Croatia

Split, Hvar, and the Pakleni Islands

I first went to Croatia two years ago and loved it so much I have been back four times since.   It really is a great holiday destination with so much to see and do – even on the smaller islands.  My first destination was Split.  A wonderful historic city and an UNESCO heritage site on the east coast.  There are many beautiful buildings to wonder around including the famous Diocletian’s Palace (which Game of Throne fans will recognise!).  Tourism is thriving in the summer here with a huge variety of bars, shops and restaurants to browse among the cobbled streets and great food too!

Probably my favourite place in Croatia and definitely one of the most popular in the summer months is Hvar town.  Well known for its glamorous harbour where all the rich and famous pull up in their super yachts during peak season to party.   Speedboats are available from the harbour for day trips to the stunning Pakleni Islands and many others nearby.  We stayed in the pretty Hotel Podstine set in a lovely secluded bay a short walk from the main town with great views of the islands.

Away from the main town however the island still has lots to explore with plenty of pretty beaches to discover and beautiful scenery wherever you look.  Jelsa, Stari Grad, Vrboska and Zavala are all worth discovering.  Driving or cycling around the island gives you the most stunning  views of the coastline.  Depending on which direction you take you’ll see beautiful lavender fields, picturesque hill top villages and maybe even discover one of the hundreds of tiny secluded bays for a swim along the way.