Croatia Guide: Dramatic Coastal Cities & Perfect Beaches

Posted on Monday, 19 February 2018

Croatia is steeped in romance. From the innumerable islands that dot its gas-blue Mediterranean coast, to the mighty, ancient walls of historic Dubrovnik, this unique Balkan country satisfies mind, body and soul in equal measure - and is the perfect place to take your partner on holiday.

For more active couples, a host of water-based activities lie in store: think kayaking, windsurfing, sailing, snorkeling and diving.

And for those who need to de-stress, Croatia's many fine - often pebbly - beaches offer wonderful spots to lie back, soak up the rays and enjoy the latest thriller or romance novel.

For history buffs, Croatia is a real treat. Its geographical location means it has been caught up in numerous wars and has been conquered by a multitude of empires. While this means Croatian history is often dark, it also means the nation has been bequeathed a plethora of historic remnants - which are now everyone's to enjoy.

Few visitors find the time to head inland, but to stay on the coast is to miss out on some spectacular scenery. The Dinaric Alps is home to a fantastic array of caverns, river canyons, waterfalls and wild peaks. Explore this area with your favourite person and glimpse a landscape few others see - unless they're avid Game of Thrones fans, that is. However, to see such vistas in person is far more enriching than watching the hit HBO show.

Things to See

Dubrovnik

It doesn't get much more romantic than Dubrovnik. Explore the cobblestone alleys of the old town, watch the day wane from one of the many sundowner bars, before enjoying an intimate dinner in one of the city's many fine eateries. It can be rather costly compared to other parts of the country, but it's worth every penny.

Rovinj

If you visit Istria, you must make time for charming Rovinj. The delightful old quarter boasts plenty of low-key bars, art galleries and superb restaurants.

Simply wandering the narrow alleyways and passages is one of the town's main draws, but you can also explore nearby Golden Cape forest, or enjoy the tranquil gardens of St. Catherine Island. If you just want to relax, head to Mulini Beach.

Split

Another Game of Thrones hot spot, Split is Croatia's second city and possesses an embarrassment of historical riches. 1700 years of history are waiting to be explored.

With an assortment of chilled out cafés and affordable eateries, eating and drinking will play a big part in your trip - in between visiting attractions like Roman Diocletian's Palace and climbing the tower of St Domnius Cathedral. Split is a little more modern than Dubrovnik, but still offers bucket loads of romance.

Opatija

Once a favourite of nobility, poets and artists, today Opatija is a hotspot for couples young and old. Featuring Viennese-style architecture, Opatija boasts the longest promenade in the land, as well as top restaurants and pretty parks.

Enjoy a cup of coffee and home-made pralines in one of the many cosy cafés and walk hand-in-hand through this charming city. There are some superb seafood restaurants here too, such as the quaint Tramerka.

Zagreb

Many couples miss out Zagreb, instead making a beeline for the coast. But to forget about the capital city is to pass up the opportunity to visit the many parks, museums and historical sites found here.

Wander the streets and watch as the gas-powered lamps are lit by hand each evening. Enjoy a romantic dinner in one of the many fine restaurants, then relax in the buzzing Upper Town and sample some of the best nightlife in all Croatia.

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