All recommended sites & everything else can be located & checked out with a few clicks - most have 10 photos showing views, food, beds, scenery, facilities, goods - everything you need to make an informed decision & links to all of them.
Just click on any marker, then on the traffic arrow and a 2nd location for instant detailed public & private travel information including routes, distances, times, frequency, transfers & stop locations.
Your holiday - Your way
COUNTRY GUIDE
Sunset on the Dalmatian Coast
Photo by Dimitry Anikin on Unsplash
BEST TIME TO GO - May - June and September - October.
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July - August are hot, busy and peak season.
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November to April is still okay but can get cold and on the coast the beaches and resorts are closed and ferries stop running.
STAY - Most hotels are available on Booking.com unless otherwise stated. It's best to get bookings with free cancellation and pay on site when you get there. Hotels chosen are usually 3*** or 4 or 5 if they are good value. They are chosen firstly for their location, value for money, positive testimonials regarding cleanliness and service and features like rooftop terraces and great views.
Since the end of Covid a lot of prices have gone through the roof. So if the selected hotel is out of your price range click on the location map and choose something cheaper nearby. Or you might prefer something else but try to stay in the same area.
VISAS
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Croatia - Click here for information
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There are new requirements for EU countries in 2025
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Montenegro - Click here for information
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Zagreb Pleso Airport (ZAG) - has direct flights to 61 destinations in 30 countries. If you're not coming from Europe fly in and out of here and take domestic flights to Dubrovnik and back from Rovinj (Pula). Most direct flights come from around Europe. You can also connect up with flights from Totonto, Seoul, Doha, Dubai and Tel Aviv.
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Dubrovnik Airport (DBV) - has direct flights from 63 destinations in 24 countries. Mainly in Europe as well as New York and Dubai. Domestic flight from Zagreb.
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Pula Airport (PUY) - has direct flights to 31 destinations in 14 countries all in Europe. It is 40 km from Rovinj. Domestic flight to Zagreb.
AIRPORT TRANSFER - Zagreb (ZAG) 16km / Dubrovnik (DBV) 23km / Rovinj - Pula (PUY) 40km
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Once you've bought your tickets get some travel insurance to cover yourself.
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Back in the 90's it was very cheap but those days are long gone. It didn't take travellers long to catch on to this fabulous place. What an amazing country Yugoslavia must have been. These days you will want a budget of at least 100 euros a day as half of a pair or couple sharing accommodation and other costs. Of course it all depends on how frugal or lavish you are with the cash. Plus you'll be going to some of the most expensive places in Croatia. If you do the trip in shoulder season it will be much cheaper than in peak season. You don't want to go home bankrupt but you don't want to go home having seen or done nothing either. Like everything in life try to find a balance that makes you happy. Then have a couple of grand in reserve.💶💶
POPULATION - 4,208,973
TIPS -
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Don't forget to bring your International Driver's License
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You can use this site to make ferry bookings
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As usual in busy tourists spots beware of pick pockets
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As with all war sites there are still mines scattered around so don't stray too far from the paths
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Go through the itinerary to see if you need to book anything in advance like the Plitvice Lakes
CAPITAL - Zagreb
GOVERNMENT - Unitary Democratic Parliamentary Republic
RELIGION - Catholics 86%, Orthodox Christians 4.4%, Muslim 1.4%
ETHNICITY - Croat 90.4%, Serb 4.4%, Bosniak .7%, Italian .4%
NATIONAL DISH - Peka, meat and vegetable, Istrian Jota, Zagorski Strukli
MINIMUM WAGE ANNUAL IN $US - $5108
CURRENCY - Croatian Kuna HRK 1 HRK = 14c
LANGUAGE - Croatian
NATIONAL DRINK - Rakia, fruit brandy
BIRTHDAY - 25th June 1991
BIG MAC IN $US - $3.68
LITERACY - 99.27%
LIFE EXPECTANCY - 78.5
TOURISTS PER YEAR - 21 million
NO.1 TOURIST SITE - Dubrovnik
CHEERS - Zivjeli
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Dubrovnik Tours
DALMATIAN COAST 27N
7 Day Road Trip
HIGHLIGHTS - castles, cascades & cafes
Zagreb 3N
Dubrovnik 4N
Hvar Town 4N
Split 2N
Zadar 2N
Rastoke 2N
Malinska 4N
Hum 2N
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Split's UNESCO World Heritage Listed Diocletians Palace and city centre
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Stay in the UNESCO World Heritage Listed Old Town in Dubrovnik
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Hvar Island's six cultural assets on UNESCO World Heritage Lists
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UNESCO World Heritage Listed Plitvice Lakes National Park
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Day trip to UNESCO World Heritage Listed Trogir
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The shortest and oldest funicular in the world
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Meet the world's most beautiful women
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Restaurant in an abandoned village
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Two of Croatia's favourite islands
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Witness the world's best sunset
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Zagreb's quirky museums
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The origin of Croatia
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Healing Mud Baths
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Day trip to Montenegro
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Best Gregada in the World
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Best Ice Cream in the World
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Satiate your Truffle addiction
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Glagolitic Path & Glagolitic Alley
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Drink the world’s best Malvasia wine
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One of the ten oldest olive trees in the world
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Worlds best cheese, lamb, salt, ice cream, truffles
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Have a relaxing stay in the Smallest Town in the World
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Confess your sins in the smallest cathedral in the world
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Sunbake at the number one nudist beach in the world - CNN
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“Let me pass” street is said to be the narrowest street in the world - as is Klancic alley
“Those who seek paradise on earth should come to Dubrovnik”
– George Bernard Shaw
1 - 3 Zagreb - 3N
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Fly in and out of Zagreb unless you are coming from Europe and can fly directly to Dubrovnik and Pula. Spend 3 days here to begin with and just connect with your homeward flight on the way out. If you are here in May you should run into the Lamb and Cheese Day's Festival on Krk Island later on in the trip.
STAY
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Stay at or near the Timeout Heritage Hotel Zagreb **** - excellent location in the historic old town with cobblestone streets close to museums, all the major attractions, 1 minute walk from the main square and the funicular, restaurants and bars, rooftop bar, café, restaurant, terrace, 24 hour desk, shared kitchen, activities
SEE & DO
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Museum of Broken Relationships - It'll make you laugh, cry and a few other things
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Museum of Hangovers - it'll be the shortest one you've ever had - also have one in Hvar
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Lotrscak Tower - go for the noonday cannon
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Zagreb City Museum - meet the witches
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Gric Tunnel - avoid if you're claustrophobic
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The Solar System - see if you can find Uranus
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The Funicular Railway - the world's shortest, oldest, cutest and safest
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Zagreb 80's Museum - interactive and fun
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Museum of Illusions - more quirkiness
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Zagreb Cathedral - with one of the world's 10 finest organs
Photo by Matthias Mullie on Unsplash
Dubrovnik
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Zagreb Tours
EAT - 5 traditional dishes to try
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Kava Tava - all day brunch and breakfasts including Full English at British Square
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The Chocolate Museum - with a 9 chocolate tasting box
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Strossmayer Promenade - for sunset
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Ulica Ivana Tkalcica - beautiful street lined with cafes and restaurants
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Dolmac Market - the main open-air farmers market
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Pod Starim Krovovima - the oldest café and tavern in Zagreb
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Stari Fijaker - Purger - and more
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DRINK
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Pub Crawl - Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturday nights
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Swanky Monkey Garden - the Terraces
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Clubs - Zagreb has the best night life in the country
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Ro & Do - live music and stand up comedy
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Club Sax - live music
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Taquitos Bandidos - Mexican
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Flower Square - aka Cvjetni Trg
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Tesla Power House - young industrial hangout
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Pivovara Medvedgrad - beer garden and a big shed
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4 - 7 Dubrovnik - 4N "Pearl of the Adriatic"
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Head out to the airport to fly to Dubrovnik and begin your Dalmatian Coast journey. Back in the day Dubrovnik - "the Pearl of the Adriatic" rivalled that other city-state Venice as the great trading power of the Mediterranean. They banned slavery 400 years before Britain. During the war in the 90's the city was held siege for 8 months. More recently it has become known as the popular Game of Thrones was partly shot here. The Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the best place to stay. It is considered one of the World's treasures
STAY
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There is a nightly per person City Tax of around 1.5 Euros - all of these places are inside the walls of the old town -
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Stay at or near Muziqa Apartments ****
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Roko House - rooftop terrace
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There are a lot of specialties to try in Croatia and this is a good place to start. Seafood is always great and Croatian food is known to be healthy and delicious. There are many highlights here such as walking the city walls and catching the sunset from a cliff bar. There are several day trips including one to Montenegro. Spend a day looking around town, a day going to Montenegro, a day on the island and a day on the beach. Just scatter all the other bits in amongst it where ever they fit.
SEE & DO
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Go to a local travel agent and see if you can organise a tour to Tito's Villa "Galeb" which will coincide with your Montenegro day tour. It is now owned by the Igola Spa and you may be able to e-mail them and organise something before you leave. If you want a spa package you could ask them about that as well.
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Walk the Walls - for stunning views, sunset and a few swims
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Game of Thrones tour - by foot and by ship
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Stradun - for coffee and people watching
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The open market at Gundulic Square - noonday pigeons
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Lapad Beach - and sundowners at Cave Bar
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Dubrovnik Cable Car - for sunset, hiking and a Buggy Safari
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Kojan Koral - horse riding and off roading
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Karaka Dubrovnik - go for a cruise into the 16th century
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Lokrum Island (the Lokrum Curse) - just a 15 minute ferry ride from the harbour, take water it's very expensive to buy on the island. Check what time time the last ferry comes back. You cannot stay on the island and there is no smoking anywhere. There are a few places to swim and get a feed as well as some historical interest and the Iron Throne from GOT.
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Day trip to Montenegro - hire a scooter or a car and head south - feel free to change the order of or skip anything and get an early start: Don't forget to take your Passport & License & Bathers
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If you want to work up an appetite with a morning swim stop in at Kupari Beach where you can see the abandoned shells of what were once opulent hotels, villas and resorts. It's hard to believe all of this happened so recently.
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Have breakfast in Cavtat - just head down the east side of the main peninsula when you get there and pick something from the many waterfront places
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Visit Tito's Villa Galeb (Seagull) - if you've managed to organise a visit or perhaps it will be on the way back. Soak in the legendary radioactive mud. You might organise a package at one of the spas at that travel agent or just DIY for free.
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Coffee and a stroll at Old Town New Castle (Herceg Novi) (delicious cakes and ice creams) and souvenirs
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You have 2 choices of border crossing - the main one and a quiet one on an unnamed road which is an extra 10 kms
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For lunch there are 2 rustic oyster bars out on the water, the Adriatica Restaurant by the water plus numerous places in the two old towns and along the coast. It all depends on where you get hungry although oysters lovers know what to do.
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There is a oyster farm and bar just before the Adriatica Restaurant - they also have other seafood
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Oysters and Beer at Oyster Farm Skoljke Boke
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Stroll around medieval Kotor Old Town
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Take the ferry across at Ferry Lepetane
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Have a late lunch or afternoon tea at the Adriatica Restaurant
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Stop off at the Café Bar Gussar for sundowners (Pirate Bar) - 11kms from Dubrovnik
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EAT
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Zelena Menestra - the Green Stew / Ston Cake - a confusing cake / Rozata - the signature dessert
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Dubravka 1836 Restaurant & Café - something unique and special
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Old Town Restaurants - full of atmosphere
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Barba - for lunch near the Rector's Palace
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Buffet Kamenice - cheap locals favourite featuring traditional specialties
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Dolce Vita - at ice cream o'clock
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Peppino's Artisanal Gelato - the competition
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DRINK
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Buza and Buza II (Hole and Hole2) - sundowners in cliff bars
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7 Local Bars - from Beach Clubs to Cave Bars
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Colombo Pub Crawl - until sunrise
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Dubrovnik Beer Company - tour and pub
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Troubadour - hard live Jazz
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More of the best - further afield
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Open-air Cinemas - with an open air bar
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8 - 11 Hvar Island - 4N "the Lavender Island"
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Everywhere is a highlight along the Dalmation Coast and the Jewel in the Croatian Crown is Hvar Island. It has the lot, pristine beaches, turquoise waters, delicious food and legendary night life. Prince Harry used to party here. Hvar Town is no less amazing and you'll stay in a waterfront Hotel with a stunning outlook.
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Go for island rides, island hopping in your own boat and you'll feel like a millionaire for a few days. Known as the Lavender Island it has six cultural assets and locations that are on UNESCO listings. It has a long wine history, great beaches and some out of the way restaurants that worth the trouble of getting to. Spend a day around town and the beaches, one exploring the island by scooter, have an afternoon at Carpe Diem beach club and get out on the water exploring the Pakleni Islands in your own boat.
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Take the ferry from Dubrovnik to Hvar which fortunately goes to ferry port Hvar which is where you are staying. It runs during the tourist season from April to October and takes about 3 and a half hours. There are 3 ferries per day from June to September, 1 per day in April - May and 2 per day in October. Make sure to book early like everything else on this trip.
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Back in 2017 the newly elected mayor promised to clean up the problems associated with poor behaviour from drunken tourists. The locals had had enough and it should make your visit more pleasant. There are big fines so keep an eye out for the signs telling you what is against the law.
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Preorder your meal at Konoba Humac (which you booked a long time ago) 24 hours before you go on the island scooter tour. Make sure you get an outside table. Meals must be ordered in advance or you will be offered chicken and salad.
STAY
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Stay at or near the Hotel Delfin ** - not on Booking.com so you'll need to book it on the hotel website or Trivago - perfect location on the waterfront promenade on the quieter side of the harbour, great price, restaurant and bar with harbour views.
SEE & DO
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Museum of Hangovers - same as Zagreb
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Green and Blue Caves - tour
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Carpe Diem Beach Club - by Day - free water taxis take 10 minutes
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Scooter tour of the island - there are not many petrol stations on Hvar so keep your tank full. There are stations in Hvar Town, one in Jelsa Town and one just outside Jelsa on the main road to Stari Grad. The island is about 85 kms long. Don't forget your bathers and a wad of cash for lunch. Pick up a few treats along the way for your boat trip to the Pakleni Islands later on.
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Head to "Family Farm" for breakfast - they don't open until 9.30 and it takes 15 minutes to get there. The Lavender fields are nearby if it's the right time of year.
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Next is Stari Grad the oldest town in Croatia and UNESCO World Heritage Listed Old Town - the Greeks were here in 384 BC. Have a wander through the lanes and waterfront. Check out Za Pod Zub gourmet deli for treats and a coffee.
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Have a look at the UNESCO World Heritage Listed Stari Grad Plain - Ager - sample some platters of the local produce (wine, cheese, olive oil, meat products) at Agrotourism Pharos and take in the amazing view of history from the terrace. Save some room for lunch.
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Cruise through the pretty little towns of Vrboska (home of the Prostitute Palm Tree) and Jesla Town. Take the narrow little coast road between them and fill up the tank before you leave.
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Off to Konoba Humac for lunch - take cash because there is no power (or running water) in this deserted village - it will be a lunch to remember.
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Go for a stroll around the most beautiful village on the island to walk some of that lunch off. The restaurant has keys for the local church and museum. The Grabak Cave is a half hour walk away.
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Bay Vela Stiniva - for a little siesta after lunch. Catch a few rays, have a swim, go free climbing (if you must) or relax in one of the cafes.
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Continue on to Zastraziske - pay your respects to one of the 10 oldest Olive Trees in the World. It is not easy to find though. It is suggested you buy some products at the local Rubins olive press and then ask them to show you the way.
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Socuraj - the smallest town with a big history, located at the eastern most tip of the island - have an ice cream, stroll through the pirate proof town and have another swim if it's hot. There is a lighthouse you can rent out and stay in.
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Long stretch back to Restoran Zorace Mohito Bar for sunset, sundowners and snacks with relaxed "lounge music" - you still have 15 minutes left to ride home so don't get too relaxed on the mojitos.
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DIY Boat tour of the Pakleni Islands (among the world's most beautiful and Jacques Cousteau said he'd never seen such clear blue water before) - be skipper of your own boat, it's popular, easily done and you don't need a license, the smaller the boat the cheaper it is, great swimming spots, "#1 nudist beach in the world" - CNN, beach clubs, seasonal restaurants, Roman Mud baths, car free, a day in paradise.
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Pick the nicest day weatherwise for this one. Choose the places you want to go to then go to the furthest out and make your way back. Best to do the longest stretch in the morning when it's nice and calm and leaving a very short last leg at the end of the day. The islands span about 10 kms in length.
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Vlaka / Roman Mud Baths - healing and good for the skin
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Konoba Dionis - 6 table restaurant amid the olives and grapes - book ahead
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Ristorante Palmizana Meneghello - paradise since 1906
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Zori Timeless Restaurant & Villas - the ultimate hedonist experience
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TOTOS - a unique destination
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Laganini Lounge Bar & Restaurant - gourmet food and heavenly cocktails
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Milni Beach - one of the nicest beaches in the whole area including Hvar Island
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Mamato Bar - just pull up and enjoy this quaint and laid back gem
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Zdrilca Bay - fancy an outdoor massage?
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Antonio Patak Restaurant - dock and enjoy some heaven on earth - sun loungers, swimming area
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Kordovon Beach Bar - Rustic refreshments by the world's best nude best nude beach
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Have a look below the second map for plenty of activities in Hvar and Split
EAT
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Gregada - Hvar's signature dish - for the best in the world try one of these
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Konoba Bonaca - great location, views and food - don't forget to book
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L'amour per il gelato - try it on your first day
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Lola Bar & Streetfood - from around the world
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Konoba Menego - authentic restaurant and wine bar
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Fig - Aussie / Croat / Californian owners and influences - early or late
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DRINK
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Kava37 - for your morning coffee
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Take a bottle of wine up the hill to watch the sunset from Spanjola Fortress
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Falko Bar for sundowners, relaxing and eating - locals favourite
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Aloha Bar - great views of the harbour and 5pm - 10pm Happy Hour at the top of the promenade
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Hula Hula Beach Bar - tiki-ish bar for sundowners and day and night times
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Central Park Club - morning, day, night with live music
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Kiva Bar - long Happy Hours and tequila booms
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Sidro Caffe Bar - espresso martinis
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Hvar Pub Crawl - have fun and make friends
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Hvar & Split Tours
12 - 13 Split - 2N
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Take the ferry back to Split on the mainland. In peak season there are 15 - 19 crossings per day and in the low season it is down to 3. It can take between 50 minutes and 2 hour 15 minutes. If your mother gives birth to you on the way over you will have free ferry crossings for life. It is a spectacular city from the azure waters of the Adriatic Sea to the rugged Dalmatian Mountains which act as a backdrop, a fine palm tree lined waterfront promenade and the most beautiful women in the world. Not to mention the 4th century UNESCO World Heritage Listed Diocletian's Palace and city centre. There are some more GOT locations here and the old town is like wandering around history. Food is particularly good here and the nightlife is lively. The ancient palace is a great backdrop for Croatia's best Pub Crawl.
STAY
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Jupiter Luxury Hotel **** - excellent location within the UNESCO Listed Diocletian's Palace near the Temple of Jupiter, free sauna, restaurant, rooftop terrace with bar and hot tub, rooms overlook UNESCO Split Old Town, in the heart of the city near shops, galleries, restaurants and bars, 1km to Bacvice Beach, 500m to bus, train and ferry, very good breakfast included, café, snack bar, tour desk, activities, massage, packed lunches
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Image by Michelle Raponi from Pixabay
Split - Old Town
SEE & DO
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Diocletian's Palace - UNESCO
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Krka National Park - take the bus or train and swim with the waterfalls
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Trogir - Catch the bus or a ferry to this stunning UNESCO village
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Let me pass street - good for people watching
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Segway Tour - the only way to get around
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Marjan Hill - walk up, have a coffee and take in the view
EAT
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Kruscic - artisan bakery
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Brasserie on 7 - breakfast / brunch / lunch on the best location on the Riva
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Lvxor Café and Restaurant - enjoy the coffee and the changing of the guard at noon at the oldest café in Split
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Gelato - where to find the best
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Buffet Fife - local institution for cheap traditional fare
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8 Special Restaurants - try to get to at least one of them
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DRINK
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Dioklecijan - in the Palace for sunset drinks and authentic and cheap food
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Marvlv's Library Jazz Bar - in the heart of the Palace
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Matejuska - relaxed evening drink on the pier
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Fabrique - big, bright and brash industrial themed Gastro pub
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Bacvice Beach - day time beach, night time clubs
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Kavana Ovcice - coffee by day, rock by night
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Best Bars - all over - and a few more
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Nightlife - all over
"Zadar has the most beautiful sunset in the world, more beautiful than the one in Key West, Florida, applauded at every evening" - Alfred Hitchcock
14 - 15 Zadar - 2N
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Three hours further up the coast by bus is Croatia's coolest city Zadar. The old town has it's own peninsula. It is the home of Maraschino Liqueur which had many famous fans such as Giaccomo Casanova, Alfred Hitchcock, Ernest Hemingway and Charlie Chaplin, but is no longer made here. Sunset is a big thing here and there is a solar powered dance floor and a sea powered organ. There is a gourmet food trip to bleak Pag Island which includes medicinal mud. Spend your first day looking around Zadar and don't forget to check on your hire car. You'll need it for 9 / 10 days depending on if you drive or ride (scooter) to Pag Island tomorrow.
STAY
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Anywhere in the old town is good. Stay at or near Tinel Superior Residence **** - Public parking available onsite - charges may apply, excellent location in the centre of the old town only 10m from the seaside promenade, superb breakfast included
SEE & DO
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Museum of Illusions - you won't believe your eyes
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Ride the Tractor Train - up to the Yacht Club for a beer or two
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Barkajoli - 800 year old tradition of the rowing boatmen of Zadar
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Day trip to Pag by scooter or get your car a day early. Check the map at the top for all of the motorbike places around. You'll need to rent the car🚗 for at least nine nights and drop it off in Rovinj. Don't forget your (old) bathers.
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Image by TobijasSchmitt from Pixabay
Pag Island
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Nin - Croatia's oldest Royal city - for morning smoko
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Church of the Cross - the World's smallest Cathedral
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Grgur Ninski - and his lucky big toe
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Museum and House of Salt - at Nin
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Pag Island - local specialties
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Kolan - Pag Cheese tasting at the Sirana Gligora d.o.o.
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Zrce Beach - check out the party beach
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Plaza Rozin Bok - Superbeach
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Bistro Na Tale - for lunch - Pag Lamb to die for
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Aquapark Queen Beach - Medicinal Mud
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Beach Bar Bamboo - for sundowners
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EAT
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Mlinar - the best bakery in town
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Market Zadar - near the bridge
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Bob Rock's Ice Cream Shop - the best stuff in town - except for -
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Slasticarnica Donato - which has the best in the world
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Kornat - great dinner and sunset
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Konoba Skoblar - the oldest tavern in Zadar
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Lungo Mare - best terrace in Zadar - be there for sunset and cheesecake
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DRINK
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Coffee - Zadar has a Mediterranean Coffee culture and plenty of cafes
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Rio Bar - one of the oldest with a 70's vibe
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Pub Crawl Chewbacca Zadar - starts with an open bar for 60 minutes
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Caffee Bar Zoillo - weekend DJ's and outdoor terrace
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The Garden - popular local institution outdoor lounge bar with live music
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Arsenal - versatile night club in an 18th century warehouse
16 KORANA CAMPSITE (Plitvice Lakes) - 1N
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Pick up your rental car and it's off to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Plitvice Lakes. A beautiful area where 16 lakes are connected by waterfalls. Check out the Nikola Tesla Memorial Centre on the way. Spend the night in a campground bungalow.
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Have a look through these tours which you may want to use over the next 3 days -
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Plitvice Lakes & Rastock Tours
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Morning tea at Jure Restaurant looking over at Pag Island
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Kubus, Ura - view point
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Nikola Tesla Memorial Centre - learn about this little known genius who has affected our daily lives more than any other person
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Lunch at Gospic - maybe at the Highlanders Pub
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Stay at or near Bungalows Korana - Campsite Korana *** - free onsite private parking, excellent location in 35 hectares of lush forests, beautifully landscaped camping areas and the Korana River, 6 km north of the entrance to Plitvice Lakes National Park, fabulous breakfast included, buffet and a la carte restaurant, summer terrace, bar and shop, outside grill restaurant, minimarket, evening concerts and performances, free shuttle buses to the park, row boats, kayaks, horse riding, hiking, swimming
17 - 18 Rastoke - 2N
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Early start today. Have breakfast and be on the road by about 8-ish. Make sure to hold onto your ticket (that you pre booked online) because you'll need it later for boat transfers etc. There are a variety of options on how to see the park. One of the easiest ways is to take the train up to the top to Okrugljak and walk back down. This roughly follows Route H and you will get to see all of the lakes. It takes about 5 hours. Use entrance 2 and make full use of the boats and buses to save your legs. Get a decent map once you enter or you could have the apps downloaded on your phone.
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Your route should follow the lakes - Okrugljak - up to the highest lake Proscansco - then Ciginovak - Batinovak - Great Lake - Small Lake - Vir. At Krozjak take the boat across the lake to where the trail goes through the lower lakes. The first one is Milanovac and when you reach Kaluderovak you will be close to Entrance 1.
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All of the park transportation is included in the ticket. There are plenty of restaurants and it pays to carry plenty of water. Take enough cash with you. When you're all finished drive the remaining half an hour up to the magical watermill village of Rastoke in the town of Slunj. A really special area. Special enough for a couple of nights stay.
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Stay at or near Guesthouse Slovin Unique *** - Onsite Parking
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Or Guest House Vučeta *** - Onsite Parking
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Spend the afternoon getting to know your village. For sundowners head to Vodena Ovca with a balcony over a waterfall. When you get hungry try Konoba KUM. They only do pizza and lasagna. But they do them very well.
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Try the Diva Pastry Shop for breakfast then go in to the nearby Slunj Rastoke Tourist Centre and organise some activities for the day. There's plenty to do from horse riding, kayaking, cycling, swimming, hiking, rafting and quad adventures.
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Have dinner booked at the "can't miss" Restoran Petro and get there early so that you can enjoy the views. Tel: + 385 47 777 709 - Mob: + 385 98 986 2252. Enjoy traditional trout from the local river and home made polenta from the local mill. Finished off with cakes that grandma used to make.
19 - 22 Malinska (krk island) - 4N
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Try the Cremcaffe across the road for breakfast.
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Hop in the car and you're off to Krk, the largest and most populous island in the Adriatic. It is 150km and will take 2 hours plus stops. On the way in you may want to stop off and have a look at the Biserujka Cave. You might as well settle in and have lunch when you get to Malinska. Krk Island is an important place for Croatians as it is known as the cradle of Croatian culture. Getting there will be easy thanks to the Krk Bridge. With 4 nights you should have plenty of time to relax at the beach clubs as well as see a good chunk of the island. Pick a few places and plan your days. You can get to anywhere on the island in half an hour by car so you can pretty much do anything you want to. There's a lot to see and do in Krk Town so you could easily spend a half a day there. You are only 10 minutes away from the healing Mud Bath beach so pop on over whenever you like. And don't forget to indulge in the island's specialties (Nero's lamb) and pick up a few souvenirs along the way.
STAY
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Stay at or near the Hotel Adria ** - small fee for parking - no reservation required, excellent location on the seafront in the centre of town, restaurant with outdoor seaside terrace, cocktail & coffee bar
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The House **** - street parking or secured parking for a reasonable fee, excellent location 1 minute to the beach, fabulous breakfast included, beachfront, bar, restaurant, ATM, cafe
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SPLURGE, the best hotel on the island - Luxury Hotel Riva ***** - free private parking, excellent location in a beautiful location near the city centre at the beach and close to the port and restaurants, heated indoor and outdoor swimming pools with sundeck, loungers and pool bar, restaurant, Spa and Wellness Centre, hot tub, various saunas and a Hammam, bidet, fitness centre, superb breakfast included, optional half-board 5 course dinners, massage and beauty treatments, activities, snack bar, tour and 24 hour desk.
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Image by TobijasSchmitt from Pixabay
Sunset Krk Island
EAT
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Restaurant Rivica - in Njivice 6 km north
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Nadia Restaurant - for a seafood lunch at Stara Baska 30 km south
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King's Caffe - English Pub food and location, location, location
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Fisch & Chips Popaj - Malinska
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SEE & DO
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Malinska - Quad Tour - Beaches - Promenades - Tourist Train & Getting Around - Haludovo Palace Hotel - Go for a bike ride - Beach Bars & Clubs ( Siesta - Del Mar - Mul Beach Bar - Rova Bistro & Beach Bar - Beach Bar Corleone ) - Sunsets
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Stara Baska - go for seafood lunch (see eat) and a swim
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Baska - Baksa Aquarium - Follow the Baska Glagolitic Path - St Lucia's Church - Hike to Vela Luka - Porto Club Baksa - town beaches - Naturalist Beaches
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Krk Island Tours
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DRINK
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Volsonis - unique, in Krk Town, taking cocktails and live music underground and undersea
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DIY Beach Bar & Club Crawl around the coast - Malinska
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Mai Ta'i Bar - Malinska, Happy Hour
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Club Boa - Malinska
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Diamond Club - Malinska
23 - 24 Hum - 2N
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Next stop is an interesting one. Hum the smallest town in the world. 100 metres long by 30 metres wide. It shouldn't take long to see all the sights so you'll have plenty of time to relax on the terrace and enjoy a BBQ. The trip is 75 kms and less than an hour and a half. You might want to stock up on the way there and fill up the esky with beers and other delights. As you can imagine there are not a lot of shops in Hum. There are some though and a good restaurant so you won't go hungry.
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By Arnie Papp on Flickr under CC 2.0
Hum - the smallest village in the world
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The closer you get to Hum the less there is so Rijeka (birthplace of the torpedo) would be a good place to stock up. It is a very pretty place to wander about with Korzo, a big pedestrian street going through the centre. Because of it's Italian heritage Rijeka is a good spot for coffee and people watching. The central farmers market would be the perfect place to do your shopping and pick up some meat for the BBQ. If you stretch the time out a bit somewhere along the coast would be nice for lunch before you get onto the freeway. Park in the carpark just out side the town when you arrive in Hum.
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Stay at Apartment Franko - Hum ** - free parking (carpark just outside the town), excellent location with awesome views from the terrace, fully equipped kitchen, BBQ, garden, outdoor dining area and furniture
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Or on of the other half dozen places around town. Just click on show map from the link above.
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Wander around the village, meet the locals, checkout the shops, and stock up on booze, treats and souvenirs, visit the local attractions (castle, church, cemetery), learn about the history watch sunset at the edge of town, eat at Humska Konoba, eat and drink in the wine bar, relax on your sun terrace drinking, barbequing and taking in that view and just enjoy being in this special one of a kind place.
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You could also drive to Roc 7 kms away and follow the Glagolitic Alley which features the sculptures of the Glagolitic Script, similar to the Glagolitic Path on Krk.
25 - 27 Rovinj - 3N
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You are now on the Istrian Peninsula which is a famous area for wine, brandy, olive oil, cheese, seafood, oysters, truffles and gourmet food in general. On the way to Rovinj you can do a gourmet foodie tour to sample some of the best the region has to offer. It is 125 km and 3 hours plus food breaks. Start early you've got a big day ahead of you. If you're having lunch in Buzet you might have to do a few things and then double back. It's only 20 minutes between Motovun and Buzet. If you don't like truffles you'll probably get through it a bit quicker. 😃 Skip breakfast and save your appetite for the good stuff.
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You can always come back from Rovinj if you don't have time for everything you want to do. Have a look at the tours at the bottom of the page.
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Buzet - go truffle hunting at Karlic Tartufi (20 mins south of the town see the map at the top - there's a truffle museum here too) - have a 6 course truffle lunch at Stara Ostarija
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Istarske Toplice - pop in for a soak and a massage at this thermal resort
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Ipsa Estate - organic extra virgin olive oil and wines - book a tasting
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Livade - Restaurant Zigante #1 for a truffle experience
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Motovun - very pretty walled city with truffles on a steep hill
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Vrsar - old town and stunning views
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Pirate Cave - on the Lim Canal
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Tony's Oyster Shack - home grown in the Lim Channel - 20 mins and 16 km to Rovinj
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What better place to finish off your trip than stunning Rovinj the "Pearl of the Adriatic" and a part of Venice from the 13th to 18th centuries. Filling up a small peninsula which is surrounded by water on 3 sides. It has a mazelike Old Town at its centre. Charming bars and restaurants line the waterline. It would be easy to settle in and not leave the peninsula just sitting around watching the world go by. If however you still have the urge to get out and about there is a lot to see around the area. In fact there is a lot to see just in the old town. You might want to extend your stay here once you see how lovely it is. They have a truffle festival towards the end of October.
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Check in and drop the car off. If you want to keep the car a bit longer two of the hotels have parking.
STAY
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All of these places are in the old town. Stay at or near the Adriatic Hotel by Maistra Collection **** - excellent location in the main port area close to the restaurants and shops in the centre of the Old Town, 2 restaurants, 2 bars, exceptional breakfast included, terrace overlooking the seaside promenade and the main square, cafe, access to swimming pool, Wellness and Spa Centre, free boat rides directly in front of the hotel and access to outdoor pools on the islands with sundecks, ATM, free parking
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The Melegran **** - Bar, paid parking nearby - reservation required
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Rooms Villa Duketis **** - excellent location just 50m from the main square, apartments with kitchenettes and dining areas, paid parking
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Image by Gerald Thurner from Pixabay
Rovinj
SEE & DO
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Go to the beach - 5 best
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Shopping - for souvenirs and presents
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Catch a few sunsets - and have a few sundowners
EAT
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Kantinon Tavern - at the Hotel Adriatic
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Veli Joze - traditional Istrian kitchen
DRINK
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Mediterraneo Bar - for morning coffee and evening sundowners
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Rovinj Pub Crawl - with crazy guides!
GETTING BACK
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If you are flying in and out of Zagreb you can catch the bus back which takes about 3 hours.
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You could take the ferry to Venice which takes 4 hours.
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Or fly out of Pula which has direct flights to 11 European countries. Pula is around an hour's drive south of Rovinj.
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