Croatia holiday

[bobinho]

Decision made for next year, Croatia it is. Only need to decide now exactly where to go.

Interested in a bit of culture, and not particularly boozy, although I don't mind a drink. Good food, nice restaurants, beautiful countryside/cities/towns and nice people are important. Quite like a beach, and VFM is key.

Don't want much, do I?

Anyone with experience of these parts want to share with me?

Obliged to ya...

UTC

[strayclaret]

Try Lapad a couple of miles outside Dubrovnik a wonderful city, been twice in the last 5 years. We stopped at the hotel Lapad, not cheap, but worth it. Definitely going back, lots of bars and restaurants, around the hotel.

[Walton]

I went to Pula and Rovinj the other year, and absolutely loved it.

Pula has a huge Roman amphitheatre in good condition, and lots of history in the town itself.

Rovinj is a gorgeous hillside town overlooking the sea, and is really picturesque.

We also took a catamaran to Venice for the day, as it's just over the Adriatic.

Food is heavily Italian influenced up that part of the country.

Prices were ok.

Beaches are rocky rather than sandy.

[Funkydrummer]

You can't beat Dubrovnik.

Also been to Rovinj last year and loved it (see link)

https://www.lonelyplanet.com/croatia/istria/rovinj" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Also went to Porec a few years ago. Trips by sea to Venice available and not too expensive either.

You'll love it, I promise.

EDIT:- Beat me to it Walton

[cricketfieldclarets]

Dubrovnik is a must do even though its now very touristy.

Cant recommend going over the border to Montenegro highly enough though. My favourite part of the world. Beautiful place and people and half the price of croatia. Kotor and Budva are similar to dubrovnik. Ive many friends out there i can point you in the direction of who will make your holiday a mrmorable one. There is also a montenegrin based burnley fan who posts on here.

Also recommend going into Bosnia from Dubrovnik.

All three are amazing though.

[Parkvilla]

Went to Cavtat last year.Absolutely fantastic.Most relaxing holiday you will have and far and away the nicest place we have ever been.Dubrovnik a short bus ride or water taxi ride away.Trying Pula this year.

[Beagleheart]

Another one here for Cavtat. Really relaxing and I echo the above sentiments about Montenegro- the ole city at Kotor has to be seen to be believed.

[Loyalclaret]

I'm going soon. Dubrovnik for 5 days, Mijet and a couple of island near, possibly the buggy ride up the hill behind the city. Got an apartment in the old town. Then travelling to Split, ferry to Hvar town for three nights, then Split for a couple of days.

My wife has been to the party island further North and enjoyed it but this is my first visit.

I'll report back.

[claretfern]

Going to Mlini, early June...looking forward to it. Cavtat and Dubrovnik close by.

[Walton]

IMAG0112.jpg (2.6 MiB) Viewed 7177 times

The amphitheatre in Pula

IMAG0206.jpg (2 MiB) Viewed 7177 times

Rovinj, from the sea

IMAG0233.jpg (2.44 MiB) Viewed 7177 times

A Rovinj street

[TheOriginalLongsider]

You could stay in Dubrovnik and Cavtat on the same holiday. I stayed 5 nights in each. Dubrovnik is amazing and has loads of bars and restaurants, and looks like a movie set. Cavtat is much quieter with one strip of restaurants facing the sea, and loads of expensive yachts.

[TheOriginalLongsider]

By the way, I've stayed in Rovinj as well, and whilst it was very picturesque, it was really packed in August. Most of the restaurants were hard to get a table, but you will find somewhere eventually.

[Walton]

The view from the top of Rovinj

IMAG0218.jpg (2.62 MiB) Viewed 7167 times

[JohnMcGreal]

Rovinj is a beautiful place, as others have said. If you are staying in Istria and have access to a car, I highly recommend driving up to the hilltop villages of Motovun and Groznjan (where Anthony Hopkins has a villa, incidentally). They're both really nice villages and the views from the top overlooking the valley are fantastic. Lake Bled in Slovenia isn't too far either, and is definitely worth seeing if you're in that area.

[Stalbansclaret]

Dubrovnik is a must see but I would combine it with time on Korcula...only about an hour away by ferry and a beautiful island with a "mini-Dubrovnik" old town. Maybe stay in Lumbarda which is a short bus or taxi ride from the main town but a lovely little place in it's own right with decent beaches.If you have time you could do Dubrovnik, Korcula, Hvar, Split..did this itinerary in under a fortnight a couple of years ago....good variety, easy to arrange with the ferries bookable online and plenty of decent accommodation via airbnb.

[Il Duce]

Visited Split last year, beautiful place. Went on a couple of excursions to national parks such as Krka, well worth a visit.

[Targetman]

I can also certainly recommend Cavat.
We stayed at the Hotel Croatia from where you could see Dubrovnik across the lovely bay. We made the short journey across by water taxi.

[Better Call Saul]

We also stayed at the Hotel Croatia in Cavtat in June 2014 and enjoyed it so much we went back to the same hotel the following year. There are some great resturants in Cavtat and its only a short boat taxi ride to Dubrovnik which is a must to see.

[ClaretPope]

Cavtat is great, very quiet but with plenty of restaurants by the marina. Hotel Croatia is excellent but has a large number of steps down to the marina, great going down but hard work going back up after a glass or two. Very easy transfer from the airport. As said frequently, Dubrovnik is a must; if you go via water taxi you might pass a nudist beach on the way back. Avoid the days when there are cruise ships in.

[Right_winger]

Done Dubrovnik and travelled the whole west coast of Croatia.

there's some nice hotels in Dubrovnik, try staying in Lapad or baban kuk just outside the old city.
If your going to Dubrovnik I'd recommend the 3 island boat trip. You visit some beautiful islands and get a the chance of a good sesh at the same time.

Krka national park is also highly recommended. Google krka and have a look. It's utterly wonderful.

Zadar is also worth a shout further up the coast.

[THEWELLERNUT70]

I'm off there for my holibobs in July

[cricketfieldclarets]

Kotor

[pureclaret]

Opatija good place

[Funkydrummer]

Looks like somebody climbed the steps reaching up out of the town of Kotor !

Visited Kotor on a cruise and was advised to get up early to see the view as we sailed into
the fjord.

I have not seen anything so beautiful in my entire life - took my breath away.

[cricketfieldclarets]

Yeah beautiful scenery from up there. I do plenty of hiking but tha walk isnt for the faint hearted. I blame the heat and beer hahaa.

The first time I went to kotor i got there at night. We stayed in an old apartment and could hear the wind howling. Thoughy I bet its a bit run down here. Woke up in the morning to a view i will never forget. Couldnt believe my eyes.

[cricketfieldclarets]

Last time in Kotor we stayed in apartment part of this clock tower.

I like to try somehwere new each year but cant hellp keep going montenegro. Going again in july.

[Colburn_Claret]

I'd been toying with going to Croatia for a while. I like to tick places off I've never been before, someone had mentioned Cavtat to me. This thread has just pushed me over. All booked up for 2 weeks In the summer.

I'll make a point of ticking off Montenegro and Boss Herz via Mostar whilst there.

The tips are brilliant and we will be trying all of the Cavtat based ones. So if anyone has anything to add I'd be grateful

[Caballo]

Just booked too. Plumped for Dubrovnik, only a week for me though.

[dibraidio]

Stayed in Zadar last year, a bit sleepy but very nice.
There were masses of excursion on offer for the national parks, slightly to the north. Google Waterfalls and Croatia and you'll see there are some stunning places to be seen in those parks.

[Funkydrummer]

Try Plitvice Lakes - absolutely stunning. Take a virtual tour at the link below.

http://www.np-plitvicka-jezera.hr/en/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[TheOriginalLongsider]

Cavtat. Best restaurant is the very last one on the sea front - walk with sea on your left. Sunsets are great from any of the sea front bars. If staying at hotel Croatia, swimming pool is shaded a lot of the time, but there is a little 'island' in the pool that gets the sun all day.

[Colburn_Claret]

I'm staying on the harbour front at The Supetar.
In a post on TripAdvisor, someone who booked in there said they were moved to the Croatia, it's sister hotel, as theirs was overbooked. It also sounded as if anyone in the Supetar could make use of the pool and facilities at The Croatia. Can anyone confirm that?

[bobinho]

Well folks showed her the thread, and I have left it to chuckles, and she has gone and booked Cavtat for next summer.

Thanks very much for all your help and advice, and especially some of them fotos, they look superb. Can't wait now.

[NL Claret]

Can recommend cavtat, been twice. If you stay in Dubrovnik get a boat to cavtat for a day out.

If you go to Mostar in the middle of summer , be warned it is Hot! 41 degrees when we went, quite a few hours on a coach too. Worth the visit but was a bit uncomfortable!

Kotor and Budvar also worth a coach ride, old town in Budvar was expensive.

[cricketfieldclarets]

I'd been toying with going to Croatia for a while. I like to tick places off I've never been before, someone had mentioned Cavtat to me. This thread has just pushed me over. All booked up for 2 weeks In the summer.

I'll make a point of ticking off Montenegro and Boss Herz via Mostar whilst there.

The tips are brilliant and we will be trying all of the Cavtat based ones. So if anyone has anything to add I'd be grateful

Go rafting on the tara river in the tara gorge. Go to lake shkadar as well.

[TheOriginalLongsider]

I'm staying on the harbour front at The Supetar.
In a post on TripAdvisor, someone who booked in there said they were moved to the Croatia, it's sister hotel, as theirs was overbooked. It also sounded as if anyone in the Supetar could make use of the pool and facilities at The Croatia. Can anyone confirm that?

Can't confirm, but beware, the walk up to the Hotel Croatia from the harbour front is pretty arduous - steep with loads of steps and hot in the summer. Walk back down is okay though That said, we did that walk every night after a few drinks !!

[TheOriginalLongsider]

Cavtat - very nice, there is no beach though. What they call "the beach" is a slab of concrete with sunbeds on. Behind the Hotel Croatia there are is a beach but it is rocky, and plenty of nudists.

[Croydon Claret]

If going to Dubrovnik then you have to check out this bar. It's accessed through a gateway in the city walls and overlooks the sea. Amazing view to watch the world go by

Toilets are rank though, avoid at all costs

https://landlopers.com/2013/07/11/bar-best-view" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;


Also take the cable car up the mountain where there's another large bar overlooking the town. Also an excellent museum run by enthusiasts detailing their efforts to protect the city during the Balkan war.

[cricketfieldclarets]

Cavtat - very nice, there is no beach though. What they call "the beach" is a slab of concrete with sunbeds on. Behind the Hotel Croatia there are is a beach but it is rocky, and plenty of nudists.

I never wan to hear Rocky and nudists in the same sentence ever again!

[Loyalclaret]

Just returned from 10 days in Croatia - amazing places, beautiful scenery, good people and good food but we found it expensive.

Dubrovnik for 5 nights in an apartment in the old town. There are steps everywhere in Croatia so if you are bad with walking check your accommodation out beforehand-we had 5 steps to climb which was good! The proper season starts in 2 weeks but during the day there were 10,000 from the cruise chips in the city- at night it's quiet and relatively peaceful. Apparently 30,000 peak season!

Games of throne/history of the city tour enjoyable, I like boring history and culture, whilst my wife GOT.
Walked the walls and the protecting castle next door- great views but lots of steps.
Cable car to Napoleon fort overlooking city, great views. 4 wheel buggy ride up for an hour- good fun, safe and couple in 60's doing it. Museum in the Fort worth visiting. The restaurant Panorama up there has the best views I've taken in whilst eating- expensive but worth it, owned by same people who have the restaurant with great views outside Pile gate Dubravka which is also good. Can see three countries from up there. DO NOT walk down the hill in holiday shoes get the cable car!
Boat trip to 3 Elafiti Islands good for taste of the different island. Good value 250kuna, included nice fish dinner and flowing cheap wine. On Lopud visit the gardens and golf buggy to nice sandy beach.
Lokrum Island infront of Dubrovnik/Cavat is worth a short inexpensive visit, wildlife/cafes/monastery/natural seawater pool, also where replica Throne from GOT is located.
The Buza bars are good although poor selection of drinks, take shorts and jump in.
22 churches/a mosque and synagogue. I visited lots except the synagogue, the Jesuits was smart.

Hvar town was possibly the nicest place we've visited, lots of people adjusted their travel plans to stay longer. Not too packed because the season hadn't kicked off. Nice traditional streets, lots of restaurants and lively bars.
Castle and views stunning.
Vis Island blue/green caves, blue cave has to be seen to be believed like something of a Disney film. Stiniva beach best beach in Europe according an article in the Telegraph- not sure!
Paklinski Islands accessed by boat or kayak. Lovely beaches and restaurants, Laganini beach bar must be the best we've visited.

Only in Split for two days but enjoyed it. Active city, good for drinking and shopping. Lots of Roman influences, ok beach near ferry port. Had a small family festival on the promenade. The old town was not as well kept as Dubrovnik/Hvar but didn't take away from it.

Apologies for the long post but someone may find at least one piece of information useful. We will certainly be back to travel Croatia and the countries surrounding it more.

[Il Duce]

Looking at flying into Zadar and working my way down the Dalmatian coast then island hopping back up, does anyone know what the situation is with the boats to the islands? Do you just turn up and pay or book beforehand? Thanks in advance.

[Mayoclaret]

Looking at flying into Zadar and working my way down the Dalmatian coast then island hopping back up, does anyone know what the situation is with the boats to the islands? Do you just turn up and pay or book beforehand? Thanks in advance.

Went a few years ago to Zadar just after Ryanair started flights and based ourselves there for a Jolly Boys trip with 5 mates- taking in the local match Zadar v Dynamo Zagreb in the Croatian top flight - about 2000 on for the match and a better atmosphere than many a Premier League match. Did a boat trip around the Islands off Zagreb but on a whim got off at Iz (make sure the boat is coming back or you are stuck!!) - a beautiful , quiet island where we passed the day soaking up the sun at one of the very few bars on the island with the Med lapping at our feet - bliss. We turned up on spec to get the boat and had to buy them at a small kiosk/office nearby. Easy enough. Great place, lovely people and we found it very cheap about 5 years ago - at the time beer was the equivalent of just under £1 a pint!

[Loyalclaret]

Looking at flying into Zadar and working my way down the Dalmatian coast then island hopping back up, does anyone know what the situation is with the boats to the islands? Do you just turn up and pay or book beforehand? Thanks in advance.

We booked the main ferries in advance, the faster catamarans were full even now before the season starts properly, all inside and aircon. The car ferry had plenty of space both inside and out but were slower. They are state owned and were bang on time http://www.jadrolinija.hr/en/ferry-croatia" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

The local day trips were booked either at the many stands around harbours or excursion shops. We booked some on the morning of travel.

[California Colner]

I'm coming over in mid September, one week in Colne then one week in Dubrovnik staying at the Hotel Lapad, looks like I made a good choice for my vacation the post on here sound great.

[cricketfieldclarets]

Yeah colnes fantastic these days. Very good choice.

[California Colner]

Yeah colnes fantastic these days. Very good choice.

Brings me back to reality knowing what I'm missing

[Colburn_Claret]

Bump

Sat outside the Amor in Cavtat, having spent the evening in Dubrovnik. Last day tomorrow and I just wanted to say thanks, to all the people who've posted. Me and the wife have had the greatest holiday ever, and we've had plenty of good holidays.
Done Dubrovnik, day and night, walked the walls
Mostar was beautiful and amazing, watched the kids jumping off the bridge while enjoying some Cepavici from a nearby restaurant.
Kotor was stunning, I wish I'd had the time, and the legs, to climb up to the fort, but one day.

I can't wait to come back next year, and would recommend it to anybody.

Thanks.

[levraiclaret]

I went to Senji with the Lamprect Bros - Pete and Albert - back in 72 or 74 . It was very nice even tho I couldn't expose my pale skin to the sun for more than 15 minutes at a time.

[cricketfieldclarets]

Good to hear. Did the Balkans again a few weeks ago and brilliant as ever!

Highlight was definitely rafting in Bosnia. We had left our drinks at the camp. When we asked the instructor if there was anywhere we could get some he just laughed - DRINK THE RIVER!

The cleanest water I have ever seen. Was like crystal!

[ecc]

Split is where I would live if I could choose.