Croatia- my favourite country
I’m smitten with the crystal-clear sapphire sea, the endless beautiful islands and the delicious seafood, wine and gelato. I dream of the summery background hum of cicada tree crickets and the smell of hot crunchy pine needles and sea salt carried on a warm breeze. Furthermore, I admire the humour and warmth of the infinitely welcoming Croatian people. The 1,100-mile stretch of coast and more than 1000 islands means there are a surprising variety of places to choose from when planning a visit. Despite the country growing increasingly popular with tourists in the past few years, this hasn’t faded its charm and appeal.
To start with, you can’t overlook Dubrovnik, the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’, famous for its imposing medieval stone walls that encircle the old city surrounded by dazzlingly clear blue water. Walk on top of the entire, 1940 m wall diameter for the dizzy drops and heights and take a sea kayak out at sunset for the ultimate view of this majestic, proud city. The city of Split is home to waterfront Roman Emperor Diocletian’s Palace and has a great selection of bars, cafés and boutique shops, all set within the ancient, crumbling palace walls and surrounding streets. From Split, you can jump on a ferry to many of the Dalmatian islands, but don’t pass through too quickly, as you’ll be disappointed you didn’t stay longer.
Towns don’t come much prettier than picture perfect Trogir, a small town with a labyrinthine network of narrow cobbled streets worn smooth by centuries of pedestrians. Venetian stone buildings hide shaded courtyards blossoming with flowers; it is a town with soul. At sunset the warm stone paved quay is lined with bobbing wooden boats, artisans, performers and people simply strolling along with an ice cream in their hand, watching the world go by, a typical Croatian scene.
If you fall in love with Croatia’s natural beauty, you’re in good company. According to legend, Odysseus was enchanted after being shipwrecked here and stayed for 7 years. See where he lived on peaceful Mljet Island, where the National Park has a network of spellbinding pine scented forest trails you can explore by foot or bike. There are also two vividly blue saltwater lakes perfect for swimming or kayaking. My favourite National Park is at Plitvice Lakes, where hundreds of waterfalls cascade into 16 sparkling azure interconnecting lakes. There’s nowhere else on earth like this; it should be on everyone’s bucket list.
The island town of Hvar is Croatia’s most notorious hotspot, with a marina that rivals St Tropez’s glitz and glamour. Holidaymakers rub shoulders with celebrities, while yachters mingle with in-the-know backpackers. Don’t be put off by this if you’re after some serious culture and history, as the town is steeped in both. Cafés and restaurants spill out onto the largest piazza in Croatia, and you can instantly see the town’s appeal in its jumble of pretty, narrow streets, fortress and dazzling architecture. Nearby sleepy Korcula has less international notoriety but ample picturesque charm and is known as ‘mini-Dubrovnik’.
With so many islands, it’s easy to find your own secluded paradise in Croatia if you want to escape the tourists in peak season, and they’re all connected by local ferries. The Veliki Islands are truly off the beaten track. Expect to share the ferry there with a handful of locals and their weekly shopping bags. You can swim in pristine shallow coves, catch sprats and eat delicious fresh seafood- a perfect day out. Lošinj and Cres Islands are equally remote and home to a resident population of dolphins. Here you’ll find the Lošinj Dolphin Reserve, the first of its kind in the Med.
Croatia has a host of culinary delights in store for visitors. There are gelato shops on every corner, stone baked Italian style pizzerias, fresh seafood and lots of local specialities. Try tangy cheese from Pag Island, truffles from Istria, fresh strudel from the local bakers, and don’t miss the signature dish of the Dalmatia region, a ‘peka’, which is a mix of meat and vegetables drizzled with olive oil, sprinkled with herbs, and then baked to perfection under a bell-like dome.
Suggested Itineraries:
Short Break… For a weekend away that combines a cultural city break with sun and swimming, you’ll be hard-pressed to choose between Split and Dubrovnik. Both offer top-notch eateries, a wealth of sightseeing and pretty beaches for relaxation. For a special break, treat yourself at romantic hotel, Villa Dubrovnik, perfect for honeymooners and anniversaries. For a winter break, don’t overlook the capital, Zagreb, which has amazing Christmas markets.
A week in the sun… For families, the Istrian peninsula has some great hotels. The town of Rovinj, only 70 miles across the water from Venice, is a classic Mediterranean fishing port surrounded by wooded hills and the town’s piazzas and steep streets make it a perfect place to while away a week in the sun. The local produce here is legendary and the daily marketplace houses truffle traders who sell oil, honey and various other pungent products. There are two island hotels a boat ride from the old town which offer the perfect mix of island seclusion, great beaches and easy access to the bustling market town. Neilson’s Alana Beachclub also has a perfect spot between the Adriatic and peaks of the Paklenica National Park and is perfect for active families looking for great kid’s clubs and a very family friendly atmosphere.
Two weeks to explore… A fortnight in Croatia? Lucky you! Jump on board a cruise on a traditional wooden ‘old-timer’ boat or a sleek luxury yacht for a week sailing around the Dalmatian Islands. Drop anchor at hidden coves to swim ashore and find secret beaches and hop from one pretty town to the next. All with the benefit of not having to unpack - and the views of each island as you arrive by boat are stunning. For the second week you can head inland to see Plitvice National Park, hire a car and head into Montenegro, or just relax on your choice of beach resorts along the coast.
When to go? The weather is typically Mediterranean, with peak visitor numbers between March and September. I like June the best for the spring flowers, endless sunshine and the best cherries you’ll ever taste. Croatia is less than a 3-hour flight away, so it’s perfect for short breaks or longer.
Call me to plan your next Croatia holiday!