Some of the places for accommodation will also require you to spend a certain amount of nights in order to book reservations. Planning tip: FromZadar it's a one-hour drive south to Vransko Lake Nature Park, Croatias largest natural lake and home to more than 100 bird species. Revel in some Old World glamour inOpatija. Lonely Planets Croatia is your passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip and what hidden discoveries await you. Its possible to check lines off the bucket list by going that way, since 1.5-hour ferries can whisk you to the ancient town on Stari Grad on Hvar, a land of swaying lavender fields and seafood kitchens. With an economy that depends heavily on tourism, Croatia has made it easy for citizens from many nations to come and visit without a visa. Please note that not all content is translated or available to residents of all countries. and Lika where landmines remain from the war of independence, but these will be signposted with a skull and crossbones symbol. If you want to eliminate the hassle of finding and booking yourself a test, look into staying at a property that offers testing that will meet your needs. Heres our rundown of some of the best places to visit in Croatia. Read our Privacy Policy. And accessing it all just became more hassle-free. Learn about the excesses of the Croatian aristocracy in its well-presented museum and wander 215 acres of castle grounds, landscaped into a romantic English-style park with exotic trees and an artificial lake. Although sailing in the Park carries a higher price tag, the experience is worth every bit of money spent. Both destinations are great for outdoor activities, history, and culture. Though it cant be called undiscovered, it may be the worlds best place to sit with a drink, on cushions along the rocky shore, and watch the sunset over the Adriatic. Some of the best, hidden beaches also require a scramble down a hillside. , if you intend to do some island-hopping. Read More: Plitvice Lakes: The National Park in Croatia You Need to See. This once carefully guarded city boasts three other fortresses; Barone is the most visit-worthy, thanks to its excellent visitors center and interactive exhibits. Walk the city walls in Dubrovnik, discover marvelous Mljet and hit the beach in Bol; all with your trusted travel companion. Solo women travelers should be safe on their own, although its wise to ask your accommodation provider if there are any areas in the vicinity that are best avoided. Do make sure to visit both areas to get the full experience of Istria. Prices are much lower and accommodations much more plentiful in the spring and fall. 16. It was enjoyable to be able to purchase tickets on a whim and not having to book anything for the trip in advance. Much of the area is actually a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are still interesting, affordable spots. There is no curfew in place and most things are operating normally, with the exception of a couple of items: All things considered, you can expect a very normal experience when visiting Croatia. You can also follow the 2.4km-long (1.5m) boardwalk along an educational trail winding through the flooded forest floor and learn about local flora and fauna on the way. Shutterstock, 4. Then theres the Mediterranean Film Festival in June, a 10-day showcasing of the finest independent cinema from Croatia and the globe. I am looking to figure out the best area to visit in Croatia for beaches with clubs and activities . Foodies will appreciate the location along the Adriatic Sea for delicious meals with a view. Between multiple gorgeous national parks, excellent food and wine, historic sights, quirky museums, and plenty of sunshine Croatia has it all. Before you leave home, pack a pair of shoes you can wear over rocky or slippery surfaces. Set on a peninsula, Zadar's compact old town is crammed with Roman ruins, Byzantine churches and Romanesque cathedrals. About two hours from Zagreb or Zadar, Plitvice Lakes National Park is home to a series of 16 turquoise lakes, connected by waterfalls and lined with boardwalks for strolling from one to the other without damaging the delicate terrain. We have stayed in places that were quite nice and places that were just ok (you never know what you are really getting with the pictures). thank you for all your advice. Slovenia marks the transition between Mediterranean Europe and the Balkans. The Ultimate Travel Guide to Sibenik, Croatia - Something of Freedom Whether youre looking to bask on the beach in peak season or have a crowd-free visit, we can help you choose the best time to go to Croatia. On thePeljeac Peninsula, Dinga, Plavac Mali, Postupthe wines from this area are among the countrys finest. Why you should skip Dubrovnik and head to sensational ibenik instead, A reason to travel to Croatia in 2023: meet the eurozones newest member, Visa requirements for Croatia: everything you need to know, Europe delays charging non-EU travelers for entry until November 2023, Everything you need to know before you come to Slovenia, How to plan a big trip whether you have 2 months or 2 years, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Croatia has an extensive bus network, but factor in some long journey times if youre traveling along the Adriatic coast. Istria Map Here is a map of Istria, with the most popular destinations highlighted. Prosciutto in Istria is dry-cured with local sea salt and organic spices. Its eastern side gets a steady breeze, drawing swarms of wind- and kitesurfers. One time while getting up to use the restroom during dinner, a waitress stopped me and told me not to worry about putting a mask on. With endless still seas, May and September are great times to go sailing in Croatia. Similarly, in this predominantly Catholic country, be mindful of making loud statements against religion. The climate Photo by Niels Bosman/Unsplash. FAQs About Visiting Dubrovnik or . Enclosed within its massive city walls are more than a dozen churches, medieval monasteries, elegant squares of limestone and centuries-old residential quarters. The best ingredients are whatever is local and fresh., come from long-standing family traditions of hospitality., This Dreamy Boutique Hotel Has Created The Ultimate Tuscan Itinerary, Explore Torontos Vibrant Neighborhoods In The City Of Second Chances, Xanterra Travel Announces Christmas In July Sale, Barbies 6 Ultra-Luxury Summer Vacation Destinations, Drivers Struck And Killed More Than 7,500 Walkers In 2022, A 41-Year High, Where To Dine And Enjoy Fourth Of July Fireworks In NYC, An Awesome Alternative To Overcrowded National Parks, Copenhagens Carlsberg City District Is A New Reason To Visit The City, VisitCroatia.com-Tasteful Croatian Journeys. Keep an eye on the Dubrovnik Port Authoritys website for cruise arrivals. 3. Visited Croatia before and love Split, would we like Zadar? Most of Croatias beaches are pebbly or rocky and can be hard to enjoy in bare feet. Croatians can be quite reserved people, sometimes appearing brusque. Croatia was the first European country to reopen its borders, locking down last fall before resuming travel this spring. The Dalmatian Coast may get most of the attention in Croatia but you might be even more enchanted by the northwest heart-shaped peninsula. Its nothing personal, which you'll realise when you get to know them better and the initial reserve melts to reveal a warm and friendly side. 1. This article was first published November 2010 and updated January 2023. The 1990s war that splintered the former Yugoslavia is a topic that needs careful handling. For instance, Seville sometimes called Europes frying pan regularly exceeds temperatures of over 40C (104F). Croatia has experienced a steady and fairly quick decline in COVID cases since April and has loosened restrictions accordingly. There are still parts of the country in the hinterlands of Northern Dalmatia and Lika where landmines remain from the war of independence, but these will be signposted with a skull and crossbones symbol. The shape of Zadar is defined by the Velebit mountains, Croatia's longest and largest range. The Email address or Password is incorrect, World Nomads Contributor - Tue, 29 Dec 2020, Languages Spoken in Belgium: How to Avoid Confusion, 5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Traveling to Italy, An Adventure Traveler's Guide to Copper Canyon, Mexico, Surfing in Cuba: Top 7 Surf Spots & Best Time to Go, Buenos Aires Nightlife: A Locals Guide to the Best. If youre planning to visit more than one Adriatic island, think realistically about how much time you can spend in each place and how you will be getting around. 17. By telling us your country of residence we are able to provide you with the most relevant travel insurance information. Split is a city bursting with luxury. InZagorje, postcard-worthy medieval castles sit waiting for time travelers. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Get our daily email for the latest in travel, flight deals, and how Legend has it that Odysseus was marooned here for seven years, and its easy to appreciate why he took his time leaving. Beyond the city itself, Split is surrounded by the Dinaric Alps. With its iconic city wallsandmarble streets, Dubrovnik is famous forgood reason. Whether youre looking to bask on the beach in peak season or have a crowd-free visit, we can help you choose the best time to go to Croatia. I fell hard forZadar, with its cozy, maze-like Old Town and the quirkyartinstallations along its promenade. Its easy to find Wi-Fi in cafes and bars just ask the server for the password (, 10. Croatia is a safe country, with low levels of violent crime. Dubrovnik Best for cultural heritage and architecture The extraordinary fortified city of Dubrovnik is a Unesco World Heritage site for good reason. Naturally, tourists are drawn to those beautiful Adriatic beaches that easily hold their own against their Mediterranean rivals. I might not suggest it for first-time visitors to Croatia because the islands, as a protected National Park area, are scarcely habited lunar landscapes that come to life with visitors arriving on yachts during the summer months. Istria. At nightfall, the north-west corner of the old town is the stage for Zadars celebrated sunsets. Get to know the schedule of the national ferry operator. Zagreb is spacious for a European city, with large plazas and lots of greenery. This would include Lubenice on the island of Cres; Bol on Brac island; the islands of the Kornati National Park; andStiniva Cove on Vis island. Croatias swimming season runs between late May and early October, says Radetti, depending on whether you are in the northern or southern part of the Adriatic. Oh yea, and you can hop on a boat to head to Hvar for the summer parties once youre done with work for the day! Read More: How Thrifty Traveler Premium Works. There's so much to do there There's no shortage of things to do in Zagreb, places to visit range from historical and architectural attractions to the shortest funicular tram in the world and the must-see Museum of Broken Relationships. One of the most enthralling towns on the whole of the Adriatic Sea, this one draws in nigh on one million people every year. Croatia is a travelers paradise loaded with culture, history, beaches and incredible landscapes. The best ways to travel around in Croatia. Rovinj is my favourite town in Istria, so I stay there and do day trips. is crotia really worth a visit - Croatia Forum - Tripadvisor Others link to even-closer Brac, where the beaches are downright stunning and you get to wander the shopping lanes and quays of pretty Supetar on the north coast. Want some help? Motovun is in Istria, which in addition to wine, is known for its flavored liquors. While Croatia's coast is legendary for its beauty, you'll find breathtaking scenery inland as well, whether you visit Plitvice Lakes National Park or Krka National Park, or both!. There are 16 interconnected lakes, the 2.35km-long (1.5 miles) Kozjak being the largest, plus dozens of smaller ones some just reed-fringed ponds. Highly highly recommend it. That should hardly come as news, though, what with the rugged mountains and the nature parks of the Dinaric Alps behind and the pine-studded islands of the Adriatic out front. An absolute must-do is the circular walk atop its walls, where you can catch glimpses of hidden courtyards and gardens and sweeping sea views. The property market is also highly affordable. Called fish under the bell, its a slab of fishwith potatoes, cooked under embersinside a terracotta dome. Some of the worlds most underrated wine calls Croatia home. From sandy to pebbly beaches to coves, this beautiful town is full of stunning beaches, with warm turquoise waters. Croatia has a lot to do inland but, for most tourists at least, the place to be is the coast. Thats the cue to stay away from the Old Town until the cruise passengers leave in the late afternoon. Pack a hatand sunglasses, too, and remember to apply your sunscreen at least 20 minutes before you go swimming, and reapply liberally once you're dry and out of the water. Wanda S. Radetti, the founder and president of VisitCroatia.com-Tasteful Croatian Journeyscited by Conde Nast Travelermagazine as the World Top Travel Specialist for Croatia for more than a decade, knows the country inside and out. Heres what to know before visiting. We will be in Dubrovnik in September and my hubby and I would enjoy visiting Venice again even as a day trip. Contact us for full details. Set on a bay connected to the Adriatic Sea, ibenik is a charmer that somehow undeservedly falls off the radar. Istria delights with its undulating hills, charming hilltop towns and many seaside spots Vera Petrunina / Shutterstock. Rapid testing is even faster. At 178 meters (584 ft) high, the top offers spectacular views across the red-tiled roofs of the UNESCO core and beyond. Other must-tries in Istria include the autochthonous prosciutto, which Radetti explains is processed in the traditional Istrian manner, that is dry-cured with local sea salt and organic spices, and air-dried with the Bura (a northern wind felt all over Croatia, mostly in the winter). This Is Why Croatia's Zadar Is Worth Visiting - TheTravel Head away from the crowded Dalmatian Coast and discover the region of Slavonia and Baranja, offering hearty, delicious food, world-class wine, Baroque architecture, and wetlands teeming with bird and animal life.