Croatia is renowned for its incredibly attractive islands. Unfortunately during the high season the popularity of these destinations makes them somewhat overcrowded. The best time to visit is from the latter part of August through September.
Best of Croatian Relaxation
Mali Losinj may be considered an idyllic destination for those looking to do little other than relax. This island is found in the northern Adriatic and the ferry departure point on the mainland is Zadar. This island is covered in forests making it ideal for walking or birdwatching. The sea is a slightly unusual deep and inviting green colour and very refreshing on a hot pre-Autumn day.
The Aromatic Island Garden is a must see, and involves guides steering you through some incredible flora and fauna, some only found in this region. St Martin’s Bay offers visitors stunning views and gently lapping waves. Within easy walking distance you will find Veli Losinj a tiny fishing community housed within a set of idyllic hidden little bays.
Best of Croatian culture
Korcula Island can be easily reached from Dubrovnik, Split or even Rijeka by ferry. This is a very cosmopolitan island and is known as being somewhat culturally sophisticated. The tiny backstreets of the town of Korcula seem to hide something surprising around every corner. All roads eventually lead to the very attractive St Mark’s Square which is home to the islands Museum and its ancient cathedral dating back to the 15th century.
Some of the artifacts found inside are thousands of years older than the cathedral itself. Your wanderings will also bring you to the main promenade. This is a superb spot just to sit, order a beer, and take in the view encompassing no less than 48 islands.
Gallery Vapor is the spot to head for if you would like to enjoy the creations of local artists. U Maje i Tonke by the side of the harbour offer their take on a Spanish delicacy, known as “Dalmatian tapas”.
Best of Croatian Fun
Hvar is the destination if you enjoy the nightlife culture of Croatia. Regular ferries make the trip to the island from Split – Stari Grad. The main town, Hvar is the place to be if you enjoy partying Croatian style. Even Prince Harry thinks this is a very cool party town. Carpe Diem is the club you should head for if you want to “see and be seen”
Other great party destinations include “Kiva”, and “Club Veneranda”, which is renowned almost as much for its view of the sun rising as it is for its party atmosphere. This unusual club is located within what was once a monastery. It is now also home not only to electronic music but also an amazing pool.
There are of course a large number of bars, restaurants and nightclubs to be found spread throughout the town. The weekends see’s the arrival of the club crowd seeking to escape Split for some of the best nights out in Croatia.
Best of Croatia for Couples
A somewhat idyllic romantic getaway island Vis will allow a couple to spend some real quality time together. With huge numbers of secluded bays tucked away just out of sight is very easy to lose yourselves and not be found. You can also visit one of the several vineyards and stroll the grounds before relaxing in the sun and sampling the produce.
Villa Kaliopa is a bar and restaurant is a beautifully appointed building which amazingly is also an arboretum filled with palm trees. If you head down to the south of the island in the little town of Komiza is the departure point for snorkelling trips to Stiniva Cove. Here you to get up close and personal not only with playful bottlenose dolphins but also endangered loggerhead turtles.
Best of Croatian Food
Ferries are available to Pag from the mainland ports of Prizna, Rab, and Rijeka. With the island of Pag looking not too dissimilar to the surface of the moon this island has developed its own tourist attraction, food. Lun is the name of the town where cheese addicts will feel they have gone to heaven. This is the home of special sheep whose main diet is salty grass which gives its cheese a highly distinctive flavour.
Croatia has a huge amount to offer holiday makers and we’d recommend looking at the Visit Croatia official tourism site for more of a taste of the country. You can get great packages to Croatia here.
Konoba Bile is a Dalmatian-style tavern which specialises in a local delicacy double-smoked ham (prsu) They also offer local sardines as well as local wines and brandy and the aforementioned sheep Cheese. The Figurica restaurant in the town of Kolan is regarded as perhaps the best on the island. Here you can sample such local delicacies as octopus in cooked a brick oven. This is a cosy and pleasant eatery with average total meal costs of around €20.