Eighth place in the Top Ten Places to be: Croatia
A guide through the land of 1000 islands
18 March 2021
Croatia-Travellers appreciate the country for its countless opportunities to immerse themselves in the Adriatic flair. Not only the breathtakingly beautiful coasts and beaches are an experience, but also the many small towns that exude their medieval charm are particularly worth seeing. Therefore, it is no question that Croatia is in the ranking of the Top Ten Places to be. According to the survey of Falstaff TRAVEL readers, the beautiful country on the Adriatic Sea ranks eighth.
Entry into Croatia by car is currently possible in principle, but only after presentation of a negative coronatest. Depending on the area, a 10-day home quarantine may be required. If the pandemic situation allows it, however, there could be relaxations with regard to entry as early as Easter. Until then, you can let yourself be enchanted by the beauty of the Adriatic.
The land of 1000 islands
The exceptionally great location of Croatia makes it possible that numerous places are located directly on the coast and exude pure holiday feeling. Beaches as far as the eye can see are lined with white pebble bays and impressive rock formations. Especially sailors, paddlers and owners of big boats can't get enough of it. Croatia enchants with a great cultural heritage and a breathtaking natural paradise. Especially sun-seekers and water enthusiasts will be thrilled in the land of 1000 islands. By the way, this is not just a name to make it obvious that there are numerous islands. In fact, there are over 1000 small and large islands in Croatia, of which only 70 are inhabited. The rest are undiscovered natural assets. And yet, there is a lot to discover along the approximately 6000 kilometres of coastline. Such as the peninsula of Istria, where treasures like Rovinj, Pula or Novigrad are hidden. Due to the fast and uncomplicated accessibility, the region is very popular, especially with neighbouring countries.
The most frequented holiday region in Croatia is the Kvarner Bay, where places like Opatija, as well as the islands of Krk and Losinj are located. Especially the sunny, Mediterranean climate makes this part of Croatia a perfect destination. The whole bay is protected from often very strong winds due to high mountain ranges. And there is also a lot to discover. The old towns are lined with historical monuments. That's why the country is also on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites.
But also the long stretched coastline of Dalmatia shines with dream places, including breathtaking bathing bays. Islands like Hvar or Korcula make the landscape perfect. But also on the mainland are numerous beautiful coastal towns, such as Zadar, Trogir, Split and Dubrovnik. Especially Dubrovnik will be known to most, because at the latest after it became known that some scenes of the cult series "Game of Thrones" were filmed in this place, it gained worldwide fame. True fans of the fantasy series can even participate in a Game of Thrones Tour through Dubrovnik.
But not only the coast in Croatia is worth seeing, also the interior hides true treasures. Such as numerous national parks, in which more than 4000 plant and animal species roam. Particularly beautiful is the Plitvice Lakes National Park, whose highlights are impressive waterfalls, beautiful lakes and adventurous cave systems.
By the way: the Croatian national currency is the Kuna. Even if you can pay in Euro almost everywhere, you should always have Kuna with you. 1 € corresponds to about 7 Kuna.
Top addresses in Croatia
To get to know the cultural diversity of the country, you should not miss these three addresses.
Restaurant La Puntulina, Rovinj
Ul. Sv. Križa 38, 52210, Rovinj, Croatia
puntulina.eu
Enjoying Croatian cuisine with a cool drink in hand while sitting among impressive rock formations, listening to the lapping of the sea and watching the sunset over Rovinj. Sounds like a scene from a movie, but it's a dreamlike reality at La Puntulina restaurant.
Fish market Ribarnice Zadar
Zlatarska Ulica, Liburnska obala, 23000, Zadar, Croatia
If you are in the south and want to capture the feeling of life, you must visit a local market. The fish market in Zadar is especially good for this! But to catch the highlights of the traders, you have to be up early. The market starts daily (except Sundays) at 6am and ends promptly at noon.
Krka National Park, Split
22000 Šibenik, Croatia
np-krka.hr
An hour away from Split, the beautiful National Park Krka stretches. Among other things, there are 17 waterfalls to discover, the highest of which reaches almost 50 meters. But also a boat trip through the crystal clear water and the lush green landscape is recommended. In summer, visitors like to cool off in the wonderfully refreshing waters of the Krka River.
3 of the most beautiful hotels in Croatia
From Rovinj to Zadar: here you will find a selection of exclusive hotels.
Grand Park Hotel Rovinj
Smareglijeva ulica 1A, 52210, Rovinj, Croatia
Tel: +385 52 800 250
maistra.com
Grand Park Hotel Rovinj is nestled in the middle of the charming town and surrounded by typical Croatian pine trees. With a sea view and a view of the island of St. Katarina, the hotel is one of the top addresses in the country. The luxury hotel has six floors, with over 200 rooms and exclusive suites. The interior is characterized by simple elegance and stylish modernity. The hotel was designed by the renowned Italian architect Piero Lissoni and the Croatian 3LHD Studio. The Albaro Wellness & Spa provides over 3,800 square metres of relaxation at the highest level: saunas, pools and sun decks allow guests to experience a luxury-class wellness holiday.
Design Hotel Navis
Ul. Ivana Matetića Ronjgova 10, 51410, Opatija, Croatia
Tel: +385 51 444 600
hotel-navis.hr
The Design Hotel Navis lives up to its name: because between Istria and Dalmatia is the beautiful gem and convinces at first sight. The exclusive designer furnishings combined with first-class service and culinary sensations make a stay unforgettable. The highlights are the large terrace with sea view, the hotel's own spa and the restaurant, which convinces with Croatian cuisine and fabulous views.
Hotel Bastion
Ulica, Bedemi zadarskih pobuna 13, 23000, Zadar, Croatia
Tel: +385 23 494 950
hotel-bastion.hr
In the middle of the beautiful town of Zadar stretches the historic Hotel Bastion. For the exclusive premises are located in the remains of an old Venetian fortress from the 13th century. The ambience is unmistakable. Because in the elegant rooms and suites, as well as the bar bubbling with life and the hotel's own spa, remnants of the fortress wall are integrated. The restaurant "Kaštel", which is located in the hotel, is also highly recommended. There you can enjoy the old recipes of the city of Zadar and excellent local dishes with selected predicate wines.
Picture Credits: Dongchan Park / Pixabay, Sebastian Gößl / Pixabay, Ivan Keskic / Pixabay, Michelle Raponi / Pixabay, Gerald Thurner / Pixabay, Kookay / Pixabay, Morgan Oho / Unsplash, Agnieszka Mordaunt / Unsplash, Hotel Bastion, Design Hotel Navis, Grand Park Hotel Rovinj