Croatia - the pearl on the Adriatic
Nowhere else is the water so turquoise blue and clear, here you are enchanted by picturesque bays, the scent of pine forests, and old harbor towns. We are talking about Croatia, more precisely: Dalmatia, the sunny south of Croatia.
July 2022. Midsummer and Europe is travel feverish. Prices are higher than ever. At the same time, our desire to travel is greater than ever. After 2 years of Covid, everyone is eager to get out, you can see it at the airports, travel volume is as high as it hasn't been in a long time. Where can you still fly for a vacation in Europe given the high prices? Away from the classics of Italy, Spain, and Greece?
We have the answer for you: Croatia!
Why Croatia is one of our new favorite destinations and what we liked best about it, we'll reveal here!
ISLAND HOPPING
The more than a hundred islands off the mainland invite you to island hopping. We decided to visit the islands of Hvar, Vis, and Bisevo by boat, among others.
Our highlights were:
1. Porat Beach on Bisevo
The uninhabited island of Bisevo can only be reached by boat, where you'll find empty, deserted sandy beaches like the Porat Beach at the Bisevska Luka Bay.
2. Draceva Bay on Brac
Also deserted and an absolute insider tip. A 10-minute walk leads you to an abandoned bay that you will have all to yourself. At times, we were only with two other people on the beach. A directions can be found here.
3. Hvar Town on Hvar
We especially liked the old town of Hvar. A small, sweet, dreamy harbor town where you walk through narrow alleys and find many great restaurants and bars.
4. Stiniva Bay on Vis
This island and the bay became famous through the filming of Mamma Mia 2. Since then, the Stiniva Beach has been considered one of the most beautiful beaches in all of Croatia. To get there, you either take a water taxi or walk a steep path. But all the effort is worth it – pristine nature and clear water with a view into the wide distance await the visitor.
EAT & DRINK
And since a vacation without good food is no good vacation, we provide you here with our tips for the best restaurants:
Konoba Marjan
Senjska ul. 1, 21000, Split, Croatia
For the best fish, you have to go to the family-run Konoba Marjan! Pro tip: order the seafood platter for 2.
Bokeria Split
Domaldova ul. 8, 21000, Split, Croatia
Mediterranean flavors, Dalmatian atmosphere, and a look you could also find in New York or London. The Bokeria comes across internationally. Here you will find Dalmatian specialties reinterpreted.
Kava, Split and Hvar Town
Ul. Ante Starčevića 2/1, 21000, Split, Croatia
For the best coffee and the best almond croissants, you have to come to Kava in Split or Hvar. The owners Ivana & Marko used to travel the globe as a couple for wedding photography and discovered their love for specialty coffee. When they returned to Croatia in 2018, they founded the first of their two branches on the island of Hvar.
Taj Mahal, Dubrovnik Old Town
Ul. Nikole Gučetića 2, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia
The name is misleading. There is no Indian food here but Bosnian cuisine at its finest. Vegans probably shouldn't set foot in this place, but for all meat lovers, the Ćevapčići and the meat platter at the Taj Mahal are a must.
Ribarska Kucica, Brac
Ante Starčevića, 21420, Bol, Croatia
The cozy Konoba Ribarska Kucica in the fishing village of Bol on Brac impresses with its view of the sunset and the location.
I will definitely come back and hope I could give you a little taste – literally – of Croatia!
Wherever you spend the summer: I wish you wonderful holidays!
Until then,
Eva
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About the author:
Eva Staudinger is a German model signed with international agencies in New York, London, and Paris. Through her many years of professional experience, skincare, beauty, and wellness are topics she deals with daily and with great enthusiasm. Business trips to New York, Sydney, or London allow her to always gain insight into the latest beauty trends, which she will then share with us as part of the SoSue Beauty section. In addition to her work as a model, the native of Bergisch Gladbach has also completed her bachelor's degree in economics at the University of Cologne. She has since relocated her base from the Rhineland to the north in Hamburg, where she lives with her boyfriend and where her German agency “PMA” is located. She regularly takes her followers on her Instagram account “evastaudinger” on her travels around the world and gives insights into her latest discoveries in beauty, wellness, and food – anyone interested is welcome to take a look.