How time flies…our seven weeks in Croatia disappeared in no time. After leaving Montenegro, we headed to Dubrovnik and then slowly worked our way up the coast only disappearing inland to visit two of Croatia’s beautiful national parks and their country’s capital.
Here are some of the highlights of our time in this beautiful country…
Dubrovnik This stunning view of the city can be seen by catching the cable car to the top of Mt Srd
The closest beach to the old town!
Wandering around the old walls of Dubrovnik was a great way to see the cities roof tops and fabulous views
Dubrovnik by night
Dubrovnik’s Cathedral
Ston
About an hour from Dubrovnik is Ston, home to the most delicious oysters. You can read about it here
Mostar’s famous Mostar Bridge has always fascinated me so, on the way to Split, we stopped by. There’s always a bit of action on the bridge as this video shows! Click on the photo and you will then be able to see the video
Split Cafes, restaurants and bars line the Riva
One of the four gates of Split’s UNESCO listed Diocletian Palace
Hvar The stone houses of Hvar Town
The boardwalk in Hvar..the best place to watch the action!
We stayed in Starigrad, a smaller, quieter town than Hvar Town. Five nights was not enough!
A small piazza in Starigrad
One of the many beautiful bays on the island that we explored by boat.
Cocktail hour in Starigrad!
Vis Steps, stone houses and churches in Kut, the historical end of Vis town.
One of the reasons we loved Vis…fabulous food!
Lunch in a small bay on the other side of the island!
How could you not go for a swim here!
Freshly grilled sardines for lunch on a small island off Vis
Bol The famous Zlatni Rat beach on Bol
Trogir Inside the courtyard of the Town Hall in UNESCO listed Trogir
Skradin Mates wine bar in Skradin. Our favourite place in this lovely small town
Skradin…the gateway to Krka National Park
Zadar There’s always a fabulous sunset in Zadar!
When the sun goes down, Zadar’s Greeting to the Sun starts.
Fabulous juicy peaches at Zadar’s markets
Pag Pag is all about its famous sheep cheese….Paški Sir
Plitvice Lakes
Yes, the water really is this colour!
Rab
A delicious pasta with scampi
Caper bushes flourish in this little criner on Rab
Krk The view from our apartment on the island of Krk!
During our week on Krk, we took the ferry to the nearby island and the pretty town of Cres
Lunch in the small town of Veli Losinj on Losinj Island
A quick stop for a swim in the aqua water just outside at Veli Losinj
Zagreb The iconic photo of St Mark’s Church in Zagreb with its beautiful glazed tiles.
An unusual but beautiful tourist attraction…the tiled arcades of the Mirgoj Cememtary
Zagreb is all about its cafe culture and if you’re having coffee, you have to have strawberry tart!
There’s still more of Croatia to see. We still haven’t been to Istria but that’s the beauty of not seeing everything…we’ll just have to come back!!
Our travels continue so don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram as we move from country to country…live blogging!
Mmmmm Croatia. Cobblestones, spiky towers, blue seas, winding streets, and sunshine. I had a great time there, and wouldn’t mind another adventure there. It’s basically everything people might want from this part of the world.
I would like to visit everywhere please. 🙂 Some of your photos were walks down memory lane, others are most wonderful fodder for my imagination and dream trips in the future. Glorious photos and memories. 🙂
I had always heard that Croatia was beautiful but the photos of your travels prove it. It looks like you had beautiful weather during your visit to enjoy the wonderful scenery. We are heading back to Germany and Austria in a few weeks where almost everyone speaks English…that has always been our worry traveling in some other parts of the world.
We were very lucky with the weather Karen. It certainly makes a difference! Most people speak English in Croatia..maybe a few in the small out of the way towns won’t but you can always make yourself understood! Have a great trip to Germany and Austria.
Stunning pictures! I wouldn’t know where to begin with Croatia: everything looks so cool. I’m particularly fascinated by Split and the Diocletian palace built within the main square…
Thanks Stefania. Croatia is an easy country to explore….start in fabulous Dubrovnik and head north! Yes, Split is fascinating ..the history amazing. I hope you get there oneday.
We certainly had a great time, Jennifer and the weather helped incredibly. The islands are fabulous..they all have something different to offer. Lucky you…it’s so close!
You have very nice pictures. I always wanted to go there, you convinced me with this article in pursuing my dream and spending my life savings in a Euro trip. I like to taste different cuisine and experience different culture. Thanks for being an inspiration to your visitors.
Thank you for your lovely comment. It’s great to be able to inspire people to see countries that they may not have thought of visiting. Croatia is fascinating and offers so much to see and the food is fabulous too!
This is a wonderland! Oh how I wish I can visit Croatia someday, that would be a dream come true! I love the historical atmosphere of this place. This is so enchanting!
Incredibly gorgeous photos Jenny! Love them. I had a half a trip to Croatia. Cut short because I broke up with the guy I went with and he kept the car and kept travelling and I hopped on a train “home” to Germany. So I missed out on walking the walls at Dubrovnik (but did see Dubrovnik). After seeing all these I definitely have to get back there soon!
Thanks Amanda. It definitely sounds as though you have to go back..you’ll enjoy it more with your husband! Walking the walls is one of the highlights of Dubrovnik so don’t miss out next time!
Ohhh man I am so jealous right now! I live in Croatia and have not been to so many of these places – except Zadar where I live. I must get travelling fast. Shame I did not find your blog before you came to Zadar – if you’re ever back, drop us a line over at http://www.chasingthedonkey.com and we can show you some sights.
Oh no…and we were so close to you! If would have been fun to catch up! How lucky to live on the doorstep of all these beautiful places. You’re going to have a fun time exploring!!
Just found your blog, such wonderfully vivid photos i especially love this posting, i haven’t been to Croatia before but this article really makes me want to go.
Hi Ruth. It really was a fabulous seven weeks in Croatia. We loved Vis but I suppose if any place surprised us, it was the small town of Skradin at the entrance to Krk National Park. We thought we’d stay a day and spent three days there as everyone was so friendly
Hello!
Love your blog which I came across while trying to research travel in Croatia.
WIll be heading there this summer and was wondeing if you had any suggestions on the best way to travel around.
Is the train travel simple and effecient like in Germany, Italy, Austria etc?
We plan to focus on Istria and also would like to see Zagreb and Dubrovnik if possible within 1 week.
Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks and wish you a Happy New Year!
Mila
Hi Mila. You are going to love Croatia! Would you believe we ran out of time to include Istria in our travels so we are planning on going back this year.It will be a very rushed holiday for you if want to include Zagreb and Dubrovnik in the trip as they are at opposite ends of the country. Dubrovnik is an amazing city but Zagreb is closer to Istria. Most transfers are by bus..trains are not as efficient as in the rest of Europe though you may want a car to explore some of the countryside in Istria. Personally, I’d concentrate on Istria! Have a fabulous trip!
Hi Mila,
I agree with Jenny, I’d concentrate on Istria or Dubrovnik. Have a look at the flights though, too. There are links between Pula in Istria and Zagreb, and Dubrovnik and Zagreb.
Aargh, Jenny I commented on this post way back in September – I don’t know why my comments don’t come up. I’m going to Tweet, when I’ve commented. Anyway, now we are going to Croatia, this post is all the more interesting as we’ve been looking at visiting some of the places you’ve mentioned. Your photos are absolutely gorgeous, very tempting …
Mmm..I don’t know what happens to your comments Jo. Good idea to send a tweet and then I can check! Fantastic news that you are going to Croatia. Now all you have to do is choose where to go…that’s the tricky bit as everywhere is gorgeous!
Thank you for making me just a little bit excited! As I’m surrounded by lists and a feeling of angst at the moment, your photos have made me so eager to explore Croatia. I think that line of boats are the ones going to the islands (Hvar pic) and you can think of me skipping from one to the other to get to ours which no doubt will be last in line, with my cycle gear on. God, I hope I don’t fall in!
My pleasure Jo. I’ll be very envious of you skipping from boat to boat and exploring some of my favourite places. Have a fabulous trip…I can’t wait to hear all about it when you return.
Hello!
Your pictures really taste well! Although you have said that there are more places to visit, I must recommend small places too. They are also colorfull and tastefull. If I can be free, try to visit Podgora in Dalmatia. My family is in tourism from 1970., and we have apartments there. Close to Podgora is Biokovo Nature Park, Bacina Lakes, Island Brac (have a desert on the island), and much more to visit.
Usually couples and families with kids are on holidays in Podgora…
Bye!
Beautiful pictures! Croatia is really beautiful country and here you can enjoy in great historic monuments, beautiful nature, delicious food and in the company of great people.
Oh Jenny, you have such beautiful photos. but I must say I was scrolling down the post hoping to see some of Istria in there 🙂 Next time you come to Croatia, don’t miss the small Istrian coast towns (I live in Novigrad, a wonderfully preserved walled town).
Here’s to 7 more weeks in Croatia!
Thanks Andrea. We went to Istria last year and spent 2 weeks exploring the towns of this area. We also visited Novigrad which I agree, is stunning! You live in a really beautiful part of Croatia.
Thanks for this post, I have had it saved for a while but we have finally arrived in Croatia…we are looking forward to exploring (even if it is Winter) some of the places you talked about
Lucky you! Croatia will be fabulous in winter too…You may have to do a few different things instead of visiting the islands but it will fun. Istria would be a great place to go. There’s a post on the hilltop towns as well….Don’t forget to eat truffles!
Hi Jenny – stumbled across your article – loved it. We are off to Croatia late June 2016 with our three children 6, 11, 12. A few nights in Trogir then up to Sibernik to collect yacht which we’ll sail for 7 days. Love to read of your dining tips.
Hi John. What a fabulous holiday you have planned. Will you be heading north from Sibernik towards Zadar or will you head south to the islands off Split. After you leave Sibernik, don’t miss the Kornati Islands…they’re quite beautiful and very different to the other islands. Vis was our favourite island. I’ve written a post on where to eat here as well as the best beaches that you may like to moor off. Without knowing where you’re going, it’s hard to give specific tips but please email me and I’ll see if I can help.
Hi Jenny Yes a bit of detail would help!! Ive just ordered the ‘Croatia Cruising Companion’ which was recommended to me as a great sailing guide for the area. I’ll grab that and if i have any questions I’ll drop you an email. Thanks for your note. Seasons Greetings.
Hi Jenny. Your photos look amazing. No doubt you had time of your life in Croatia. You have visited so many beautiful places. But I havent seen any photos of Šibenik.
We have just came back from Croatia with my boyfriend. It was amazing.
We spent most of our time in Šibenik as a base for our multiple trips. We have visited National Park Krka, Plitvice lakes and Kornati. We have made some day trips to Trogir , Split, Hvar, Korčula. A true beauty.
Most of our time we stayed in D-Resort Šibenik as we heard good reviews from our friends that visited it last summer. It is a new and very relaxing hotel. Perfect place to unwind after a long walking day. Great for couples.
All in all it was a wonderful time.
Hi Katie. We visited Sibernik on our way from Trogir to Skradin but, preferring to stay in smaller towns, we spent three days in Skradin which we loved. We shad already spent a week on Hvar and time in Trogir so we didn’t need to worry about day trips. Personally I think Trogir is a wonderful place if you need a base for day trips.
Hi Jenny, I loved your travel journal and photos! Croatia looks amazing! My husband and I are visiting at the end of April and would love your advice. We are planning to fly into Zagreb and stay 2 nights pick up a rental car and travel to Split for 2 nights then take a ferry over to Vis for 2 nights and finally Dubrovnik for 4 nights. We were wondering if you think our itinerary is too rushed for 10 days and if we should spend more time in fewer places and what you think about going to Vis in April and if we will need our car on the island. Any comments and ideas would be much appreciated! Best regards, Andrea
Hi Andrea. I thought I had replied to your query but it doesn’t seem to be showing so here goes again! Your itinerary is rushed for 10 days! You may have to come home for a holiday! Depending on the time you get into Zagreb, I would only stay 1 night there and 1night in Split and then spend the extra 2 nights in Vis. We still have not stayed in Split yet spending only the time between ferries there to wander around! If you arrived about 3 or 4 hours before the ferry, you could see a lot! You may want to do this then spend a night at the Plitvice Lakes seeing you are driving right past them! If it is not too late, my other suggestion would be to look at flying into Split which will save you some time! After having said all this, Vis in April could be a problem, especially early April. I would contact one of the villa agencies or hotels and see what they say. Yes, a car will help you have a better time! Have a great trip. Jenny
Istria is its own little world…a part of Croatia but unique. It is a land that combines the best of two worlds…life on the waters of the Adriatic and the inland hill top towns known...
Croatia is extremely charming – I like the walls and old world feel!
http://renuka-voyagerforlife.blogspot.in
Croatia is beautiful Renuka. Walking the walls in Dubrovnik was a highlight of my stay there.
Mmmmm Croatia. Cobblestones, spiky towers, blue seas, winding streets, and sunshine. I had a great time there, and wouldn’t mind another adventure there. It’s basically everything people might want from this part of the world.
Yes, all those things and more Eytan! You forgot the food…which I found surprisingly good! we’ll be back too..it’s a perfect place to relax!
Croatia looks incredible. It’s been on my list of places to visit for ages – now I really want to go next summer!
Croatia is fabulous Monica. Go…you’ll love it!!
Croatia is fabulous Monica. Go…you’ll love it!!
I would like to visit everywhere please. 🙂 Some of your photos were walks down memory lane, others are most wonderful fodder for my imagination and dream trips in the future. Glorious photos and memories. 🙂
Thanks Krista. Pleased I could help you relive your previous trips and plan future ones! It really is a wonderful country!
I had always heard that Croatia was beautiful but the photos of your travels prove it. It looks like you had beautiful weather during your visit to enjoy the wonderful scenery. We are heading back to Germany and Austria in a few weeks where almost everyone speaks English…that has always been our worry traveling in some other parts of the world.
We were very lucky with the weather Karen. It certainly makes a difference! Most people speak English in Croatia..maybe a few in the small out of the way towns won’t but you can always make yourself understood! Have a great trip to Germany and Austria.
Stunning pictures! I wouldn’t know where to begin with Croatia: everything looks so cool. I’m particularly fascinated by Split and the Diocletian palace built within the main square…
Thanks Stefania. Croatia is an easy country to explore….start in fabulous Dubrovnik and head north! Yes, Split is fascinating ..the history amazing. I hope you get there oneday.
You just had gorgeous weather and what looks to have been a fabulous time! I definitely want to explore more of the islands.
We certainly had a great time, Jennifer and the weather helped incredibly. The islands are fabulous..they all have something different to offer. Lucky you…it’s so close!
You have very nice pictures. I always wanted to go there, you convinced me with this article in pursuing my dream and spending my life savings in a Euro trip. I like to taste different cuisine and experience different culture. Thanks for being an inspiration to your visitors.
Thank you for your lovely comment. It’s great to be able to inspire people to see countries that they may not have thought of visiting. Croatia is fascinating and offers so much to see and the food is fabulous too!
This is a wonderland! Oh how I wish I can visit Croatia someday, that would be a dream come true! I love the historical atmosphere of this place. This is so enchanting!
Thanks Ariana.The history is fascinating, the people friendly and the food great…what more do you need! I hope you can visit Croatia one day.
Incredibly gorgeous photos Jenny! Love them. I had a half a trip to Croatia. Cut short because I broke up with the guy I went with and he kept the car and kept travelling and I hopped on a train “home” to Germany. So I missed out on walking the walls at Dubrovnik (but did see Dubrovnik). After seeing all these I definitely have to get back there soon!
Thanks Amanda. It definitely sounds as though you have to go back..you’ll enjoy it more with your husband! Walking the walls is one of the highlights of Dubrovnik so don’t miss out next time!
Not a bad way to spend 7 weeks!
It was fabulous Andrea. Unfortunately the time went all too quickly!
Ohhh man I am so jealous right now! I live in Croatia and have not been to so many of these places – except Zadar where I live. I must get travelling fast. Shame I did not find your blog before you came to Zadar – if you’re ever back, drop us a line over at http://www.chasingthedonkey.com and we can show you some sights.
Oh no…and we were so close to you! If would have been fun to catch up! How lucky to live on the doorstep of all these beautiful places. You’re going to have a fun time exploring!!
Just found your blog, such wonderfully vivid photos i especially love this posting, i haven’t been to Croatia before but this article really makes me want to go.
Thanks Ross. Croatia is a fun country and certainly worth adding to you travel wish list!
Wow, what a trip! I would like to visit Dubrovnik, Korcula and Hvar. Any place in the country that surprised you in particular?
Hi Ruth. It really was a fabulous seven weeks in Croatia. We loved Vis but I suppose if any place surprised us, it was the small town of Skradin at the entrance to Krk National Park. We thought we’d stay a day and spent three days there as everyone was so friendly
Hello!
Love your blog which I came across while trying to research travel in Croatia.
WIll be heading there this summer and was wondeing if you had any suggestions on the best way to travel around.
Is the train travel simple and effecient like in Germany, Italy, Austria etc?
We plan to focus on Istria and also would like to see Zagreb and Dubrovnik if possible within 1 week.
Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks and wish you a Happy New Year!
Mila
Hi Mila. You are going to love Croatia! Would you believe we ran out of time to include Istria in our travels so we are planning on going back this year.It will be a very rushed holiday for you if want to include Zagreb and Dubrovnik in the trip as they are at opposite ends of the country. Dubrovnik is an amazing city but Zagreb is closer to Istria. Most transfers are by bus..trains are not as efficient as in the rest of Europe though you may want a car to explore some of the countryside in Istria. Personally, I’d concentrate on Istria! Have a fabulous trip!
Hi Mila,
I agree with Jenny, I’d concentrate on Istria or Dubrovnik. Have a look at the flights though, too. There are links between Pula in Istria and Zagreb, and Dubrovnik and Zagreb.
Thanks Ana
Aargh, Jenny I commented on this post way back in September – I don’t know why my comments don’t come up. I’m going to Tweet, when I’ve commented. Anyway, now we are going to Croatia, this post is all the more interesting as we’ve been looking at visiting some of the places you’ve mentioned. Your photos are absolutely gorgeous, very tempting …
Mmm..I don’t know what happens to your comments Jo. Good idea to send a tweet and then I can check! Fantastic news that you are going to Croatia. Now all you have to do is choose where to go…that’s the tricky bit as everywhere is gorgeous!
Thank you for making me just a little bit excited! As I’m surrounded by lists and a feeling of angst at the moment, your photos have made me so eager to explore Croatia. I think that line of boats are the ones going to the islands (Hvar pic) and you can think of me skipping from one to the other to get to ours which no doubt will be last in line, with my cycle gear on. God, I hope I don’t fall in!
My pleasure Jo. I’ll be very envious of you skipping from boat to boat and exploring some of my favourite places. Have a fabulous trip…I can’t wait to hear all about it when you return.
Hello!
Your pictures really taste well! Although you have said that there are more places to visit, I must recommend small places too. They are also colorfull and tastefull. If I can be free, try to visit Podgora in Dalmatia. My family is in tourism from 1970., and we have apartments there. Close to Podgora is Biokovo Nature Park, Bacina Lakes, Island Brac (have a desert on the island), and much more to visit.
Usually couples and families with kids are on holidays in Podgora…
Bye!
Thanks for your suggestions Ratko. I’ll have a look at them. We went to Brac and loved the few days we spent in Bol
Croatia is stunning and being a big fan of Games of Thrones …..can’t wait to visit the place…
http://thetalesofatraveler.com
There were a lot of Games of Thrones fans in Dubrovnik when we were there who were loving seeing the sites! You’ll definitely love it!
Beautiful pictures! Croatia is really beautiful country and here you can enjoy in great historic monuments, beautiful nature, delicious food and in the company of great people.
Thanks Jelena.Everything you say is true. we loved it so much we’re heading back there again this year!
Great article and a beautiful photos. If you travel to Dalmatian islands again, do not miss to visit an island of Korcula.
We spent a day in Korcula this trip Corina. I’m yet to write about it but eventually I will!
Oh Jenny, you have such beautiful photos. but I must say I was scrolling down the post hoping to see some of Istria in there 🙂 Next time you come to Croatia, don’t miss the small Istrian coast towns (I live in Novigrad, a wonderfully preserved walled town).
Here’s to 7 more weeks in Croatia!
Thanks Andrea. We went to Istria last year and spent 2 weeks exploring the towns of this area. We also visited Novigrad which I agree, is stunning! You live in a really beautiful part of Croatia.
Thanks for this post, I have had it saved for a while but we have finally arrived in Croatia…we are looking forward to exploring (even if it is Winter) some of the places you talked about
Lucky you! Croatia will be fabulous in winter too…You may have to do a few different things instead of visiting the islands but it will fun. Istria would be a great place to go. There’s a post on the hilltop towns as well….Don’t forget to eat truffles!
Hi Jenny – stumbled across your article – loved it. We are off to Croatia late June 2016 with our three children 6, 11, 12. A few nights in Trogir then up to Sibernik to collect yacht which we’ll sail for 7 days. Love to read of your dining tips.
Hi John. What a fabulous holiday you have planned. Will you be heading north from Sibernik towards Zadar or will you head south to the islands off Split. After you leave Sibernik, don’t miss the Kornati Islands…they’re quite beautiful and very different to the other islands. Vis was our favourite island. I’ve written a post on where to eat here as well as the best beaches that you may like to moor off. Without knowing where you’re going, it’s hard to give specific tips but please email me and I’ll see if I can help.
Hi Jenny Yes a bit of detail would help!! Ive just ordered the ‘Croatia Cruising Companion’ which was recommended to me as a great sailing guide for the area. I’ll grab that and if i have any questions I’ll drop you an email. Thanks for your note. Seasons Greetings.
Hi Jenny. Your photos look amazing. No doubt you had time of your life in Croatia. You have visited so many beautiful places. But I havent seen any photos of Šibenik.
We have just came back from Croatia with my boyfriend. It was amazing.
We spent most of our time in Šibenik as a base for our multiple trips. We have visited National Park Krka, Plitvice lakes and Kornati. We have made some day trips to Trogir , Split, Hvar, Korčula. A true beauty.
Most of our time we stayed in D-Resort Šibenik as we heard good reviews from our friends that visited it last summer. It is a new and very relaxing hotel. Perfect place to unwind after a long walking day. Great for couples.
All in all it was a wonderful time.
Hi Katie. We visited Sibernik on our way from Trogir to Skradin but, preferring to stay in smaller towns, we spent three days in Skradin which we loved. We shad already spent a week on Hvar and time in Trogir so we didn’t need to worry about day trips. Personally I think Trogir is a wonderful place if you need a base for day trips.
Hi Jenny, I loved your travel journal and photos! Croatia looks amazing! My husband and I are visiting at the end of April and would love your advice. We are planning to fly into Zagreb and stay 2 nights pick up a rental car and travel to Split for 2 nights then take a ferry over to Vis for 2 nights and finally Dubrovnik for 4 nights. We were wondering if you think our itinerary is too rushed for 10 days and if we should spend more time in fewer places and what you think about going to Vis in April and if we will need our car on the island. Any comments and ideas would be much appreciated! Best regards, Andrea
Hi Andrea. I thought I had replied to your query but it doesn’t seem to be showing so here goes again! Your itinerary is rushed for 10 days! You may have to come home for a holiday! Depending on the time you get into Zagreb, I would only stay 1 night there and 1night in Split and then spend the extra 2 nights in Vis. We still have not stayed in Split yet spending only the time between ferries there to wander around! If you arrived about 3 or 4 hours before the ferry, you could see a lot! You may want to do this then spend a night at the Plitvice Lakes seeing you are driving right past them! If it is not too late, my other suggestion would be to look at flying into Split which will save you some time! After having said all this, Vis in April could be a problem, especially early April. I would contact one of the villa agencies or hotels and see what they say. Yes, a car will help you have a better time! Have a great trip. Jenny