Loved Italy? Croatia Is Your Next Destination

Those who have already lost their hearts to Italy are in safe hands when traveling to Croatia. This Mediterranean destination offers all the charms of its neighbor to the west, including fascinating history, beguiling cuisine, stunning national parks, and glorious beaches. Although Croatia’s popularity is on the rise, many parts of the country have yet to receive the crowds Italy experiences which makes it a fantastic alternative for a luxurious summer vacation. 

Natural wonders in Croatia

Croatia’s remarkable and varied natural beauty sets it apart. As with Italy, the country has a stunning coastline with plenty of opportunities to get out in the crystal clear waters. This 1,100-mile-long coast is studded with more than a thousand islands, many of which are uninhabited and harbor hidden beaches and sleepy fishing villages accessible only by sea. Sailing is one of the best ways of traveling around Croatia, either through a liveaboard luxury cruise or a private yacht charter. 

While the Adriatic coastline is the showstopper, the interior of this Balkan nation is a walker’s paradise. National parks like Plitvice Lakes and Krka are dotted with terraced lakes and cascading waterfalls which are splendid in all seasons. The Dalmatian hinterland springs to life with olive groves and lavender fields during the warmer months, providing a gentle experience akin to Tuscany. The Istrian peninsula is a bucolic wonderland where world-class wines are produced in a similar style to that of Italy. 

Historic attractions and charming cities 

Much as with Italy, the architecture of Croatia is varied and illustrates the passing of time. A joy for photographers and history buffs, you’ll encounter Romanesque churches and Gothic cathedrals alongside Venetian-inspiredpalaces and socialist-era modernism. Edging the Dalmatian coast, terracotta rooftops rush to meet turquoise waters with open-air cafes for soaking up the atmosphere and beautiful setting. 

Croatia’s main cities, Split and Dubrovnik, are essentially open-air museums, where you’ll saunter through the remains of Roman palaces, medieval fortresses, and baroque squares that rival those of Italy. Up near the Slovenian border, the capital of Zagreb sees a fusion of Austro-Hungarian architecture with ultra-modern lifestyle and dining destinations. Beyond the main hubs, hilltop towns like Motovun and Varaždin carry quieter stories through their crumbling castles amid forests and vineyards.

Croatian cuisine 

Croatian gastronomy has been influenced by centuries of Italian, Ottoman, and Austro-Hungarian rule, producing a flavourful fusion which is familiar while at the same time refreshingly different. As with Italy, the diet along the seaside orbits around plates of freshly grilled seafood drizzled in olive oil and lemon. Black risotto made with cuttlefish ink and octopus salads are specialties while cheesy pastries provide a quick pick-me-up between meals.

Venturing inland, you’ll discover hearty stews, roasted meats, and handmade pasta dishes. The wine region of Istria is also famed for its truffles which may be enjoyed as part of a farm-to-fork meal as well as through immersive truffle hunting activities. 

Croatia offers that perfect fusion of natural beauty, heritage sites shared with modern culture, and exceptional dining. The country may be visited as a standalone destination or in tandem with Italy: ferries and flights link both sides of the Adriatic Sea. Contact Darby at Darby’s Destinations to plan a bespoke vacation to Croatia.