Archive for 'Tourist Attractions in Croatia'

Maksimir Park is the oldest public park in Zagreb and is one of the most beautiful spots in the city. In autumn, the trees lining the main paths and in the forests of the park turn the most stunning golden hues, making it the most perfectly picturesque place to walk around and enjoy nature. On the hottest days of summer, those same trees afford blissful shade and respite from the scorching sun. During winter, snow rests on branches and makes the paths glitter and, in spring, the blooms and animals take over. So, no matter when you find a vacation rental in Zagreb and no matter what time of year you come and visit the city, a walk in the park is a good idea!

Maksimir Park was founded in 1787 and was the first large public park in South-Eastern Europe, as well as an early example of a public park in Europe, in general. Named for Bishop Maksimilijan Vrhovac of Zagreb, the park was opened in 1794 and was originally on the outskirts of the city and home to a dense forest of hornbeams and oaks. Due to expansion, however, it is located in a more central position today and is now surrounded by several neighbourhoods, with only some of the original forest still remaining and acting as a girdle to the park. Landscaping was initially undertaken according to the plans of Bishop Vrhovac in the baroque style but then redesigned by Bishop Juraj Haulik, among others, in a more romantic neoclassical style that was in line with Biedermeierist notions, incorporated elements of historicism, and emulated the park that was established at the Laxenburg estate of the Habsburgs.

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.

While many think of Croatia immediately as a destination for sun holidays and seaside getaways, for ancient and picturesque harbour cities, and perfect beach resorts, there is, of course, much more to the country than that. Croatia has a landscape that is far more varied than these immediate associations belie and far more astoundingly, jaw-droppingly beautiful than most are aware of. There are towering peaks, forests full of butterflies, endless little islands that are world unto themselves, impressive waterfalls that thunder past, and lots of national parks that protect natural phenomena, flora, and fauna. If you are interested in exploration and seeing the great bounty of the natural world with your own eyes, then Croatia is likely a destination that will delight. Look past the stereotypical, if charming, appeals of Croatia as a holiday destination and see how much more it has to offer the discerning and adventurous tourist!

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.