The Adriatic Sea and its pristine coastlines have been the most popular and revered destinations for European travellers for centuries, and interestingly, Croatia and its magnificent beaches, seaside towns, and islands were favoured among rulers and noblemen throughout history. In recent decades, Croatia has also become a global travel destination, as the beauty of its natural wonders and that distinct Balkan charm never fail to attract families worldwide.
Even if you’re considering going on a solo holiday adventure, Croatia and its bustling coastal culture and lifestyle is excellent when you need to relax, unwind, and imbue your life with positivity and zeal. That said, when you’re travelling abroad, you must prepare and organise your itinerary, so here is your travel guide to spending an unforgettable summer vacation in Croatia.
Did you know that Croatia became the latest country to join the Schengen Area, allowing its citizens to travel to other countries with the newly applied visa policy that falls under the Schengen rules?
Know when to visit Croatia
First, you might think that Croatia, primarily a summer destination, is best experienced in the middle of summer. Still, this gem of the Balkans has several times during the year when you can plan your visit. Of course, you could always book your trip in July or August, and sure, you would have an amazing time, especially if you book yourself the best vacation rental in Croatia with CozyCozy as your base. Still, every experienced traveller will tell you that the shoulder months are best for experiencing Croatia in all its beauty.
During the peak months of July, August, and the first half of September, you will not only experience the gruelling heat waves that permeate the coastline and the islands but also have to share your little slice of heaven with thousands of other tourists wherever you go. That is why you should plan your trip for June or late September and even early October when the temperature is just right, the prices are lower, and the coast is permeated with peace and tranquillity.
One of the best ways to experience Dubrovnik in the fall is to take a sailing trip. Such voyages like stunning cruises in Dubrovnik provide an opportunity to see multiple destinations quickly. The weather in mid-fall is just what you need to enjoy a cruise. You can swim in the clear waters of the Adriatic during the daytime when the sun is at its warmest and enjoy various activities and amenities, such as swimming pools, casinos, and nightclubs in the evenings. Stunning cruises in Dubrovnik will allow you to explore the country’s amazing coastline in mid-September.
Packing for a stress-free trip
Whether you’re travelling with your family or friends, or if you’re going on a solo adventure, you have to know what to pack and how to keep your possessions safe and secure at all times. After all, packing like a pro will make your trip more enjoyable and less stressful, while sticking to some basic yet effective safety tips will help you enjoy your time to the max. Start by adopting a minimalist mindset and understand that you don’t need a large wardrobe for a Croatian escapade.
Here, the culture is quite laid-back and aloof, allowing you to bring a few essentials like shorts and t-shirts, flip-flops, and the leftover space in your suitcase you can use for your tech and some sunscreen. That’s all you need. Consider getting an anti-theft backpack for exploring the towns or lounging on the beach, just in case, and keep your valuables in a safe deposit box instead of carrying them with you.
Sail the picturesque Croatian coastline
One of the best, if not the best, ways to experience summer in Croatia in all its glory is to sail the magnificent coastline and explore some of its one thousand islands and islets with picturesque beaches and hidden havens. You can do this in many ways, of which chartering a crewed boat or a yacht is best if you want to travel in style and privacy.
Moreover, many of Croatia’s most breathtaking islands and off-shore national parks, like Lastovo, can be accessed with small and medium motor yachts that can easily manoeuvre and take you to the best diving and stargazing spots. Moreover, if you go by yacht, you can plot your course to your liking and visit every island and seaside town along the way.
Don’t stay in one place
Many tourists will book a single stay and spend their entire vacation in one location, which is not the best way to experience Croatia’s natural beauty. No, you have to stay on the move and explore as many coastal towns and natural wonders as possible–this will keep the kids engaged and bring excitement and adventure to your trip. Again, be sure to pack properly so that you can move around easily, circle all of the top destinations along the coast and book all of your stays well in advance.
Use your last days to visit the cities
You might be tempted to spend the entirety of your trip lounging on honey-hued beaches sipping on a cold Mojito, but it would be a crying shame if you didn’t visit some of the bustling urban gems scattered across the Croatian map. Start at the coast and visit those breathtaking towns and cities, including Pula, Rijeka, Opatija, Krk, Zadar, Split, and Dubrovnik. For your last two or three days, book a trip to the capital of Zagreb, and enjoy the vibrant city culture that permeates the beautiful Austro-Hungarian cityscape.
Wrapping up
Croatia is one of the most popular summer destinations in the world, so if you’re looking to plan an adventure with your family this summer, this is the place to go. With these tips in mind, experience Croatia in all of its cultural, historical, and natural beauty.
