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Here are some of the venues in Dubrovnik:

City’s Palaces

Palaces are perfect for those who seek for sense the spirit of past times. The Sponza Palace is gorgeous gothic-renaissance palace, situated at the end of the main street of the Old town – Stradun. In its beautiful atrium a breath of rich Dubrovnik history could also touch your unique day, the one that would be permanently recorded by all your family memory archives. Then there is The Rector’s Palace, a gothic palace with renaissance-baroque reconstructions. Today it is the Museum of Dubrovnik, and in its beautiful atrium classical concerts are held during Dubrovnik Summer Festival. The gorgeous stone staircase with stone balustrade makes the atrium’s coulisse within which your wedding could evoke memories of past times, and you could feel as if you were a real princess.

City’s Fortresses

Lovrjenac Fortress was built in the 14th century and was a key fortress for defense of Dubrovnik from the sea. The fortress had through history only fortification purpose, while in the recent years it has become a natural stage for performing dramas. With its beautiful sea view it is perfect for weddings. There is also Saint John Fortress based on Dubrovnik’s ancient walls. It hosts the aquarium and maritime museum, and the view from its roof is on the city’s port. Although it is not as private as some other locations because it is included in regular tour of the walls, for the adventurists that do not mind other people’s glances, this fortress would offer a heightened and unforgettable experience.

The Islands

The island of Dubrovnik are an ideal place for romantic weddings.Lokrum is situated just opposite the Old City! It is a reserved area of forest vegetation under the UNESCO’s protection and it is only 10 minutes away from the City by boat. Inside the island there is Dead Sea – the smallest sea in the world. For the wedding ceremony Lokrum offers several locations. Lopud Island ison the most romantic island out of over thousand Croatian islands! It is about an hour away from the city by boat. It is known for its gorgeous sand beaches. On the island there is Šunj, the most beautiful sand beach in Croatia, while on the opposite side of the island there is a Franciscan monastery and a beautiful garden from the 19th century. Koločep (Kalamota) offers an unforgettable sunset. It is the southernmost Croatian island that has two settlements, situated on the opposite sides of the island. You can sail in with the boat to Villa Ruža (Rose) and celebrate your unique day.

Church Wedding

The churches in Dubrovnik are probably the most romantic churches in the world. They’re a perfect blend of history and the city’s soul. You can choose either a baroque or renaissance church. Except for various Catholic churches, Dubrovnik has one of the most beautiful Orthodox churches in Europe.

Other locations

Dubrovnik as Romantic Wedding Destination offers various locations for your special day. There is Orosula Park and Srđ Amphitheatre that is positioned on a hill above the city. You can also book numerous hotels and villas, such as this vintage villa by the sea erected in 1920s. Dubrovnik is rich in beaches, meaning it can fulfill your dreams about getting married barefoot watching sunset, surrounded by your loved ones. Another very special wedding venue is Cave Bar of the More Hotel in which during the building of the hotel, the builders accidentally found a cave and decided to make it a part of the hotel’s interior. The interior of the hotel bar is inside the cave, and its outside terrace stretches out to the sea.

Find your route to Dubrovnik here.

Learn more about Dubrovnik here.

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The earliest signs of civilisation on Hvar date back to Neolithic times and the so-called Hvar Culture of 3500 – 2500 BC. These estimates by archaeologists are based on artifacts and painted pottery in the caves of Grapceva and Markova Spilija, both of which can be visited today. Examples of the finds are displayed in the excellent Heritage Museum in Hvar Town.

Given its prominent position on a busy sea route, it is perhaps surprising that the island was not settled earlier than 384 BC, when the Ancient Greeks founded the settlement of Pharos (modern-day Stari Grad). The Ionian Greeks, the Parans, were in search of a base for military and trade expansion and the deep bay at Pharos offered the best protection. While there is some evidence of Greek heritage in present-day Stari Grad, the most striking remnant is the UNESCO-protected Stari Grad Plain, a superbly preserved 80-hectare agricultural colony still in use today. Those 8 hectares of land became what is today known as HORA or AGER (“Ager Pharensis” in Roman times, or “Chora Pharou” at the time of the Greeks), and is the largest of all such plains on the Adriatic islands.

With the decline of the Syracuse Empire, Pharos enjoyed a brief period of local rule under Demetrius of Hvar, who kept the Romans at bay until they finally smashed the walls of Pharos in 229 BC. The Romans used the island as a strategic and logistical base, keeping their boats in the protected bays of the Scedro and the Pakleni Islands. Roman holiday houses sprang up in the bays close to fresh water, most notably in Hvar, Stari Grad and Jelsa. Archaeological finds confirm that the islanders were engaged in an existence of wine growing, fishing and trade.

Austrian rule was stable and brought prosperity, most notably in the development of health tourism on the island, with the founding of the Hvar Hygienic Society in 1868. The oldest meteorological station in Croatia was also established in 1858. Austrian rule also brought infrastructure improvements to the island, with all the ports rebuilt, new lighthouses, malaria-infested marshland reclaimed, and a road connecting Jelsa to Pitve and Vrisnik in 1907. The old road from Jelsa to Hvar did not appear until the 1930s, and previous travel options were ship or 8-hour donkey ride.

Hvar was named as one of the top 10 most beautiful islands in the world by readers of Conde Nast back in 1997. Major investments in the town’s hotels and the upgrading of cultural treasures such as the Arsenal and the oldest public theatre in Europe has meant that Hvar is once more a major luxury tourism destination on the Croatian coast.

Hvar, the cradle of Croatian tourism, celebrated 150th anniversary of tourism.

Hvar’s geographic position, its favourable climate, clear sea and rich cultural heritage favoured the development of the organised tourism in the distant 1868, when the Hvar Hygienic Society was founded. It was opening the gate to make it the most important branch of the town economy and bringing Hvar to the fame of a worldwide known tourist destination visited by most demanding and famous visitors from all over the world. The 150th anniversary of the oldest organised tourism in Europe was celebrated in some style in 2018.

Hvar Town

One of the jewels of Croatian tourism, Hvar Town is the capital and largest settlement of the island of the same name. Its rich Venetian architecture harks back to its glorious cultural past, while people watching on the largest square in all Dalmatia is a very popular activity today. The rich cultural heritage which includes the oldest public theatre in Europe continues today with the Hvar Summer Festival, whose locations include the Franciscan Monastery, Veneranda, the Arsenal and theatre, and Hanibal Lucic garden. Don’t forget to climb to the Spanish Fortress for fabulous views of the town and Pakleni Islands.

Hvar’s iconic waterfront, or riva, is among the most exclusive on the Adriatic, where backpackers and superyachts mingle in this most egalitarian of towns. Don’t miss the daily water taxis to the gorgeous Pakleni islands, which offer a range of activities, from beaches and nightlife, sailing and kayaking, to art galleries and fine dining.

Indulge in the restaurants and wine bars of Hvar Town, famed for their excellence in preparing local specialties such as Hvarska Gregada, as well as a wider the Mediterranean and international menu.

How to reach Hvar

Boat

Hvar is connected with the mainland by boat lines:

Split – Stari Grad; Drvenik – Sućuraj; Split – Hvar.

Catamaran connection: Split – Hvar/Hvar – Split, regularly.

Catamaran connection: Split – Jelsa/Jelsa – Split, daily.

Catamaran connection: Split Airport – Stari Grad/Stari Grad – Split, regularly (until September 15).

Ferry connection: Split – Stari Grad/Stari Grad – Split, daily, regularly.

Ferry connection: Drvenik – Sućuraj/Sućuraj – Drvenik, daily, regularly.

Hvar is connected to the mainland and other islands through four harbors, only two of which allow for cars. The main car ferry terminal is near Stari Grad, a 20-minute drive from Hvar Town, and there are regular ferries throughout the year from Split, as well as from Italy during the peak season. On the eastern tip of the island, Sućuraj has a regular 30-minute crossing to Drvenik, useful if you are coming from Dubrovnik and the south. The onward drive to Hvar Town is about 90 minutes.

Hvar Town is well served with regular catamarans to and from Split, as well as onward boats to Korčula daily, and Vis once a week. The town of Jelsa has a daily catamaran from Split via Bol. In 2019, a new private catamaran service was introduced, connecting Split Airport to Stari Grad, with a one-hour transfer.

Plane

Hvar has a small airfield in the UNESCO Stari Grad Plain. While there are no scheduled flights, private planes up to six passengers can land there. There is currently no seaplane service to the island.

Find your route to island Hvar here.

Find your villa for rent on island Hvar here.

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Unspoiled, relaxed, beautiful, and safe, Croatia is one of Europe’s loveliest treasures. Everything a discriminating visitor–or homebuyer–is looking for can be found right here: crystal-clear seas, timeless fishing villages and unspoiled beaches, Roman ruins, a pristine lake district, and medieval walled cities. Every twist and turn of the coastline serves up grandstand views of secret coves, little harbors, and calm turquoise waters. Out in the Adriatic Sea, a galaxy of islands–1,185 of them–shimmer like a cache of emeralds. The French legend Jacques Cousteau, esteemed biologist and oceanographer, once described Croatia’s waters as the cleanest and clearest in the world. But Croatia has so much more to offer. So let’s dive in to some facts about living in Croatia:

Safety

PROS: In February of 2020 Croatia was ranked at a „Level One” in safe category by the U.S. State Department which makes it on of the safest countries in the world. It was ranked 28th in the 2019 Global Peace Index, 100 places ahead of the United States (128). Croatia is also a member of EU and NATO. That means they are protected by large multi-national support structures.

CONS: It’s islands are sparsley inhabitet during the non-season periods so it can take some time while the emergency services arrive.

Climate

PROS: The coastal climate of Croatia is exquisite. Total annual sunshine hours range from 2,665 in the south around Dubrovnik to 2,409 in the north around Rovinj. Winter temperatures along the coast rarely drop below freezing and snow is infrequent.

CONS: Some may find Croatian summers too hot and dry, and winter wind bura can be strong, but homes are made of solid rock or concrete and mainly no damage.

Language

PROS: Croatian is the official language. However, a large section of the population speaks English at a high level of proficiency. The Croatian proclivity for English seems to stem from the use of Croatian subtitles for television and films. In many other countries, English is dubbed into the local language.

CONS: Learning Croatian can be challenging. The language is South Slavic in origin and is classified as a “Category III” language by the U.S. State Department. These “hard” languages have large cultural and linguistic differences when compared to English. However, the Croatians are incredibly friendly and patient. They will be very pleased to help you learn the language.

Cost of Living

PROS: Croatia’s cost of living varies dramatically depending on location. It will also fluctuate based on your consumption habits and housing requirements. The good news is that if you shop at local markets, you’ll find incredible deals on delicious food and wine. Depending upon the season, you might even be able to buy seafood right from a fisherman’s boat. Or, if you visit a green market, it’s possible to pick up a bag of fresh figs, tangerines, quince, pomegranates, or kiwi for a fraction of the supermarket price. Also, more discount stores are piling into Croatia after it joined the European Union in 2013. This means increased competition and reduced prices. Long term rent of an apartment is double cheaper than other EU countries. monthly utility bills are double lower than western EU countries. There is no property tax in Croatia! Fresh organic fruits and vegetables you can buy at cheap price directly from producers. Dental services are 100% cheaper than in EU countries. Private health care is cheaper and public health care is higher standard then in EU countries.

CONS: Croatia has an onerous web of taxes and regulations. As a result, it may be difficult to get things done. Be sure to enlist the help of local friends and professionals for larger purchases.

Quality of Life

PROS: Croatia has one of the most enviable lifestyles in the world. The Croatians place considerable value on spending quality time with family and friends. The Croatians relish a good cup of coffee in the Dalmatian sunshine. The waterfront cafes of most coastal towns are regularly filled with socializing kava drinkers. On the weekends, Croatians also fire up an incredible BBQ dish called peka. This regional specialty takes several hours to cook under hot coals.

Croatia is well connected with rest of the Europe, by 8 airports (population of Croatia is less than 4 million people), high quality highways and roads, more than 300 departures and arrivals DAILY from the Croatian islands to the number of ports along the Croatian coast.
High speed internet and mobile net is available in every corner of Croatia, even on distant islands.
Climate is great advantage of Croatia, Mediterranean climate – mild winters with a lots of sunny days and dry warm summers, attract a lots of retirees to buy home on the coast or the islands of Croatia.
Organic food is everyday on the table of average Croatian.
Croatia is so small that every corner is easy accessed within few hours drive through the beautiful landscapes that many European poets described and admired.
Beauty of Croatian pure and well preserved nature with number of protected National Parks, Nature Parks and protected localities, enrich life of everyone who lives here and most of these natural treasures people enjoy without any charges, tickets or restrictions.

CONS: The quality of life in Croatia can be hard to beat, even with bureaucracy obstacles one could face but that’s what Croatian friends are for, to help get through the processes smoothly and quickly.

Medical Care

PROS: If you decide to live in Croatia for longer than three months, you will be required to contribute to the national health insurance system. The system provides universal coverage to the entire population. Croatian health care public system is very efficient and very cheap!

CONS: Croatian healthcare workers often go to other EU countries with higher salaries.

Activities & Recreation

PROS: Croatia’s bountiful sunshine and warm weather make it an ideal destination for outdoor activities. With over 1,000 islands, it has a wealth of exciting sailing, snorkeling, and scuba opportunities, river rafting, safari, kite surfing in windy cannals between the islands, paragliding, all kind of sports on the water, and also on the mountains. In same day you can skii on the Croatian mountain and swim in the Croatian sea. The rugged coastal topography of Croatia is perfect for hiking and for wine and olive cultivation. It is also densely packed with fascinating historical sites. Variety of gastronomic experiences is Croatian advantage, here you can enjoy Mediterranean cuisine, but also continental and oriental, thanks to the influences left from times when these regions were ruled by old Romans, Greeks, Byzant, Venetians…

CONS: Croatia is summer destination therefore many recreational activities that can be enjoyed only in summer time, can not be used during the winter months.

Find your Croatian villa here.

Find out more about Croatia here.

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Marco Polo was Croatian Traveler and Explorer

born on the island of Korcula  in 1254. (in Venetian times it was part of the Venetian Republic and Korcula was called Curzola). Korcula takes big pride in being a birthplace of this worldly renowned traveler and to this day a surname Polo (another variant is De Polo) is present in Korčula. Marco’s father surname was Pilic, he was Dalmatian merchant from Korcula. Even today surname Pilic is widely spread Croatian surname. In time of Venetians ruling over Dalmatia, most of merchants and higher class people italianized their names and surnames into Italian variants, so Pilic changed his surname into Polo (in Croatian language Pilic means chicken, and also in Italian Pollo means chicken).
His birthplace house is restaurated on the remains of the Polo’s property, today turned into museum of Marco Polo and available for visitors. Despite its rather plain interior, the tower (loggia) on the house allows for a panoramic view of Korčula, stretching from east to west.  The Museum tells story about one of the first Europeans to travel the famous Silk Road trade route and many other travels of Marco Polo that are famous throughout the world. One of the most interesting stories is the one with Asian emperor Kublai Khan. He heard many stories about Marco Polo and wanted to meet him in person. Marco agreed to meet him and to tell him all the stories about his travels. Marco Polo served Kublai Khan as one of his important advisors. But after some time Marco was fed up and asked the emperor his permission to go back to his beloved Korčula and Venice. During his stay he fell in love with a young princess that was promised to the emperor, but she was in love with Marco and wanted to go with him. Marco found a way to take her with him. They sailed for three months around and he left the princess in Tabriz from where he proceeded his journey home. This was his last mission he had.

Museum of Marco Polo was opened to the public in 2011. in Chinese town of Yangzhou, where former President of Croatia Stjepan Mesic was invited to the opening ceremony and informed the world that Marco Polo was Croatian born in Korcula town in 1254.

Number of serious scientific researches confirm Marco Polo’s Croatian origin.

Analysis of Hilda Marija Foley,
North Tustin, CA 92705, US, wrote in 2007.:

Records show that Marco Polo’s father Nicolo (Croatian: Nikola) and uncle Maffeo (Croatian: Mate) Pilic were rich merchants from Sibenik in Dalmatia, then under Venetian rule, who went to Venice as established businessmen. All of the merchant and nobility class of that time used the Italian version of their names, so Pilic, which is Croatian for chicken, became Polo in Italian. The Pilic/Polo family coat of arms shows a crown and four chickens.

The medieval archives of Venice are among the best in Europe, yet there is no mention of Marco Polo’s birth, only citizen of Venice and his date of death. There is a quay in Venice near the Duke’s Palace still called Schiavoni (“Slavs”) as Croatians/Dalmatians were called at that time, where many Croatian seamen and merchants arrived from Dalmatia. The Polo family lived in this Schiavoni section of Venice were the Croatians had their churches, school and Guild Hall. Today there are still Croatian families named Polo, de Polo and Pilic in Croatia, but according to Italian sources there are no Polos in Italy.

Excerpt about Marco Polo Croatian Traveler Explorer:

Korcula, either by force or willingly, accepts the previous duke of Dubrovnik, Marsilie Zorzi, a Venetian nobleman, as its duke in 1254. In that same year Marko Polo was born.

The Polo family is much respected in Korcula; living over centuries in the town of Korcula. It produced over the years numerous shipbuilders, smiths, stone-masons, tradesmen, priests, and public notaries. Marko’s father Nikola and uncle Mate founded their trading outpost in Korcula, and the members of the Polo family were guardians of the walls around the town of Korcula. But, for the skilful tradesmen Nikola and Mate, Korcula was only the starting point of their business trade and their adventurous life. Marko’s father and uncle penetrated deeply into Asia. They erected a tower and founded their own trading outpost in the town of Sudac on the Crimea. They had their main trade centre in Constantinople, to which many Korcula businessmen and shipbuilders were travelling and for some time they were living there. Mate and Nikola Polo traded successfully with the Persians. They were cognisant with the secret ways which led through Syria and Iraq as far as the coasts of Persian Gulf. They also knew the areas where the precious pearl oysters could be found. Wherever they ventured they were made welcome as people who were “noble-minded, wise and reasonable”. They knew the routes that led to the fur traders of southern Siberia. They had trade contacts with the dignitaries of various Tartar peoples, and they reached the court of the Great Kublai Khan in China. They had started their journey before Marko Polo was born. The successful Korcula tradesmen feeling secure in their centuries-old native soil of Korcula, left their family and still unborn son Marko, as they gazed towards the Far East searching there for a realization of their dream of the rich life. Their ideas of fusing the cultural structures of the West and the East also decreed the destiny of Nikola’s son, Marko Polo, from the day of his birth.

Marko achieved the usual education of a young nobleman of his age. He learned a lot about classical writers, he understood the text of the Bible and knew the basic theology of the Roman Catholic Church. He spoke French and Italian, especially the trade vocabulary, and was skilful in keeping business books. The Church books and songs in Croatian from Marko’s time have been preserved in Korcula, and it is most probable that Marko knew the Croatian language as spoken by the inhabitants of Korcula. That knowledge was to help him very much when he traveled with his father and uncle across south Russia, then inhabited by Slavonic tribes and under Tartar reign. The European languages which Marko learned in his youth were to be the basis for the development of his polyglot talents when he came in touch, in the Far East, with Chinese; this, too, he learned successfully.

Korcula first had a bishop in 1300, which contributed a great deal to the writing and maintenance of the archives, both Church and secular, and some well-known families kept their own archives. Thus, the always rich Korcula tradition passed on by word of mouth, received also written support for the preservation of the collective communal memory, thus giving birth to capable men ready for the adventures of body and spirit in distant worlds.

The oldest written document in which the Polo family is mentioned is a deed of gift dated March 14th 1400. The then duke of Korcula, Mihajlo Musi and three Korcula judges donated to a certain Joannis a building in the town quarter on the eastern side, near the house of Bogavaz Dupolo. It is the exact location of the present “tower of Marko Polo”; from which one can see clearly all the Peljesac Channel; the route of trading vessels from Hellenic times to the present day.

A somewhat older document, from 1430, speaks about the life and work of members of the Polo family in Korcula in the 13th century, mostly featuring the centuries-old tradition of building Korcula style wooden boats, well known in the whole of the Mediterranean. That document is to be found in the private archives of the Kapor family in Korcula. In this, Mate Polo applies to the community of Korcula for a piece of land for his ship-yard, near the place where his grandfathers were building boats. That document is concrete evidence that the Polos were living in Korcula and building the boats even before Marko Polo was alive. Korcula shipyards were situated both on the eastern and western shores adjacent to the fortified medieval town. In this a way, the shipbuilders, working in the vicinity of the city walls, and living inside them, were able to defend their town in case of enemy attack. In the list mentioning ship-builders in 1594, there are 16 ship-rights from the Polo family, and in the 1810 list, 22. From a legal case of 1778, we learn that the name of the owner of a shipyard in the eastern suburb was Marko Depolo. As the skills of ship-building, as well as the ownership of the shipyards, were passing from generation to generation, from father to son, various families were for centuries using the same plots for the needs of their workshops. It is evident from the land-registry maps of the past century, and from photos exhibited in the City Museum that Mihovil Depolo, Nikola’s son, (1864-1943) was the owner of one of the bigger shipyards on the eastern side (“Borak”), and that Lovro Depolo (1853-1943) was the owner of the biggest shipyard of all on the western side of the town of Korcula (“Sv. Nikola”).

The Korculans were not only outstanding ship-builders but also experienced seamen. They excelled, too, as good warriors in many sea battles; among them, members of the Depolo family. Archive material and memorials confirm that the duke of Korcula, Andrea Zane, in 1584, entrusted, among others, Jerolim, Pavle and Nikola Polo, with finding crews for the participation of the town of Korcula in one of the sea battles. (excerpt taken from Korcula.net  where you can read in details about life of Marco Polo)

To explore this beautiful town of Korcula, stay in one of our Korcula island villas.

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We can all agree that 2020 was totally unpredictable year that shook the economy, especially tourism industry. Full of history and its natural wonders, Croatia has been ranked among the 20 most desirable destinations in 2021, according to the survey conducted by The US Virtuoso association of travel agencies that organize luxury travel. It’s also been published that Croatian National Tourist Board and the European Association of Travel Agencies and Tour Operators (ECTAA) have signed an agreement by which Croatia will have the status of “Preferred Destination” in 2021, i.e., the “Selected Destinations” of the umbrella European Association of Travel Agencies and Tour Operators. Also, USA Today, one of the most popular American dailies, published a list of the 100 most desirable travel destinations in 2021, and Croatia sits in the high 11th place. Travel Daily News portal in the article “Below Deck Mediterranean: Most Instagrammable locations” mentioned Croatia, where among the most beautiful locations around the world alongside Santorini, Capri, Cannes and Mallorca, is beautiful Dubrovnik.

The emphasis will go to the safety and proximity of Croatia as a tourist destination, the richness of Croatian tourism, unique heritage, beautiful nature, and diverse gastronomy, highlighting the diversity of travel and tourism products that the country offers. CNTB and ECTAA will work hand in hand to not only promote Croatia as one of the most attractive destinations in Europe but also as one of the safest. Next year, Black Tomato predicts Croatia to be quieter than ever. Devoid of the usual cruise ships and throngs of tourists, Spring 2021 offers a rare chance to have this usually-heaving destination all to oneself, making it a top destination for 2021.

Croatian National Tourist Board (CNTB) is currently implementing a new campaign for Croatian tourism in 2021 across social media, called “Croatia Full of New Beginnings” combined with the label Croatia Wish List 2021, which aims to promote Croatia through new beginnings and positive wishes. Goal is to maintain the visibility and presence of Croatia on its most important emitting markets by presenting more undiscovered locations and proposals for planning a holiday.

In addition to the above, according to Lonely Planet, here are some reasons to visit Croatia in 2021.:

Coastal Croatia

Croatia’s extraordinary island-speckled coastline is indisputably its main attraction. The first thing that strikes you is the remarkable clarity of the water. When it’s set against a dazzling white pebbly beach, the water sparkles with a jewel-like intensity in shades of emerald and sapphire. But Croatia does not offer only sandy and pebble beaches. For those who worship pure nature there are plenty of rocky beaches and secret coves. On top of that, adventurous visitors can enjoy water-based activities like snorkelling, diving, kayaking, windsurfing and sailing.

The Edge of Empires

Precariously poised between the Balkans and central Europe, Croatia sits on a land that has been passed between competing kingdoms, empires and republics for millennia. If there’s an upside to this continual dislocation, it’s in the rich cultural legacy that each has left behind. Venetian palaces snuggle up to Napoleonic forts, Roman columns protrude from early Slavic churches, and Viennese mansions face off with Socialist Realist sculpture. Excellent museums showcase treasures that cover the gamut of European history, from the prehistoric to the post communist, telling a story that is in equal parts fascinating and horrifying.

Beauty on the Inside

Shift your gaze for just a moment from the glittering waters and chances are an almighty mountain will loom into view. The Dinaric Range, which stretches all the way from Italy to Albania, hugs much of the coast. The limestone karst has bequeathed a wonderland of craggy peaks, caverns, river canyons, waterfalls and ridiculously picturesque lakes. Head further inland and things flatten out again into rolling farmland. Active types will find plenty of chances to get among it on the numerous hiking and biking trails, while the more adventurous can have a go at rock climbing, rafting and zip-lining. Croatia counts 8 National Parks and 12 Nature Parks!

Cultural Feast

If you’re lucky enough to cross the tourist/guest barrier and be invited into a local’s home, you’ll soon become acquainted with the refrain ‘Jedi! Jedi! Jedi!’ (Eat! Eat! Eat!). Sharing food and drink plays a big part in the culture here, which speaks both to the nature of Croatian hospitality and to the quality of local produce. Simple, home style cooking is a feature of family-run taverns, but increasingly a new breed of chefs are bringing a more adventurous approach to the table. Meanwhile, Croatian wines and olive oils are making their mark on the world stage, garnering top awards. The diversity of Croatian cuisine provides something satisfying for everyone.

Find Croatia’s top destinations in 2021 here.

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