Why Croatia is still the Mediterranean's best hidden gem
We keep coming back to Croatia
Croatia, across the Adriatic Sea from Italy, is still overshadowed by its neighbour to the west as well as other European hotspots like Greece and Portugal. This is good news for travellers in search of a Mediterranean holiday without the crowds.
Its unique location, on the border of western and eastern Europe, and landscape, a chain of dramatic mountains that fall into the sea, make Croatia a treat for history lovers, foodies and those craving an active adventure.
In cities like Split and Dubrovnik, as well as small towns all along the coast, you’ll walk through centuries of history touched by the Greeks, Romans and Venetians. You’ll enjoy a cuisine that is influenced by incredibly fresh seafood as well as heartier dishes with Balkan roots. And then there’s the star of the show: the Adriatic.
With over 1,200 islands along its coastline, to truly see Croatia you must do so from the sparkling blue water. Relaxing nights spent on a luxury yacht are the perfect pairing for days filled with cycling and exploring.
Intrigued? Here’s a preview of the surprises that lie ahead when you visit this special country.
Discover a growing wine industry
Croatia has four wine regions, with Dalmatia being the most notable. Each region makes reds and whites, and each has their specialties. In Dalmatia, pošip (pronounced po-ship) is the star, a fresh and citrusy white. Red fans will want to sip on a bright plavac mali. One of the region’s best wineries is Grgić – just one of the winery stops B&R trips make while exploring all that the coast has to offer.
Embrace the laid-back attitude of island life
Croatians have a word pomalo that means take it easy. But it’s embraced as a way of life, especially on the islands dotting the country's coastline. Here relaxation is the top priority of the day. A coffee sipped slowly in the morning, a leisurely picnic lunch with views of the water and crickets chirping in the trees, a nap in a lounger as you unwind after a day of cycling. When in Croatia, do as the locals do.
Enjoy farm-to-table meals at every time of day
It’s hard to find a fresher food scene than the one in Croatia. Thanks to the country’s warm climate and rich agricultural traditions, ultra-local ingredients power the under-the-radar food scene, which has both Mediterranean and Balkan influences. The seafood scene is particularly notable. Thanks to incredibly clear waters along the coast, fishers in Croatia deliver tuna, scampi, mussels, oysters and more every day. Indulge in the catch of the day as you island hop, including oysters scooped up fresh from the sea.
Discover your very own private beach
While many flock to the famous Zlatni Rat, the peninsula-like beach on the island of Brač that shifts with the current, the country’s many islands and coves make it easy to find hidden pebbled beaches to enjoy all for yourself. On our Scheduled trips, the crew has a few of their own favourite secluded beaches. Sip on a glass of local wine and grab a beach blanket, then find a spot to savour the stunning sunsets over the Adriatic’s crystal-clear water.
Explore more by diving into our Croatia itineraries.
