Archive for 'Localities in Croatia'

Croatia is a famous holiday destination among sun-worshippers and sea-lovers as it boasts a long and scenic coastline, lots of little islands to be discovered, and wonderful Mediterranean weather, all at a pretty reasonable price-tag compared to many other locations in the area. The region of Istria, in particular, is well-known as an excellent coastal destination as is the area around the famous capital of Dubrovnik. However, there are plenty of other wonderful seaside destinations to be discovered. Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, for example, boasts a long coastline along the Northern Adriatic, some 55 islands, 86 harbours, lots of villages, towns, and cities by the sea, and endless beaches. If you love being by the sea then a vacation rental in Primorje-Gorski Kotar County is just the thing! In fact, it is in this region that you will find the island of Rab with rare soft, sandy beaches for Croatia that rival the perfect strands of the Caribbean. Another of the most appealing examples among these various coastal gems is the town of Opatija, which is where Croatian tourism was born and where you'll find one of the most unique and striking beaches in the country.

There are plenty of reasons to choose a vacation rental in Dubrovnik: it combines a sun and sea getaway with a city break, it is steeped in history and culture, there is a vibrant gastronomic scene, and Game of Thrones fans can visit backdrops from the television adaptation, to name but a fraction of its charms. However, if you are spending time in the city, which is now, undoubtedly, the tourist capital and hot spot of Croatia, you may want to take a day to escape the hustle and bustle that such a place can attract. If that is the case, then we would very much suggest a day trip to explore the Elaphiti Islands.

An archipelago located just to the northwest of Dubrovnik, the Elaphiti Islands are comprised of six islands and lots of smaller islets. Just three islands among them, the largest three, are actually permanently inhabited: Koločep, Lopud and Šipan. There are various ferries and tours that can get you to specific islands or take you to a few of them and you can also explore them more freely if you have rented a boat of your own. Jadrolinija have a daily ferry service that travels to each of the three main islands in turn and G & V Line operate a catamaran service from Dubrovnik to Sipan, for example. Viator, the tour specialist website also offers several different day trip options including cruises of the Elafiti and Green Islands from Dubrovnik and an Elafiti Islands Cruise from Dubrovnik on a 16th century-style galleon! Both spend time on each of the three main islands and include time for some swimming and sunbathing during your trip. However, the most popular way to experience the Elaphiti Islands is to take the, “Three Islands & Picnic,” tour. Offered by lots of different operators working out of Dubrovnik's Old Harbour, these tours will take you to the aforementioned bigger islands and offer you drinks and lunch, all as part of packages that usually cost somewhere between around thirty and forty euros.

When you look past the understandably famous resort towns and beaches of Croatia, past the more internationally renowned destinations and tourist hot spots, past the more built-up urban areas, you will realise that there is a whole other Croatia to be discovered. This Croatia is made up of a diverse and exceptionally lovely landscape that goes from those famous picture-perfect beaches to towering snow-capped peaks to immense forests to rocky gorges to pastures of wildflowers to jewel-toned lakes and everything in between. While there are certain images that first come to mind when one thinks of the country, there is much beauty to be discovered beyond what Croatia is stereotypically known and celebrated for and there are a whole lot of incredible landscapes to be explored. In fact, while it might not be the first destination to come to mind for hikers and explorers, there is plenty of adventure and some truly excellent trails that await in Croatia. So, if you're looking for a place to go on a hiking holiday or you are looking for a place that caters to all of your other holiday needs (good food, great beaches, interesting historical and cultural attractions, and much more besides), then Croatia is actually a wonderful option!

Specifically, a vacation rental in Lika-Senj is a great option for those in search of a holiday that entails some excellent hiking and exploration. This stunning region is comprised of much of the historic Lika Region, and is made up of a large chunk of the northern Adriatic coastline, several national parks, lakes, and mountains. Exceptionally beautiful, this lush region has a more mild climate than other parts of the country and is, therefore, the perfect unspoiled natural paradise for adventure and enjoying the great outdoors; whether you decide to go hiking, swimming, zip-lining, or any of the other activities that can be pursued in the region. One of the absolute musts when spending time in Lika-Senj is a visit to the Northern Velebit National Park.

We may all be stuck at home and inside right now but that only gives us all ample opportunity to dream, look ahead, develop a serious case of wanderlust, and start putting together elaborate bucket lists of things we want to see and do and places we want to go when it is safe to do so again. And we're definitely all due a getaway when this thing is over! One of the places that we always favour is Croatia and one particular island in Croatia, quite the hidden gem, that we'd love to be exploring right now is Lastovo. Here are some reasons as to why it is on all of our bucket lists right now:

1. It is a natural gem.

Lastovo is a uniquely beautiful and unique island in Croatia as it is the only island in its entirety to be declared a Nature Reserve in the country. As such, her immense natural bounty and the fascinating flora and fauna of the island, have remained protected and preserved.

2. It is a perfect place to relax.

Home to less than one thousand people, sleepy, half-empty, pretty, little villages wonderful views over the Adriatic, and some excellent vineyards, it is a place of peace, calm, and relaxation.

If you have found a vacation rental in Sibenik and are planning on exploring the archipelago, you might be looking for different towns, attractions, areas, and islands to visit on day trips. While there are many to choose from, one of the most unique and interesting spots to hit up must be the island of Zlarin. It is a must-see for those interested in taking care of the environment and environmental policies around the globe as it has recently been announced to be Croatia’s first zero waste, plastic-free island! Incredibly beautiful as it is, this latest announcement only makes the stunning island all the more appealing and is certain to ensure that it remains an unspoiled gem.