REASONS TO VISIT CROATIA ON YOUR NEXT HOLIDAY
You’ve heard of Croatia, right? Probably the most popular destinations of the Balkan region and an amazing country. Croatia lacks nothing at all; a country rich in history with stunning natural parks like Plitvice Lakes, amazing beaches along the Dalmatian coast and cosmopolitan cities. Travel to Croatia is an absolute must. My brief 48 hours in Croatia was spent exploring Dubrovnik and the Dalmatian coast; but there are so many reasons to visit this Balkan country. Croatia is a trip all its own – you can dedicate an entire vacation exploring the country.
Don’t miss a few of my travel tips if you make your way down to Dubrovnik and the neighboring islands. From a delicious meal you won’t be able to forget to travel souvenirs you’ll be thankful you didn’t leave without. You’ll want to bookmark this for your future trip to Croatia.
In this travel blog post, we will cover the following topics when it comes to planning a visit to Croatia. Feel free to use these links to navigate the post:
EXPLORING DUBROVNIK, CROATIA
While we were only able to make it to Dubrovnik during our Holidays in the Balkans, I left feeling completely inspired. I can’t wait to visit other destinations in Croatia in the future. We arrived in Dubrovnik after a scenic drive from Sarajevo, stopping along the way to Mostar and Blagaj. Dubrovnik is just as you imagine it to be, or perhaps you already know it from its Game of Thrones appeal. One of the most picturesque and cleanest, ancient cities I’ve visited.
Instead of a hotel, I opted for a quaint airbnb that was close to Pile gate; one of the two entrances into the old town of Dubrovnik. Two glorious days walking on the promenade, exploring the architecture and hidden alleys. Dress to impress for your evening stroll on the promenade on your way to dinner or a nightcap. In August, the ancient streets of Dubrovnik felt like a catwalk for Europe’s in-the-know and beautiful crowd. There are wonderful restaurants to choose from and you won’t have any issues eating well. As long as you remember to book a table in advance. Reservations are not only welcome; they are highly recommended.
TRAVEL SOUVENIR YOU CAN’T LEAVE WITHOUT
When you first enter the Old Town through Pile Gate, you’ll walk right past the Franciscan church and monastery. While they have a lovely museum, the real treasure is found tucked away at one of the world’s oldest pharmacies. And not just any pharmacy, a pharmacy that still sells its own handmade skincare. You know I’m a sucker for these sorts of things. Whether I’m at Officina Buly 1802 in Paris or Santa Maria de Novella in Florence, I never pass up the opportunity to get my hands on tried and true skincare.
The pharmacy here was founded in 1317. If you’re looking to pick up a souvenir, get your hands on the rose face cream. For extra hydration, try the orange blossom toner.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT CROATIA
Undoubtedly, the Summer months are the perfect time to visit Croatia but be prepared for the crowds. As expected, July and August are peak seasons and usually inundated with tourists. I would suggest planning your trip to Croatia during May – September when you can enjoy all that the amazing country has to offer. Croatia truly makes the perfect holiday destinations and can easily be considered a year-round destination.
ISLAND HOPPING OFF THE DALMATIAN COAST
Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast makes it perfect for island hopping around the Adriatic Sea. A few islands to consider? Brac island is known for its white pebble beach, Zlatni rat (Golden Cape), and is a quick ferry ride from Split Croatia. Croatia beaches, especially in Southern Dalmatia, can compete with any beach on the Adriatic Sea. I’ve had Hvar island high on my list for quite some time now. Considered to be 1 of the 10 most beautiful islands in the world; Hvar is also known for its wine. Participate in wine tours to taste the local wine and pair it with delicious Croatian food. If that’s not enough, Hvar island also happens to be chock full of olive trees and lavender. Consider taking a bottle of Croatian olive oil back with you to enjoy.
I recently wrote about my time on Lokrum island here, and really enjoyed my time on this green oasis. Located just a few minutes from the citys walls of Dubrovnik Old Town; Lokrum Island is a green and wild natural park, where peacocks roam free and Roman ruins still stand, overlooking the Adriatic Sea. The island of Lokrum is considered an UNESCO heritage site and there is a small admission fee upon arrival .
YOUR QUICK GUIDE TO CROATIA
LOCATION: Getting to Croatia happens to be very easy; with several international airports, flights to Croatia are plentiful and makes it an easy European destination to visit. Croatia is situated on the Adriatic Sea with a rich coastline off the Dalmatian Coast.
VIBE: A central European country that happens to be chock full of culture, attracts a unique crowd, has plenty of historical sites and unesco world heritage sites. Did I mention that it also happens to have delicious food and the beach in Croatia has crystal clear water. Croatia is a trip all its own – you can spend a week exploring all the country has to offer.
WHAT TO DO: Explore the rich history of Split and Zagreb or head to one of the national parks like Plitvice Lakes. If you prefer a more relaxed trip, head to Dubrovnik and spend time exploring the Dalmatian coastline. Consider spending a few days island hopping the countless islands off the coast like Hvar island or the island of Brac and explore some of the country’s world heritage site. Or head to wine country on the Peljesac Peninsula and taste local wine and olive oil.
TRAVEL TIP: If you don’t have time to visit the islands, make sure to take a drive to the Peljesac peninsula, and more specifically, to Mali Ston. Here you can sip on local wine from the region and taste arguably some of the best oysters in the world.
LOOKING FOR OTHER TRAVEL IDEAS? HERE ARE A FEW OF MY ALL-TIME FAVORITES:
- Lokrum Island Near Dubrovnik is Worth Visiting
- Holidays in the Balkans
- A Weekend Guide to Hydra
- An Authentic Guide to the Island of Milos
- A Guide to the Best Beaches in Milos
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