This Country Has So Much to Offer
Croatia has all the ingredients for an ideal holiday destination: national parks in the mountains, gorgeous archipelagos in the Adriatic sea, and a phenomenal cultural history evident in the cities. Though tourism has picked up a great deal in the past years there are still some secluded spots and it is even possible to rent small islands as your own private paradise.
A good start for a trip around the country is Zagreb. Though not as pristine as other Croatian cities the capital is a great place to spend a few days exploring in your hired car. Be sure to take a look at the cultural programme or even take advantage of the moderate prices on the big shopping streets. Long neglected it is now becoming the great European capital it should be, and the locals are young, creative and enthusiastic about the European idea.
Make Sure You Take the Time Out to Vist These Places
Depending on how much time you have you can go straight down the country or spend some more time in the northern part. Istria, the peninsula on the north-western shore, is worth setting a few days aside for Pula, Rovinj, and Poreč feature Roman palaces, amphitheatres and defence structures, much of which is UNESCO-protected.
Don't Miss Out on the Jaw-dropping National Parks
Going south on the mainland you will get to the Kvarner National Park around the town of Rijeka. A great day trip from there is Krk Island which is gorgeous and linked to the mainland via a bridge, making this an easy stop.
Should you go south not via Istria but straight from Zagreb, stop at the Plitvice Lakes, listed among the ten most beautiful European national parks. The park around 16 cascading clear lakes full of fish and surrounded by cliffs, water falls, and woods, is manageable in size, making it possible to leave Zagreb in the morning, explore the park, and be in Split by night. Trails around the lakes vary from three to seven hours, though during high season it might get so crowded you have to almost double the time. Yet, the turquoise lakes are completely breath-taking and further into the park you will find secluded spots.
Why Not Board a Ferry to Experience Other Islands?
A drive further south in your rental car will lead you to the ancient town of Split. The Roman Emperor Diocletian had his residence built right here using Christian slaves. The palace is gigantic and over the centuries has transformed into a city, people from the hinterlands seeking refuge here and building their houses inside the palace walls now making up the whole Old Town. The best view over this living museum is from the old bell tower right in the center, overlooking the terracotta roofs and the harbour.
In Split you can also board ferries to the islands of Hvar, Brač, Vis, and Korčula, Hvar being the closest. The islands are generally less crowded than the mainland and frequented by insane yachts and sailing boats. Just like on the mainland beaches are sandy, the water is clean, and pine trees offer shelter from the midday sun.
There is yet another trip south to be made, namely to Dubrovnik. This famous city has long been a regular stop on luxurious cruises, and it attracts countless tourists from all over Europe. The Old Town is encircled in its entirety by huge defensive walls from the 13th century which you can walk on and get a great view over the rooftops and the sea. Naturally this, just like Split, is also a World Heritage Site. The insides of the 2 km-long walls are stuffed with old houses, churches, palaces, and monasteries, and there are numerous excellent restaurants. Beware that Dubrovnik gets crowded in summer and many hotels and such require early reservations.
For the active tourist plenty of sports equipment is available from agencies and clubs. Bikes and surf boards are quite easy to find, and sailing, scuba diving and other skills can be learned.
