Cyndi’s Crazy for Croatia!

I adore Croatia!!

Jeremy and I have visited three times so far, and I am happily planning our next trip for spring 2025. Nothing raises my spirits like taking a romp through Booking.com to see what’s available in all my favorite Croatian cities, and considering the endless possibilities for joy-filled travel, and new photographs! 

Rovinj, Croatia ~ image from Google

Here I list essential information and links to some favorite places , in case you’re planning a trip and wonder where to spend your time and money!

General Info:

Phone connectivity
 If your phone takes an E-Sim click this link: https://www.simoptions.com/esim-croatia  I chose bouygues and was very happy. Purchased and installed in California. Easy to use from the minute we landed in Germany, and we had no issues. It worked well everywhere in Croatia.
 
Bring Euros & AVOID Yellow ATMs!
Some restaurants and accommodations deal strictly in cash, and those that do take plastic frequently offer a discount for cash. 
 
One of the best pieces of advice we got from a local on our first trip was to avoid the yellow ATMs. You’ll get a much better exchange rate at an actual bank like Zagrebačka banka, so look for a real bank with ATM.
If you happen to be in Old Town Dubrovnik, you will find a real bank ATM directly by Onofrio’s Great Fountain, indicated below with the red arrow:

 
 
Rental Cars
Driving in Croatia is easy! Parking, NOT so much. But if you want to see a lot of different places, don’t be afraid to rent a car and drive. That having been said, you’ll want to AVOID Budget, Avis, and SIXT car rentals.
I won’t regale you with the reasons, just trust me on this. 
 
Oryx Rent a Car and Enterprise are good choices that fully disclose the final cost, and make pick up and drop off quick and easy.
 
Airports
Zagreb, Split, Dubrovnik, Rijeka, and Pula are all good options for flying into and out of Croatia. If you want to see a lot of this beautiful country, feel free to mix and match airports. Fly into Split and out of Dubrovnik, or into Rijeka and out of Split.
My favorite airport is Split. It’s small. It’s easy to get in and out. And it’s a SHORT drive from my favorite Croatian restaurant and hotel!
 
Vila Tina
Just twelve minutes from Split Airport, Hotel Vila Tina has an amazing view, a spectacular staff we look forward to seeing, and consistently excellent food in their restaurant.
Breakfast is included.
Get the superior room with terrace. You’ll thank me!
 
Trogir

Unseco protected Trogir, known for its mix of Renaissance, baroque and Romanesque buildings, lies on a small island connected to the mainland and the island of Čiovo by bridges. (Vila Tina is located on the island of Čiovo.) I absolutely LOVE this little town.

If you visit northern Croatia, you’ll want to spend some time exploring the history, wandering the narrow streets, enjoying the view, and finding some amazing seafood at one of the dozens of locally owned little konobas!

 

Plitvice Lakes National Park
Seeing one photo of this park is what drew me to Croatia in the first place!
Click LINK for more info.

Plitvice Miric Inn
If you are visiting Plitvice National Park, I highly recommend this adorable, family-run guest house located half a mile from the entrance. Breakfast is included, and the restaurant serves delicious local trout. The staff is amazing and went out of their way for me when I wasn’t feeling well. 
Click LINK for more info.

Korčula

Google image

Sword Dance
Moreška Sword Dance is a living tradition in Korčula Old Town. If you’re lucky enough to be there on a night when they dance, it’s great entertainment! Click LINK for more info.

Water Taxi
Hop on the boat and hop off at Badjia Island, Vrnik Island, or Lumbarda
to explore the beaches, walk in nature, taste some wine, or enjoy local cuisine. Click LINK for more info.

 Accommodations

Old Town Sea Front M&M Apartment
This place is comfortable, clean, close to everything you want to be close to in Old Town, easy to get to. The stairs are big and wide and shallow, so they’re easy to climb. The apartment is beautifully appointed and newly renovated. The hostess Iva is warm, friendly and extremely helpful. Check in was a breeze, and the VIEW was spectacular!
Click LINK for more info.

Restaurants on the street below were alive with happy travelers, and it was delightful to see all the people enjoying themselves when we poked our heads out the window. In the morning we woke to this sunrise!

Korčula Old Town
Five out of five stars! We highly recommend spending time on Korčula Island, and in Old Town! Great shopping, amazing food, spectacular views!

Visit Dubrovnik 
I created a full page for Dubrovnik at THIS LINK.

COMING SOON!
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