Blue beauty at the Adriatic Coast

Discover Croatia with its countless islands and isles, untouched nature, lively bathing resorts and picturesque fishing villages. The beauty of the Adriatic Coast is enticing strong growth figures for this booking season compared to other travel destinations. Croatia is the trend. We will show you the reasons for this and invite you to join us on a virtual round trip of a country that just a couple of days ago decided joining the EU in the summer of 2013.

In most cases holiday home vacationers are drawn to the coast. Consequently Istria, Kvarner Gulf as well as Dalmatia are favoured by holidaymakers. A common feature of all regions is the number of lovely restored holiday apartments and houses. In recent years also a number of attractive pool villas have been built. For some houses we even are able to offer a virtual tour. For this just click on the yellow button “video” or “360° view” in the holiday home description. Test it out once with this villa. Taking this increasing popularity into account we have expanded our holiday home offer over the last months.

Istria – Can’t be any closer to Croatia

From southern parts of Germany and Austria you are able to reach the sunny peninsula Istria within a few hours by car. The abundance of Mediterranean vegetation is especially characterised by the truffle forests, vineyards and olive groves which stretch down towards the turquoise coloured Mediterranean Sea. Some of the treasures of the ecologically precious region include wild asparagus a typical spring dish served in Istria. It can be enjoyed in the garden or balcony of the rented property after a relaxing beach day with mild temperatures.

One can find a great selection of affordable summer apartments and houses for example in Medulin a fishing village at the south tip of Istria. Those interested can go out to the sea with local fishermen or visit one of the small islands of Ceja, Levan or Bodulas. The one kilometre long beach of Bjeca can be recommended to families with small kids. Regardless whether windsurfing or diving – Medulin is a great water sport region.

Pula is not very far away from Medulin. In the largest town - and at the same time cultural and economic centre of Istria – vacationers can visit a huge amphitheatre and a very well preserved Augustus-Temple from the Roman era in the town centre.

The popular resort Porec in the western part of Istria is a starting point for many excursions including a day trip across the Italian border to Venice, islands of Briuni or Red Island.

The spa resort of Opatija which borders the famous Kvarner Gulf is the perfect place to recharge those empty batteries. The beaches Plaza Slatina, Plaza Tomasevac and Plaza Lido received the “Blue Flag” in 2007 which is in recognition for the particularly good water quality.

More than 7,000 holiday homes in Istria

Kvarner Gulf – Wide beaches and paradise for lobster fans

Kvarner Gulf directly follows Istria and is characterised by extensive flat sloping beaches. The coastal resort of Crikvenica is very popular with holiday home vacationers. You have the choice of around 1,300 holiday apartments and houses which are often in walking distance to the beach. Here vacationers will find a range of activities which include excellent water sport activities and sand castle building at the beach as well as wellness offers and cultural highlights. From Crikvenica it’s a stone’s throw to the island of KrK. You don’t even need to catch a ferry as a bridge connects the island with the mainland.

From a culinary point of view Kvarner Gulf is a paradise for enthusiasts of seafood. The freshly caught lobsters and squid in the bay are prepared according to local recipes. An Italian influences can be seen with dishes such as lobster with spaghetti.

More than 9,000 holiday homes in Kvarner Gulf
 

Dalmatia – fjord like bays and traditional hinterland

The landscape of Dalmatia stretches from the island of Rab in the northwest to the border of Montenegro in the southeast along the Croatian coastline. Typical features of for the coast of this traditional region are the fjord like bays and numerous small islands located off the mainland. Town such as Split, Dubrovnik, Zadar and Sibenik are the cultural and touristic centres of this region. Peace and seclusion can be especially found in the small coastal villages and idyllic hinterland. Splendid sandy beaches are situated on the islands of Rab and Pag. The remaining islands are also worth spending a vacation on. If you make it to Pag then don’t miss out on trying the famous feta cheese which is a delicacy!

The Makarska-Riviera south of Splits awaits with attractive beaches. The tremendous backdrop of the Biokovo mountain range turns this region into a unique coastal strip and natural experience.

More than 13,000 holiday homes in Dalmatia

Plitvice Lakes  - Croatia away from the beaches

It’s not only the coastal strips which are beautiful but the hinterland has also a lot to offer. One of the attractions are the Plitvice Lakes. Several small rivers created in the karst landscape an impressive see landscape with the individual seas located in varied altitudes and separated by natural barriers. Altogether this area comprises of 20 emerald green seas which lie on top of each other and are an incredible natural wonder. Like a cascade the water passes on from one sea to the next creating a breathtaking architecture Kalksintertreppe. There are hiking routes between the seas that take you through great diverse nature which are home to a number of rare plants and create a colourful countryside. Considering the level of industrialisation and urbanisation many rare animal species have settled here in this untouched region. Therefore it is not surprising that the national park offers one of the last large habitats for brown bears and wolfs.

It is very easy to reach the National Park over the road from Split to Zagreb. The linear distance from the coast is 55 kilometres. Access to the park is subject to a charge and is worth the money. For fans of the old Karl May films should note that the majority of them were shot in this lovely landscape. One of them includes the film “The Treasure of Silver Lake” which was filmed at one of the Plitvice Lakes!

Holiday homes at Plitvice Lakes

A further decisive booking criterion is the very good price performance ratio both in respect to the holiday accommodation itself as well as general cost of living. The good price performance ratio is linked to the favourable exchange rate between the Euro and Croatian currency Kuna. The exchange rate is closely linked to the Euro and relatively stable with 1 Euro fetching around 7.50 Kuna. For example a cappuccino costs between 8 and 10 Kuna (around 1.10 – 1.30 Euros). Small tips: It may be worth to exchange money in Croatia or it withdraw cash from one of the many cash machines that can also be found in smaller towns and villages. With the usual credit cards you will be able to pay in most shops and stores.