Croatia is a breathtakingly gorgeous Eastern European country resting across from Italy, bordering Slovenia, Hungary, Montenegro, Serbia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, and lined by the crisp, deep blue Adriatic Sea on the West. With over 1200+ islands and islets, 3,500 miles of coastline, and 7 UNESCO World Heritage sites, it’s no wonder why Croatia has become the new hot spot for adventure seekers looking to explore more unique travel destinations. A blend between beautiful pristine coastlines, numerous desirable islands, fascinating historical landmarks, ancient villages, and mouth-watering food, Croatia has much to offer and should be on the top of every traveler’s bucket list! If your’e planning a visit to this amazing country, act now! Europe’s best kept secret is surely becoming the “it” destination soon to be highly overcrowded by tourism.
1. (Relatively) Cheap Prices
Unreal colors of the Adriatic Sea
Although Croatia joined the European Union in July 2013, they have yet to adopt the Euro currency of their Western European counterparts. The local currency in Croatia remains the Kuna, and the current exchange rate is 6.7 Kuna to $1 (at the time of this article’s publishing). With the dollar being so strong at the moment, your money will go a long way there! To get a feel of the prices, a coffee costs about 8 Kuna ($1.20) and a roundtrip catamaran ticket to Hvar and back costs about 80 Kuna ($12). As you can see, Croatia is extremely affordable and this just adds to its allure.
2. Sailing
Croatia is well-known for sailing, and this is the absolute best way to explore the islands. As the location of the infamous “Yacht Week”, Croatia has fast become the prime spot for sailing trips in Europe. With over 1200 islands throughout the coast, one could spend weeks exploring and never get bored. At the forefront of the tourism boom, these 7-day sailing trips attract more and more tourists every year eager to explore the fabulous Adriatic coastline. Most boats depart from Split or Dubrovnik and navigate to 4-5 islands within the week-long trip. A mix of partying, culture, site-seeing, exploring, great food, theme nights, and numerous swim stops, the sailing experience is one you will never forget. From personal experience, I can go as far as to say this was the best week of my life!
Sailing the Croatian islands
3. Local Food and Wine
Fantastically fresh and flavourful seafood straight from the ocean to your plate, local olive oil, and family owned wineries producing the finest Croatian wines will leave your taste buds craving more. Interestingly, but not surprisingly, some white wines from a little town called Trstenik are even imported to the White House. Additionally, and of an honourable mention, Split boasts some of the best gelato I have ever tried! Coming from someone who’s been to Italy 10+ times, that’s a bold statement.
Mussels in tomato sauce-yum!
4. Sunsets, Sunsets, and More Sunsets
Words cannot do them justice, so I’ll let the pictures speak. But can I just say something? Perfect. Sunsets. Every. Night.
Split sunset
Just a casual stroll down the Split Riva, and BAM! No filter..
Sunset over the marina
From the hike to Hvar Fortress
Walking up to the Hvar Fortress, and what do you know…there’s that infamous pink sky!
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5. Laid Back Lifestyle (“ish time”)
In Croatia, there’s never any rush to get anywhere. As a whole, they are a laid-back culture unbound to time constraints and really know how to enjoy every moment of life. So when you’re there, do as the locals do, relax, have a cocktail, and set your clock to “ish time”. Why not? You’re on holiday!
Bonus #6: Numerous Game of Thrones Locations
If you are a huge GOT fanatic like me, you will understand that being able to visit the actual filming locations is like a dream come true! As you may know, Dubrovnik is the major backdrop and filming site for King’s Landing.
King’s Landing in Dubrovnik
Numerous scenes are also shot throughout Split and the surrounding area (Diocletian’s Palace and Klis Fortress), as well as nearby Šibenik. If you’re lucky enough, you may even get to sneak a peak at a live filming!! Jon Snow stalker alert!!!
Overlooking the Šibenik Fortress
Klis Fortress, location of Meereen
Is there a specific sailing tour that you recommend?
I did Contiki back in the day…its more for young people and very party heavy. Koda Sail is more for 30 somethings, some partying but not too crazy. And Sail Croatia is prob the biggest company in Croatia. There are literally SO many to choose from!
Gosh I’ve been dreaming of Croatia for so so long it’s not even funny! Love your blog btw, haven’t managed to read it much before but love all of your Instagram posts <3
Thanks Veera!! I need to make it up to Finland! And yes, please go to Croatia!!! It’s incredible!!! If you need any help planning, let me know!!! Croatia is my specialty 😉
Whoa! This blog looks just like my old one! It’s on a completely different subject but it has pretty much the same page layout and design. Excellent choice of colors!
Great, thanks for sharing this blog. Fantastic.
What a great write up about Croatia. I’ve always been curious about the country and now I know a little more. Didn’t know about the sailing heritage. Great pictures!!
Ohh yes, the sailing is the best part!! 🙂
Croatia was already among the top 4 European countries I wanted to visit on my backpacking trip this summer (along with France, Italy, and Greece), but your list makes me want to go even more!! Loved the photos!
Those are all great choices!!! Italy, Croatia, And Greece are my 3 favourite countries!! 🙂
Croatia was already the top 4 European countries I wanted to visit on my backpacking trip this summer (along with France, Italy, and Greece), but your list makes me want to go even more!! Loved the photos!
Omg! Crotia is beautiful. I’ve seen pics of it here and there but your post made me want to go there even more.
Aww glad I could inspire!! Its really worth a visit!!!
I already wanted to visit Croatia, now I want to go even more!!!
Do it!!!! 🙂
I really really really want to visit Croatia. My ex bf went a few years ago and wanted to go ever since I saw his pics haha! Yours are beautiful btw! I hope I visit soon 🙂
You have to!!! It’s incredible!!! Some of the prettiest water I have ever seen!
I’m heading to Croatia this fall and this got me even more excited to go! I loved the photos to go with the post. Did you actually do yacht week? My friends and I were looking into it. It is one specific event, or several events?
Oh, thats awesome!! You’ll love it!! No, I never did yacht week. I did a week sail trip with Contiki and it was the best week of my life!!
Beautiful, beautiful pictures. Croatia looks stunning and is definitely on my bucket list! Thanks for inspiration…Arzo
Glad I could inspire!! Croatia is paradise 🙂
I love Croatia! It’s an awesome destination. My only regret is that last time I got lazy on the beach and never made it up to the Hvar Fortress. Thanks for the pics!
The views from the fortress were amazing!!! Now i guess you have to go back 😉
I’m so glad you like my country so much 😀 And I couldn’t agree more on the sunsets part, definitely my favorite thing about the Croatian coast! Next time maybe come and visit the inner part of the country which is so different from the coast, but equally as beautiful! 🙂
Yes i would love to!!! I have so many more places to see! Any specific suggestions?
Yes put these on yr list. Stay in Zagreb and do a day trip to Plitvice Lakes (heaven on earth)and on way back be sure to visit Rastoke a hidden gem of a town built on waterfalls. On another day do a trip to Varazdin , Croatias old Baroque capital and on the way visit Trakoscan castle. The Istrian hinterland us also amazing. Groznjan & Motovun to name just a few
Great tips!! I’ve been to Plitvice, Groznjan and Motovun and loved them all! I haven’t been to the other places you listed, but I’ll definitely add them to the list! Thanks!
Gorgeous photos! I need to visit Croatia — it’s been on my list but it’ll be a while before I can get to Europe again 🙁
Thank you! I would definitely put it at the top of your list 🙂
nice article and pics 🙂
Croatia looks so beautiful but I am not much of a sailing or wine type of girl. 🙁
Trust me, there is still so much that Croatia has to offer!! Im sure you would love it!
Never been to Eastern Europe honestly because I thought it was cold all the time… Croatia looks amazing I’ll have to put it on my list!!
Haha nooooo Croatia is warm and sunny most of the year! It’s paradise and you should definitely consider it if you haven’t been!! 🙂
Thanks-a-mundo for the post.Really thank you! Will read on…
Muchos Gracias for your post.Thanks Again. Really Great.
Thanks for reading! 🙂
Love Croatia, can not wait to go back there.
ME too!! Every time I leave I’m always planning my trip back! I just cant stay away!
That is a good tip especially to those fresh to the blogosphere. Short but very accurate info… Appreciate your sharing this one. A must read article!
Have heard so much about Croatia, definitely on my to do list.
I’ve never heard anyone say anything bad about Croatia, its amazing! More and more people are going every year. So try to get there soon! 🙂
Looks like I need to start planning a trip.
Yes you do!!! If you need any help, let me know. Croatia is paradise!
I am convinced! Say no more.
Haha YESSSSS! Then I did my job!!! Let me know if you need help with deciding on any destination or anything else. I know a lot about Croatia and I’ve been over 10 times now :). #alittleobsessed
Hi, new to your blog!
We’d been planning a trip to Eastern Europe for the summer of 2016 (including Croatia) but eventually decided against it in favor of India, Nepal, and Bhutan. Although I’m pretty excited I’m still bummed out that I won’t get to go to Croatia! My dad was just there and he can’t stop raving about it.
Awww bummer, I guess you’ll have to plan another trip back and explore Croatia! Those place you’re going sound amazing!! I really want to go to Bhutan and Nepal. I heard the visa situation is a little strange for getting into Bhutan. And don’t you need to be a part of a tour? I’d love to go in the future so please let me know what you find! 🙂
the parties there are amazing too 🙂
You’re right about that!!! 🙂
mm hmmm I did 2 summers there and loved it loved it loved it!!!!
It’s almost impossible not to fall in love with Croatia, right? 🙂
LOL if you DONT love Croatia, there has to be something wrong with you.
Totally agree!!!! 🙂
So I’m clearly reading this too late since it’s now October but wow Croatia looks amazing!! I hear it’s still quite cheap as well. Really need to plan a trip there next year when I’ll need my sun fix. Stunning photos by the way! xx
Oh yes, it is even more beautiful in person!!! And unfortunately the season there is just ending now, you might have to just live with the excitement a little bit longer hehe. From May to beginning of October its warm! Let me know if you need any tips, I am always happy to help plan the perfect Croatia trip! Cheers! 🙂
I don’t need anymore reasons to visit Croatia, I’ve been wanting to visit it for way too long now. Maybe next year:-O However, your article is spot on! I would add Plitvice as a reason – so beautiful!
Love your blogposts by the way!
I am agree with your five reasons, but I can remember 50 or even more reasons. Beautiful post and photos.
You’re absolutely right! I could write a book on the many reasons to visit this beautiful country!! Every time I visit, I love it even more!
love the blog!!! Croatia is by far the nicest destination for sailing, good vino, friendly people and great food.
By far my favorite place I’ve ever been to❤️
You’re right about all those things Karin!! Hopefully next time you and the wifey head out there, we’ll be able to meet up and indulge on some of our favourite Croatian food, wine, and much more! Živjeli 🙂