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You're strolling along white sand beaches, your toes digging into the warmth.
Sunshine is sparkling off whitecaps on the crystal blue as you splash in the
sea. Perhaps another cocktail? A seaside concert? Dinner at a 4-star restaurant?
Wow, surely you must be vacationing along the famed Amalfi Coast in Italy, or
along the luxurious French Mediterranean, or maybe even one of the tropical
Hawaiian Islands, right? Wrong!
You're
in Croatia!
That's right – this once war-torn country that just
recently won its final independence is quickly becoming known as one of the best
beach vacation destinations in the world.
That's right – this once poor
eastern European country hidden under years of oppression is now being revealed
as the seaside gem that cannot be missed for the jet set and suburban traveler
alike.
With some of the most well-known world vacation beaches being
overrun by crowds, exorbitant prices, and tourist traps on every corner, the
time to find a new sandy retreat is desperately needed. Acclaimed as being more
hospitable, more beautiful, and more affordable than almost any other coastal
destination, Croatia offers a lot of everything for any beach lover. Let's take
a look at the three best Croatian regions within which to dip your toes into the
Adriatic.
Istria
If you
have never been to Croatia, there is no better place to start than Istria.
Located in western Croatia, Istria's coastline stretches on for miles and is
dotted with numerous gorgeous beaches, bays, and quaint villages that will
magically transport you to a better time. Bordering Italy, Austria, and
Slovenia, Croatia is like a European smorgasbord of culture, cuisine, and cool
sea breezes!
Because Istria was held by Italy before World War II, you
will find colorful Italian traditions and culture around every corner. Whether
you want to eat authentic Italian truffles, stay in a beautiful palazzo, or
simply feel like you are in Italy for a fraction of the price, Istria the place
for you.
If you want a break from sunbathing on the beach or one of the
countless offshore island paradises, Istria is filled with incredible historical
and cultural attractions. Whether you want to take a tour of the medieval
architecture in Pazin or take in a concert in Groznjan, Istria is the place to
be (and, if you don't ever want to leave, lucky for you, there's never been a
better time to buy real estate in Istria either). It's hard to imagine any more
romantic destination than Istria, but – believe it or not – you can find just
that in nearby Dalmatia.
Dalmatia
One of my all-time favorite
regions of Croatia is the Dalmatian Coast. Located in the southern part of the
country, Dalmatia is reminiscent of the most dramatic spots along the French or
Italian Riviera – but without nearly as many tourists as either of these
locations (or of Istria either).
The first thing you'll notice in this
region is the water. It's the clearest, most sparkling blue you'll find anywhere
in the world. The entire coast – all its islands, coves, and beaches - seem to
glow with an enchanted feel.
Again, if you're looking for a sightseeing
break, historical cities like Sibenik, Zadar, Dubrovnik, and Split, along with
the nearby spectacular mountain ranges like Biokovo and Velebit, are just a hop,
skip, and jump away. With its renowned national parks as well as the Krka
rapids, the Kornati archipelago, and the Mljet Islands, you may just have to
move here to take it all in.
After you finish your day – whether soaking
in the sun or taking in the sights, you'll be happy to know that Dalmatia loves
the Italian tradition of the midday siesta. So even if you become exhausted
after your daily Dalmatian adventures, you can rest assured that you'll be able
to take things slowly and learn what rest and relaxation really
means.
Kvarner
In northern
Croatia you'll find the Kvarner Gulf. With mild weather, exotic beaches, and
amazing islands, this is one of the most popular regions along the coast – made
even more enjoyable because the ideal climate makes a visit enjoyable at any
time of the year.
Spilling over with quiet seaside cities and
breathtaking scenery, Kvarner is the ideal place for a vacation or for peaceful
living. For those seeking a more laid back trip, Kvarner was custom made for you
– relaxed, easygoing, and everything at your pace.
Plus, with limitless
activities to fill your day or sandy beaches where you simply lay back and
relax, Kvarner has a little bit of something for everything. However, if you
choose to sightsee, there is no better daytrip than the short trip across the
bridge to the beautiful island Krk, or to view the one-of-a-kind architecture in
the heart of Rijeka.
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As you can see,
Croatia – this hidden gem that's tucked away along the Adriatic Sea – is just
waiting for you. Don't delay – the time to see Croatia, to tuck your toes into
its coastal sands, and to sip on a romantic cocktail as the sun sets over the
sea is right now. Take advantage of favorable prices, small crowds, and
untouched pristine coastlines that are guaranteed to be more beautiful than
anything you could imagine.
Disclaimer: All information on this site is provided for informational purposes only! By no means is any
information presented herein intended to substitute for the advice provided to you by any health care or other professional
or organization.
