Embark on a Croatian adventure! Explore Split & idyllic islands like Hvar, Brac & Vis. Discover tips for island-hopping bliss in our travel guide.
To experience the real Croatia, you'll need to do some island hopping, and Hvar, Brac, and Vis are this country's treasures. Your island hopping will probably start in Split, where you can hire a car and stay for at least a few hours. Split will impress you. It is an impressive city that is worth exploring. But the best is yet to come - the islands of Central Dalmatia (Hvar, Brac, and Vis) are super-fruity and charming; they are the fun side of life. It's the best of both worlds.
24 HOURS IN SPLIT
This eternally young city offers more than you'd expect - from unique cultural experiences to a gastronomic safari and vibrant nightlife.
Split's heart is still dedicated to the past - with Diocletian's Palace and the historic centre on the World Heritage List - but its beat is fresh and urban. If Split is just a one-day stopover on your way to Hvar or Brač, there are a few must-do things while you wait for your ferry.
Check out Zinfandel Food & Wine Bar. We tried the octopus, mussels and Hama fish, but the prawn ceviche looked fantastic, too. Grilled ribeye steak and lamb goulash with homemade gnocchi are on the menu for meat lovers. You can't miss this place - everything is bursting with flavours and colours, an authentic safari of tastes. And as for the wine list - this is where wishes come true.
If you want to experience the nightlife, you'll have a great opportunity to do so in August at Split Beach Festival.
For a more chill night on the town, you need to visit Marvlvs Library Jazz Bar. Here, you can celebrate the anniversary of Jim Morrison or Billie Holiday or dance the tango all night. It's a fun place to meet some incredible people (including the staff).
HVAR – PARTY ALL NIGHT
Island Hvar is the world of vineyards, lavender fields, pine forests, and charming beaches. Magnificent nature, architecture, and rich history are hard to find in one place. It is where ancient and modern architecture, quiet hidden coves, and crazy nightlife merge.
Those with a wild heart will love Hula Hula Hvar, a beach club where you can dance the night away, refresh yourself at the bar and sample the culinary delights. We tried their aglio oglio spaghetti and were very impressed. For those who take meat more seriously, we can recommend Pepper Steak Madagascar.
Are you looking for some beaches off the beaten path? Head to Sveta Nedjelja - you'll find plenty of hidden coves along the way. Sveta Nedjelja is also a place where the best wine is made. Visit Zlatan Otok for a wine tasting in their cellar under the sea - not to mention their food is to die for, too.
But that's not all from Sveta Nedjelja—for enthusiastic and active types, we recommend a visit to Cliffbase. Cliffbase is a fantastic place. It's all about rocks and climbing. The apartments here are built into the rock face. You will find some really cool routes here, with climbing grades from 6a to 8a.
Are you afraid of heights and don't feel like climbing? No problem. You can hire a kayak and stay safe on the sea.
BRAC – KITE SURFING ISLAND
The bright and sparkling waters of Zlatni Rat will make you fall in love with this place. Visit it once, and you will be obsessed. Nothing will give you a more fulfilling feeling than just one day at this beach if you feel like kitesurfing - all the better, because this is a paradise for kitesurfers and the best choice in the Adriatic due to the mistral and levanat winds.
Another fantastic beach is Murvica Beach. Murvica hides its turquoise waters and forces you to walk a few miles, but it is worth every step. It's quieter than Zlatni Rat but has rougher terrain and access - so we don't recommend it for families with small children.
You must come to the Nonoban restaurant hungry—the portions are enormous, but the food is so delicious, creamy, and aromatic that you'll feel guilty leaving even a bite on your plate.
Say goodbye to Split, and say hello to Vis. Island Vis is a magical place for us. It is an island where you can enjoy and experience serenity to the fullest. If you long to take a break from the worries of modern life, you are in good hands here. Anyone who wants to leave the stresses of real life behind and chill and relax will feel right at home here.
Vis's seclusion has preserved the island's authenticity and natural beauty. The beaches are pristine and clean, and there are so many that you can choose a different one every day.
Our favourite beaches here are Srebrna and Stiniva. Srebrna (or Silver) Beach is a beautiful pebble beach on the island's southwest side. It is exposed to the open sea, surrounded by pine trees and suitable for families with children (beware: bring your food and drinks as there are no restaurants or bars). Stiniva is poetry for the soul. High cliffs protect a fairytale beach with a fantastic entrance. This beach is a natural phenomenon, and you will love it.
Expect to put on a few pounds after spending a week here. Vis's gastronomic scene is hot. No place in the world can beat its foodie scene. Roki's restaurant needs to be on your list. We tried their lamb and octopus cooked under charcoal and were amazed. But remember to bring cash—they don't accept credit cards!
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