CROATIA TRAVEL GUIDE

I traveled to Croatia in 2021 and it was my first country I ever traveled to outside of America. SHOCKING, I know but it really was one of the most scenic and cultural shocking place I have ever had the opportunity to see and live for 5 months. Fast forward, since May 1st of 2022, I made a return visit again living and working as a local! I have no words to describe this beautiful country other than it is BEAUTIFUL. If you plan to travel to Croatia, AS YOU SHOULD. I would love to leave you with some local favorites and personal favorite must see and do activities during your time in Croatia.

Make sure you plan to visit between June to September, as for that is the recommended best times to visit Croatia! The towns are most lively and open for tourists in the summer so If you plan to visit and live like a local and see it all, give yourself 2 weeks to a month during these seasons! Here are some must see and do's during your visit!

ISLANDS YOU MUST VISIT:

Fun fact: Croatia has more than 1200 islands all located on there eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea! I personally have only had the opportunity to visit 10 of out of the 1200 islands! BUT all of the Islands you visit in Croatia each have something so special about them and so many hidden beaches, historic forts, yummy croatian cuisine, and so much more! These Islands are rated the best islands to visit in Croatia!

BRAC, MILNA

Fun fact: Brač has the famous Zlatni Rat beach in the harbour town of Bol. Croatia known as the "tip of the Adriatic Sea". This island is the best windsurfing destination. The island appeals to adventure with its sick water-sports, well-marked hiking, ATV, and cycling paths, and olive oil farms. Behind Bol rises Vidova Gora, the highest point on the Croatian islands – climb to the top for the BEST views!

HVAR

Fun fact: Hvar is #LIT. This beautiful trendy Island has beautiful scenic views, historic old town, hidden beaches, and a LIT night life. Top places to check out during your stay: Carpe diem, Hula Hula, Kiva bar, and more! Hvar Town sprawls around a sheltered harbour packed with yachts, a vast paved piazza with a cathedral at its centre. Stroll along cobbled alleys and seafront up to the hilltop castle, then wander through the town where you can find the best rustic style seafood restaurants, cocktail bars, and lots of gelato (think lobster, champagne, and lavender ice cream). For wine lovers: Tomić winery in Jelsa is the place you want to visit to taste wines made from local grape varieties Bogdanuša, Pošip and Plavac Mali.

VIS

Fun Fact: There is a Historic Fort called Fort George that not many travelers know about unless you know (you know if you know!) This beautiful Island is best to get too on a yacht or the other alternative the ferry! You can find the best famous "Peka" cuisine on this Island. Peka takes hours to cook and is made in a metal domed-lid pot, buried under glowing embers made with veggies, potatoes, herbs, and your choice of meat / seafood!

All the food is localy sourced and served at the island’s many tiny family restaurants! Getting scooters and exploring this island is highly recommended to reach cool hidden bays like Stiniva Beach Cove!

KORCULA

Fun Fact: Marco Polo was said to be born here! Korčula Town, is a beautiful tiny medieval-walled peninsula, Gothic-Renaissance cathedral that you can seen from the sea! At sunset, theres a performance of the Moreška sword dance you must check out! In the hills of this island you will see so much pine woods, vineyards and olive groves, to Konoba Maha or Konoba Mate, two rustic eateries serving island specialities made from home produce. To sample the local white, Pošip, visit the welcoming family-run Toreta Winery in Smokvica!

MUST DO'S DURING YOUR CROATIA TRIP:

There are SO much must do's during your time in Croatia all the below are more reasons why you should book your next trip to Croatia!

Party on Sea with Out to Sea Split! Yes. I have to give it to them, they provide the best day boat party in Split! This is one of the best ways to meet people if you're here for a short trip, passing through, or want to rage in a bay for the day! On board with a live DJ, fully stocked bar, kitchen, and the best staff Ive had the opportunity to work with are just a few of the reasons you should join the biggest and best boat party in split! Book here: https://outtoseasplit.com/ for a good time with my code "VLUST" to get a discount!

Go on a sailing Holiday with Bucketlust! Croatia is one of there staple of the many destinations they sail and they are back in action this year! Bucketlust provides a week long sailing floating festival vibe, hosting epic exclusive "bucketlist" events all week long while sailing and exploring the salty Adriatic sea and visiting Croatias top islands with new and old friends! Croatia is known for its insane scenic med sea views and easiest way to see most of what Croatia has to offer is getting from place to place by a boat! Check out how you can join a week on sea with us here: https://thebucketlust.co.uk/

Road Trip through as much of Croatia as you can! The views are endless everywhere you go! Ideal spots to see along the coast:

Zagreb: (Enjoy local restaurants and historic old town)

Pula: (Kayak through caves and check out hidden beaches)

Zadar: (Historic town with restaurants and bars)

Primosten: (Picturesque seaside village town)

Omis: (Zip lining, White water rafting, cute Old town)

Dubrovnik: (Check out where historic town game of thrones was shot!)

Split Virtual Reality Experience. If your into history and the upbringing on the Roman Empire in Croatia this is enjoyable virtual reality experience for people of all ages!)

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LOCAL FAVORITE CAFES IN SPLIT YOU MUST TRY:

I am a coffee enthusiast and addict so its only right I share my favorite cafe go to's in Croatias Old Town, Split. In Old town you can find so many hidden cafes in every alley way you explore through but these are my personal local favorites and some favorites locals would recommend as well! These being my top 4: D16 Coffee, Kava 2 Coffee, Coffee 4 soul, and Kavana Pro Cafe.

BEACHES IN SPLIT YOU MUST GO TO:

You heard it again, I am a beach enthusiast and there are too many hidden beaches to right them all along the coast of Croatia but whether your stay is short or long you can easily make it to these few beaches along the coast close to the Split. Here are my top favorites that have a daytime chill scene and also a nightlife scene as well! Kasjuni Beach, Jezinac Beach, Znjan Beach, and Bacvice Beach.

FUN SOCIAL BARS AND RESTAURANTS :

Living in Croatia during the summer has given me the full experience of the social bar scene and night life split has to offer! All these bars are unique in their own way. From being super lowkey speakeasys, locally owned, hostel party bars, and some local favorites. Here is a good list of the few you should check out during your stay in Split!

Roof 68 (Rooftop vibes), Day&night Bar "Tennis" (Croatia bar scene & beach view), Marvlvs Jazz Bar (Historic Bar in Old town) Teraca Vidilica (Highest viewpoint bar & restaurant in split) , Antique Bar (Fun Bar & restaurant in Split Riva), Academia Club Ghetto (Bohemian Indoor & Outdoor Bar), Sanctuary Bar (Cantina Bar in center of old town) , Harats Pub Split (Irish Pub in Split), Crozzies (Pub Crawl) Bokeria Resturaunt (Stylish Bar and bites in Old Town).