Croatia is a country on the Balkan Peninsula that has a lot to offer its tourists. The country has become hugely popular in recent years, mainly due to the beautiful seaside resorts on the south coast.
Traveling from Sweden is the easiest and fastest way to get here by air. Traveling from Stockholm to Split takes just under three hours. You can also travel here by train, bus or drive your own car.
Accommodation
When it comes to accommodation, there is a wide range of hotels, from simpler standards to modern luxury hotels. In most places there are tourist agencies that can be of service if you need help with booking. A good piece of advice is to book a hotel as soon as possible, as it is usually cheaper, and it can be difficult to get the accommodation you want if you travel during the high season.
Another option is to rent an apartment or room privately, which is a great way to meet the Croatian culture in a more genuine way. This can also be cheaper than staying in a hotel.
A third option is to stay on a campsite, as Croatia has many nice campsites to offer, especially along the coast.
Nature and climate
If you want to discover beautiful nature, a visit to one of Croatia’s eight national parks is recommended. All are located in the southern part of the country. The most famous is Krka, which is a 70 km long area with lush nature and rippling waterfalls. On the Brijuni archipelago, which consists of fourteen islands, you can see both zebras and antelopes, which were brought here at the time when Croatia belonged to Yugoslavia. A third national park is the Kornati Islands – 147 small islands with a rich flora and fauna in the water around. The white islands are uninhabited, but are a popular destination for divers and sailors.
The high season for traveling to Croatia is basically between July and August, when the weather is also the warmest, about 25-30 degrees. The high season means in most places that there are slightly more expensive prices and more people on the move.
If you want to travel here at other times of the year, May-June is a period when the weather is slightly cooler and the tourists significantly fewer. The same applies in September. However, a disadvantage of visiting Croatia during the low season may be that some sights and tourist attractions have then closed.
Tourist resorts
The most famous tourist destinations in Croatia are, in addition to the capital Zagreb, Dubrovnik and Split.
Dubrovnik is an old city with parts from the 15th century and a two kilometer long ring wall from the same period. The city is not known for its beaches, but here are still a few you can take the opportunity to visit if you are still here.
Split is a city dating back to the 200s when the Romans controlled the city. The center is car-free and houses lots of historic buildings, small cafes, restaurants and narrow alleys. The harbor promenade is called Riva and leads from the city down to the harbor. From here, ferries go to most of the large islands off the coast.
Overall, Croatia definitely has something to offer everyone, regardless of taste and interests. Simply do not miss this gem on the Mediterranean!
Croatia finest beaches
In Croatia it is crowded with lively beaches and on the island of Hvar it is no exception. Croatia’s islands and cities have become more and more popular and Hvar is one of the most celebrity dense. Hvar has its city of the same name and is a real gem out in the Adriatic Sea where the turquoise blue water and the rocky beaches meet and look up at the old ancient city with narrow streets and generous islanders. However, this article will be entirely devoted to Hvar’s beaches and bathing areas, so bring your sun hat, because now we’re leaving!
The smallest beach at the Franciscan monastery
If you are in the middle of the city center and just need to take a dip, there is a small beach just below the famous Franciscan monastery. The water is very clear and clean and you can sunbathe on the rocks or concrete piers. However, it risks getting a little full here so this beach is best suited for a morning or evening swim.
Pokonji Dol
A much awaited beach when you are an experienced tourist who usually goes to Hvar, is Pokonji Dol. You can come here year after year and be just as de-stressed every time. Pokonji Dol is a pebble beach with swaying pine trees all around and the very best thing about the beach is that it is quiet while being easy to find. New small roads have been made here from Hvar so that you can walk here in just 30 minutes. In other cases, it is just as well to get here by car.
The beach has ice cream kiosks, sun loungers, parasols and is very child-friendly. However, you can visit the “adults” beach a little further away if you want to swim naked. Just 20 minutes from the beach and along the coastal road is Mekicevica which is secluded and as delightful as Pokonji Dol.
Pakleniöarna
Not far from the island of Hvar you can get by boat to the Pakleni Islands and there the beaches are pure eye candy. There are plenty of beaches here and you will always find a secluded place. Jerolim you should go to if it is a nudist bath you are looking for and if you go out to St Klement which is the largest island in the group, you can find Palmiziana which is the island’s nicest and longest beach. If you want to swim on a quiet beach, Stipanska Island has the best. There is also a small homely restaurant to eat at before heading home to the hotel again.
Going out to islands is otherwise a must when you are on Hvar. The boats run in shuttle traffic and are easy to take and not expensive at all.
Sandy beaches
The vast majority of the beaches in Hvar are pebble beaches, so there is no sand. Some find it positive while families with young children may find it a bit awkward. However, there are a couple of sandy beaches on the island. Dubovica is one of these and is located about 8 km east of the town of Hvar. It is very calm as it is nestled among rocks and protected from the sea winds. Right next door is a cute little village if you want to take a walk later in the day.
Jelsa is another sandy beach named after the nearby town of the same name. It is located in the middle of the island of Hvar and is a favorite with families with children.