Croatia Vacations

A culture dating back to the sixth century, Croatia was part of the Austria-Hungarian Empire until it fell at the conclusion of the first world war. Social conventions such as a strong family life focused around the traditions of the Catholic Church is central to the Croatian way of life with close to 90% of people following Roman Catholicism. Formalities such as wearing long sleeves for women inside religious buildings and showing respect when entering the many beautifully designed churches throughout the country, is appreciated, and welcomed. Other religions present include Eastern Orthodox Serbians, Protestants, Jews, and Muslims.  

Greeting people with a handshake and a smile will go a long way, as will a smattering of Croatian such as dobar dan (thank you) or hvala (hello) which is highly appreciated.  Croatian is a Slavic language and although it is the official language of the country, Serbian, Slovenian, Hungarian and Italian are also spoken throughout.   

Croatian holidays tell a story of the complex history of the country, such as Anti-Fascist Resistance Day in June which marks the formation of the first partisan unit in Croatia in 1941 and Statehood Day, also in June, celebrating Croatia’s declaration of independence from Yugoslavia in 1991. Pride displayed by a sea of flags flying the red, white, and blue of the Croatian flag, the national coat of arms in the center, fill the streets as a testament to the country’s pride as a nation on Independence Day in October.

All seasons bring worthwhile conditions to explore the country, with quirky to inspiring museums and galleries to shelter you when the rain falls in the winter and endless beaches to wander and seaside explorations in the summer, the country can be divided by two climate regions: continental and Mediterranean. The Croatian interior is separated from the coast by the Dinaric Mountains with cooler temperatures in the summer and often excellent skiing conditions in the winter.  

Coastal Croatia experiences pleasant summers and mild winters. Early summer, when there are fewer visitors, the temperatures are most comfortable, and the waters are swimmable or fall when the weather is pleasant light sweater-weather, the European students are back in class and the air is crisp along the cobblestone streets or down a wooded path makes these two seasons the most desirable. The summer months of July and August are high season and can be sweltering and busy, especially along the coastlines and on the larger islands. October to March is low season, when the cool wind picks up by the coast and hotels and tourist attractions could be closed.  The savvy traveller may enjoy this time to take in the historic centres of Dubrovnik, Split and Zadar which are at their most romantic and dreamy when the streets are less crowded.  

If snow and skiing are interests, the winter can be cozy inside and exciting outside just above Croatia's capital city, Zagreb at Sljeme peak on Mount Medvednica. A hot Croatian brandy or rakjia warms the belly while the view of the mountains can heat the soul. For biking and hiking enthusiasts, the spring when the forests explode with new greenery is the ideal time to visit. 

Tourism has been steadily rising in Croatia, and certainly has come to key locations such as the scenic coastlines and historic cities like Dubrovnik, Split and Zadar, especially during the peak season, however, tourism only accounts for 20% of Croatia’s gross national product which adds to the appeal. As tourists were only truly allowed to visit for the past 30 years, the country has retained an authenticity which is often lost in more known European countries. However, on a world scale, Croatia ranks as the 18th most popular tourist destination in the world.  

Historically, the country has been home to early humans as far back as the Paleolithic age but influence from people migrating from other areas of Europe, including the Romans, have made an imprint on the backbone of the culture you will discover today. From the French to the Hungarians, the land we know now as Croatia has had its fair share of influences, some better than others but all leading to the layered experience of this historically rich culture.  

Croatia has recently joined the Schengen zone, meaning visitors can easily travel between Italy, Slovenia, and Croatia all on the same day. 

As a testament to the beauty of the islands of Klis and Lokrum as well as the medieval cities of Dubrovnik and Split, these locations are featured prominently in the hit TV series, Game of Thrones. All ideal locations for a rich fantasy genre as they present just as that: a travelable fantasy. 

Once in a seaport, heading out by ferry to one of the many islands is easy and the journey across the Adriatic is an enjoyable experience. Once on an island, whether it be the bucolic serenity of Mljet, just shy of 40 kilometers/23 miles from Dubrovnik or Hvar where grapes for wine are the most renowned in the country and where the locals and visitors know how to party in the clubs and the yachts dotting the port, the variety of experiences available on the islands are as delightfully varied as the people who visit them. 

Croatian cuisine is as diverse as its neighbours, with varying influences depending on the proximity to the sea or the interior. A pleasant climate lends itself to many locally grown ingredients and the Adriatic is teeming with fish and seafood, prepared waterside with local olive oil and paired with fresh young wines from an abundance of Croatian wineries.  

The variety of food reflects the variety of cultures which have penetrated all aspects of the culture including food. Closer to the mountains the cuisine is heartier; meat-and-potatoes, a legacy of the Austro-Hungarians. Rich savoury aged ham and truffle infused pastas from the interior can take you to gastronomic ecstasy. A succulent meat & vegetable dish called “under the bell” in Croatian is cooked within a terracotta or iron lid over a low fire with chicken, lamb, veal, or even octopus is slow cooked to perfection. 

By the coast, ripe meaty tomatoes in a fresh seafood stew or white wine mussels collected that morning, showcase the best the Adriatic has to offer.  

Vineyards have been cultivated here since ancient times, introduced in the 6th century B.C. The warmth of the afternoon sun cooks the grapes on the vines and because of plenty of sunshine paired with experience, Croatia is making a name for itself on the world wine stage.  

Pairing deep reds like a Montepulciano or a Malvazija with local cheeses, focaccia, meats, and olive oil might lead to long leisurely lunches or intimate memorable dinners. A beer and a flaky burek over lunch hits the spot between sightseeing.  Breweries around the country have exploded in popularity and in the past decade have gone from a handful to well over a hundred of all styles and speciality.  

Toasting is mandatory before any meal and a hearty živjeli! (pronounced as zheev-yeh-lee) sets the tone for dining, as Croatian food deserves a celebratory attitude.