Croatia, until relatively recently, was probably most regarded by the international travel community at large as a summer holiday destination with a dreamy coastline. Certainly, this is true: Croatia is, understandably, very famous and perhaps best-known for its lovely beaches and as an ideal spot for sun holidays. However, there is so much more to it as a vacation destination and, increasingly, it seems that these nuances are becoming common knowledge. So, if you have been considering a vacation rental in Croatia then these are some of the special traits and alluring attractions that you can expect to encounter.
The Beaches...obviously
Now, the one caveat is not to expect the sort of soft, sandy beaches that many picture when dreaming of a perfect day by the seaside. Croatia almost exclusively has pebble beaches, instead. However, these are stunning beaches in their own right, lapped by the beautiful clear waters of the Adriatic and, as we noted recently, these waters around Croatia are the cleanest in Europe. Add to this the many charming seaside resorts with delightful bars and restaurants overlooking beaches, the scenic and wilder gems along the craggy coastline, the picture-perfect little city beaches like Dubrovnik’s, the untouched islands ringed by endless choices of beaches, and much more besides and you’ll start to see why Croatia was so famous for her beaches over all else for so long.
Nature, in general
Of course, the natural bounty of Croatia does not simply begin and end at the coast. The so-called, “Green Istria”, the lush inland area of the Croatian region that is particularly famous as a coastal destination, was so named in order to highlight how much there was to see and do beyond the seaside resorts. Here you will find hills blanketed in forests where truffle hunters go off in search of those culinary delicacies, valleys full of vineyards, caves and gorges and rivers where adventurous outings await, and much more besides. In addition, Croatia’s various natural attractions of immense beauty and ecological value are becoming more and more well-known and specific reasons to visit in their own right. With 1000 islands, 8 National Parks and 12 Nature Parks, 10% of the entire country being protected, the UNESCO-awarded Plitvice Lakes, and actually a very diverse landscape, a holiday rental in Croatia is sure to include adventure and unbelievable scenery. Go hiking or biking, join a guided excursion to one of the national parks, or simply drive from one excellent winery to another through lush surroundings... there are so many ways to explore this lovely part of the world.
Cinematic good looks
When Dubrovnik became King’s Landing over a decade ago, it totally revitalised and boosted the interest in this beyond charming city. The incredibly cinematic good looks of the city’s Old Town and various nearby sites caught the eye of mega-hit Game of Thrones producers and prompted many fans from all over the globe to come to see it for themselves. Of course, long before the show, the surrounding Old Walls from the Middle Ages, the winding streets, the Renaissance palaces, the Baroque churches, and the endless historical and cultural wonders of the city were captivating visitors throughout the centuries but the show certainly managed to shine a spotlight on it anew. But it is not just Dubrovnik. Though other cities and towns were not (yet) made famous by prestige television, the beyond picturesque looks and impossibly rich heritage of Croatia extends to countless other destinations around the country. Take Split, for example, with its remnants of antiquity dotted throughout, including the famous palace of the Roman emperor Diocletian, and its long list of excellent museums. A villa in Croatia means ample opportunity to come see it all and fall in love with it yourself.
Off-season breaks
For a bit of off-season sun, Croatia is a great choice. While you can’t expect hot weather all throughout the year, it is great for fall sun breaks and spring vacations before the tourist crowds arrive for the summer. Plus, those who come outside the main tourist season can enjoy different sorts of holiday options at various times of the year from harvest feasts in the autumn, to perfect hiking and outdoor adventures for those who want to take in all of that natural beauty come spring and fall, to dreamy winter escapes to take in the rather excellent Christmas markets on offer (the one in Zagreb is especially famous) and even to ski! So, if you prefer to travel off-season then a holiday rental in Croatia might be a good fit for you.
Eating well
Finally, that lush landscape that we mentioned so often above is not only nice to look at but also means that those who book a vacation rental in Croatia can also expect to eat really, really well. From its long history of bee-keeping and excellent quality honey, to the aforementioned truffles foraged in the dense forests. From the unique and rich-tasting cheeses (particularly Pag’s famous sheep’s milk cheese), to the wines that are not as widely exported and make for a wonderful discovery. From the incredibly fresh and impossibly tasty seafood on offer in seaside towns and cities, to the distinct culinary traditions of each region. There is so much to discover when it comes to food in Croatia and lots to love!
