Enjoy the Serenity of the Cities of Croatia

Whether you want to go inter-railing through Europe, plan a relaxing holiday with friends or are looking for somewhere with stunning beaches at an affordable price, Croatia ticks all the boxes. While Croatia has become more popular among tourists in recent years, there are still locations largely undisturbed by mass tourism.

I visited Croatia in September 2017 and at this point, it was warm and dry during the day with cool breezes but night time got quite chilly. During our trip, we traveled around Zadar, Split, and Skradin. We found accommodation in some lovely but affordable places on Air BnB.

Zadar

Our first port of call was Zadar. This lively, vibrant city has some beautiful sights to see, from the sunset at the waterfront to the ancient ruins of Old Town, this picturesque city is steeped in historical charm. A visit to Zadar is not complete without a stroll through the Old Town. Feel like your stepping back in time as you meander down the streets and take in the sights of the ancient Venetian architecture. This charismatic spot is perfect for an authentic Croatian experience.

Zadar is well known for its stunning sunsets on the waterfront. In fact, an artist even created a monument to celebrate the sun. "The Monument to the Sun" is a 22-metre disc on the ground by the waterfront. The monument consists of 300 multi-layered glass plates which absorb the suns rays and at night captivates its audience with a coloured light display. This popular tourist sot attracts a large audience so get there before sunset.

A short stroll away from this is the enclosed sea pool complete with 3 levels of diving boards. Cool off from the sun with an exhilarating leap from the top into the sea below. While I usually love anything to do with water I was too much of a chicken to attempt this. I kind of regretted not giving it a go because it did look fun and refreshing.

The mix of the contemporary city life with the charm of the Old Town, makes it easy to see why this is becoming a more popular tourist destination. Zadar's rich heritage and stunning landscape have made it an idyllic tourist destination. Having been listed as the entertainment capital, the 'capital of cool' and best European destination, it is safe to say that this location is brimming with appeal.

Skradin

If you are looking for somewhere a bit quieter with fewer tourists, then Skradin might be the place for you. The area we stayed in was incredibly quiet with very few shops nearby. However, a short walk led to the lake, a few restaurants, and the medieval fortress. We only stayed here as it was a short boat trip to the Krka waterfalls. While it was not the type of town I would stay in for more than a few days, I can certainly see the appeal for people who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life and recharge your batteries in nature. If you find yourself exploring the small village be sure to climb the hill to explore the Medieval Fortress of Turina to get a view of the surrounding landscape. The short walk is at a slight incline however it is manageable for practically all fitness levels and the view is definitely worth a look.

Krka National Park is definitely a spot worthy of a place on your itinerary. A short boat ride along the glistening river allows you to take in the enchanting landscape before arriving at the park and waterfall. This alluring location is suitable for nature enthusiasts, family days out and anyone looking to explore the beauty of the national park and waterfall. The water is open for tourists to take a refreshing dip. This area is roped off for safety reasons however there is a point within this section where the current gets increasingly stronger making it a challenge for even strong swimmers. I am a strong enough swimmer but once I crossed this point it was like I had no control of my body. I was eventually able to grab onto a rock and grab a friends hand to pull me back over the imaginary line and back to safety. After cooling off with a refreshing dip, you can sunbathe on the grass, take shade under the lush trees, have a picnic among the flora and fauna of the park or stroll around and take in your surroundings.

Split

One thing Croatia is renowned for is its crystal clear, blue waters and beautiful beaches. There are different companies by the waterfront that offer boat rides and trips to nearby Islands. Treat yourself to a sunset cruise on the water or a day trip to a local island where you can go snorkeling in the crystal clear water or enjoy a picnic on the beach.

Similarly to Zadar, Split has an Old Town which retains the authentic Croatian architecture and has many buildings and monuments to offer such as the bell tower and crypt of the magnificent St Domnius Cathedral, Diocletian's Palace and the central People's Square.

If you have children (or if you are a child at heart like me), there is a 'pirate ship' you can book to take you for a relaxing boat ride. This comes equipped with pirate props and a steering wheel to pose for photos. We enjoyed an evening cruise along the water and took in the stunning scenery of Croatia. During the day you have the option of jumping from the boat into the water. Unfortunately, our trip was in the evening and it was just too cold by then.

There are plenty of bars and restaurants around that are affordable even for those on a tight budget. On one occasion we enjoyed a night on the town with cheap booze in some modern bars and treated ourselves to a three course meal in an Italian restaurant. While this was much cheaper than we would have paid back in Ireland for such a night, we did not make a habit of this. We still had to be budget conscious but it was definitely easier to justify a night out in Croatia than it is in Australia or Ireland. As we were a group of 7 we typically pooled our money together and went to the grocery store where we picked up ingredients to cook our own meals. Since there were so many of us this cost about than €5 each and we were able to take it in turns to do the cooking.

Overall, I loved Croatia and found it charming, budget-friendly, with the most stunning landscapes and clear waters. If you want to experience a getaway from the typical tourist destinations I recommend Croatia. Zadar and Split have achieved a happy medium between peace and nightlife. While Krka is definitely worthy of a spot on your bucket list, the village of Skradin is not a place I would recommend for longer than a few days. It is ideal for those looking for a quiet holiday in a small village, however, this was not to my liking.

Croatia is definitely worth a spot on your travel bucket list, especially if you are travelling on a tight budget. There are plenty of accommodation options on Air BnB at affordable rates and I found the food to be decently priced. Whether you're interested in nature, beaches, history, architecture or just a cheap holiday, Croatia is a spot you should not miss out on.