Where to go in 2023: Croatia

Croatia has been called a “hot destination” that has been getting more popular for years now. It’s a destination that, for good reason, keeps getting more requested each season. There are so many reasons our clients keep asking for Croatia. Beach lovers cannot resist the islands and crystal clear waters. Boat tours, water activities and fun on the sea are so many ways to explore. The cities and inland entrance history lovers. The food, the culture, the great weather – there is something for everyone.

As we continue planning our summer and now fall trips, Croatia is always a popular choice. We are seeing some specific destinations showing up as trends for this upcoming travel year through the requests of our clients. Over the past few weeks, we are sharing some tours, activities, hotels and restaurants in these trending travel destinations. Croatia offers travelers so many experiences, and we have an incredible amount of trip ideas that we can tailor make just for you.

For those who are thinking about a summer trip, we are starting to recommend fall and even winter travel. As people have returned to a normal year of travel, our hand picked locations, guides and accommodations have filled up quickly. Croatia’s mild Mediterranean climate makes it great to explore even in the off season. For those who travel for the sun? Start planning your summer 2024 trip now, and here are some ideas for a future trip!

Hvar: Croatia Island Life

Located off the Dalmatian coast in the Adriatic Sea, Hvar is often referred to as “The Lavender Island”. This is thanks to its vast fields of this beautiful purple flower that bloom each summer. It’s the sunniest spot in Croatia as well. Many visitors come for the bike paths along the coast and through the hills above the sea. Hvar happens to be the only island on Earth that boasts six UNESCO World heritages, including Stari Grad Plain, an agricultural landscape set up by the ancient Greeks that dates back to the 4th century BC.

Where to stay on Hvar

The Maslina Resort on Hvar is one of our absolute favorites in the country.

Maslina Resort fuses classic Mediterranean styles with contemporary French touches, respecting the nature already in place as the foundation of the design philosophy.

First, it is perched on Croatia’s sunniest island. Maslina Resort delights all the senses, whether you come seeking relaxation, adventure, or a complete wellness transformation. To continue, the 50 rooms and suites and three villas reflect the resorts’ Mindful Luxury philosophy. They boast natural materials, such as terracotta and Brac Island stone, as do the healing modalities in the Pharomatiq Spa. Finally, they continue this local idea with seasonal ingredients hand-harvested from the on-site 86,000-square-foot organic garden.

Split

The story of Split is already 17 centuries old, dating to the time the Roman Emperor Diocletian decided to build his Palace right on the peninsula near the great Roman city Salona, where he wanted to spend the last years of his life. During these 1700 years the Palace slowly turned into a city, which to this day lures with its rich tradition, glorious history and beauty of its natural and cultural heritage.

Split lies on the Adriatic coast, central Dalmatia, on the Split (Marjan) peninsula. Although surrounded by sea as a peninsula, Split also borders with surrounding mountains, Mosor on the northeast, Kozjak on the northwest, and Marjan hill as one of the most important symbols of the city, rising on the west side of the peninsula, in the immediate vicinity of the old city centre.  Split is also surrounded by the islands Brač and Hvar. We have so many clients headed here this year – from family trips to honeymoons, its a trending destination!

Tailor made tours in Split, Croatia

The buzzing old town of Split is a special stop in Croatia and more and more requested by clients.

This unique 1700-year-old town features a living monument of the Diocletian’s Palace, included in the UNESCO’s World Heritage list. Our Private Tour of Split and Salona with a local, private guide is one of the best ways to see the area. A walk with your guide reveals the layers of history on every step and every magnificent landmark. The majestic square of Peristil rises above the mysterious Substructures of the Palace; pretty Venetian palazzi encircle lively squares, while the colorful green market and a relaxing waterfront promenade create a cozy living room for the locals.
Then you will meet your driver and head to the outskirts of Split where you will discover a fascinating ancient city of Salona. Started as an Illyrian town, Greek colony and capital of Roman province of Dalmatia, Salona offers a valuable insight of the life in the great Roman era. Enjoy a unique tour with your host, a professional archaeologist, and dig on a real archaeological excavation! You will awaken your inner Indiana Jones and be “hands-on” amongst ruins, lost artifacts and memories in stone. After doing some digging yourself, transfer back to Split for an afternoon at leisure.

Dubrovnik, the capital that you’ll fall in love with

This special city is one that our clients never miss. Just its nickname, the Pearl of the Adriatic, makes it a place you want to see. The sunsets are unforgettable, the culture is fascinating, and the city views are some of the best in the world. It is the most visited city in the country, and with good reason. History lovers are enthralled with one of the last remaining walled towns in the world. Beach and nature lovers are also happy with island hopping, a vibrant green coastline and a pedestrian friendly picturesque old town.

The culinary scene in the capital is also astounding. One of our favorite restaurants in the Adriatic, Restaurant 360, is also one many of our clients have requested this summer and fall. Fine dining with an amazing view, the exquisite terrace stretches along medieval walls and fortress of St John and opens up with a unique sea view to an old town and its port.

Inspired by flavors and ingredients of Dubrovnik & Mediterranean cuisine and framed in French cooking techniques, the gourmet dishes are served in breathtaking surroundings.

2023 travel dreams – Croatia

We hope you enjoyed some of these destinations you cannot miss in 2023. If any of them got your travel dreams going, don’t hesitate to contact us. There’s still time to plan your tailor made holiday for this fall or start planning for next summer!