You’ve been to the Croatia holiday hotspot of fabulous Dubrovnik, so where next
By Croatia Gems, 7th February 2023
Photo Credits:
1 & 4- Pula © Renco Kosinozic via Croatian National Tourist Board
14 – Pula © Ivo Biocina via Croatian National-Tourist-Board
Other Photos – Pula © Istrian Tourist Board
In an article by CNN Travel, it is reported that Dubrovnik old town welcomed over 3m visitors in 2019, perhaps the last ‘normal’ year pre pandemic. Locals and seasoned Dubrovnik villa visitors know to avoid peak-visitor hours to enjoy Dubrovnik at its sublime best. But why not think beyond the town for your next Croatia holiday if you’ve already experienced it? There are many fascinating places to visit which you will enjoy as much as Dubrovnik, and for a variety of reasons. All these places have equally lovely Croatia villas, to charm you and draw you back time again. CNN suggests a selection of Croatia locations to tempt you away from villas in Dubrovnik Croatia.
CNN alternative Croatia villa locations
Ston
Ston is within easy reach of Dubrovnik – just an hour’s drive up the coast and arguably one of Dalmatia’s best-kept secrets. This seaside town is rich in history going back to the ancient Illyrians. It is famous for its stone walls and incredible seafood, and in particular, the Ston oysters.
Often said to be a Croatian version of the Great Wall of China, the 14th-century battlements are perched up and over a mountain behind the town. Consequently do make sure to leave quite a few hours if you decide to trek the 5.5km wall. It is Europe’s longest fortified structure, which for hardy souls’ forms part of the Annual Ston Walls Marathon!
The old town itself is lovely, with pedestrianised streets peppered with outdoor cafes serving seafood specialties. Accordingly do make sure you enjoy a seafood meal to taste such delights as Adriatic oysters, black cuttlefish risotto and ‘mussels buzara’.
Ston is the gateway to the Peljesac peninsula famous for vineyards, seafood, water sports and Korcula island. Search Peljesac villas here.
Trogir
Often likened to a mini-Dubrovnik, Trogir old town is on a tiny island connected to the mainland by a little bridge. Just a half-hour drive or water taxi ride up the coast from Split, it retains the influence of almost four centuries of Venetian rule and totally unspoilt. It is surrounded by water, largely now filled by stunning yachts and pleasure craft, consequently car-free Trogir has something of a feel of Venice.
Recognising an excellent example of a medieval town, UNESCO awarded Trogir World Heritage Site status in the late 1990s. Town elders had conserved its original urban fabric despite adapting in part to modern needs. Consequently expect narrow winding streets, flower festooned Juliette balconies, surprise doors in high walls giving way to lovely courtyard restaurants and cafes. Certainly you will enjoy the palm-lined waterfront promenades with many opportunities to people-watch from the cafes lining them.
Visitors are spoilt for choice with some lovely Split villas Croatia, with private pools, to retreat to after a day’s sightseeing in Trogir.
Primosten
Continue past Trogir and proceed up the coast to find Primosten. This would have been another ancient island town, however in the Renaissance, the people built a narrow causeway to connect the town to the mainland.
Again, featuring narrow lanes which host an intriguing mix of shops, boutiques, and traditional restaurants. Make sure not to miss the view from St. George’s Church which dominates a hill with spectacular Adriatic views. Head back to the mainland to find sandy Croatia beaches and beyond to vineyards producing some of Croatia’s finest wines.
Biograd Na Moru
The location of Croatia’s largest boat show, the town draws boating enthusiasts from around the Adriatic. The town has become a nautical hub around the large marina. The original old town is focussed on a small compact promontory, again with Venetian influences.
Perhaps the major benefit of spending time here is the close proximity to the Kornati National Park. Not unsurprisingly, superb scuba and snorkelling opportunities are offered by the many islands. Also within striking distance are the spectacular Krka and Plitvice Lakes National Parks with their walks above the waterfalls.
Zadar
Zadar isn’t far from Biograd and with its own regional airport, gives excellent direct access by air. The increasing flights scheduled to the airport recognises the attractiveness of the area for Croatia holidays.
The old town is a mix of the cultural influences from previous ruling empires. Consequently the town rivals lovely Trogir and Dubrovnik. However Zadar doesn’t rely on the past to attract visitors, therefor do make sure you visit the Sea Organ and Sun Salutation for some ‘musical’ fun. It hopefully goes without saying that Trogir and Krka National Park are both easy excursions not to be missed.
Split
Most international airlines fly into Split, which has as its core, the amazing Emperor Diocletian’s Palace. As Lonely Planet says, “Don’t expect a palace though, nor a museum – this is the city’s living heart, its labyrinthine streets packed with people, bars, shops and restaurants”. Indeed it’s fascinating to see how locals have occupied nooks in the rambling palace fabric to make their homes – it’s a true neighbourhood, and lovely for it.
Split is the gateway to the islands of Solta, Hvar and Brac, with the latter being the closest, at just a 50-minute ferry hop. There are a wealth of Split villas with private pools to choose from if you are tempted to stay in the Split Riviera region.
Pula
Pula is one of the jewels in the crown of the Istria region, a bustling city just over the Adriatic from Venice. As with most of the Croatian coastal settlements, Pula’s architecture has been influenced by invading regimes. But the premier sight is the well preserved Roman-built Pula Arena at the heart of the city. Therefore ensure you book tickets for a play or concert to be to be swept back into history in a fantastic venue.
Pula is also the gateway to the islands of the Brijuni National Park with its beaches, hiking trails, golf course and safari park. Together with a direct ferry link to Venice, Pula makes a cracking place for an Istria villa rental.
Finally…
Of you know where you would like to visit, have a look at these villas by location, or for a general search of Croatia villas by size or dates search here. And do also look at our ‘By Request only’ portfilio.
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