Visit Dubrovnik, rich in picturesque landscapes and Mediterranean herbs, explore the interesting history of the old town and even older cultural heritage. Take a break from visiting magnificent palaces and sights enveloped in mystical stories and legends and enjoy the perfectly arranged, delicious food and intoxicating local wine that will make you feel just like a king of Dubrovnik!
Read moreThe view of the Makarska Riviera is even better from the kayak, which is rocked by the crystal blue sea, so jump in and take an adrenaline trip. In addition to the panoramic view of the city of Makarska, enjoy the view of the interesting underwater world, hidden caves and secluded sandy beaches. The beautiful Nugal beach is, according to the French magazine Vogue, one of the ten most beautiful beaches in the world and will surely leave you breathless!
Read moreDubrovnik hides numerous secrets and a rich life under the sea surface. At Koločep, amateurs and beginner divers can see the beautiful, 12 m deep Blue Cave, which will reveal all the shades of blue, and, two miles southwest of Lopud, an underwater wall rich in beautiful red corals. Professionals will take on a challenge in the unspoiled beauty of the largest amphoras site and wreckage of the ancient ship Taranto, whose bow lies on the edge of the cliff in front of the reef, waiting for all sea adventure seeking divers.
Read morePakleni Islands is a group of islands, islets and rocks “anchored” near the island of Hvar. Underwater area filled with amphoras, flora and fauna, hidden bays with pine forests, beautiful caves and secluded islets full of sandy beaches and attractive locations offer something for everyone. Explore them all, especially Taršće Bay and the Blue Cave lit with aquamarine light. Indulge yourself in the beauty of the fairytale sea world and enjoy the delights of a robinsonian freedom.
Read moreYou will find Dubrovnik beautiful from every side, but you will experience its true beauty from a bird’s eye view. The Dubrovnik cable car, which has been running intermittently since 1969, will show you the island of Lokrum, the majestic city walls, and city center covered with red roofs. The panoramic view of the beautiful nature and the old town center from 405 m above sea level is one of the most beautiful memories one can take from Dubrovnik.
Read moreAfter relaxing on beautiful beaches of the Makarska Riviera, head to the youngest Croatian observatory and enjoy a romantic view of the starry sky. The observatory, which also houses a children’s astro park, is only 50m away from the seafront. Surrounded by a dense pine forest, it provides a perfect shelter for the most beautiful view of the mysterious constellations and meteor shower, which turns into a real sky spectacle in mid-August. Do you know what wish you’re going to make from your shooting star yet?
Read moreOn the island of Krk, you will find a varied offer of relaxing activities and beautiful beaches, some of which have healing properties even! In the Soline Bay on the west side of the island, there is one such beach—Meline. With a sea depth of less than a meter in most parts, it is a real treasure trove of healing black mud that adults like to roll into perhaps more than children. Besides good mood, healing mud will take care of radiant skin, bone health and unique family photos.
Read moreIn Pazin you can experience 660 meters of pure zip lining fun! This unforgettable experience of flying over the Pazin Cave is divided into two parts. The first line is 220m long and allows you to reach a speed of about 50km/h, while the second one, 280m long, provides enough time to enjoy the charms of the grandiose abyss. Crossing the most famous Istrian canyon with a magnificent view of lush vegetation and a medieval castle will fill your adventure with fond memories.
Read moreThe first Croatian museum dedicated to one of the most expensive foods in the world—truffles—opened near the Istrian town of Buzet. In the traditional Istrian stone house, you can learn all about the history of truffles and get acquainted with the biological cycle of the most famous and important Istrian delicacies. You can apply what you learn in practice and go on a truffle hunt with the assistance of the museum owner. In this adventure, you will learn all about truffles, the tradition of hunting and truffle dogs, and enjoy a tasting of truffles in a beautiful setting.
Read moreYou have no idea how to make the most of your summer evening? Opt for a boat excursion to the Lim Channel and experience an unforgettable sunset in the open sea with the dolphins who will cheer you up with their stunts. After enjoying the stunning view of the Lim Channel and the bay’s underwater world, treat yourself to fresh seafood in one of the local restaurants.
Read moreIf you have chosen Istria for your vacation this summer, spice up your trip by visiting an oyster farm near Poreč where you have the opportunity to enjoy raw seafood delicacy with chilled champagne. Getting to know this refined delicacy in its natural habitat is an excursion that will delight all true gourmets. With intoxicating scents and flavors, continue your gourmet journey in the local cellars, treasure troves of celebrated Istrian wines.
Read moreIn the small village of Sveta Nedjelja on Hvar, there is a special attraction—a unique wine cellar under the sea with glass rock. In this cellar, the temperature is ideal, from 12 to 16 degrees, and while tasting excellent wines, you can also observe the underwater world. For all those who love vacation with the taste of adventure!
Read moreThe mild Mediterranean climate, the landscape dotted with olive trees and the spectacular sea view are just some of the advantages of Krk that make it ideal for a holiday. However, in order to get to know the island better, opt for a cycling adventure with which you will get to know the indigenous variety of island wine—the widely known Žlahtina from Vrbnik! By driving through olive groves, along dry-stone walls and vineyards you will reach the old town centre of Vrbnik where you can enjoy the delicacies of Krk.
Read moreKayak is the best choice for exploring and discovering the bays and beaches of the rich coast of Rab. Visit hidden coves, dive into the sea and explore the rich flora and fauna. A wealth of beaches and geological diversity awaits you here. From the western wooded areas to the rugged eastern cliffs, from the amazing sandy beaches of Lopar to the more intimate southern coves —Rab has it all. You can rent several types of kayaks, but the most sought-after are those with glass bottoms that offer a view of the deep blue.
Read moreThe islands west of Dubrovnik are full of sandy beaches, vast pine forests, and the scent of Mediterranean plants. Besides natural beauties, Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan abound with summer villas and ancient monuments and fortifications. The fortress of Kastio, the tower of Toreta, and the Rector’s Palace are just a part of the Elaphite treasure, and you will surely be impressed with the most beautiful panoramic view of Srđ, the Dubrovnik coast, and the islands from the Pakljena hill on Šipan.
Read moreThe Morosini-Grimani Castle has been standing proudly in Svetvinčenat since Venice, waiting for someone loyal, brave, faithful, just, cautious and persistent to reveal the secret of an unknown knight. Are you the one who’s going to triumphantly take the sword out of the rock? Come, with the help of friends or your significant other, explore the ancient towers, dungeons and armoury, have a blast and find your place on the Grimaldi Wall of Fame.
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4 minThere are few destinations like Croatia that hide so much diversity and stunning beauty in a relatively small area...
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The small village of Kotli, which resembles the Turkish Pamukkale in its appearance, is situated near Hum. Due to the visually appealing pools, in which it is possible to bathe, Kotli has become a favorite destination for nature lovers. The rural appearance from the end of the 19th century was preserved due to isolation, and only one of the former 60 mills is in operation. If you haven’t discovered them yet, be sure to visit them on your next visit to Istria! You’ll fall in love at first sight.
In the area between Split and Dubrovnik lies 60 kilometers long and only a few kilometers wide Makarska Riviera, which, because of its beauty, proudly bears the title of “Dalmatian Côte d ‘Azur”. It does not leave its visitors indifferent because of its contrast of sun, sea, mountains, and Mediterranean vegetation. Such a combination of nature, sea, and mountains leaves you breathless, which makes it a perfect template for a romantic postcard from Central Dalmatia.
There is no holiday, party or family luncheon in Istria without pasta filled with raisins and sweet cheese filling traditionally served with vegetables and roasted chicken. The Istrians quickly realized that these pasta pillows, traditionally reserved for special occasions, are a great addition to any day, so today you can get them whenever you want—sweet, salty, cooked, baked or flambéed, with cheese and raisins or truffles and walnuts.
If you visit beautiful Istria, spice up the delicious creations that the local caterers will serve you with Teran, fresh wine with a fruity aroma and ruby color that comes from the variety of the same name. This old variety ruled Istria a hundred years ago, as well, and the famous seducer Casanova was introduced to its charms in Vrsar. With its refined and rich aroma, it seduced him in an instant, and you will certainly not be able to resist it either.
If you want to prepare an unusual and yet delicious meal for your family and guests, serve them stone soup. Once eaten by the poor, this meal is today a prized Adriatic delicacy whose recipe was created by skilled fishermen who, in the absence of fish, extracted hollow stones rich in algae and marine organisms from the sea and boiled them together with carrots, potatoes, and olive oil.
Hum, a picturesque town in central Istria, is an ode to medieval culture and the smallest town in the world. Two streets, two churches and one tavern are enough for seventeen inhabitants who live here, as well for more than 300,000 visitors who visit it annually. You will hear many stories about the creation of Hum, and if you want to know if it was really built by good giants, it is best to come and ask yourself.
Boškarin is an indigenous Istrian cattle breed, a symbol of the region and a widely known delicacy. Used for field labor in the past, nowadays it exists in small numbers. Therefore, intensive measures were implemented in order to preserve it. Everyone who has ever come face to face with this amazing animal says it is impossible not to feel awe of it.
“La mula de Parenzo” for the people of Poreč is much more than just a song. It represents a symbol, part of the identity and history of Poreč itself. It is one of the most famous folk songs of Istria, and it talks about a girl from Poreč who came and “sold everything”. In her honor, a visitor center with the same name was recently opened—a store that, with its interior design, testifies to the entrepreneurship of this legendary person.
There’s a saying that you’ve never been to Dubrovnik unless you’ve taken a walk along Stradun. This most famous central city street is 198 meters long. Built back in the 11th century by filling the sea canal that separated two Dubrovnik settlements (Ragusa and Dubrava), it was paved only in the 15th century. Today it attracts one million visitors a year and is the center of events and heart of the city.
Lokrum, the favourite destination of many kings and emperors, hides many secrets in addition to its unprecedented natural beauty, but you have to discover them in one day because no one spends the night on this island near Dubrovnik! Throughout history, many have claimed it, but the old Benedictine curse has protected it for centuries from being governed by gold and silver coins and debauched hedonism. It can be removed only by someone who collects all the wax that hardened on the ground the night the Benedictines were forced out. Intriguing, isn’t it?
The green island of Hvar is the island with the highest number of sunny hours, known for its beautiful bays, wine and lavender. While the soothing scent and purple shade of lavender have enchanted people for centuries, people from Hvar used to satisfy 90% of the oil needs of the inhabitants of the former country. Hvar is also known as the wine island because of its long tradition of viticulture, and if you visit it you can enjoy a unique wine cellar under the sea.
Croatia is adorned with incredible natural wealth. Eight national parks and 11 nature parks together account for more than 10% of its area. The most famous park is the Plitvice Lakes, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. When entering the country, every tourist will surely ask for a way to the National Park “Krka” or to the other side, towards the National Park “Brijuni”. Each of the parks tells its own story and brings an unforgettable experience.
The town of Vrbnik on Krk is full of interesting facilities. The streets are made the old-fashioned way, so cars and motorcycles can’t pass through some of them, and there is even one too narrow for people! Klančićeva Street is one of the narrowest in the world, and its narrowest part is just over 40 cm wide. This street is a true challenge for any adult, so if you want to get through it, you’re going to have to pull your stomach in hard.
One of the most beautiful and oldest Croatian traditional cakes is made of almonds and Maraschino, and it was first prepared for Pope Alexander III who decided to seek refuge from a storm on the island of Rab. It was made by nuns, and they wrote the recipe in calligraphy and did not indicate the exact amounts of the ingredients! The right amounts don’t really exist because the amount of ingredients varies by season. It is not known whether the Pope liked the cake, but it delights tourists year after year.
Klapa singing is performed without a conducter and instrumental accompaniment, and the song is led by the highest voice type. A part-singing, harmonious song used to be the most popular means of attracting girls in Dalmatia, so a capella songs are most commonly love-themed. The dialect, which is a trademark of the town whose squares and streets resonate in summer with playful tones to the delight of tourists, gives them a special charm. Besides them, the indigenous Dalmatian song charmed the UNESCO itself, which protected it back in 2012.
Kažuni are circular stone huts with a conical roof, harmoniously scattered throughout Istria and the Croatian coast. They were built using the dry-stone wall technique, that went down from father to son from prehistoric times. Shepherds kept their tools in them, sought shelter from the storm and rested from all day’s work in the field. There is an entire park in Vodnjan dedicated to this guardian of tradition and the most popular Istrian souvenir, which is also an open-air museum where you can get acquainted with this construction technique in detail.
Owing to its ancient beauty and rich tradition, Dubrovnik has long been listed as one of the most visited destinations in Croatia and worldwide. Its historical attractions, luxury accommodation, stunning beaches and nearby archipelago are just a small part of what this Mediterranean jewel has to offer.
Read moreWould you like to share with us and our readers your memories, experiences and recommendations from your holidays in Croatia? Email them at blog@valamar.com and tell us what it was like, what impressed you the most, where you were and what you enjoyed most!
One of my biggest wishes for this year was to come to Croatia again. I hope I’ll have a chance to do that… I have so much I want to see and experience there. I can’t wait!
I love the food at Istrian restaurants… Especially their fish specialties. I even tried at home to prepare some of the dishes that impressed me the most, but they turned out to be not nearly as good. I’ll just have to find out first-hand in one of those restaurants what exactly I’m doing wrong and how to fix it 🙂
