The world’s fascination with the Mediterranean is understandable – the combination of historic towns and beautiful coastlines make it a fantastic summer destination. Along the Eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea, Croatia’s Split Riviera is land of breathtaking beauty bathed in warm sunshine. It has a fascinating history and a flourishing culture, beaches along the coast and impressive national parks in the interior. Whether you’re new to this part of the world, or a Mediterranean expert, these experiences will bring you closer to the heart of Croatia. The best time of year to visit is May – September, when the coast is gorgeous, the Adriatic is warm enough for swimming, and Split gets the most sun.
Set Sail for the Coast
Croatia alone has more than 1,000 islands to explore – enough to keep your beach toes happy for an entire lifetime. Take a day or two and book a boat trip to see the dramatic coastline and nearby islands up close. Options range from speedboat excursions, and day sailing charters to spearfishing tours for the sporting types.
For a more leisurely trip, take one of the daily cruises that leave from the waterfront to nearby Solta and Brac, during which you can enjoy a delicious fish fry right on the boat. Or spend a day aboard the M.V. Nera, a restored wooden English-designed tender. This cruise stops in Trogir for a guided tour before retreating to a private preserve on the island of Drvenik Veli. Swimmers love the multi-hued Blue Lagoon and guests are served a meal of chicken or fish cooked in a wood-fired stove, paired with wine from Vis. This is an excellent family option.
A Taste for Adventure
Croatia has such a dramatic landscape that the adventurous need hardly travel more than a few miles in any direction to find a new thrill. One of the most popular day tours from Split ventures into the River Krka National Park. The River Krka runs 242 meters, and has seven beautiful waterfalls along the way. Several tour options are available to explore this stunning wilderness, from public bus tours, to privately guided and fully customized tours (by request). If you can, definitely take the opportunity to swim in the turquoise pool at the base of Kraka waterfall, an unforgettable experience.
The high bluffs looming over Omis, about 40 minutes south of Split, make an excellent spot for hiking, rock climbing and canyoneering. This area is also great for white-water rafting (1-2 class), diving through waterfalls into crystal-clear water, or zip-lining down the canyon.
Head Back in Time
One of the chief delights of traveling internationally is the opportunity to see how other people live. In Split you can get the experiences that no guidebook can replicate with a private tour guide native to the region. Do you enjoy art and culture? They will take you to visit the many museums and galleries to uncover their secrets. Are you a history buff? See the mysterious Dalmatian ruins, the picturesque village of Trogir (a UNESCO site), or witness 1,700 years of Mediterranean culture at Diocletian’s palace. These tours are designed to help you relax as you explore, with a multi-lingual guide who takes care of all the details.
*Original published in Luxury Retreats Magazine
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