This is my first trip to the country of Croatia, but one thing is obvious – namely, that there are some locations in Croatia that are very appealing as vacation spots.

So much of the country borders the Adriatic Sea.  The sea is so beautiful, and the water is sooooooooooo clear.  It is amazing.  The temperature of the sea is refreshing – a little cool, but once you get in, it is great.  I took my first swim today, but Ian has been in 4 times.  Ian is from Hawaii, and he knows a thing or two about water.  He loves the clarity of the water in the Adriatic Sea.

But this is a country that should be on everyone’s potential vacation destinations list.

Three areas along the coast stand out.  One, on or near the Istria peninsula.  Two, the city of Split and nearby.  And three, the islands (1,185) along the Dalmatian coast.

First, the Istria peninsula.  This is the most northern section of the Croatian coastline. Relatively close to Venice and Trieste in Italy and right next to Slovenia, it has a definite Italian vibe to it.  You have three options of where to hang out in Istria on the water, and then there is one option inland, but still on the Istria peninsula.

On the Istria coast you can choose either the town of Pula or the town of Rovinj or the town of Opatija.  Rovinj and Opatija are known in Europe as great getaway towns for laid back vacations.  Rovinj has a Venetian vibe to it, while Opatija has a Viennese vibe.

Rovinj is so romantic, with its narrow winding narrow “streets” in old town, with its tiny hidden restaurants that hug the rocky shore of the Adriatic Sea, or with its numerous swimming and sunbathing opportunities on the rocky outcroppings of the old town peninsula.  Opatija, on the other hand, reminds one of a more cosmopolitan, almost French Riviera like town where the elite and the want to be’s hang out.  It has a beautiful setting on the Adriatic Sea and numerous water oriented hotels, restaurants and shops.

Pula is a very interesting industrial port town, and has some phenomenal Roman ruins, especially a mini Colosseum.

The interior of the Istria peninsula has some really small quaint hill towns that remind one of Tuscany in Italy.  Wineries and olive oil farms dot the landscape.  We spent time in Motovun, which sits 1,000 feet above the vineyards and forests below, with glorious vistas.  You feel like you were back in Medieval times – walled towns, very steep entrances, no cars, quiet and secluded.

The second option for a vacation destination is Split and its surrounding area.  Split is the second city of Croatia after Dubrovnik.  With its almost 200,000 inhabitants it has the electricity of an urban city in its downtown area.

Historical landmarks, high end shopping streets, classic harbor walkways to see and be seen.  There is nightlife and it starts around 10 or 11pm.  Open air squares are full of people walking or sitting at outdoor tables at one of numerous cafes.  A bustling city, harbor, historical old town, Split is alive.

Near Split is the little town of Skradin.  With only 3,000 citizens, it has a small harbor which is accessible from the Adriatic Sea, and it is very close to the Krka National Park. To give you an idea how attractive some of the nooks and crannies along the Croatian coastline can be, it is reported that Bill Gates brings his yacht into the harbor each year and stays for a few weeks.

Finally, there are the islands of the country that dot the coastline.  Croatia has 1,185 islands, of which 50 are occupied.  Several of these are destinations for relaxing and chilling.

We spent time on the island of Korcula, relatively close to Dubrovnik.  Hvar is another island that is very popular, but one that we did not get to on this trip.  The combination of the clear blue green waters of the Adriatic, a full moon, the laid back feel of island living, the mountain back drop no matter which direction you look all add up to a wonderful escape from the pressures and pulls and tugs of everyday living.

Over 15 million visitors came to Croatia this past year.  It has been discovered.  This sets it apart from Slovenia which is still a relatively hidden gem.  However, when compared in 2022 to tourists visiting France (82m), Spain (75m) or Italy (52m), Croatia still has the feel of being a little bit undiscovered.

One thing is for sure about planning a vacation in Croatia and that is there are definitely places in Croatia that are still relatively undiscovered.  You can find quiet places to hang out and chill.  You can find locations on the beautiful Adriatic Sea to watch the sunset.  You can find local eateries that will satisfy any palate.  You can find urban active centers if that is what you want.

In addition, when vacationing in Croatia you have options on what means of travel to use.  For example, we have been traveling in a chartered bus because we have a group of 20+.  Traveling by car is easy to do also since the country is the size of Maryland.  In addition, traveling by bicycle is very popular.  I think on my next trip to Croatia I will choose to rent a boat and cruise from port to port, from island to island.

If you want to avoid the crowds in France, Spain and Italy, this is a place to go. If you want to find a place to just enjoy, hang out and chill this is a place to go.

Please note that I haven’t even talked about the country’s national parks (see future blog).  Nor have I mentioned the City of Dubrovnik, which I will visit starting tomorrow.