Since Croatia has become a new EU-member in 1st July 2013 the media has focused on presenting the country in different aspects to the public.
Many of you might know it from holidays in the olden days in the former Yugoslavia. We flow in from Düsseldorf and get our hire car at the Zadar Airport. All went straight forward. The service is sufficient and people are friendly. Nothing remains from the old communistic lack of interest in customer service. We are pleased to arrive in a modern and thriving country. Many speak fluently German (the older generation) and English (the younger one) apart from other main european languagues.
Town centre of Zadar
One of our target destinations is the Plitvice lakes national park. It is a child-friendly day trip for the whole family. You can walk the entire park for 8 hours. Or take the park-own boats and busses for certain tracks. So there is a route for every age and level of difficulty. You set your own pace.
Plitvicka jezera National park
As we are lucky with the weather, every day is 29°C and sunny, so it is beach weather all the time! Beaches can be found all the way along the Adriatic sea. Also, there is always a waterfront restaurant offering delicious seafood nearby. In a small village restaurant on our way we have been offered free goulash. When we arrived, the owner and his family & staff were about to dine together on the terrace in front of the entrance, so we should try this traditional meal.
Beach of Podstrana
Split is our next stop. The seafront and the ancient town are just fabulous!
Split´s ancient town
Split´s bell Tower
Our last stop is Dubrovnik. It is a beautiful walled ancient town, well preserved from the ravages of time and damages of wars, the last one by Serbia and Montenegro in the nineties after breaking up with Yugoslavia. We drive up to Bosanka, the hill overlooking the old town and surroundings, advised by our helpful landlord.
Ancient town of Dubrovnik
Alternatively you can take the modern and expensive ropeway, the station is just next to the town gate on foot of the hill, or walk up the trail yourself. On top you will have a superb view, chic restaurant, souvenir shop and facilities.
Ancient town Harbour of Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik is overcrowded by day with thousands of visitors and cruiser tourists although there is no motor traffic within the town wall. That also means expensive car parking outside the town, so you better use the public bus which drops you off in front of the town gate.
Dubrovnik by day
There are lots of things to do in town for tourists like museums and the likes. We visited only one: The oldest apothecary of Europe from 1317 AD set in the franciscan monastery. At night Dubrovnik is much calmer and more enjoyable. For a relaxing walk through the narrow streets, a breeze of adriatic air and pavement cafés.
Dubrovnik by night
Altogether, Croatia is a pleasant holiday: Beach, nature, culture and friendly people. We enjoy it very much!