Summer is coming I would use to say while still living in the Balkans, but since I moved to Germany, summer is officially here on the first of June, and with all the destination weddings, honey moons and exploring the unexplored, ah not to forget the cheap flights, so many brain tabs start popping up, where to go on vacation this summer,? Comparing Greece and Croatia with the home land and never ending circle. Since I’ve been to Croatia many many times, I have my favourites, Istria is definitively on the top, there is so much more to be explored, but here are my thoughts on summer vacation in Croatia, and what kind of itinerary you can create, so that you can have full beach or mix of nature, beach and city. Let’s go,

ZADAR

By now we all know that I would rather visit unplanned city, than having to take connecting flight to a destination, and that is how Zadar happened. It was as well our first “workation” ever, when we were still figuring it out how everything works out.
Our accommodation was close to the Central Bus station, so not really directly in the old town, but with about 15 minutes walking you could reach it, we were on about less than 10 minutes walking from the closest beach, even though, whenever we were going for a swim we were choosing the ones further from the center.
What I liked about Zadar was the old town definitively, especially that you can climb on the walls and enjoy the views, all everything white, the closeness of the islands and that it has relatively good connections to the rest of the country, and day trips. The coffee at Cogito coffee shop, the Sunsets around Kolovare, The beaches and the Beach bar in the Borik area, especially Beach Bar Bamboo, and of course the sound of the Sea organs, not necessarily the crowds around sunset there.
What I didn’t like so much was the food, because I was hoping for all around sea food, but actually it was based on pastries and balkan style bbq, which maybe isn’t that bad if you were not born and raised here. Still for me Zadar was a town for rather city trip and not so much for a full holiday vacation.

PLITVICE LAKES

The best thing about Plitvice Lakes National Park? Absolutely everything. If you are currently looking at the entrance fee and thinking hmm, maybe I’ll skip it, just don’t. Even though it is one of the most expensive National Parks in Europe, it is worth every penny, the ticket tends to get cheaper in lower season, but sunshine is not promised.
You need to buy ticket and choose your slot on their website https://np-plitvicka-jezera.hr/ there are two entrances, so if your preferred slot is booked, check if there is available on the other entrance.
Once you enter you get a map, and you can tailor your visit based on what you want to see and how much time you have to spend. We chose a tour that includes hiking, boat ride and train ride so that we could have it all, it was one of the longest routes about 8Km or what is known on their website as route C . We went early it was not that crowded, but still you could see crowds on the photo spots. The water of the lakes was unreal, and it gave that meditative feeling. There are plenty of houses to be accommodated around or inside the national park and many restaurants. To be honest didn’t have a favourite as we were opting for the local sandwiches with cheese and prosciutto from the Lika region.
If you are planning a visit without a car or just a day trip without sleeping, the good thing is that the bus stop which connects to Zadar and Zagreb is just across the street from the park. For the bus ride Zadar – Plitvice we paid around 10 euros, and the same amount from Plitvice Lakes to Zagreb.

ZAGREB

In the last years I visited Zagreb more times that I was planning to, and it was always fun. and I think I’ve seen it in every aspect with a friend, boyfriend and group of friends. Having in mind that the Airport is close to town, and also the closeness to the other countries like Slovenia and Hungary, it is kind of a must stop when coming to the country. It has the big nice parks, the ever evolving food scene bar and restaurants, and many summer gardens popping up. Some of my favourite places are summed up in this Zagreb post, so in order not to repeat myself, have a look.

ISTRIA: PULA

I got the love for Pula from my significant other. He went on a trip with his friends one year, and the next one he said, you need to see it. So we celebrated his birthday there, and this trip really felt like a honeymoon.
We rented a car, our station was Pula, and from here we were making short trips daily. Of course we stayed on the beaches around Pula, there is even amazing glamping place Arena One 99. We stayed on their premises for aperitivo, but could have a glimpse of the glamping life. Pula has so much history, arena dating from the first century, but also great connection for short trips to Brijnui, Rovinj, Porec, Opatija, and even Slovenia by the sea, places like Piran. Should you choose to stay here even your holiday can feel like a honeymoon or like a general trial for it. Istria is like “Croatian Tuscany” – truffles, pasta, wine, but they also have craft distilleries.

ISTRIA: ROVINJ – BUJE – PREMANTURA – BRIJUNI

I think even if I just leave the photos to speak for themselves it will be more than enough, but lets try word or two. The old town in Rovinj is the picture perfect yet lively place with bars, shops, restaurants, and even the rocky beaches. Around 30 kilometres from Pula. It also is consisted of small islands St. Katerina & St.Andrea where you can go for day trips, or to stay in the beautiful hotels there, but Rovinj is also the home on some of the most beautiful hotels on the riviera, hotel Lone and Hotel Grand Park. Beach wise it is not the sandy type, but around this area there are at least beaches with sun beds, we had cocktails and fun at the Mulini Beach bar.
Some of the best restaurants in Rovinjg are: Puntulina, Giannino and Kantinon Tavern.

If you want to get the tuscan vibe there are so many boutique wineries, and small agro tourist options in the are. For example for the bachelorette weekend of my best friend we had lunch at the Meneghetti Wine Hotel & Winery, even though you don’t know anyone around it had very cozy and homey feeling, but also White Lotus vibes.
And if you want to experience Africa within Croatia then a day trip to the Brijuni islands will do the trick. This was the resident island of the former president of Yugoslavia, but also the surrounding islands are home of the villas of the famous Hollywood stars, nevertheless, rent a golf cart or a bike, and go explore. In some scenes you really feel so disconnected as if you are in the middle of nowhere in Africa. There is also a possibility to stay here for the night in Hotel Neptun or you can use the official ferry ride for a day trip. Do what you do just don’t forget to try the Madjarica Cake in Hotel Neptun.

Well, the options are endless when in Croatia, because every place has its own story and vibe, I would not say that there is such a difference in food as when you go through the Italian regions, but sure you will see so much. Unfortunately, when travelling around the balkans train is not an option, and even the busses may go out of their schedule. The best option is to rent a car. Saying this with a stone in my throat. But whatever you decide I hope you have fun.