Croatia is a gem of the Adriatic, a country where medieval towns meet breathtaking coastlines, and rich history intertwined with vibrant culture. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or venturing abroad for the first time, Croatia offers an unparalleled experience that captivates every type of explorer.

My wife Joie and me first became interested in visiting Croatia after watching a food travel show on television. The stunning inland and coastal areas, plus the fabulous food that was profiled made it our destination of choice for the trip. Our 10-day trip began in the capital city of Zagreb, then several wonderful days in Split, and ending in Dubrovnik. We were completely enthralled with the beauty of the country, the friendly people, great food, and ease of travel. 

Croatia’s appeal lies in its versatility. If you’re drawn to stunning beaches, the Dalmatian coast serves up crystal-clear waters and charming islands, perfect for both relaxation and adventure. If you love history, cities like Dubrovnik and Split boast ancient architecture, preserved fortresses, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Foodies can indulge in fresh seafood, rich truffle-based dishes, and some of the world’s finest olive oils and wines.

• Dubrovnik: Known as the "Pearl of the Adriatic," Dubrovnik is famous for its well-preserved medieval walls and historic Old Town. Fans of Game of Thrones may recognize it as the backdrop for King’s Landing.

• Split: Home to Diocletian’s Palace, this lively city blends Roman ruins with modern cafes, bars, and vibrant nightlife. We absolutely loved our time in Split. We stayed in the oldest part of the city where cars are not allowed near the port. The city is steeped in history and has great shops and restaurants that are easily accessed by foot. One of our favorite things to do in Split was to walk down to the bay near the cruise port and visit one of the restaurants for a refreshing drink and snack and do some people watching. The food was delicious, and the views were spectacular and very relaxing.    

• Plitvice Lakes National Park: A haven for nature lovers, this park features cascading waterfalls, turquoise lakes, and lush forests—ideal for hikers and photographers. We visited this park and can attest to the overwhelming beauty of the lakes and surrounding area. The first picture below is of Joie and I there. 

• Hvar: This sun-soaked island is synonymous with luxury, offering pristine beaches, charming villages, and some of Croatia’s best nightlife. This is a must visit for your tip. It's a 1-hour ferry ride from Split and has beautiful views from the surrounding hills and historical places to visit. 

• Zagreb: Croatia’s capital boasts a mix of Austro-Hungarian architecture, thriving art scenes, and vibrant markets. It’s an excellent city for a cultural deep dive.

• Island Hopping: Croatia has over 1,000 islands, each offering unique landscapes and attractions. Whether you explore Brač, Korčula, or Vis, sailing between them is a highlight. You must visit Trogir, which is just outside of Split, for it's history and beauty, and take the ferry to Hvar. We took a guided tour of Hvar and loved the views, history and cuisine on the island.    

• Local Cuisine: Taste black risotto (made with squid ink), peka (a slow-cooked dish of meat and vegetables), and Croatia’s famed wines from regions like Istria and Dalmatia. We ate great food during our trip, both at hotels and private restaurants. The roasted meat and vegetables roasted over coals in the peka and the fresh seafood and pasta on the coast were absolutely amazing. The third picture below is of my wife and me with the chef from a restaurant outside of Dubrovnik that features cuisine cooked using the peka, also known as "the bell". 

• Outdoor Adventures: Kayak along the coastline, snorkel in hidden coves, or hike in the stunning Paklenica National Park.

• Cultural Festivals: Croatia has a rich festival scene, including the famous Dubrovnik Summer Festival and lively music events on the islands.

• Best Time to Visit: Late spring (May-June) and early autumn (September-October) are ideal for avoiding tourist crowds while still enjoying warm weather. Our visit was in early June, and while it was little warm at times, the weather was beautiful and comfortable. Croatia is across the Adriatic Sea from Italy and shares a very similar climate. 

• Currency: Croatia uses the Euro (€), making transactions simple for European travelers.

• Getting Around: While public transport is reliable, renting a car allows for greater flexibility, especially if you plan to visit more remote areas. We had arranged transportation for our trips between cities and the excursions we had booked and had a great experience with all the drivers. We can book airport, hotel to hotel and excursion transportation for your trip.

• Language: Croatian is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas. We can attest to this as we only encountered one person who wasn't fluent in English during our time there. It's taught in schools at a young age there and with tourism as one of the major industries, there is a commitment to making English prevalent. Additionally, almost all of the hotels, restaurants, stores and road signs are in English, and we had no problems traveling or shopping for anything we needed.  

Croatia is a country that effortlessly blends history, nature, and modern vibrance. Whether you’re wandering through cobbled streets, soaking in Adriatic sunsets, or indulging in Mediterranean flavors, Croatia promises an unforgettable journey. So, pack your bags, embrace adventure, and prepare to be enchanted by one of Europe’s most spectacular destinations.

Are you planning a trip soon, or just dreaming for now? Either way, we’d love to keep the conversation going! With our experience traveling in Croatia, we can give you great tips and sites to see. Croatia is a beautiful, clean and safe country and we absolutely loved the time we spent on Hvar Island, in Split and at the Plitvice Lakes. We recently booked a trip for a client to Croatia based on our experiences there and can do the same for you.  Below are several pictures from our trip.

Joie and Larry Kennedy 
Phone: 615-669-5371