Astute Destinations - Croatia
Life moves at a more relaxed pace in Croatia. Sailboats glide on the glistening Adriatic Sea, and along the palm-tree lined promenades, residents sip coffee as lavender and rosemary aromas fill the air.
Formerly a part of Yugoslavia, Croatia lies in southeastern Europe, across the Adriatic from Italy. Croatia has all the ingredients you need for the ultimate summer getaway with its sprawling beaches, scenic towns, and stunning scenery.
If balmy days by sapphire waters in the shade of ancient walled towns are part of your Mediterranean dreams, Croatia is the place to make them a reality.
Many outdoor enthusiasts visit Croatia expressly for its adventure-sports facilities — sailing, scuba diving, sea kayaking, rafting, mountain biking, and rock climbing are all available amid the sea and the mountains.
City sites like Zagreb, Dubrovnik, Split, and Zadar offer Roman, Byzantine, Venetian, and Austro-Hungarian monuments for visitors interested in history and culture. In fact, the old centres of Dubrovnik and Split and the churches of Trogir and Sibenik and the basilica of Porec are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These cities organise summer festivals, presenting open-air music and theatre after dark, frequently drawing prominent international artists against a background of magnificent historic structures.
This mix of timeless, unspoiled environment, wonderfully maintained centuries-old buildings, and a vibrant modern cultural scene, including an ever-increasing number of electronic and alternative music events, offers rich memories for everyone who chooses to experience it today.
THINGS TO SEE AND DO
Croatia's Major Cities
As soon as you step foot in Croatia, you feel the country's rich history permeating through its ancient ruins, buildings, and castles. Rovinj has beautiful Venetian architecture, while Pula has a two-thousand-year-old Roman amphitheatre. While in Rijeka, you can climb 550 steps to Trsat Castle.
You can't mention Croatia without discussing the ancient city of Dubrovnik. Dubrovnik is a city with history carved into every brick and stone. There's a bounty of iconic attractions within its walled perimeter. The city's history dates back all the way to the 7th century, when the town known as Ragusa was founded by refugees from Epidaurum. Thanks to its towering walls and medieval buildings, Dubrovnik was chosen to be King's Landing in HBO's hit series Game of Thrones. If you are a fan of the series, you will be able to complete the Game of Thrones tour. Along the way, you will see where Ned Stark lost his head, where Tyrion Lannister repelled the forces of Stannis Baratheon, and where Cersei completed her walk of shame.
Then there is Croatia's capital, Zagreb. Like any Central European capital, Zagreb is not short of praiseworthy highlights: bountiful museums, captivating architecture, vibrant food markets, lush greenery, and a host of street festivals.
National Parks in Croatia
While stunning beaches and historic towns may be the first things that come to your mind when thinking about Croatia, there is a lot more that this versatile country has to offer. The country is endowed with an array of beautiful national parks. There are eight stunning national parks and eleven nature parks with unspoilt nature which you can explore, so whatever you do, don't forget your hiking boots.
There is the waterfall wonderland that is Krka National Park. Over thousands of years, the water of the Krka River has cut a deep canyon through the mountains of Sibenik's hinterland. The Skradinski Buk is the largest waterfall on the island and one of Croatia's most famous sights, and you can actually swim right in front of it if you are brave enough.
Not far from Pula, along the Istrian coast, you will find the Brijuni National Park, a collection of 14 islands. Although the largest island, Veli Brijuni, is the only one you can visit. However, that should not stop you from hopping on a ferry, as this exotic island has a rich history going back to prehistoric times. Over 200 dinosaur footprints and ruins dating back to Roman times are scattered around the island. An archaeological museum, a church that displays exciting exhibitions and a safari park filled with exotic animals can also be found on the island.
Summer festivals
Another significant draw of Croatia, especially during the summer months, is its range of festivals. Croatia has actually even been voted Europe's best destination for music festivals! Why? Due to the often spectacular locations, beautiful beaches and relatively cheap drinks. Famous festivals are the Outlook Festival (28 July - 2 August 2022), Ultra Europe (8 July - 10 Jul 2022), and Dimensions Festival (1 September - 5 September). And if there doesn't happen to be a music festival on when you visit Croatia, don't worry. You can dance to your heart's content in the bustling nightlife.
For those who want something a little more relaxing, why not travel to Dubrovnik's Summer Festival. Each year, the festival celebrates the country's rich theatre, opera, music and dance history at various open-air venues around the city. The festival takes place from mid-July through to the end of August. Amazingly, this year the city celebrates the 73rd edition of the festival.
In August, the people of Croatia celebrate the Maraton Ladja, an annual boat race that takes place on the Neretva River from Metkovic to Ploce. A ladja is a traditional type of boat native to Croatia and has been used for centuries along the narrow Neretva River. Crews usually consist of people from nearby towns and villages and can number up to 18 people, including a cox and a drummer. It is a thrilling experience that you will certainly remember for years to come. These are just some reasons why summer is a beautiful time to visit Croatia.
WHAT TO EAT?
Over the centuries, the diverse regions and foreign influences have left their mark on Croatian cuisine.
Black risotto
Known locally as crni rižot, black risotto is made with cuttlefish or squid, olive oil, garlic, red wine and squid ink, giving the dish an intense seafood flavour and black colour. While it may temporarily turn your mouth and teeth black, it is well worth trying.
Brodetto
This fisherman's stew hails from Italy's Marche region. Traditionally fishermen cooked it over an open fire using their catch of the day, adding ample vinegar to the pot to preserve the stew for a couple days longer.
Fritule
For those of you with a sweet tooth, why not try Fritule. These doughnut-like fried pastries vary from region to region – egg yolks, raisins, grated lemon or orange rinds, and even rum can go into the mixture to add bit more of a kick. Be careful though, they are addictive.
Pljeskavica
Everybody loves a hamburger, so why not try their Balkan cousin, pljeskavica. Essentially a large patty of minced meat, a slightly spicy mix of beef and lamb, pljeskavica is served similarly to ćevapčići, with large dollops of ajvar pepper relish and a small mound of chopped raw onion.
Rožata
The Croatian equivalent of crème caramel, a custard pudding whose key local ingredient, rose liqueur, is the reason for its regional name of rožata. Often maraschino cherry liqueur gives it an equal kick.
Burek
Burek is a popular dish among the Slavic regions, yet you will find some of the best versions in Croatia. Many bakeries take the time to perfect it, filling these flaky, layered pastries with cheese, apple and meat. We recommend cheese-and-spinach. If breakfast isn't a part of the deal in the hotel or hostel where you're staying, burek is the ideal cheap filler to take you through from mid-morning to early evening.
WHERE TO STAY?
Hotels in Croatia
Zagreb, Dubrovnik, Rovinj, and Losinj Island all have a decent selection of 5-star hotels. Although some hotels provide an all-inclusive formula, all-inclusive resorts are not popular in Croatia. All-inclusive Croatian hotel often refers to a full-board meal package that includes unlimited chosen beverages at mealtimes. Most hotels in Croatia include a half-board meal plan, and supper is often inexpensive when bought as part of a room cost.
We recommend you stay at Villa Kapetanović is a family-run hotel just a short distance from the waterfront in Volosko, Croatia's gourmet enclave. Home to some of the country's finest restaurants yet still somehow maintaining its authentic fishing village atmosphere. Panoramic views and excellent restaurants serving up delicious food make this the perfect place to stay.
Croatian Villas
If you prefer something more private and intimate, why not consider staying at your own personal villa.
Villa rentals have grown in popularity in recent years as they tend to be situated away from the major tourist destinations and provide peace and tranquillity.
One of the best villa rental companies is Croatian Villa Holidays. With a brilliant reputation, Croatian Villa Holidays are passionate about Croatia - its natural beauty, its stunning coastline, its amazing clear blue sea, and its architecture and history. With their experience and knowledge of the country, you can be confident they will find you the perfect villa for your needs.
Croatian Campsites
If you want to enjoy the great outdoors, there are several campgrounds along the shore, although only a handful is on Croatian territory.
Camping Lanterna is the largest camping site in Croatia. It is situated on Lanterna peninsula, halfway between Porec and Novigrad. Camping Lanterna offers a wide range of entertainment and activities for children and adults alike. There are several children's playgrounds, mini clubs for different age groups, tournaments, sports activities, a beach volleyball court, multifunctional sports field, tennis courts, mini golf, and so much more.
THE BEST BARS
The top bars in Croatia are diverse, each with its own distinct personality derived from the cities or areas in which it is located.
The greatest Zagreb bars focus on music or design; the best Split bars lend themselves to a night around Diocletian's Palace, and the best Dubrovnik pubs take use of the city's breath-taking Adriatic views. Add a few fine wines and drinks from Istria, as well as a few hot locations in Rijeka, Opatija, and Zadar, and the image is complete. Here is the list of the best Croatian bars:
Spunk
Route 66
Dezman Bar
Venyl Bar
Rakhia Bar
Sedmica
Bacchus Jazz Bar
THE BEST BEACHES
Stretching along the coastline between northern Rijeka and Dubrovnik in the south, the beaches in Croatia range from golden bays to panoramic peninsulas. The most seductive shorelines, though can be found along the southerly Dalmatian coast.
Here are the best beaches in Croatia:
Punta Rata, Brela
Sakarun Beach, Dugi Island (Dugi Otok)
Betina Cave, Dubrovnik. Betina Cave
Nugal Beach. Nugal Beach
Kamenjak National Park, Istria. Kamenjak National Park
Sunj Beach, Lopud. Sunj Beach
Zrce Beach Novalja, Pag Island. Zrce Beach
Solta Island. Beautiful Beach on Solta Island
REACH CROATIA BY PRIVATE JET FLIGHTS
Would you want to go to Croatia with your family or friends this summer to enjoy a sunny vacation? Or, for a business trip, would you like to hire a private jet or helicopter to Croatia and its islands? Astute Aviation will transport you there! Croatia is a popular summer trip due to its dream beaches, mediaeval towns, UNESCO-listed attractions, and spectacular nature parks. Whatever your location, our Astute Aviation flight specialists will assist you in planning your custom holiday.
Private jet flights to southern Europe's coastal areas skyrocket throughout the summer months. The Adriatic is no exception, and Croatia, in particular, is presently seeing high demand for private jet movements during the summer season.
Astute Aviation organises business aviation as well as leisure flights to Croatia all year. Still, during the summer, visitors, especially sailing enthusiasts and those looking to appreciate the country's remarkable beauty, crowd towards the area.
AIRPORTS AND CHARTER ROUTES IN CROATIA
Private jet charter provides you with more options than flying commercially. It may also save time by enabling you to take off or arrive closer to your destination. In addition to the major Croatian airports, Croatia has over 25 airports that can accommodate private jet customers, including:
Cepin Airport
Otocac Airport
Hvar Private Airport
Lucko Zagreb Airport
Sinj Gilder Airport
Unije Airport
Grobnicko Polje Airport
Daruvar Blagorod Airport
Varazdin Airport
Medulin Campanoz Airport
GET A QUOTE RIGHT NOW
Get a quotation for private jet rental flights to and from Croatia online, or contact the Astute Aviation team for a quote, guidance, and more information.