Croatia: Why I Love It!
We had been exploring Croatia for two weeks. This being the second visit in two years. Last year we drove to Croatia through Germany, Austria & Slovenia, returning via Hungary, Slovakia & Czech Republic. We Stayed in a cool glamping tent on the Dalmatian Coast near Biograd. During our 6 nights stay there, we managed to visit the historical towns of Sibenik & Zadar, and two of their national park gems – Krka & Plitvice, finishing with a night in the capital Zagreb on the way to Hungary.
This year we had flown, kicking things off with a few nights on the beautiful island of Brac, famous for its white limestone which is used to make anything from houses to jewellery. We stayed in the stunning town of Pucišca, in an apartment on the hillside with amazing balcony views over the calm natural harbour waters and the surrounding white limestone houses with terracotta roofs scattered around the town square and up the steep hillsides. After enjoying a few days on the beaches, (mostly paddleboarding) including the famous Zlatni Rat beach near Bol, which juts out like a rhino horn into the sea, we headed back to the mainland, near Trogir, where we shared a week in a stunning large villa with family and friends. Apart from the private pool and the sea views from our bedroom to keep us entertained for the week, the highlight was the day we hired a powerboat to help us explore some more hotspots of the Adriatic. Having done my powerboat licence back in the UK specifically for this reason, it was great fun being the skipper of our own boat large enough for all 10 of us, and complete with a fridge and toilet. Albeit the toilet was so small it was like trying to do your business in a shoebox.
The others left for home after the week, leaving my girls and I by ourselves once again. We headed south to enjoy a few nights in the jaw-dropping city of Dubrovnik.
So, what is it about Croatia that we love so much? Enough to compel us to book for a third year in a row less than a week after returning home. Here’s a few features that give Croatia that... je ne sais quoi!
1. The Adriatic. The clarity, warmth, and colour of the water along the Dalmatian Coast and her many islands is just idyllic. You can sit at the water’s edge mesmerized by the turquoise and aqua blues as the sun shimmers off the surface. The warmth as you dip your toes in entices you to go further. It gives kids a comfortable and safe place to play (apart from the odd sea urchin)
2. The Islands. With over 1000 Croatian islands to explore, you’ll never grow bored. Each one has its own unique identity. For example, Brac, the largest of the Dalmatia islands, is a world away from the mainland which is a short ferry crossing in distance off the main coast. Much less developed and charming in its own way.
3. The Mainland. Much of the attention Croatia generates is of the Adriatic coastline, and with good reason. But travel inland a little, and you can find yourself in a mountainous wilderness beckoning you to don your boots and get hiking. Mix in some of the national parks, like Krka - a beautiful waterfall frequented by swimmers and paddlers, and the heavenly Plitvice which is one of the most incredible places I have ever had the pleasure of experiencing – a true Garden of Eden, and you’re left with an enticing cocktail of places to explore.
4. The Cities. Dubrovnik is a beautiful city. Rich in history, edged by its timeless city walls, and sandwiched between mountains and that glistening Adriatic. But there are other cities along the coast which are perfect bridesmaids to compliment the bride. Šibenik & Zadar, each with their own charm. And Split, a larger city, in fact Croatia’s second largest, while the outskirts are not particularly a head-turner, the Old Town is a tourist magnet and for good reason with its limestone Diocletian’s Palace. Zagreb, the capital is also a day well spent, wondering around the streets, taking in the rich architecture, history, and culture.
5. I’ll add a few final ingredients into the mix. a) Of course, the weather is a big reason why we love Croatia. Summer sunshine is almost guaranteed, and when there is a cloudy day, the downpours tend to be quick and heavy, which can be refreshing and quite exciting with the accompanying soundtrack and lightshow of thunder and lightning.
b) The short flights from the UK of barely over 2 hours is welcome. And the choice of 2 or 3 airports to choose from keeps it competitive and convenient.
c) I believe the Croats have a reputation for being a little abrupt, but the hospitality I have received from many would contradict that. All the hosts of our accommodation bookings have been welcoming and helpful. And when my rental car was towed away in Split for a bad choice of parking, a local came to our rescue and drove us to the impound, translated for us, and refused to accept a gift for his help. If it weren’t for him, we would have been stuck, but with his kindness we were back on the road in less than an hour, albeit a little bit poorer.
d) And finally, the roads. They are good quality, especially the main highways, which are toll roads, but very cheap, and very fast. It means you can get from the north to the south in really good time.
In essence, Croatia is a real favourite of mine. I’ve been to 48 countries and am itching to see more. But Croatia is a place that keeps drawing me back to explore more, embrace more, enjoy more, and create more moments that matter.