Ohhhh, Croatia – I wasn’t prepared for how much we were going to love you! The country is a totally mesmerizing tapestry of coastal allure and Slavic charm. Vibe: coastal deliciousness meets fairy tale scenery.
Istria: Truffles and Olive Oil Galore! Our journey began in the captivating northern region of Istria, where we found ourselves indulging in heavenly truffle-infused delicacies. From pasta to cheese, and even ice cream (yes, you read that right), every dish was sprinkled with these aromatic gems. We even enjoyed a truffle hunt at a locally owned farm (and managed to leave without sneaking off with one of the adorable and highly skilled puppies!).
Not to be outdone, the local olive oil delighted us at every meal. We dipped, drizzled, and savored the liquid gold with every meal – the variety of kinds and pride of different producers was staggering!
Split: Embracing History at Judita Palace Venturing south to the historical gem of Split, we found ourselves mesmerized by the Diocletian’s Palace and its seamless blend of ancient ruins and lively modern life. As we roamed through the cobbled streets, we couldn’t help but feel like time travelers caught between past and present.
But amidst all the history, Split had more in store for us. The natural beauty of the Plitvice National Park was quite literally jaw dropping. I kept looking around and thinking that it looked like we were in a postcard or piece of artwork. It’s not an exaggeration to say this was possibly the most beautiful place I’ve ever been in person!!!
Hvar: Sailing and Sipping on Island Paradise A luxurious private yacht to the island of Hvar revealed an entirely new dimension of Croatia’s allure. With courage (and a couple of glasses of rose), we took turns leaping off boats into the shimmering Adriatic Sea. We snorkeled, swam to a local beach club for lunch, and floated on the top of the clear and cool water.
Hvar was another landscape entirely – lush vineyards and lavender fields awaited us after we had some time to relax at the luxurious Maslina resort.
Dubrovnik: A Fairytale City by the Sea Our journey reached its crescendo in the awe-inspiring city of Dubrovnik, where we settled into the elegance of Villa Excelsior. Known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” Dubrovnik swept us off our feet with its ancient city walls and breathtaking coastal views.
Dubrovnik’s blend of coastal and Eastern European charm was on full display here. As we strolled through the stunning streets, we couldn’t help but feel like we were inside a living fairytale, complete with quirky characters and their timeless tales.
Croatia truly won our hearts, weaving its magic with every truffle, every sip of wine, and every splash in the sea. The coastal allure and Eastern European flair created a symphony of experiences that we’ll cherish forever.
Rebecca Alesia 