Croatia summer vacation

Going for a Croatia summer vacation? If you are, then you’ve come to the right place. If not, then I hope that you’re still reading this because I’m going to tell you why Croatia should be in your travel bucket list.

The sun is shining, you are free from the stresses of school, and it’s finally summer break. Maybe you want to travel around the United States or explore a different country. There are many options for summer vacation but where should you go? That can be a difficult question to answer. Let me help you answer that question and make your decision making process much easier by suggesting Croatia, a country located in southeastern Europe.

Croatia is the perfect destination for a summer vacation. This Central European country has a mild, Mediterranean climate that invites you to relax and enjoy its beautiful beaches, lush forests, and picturesque towns. You can explore Croatia on your own or with a tour guide.

Croatia is located in the Balkan Peninsula, surrounded by the Adriatic Sea to the south, Bosnia & Herzegovina and Serbia to the east, Hungary to the north, and Slovenia to the northwest. The country’s capital city is Zagreb (Zágráb in Croatian), which has over one million residents.

Croatia is a beautiful country to visit in the summer. It has many different climates, from the hot and dry to the cool and rainy. If you want to explore Croatia during your summer vacation, here are some of the best places to go:

1. Zadar

Zadar is one of the oldest cities in Croatia and it has many historical sites. You can visit the old town square or climb up to the top of St. Mark’s church for amazing views of Zadar Bay. There are also plenty of restaurants where you can enjoy delicious seafood dishes!

2. Split

The city of Split is located on the coast of Croatia and it has a beautiful seafront promenade with palm trees and cafes that serve ice cream cones! You can also visit Diocletian’s Palace which was built by Emperor Diocletian himself in 305 AD as his retirement home! The palace contains many museums with ancient artifacts from Roman times and other eras too!

3. Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is one of Europe’s most important medieval cities with lots of interesting architecture like churches and bell towers surrounded by walls built during Ottoman rule which are still intact today due to careful planning when they were constructed centuries ago! You

1. Losinj Island

We’ll start with the island of Losinj, which is part of the Kvarner bay islands. the island is a popular destination in Croatia, offering a lot for the money – from more secluded places for relaxation to more active ways of spending your stay.

Here is a bullet list of reasons that make Losinj a great choice:

• Mild climate, clear sea and the amazing Mediterranean nature make it an ideal place for everybody, including those who have respiratory problems.
• The island is ideal for fans of active holidays, offering more than 280 kilometers of cycling and walking routes, as well as various sports and water sports spots.
• It is Croatia’s only island where you can watch dolphins – some 200 of them are known to be swimming in the area.
• It was called the “Island of Vitality” by the Food Wine and Travel Magazine which considered it the second best travel destination for 2018.

I wrote an article detailing the best beaches in Losinj, so make sure to check that one out also to explore your options.

2. Solta Island

My next recommendation for a perfect summer in Croatia is this small island near Split (which has some amazing beaches too!).

It also got some nice awards, including being ranked first among 50 best travel destinations of 2018 by Travel + Leisure magazine. Just like Losinj above (and the other recommended places below) it is always ranked as a top summer destination in Europe on a yearly basis.

Here, you will be greeted by pristine nature, amazing turquoise waters, lush greenery and beautiful pebble beaches. To round things up nicely, medieval villages, local vineyards and family-run olive oil farms are ready to offer unique experiences.

The island of Solta is an ideal destination for a peaceful summer holiday in combination with relaxing activities:

• Explore the bays of island on foot, by bike or boat.
• Enjoy swimming in numerous amazing beaches and bays.
• Taste the native olives called Levatinka.
• Try the local rosemary honey called Olintio.
• Visit local winery Dobricic and tate their red wine made from the autochthonous Dobricic grapes.

If you want to get more in depth with the options here, check out my full guide to Solta Island.

3. Pag Island

If sunbathing and swimming is not the only thing you are interested in, then Pag island is a great place for you.

This is where parties happen more often than not, making it a popular destination for a younger audience.

One of the main attractions in the area is the Zrce party beach in Novalja. This is Croatia’s only beach that gives you that Ibiza feeling thanks to the parties and the overall feel of the place.

Zrce is a long, stretched, white pebbled beach with crystal clear waters. The beach has numerous facilities and three popular open-air clubs offering entertainment until early in the morning if no other restrictions are in place.

If you ask someone what makes this island famous, it is certain that the response will be related to four nouns – lamb, salt, cheese and lace. Or ask the younger visitors and they’ll definitely recommend it for the parties and the open-minded atmosphere.

Learn more about this party island in my guide to Pag here.

4. Lastovo island

This is definitely not one of those places that you see on all lists – but you’re not here to see the things that everybody recommends. You’re here for the opinions of somebody who knows the country well and doesn’t base recommendations on online research only.

And trust me when I say that you will absolutely love Lastovo island – even if you’ve never heard of it until today.

The island is considered one of the lost paradises of the Mediterranean region. It offers some truly amazing raw, unspoiled nature and a unique habitat that is rich in marine life and plant diversity.

This is definitely away from the regular touristy tracks, making it even more amazing. It’s far away from city noise and pollution, crowded beaches or heavy traffic. It’s a place where you will most likely have to opt for private accommodation and skip on most social nightlife.

So while it’s definitely not the perfect destination for all travelers, none really is. But if you’re looking for raw nature and unspoiled beauty, you will love it!

5. Makarska Riviera

If you prefer the Adriatic coast, Makarska Riviera is my only recommendation in the area – but you don’t need more than it!

The truth is that the Makarska Riviera beaches are considered the most beautiful pebble beaches along the Adriatic coast, so you know that you’re in for a treat.

And the best part is that the place is still not extremely popular, as most visitors go straight to the islands, therefore neglecting the Makarska Riviera. This means that you have more for yourself!

6. Murter Island

Known as the gate to Kornati islands, Croatia’s nautical paradise of 89 islands, islets and cliffs, Murter is a place you will surely love due to its amazing position and natural, traditional charm.

There are four settlements on the island: Murter, Tisno, Beting and Jezera. The first town is the most popular one, while the last one is the most secluded.

You have various accommodation options and secluded beaches on the island, so you can really opt for a unique holiday here.

Also, due to its vicinity to the Kornati national park, it becomes one of the most important nautical bases on the Croatian coast. An ideal summer destination for lovers of boating holidays.

If this sounds like the right place for you, click here to read an in-depth article about this island.

Conclusion

I could definitely recommend 10 or 15 amazing summer destinations in Croatia this year. Probably even more.

But for today, I wanted to give you some additional options to the “classic” ones that everybody talks about.

I’m not saying that Dubrovnik isn’t worth visiting (on the contrary!), but you have amazing options outside the city as well. And I am sure you will enjoy them all!