A Guide to Croatia
Updated February 2017
Iglu Department Head, Linda, tells us all about her favourite parts of her holiday to Croatia; what not to miss, what you can side-step, and just exactly how did those goats get there?
Croatia remains an unspoilt country in the Mediterranean, oozing idyllic, old school Mediterranean charm. The sea is clean, the locals are friendly and the towns are built from local stone with their colourful wooden shutters. The weather is great from April til October, and there are so many things to see and do that you couldn’t possibly get bored of this country.
Most of Croatia’s beaches are pebble beaches, which keeps the water clear and great for snorkelling. Take sandals with you so that you can walk on them, and mind the sea urchins.
Most of the larger beaches offer a rent-a-boat service. Don’t expect a yacht-like experience - you could probably swim faster - but the boat is the best way to get to one of the many uninhabited islands, and have the whole beach to yourself. Or, anchor in the middle of the water and take a dip.
Croatia has strict importation laws, so everything you eat is produced locally, fresh, and tastes great, but the portions are huge so keep this in mind. Unsurprisingly, the seafood is outstanding. Try the local cheeses, but I suggest you say no to rakija (a local spirit) no matter how kindly it is offered.
Local wines can be a hit and miss, so taste it before you buy a bottle. Some of them are outstanding, some leave much to be desired.
My favourite place is the Krka waterfalls in the Krka National Park, because of its incredible natural beauty. This is in Dalmatia, near Sibenik - a couple of hours drive from Split. Take a dip in any of the terraces of the waterfalls, go on a boat ride on the lake, discover the trails in the forest, and have some local food in any of the eateries in the park. A good tip is to avoid the weekends when all the locals visit, as the park can get very busy.
Sibenik is a great little town with a lot of nice restaurants, and a market where you can pick up local produce. It has a lovely marina and a grand cathedral worth having a peek in. Try the local ice-cream on a hot summer’s day, while wandering around in the car-free town centre.
Primosten is a beautiful, traditional, stone built town on its own peninsula, with a church and cemetery on the very top of the hill. Here there are breath-taking, 360 degree views - a must see! The restaurant in the marina makes a fantastic Dalmatian cheese and ham stuffed squid.
Split has a lovely town centre and market place. Take a walk in the marina and marvel at the fancy yachts.
If you drive in Croatia, the old highway along the beach is a fantastic way to enjoy the beauty of the coast - albeit much slower than the newly built highway.
Day trips include the opportunity to spend a day on a yacht with live entertainment/music and food, visiting some of the nearby islands. The Kornati Islands National Park is worth a visit, with a glass bottom boat to see the varied and colourful under-water world. If you are into fishing, you can also book a place on a fishing boat for a day, which is great fun.
Croatians say that when God created the world, he looked down and the beauty of his creation made him weep; his teardrops are said to be the many islands of Croatia. Nice story for some, but I remain unconvinced on that one. What I still don’t understand is how goats got to some of these uninhabited islands miles off the coast. You sail past and they are just there, baaah-ing. Any theories?
See Croatia on a cruise to the Mediterranean, or take a look at our cruises to Croatia.