1. Gorgeous Pebbled Beaches

There is nothing in the world I love more than sand in my toes. But the Adriatic taught me to love its beautiful pebbled beaches. Sure you may need some swim shoes to protect you from sea urchins. At most beaches, the pebbles were so perfectly round and easy to walk on, the water is so clear and see through. Croatia by far has some of the cleanest beaches, crystal clear waters and loads of one-on-one time with the Ocean.

2. Golden Sunsets

Everywhere you go in Croatia, old towns, beaches, hills, everything makes the perfect backdrop for a perfect Croatian sunset. The sailboats are docked at harbours, the shadows and reflections play hide and seek with the setting sun. The golden glow of the sunset was something else.

3. Historical and Quaint old towns

Croatia is full of rich history, and stunning architecture. The old stone structures, colourful walls, quaint instagrammable towns are filled with little shops, bars and bakeries. Days can be spent leisurely eating and drinking the local food and wine, smelling local lavender and snacking on truffled deliciousness walking around the cobbled stoned winding paths.

4. Wine and Vineyards

The local wine hasn’t yet found a major spot in the international market but believe me it will soon get there.

From the robust and rich Plavac Mali to the fresh Prosecco like sparkling white wines, Croatian vineyards have a lot to offer.

The drive from Split to Dubrovnik crosses the Pelješac peninsula, which is home to one of the most stunning vineyards I have seen, overlooking the sea.

5. Road trippers paradise

Croatia is well connected by roads and public transport so if you are not a fan of driving skip to the next point. However, we are road-trippers for life and Croatia was just amazing. Smooth roads, clear road signs, picturesque country sides and plenty of lay-bys to stop and soak up the coastal drives. The drive from Split to Dubrovnik is beautiful with the Adriatic offering views all the way, reminded me of the Pacific coast highway.

The downside was the highway robbery parking charges in the Old towns of Split and Dubrovnik. Aside from that, the freedom to stop at waterfalls, take little roads into wineries and explore isolated beaches, driving in Istria in the windy mountainous paths was all way too much fun.

The coast is dotted with beautiful isolated piers projecting into the sea.

6.Wallet friendly

Remember that matchbox room in Paris ( read any other big European city)? The one with a 6 inch wide space between the bed and wall, where the room was over before it began?  The same one where you had to almost stand over the pot to take a shower even though you spent a decent amount of money on the room?

Yup, that doesn’t happen in Croatia. In the same amount of money or less you can enjoy a one bedroom apartment in the big towns, or a luxury artsy 5 star hotel room in the smaller towns. Food and drink is cheaper, activities like taking a boat out to sea is actually affordable and you can get waaaay more from that Euro than in most other European countries.

7. The Adriatic Sea

The waters of the Adriatic are clear, turquoise, glowing and magical.

A day trip out to sea from Split or Dubrovnik can take you to some beautiful blue caves. Enjoy crystal clear bays of calm sea with a glass of Prosecco in hand. Jump into nature’s pool with almost no current or waves. In May, even though the water was a tad chilly, it took mere minutes to be comfortable and just enjoy the stunning water.

8. Solitude

Travellers are everywhere ALL THE TIME. One of the reasons I love road trips is the flexibility to turn off the highways away from the predictable tourist hot spots, to find little empty spots and beaches. This beach close to Split was just stunning and we had it all to ourselves (well almost). We did share it with a beached Sea Urchin and a pinecone.

(I must mention however that we did go pre season in May.)

9.Truffles

Did you know that one of the world’s biggest truffles was found in Croatia? Nope nor did I. I am a huuuge fan of truffles and one of my main motivations to include Istria into our itinerary was the truffles. A beautiful drive up North from Rovinj took us to Motovun and a fancy (but slow-paced) 5 course meal at Zigante where every single course was Truffle overload.

The north of Istria is known for their truffles and the black truffle is specially spectacular. From pasta to truffle cheese and truffled potato crisps this is a real treat (and maybe even and overdose) for the truffle lover.

10. Live the Game of thrones life

From Split to Dubrovnik and surrounding areas, it is easy to see why the producers of GOT chose Croatia to film this series. Cobbled stone streets to massive castles overlooking the sea. The structures here such at the Diocletian’s palace, Old city walls of Dubrovnik did not need to be reimagined and made the perfect sets.

And that’s a wrap! Stay tuned for my detailed Croatia post coming soon. Until then…