Though I really hate the thought of it, the days are getting shorter and the temperatures lower. But as winter is coming, my mind is not willing to let go of the sun filled days. So here I am, searching for ways to bring back summer. While I cannot actually turn the switch on seasons as I please, what I can certainly do is jump on a plane and fly off to Europe where summer is just about to begin. Beach, sun, cocktails and some historic places to visit. Yay!
But since my winter vacation is limited and there are countless places to visit in Europe, I decided to completely devote myself to one place that captures the best elements of Europe – the refreshing coasts, mouthwatering food and captivating history. Let me introduce to you my ultimate dream destination – Croatia.
Even though on the other side of the planet, Croatia vacation packages come at a much lower cost than similar European destinations. Visiting Croatia is an affordable way of treating yourself to a little slice of European heaven. Saving up on travel costs means you’ll get extra money to spend on visiting museums, savouring the local cuisine and cruising the pristine coast.
The mandatory stop on every Croatian itinerary is the old town of Dubrovnik. Justifying its nickname as “The Pearl of the Adriatic”, Dubrovnik confidently overlooks the sea surrounded by the thick medieval fortresses and 800-year-old walls. The rich heritage protected by UNESCO is precisely the one reason it holds such a soft spot for history and architecture lovers from around the world.
Some of the must visit sites in Dubrovnik include: Lovrinjac – an impregnable fortress with magical panoramic view overlooking both the town and the sea; the Franciscan Monastery home to the third oldest pharmacy in the world; the Rector’s Palace – an outstanding blend of Baroque and Renaissance. Best known for the breathtaking scenes in Game of Thrones, this town currently undergoes a huge spike in tourist visits. Be sure to book one of the many Croatia vacation packages that include Dubrovnik while all these popular spots are still there.
Further up the coast lies another historical gem – the town of Split. It boasts a 38 500m² complex of Roman remnants including the Palace of Diocletian, the Cathedral of St. Dominus and the Temple of Jupiter. However, Split and the nearby town of Trogir are also well-known for their friendly folks and lively night clubs where a beer costs under three dollars. And if you go deeper in Croatia’s mainland, you will come across the many national parks with luscious vegetation unlike you’ve ever seen before.
Imagine spending a week eating juicy Mediterranean food, exploring centuries’ old history and sipping sweet wine in quantities that would make even Cercei Lannister jealous. History, fun and beautiful nature – that’s what a vacation in Croatia is all about.
