One of my fave countries that I suggest you travel to is Croatia, possibly the best kept secret in the Adriatic! Croatia is a captivating European country boasting a year-round mild Mediterranean climate, rich cultural heritage, and stylishly cosmopolitan appeal. On average this sun-soaked land basks in a splendid 2,600 hours of sunlight each year, earning its acclaim as one of Europe’s sunniest seaside settings. So much for the active outdoorsman.
The country has an area of 21,831 square miles and a population of 4.5 million. Ferry services and trains are commonly used to get around within the country. A large part of American tourists arrive via cruise to several ports – Zadar, Dubrovnik, Rovinj, and Split. Today the internet is widely available with wi-fi coverage growing increasingly. Some towns have even set up free wifi hotspots for visitors. Approximately 85 percent of the population is Roman Catholic and 6 percent is Serbian Orthodox Christian (SPC).
Experience the country’s natural beauty including its stunning Mediterranean Sea views in the southeast, sprawling flat plains in the east and hills with snow-capped mountains to the north. The country borders the Adriatic Sea, with a mild spring and autumn along the coast. Summer temperatures range from 22 to 26°C (72-80F) in the continental region, 15 to 20 °C in the mountain region and 26 to 30 °C in the coastal region.
Yachts sail the azure blue waters of the Adriatic enjoying the sunny and warm temperatures, while land lovers have eight national parks to explore with a variety of fascinating plants and animals. One such national park is Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that never ceases to amaze. This is Croatia’s best-known national park and the only one of eight that is listed on the UNESCO List of World Heritage sites. The main attractions of this park are the 16 small lakes which are connected by waterfalls created by the sedimentation of limestone. This national park is home to the source of the Korana River, surrounded by dense forests of beech, fir and spruce. The park is especially popular because of the panoramic electric trains and noiseless electric-powered boats that take you through the many areas of this magnificent park. In winter it’s a serene landscape of frozen waterfalls and white meadows of snow.
Activities & Highlights to Experience
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Go hunting for truffles in Istria
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Visit the Famous Blue cave
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Canyoning by the Cetina River
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Enjoy Istralandia Water Park
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Swim underneath Krka Waterfall National Park
Photography Hot Spots
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Krka National Park
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Plitvice Lakes
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Jasenovac Memorial Site
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Old Dinaric Fortress
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Trakoscan Castle
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Diocletian’s Palace, Split
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Roman ruins in Pula
There are a variety of activities and adventures that await – from river rafting or sailing the high sea to paragliding or skiing the Croatian slopes. The coastal landscape features coves and beaches sheltered by pine woods, with hundreds of small islands and isles off-shore waiting to be explored. Enjoy walking, hiking, mountaineering and camping. Other activities that are available include cycling or rafting down rivers, even parachuting and paragliding over the gorgeous landscape for a view from above.
Zadar – With its Roman ruins, art installations, and white-sand beach, Zadar is one of the most unique cities along Croatia’s Dalmatian coast, where in-the-know travelers come to feast on seafood, watch dreamy sunsets, and sip cocktails at oceanside bars.
Hvar – Claiming to be the sunniest spot in all of Europe, the Croatian island of Hvar is the perfect location for seeking the beauty of Mediterranean beaches without the crowds. Walk the lavender vine-lined pathways leading to secluded coves, small fishing villages and local vineyards. As the island’s main sight, Hvar town boasts perfectly preserved Venetian-style architecture and the hottest nightlife on the Adriatic.
Dubrovnik – Crystal clear waters glisten under the sun; boats, one of the primary forms of transportation in the area, dot the sea in every direction; and the medieval limestone walls of the Stari Grad that safeguard the terra cotta–roofed buildings are impressive. And while the Pearl of the Adriatic has long seduced visitors, it only continues to grow in popularity. Game of Thrones fans know it as the real-life King’s Landing (yes, this is where they shot Cersei’s walk of shame).
Streets of Dubrovnik above
Korcula – The island of Korcula is the sixth-largest Adriatic island, stretching nearly 29 miles in length. Dense pine forests led the original Greek settlers to call the island Korkyra Melaina (Black Corfu). Quiet coves and small sandy beaches dot the steep southern coast. Once you make it down the coast a bit, the view is absolutely stunning! The small Korcula beaches are the perfect place to cool down and take in the beauty of this beautiful water and architecture.
Rovinj – A romantic and historic city that looks and feels more Italian than Croatian, with twisting city streets, a bustling, photogenic harbor, and some of the best seafood restaurants in Croatia. Fragments of the 12th-century city walls remain, and the city is dominated by the 280-year-old Church of St. Euphemia, perched on a hilltop site next to an even older campanile modeled on that of St. Mark’s in Venice.
Split – Diocletian’s Palace
We at Getaway Dreams Come True Travel look forward to assisting you in planning your lifetime memories trip to Croatia via cruise or air. Please call 724.752.2655 to schedule your Vacation Planning Session. Let’s Talk!
Are you interested in upleveling your vacation instead of taking a cookie-cutter, bare bones off-the-shelf package? Please request our “10 Easy Ways to V.I.P. Your Vacation Guide”.
You may wish to view other posted Destination blogs:
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