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Three Places to Visit in Croatia This Summer
Croatia has exploded in popularity among British holidaymakers over the past decade. It’s Mediterranean coastal scenery, picturesque towns, and lower prices than Western European countries have made it a desirable summer destination.
If you’ve booked a holiday to Croatia this summer, check out our guide on the top three locations to experience the best the country has to offer.
Dubrovnik: The Pearl of the Adriatic
Dubrovnik should be an essential stop during Croatian holidays. The beautiful Old Town, with its terracotta rooftops and baroque palaces surrounded by 800-year-old walls, is a sight to behold. Game of Thrones fans may recognise parts of the Red Keep in Fort Lovrijenac and the bustling streets of King’s Landing in Stradun.
One of the best ways to start a trip to Dubrovnik is to walk the medieval and Renaissance city walls. They are over a mile in total, and provide excellent views of the city centre and the Adriatic. For a unique adventure, get the boat from the old port to the island of Lokrum. There, you’ll find a ruined monastery, rocky beaches, and a botanical garden.
There are plenty of sea kayaking tours throughout the city. Many allow you to cool off in the water and snorkel in coves around the Old Town. After a day on the water, head to the Buza Bar just below the city walls, or head to a luxury bar south of the Ploce Gate.
Plitvice Lakes National Park: A Natural Wonder
Plitvice Lakes National Park, a 295 square kilometre forest reserve in the country’s centre, is ideal for nature enthusiasts. The UNESCO World Heritage site is home to a chain of 16 terraced lakes and caves joined by waterfalls.
The park offers several walkways and hiking trails around and over the water, well-suited to various abilities. Electric boats link the lakes if you want to take in the views from the water. The vibrant blue and turquoise colours of the lakes, with the backdrop of the green forests, make for great photo opportunities.
If you’re lucky, you may even spot brown bears, grey wolves, and lynx. Remember to pack comfortable walking shoes for uneven terrain and breathable clothes during the humid summer.
Hvar: The Sunniest Island
Hvar, off the central Dalmatian coast, has long been a hotspot for those looking for a glamorous retreat. Explore the historic main square, Trg Sv Stjepan, to find St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Its blend of Gothic, Renaissance, Mannerist and Baroque architecture is a sight to behold, as is the collection of religious art and historical artefacts at the 15th-century Franciscan Monastery.
For a secluded getaway, visit Mekicevica Beach on the southern coast, or explore the rugged Pakleni Islands. Further inland on the main island are the world-renowned lavender fields that blanket the area in a rich shade of purple. For food, you can’t go wrong with a local Dalmatian black risotto in Hvar Town.
