Croatia Travel Blog

It’s just gotten easier for visitors who want to travel the northern Croatian coast by boat. LNP has just started their summer catamaran service that connects Pula in Istria with Mali Losinj and Zadar, stopping at Unije and Ilovik islands en route. The service began on 2 June and continues until 30 September. The catamaran runs twice a week except in July and August when it runs up to five times week.

The same company runs the ferry between Lopar on Rab Island and Valbiska on Krk Island. Service is all year but more frequent in the summer. See the schedules and booking information.

The summer season has barely started and Croatians visiting the coast and islands are outraged by the high prices of food. Accustomed to paying 5KN (€0.70) for a single scoop of ice cream in Zagreb, visitors were shocked to discover that the same little scoop costs 9KN (€1.25) in Rovinj. According to Vecernji list newspaper, it wasn’t only ice cream that seemed  expensive to seaside visitors. Readers reported paying 15KN (€2) for a cup of black coffee in Hvar, 70KN (€9.60) for a pizza in Rijeka and found that a seafood dinner ran about 170KN (€23) on the coast as opposed to 120KN (€16.50) on the continent. And that’s not even considering Dubrovnik which is generally even more expensive. When questioned, merchants offered the excuse that a short season leaves them no alternative but to grab as much money as they can as fast as they can.

With that kind of attitude, a short season may well become no season at all if tourists find they can get better value elsewhere.

See more on travel costs & prices in Croatia.

The gay and lesbian community in Croatia is preparing for the annual Pride Parade to be held on June 19 in Zagreb. The theme of this year’s parade is “Freedom of sexual expression and diversity of sexual practice”. Although there is certainly a lot of the latter in Croatia, the “freedom” part of the theme is a long way from being achieved. For historical and religious reasons, Croatia has long clung to rigid definitions of sexual identity which has disadvantaged the LGBT community. Discrimination is rampant and violent attacks on gays are not rare.

The Pride Parade has taken place yearly since 2002 and often draws angry and hateful crowds. This year may be no exception, particularly since a proposed constitutional change will protect sexual orientation. Introduced under pressure from the EU to bring Croatia’s human rights legislation into line with European standards, the proposed change has already provoked a public outcry.

The Pride Parade is the culmination of “Zagreb Pride” a series of local events celebrating LGBT identity and agitating for political change. This year’s schedule includes a roundtable with government representatives to discuss the proposed constitutional change. Despite this year’s slogan, “Croatia can swallow this”, it’s not at all clear that it can.

See more on Zagreb Pride and on gay travel in Croatia.

The following suggestions for day trips have been brought to you by JayWay Travel. JayWay Travel has many years of experience arranging tailor-made vacations in Croatia including flights, accommodation and activities. To find out more visit the JayWay Travel website.

Day Trips from Dubrovnik

Mostar

In the true sense of the word Mostar (meaning old bridge) is the city where West meets East meets North meets South. This is a city of poetry, a city of stone and sleepy, narrow winding streets. Experience the sights such as the Old Bazaar, the Turkish House and one of the many old Mosques. Stroll around and browse among the many old craft shops or maybe have lunch in one of the picturesque local restaurants. Don’t forget your passport as Mostar is just over the border in Bosnia & Herzegovina. Montenegro Montenegro is one of the last undiscovered secrets in the region. Less then an hour’s drive from Dubrovnik, a day trip to Montenegro is an unforgettable experience; exceptional natural beauty in combination with a rich history and culture. Enjoy the drive around the Kotor Bay with its numerous small settlements; stop in Medieval Kotor to soak in the typical Mediterranean lifestyle; continue high up into the mountains to visit Cetinje, once the seat of the Montenegrian rulers; stroll around in Budva, the ancient town which is today a lively tourist resort. You’ll need your passport with you for this trip too.

Day Trips from Hvar

Vis, Blue Cave

The island of Vis is one of the most remote of all Adriatic islands. After a pleasant sail you will arrive at the islet of Bisevo, highlighted by the Blue Cave. The cave is a natural phenomenon which can be entered only by small fishermen’s boats. Take some time to enjoy the light effect created by the sun reflecting in the cave through the sea. Continue to Komiza, whose inhabitants are believed to be the best fishermen on the Adriatic. There you can visit the Fishermen’s museum located in a fortified building from the 16th century. After the museum take some time to stroll around or perhaps cool off with a swim.

Bol

Take a ferry from the harbor to the town of Bol, located on the southern part of Brac, another island to the north of Hvar. Bol is the oldest settlement on the island of Brac. Upon arrival you can take a pleasant walk along the seashore towards one of the most beautiful beaches in Dalmatia – Zlatni Rat. This beach covered with tiny, round white pebbles offers the possibility for swimming, sunbathing and complete relaxation. If sun worship isn’t your thing you can visit one of the oldest wine cellars in Dalmatia, the Dominican monastery.

Day Trips from Trogir

Split

Take a short bus ride to Split, the largest and most important town in Dalmatia. The town was developed around the palace which was erected by the Roman Emperor Diocletian in the 4th century. Start with a visit to the well preserved ancient cellars of the palace. Then continue on to the Cathedral, considered to be one of the oldest in the world. Across the Cathedral is the Temple of Jupiter which today is used as a baptistry. Whilst in Split don’t miss a visit to the largest open market in Dalmatia.

Plitvice Lakes

Plitvice lakes are considered one of the most beautiful phenomena in the world. It consists of a string of sixteen beautiful lakes with crystal blue-green colour. They are fed by many small streams and brooks, which spill into each other in foaming cascades and thundering waterfalls. Due to their unique beauty, the lakes are inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The exceptional beauty of the lakes and waterfalls, rich plant and animal life, contrasting colours, forests and the pure mountain air attract nature lovers from all over the world. The guided tour of the National park itself includes a boat ride, a tourist train and a walking tour.

Day Trips from Rovinj

Pula

Enjoy a unique sightseeing tour of Pula, a 3000 year old town which abounds in mystery and whispers of the past. Pula has an alluring atmosphere of prehistoric and gladiatorial times, medieval traces of Serenissima and the main Austro-Hungarian harbor. The sightseeing starts with a panoramic drive around Austrian Pula. A walk through the old city of Pula follows starting with the famous roman Amphitheatre and it’s underground chambers. Then on to the city gates and walls, triumphal arch of Sergians, Roman Forum, roman mosaic and Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Venice

Venice. Who’d have thought you could squeeze a trip to Venice into a holiday in Croatia? By the fastest boat on the Adriatic, Venice is easily reached in approximately 2.5 hours. The unforgettable experience of visiting one of the most beautiful cities in the world for a day trip is simply a must. Thousands years of The City on the Lagoon will be revealed to you through the guided tour. While strolling the streets of Venice and taking in its piazzas, bridges, renaissance architecture and historic buildings you will come to San Marco square and visit the Murano glass workshop. Enjoy the rest of the day to explore Venice at your own pace.

Prime Minister Jadranka Kosor inaugurated a new passenger terminal this week at Dubrovnik Airport. Called Terminal B, the new terminal marks an important step in the airport’s expansion plan. For the first time, passengers will be able to board a plane from an air bridge instead of trudging outside to board. Although the airport currently handles one million passengers a year, the amount is expected to double once construction is completed next year.

Read more about Dubrovnik.