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Why Croatia Should Be On Your Travel List
Rising in fame and quickly becoming one of Europe’s most renowned tourist destinations, Croatia is a sensational spot to escape on a holiday. From the world famous UNESCO World Heritage Site of Dubrovnik Old Town, to the Italian-Croatian cultural melting pot of Istria and the gorgeous region of Split, there’s plenty of fantastic things to see. And each gives you all the more reasons to visit Croatia.
What Croatia is Famous For
Rising to fame because of its historic towns and UNESCO World Heritage sites, alongside the stunning national parks and breathtaking beaches, there are countless reasons to visit Croatia. Thanks to the hit show Game of Thrones, Dubrovnik Old Town (or King’s Landing as fans of the show will recognise it as) is one of the most remarkable places you can visit in Croatia.
With its iconic terracotta rooftops and incredible UNESCO World Heritage site walls, fall in love with the stunning stone city, packed with charming eateries and bars and truly immerse yourself in the culture and history that can be found around every corner.
Head north from Dubrovnik and your next destination waiting for your exploration is Split, where the Dinatric Alps tower over the picturesque cities and spotless sands of this stunning region. Admire the gorgeous Adriatic Sea from the Blue Flag beaches that line the coast, treat yourself to a spot of sunbathing or opt for a swim in the emerald water, if you’re wondering why you should visit Croatia - this is it!
Keep hearing north and you’ll hit Istria, a beautiful region known for its heavy Italian influences and gorgeous landscapes. Venture through rolling vineyards and sample the finest wines that rival the delicious grapes grown just across the Adriatic Sea. With a delicious gastronomical scene that grips the area thanks to the truffles, grapes and olive oils produced all across the countryside, you’re in for a tasty adventure as you venture through the local area around a beautiful Istrian villa.
Hidden Gems Beyond the Guidebooks
With eight national parks, countless islands just off the coast and even more traditional villages waiting to be explored, there are plenty of hidden gems that you won’t be able to find in the guidebooks.
Interested in walks through nature, where you can get lost in the stunning scenery that surrounds you? Visit Rastoke and take plenty of snaps of the “mini-Plitivice” (one of Croatia’s most beautiful national parks), with waterfalls, serene pools of water and plenty of greenery to help you reconnect with the world. Away from the crowds you can find at the more popular national parks, this hidden gem is well worth a visit.
The Istrian hilltop towns of Grožnjan and Motovun are also excellent places to connect to everything around you. Their vibrant arts scene and exquisite truffles offer delights you won’t find in any guidebook.
The medieval walls of Ston are almost like a small Dubrovnik, with the stone structures stretching up the tree topped hills and leading towards the impressive fort that towers over the village. Don’t miss out on trying the incredible oysters that are harvested fresh from the harbour for a delicious answer on why to visit Croatia.
The Islands and Beaches You Can't Miss
Is there anything better than sunbathing on a beach, soaking up that gorgeous Croatian sun? Well, maybe being besides your own private pool, but this is a close second. The pebbly beaches of Croatia are well worth visiting as often as you can throughout your stay, whether that’s in the north, the south or anywhere in between.
If you’re wondering where the best beaches in Croatia are, look no further than Hvar, Brač, Korčula and Mljet, each with their own unique reason to visit. The island of Hvar is one of the most scenic you can find just off the Croatian coast, with countless beaches and hidden coves to discover. From Pokonji Dol to Dubovica, these lesser known spots are a must see.
A Brač summer is nothing short of iconic, with the (perhaps unfortunately named) Zlatini Rat beach rising to fame as one of the best places to sit back and enjoy listening to the waves slowly roll onto shore. Inhabited since the neolithic times, whenever you’re not enjoying a relaxing moment by the sea, dive into the incredible history of the island with a visit to the churches and other ancient structures left over on the island that was known as “Brattia”.
Korčula and Mljet are two amazing islands that are perfect for a beach escape in Croatia. Both of these peninsulas are lined with miles and miles of beaches, giving you countless different options for places to enjoy a quiet afternoon, though only if you can find the energy to leave your private poolside!
Culture, History and Cuisine
A real amalgamation of cultures and traditions of many different historic civilisations and countries, Croatia is full of diverse influences that make it into the melting pot of culture, history and delicious cuisine that you can discover in the present day. From the literature, art, music and cinema, to the architecture, sports and tasty national dishes, the rich history of Croatia spans far beyond its independence gained in 1991.
Leaving the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia in and following the War of Independence, Croatia gained its sovereignty in 1991. Bearing the scars of the years of battle, you can see the impact the wars have had on the country as you explore the tourist hotspots that have quickly risen to fame. Take a walk through Dubrovnik and find the city still haunted by shell hits and bullet holes on the famous stone walls that encircle it, a stark reminder of the hardships that have sculpted the country into the incredible place it is today.
From the Dubrovnik Gargoyle’s balancing act ritual bringing luck to all those that attempt to hop onto the protruding stone, to the Neretva Boat Marathon, Statue of Grgur Nin and the Moreška Sword Dance, there are plenty of traditions and landmarks that celebrate the history of Croatia. Enjoy soaking up the displays of proud tradition from the local people and learn all about the rich history of the local area from the statues and museums that can be found all around the centres of each resort.
To truly embrace the culture of such an amazing place, is there any better way to do it than by sampling the food? Second only to Italy, the pasta dishes on offer all around Croatia are some of the best in the world, using everything from squid ink and freshly caught seafood to locally made olive oil and slow cooked meats. Don’t miss out on trying the delicious, traditional dish Fuzi, which perfectly combines tasty beef and handmade pasta, creating a plate of simple yet amazing flavours. Known for its excellent vineyards, the wines of Istria are the perfect pairing for any meal. Take your pick from red, white, rose or sparkling and enjoy an explosion of flavour on your journey to better understand Croatia’s delicious culture.
Adventure and Nature
National parks, island hopping, interesting wildlife and even a mountain or two, Croatia truly has it all for those seeking adventures into nature. Explore the scenic regions that many of our Croatian villas are located in, whether that’s on a meandering hiking trail through the hills and forests, or simply with a lazy walk into town, admiring the fields, vineyards and sea views as you go.
There’s plenty more than walking to do if you’re looking for an adrenaline pumping time, with water sports and scuba diving opportunities aplenty just off the coast. Enjoy a spot of sea kayaking before exploring the world under the waves, with ample marine life and even shipwrecks to explore around the Kornati Islands National Park.
Stay dry but keep your heart pumping with a fun-filled adventure on four wheels on a jeep safari in Hvar, one of the most picturesque places in Croatia. With views over olive groves, vineyards and the famous lavender fields, this is definitely one you’ll want to bring a camera along to!
Why a Villa Holiday Makes Croatia Even Better
There’s no better way to experience Croatia than by having your very own villa to call your own. Picture it, you’re sitting by your private pool, looking out at the sunrise with a coffee in hand, or maybe you’re staring out at the sunset with a glass of wine by your side, either way, your personal paradise is all yours to enjoy 24/7.
A base of operations, you’ve got your very own home away from home waiting for you whenever you’re out exploring. And the very best thing? You’re free to do whatever you want, whenever you want! Away from the suffocating schedules of an all inclusive getaway, you’re free to enjoy a hassle free holiday where you can do anything you like before returning to your gorgeous villa.
Set in some of the most scenic locations around the country, a Croatian villa holiday is the only way to experience Croatia to the fullest.
7 Days in Croatia
Day 1-2: Dubrovnik
Start your Croatia holiday the right way by exploring the famous stone city of Dubrovnik. Find your bearings as you walk around the UNESCO World Heritage Site Old Town walls, sample one of the many amazing restaurants and enjoy a trip to the museums and churches to get a feel for the history and culture of this incredible place.
Feeling a little more adventurous? Fans of Game of Thrones may be eager to see the Iron Throne, which isn’t actually in Dubrovnik (or King’s Landing), but is actually on Lokrum Island. Take to the waves on a ferry, or even kayak, make way for this beautiful island and snag a photo on the world famous throne.
Day 3-4: Mljet
North of Dubrovnik and just a short boat trip across the Adriatic is Mljet, the southernmost of Croatia’s larger islands. Renowned for its stunning saltwater lakes and amazing cycling trails, venture through the forests and up the hills to be rewarded with some fantastic views over the national park. Described as “the most seductive island in the Adriatic”, even royalty can’t resist a trip to Mljet with King Charles gracing its shores twice.
Day 5: Istria
Whether you fancy an epic road trip up the Croatian coast or you opt for a quick flight up north, Istria is a beautiful region waiting to be explored - truly a stand out reason to visit Croatia. The only place outside of Italy where you can find elusive white truffles, don’t miss out on a guided truffle hunt to learn all about the history of this gourmet ingredient and perhaps even find a few of your own to take back to your villa, the perfect way to elevate your home made feasts!
Need a tasty pairing with your delicious food? With rolling vineyards aplenty, Istria is well known for its amazing wines, even rivalling the delicious bottles you can find just across the Adriatic Sea in Italy. Enjoy a spot of wine tasting at some of the famous vineyards around Motovun or Rovinj, and pick up a bottle to take back to your villa to enjoy whilst watching the sunset.
Day 6: Rastoke
Slow things down with a visit to Rastoke, a fairytale village in Slunj that’s known for its phenomenal waterfalls and impressive Slunjčica River. Enjoy a drink at the local bar and admire the natural beauty of the waterfalls that cascade down the rocks and into the flowing river. Built around the water, the water powered mechanical mills have become a time capsule for how this small village ran in the past, giving you the opportunity to be transported into the history of this fantasy novel-esque settlement.
Day 7: Plitvice Lakes
There’s no better way to tie off your trip than with a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Plitvice Lakes National Park. Find yourself blown away as you look out onto the waterfalls that crash into the emerald lakes, a breathtaking sight that a camera can never quite do justice to!
Between Split and Istria, you’ll find this paradise right by the Bosnian border, making this a perfect daytrip for anyone staying in a villa in either of these areas.
Croatia FAQs
Is Croatia worth visiting for a week?
With so much to do, you can only truly experience Croatia to the fullest by staying for a week or more. On a villa holiday, you can experience all that this stunning country has to offer away from restrictive schedules and still have time to relax by your private pool.
What is the nicest part of Croatia to visit?
There’s no right answer to this question, each region has something that Croatia is famous for! From the jaw dropping Dubrovnik Old Town, the national parks and islands around Split and the cultural melting pot of Istria, there’s nothing stopping you visiting them all.
How many days do you need in Croatia?
For a quick taste, 3–5 days allows you to explore one or two key cities, like Dubrovnik or Split, and maybe visit a nearby island. For a more relaxed trip with time for island-hopping, national parks and smaller towns, aim for 7–10 days. If you’re really immersing yourself in Croatia’s culture, coastline and inland scenery, two weeks or more gives you the flexibility to explore at a leisurely pace.
Why is Croatia so popular with tourists?
Beautiful beaches, the rolling waves of the emerald Adriatic Sea, countless UNESCO Heritage Sites and a real fusion of cultures, there are plenty of reasons why people visit Croatia - the delicious food is an added bonus too!
