When to visit

Croatia in May

May is the insider's summer. The sea starts to be swimmable in the south, terraces are full but towns are not, and the light is the best of the year for photos.

• Swim in Dubrovnik and on the islands from late May, the north stays fresher.
• Ferries switch toward summer timetables, island hopping becomes easy again.
• Prices are still shoulder-season; the same room costs far less than in July.