The beauty of the Adriatic sea, coupled with Croatia’s mix of modern chic and authentic Mediterranean, is the reason it is known today as one of the world’s greatest spots for sailing.
Croatia is still relatively cheap too with its own currency (the Kuna), meaning eating out is a fraction of the price (despite Croatia still being part of the EU). By far the best way to see the islands is by cruise boat, but don’t forget there are plenty of things to see and do on land too! Let’s take a look at what you can discover on a cruise around Croatia.
Cruising Around Croatia
Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik is quickly becoming well known for being the set of the award winning HBO series, Game of Thrones, but it’s not just the promise of dragons and danger that draw visitors back again and again.
On entering Durbovnik by boat, you might think you have stepped back in time with its sun drenched atmosphere and Baroque churches. Stepping onto the shore, limestone paving leads the way through the Old Town where you can enjoy dishes like pizza, pasta and fresh off the boat shellfish from a local restaurant. The local dish of Dubrovnik is capon (young rooster) which you will be expected to wash down with local wine.
After dinner, admiring Dubrovnik’s beautiful views from afar has never been easier, as visitors will find a 412 metre cable car at the summit of Mount Srd which gives you sensational views of the city.
Split
Bustling and chaotic Split harbour is an exciting place to stop over and well worth an overnight stay because of its vibrant night life- perfect for younger travellers.
Split harbour is lined with tiny local restaurants and seafront stalls selling incredible fresh seafood. Be sure to visit UNESO heritage site Diocletian’s Palace whilst you’re on the mainland- only, 1km from the port of split terminal. The palace lies in a bay on the south side of a small peninsula running out from the Dalmatian coast.
When you find yourself back at sea, the cruise liner will likely sail South to Makarska and Pelješac peninsula for a refreshing swim before spending the rest of the afternoon soaking up the sun on the deck. Just sit back with a cold beer or glass of wine and relax.
From Split, you can sail on into the Med and visit Greece, with Athens just a four day sail away via Albania and Montenegro (don’t miss a swim in Montenegro’s Kotor Bay whilst you’re there!) Just check out the many cruise deals available and make your Adriatic dream a reality.
Have you been to Croatia?
Which places are on your travel bucketlist?
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Images by Amira_a and Elena, used under the Creative Commons license.
My travel bucket list is long, i would love to see Germany, Hawaii, oh and i can’t forget the beautiful lovely Paris. If i could i would just travel the world the rest of my life.
I’ve been to Hawaii and Paris, but not Germany. I’d like to go to Germany too!
This beautiful photo caught my eye. I”ve never been to Croatia. It is a great time to travel where the exchange rate gets you much for your money, and will help their economies. I’ve always wanted to go to Paris, or Switzerland.
I love traveling anywhere where our USD is worth more! 🙂
These pictures are absolutely beautiful. If you are a fan of Game of Thrones then Dubrovnik may be the place for you!
Oooh Croatia was not on my bucket list but is now! 😉 I also want to visit Spain and Greece!
I’ve been to many places in Europe, but never Croatia. My top bucket list trip is to New Zealand.
Croatia is AWESOME! just make sure when you go swimming you are on the right side of this island because one side is devoted to families and the other devoted to those that are not afraid of bearing it all. this rule should be followed on all isalnds but more than once even on the family sides you will see those that just don’t care usually because they have small children and they dont take their children over to the other side. AND… consistently on the differnt islands we went to usually the side that has the prettier water and better snorkeling is usually the non-family side. =S Also on the different islands we went to there were NO sandy beaches! they were all rocky some large rocks like hardened lava, some were small pebbles that were painful to walk on and some are but flat sheets of rocks. So I know you love the beach just be prepared for not getting to comfy while enjoying it… that is unless you bring a lounge chair. but if you were on a cruise you wouldn’t have to worry so much. also data for mobile phones or ipads etc. that use a sim is RIDICULOUSLY cheap! On the island of Brac is Bol a famous beach it looks nice and sandy but its the small pebble kind. =S if you are looking at it like it is a v the right side is the ‘safe’ side for the most part. we took an interisland ferry from hvar there were only two early morning and late afternoon. so we walked from the port to Bol it was a lovely walk miles of shops and boutiques. But the island of Brac if famous for white marble (aahhhh my favorite as you know white white white,) anyway the marble used to make the white house comes from that island! the island of hvar is famous for lavender and rosemary i had no idea those plants are botanically classified as cousins but can totally see it after I was taught that. you can drive and see miles and miles and miles of lavender its beautiful! we went there early June and the water wasn’t warm until mid-to late. we were there two weeks and it wasn’t until the last part of the second week that the water warmed up. but it was the tail end of the winter season so things were cheaper. let me know if you end up going there and staying some time i know some Adventist there that have an awesome place to stay at that is a rental. Also Plitvice National Park (plit-vitch-ka) is beyond awesome but you would have to fly to croatia rent a vehicle drive there then down to split or another major port but i recommend split because it is so neat there then catch a ferry from there to what ever island you wanted to go to. don’t go hiking anywhere you’d like only go to places that are designated for hiking like proper trails that are made by the state parks as there are still landmines planted in the ground in various places of Croatia etc.. traveling inland you can still see house that have the top part bombed out and the bottom part people still live in. let me know if you end up being able to go! tm
This is such great insider information, Tara Marie. Yes, I’d like to visit the family friendly beaches, but also want nice beaches. And I LOVE lavender and rosemary. It seems like such a beautiful place to be. I have a local friend who is Croatian and she tries to go back every two years and the photos are amazing! Thank you for commenting here. It is nice to “hear” from you again! 🙂