Archive for the ‘Dalmatia’ Category
May 12th, 2010 | 
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Saplunara Beach, Mljet
Where are the best beaches in Croatia? Today’s Telegraph has a photo essay on the best beaches in Istria and the best beaches in Dalmatia. I found that there are some surprising choices. But then again, everyone has their own, highly personal beach preferences. The author of this article, Jon Bousfield, certainly knows Croatia as he’s written a number of excellent books for Rough Guides. His taste clearly leans toward the remoter outposts. Sandy beaches are not a priority for him. He likes Rovinj‘s Lone Beach (so do I) and Lovran‘s Medveja despite the fact that neither are sandy. There are a few (very few) sandy beaches in Istria but they are generally known only to locals. See more on sandy beaches in Istria.
In Dalmatia, I found that Proizd islet off Vela Luka was a curious choice. As he makes clear, the “beach” is basically a slab of rock. Yuck. Not for me. I’ll take Saplunara on Mljet Island any day. His choice of sandy Sunj Beach on Lopud Island (an easy day trip from Dubrovnik), I’ll heartily second but it can get uncomfortably crowded in summer. And as for Kraljicina Plaza, near Nin, I confess I don’t know it. But it looks splendid and well worth the effort to find it.
See a photo gallery of Croatia beaches; my choice of the best beaches in Croatia and the best beaches in Istria.
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Cavtat
To say that Croatia is a scuba diver‘s paradise is no exaggeration. It’s not just the fish and coral but the many shipwrecks that make Croatia’s portion of the Adriatic an excursion into ancient history. Located on a sea corridor that brought wealth to a series of Mediterranean civilizations from the ancient Greeks to the 17th-century Venetians, the floor of Croatia’s Adriatic is littered with the wrecks of merchant vessels. As these vessels were often carrying valuables, they have become targets of the more unscrupulous diving ventures.
One of the most valuable wrecks is a second century Greek trading vessel resting off the coast of Cavtat. Its cargo of ancient olive oil and wine is still intact and is valued at around €6 million. Fearful of looters, the Croatian government has now protected the cargo with a heavy metal cage. Recently a diver was allowed into the cage to photograph the amphorae (you can read his account here) but then it was locked up again.
Even if you can’t secure the permissions necessary to visit this particular wreck (and you probably can’t) there are still dozens of wrecks for experienced divers to explore on the Croatian coast. And if diving isn’t your thing? Rest assured that the ‘Greek Amphorae” that decorate a number of coastal restaurants and guesthouses probably are the genuine article.
Read more about Cavtat and scuba diving in Croatia.
At the end of May, Hotel Osejava in Makarska finally opened its doors to guests. This brand-new hotel was built on the foundations of the former Hotel Osejava which was built in 1914.
The four-star Hotel Osejava is right on the sea and all rooms have balconies with sea views. It’s also just a short walk from the heart of Makarska’s bustling town centre. What I like is the fact that the exterior blends right in to Makarska’s traditional architecture but the interior represents the best of modern Mediterranean design.
The sleek, cool rooms use the colours of sand and sea to stunning effect and are equipped with all ‘necessary’ luxuries. Naturally the restaurant is superb and there’s a swimming pool.
Check rates and availability at the Hotel Osejava Makarska.
