Croatia – A Country I Can’t Wait to Explore Even More

My journey through the Balkans began in Croatia, making it a destination that will always hold a special place in my travel memories.

I first arrived in Split in 2016, and it’s a city I’ll never forget. Landing in the evening, I was greeted by the sparkling Adriatic Sea and the lights of the old town reflecting across the waterfront – a spectacular introduction to both Croatia and the Balkans. My stay was only brief as I continued my adventure through the region, but it was enough to leave me wanting to return.

Later on that same trip, I also spent an afternoon exploring the beautiful walled city of Dubrovnik while travelling from Bar in Montenegro to Lake Bled in Slovenia. Although my visit was short, wandering the historic streets and admiring the stunning coastline made it easy to see why Dubrovnik is considered one of Europe’s most beautiful cities.

I returned to Croatia in 2017 to discover even more of this incredible country. This time my journey began in Trogir, a UNESCO World Heritage town that’s even closer to Split Airport than Split itself. With its maze of narrow stone streets, charming waterfront and relaxed atmosphere, it was the perfect place to start.

From there I travelled north to Zagreb, Croatia’s welcoming capital, before continuing on to the colourful harbour town of Rovinj and the historic city of Pula. Pula’s remarkably well-preserved Roman Amphitheatre was one of the highlights of my trip. In fact, one of the photographs I took there still hangs on my wall today as a reminder of just how impressive it is.

My Croatian adventure also took me to Rijeka, the dramatic island of Pag, the beautiful coastal city of Zadar, and the historic streets of Šibenik. Each destination had its own unique character, from Roman ruins and medieval towns to crystal-clear waters and breathtaking coastal scenery.

Despite visiting so many places, I still feel I’ve only scratched the surface of what Croatia has to offer. With over a thousand islands scattered along its spectacular Adriatic coastline, countless national parks, charming historic towns and hidden beaches waiting to be discovered, it’s a country that continues to draw me back.

Whether you’re looking for history, island hopping, stunning beaches, outdoor adventures or fantastic food, Croatia offers something for every traveller. It’s one of my favourite destinations in Europe, and I know I’ll be returning again to discover even more of this remarkable country.