Still the It Country: Croatia, Why It Should be on Your Bucketlist
Croatia has been cropping up with increasing regularity on top-ten travel lists for years now—a phenomenon that does not surprise anyone who’s ever spent the evening sipping wine on a Croatian terrace, high above the glittering Adriatic.
Boasting some of the most stunning stretches of coastline in the Mediterranean, Croatia’s sapphire waters and pebbled beaches beckon visitors to while away the day with a beach towel and a paperback, while its rich history and delicious cuisine turn every walk and meal into a cultural adventure.
The land
With more than 1,000 islands to explore, travelers are spoiled for choice. Active types will find plenty of pursuits to occupy their time both on land and at sea, with snorkeling, windsurfing, kayaking, hiking, cycling, and rock climbing all on the menu.
Those who like their vacations a bit mellower can spend their afternoons wandering the shady lanes of ancient walled cities, ducking into museums and seaside taverns for a dose of European history and grilled squid.
Croatia’s interior may not offer the balmy ocean breezes of Dubrovnik or Hvar, but it holds the sort of rugged, pastoral appeal that makes European road-tripping so magical.
The coastal Dinaric Range looms over a wilderness of limestone caverns, waterfalls, and lakes that gradually gives way to bucolic pastures and vineyards as you make your way further inland. Sturdy farmhouses and medieval villages dot the central landscape of Zagorje, while the town of Varaždin, clad in Baroque beauty, sits along the passage north to Hungary.
The food
While there’s no doubt the natural beauty of Croatia is a huge draw, the food here just as memorable.
Croatian cuisine is as multifaceted as the country’s tumultuous history, with culinary influences from Italy, Hungary, Austria, and Turkey, depending on which part of the country you’re dining in. Expect plenty of fresh seafood (particularly scampi), spiced stews, high-quality olive oil, red wine, and all sorts of charcuterie fare.
Nearly every Dalmatian menu will include crni rižot (black risotto), and it’s a must-try. The risotto gets its rich black coloring from squid ink and incorporates other seafood such as mussels, clams, or squid.
Older taverns tend to favor simple, tasty homestyle cooking, but there’s also a rising cadre of young chefs keen to put a modern, adventurous spin on classic dishes. Dubrovnik, Zagreb, Šibenik, Rovinj, and Lovran all boast Michelin-starred restaurants with inventive menus.
The history
For such a small country, Croatia has no shortage of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, with ten in total to explore.
Marvel at the juxtaposition of Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance architecture in Dubrovnik’s Old City; visit the eerie, crumbling stećci (medieval tombstones) in cemeteries across the country; hunt for rainbows in Plitvice Lakes, one of the most stunning national parks around; or head to Split and wander the palace of the Roman Emperor Diocletian, built in 300AD.
There’s no wrong choice here—whether your thing is art, architecture, history, or nature, Croatia has an ancient wonder to match.
Two of the most popular destinations are Hvar and Korcula, which boast waterfront restaurants and pristine architecture. This destination is perfect for adventure seekers, romantics, and ultimate indulgers. Let us help you design this journey by becoming a member today.
