Croatia Travel Blog

June 6 will see the opening of a fabulous new hotel on super-trendy Hvar Island. Actually, the Hotel Adriana is not a new construction but a totally overhauled, updated, re-designed version of the former Hotel Adriatica. The venerable old Hotel Adriatica was built sometime in the 60s I believe, when Yugoslavia was still catering to mass tourism. I stayed there once about 10 years ago and was definitely unimpressed. Still, it was the only hotel in Hvar with a view of the old town from across the water. That’s probably what inspired the Orca group to undertake the rebuilding project. The result should be awesome. The indoor rooftop swimming pool has a unique canopy top that allows it to be both indoor and outdoor, if you will. There’s and enormous spa and wellness centre plus the usual acoutrements that go along with a top-class luxury hotel. The opening should be quite an event in Hvar. Read more about the Hotel Adriana. Find out more about Hvar accommodation.

Posted under Croatia Accommodation & Croatia Hotels & Croatia Islands & Hvar Island | No Comments »

“Coastal Croatia by Bicycle: Sea, Sun, Truffles” is the curious title of the recent NYTimes piece recounting Nathaniel Vinton’s cycling trip through Istria. Why “coastal Croatia”? I don’t get it. The article is mostly about the Istrian interior with a small mention of Rovinj which of course is on the coast. I get the feeling Mr. Vinton plainly prefers the Istrian interior to the coast which, truth to tell, is my preference as well. Rovinj, Porec, Pula et al. have plenty of history and architectural interest, not to mention that vast expanse of blue water right nearby, but to experience a calmer, more authentic Croatia, you simply must venture into the interior, preferable by bicycle. The rolling interior is perfect for cycling and for a real workout you can pedal up to the hill villages of Motovun and Groznjan. Both are not quite as undiscovered as this article implies but they are nonetheless delightful. I’m glad (I think) he mentioned Grascice, outside Pazin. Now that is truly a sleepy little village! Go to article.

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There’s a new solution for travellers who want to get from Rome or Naples to the Croatian coast. Although you can take an expensive flight from Rome to Split or Dubrovnik, you may prefer a cheaper way to get to the Croatian coast. La Rivera lines runs passenger boats from Termoli to Hvar, Vis, Lastovo and Korcula islands from 29 June to 10 September. The connection only works twice a week but the company also provides a bus transfer from Rome and Naples to the Termoli port at a very reasonable charge. See the details at La Rivera lines or find out more about ferries from Italy to Croatia.

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Why not combine a summer holiday with a little tooth whitening? After all, a tan looks so much more alluring with sparkling white teeth! Maybe that’s why the coastal resort of Vodice has rather suddenly become home to a number of dental clinics that cater to foreigners. Although I haven’t tried it myself, this article on dentistry in Vodice  is tempting me to run down and try it out. I’ve visited Vodice quickly and would love to find an excuse to stay a while. See more on Vodice.

Posted under Croatia Travel & Medical Tourism | No Comments »