Croatia's Best Vacation Islands

Croatia has over a thousand islands so it’s no wonder that searching for the one perfect for your summer vacation on the Adriatic can turn into a bit of a hassle. So, to help you out a little we’ve prepared a short guide to Croatia’s beast vacation islands.

Due to its peculiar look, Pag Island is often described as a white, rocky desert. Naturally, there’s so much more to Pag: it’s not only one of the most famous party destinations (its Zrće Beach has proven to be perfect venue for 24/7 beach parties and the Hideout Festival), but it’s also a mustfoodie destination we have included in our foodie guide along the Adriatic as one of the most important spots.
Once there, don’t miss:

• Paški sir (Pag cheese) – take advantage of the fact you’re spending vacation on the island that’s home to one of world’s most renowned cheeses and indulge your taste buds as much as you can :)

Click here for more info and accommodation tips for Pag Island

Krk Island is both the most northerly island on the Adriatic and one of the sunniest spots in the Mediterranean. It’s very popular among guests for its geographical position (vicinity to Istria and Rijeka), its beaches (around 15 of them are regularly awarded Blue Flag certificate) and great number of interesting historical sights. Due to all this, Krk is probably best as a family vacationdestination.

Once there, don’t miss:

• Baška – boasts some of the most beautiful beaches on the Adriatic (kilometers long pebbly beaches and shallow sandy stretches, great for a game of picigin :)
• Soline Bay – popular for its healing mud everyone can enjoy

Click here for more info and accommodation tips for Krk Island

The so called ”island of love”, Rab Island is maybe best known as the center of naturism in Croatia. However, Rab is also rich with many cultural heritage sites and some of the most interesting green oases in the Mediterranean (most popular are Kalifront forest and Komrcar Park).

Once there, don’t miss:

• Lopar – area with beautiful sandy beaches, the most famous one being Paradise Beach
• Rapska fjera – a three-day fiesta in July, organized as a historical reenactment including crossbow tournament, costumed performances, crafts festival etc.

Click here for more info and accommodation tips for Rab Island

Due to its natural beauties and quaint villages, Murter Island has always been recognized as a perfect place for summer relaxation. However, since its little town Tisno became home to some of the best music festivals out there (Garden Festival, Electric Elephant, to name but a few), Murter has also developed into a dream destination for every festival-goer.

Once there, don’t miss:

• Kornati National Park – from Murter you have daily excursions to this ”island paradise” that encompasses over 100 little islands and islets. So don’t miss your chance to make a day-trip to one of the most exceptional archipelago in the Mediterranean.

Click here for more info and accommodation tips for Murter Island

Brač Island is best known as home to Croatia’s most popular beach – Zlatni rat or Golden Horn.People who like to add a bit of adrenalin to their summer vacation will fall in love with this tongue-shaped beach ideal for all kinds of water sports. Moreover, Brač Island is so close to the mainland that you can always make day-trips to the city of Split and the surrounding area.

Once there, don’t miss:

•  Vidova gora – the highest peak on the island offers superb views of both Brač and surrounding islands. Plus, there’s a restaurant where you can enjoy delicious, traditionally prepared lamb.

Click here for more info and accommodation tips for Brač Island

Hvar Island firmly established its status as the sunniest (2724 hours of sunshine per year) and the trendiest island on the Adriatic(with regular guests such as Beyonce and Jay-Z). So, if you want to combine crystal clear sea and beautiful nature with rich nightlife and hip cocktail-bars, Hvar is your destination!

Once there, don’t miss:

• Pakleni Islands – due to great number of secluded coves and charming pebbly beaches, this group of small islands nearby Hvar is perfect for day excursions and absolute relaxation.

Click here for more info and accommodation tips for Hvar Island

Due to its history and position (the farthest inhabited island) – Vis Island exudes a really special, quaint atmosphere which is often described as ambiance of Mediterranean as it once was. So if you want to get away from the city hustle and immerse yourself into an authentic local rhythm which slows everything down to that most delightful measure, Vis is your destination :)

Once there, don’t miss:

• Biševo and its Blue Cave – famous for its incredibly blue waters and ideal for snorkeling, Blue Cave and little islet Biševo are perfect day-trip option just few kilometers away from Vis.

Click here for more info and accommodation tips for Vis Island

Popular for its wines and olives, Korčula Island is yet another perfect destination for all the foodies. However, besides renowned authentic local products (be sure not to miss cakes and Pošip wine) this island also boasts rich cultural heritage and beautiful architecture. The fact that its old town Korčula is often referred to as ”little Dubrovnik” says it all :)

Once there, don’t miss:

• Moreska Sword Dance – this centuries old tradition is performed throughout the summer and is one of the main tourist attractions. Visually unique and interesting, it depicts an ancient story of love and conflict through seven different sword dances.

Click here for more info and accommodation tips for Korčula Island

Source: http://traveladriatic.com

Croatia's Sexiest Beaches

by Erica Walsh

Croatia's main tourist attraction is, and always has been, its beaches. With miles of pristine continental Adriatic seaside and dozens of islands to visit, the sun and fun are endless. For this journey, leave the kids and your inhibitions home; we're taking you to Croatia's 10 sexiest beaches.

10. Zrce Beach
 Pag Island, NovaljaLocated on Pag Island, Zrce Beach is a white-pebbled beach, kissing the crystal-clear Adriatic. It's the only beach in Croatia with the Ibiza party spirit, and droves of locals and tourists flock here looking for a good time. After-hours action at this beach includes 3 popular open-air clubs; Aquarius, Papaya and Kalypso offer drink specials, hot DJs, and pools, Jacuzzis and hot tubs. No reason to change out of your bathing suit to party at these hot spots.

9. Hvar Islands
 Hvar Islands, PakleniIsland-hop from Pag Island to the Hvar, another hot and hip destination for tanned tourists. During July and August, the beaches here are packed which makes for body-bumping parties in the evening. When the sun goes down, head to some of the most popular bars on the Dalmatian coast like Korzo and Carpe Diem.

8. Sv. Jerolim
Hvar Islands, Sveti JerolimDon't leave the Hvar Islands just yet. Sv. Jerolim on Sveti Jerolim's coast, is isolated and beautifully preserved. A well-known nude beach, this isn't the place to go for large parties and a swinging singles' scene, but it is the perfect hideaway for you and someone special. There are a few restaurants on the beach and outdoor showers to wash away the day's heat.

7. Zlatni Rat
Brac Island. BolZlatni Rat beach is home to a spectacular sandbar known as the Golden Horn. The bar is 580 yards long and provides this beach with a unique shape and unparalleled people-watching. The beach offers restaurants, cafes and a surplus of water sports. The nightlife is more relaxed than Zrce beach, but there are plenty of open-air bars and nightclubs open for mischief.

6. Kandalora Beach
Frkanj Peninsula, Rab IslandSure, parties and nightclubs are hot, but you can't get any sexier than a nude beach. And Croatia offers these in spades. Kandalora beach is divided into three pebbled and private coves where sunbathers dare to bare it all. There's a small fee to enter these beaches, but the coves are easily reachable if you're dropping anchor in the Adriatic.

5. Valalta Resort
RovinjIf you're looking to add a little romance to your Croatian vacation, Valalta Resort near Rovinj is a perfect destination. Accommodations here include fully equipped apartments, luxurious caravans and intimate bungalows. The beach stretches for about three miles and offers many sandy and stone bays perfect for nude sunbathing.

4. Brela Beach
 VruljaBrela Village is a Mediterranean dream; miles of white beach lined with fig trees and olive groves. Brela is the home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Croatia, with nearby Vrulja Cove topping the list. A desirable location for couples, it's best reached by boat and encourages swimming and sunbathing au naturale.

3. Baska Beach
 Krk IslandKrk Island is the largest Croatian island and is located in the picturesque Kvarner Bay. The must-see destination on Baska is the Vela Plaza, or Great Beach, where bars, restaurants and cafes offer a reprieve from the sun. The Great Beach is the place to be seen, but Baska beach also offers plenty of coves for those seeking a more intimate experience.

2. Girandella Beach
 Rabac, Istria IslandOnce a quiet fishing village, Rabac is now a bustling tourists' resort with a spirited nightlife. At Girandella Beach, unique rock and jetty formations make diving very popular during the day. At night, the partying takes place right on the beach, where DJs spin house and techno music. Two summer festivals not to be missed are the Sunrise Festival and the Rabac Summer Festival.

1. Plat Beach
DubrovnikNumber 1 on the countdown is one of Croatia's best-hidden beaches with kicking nightlife. This tiny beach is a balmy oasis of beautiful landscapes. The beach has very little shade, so an umbrella is a must to provide some shelter and a little privacy on the nude beach. In the evening, head to the best restaurants and clubs in Croatia. Click here for a full description of Dubrovnik's nightlife.

Croatia Dos and Don'ts

With approximately 1,200 islands, azure waters and picturesque villages rich in history, Croatia is drawing more and more travelers to its shores. In fact, Croatia closed the 2012 tourism year as the Mediterranean’s fastest growing destination, luring travelers with its pristine national parks, adventure sports and UNESCO World Heritage sites such as the medieval Old Town of Dubrovnik. There’s more big news ahead as Croatia enters the European Union in summer 2013 as the 28th member state, and in especially good news for American travelers, the country will retain its use of the kuna, the domestic currency, which is kinder to the American dollar than the euro. While travel in Croatia is pretty much a breeze, here are a few dos and don’ts to help you navigate the country’s diverse offerings more smoothly.

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Don’t Be Afraid of the BusUnlike other European countries where hitting the rails is a no-brainer, Croatian train travel is not always the easiest way to get around. Although Croatian Railways, the national train company, does connect many cities, there is no service in the south, for example from tourist-heavy Split down to Dubrovnik, arguably Croatia’s most popular travel destination. There is only limited train service in the Istrian peninsula, a travel hotspot in the north likened to Tuscany for its rolling hills of vineyards and olive trees. The public transportation solution? Hop on the bus! The bus company Libertas Dubrovnik has as many as 13 buses traveling between Split and Dubrovnik every day, and the trip generally takes about 4 hours, only an hour more than if you drove in a car. For travel to Istria, try the bus companyAutotrans; they have a line that will take you from Croatia’s capital city of Zagreb to the old Roman city of Pula, for example, in about 5 hours -- 2 hours longer than driving by car.

Do Drive With Care (And Don’t Talk on Your Cell)While Croatian buses may run well, if you want to zip around more freely, rent a car. All of the major rental companies, from Avis to Hertz, are represented in Croatia, and can be picked up at the Zagreb airport. It’s usually cheaper to book online, and best to reserve well in advance if you are making a summer trip -- cars have been scarce in the popular travel months of July and August. Almost all Croatians drive a manual transmission, so if you prefer automatic, let the rental car company know when you make the reservation. Also, don’t drive and talk on your cell phone -- it is illegal in Croatia, and strictly enforced. You can drive with your own license and a passport for up to 6 months, after which time you would need a Croatian driver’s license. And while road signs are easily readable in Croatia, the driving sometimes isn’t. Local drivers tend to pass aggressively, and although the views on the coastal route from Split to Dubrvnik are breathtaking, keep your eyes glued to the road -- the guardrails on some of the hairpin curves don’t look very reassuring. But you do drive on the right side of the road in Croatia, so you can relax about that.

Do Take Ferries and Charter a BoatIf you are visualizing many paradisiacal swims in clear blue waters, then the Croatian islands are calling your name. Most of the residents of Croatian islands have their own small boats to travel between islands and the coast -- it’s the easiest way to get around. Public ferries in Croatia are another common way to island hop. The largest ferry company with the most connections in Croatia is Jadrolinija; there are also many smaller regional companies that you can ask the Croatian National Tourist Board about. Keep in mind that island hopping by commercial ferries can be difficult to plan and often inefficient. For example, the north-south ferries (Rijeka to Dubrovnik), run only 2 times a week. If you need more flexibility, look into chartering a boat. There are many local companies, like Happy Charter on the fashionable island of Havr, or Argola Charter in the appealing seaside town of Trogir, from whom you can rent speedboats, yachts or catamarans.

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Don’t Walk the Walls With the MassesIf you plan to travel to Croatia during the peak months of July and August, you might have to buck some trends to avoid the crowds. For example, the No. 1 tourist activity in Dubrovnik is to walk atop the famous City Walls that run for over a mile around the Old Town. The remaining stonewalls, built in the Middle Ages, tower up to 82 feet in some places and are a great point of pride for Croatians -- no marauding outsiders have ever successfully invaded them. But take a cue from the locals -- stay away from the walls during the middle of the day in the summer when it can be very hot and crowded.

Do Watch Your StepIf you tend to venture off the beaten path, beware of unexploded minefields in inland areas like Eastern Slavonia, Brodsko-Posavska County, Karlovac County, areas around Zadar County and in more remote areas of the Plitvice Lakes National Park. Up to 2 million mines were laid during the war of the early ’90s, and Croatia is not expected to be mine-free until 2019. The mines are not in tourist spots and chances that foreigners would visit many of these places are slim. Nonetheless, hundreds of people have been killed by mines in Croatia since the end of the war; if you do happen to travel in these areas, stay on cultivated paths and look out for warning signs with the international symbol for mines -- a skull and crossbones inside a red, upside-down triangle.

Do Remember the Patron SaintAccording to the last major census, almost 90% of Croatians are Catholic. So keep in mind that each village and town has a patron saint whose feast day will be celebrated with processions and ceremonies and probably a day off from work. Croatians are especially devoted to the Virgin Mary, whom they call "Gospa." Keep your eye out for little shrines built throughout the countryside to honor her.

Don’t Call It YugoslaviaCroatia has long grappled with invading forces and external governments: Hungarian, Habsburg, Ottoman, Venetian, Serbian and Yugoslav. The country only just gained independence in 1991, and immediately thereafter was thrust into the devastating Bosnian War of the early ’90s. Now, Croatians are truly free, with a well-deserved sense of national pride. Therefore, steer clear of calling them Yugoslav.

Do Call It CroatianLinguists say the Croatian language is almost identical to Serbian, except that Croatian is written in the Roman alphabet, while Serbian is written in Cyrillic. Nonetheless, always call their language “Croatian,” and not “Serbo-Croatian,” as it has sometimes erroneously been called in the past; comparisons to anything Serbian can still be a touchy subject for some.

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Do Watch Where You Go Topless!If you’re tempted to go European and drop the bikini top, feel free. Plenty of travelers sunbathe topless on beaches in northern and central Croatia -- and go totally nude in specified areas-- but you may need to be more discreet in the south, where values tend to be more conservative. And if you happen to find yourself on the island of Vrbnik, know that this is the birthplace of numerous Croatian bishops and a very religious community to boot -- so, keep your clothes on.