Stari Grad, Hvar Island
Is everyone in Croatia this summer? Island hopping, driving around the Dalmatian Coast, or doing a yacht week, this is all I see online! I think we can safely say that Croatia is the new Prague of the travel world. I feel so left out stuck here in Spain!
Oh wait (as I pinch myself) I live in Spain, life could be worse. Though I haven’t been going to the beach too much since I am squirreling away all my euros for lots of fun trips in September, I try to make it to the local pool as often as I can so I won’t be embarrassingly pale when I come back to the US in September.
I also can’t complain as I have already been to Croatia, back in the summer of 2009, long before I started this blog. 10 days of teeny bikinis, rocky beaches, clear blue water, cute boys on boats, magical sunsets and the freshest seafood around. Does it get much better than that? I don’t think so.
I don’t know what it’s like now, but in 2009 Croatia was not all that touristy. Mid-July, the beaches weren’t too crowded, the food was cheap, the ferry schedule was damn near impossible to decipher and we didn’t book any accommodations in advance. We would hop off the boat and talk to the old ladies holding signs offering spots in their houses. It was heaven.
I look back at that summer with stupidly idealized perfection, and I can’t wait to go back one day. I’ve already decided to do a yacht week next August. Who’s with me?
Have you ever been to Croatia? What’s your dream European beach destination?
Zagreb
Plitvice Lakes
A must if you are ever in Croatia. These natural lakes look fake they are so blue. The only downside was no swimming is allowed, even when it’s blisteringly hot out. It’s easy to spend a whole day wandering around the extensive park.
Hvar Island
My favorite place in Croatia. Beautiful hidden beaches, turquoise water, lavender fields galore and boats everywhere. It couldn’t have been more perfect.
Split
A big harbor city, Split is really interesting because the old quarter is built right into Roman Emperor Diocletian’s palace. So as you walk around it, you are actually walking around an ancient palace. So cool!
Great pictures! It looks like you had an amazing trip 🙂 I’m thinking of traveling to Croatia this summer. Did you ever have any problems traveling there alone? Was it pretty easy to get around the language barriers?
Thanks!
Hey Liz,
Girl. You are awesome. I’ve always been a travel addict, but it wasn’t until recently that I’ve had the courage to go out and adventure on my own. This blog of yours has definitely been a huge inspiration! I’m heading to Croatia myself in February for a week of bliss, and I could not be more excited. Thanks for being such a badass. 🙂
Olivia,
there is no direct flight. What you can do is to take flight from Zagreb to Split (0:30h) and then taje ferryboat from Split to Hvar (1:00h). More info of Hvar:
http://holidays-to-croatia.com/home/about-croatia/hvar-island/
Liz, is there an easy way to get from Zagreb airport to Havr Island? I’m trying to go, but I don’t think I would rent a car! Any tips would be so appreciated! Thank you! Olivia