Its geography means there is abundant coastline and more than 1000 islands in the Adriatic, so there’s plenty of beaches to go around. If the sea isn’t your thing, then head inland to Plitvice Lakes or soak up some culture or history in one of the ancient cities.

For beaches/water activities

1. Hvar

Hvar’s one of our most popular destinations in the whole of Croatia. Our regional manager, Ana wrote this report on the best beaches in Hvar a few months ago.

2. Brač

From Hvar you can take a day trip by boat to the island of Brač where you will visit the town of Bol, the oldest settlement on the island. Take a walk along the shore to one of the most beautiful beaches in Croatia, Zlatni Rat, covered with tiny round white pebbles. Relax, swim and soak up the sun or visit the wine cellars, the Dominican monastery or have a delicious lunch in one of the many restaurants.

3. Vis and the Blue Cave

A short sail from Hvar you’ll find Vis, the most remote all the islands in the Adriatic, and on the other side of the island is the islet of Bisevo, where you will visit the Blue Cave, a truly unforgettable experience. After the cave, it’s on to Komiza, hometown of the reputed best fishermen in the Adriatic.

For history/culture

4. Dubrovnik

Hands down our top destination this year and set to be next year too. Polished marble streets, a labyrinth of alleyways and breathtaking architecture characterize the Old Town of Dubrovnik. In summer the city is buzzing with cultural options – concerts performed daily and throughout most of July and August the Dubrovnik Summer Festival keeps you entertained with music, theater and dance.

5. Split

Whilst much of Split is now an industrial port (and it’s for this reason that we suggest accommodation for our guests in picturesque Trogir nearby) there’s plenty of history to go round in this city that grew up around a 4th century palace built by the Roman Emperor Diocletian.

6. Trogir

Just a few minutes drive from Split Airport, this is often the first stop on a tour of Croatia. Trogir is a “city-museum” in every sense of the word. More than 2300 years in existence, the city provides lovers of cultural and historical monuments, art, original architecture and cozy alleyway streets an unforgettable setting. The old core of Trogir is an island surrounded by city walls which has been influenced by the Romans, Greeks and Venetians.

For active travelers

7. Plitvice

We offer Plitvice as a destination for overnight stays, or a day trip from from Trogir or from Zagreb, Plitvice is the first and most popular national park in all of Croatia and was described by famous guidebook writer Rick Steve’s as “Niagara Falls diced and sprinkled over a heavily forested Grand Canyon”. Enjoy a boat tour of the lakes, a tourist train or a walk. It was tough for us to pick a category for this one – it could go in the ‘outstanding natural beauty’ section too!

8. Krka

A whole day trip to Krka from Trogir takes you first to Šibenik and a visit to one of the most beautiful cathedrals in Croatia. Then it’s on to Krka National Park and the opportunity to enjoy the untouched nature, crystal clear water, waterfalls, creeks and small lake.

For breathtaking scenery/outstanding natural beauty

9. Rovinj & Istrian Peninsula

Istria is often called ‘Croatia’s Tuscany’ and Rovinj is its star attraction. Its also an idea base from which to explore the whole region. For nature lovers staying in Rovinj we offer whole day tours of Brijuni Island National Park or the Istrian countryside.

10. Korcula & Mljet

Marco Polo’s hometown is one of the best preserved medevial towns in all of the Mediterranean with red roofed houses, beautiful architecture and city walls surrounding its narrow streets. Known also for its marvelous nature, Korcula is one of the greenest islands in the Adriatic. The nearby island of Mljet is a paradise for those who enjoy untouched nature and absolute tranquility. We offer Korcula as an overnight destination or as a day trip for guests staying in Hvar or Dubrovnik.

Whatever you’re looking for from your 2012 vacation in Croatia, one of tailor-made tours of Croatia can piece it together for you.

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The festival is celebrating its 61st Anniversary this year, having taken place every year since 1950.

Most drama performances are in Croatian, so aren’t ideal for foreign audiences but dance, classical, opera or folklore appeal to everyone. Tickets for most performances start around 150Kn, or $30, so pick wisely!

Read more about the festival and get the full details of the programme at the Dubrovnik Summer Festival website.

image credit: Dubrovnik Summer Festival

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Here’s the top 5 (in no particular order) most popular excursions enjoyed by our guests on their Dubrovnik vacation.

Mostar

Where West meets East meets North meets South. Truly a crossroads. Named for the keepers of its iconic bridge, reconstructed after the war of the early 90s. This is a city of poetry, a city of stone and sleepy, narrow winding streets. The town is exceptional for its dwellings and monuments assembled harmoniously over the centuries thanks to favourable geographical conditions and a sound economic climate. Experience the sights such as the Old Bazaar, the Turkish House and one of the many old Mosques. You’ll need a full day for this tour, which includes transport, entrance fees and a local guide. Don’t forget your passport – Mostar is over the border in Bosnia & Herzgovina.

Montenegro

Montenegro is one of the last undiscovered secrets. Located less then one hour’s drive from Dubrovnik, Montenegro offers an unforgettable experience; exceptional natural beauty in combination with a rich history and culture. Enjoy the drive around the Kotor Bay with its numerous small settlements; stop in Medieval Kotor to soak in the typical Mediterranean lifestyle; continue high up into the mountains to visit Cetinje, once the seat of the Montenegrian rulers; stroll around in Budva, the ancient town which is today a lively tourist resort. All this and much more what makes Montenegro a must see day trip. You’ll need your passport for this trip too as you’ll be crossing a national border.

Peljesac Peninsula Wine tasting

A day without wine is like a day without sunshine! Luckily the Pelješac peninsula offers both and much more. You do not have to be a connoisseur – no matter what your level of wine knowledge is you will go home with a greater appreciation for the importance of wine. A sunny landscape, bounteous grapes and a newfound freedom make the Dalmatian coast the perfect place to explore some excellent yet-to-be discovered wines. And there is no better place to do it than the Pelješac peninsula. Find out for yourself why already the old Romans said: “In vino veritas” In wine there is truth!

Mljet

Is the island of Mljet Homer’s Ogygia? Some people say that Homer, while describing the enchanted island of Ogigia, Ulysses and the nymph Calypso, had the island of Mljet in mind. True or not – this island is today certainly a paradise for those who enjoy untouched nature and absolute tranquility. The main attractions of the island are two saltwater lakes completely surrounded by a lovely thick forest. Enjoy a boat ride on the larger lake and visit the small island of St.Mary with the Benedictine monastery from the 12th century. There will be plenty of time for swimming, strolling around the lakes or having lunch in one of the charming local restaurants.

Elafati Island Cruise

What better way to see some islands than by boat? The Elafati Islands are idyllic green islands, with gardens full of oranges and lemons and lovely seashore landscapes, charming and picturesque villages with harmonious architecture of holiday houses; old seaman’s houses and little votive churches. Visit all three Elaphite islands and enjoy a lunch of grilled fish and wine while being serenaded by local musicians.

Next week I will share our top 5 active day trips.

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So what is there to do in Dubrovnik on a rainy day?

Day at the Museum

Dubrovnik is well-stocked with museums such as the Maritime Museum, the Archeological Museum and the Cultural Historical Museum, one of the highlights there being the collection of about 300 paintings by the Old Masters. An unusual privately-run museum that might be of interest is the War Photography museum – the museum intends to “educate the public in the field of war photography, to expose the myth of war and the intoxication of war, to let people see war as it is, raw, venal, frightening, by focusing on how war inflicts injustices on innocents and combatants alike.”

Visit Europe’s second oldest Synagogue

On Žudioska ulica you’ll find Europe’s second oldest synagogue, along with a Jewish museum. A visit there is described as a highlight of Dubrovnik by the Jewish Independent. The museum was restored as close to possible to its original design after being damaged in the Croatian War of Independence in the 1990s.

Dubrovnik Aquarium

Get eye-to-eye with some fish

The Marine and Coastal Research Institute’s Aquarium is located within the walls of St. Ivan’s Fortress. The aquarium’s 31 tanks are filled with continually pumped fresh sea water and afford the opportunity to get a good look at the Adriatic’s flora and fauna all while keeping dry yourself.

Spa day!

Some of Dubrovnik’s luxury hotels have spas that are open to day-visitors. Our pick is the Villa Dubrovnik’s spa – this newly renovated hotel’s spa is a study in understated elegance and offers a wide range of spa treatments. If you prefer your spa experience with a bigger brand, the Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik and try their famous hot stone massage.

If you’ve got any other ideas for ways to spend a rainy day in Dubrovnik, let us know in the comments.

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Croatia has 7 entries on the World Heritage List and many more candidates on the tentative list of submissions. Many of these places are destinations you can stay in or visit on a vacation in Croatia with us.

Historic City of Trogir

Added to the WHL in 1997, Trogir is often referred to as a city-museum, the old centre of Trogiris an island surrounded by city walls influenced over the centuries by the Greeks, Romans and Venetians. We offer a wide range of accommodation options in and around Trogir

Historical Complex of Split with the Palace of Diocletian

From Trogir we offer a 6 sightseeing tour of nearby Split, with transport, guides and entrance fees included so you can be sure you’re not missing out on seeing the most interesting parts of this 1979 addition to the WHL.

Old City of Dubrovnik

Another 1979 addition to the WHL, the old city of Dubrovnik is one of our most popular destinations. The pearl of the Adriatic, with stone-walled Old Town jutting out into the azure sea has a labyrinth of alleyways for you to wander in. You can stay in the old city itself, in a cosy hotel or apartment or outside the city at a luxurious villa. Dubrovnik is the ideal base to explore the surrounding area, with excursions to vineyards, and islands as well as day trips to Montenegro and Mostar.

Plitvice Lakes National Park

This final member of the class of 1979 is an area of breathtaking beauty. The highlights of the Park are the 16 lakes, all with unique and distinct colours ranging from azure, turquoise, green, blue and gray. We have a small selection of accommodation on the edges of Plitvice if you want to stay overnight and explore the 200 square miles of the National Park on your own (or we can arrange a local guide) or you can visit on a guided private day trip from Trogir or from Zagreb.

The candidate entrants

If you want to get ahead of the crowds, the candidate entrants are well worth a visit.

Veliki Tabor Castle

Submitted to the List in 2005, Veliki Tabor Castle is part of our whole day trip from Zagreb to Kumrovec and Veliki Tabor Castle. Kumrovec is the birthplace of the father of communist Yugoslavia, Josip Broz Tito and a visit to the restored village gives a taste of what an early 20th century Zagorje village looked like. From there the tour continues to 16th Century Baroque Veliki Tabor castle.

Lonjsko Polje Nature Park

Also submitted to the List in 2005, Lonjske Polje is another full day trip we offer from Zagreb. This Nature Park is where you’ll find Cigoc, a ‘European village of storks’ where the storks outnumber the human inhabitants of the village’s authentic wooden houses. On the tour you will take in the park’s forests pastures and meadows with a private guide, eat locally produced food and visit a crafts museum.

The historic town of Korčula

Marco Polo’s hometown was submitted in 2007 and as one of the best preserved medieval towns in all of the Mediterranean, we think it’s a shoo-in for full membership. Encircled by old city walls, the red-roofed houses and narrow streets are a postcard perfect. Korcula has been a very popular destination for us over the past couple of years and for accommodation we offer everything from hotels, apartments and villas, if you’re looking for somewhere to stay. We also offer day trips to Korcula from Hvar and Dubrovnik, if you’re staying there.

If this has given you the travel bug and a taste for the historical, cultural and natural sites of Croatia, get in touch and we’ll put together a personalized itinerary for you.

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Lone Bay

Lone Bay is the most popular town’s beach. It is located near many hotels (Park, Eden, Montauro), the yacht marina and is in easy walking distance from the town center. The beaches in Lone Bay are ideal for children and seniors who will enjoy the easy swimming in the calm waters of the bay, playing and sunbathing. Nearby are many sport and tourist facilities, boats and surf boards rentals, as well as several snack bars. Monvi amusement center, which during the night becomes a popular place to go out, with plentiful bars, clubs and restaurants, is also close by.

Cuvi Bay

Cuvi Bay is approximately 3 km from the center of Rovinj and it stretches for 1 km along the coast.
In this coastal part the beaches are very well-attended due to the gravels and pebbles and the easy access to the sea. Other advantages of Cuvi Bay are the number of cafes and other facilites you’ll find long the beach. If driving, you can park your car close to Cuvi Bay and it takes only a few minutes to walk to the beach. Or you could come by bike since the whole coast, all the way to the very center of Rovinj, is connected with paths for walkers and bicycle riders that have been put in place and that start at the coast of Lone Bay, close to Hotel

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Okrug Beach

Okrug Beach (Okrug Gornji)

The Okrug Beach is the most popular beach on the Trogir riviera. Situated no more than a couple of miles from the center of Trogir it is easy reached by the road which runs down the west cost of the island of Ciovo, to Okrug Gornji. This 2 kilometer long gravel beach is also called “Copacabana” because of its popularity. The vast number of beach bars and a few restaurants along the shore keeps this place buzzing into the night, as well as providing daytime sustenance and refreshement.

If you’re looking for something more active than just soaking up the sun, there is a water-sports center with a complete range of water sports on offer. To get there you can either walk or take a water taxi from Trogir, these run every 30 minutes, starting from mid-June, and cost 15 kune each way (around $3) per person.

Medena Beach

Medena Beach (Seget)

Medena Beach is a beautiful pebble beach, which extends 3 km along the coast from the village of Seget Donji to the Hotel Medena. This long beach gives holidaymakers the option of relax in the peace and quiet of the pine forests that run alongside it and endless possibilities for active holidays. From tennis courts, mini golf, a jogging track through pine woods, soccer pitches, volleyball and basketball courts to various water sports like jet ski, parascending, inner tubes, banana boat, water skiing, wind surfing and sailing. It’s also ideal for children, with a variety of entertainment and amusements available in the playgrounds along the beach. Medena is less than a mile from Trogir but if you prefer to arrive by boat, there are water taxis to take you there, just as with Okrug.

image credits: Okrug Beach by Premus, Medena Beach by Cristina, used under a Creative Commons license

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Hvar’s best beaches aren’t actually on Hvar itself but instead scattered amongst the nearby Pakleni archipelago. To get there you have the choice of ferry, taxi boat or our recommdation is renting your own motor boat (from around $100 a day for a small 2 stroke engined boat), which gives you the freedom to explore the islands and see a bit more of them.

The most popular of the beaches on the Pakleni islands are:

Palmizana – located on Sv. Klement, the largest island in the archipelago, with a coastline that looks like it was designed by Slartibartfast himself. Here you’ll find a smorgasbord of sandy beaches and secluded coves here, perfect for your first go at skinny-dipping.

Sv. Jerolim is a well-known and long-established naturist haven. The coast of the island of Sveti Jerolim is quite rocky, with also nice small shingle beach. Shrub and pine groves come almost down to the shore, so if you choose your spot carefully you can get plenty of shade in the heat of the afternoon, with the sea just few steps away when you want to cool off. There is a good restaurant and showers.

On Marinkovac island there are a number of beaches, many of them naturist beaches. There are three popular coves, Stipanska is the first place the boats stop. A short walk trough the pines from the beach is a restaurant. Stipanska has a small shop, showers and a naturist section.

If your beach time is limited, you could do worse than stick around in Hvar Town and head for Amfora beach, the largest beach in town, in front of Hotel Amfora, just 5 minutes walk from the town center. There you can enjoy a meal in the restaurant on the beach or a snack and drink at the beach bar and wash the sand off with the showers. Make it an active day by renting a paddleboat or catamaran kayak or just relax on a sunbed.

By far the hottest spot in Hvar is Hula Hula Beach Club, a 5 minute walk from Amfora and 15 minutes from the town center, along the coast. The perfect choice for a full day’s relaxation by the sea with sunbed and parasol rentals, with your dining needs taken care of by the excellent Bubba Gump restaurant, one of our favourite restaurants in Hvar. When the sun’s over the yard arm (from 5pm), the famous after beach parties start. Enjoy a cocktail and watch the sunset.

Image credits: Sv Jerolim by PrettyKateMachine, Marinkovac Island by Dave Schumaker, Palmizana Island by googlisti, all via Creative Commons on Flickr. Hula Hula Beach Sunset courtesy of Hula Hula Beach Club’s Facebook Page

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Banje Beach

Banje Beach is is right in the center of Korcula’s Old Town, close to Hotel Marco Polo and Hotel Park as well as to the local swimming and water polo club ‘KPK’. This pebble beach can get very busy, crowded with tourists as well as locals. With several cafes and restaurants close by you can get a drink or a bite to eat without the need to change out of beachwear.

The beach is very popular with locals who live around the Borak area, as well as the members of the swimming and waterpolo club, who like to go for swim at Banje after their training sessions at the adjacent pool.

Lumbarda’s Beaches

Two of the most beautiful sandy beaches in the area, Bilin Zal and Przina, are located near the seaside town of Lumbarda, a few kilometers east of Korcula town. Bilin Zal is a small beach, popular with locals, especially those with kids. Przina is a longer beach and in the summer it fills up from early in the day with both tourists and locals. There’s a small restaurant serving cold drinks and snacks. If you’re up for some skinny dipping, just follow the road straight ahead after the sandy beaches and turn left when you get to the pine forest. Soon you will reach a nudist area.

Luka Korculanska Bay

If you’re staying in Korcula town and don’t feel like going to Lumbarda, the good news is that a sandy beach can be found only a 15 minute walk from the old town in Luka Korculanska Bay. Near the beach several bars serving food and refreshing cold drinks. If you’re looking for some quiet and relaxing time on the beach, the bad news is that this beach is usually overcrowded with families with small children.

Badija Island Beaches

Badija island beaches are just a short water taxi-boat ride from Korcula town’s main harbour. Badija has a lot of swimming spots and pebble beaches all over the Island. There are many naturist beaches on Badija, so if that’s not your think, consider yourself advised. Badija is very popular among locals too for weekend day-trips and picnics, so it can get crowded at the weekends. There’s plenty of other things to see on the island, particularly the sprawling Franciscan monnastery, which was seized by Tito’s government after WWII and has been recently returned to the order. The monks have been busy restoring the monastery and cleaning up the island ever since.

Badija Monastery image courtesy of Sue Tupling via Creative Commons on Flickr

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Banje Beach

Banje Beach is the closest beach to the Old Town, just in front of the eastern entrance (Ploce Gate) to the Old Town which makes it both the most convenient beach to get to and has the best view of Dubrovnik’s walls. It’s a “managed beach” which means that you can rent sun loungers and beach umbrellas or you can choose to rough it and lay a beach towel on the pebbles.

The beach has it’s own reception, stylish restaurant and café bar just above the level of the beach, filled with modernistic white, low, benches and curved couches offers rentals of deck chairs and sun umbrellas, luxurious baldachins (sun canopies). Get active (and wet) with water ski, jet ski, speed boats, inner tube and banana boat rides.

Sv Jakov Beach

Locals love this beach but it seems very few tourists know about it. Head east from Ploce gate and go past the former monastery then take the long stairway leading down to this secluded beach. It’s a pebble and sandy beach with a stunning view of Dubrovnik and Lokrum island. From here, Dubrovnik and Lokrum seem close enough to touch.

When you’ve tired of swimming and enjoying the deep blue Adriatic you can join a volleyball game on the beach court. Or if you like kayaking, rent a beach canoe and explore the coastline. If speed is your thing, you can rent a jet ski. If you’re feeling less energetic, just soak up the rays on the beach under the warm Mediterranean sun or take cover in the shade of a beach bar.

Buza

Through the little door of St. Stjepan in The City walls, a view opens up of white rocks, blue sea and Lokrum island in direct vicinity. This door brings you to Buza, a bathing spot on the stony slopes under the City walls at the southern part of the city. It is easily reached by using any of the streets behind Dubrovnik cathedral.

During the spring and summer months a beach bar is open for the on spot cool refreshment to fight back the sweltering heat and in the evening hours the whole place is transformed with the reddish flame of torches into a romantic oasis of conversation and conviviality.

Lokrum

The island of Lokrum is situated in front of the Old City, a brief ten minute trip by taxi boat from Dubrovnik. From the Old City port regular taxi boats run during Spring and Automn every hour and during the summer time every half hour to the island.

It is a great choice to spend a whole day enjoying the sun and the sea. The island is a natural resort protected by the Croatian Academy of Art and Science and you’ll find there a botanical garden with tropical and subtropical plants. On the highest peak is Forte Royale which was built in the shape of a five pointed star by the French army in 1806; it gives breathtaking views of Dubrovnik, Cavtat and the island itself. Walking through pathways you can easily reach the old Benedictine monastery preserved and partly restored into the Maximilian of Habsburg Palace in 19th century. No vows or royal connections are required to get in there now though, since it has been converted into a restaurant and café bar.

On the island there is a small crystal clear lake linked with the open sea, called Mrtvo more ( Dead Sea) which is very suitable for children and non swimmers to bathe in.
The whole shore of Lokrum is rocky, and the beaches are too, usually backing onto groves of pine trees. Bear in mind that there are several naturist and gay beaches but there are plenty of secluded spots around the island that you’ll have entirely to yourself.

Related posts:

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3. The Best Beaches in Croatia, Part 4: Trogir