SkyFox Adventure Park, a source of fun that will test the courage, strength, endurance, and resourcefulness of all members of your adventurous family, is located in an oak forest near Poreč. The bravest will enjoy rock climbing, a seven-meter-high swing, and a “Quick Jump” from a height of ten meters, and they will also be able to try their hand at riding a flying bike! For younger adventurers, there are polygons with tunnels, trapezes, and logs, as well as live billiards and table football. Have you decided what you’re going to try first?
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 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 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 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 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 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.
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3 minIt is human nature to do everything last minute. We tend to rush through our lives, making it difficult to plan in the long run.
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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.
Meet Istrian traditional pasta! Pljukanci is a spindle-shaped pasta that was found almost daily on the tables of Istrian famers, since the preparation required only a small amount of flour, water, and salt, and the rubbing of dough between floured palms. Fuži, in turn, were served during holidays and festivities. With the addition of an egg, they are made in such a way that the rhomboid pieces of dough are rolled into small tubes with the help of a thin rod. Today, these pastas are available in almost every tavern.
The invincible and well-fortified city-state of San Marino was founded in 301 by Marin, a stonemason from Lopar in Rab who decided to replace his beautiful island with the Apennine peninsula in 271. Whether he left to seek his fortune or just before the persecution of Christians ordered by Emperor Diocletian is unknown, but we know that he excelled there with his work and skills. His remains still rest in the church on Titan Hill, which was the backbone of the development of San Marino.
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.
A 287-meter-deep natural phenomenon of the Dalmatian hinterland, with a height difference of 528 m and a bottom below sea level, proudly stands alongside the world’s deepest attractions. Immersed in massive red-colored cliffs whose reflection stands out on the surface, Red Lake conquers all lovers of natural beauty, adrenaline, but also of good mystery. The legend says that it is impossible to throw a stone into it, which many have taken as a challenge, but no one has ever heard the splash sound yet.
The source of the river Cetina, famous for its turquoise color, is the true magical eye of Dalmatia. It is located 385 m above sea level, and it is right here where the river Cetina begins its journey to Omiš, where it flows into the Adriatic Sea. The fascinating thing is that we don’t really know how deep the lake is since the divers only dove to 120 meters, and the lake is much deeper.
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.
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.
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?
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 🙂
