I first went to Croatia a little over a year ago, not really knowing what to expect. I have since returned 6 times. Predominantly, I have visited Hvar, an island off the Dalmatian coast. It is famous for the amount of sunshine it gets each year, and it has the most beautiful, clear water I have ever seen. The island is small, so the sea is never far away, and there are mountains all over.
The main town is (slightly confusingly) also called Hvar. It is pretty, but there tend to be large numbers of tourists milling round during the summer months, and it can be difficult, even though the prices are no more expensive than in England, to get over the feeling that you're being stung for as much money as traders can get out of you. One particular bar to avoid if money is tight is Carpe Diem, which has the best cocktails ever, but at hugely inflated tourist prices. However, everyone who has visited the island seems to have been there.
The main tourist attractions in Hvar Town are a 1920s-style church (quite pretty, but a bit overrated, and people go mental if you try to enter without covering up any bare flesh on your whole body), a fort (amazing views of the town), and a monastery. If you walk round the town, and through the windy streets, you will come across all sorts of other buildings, as well. If you can hire a boat for the day (this can be done pretty much anywhere along the coast of the island), the sea is pretty calm, and there are fantastic caves to visit.
If visiting Hvar, I would definitely recommend staying in one of the smaller villages by the sea: it is beautiful, peaceful, and not nearly so expensive as the main, touristy town. The accommodation is mostly holiday appartments, sometimes attached to people's houses. I have viewed loads of these (the owners always seem keen to show them off), and they were comfortable, homey, cheap, and clean. This accommodation is your best bet if you are looking for something in a village; it is cheaper than using a hotel, and often more conveniently situated. I think the prices are currently around £7 per person, per night.
Dalmatian cuisine is amazing, particularly (I am told) the fish. Vegetarians are looked at as if they are insane, and no amount of explanation can adequately convince local people that vegetarianism is a valid lifestyle choice. However, it is possible (I have done it) to find plenty of vegetarian food, although vegans might have more trouble. There are loads of local restauants, and 'konobe', which seem to be small restaurants. The best food I have found is in the smaller places; less ostentatious, and certainly less pricey. Again, the restaurants by the water in Hvar town are more expensive, and no better.
I have to mention Croatian wine; some of it is really great, and is quite well known internationally. Other stuff is local, and not so great. However, it costs about £1 per litre, and once you've had a couple of glasses, it's fine for the rest of the holiday. Honest.
The Croatian language is hugely difficult. My advice would be not to bother, particularly if you speak Italian. If you really feel the need to try, you should remember that there are many different dialects, and that the Croatian spoken on the Dalmatian coast can be quite different from that spoken in other parts. I have spent a lot of time and effort trying to learn Croatian, and despite all endeavours, I am still surprisingly bad at it. Trust me - you will struggle and struggle to come up with a comprehensible sentence, and people will only laugh at you, and answer in English.
Apart from the quantity of tourists, I can't think of one negative thing to say about this beautiful place, and would absolutely recommend it for anyone who wants a sunny, enjoyable holiday.
You whet my appetite. Sounds good, but you could get even better ratings if you gave us some more hints on things to do, places to stay, foods/ restaurants to try, etc.! I would love to visit Croatia!
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Advantages: A stupendous nature. only! SO MANY CIGARETTES IN LESS! Disadvantages: so many kms afoot but they don't feel him that to the reentry in the hotel!
the-crazy-brother 25.07.2004 ·
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful
Review of General: Croatia
Advantages: fewer tourists and 'lager louts' Virtually no crime. beautiful country Disadvantages: may be a slight language problem-some natices are fluent in english but a lot speak german better, and of course their own language.
Luce_16 15.01.2001 ·
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Review of General: Croatia
Advantages: Easily accessible by car from Europe, still value for money, lovely beaches Disadvantages: everytime you tell your friends you've been there you'll have to answer the 'but what about the war?' question :-)
free4susan 25.07.2001 ·
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of General: Croatia
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