Curator’s statement
This is my third time traveling in Croatia, but this time I was on a Fora FAM trip with Journey2Croatia and Journey2Montenegro, a wonderful DMC who works with travel advisors to personalize trips for clients based on their interests. Croatia is one of the best countries to visit and explore in Europe because it is super safe and donned with ancient medieval towns along the coast that are exciting to explore. Also, Croatia is stuffed with grand waterfalls, exciting foods and glorious crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming until the first two weeks of October.
Admire the enchanting beauty of the land and sea on a Croatian island with vineyards, roaming cats, ancient towers, monasteries, ruins and detailed carvings on churches reminding us of Croatia’s 15th-century past. The water is so clear that it is impossible not to want to slide in off for a swim from one of the rocky coves. Split makes the best launching location to take a boat/ferry to one of the many islands off the coast. It is easy to get to know a multitude of islands here as many ferries run daily and cost around $20 to get from one island to the next. Here is my guide to exploring Croatia's islands.
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Where to stay
Maslina Resort
An under-the-radar find for romance and spa time, on the quiet north coast of Hvar.
Fora Perks
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$100 food / beverage credit.
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Breakfast daily.
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Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Palace Elisabeth, Hvar Heritage Hotel
Palatial hotel in the heart of Hvar with over-the-top interiors, an expansive pool and San Marco restaurant overlooking the main town square — perfect for dinner at sunset.
Fora Perks
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$100 hotel / resort credit.
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Breakfast daily.
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Upgrade & extended check–in/out whenever possible.
Lešić Dimitri Palace
An exclusive boutique hotel nestled in the heart of Dubrovnik's historic Old Town, offering luxurious accommodations and personalized service amidst ancient charm and modern elegance.
Fora Perks
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VIP welcome amenity.
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Breakfast daily.
Adriana, Hvar Spa Hotel
Stylish boutique hotel in Hvar offering rooms, suites and penthouses, plus a rooftop pool with panoramic views of the town below.
Riva Marina Hvar Hotel
Redefining luxury with breathtaking views and unparalleled service, Riva Marina - Hvar Hotel offers an unforgettable escape on Croatia's stunning island of Hvar.
Unlock perks by contacting Melissa to book your trip.
Croatian Islands Not To Miss
Hvar
Walk Hvar’s narrow vertical cobblestone streets and jewel-like waters in the port town or extend on the quieter side of the island. This is known as one of the prettiest islands in Croatia. Hvar town is best known for its medieval buildings, which are the legacy of four centuries of Venetian rule. The town is the site of the oldest municipal theater in Europe which opened in 1612.
Visit the Cathedral and the Arsenal followed by a pleasant walk on Hvar Town’s stone-paved harbor front, the Venetian piazza and yacht harbor with views across the sparkling Adriatic Sea.
Climb to the hilltop fortress for amazing sunset vistas.
Savor sunset cocktails at Hotel Adriana’s rooftop bar.
Book a dinner reservation at Palace Elisabeth’s restaurant, San Marcos.
Spend a lingering lunch at Konoba Bunar with local specialties and local wine.
Take a swim and discover the coves. Find a beach club.
Meander the Old Town with its winding narrow streets filled with rich history and many historical sights where the Venetian fortress walls surround the marble streets.
More than just the enchanting port town, a stay at Maslina Resort and Spa on the other side of the island will rejuvenate your senses. When you are ready for adventure, e-bike tours are available from the resort through Stari Grad on to wine taste, sample olive oil and lunch in an ancient ruin setting.
Korcula
Walk the ancient town of cobblestone paths to arrive at the Gothic Baroque Cathedral of Saint Mark. Soak up the history all around you. Legend has it this is the birthplace of Marco Polo. Sip the famous golden wine Grk along the restaurant pathway over the ocean or visit a vineyard. Sample gelato. Climb the belltower for mesmerizing views of the walled town. Find another tower serving sunset cocktails. Kayak off the nearby beach to neighboring islands. Absorb the preserved medieval center by getting lost in its alleyways.
Mljet
This island was presumed to be a favorite holiday spot for Odysseus, the Greek hero who met the nymph Calypso and is thought to be Homer’s lost island Ogygia. Not far from Korcula, this island is where you want to experience nature and history at Mjlet National Park with dense pinewood forests and two interconnected saltwater lakes. Today visitors can rent e-bikes to zoom up and down this lush island and around the lakes as there is a pathway and a boat that can take you to the middle of the larger lake to a lovely 12th-century monastery and Church of Saint Mary. Swim, marvel at the vineyard views and slow down on Mjlet. There are not a lot of restaurants in either port town but that is part of the charm. There are many Airbnbs and apartments to rent but consider Hotel Odisej. Who is this island for? Adventure seekers, nature lovers, curious history seekers.
Need to know
I think the best way to experience Croatia is by boat because the rugged Dalmatian coastline is filled with over a thousand islands along the eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea. Each town is a unique treasure trove of medieval charms. Game of Thrones fans will delight in witnessing many scenes and settings come alive.
Travelers should consider visiting in the off-season for better prices and less crowds, such as May/June or September through October 15.
Other Croatian islands we love: Bol on Brac, Vis, and Losinj
Learn more about these islands in our 2017 travel article: https://lalascoop.com/2017/06/08/see-breathtaking-croatia-by-sea/
To rent a yacht or boat, consider chartering one on Goolets.com: https://johnnyjet.com/get-a-taste-of-the-superyacht-life-in-croatia/ or taking a cruise with Anchor Croatia.
Looking to explore Dubrovnik? Check out Hotel Bellevue Dubrovnik and more trip ideas: https://johnnyjet.com/stay-at-your-own-kings-landing-in-dubrovnik-croatia/
This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Croatia. For more travel tips, check out Fora Advisor Katy Hoogerwerf's guide, Best Times to Visit Coastal Croatia: A Comprehensive Guide.
![Advisor - Melissa Curtin](https://media.foratravel.com/image/upload/v1711108131/contentful-migration/advisors/image/melissa-curtin-travel-advisor.jpg)
Travel Advisor
Melissa Curtin
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