quieter places where life moves at a much slower pace. Island hopping is one of the best ways to experience Croatia, whether you’re taking a ferry between larger destinations, joining a boat trip for the day or spending a few nights somewhere away from the mainland.
For vegan travellers, the larger and more popular islands tend to offer the most dining choices, particularly in towns that see plenty of international visitors. Smaller islands and more remote villages can be a little more limited, so it is worth doing some research before you arrive and knowing where you’ll be able to eat. That doesn’t mean you’ll go hungry, though. Local markets are perfect for picking up fresh fruit and vegetables, tomatoes, bread, olives, nuts and good Croatian olive oil, while bakeries can be useful for simple snacks and breakfast options. If you’re staying somewhere with a kitchen, shopping for local ingredients and preparing your own meal can also be a wonderful way to experience the region.
It is also worth remembering that some of the best island experiences aren’t necessarily found in restaurants. A picnic of fresh produce enjoyed beside the sea, a simple breakfast on a terrace or dinner made with ingredients picked up from a local market can become some of the most memorable meals of your trip. After a day spent swimming in the Adriatic, exploring coastal villages and enjoying the sunshine, simple food, beautiful surroundings and a slower pace can be exactly what island life is about.
Experience Croatia with The Getaway Co.
There is a difference between seeing a destination and actually experiencing it. At The Getaway Co., we want our trips to give you time to understand a place. That might mean learning to prepare a local dish with a chef, sitting down for a meal with your new travel companions, exploring an ancient city with someone who knows its history or spending an afternoon on the water.
Our Herbivores in Hrvatska Getaway brings together some of the very best parts of Croatia.
You’ll spend time in Split and Dubrovnik, experience Croatian food and culture, visit the Elaphiti Islands and enjoy a Croatian wine tasting. And, of course, everything is designed with vegan travellers in mind.
You don’t need to spend your holiday explaining what vegan means. You don’t need to research every restaurant before you arrive. You don’t need to figure out every transfer, activity and reservation yourself. We’ve done that part.
Your job is to arrive, settle in and enjoy Croatia.
Final Thoughts
Croatia is a destination that rewards curiosity. Spend a little longer in the markets. Try something you’ve never had before. Ask about the local wine. Take the slower ferry. Sit by the water after dinner. Let yourself have an afternoon with nowhere to be.
For vegan travellers, Croatia offers an opportunity to experience the Mediterranean through its landscapes, people, culture and food. The plant based scene continues to grow, but some of the most memorable meals may still be the simplest ones.
Fresh vegetables. Local olive oil. Warm bread. Seasonal fruit. A beautiful view. Good company. That is the kind of travel we love.
And that is exactly why Croatia has become one of the destinations we’re most excited to share with our community.
Ready to experience Croatia with us? Join us for Herbivores in Hrvatska and discover the Dalmatian coast with a group of fellow vegan travellers. Croatia is waiting. 🇭🇷🌿
