Croatia has become one of the most famous European destinations for luxury holidays over the last few years, with a growing number of tourists finding themselves captivated by the stunning coastline, balmy Mediterranean climate, and the crystalline waters of the Adriatic sea.
Add to that the nation’s rich history and heritage, its wealth of breath-taking natural beauty and some out-of-this-world cuisine, and it’s easy to see just why Croatia is at the top of many travellers’ bucket lists, and with summer now just around the corner, hotels and villas are booking up fast. Nevertheless, not just any trip to Croatia will do, and luxury seeking jet-setters are looking for an experience they’ll be excitedly telling anyone who will listen about for years to come.
It isn’t always easy to plan a fantastic Croatian travel itinerary or find the best suited accommodations yourself when you’re a first-timer, but the good news is that Croatia’s luxury services have been developing steadily over recent years, and now, whether you want to indulge in some fine dining in an award-winning restaurant, spend a peaceful day by the pool in your own private luxury villa, or sail across the Adriatic on a luxury yacht, the country is more than up to the task.
One of the leading examples of the luxury transformation of Croatian tourism, My Luxoria offers a wide variety of luxury accommodations, and is one of the top three travel agencies specialising in renting luxury villas with pools in Croatia.
Through the operator, guests are able to find the best luxury villa in Croatia for their family and friends according to their needs and desires, and get inside tips on how to experience the country to the fullest due to the company’s local knowledge, whether you’re eager to explore the mainland or indulge in a spot of island hopping.
Knowing what there is to explore in Croatia, and what you should have in mind when travelling to this Mediterranean country, is important if you’re looking to get the best out of your high-end holiday, so we asked the experts at My Luxoria to put together their complete travel guide to help you on the path to success.
What to expect from your Croatian vacation
Croatia is a dream destination that offers many delights to behold – from endless blue expanses of sea to breath-taking sunsets and amazing beaches that stretch along the whole coastline, from Istria to Dubrovnik, as well as across Croatia’s many picturesque islands.
There are 1244 Croatian islands in total, making this a perfect destination for island hopping, and the nation is home to a number of famous historic cities, including the 10 UNESCO World Heritage sites, with eight spectacular national parks filled with mountains and waterfalls, including the stunning Plitvice Lakes and the Krka National Park.
When you’ve finished exploring the country’s historic sights, like the ancient walled city of Dubrovnik and the Doge’s Palace in Split, to name just a couple, there’s plenty of adventure to be had if you’re the thrill-seeking type. Exciting and adventurous travel programmes here can include pursuits ranging from kayaking, rafting and canyoning to hiking, climbing and snorkelling – so whether you’re a water baby or a land-based adrenaline junkie, you’ll find plenty to suit your taste.
Delicious and traditional Mediterranean cuisine is a given pretty much anywhere you go in Croatia, and on the islands, as well as the coastal regions of the mainland, you can enjoy sampling a variety of mouth-watering dishes based around fish and seafood caught that day. Must-tries include Kamenice s Limunom (oysters with lemon juice), Habotnica pod Pekom (octopus peka) and Cmi Rižoto (black risotto).
With heart-warming locals who are eager to meet you and, of course, plenty of outstanding luxury villas with pools to choose from for your stay, Croatia has got all bases covered when it comes to ensuring you have the perfect holiday.
What’s good to know when travelling to Croatia
English is widely spoken in Croatia and most of the locals even speak German and Italian. Despite this, the locals do value guests who make an effort to blend into their culture. Some extra points can be earned by saying dobar dan (hello), molim (please), and hvala (thank you).
Although a member of the European Union, Croatia’s official currency is the Kuna (not the Euro). Euros are widely accepted as a form of payment for accommodations and, in some cases, restaurants, however, you will very certainly receive change in Kunas. Tipping is very common in Croatia, so tipping 10 to 15 per cent or simply rounding up your bill will very much be appreciated.
And finally, it’s worth bearing in mind that the country has one of the highest quality drinking waters (tap waters) in the world, so bring a refillable bottle, and drink up!
Mistakes to avoid making in Croatia
Of course, as when visiting any luxury holiday destination, it’s always possible to make some mistakes, but armed with a few simple tips, you can avoid doing so and leave yourself free to focus on enjoyment.
Firstly, avoid blindly travelling during the peak season (June to August) if you’re eager to escape the crowds. This is Croatia’s busiest period, and accommodation options tend to book up well in advance – something that is particularly true of the most highly sought-after luxury villas and resorts.
You may want to think twice about staying in an old town area if you’re driving or plan on renting a vehicle during your stay, as it can often be difficult to find space to park. The good news is that many private villa rentals offer dedicated parking spaces that you’ll be able to use throughout your time there, so if it’s something you know you’ll need then be sure to check if this is included when booking.
Assuming all Croatian beaches are sandy is a mistake, as most of them are actually rock slab beaches or pebble beaches. Nevertheless, they’re still extremely beautiful and are lapped by crystal clear waters that are perfect for swimming – just bring a pair of sandals and some water shoes to protect your feet, and you’ll be prepared to enjoy your beach days to the full. Don’t forget SPF, as the temperatures can reach up to 35-40 degrees Celsius in summer, so protection from the sun’s harmful rays is essential.
If a local invites you to enjoy traditional treats, like Rakija or dried figs, don’t say no. It’s their way of welcoming you and a great opportunity to interact with them – as well as a great chance to try some local delicacies. Croatians are friendly, welcoming and love to host, so be sure to make the most of their good will.
Don’t underestimate nature while in Croatia as, while there’s no denying that the nation is home to some of the most breath-taking natural landscapes in the world, it can be difficult to navigate if you don’t come prepared with the right clothing, footwear and equipment when heading off on a hike. If you’re keen to scale the beautiful Biokovo mountain, for example, then it’s important to plan your route beforehand – many tourists get injured or lost when going for hikes or similar adventures, so plan ahead in order to avoid this.
Interesting and rarely known facts about Croatia
- Croatian Slavoljub Penkala invented a mechanical pencil called the Penkala in 1906. Today we call it ‘pen’.
- The famous Dalmatian dogs originally came from Croatia’s region of Dalmatia.
- The world’s quickest-accelerating road car, Electric Rimac Nevera was invented by Croatian inventor Mate Rimac.
- Zadar has the world’s first pipe organ played by the sea.
- Nikola Tesla was born in Croatia in the village Smiljan.
- The tie and the parachute were invented in Croatia.
- The smallest town in the world, Hum, is located in Istria, Croatia.
- The stone that built the White House in Washington D.C. comes from the island of Brač.
- Game of Thrones, Robin Hood and Mamma Mia! Here we go again, were filmed in Croatia.
Finding your perfect accommodation
With over 500 of the greatest luxury holiday homes in Croatia to choose from, the My Luxorias collection goes above and beyond to offer guests the perfect villa according to their needs and desires, allowing them to enjoy the simplicity and ease of spending time with friends and letting their worries fade away just as they should on holiday.
There are many reasons to book a villa in Croatia with My Luxoria and why it’s the best option possible for you – including an easy and safe booking process and a choice of opulent villas for every type of group – from romantic couples’ escapes to family holidays. Not only that, but properties are pet friendly and boast lavish features like heated pools, private Jacuzzis and tennis courts to enhance your stay.
Complete privacy is guaranteed, and with high-quality service for the best price and 24/7 guest support with local knowledge, unforgettable experiences are guaranteed.
