Jo’s Blog: Multi-centre Croatia - Beyond the beach

Croatia and I have history. The good kind, not the "let's pretend this never happened" variety.

Back in 2018, Steve and I embarked on what I like to call our "Croatian Challenge Tour" - though Steve prefers to call it "that time Jo tried to kill me with heights and cliff-edge driving."

We flew into Split and immediately drove three hours north to the stunning Plitvice Lakes, where we stayed at the incredible Hotel Degenija. The private guided tour of the lakes and waterfalls was breathtaking - literally, in Steve's case, thanks to his relationship with heights (which he'll deny exists).

After Split (hectic but wonderful, especially the Old Town), we drove 3.5 hours down the dramatic coastal road to Cavtat.

Picture this: right-hand drive, cliff-hugging roads, steep drops and my poor Steve gripping the passenger seat like his life depended on it. Which, to be fair, it probably did.

But Cavtat? Pure magic. We fell head-over-heels for this charming coastal town, perfectly positioned just 30 minutes from Dubrovnik by car or an hour by boat.

Our base at Hotel Cavtat proved ideal for daily island-hopping adventures, and we were treated to the most spectacular electric lightning storm I've ever witnessed.

Even the cable car gods conspired against Steve in Dubrovnik - some things never change!

Croatia delivers that perfect multi-centre combination: medieval cities meet crystal-clear waters, UNESCO sites sit alongside pristine national parks, and you can experience it all within wonderfully manageable distances.

The food scene brilliantly blends grilled meats and vegetables with Italian influences - because apparently, even Croatian cuisine knows good neighbours when it sees them.

Getting Around

Croatia makes multi-centre travel refreshingly straightforward. Self-drive works beautifully on well-maintained roads (cliff-edge drama optional), while excellent ferry connections between islands mean you can island-hop without the white-knuckle driving experience. For a more relaxed approach, small-ship cruising lets you discover hidden coves at a civilised pace.

Island Highlights

With over 1,000 islands, Croatia offers endless possibilities...

Hvar

The Adriatic's sunniest island, where glamorous Hvar Town meets peaceful Stari Grad. Lavender fields, vineyards and Venetian architecture create the perfect backdrop for sophisticated relaxation.

Brac

Home to the Instagram-famous Zlatni Rat beach and traditional towns like Bol and Supetar. Fun fact: its limestone quarries supplied stone for the White House.

Korcula

This medieval gem, allegedly Marco Polo's birthplace, enchants with its maze-like Old Town, excellent wines and secluded swimming spots.

Multi-Centre Inspiration

Split & Islands

Use Split's excellent ferry connections to explore the diverse island personalities at your own pace.

Cavtat & Dubrovnik

Combine peaceful Cavtat charm with Dubrovnik's dramatic medieval grandeur - cable car rides entirely optional.

Where To Stay

Croatia excels in characterful properties, from boutique hotels within ancient city walls to stylish coastal retreats. My clients Louise and Jason discovered the joys of Cavtat and their enthusiasm perfectly captures what makes Croatian hospitality so special.

Culinary Delights

Croatian cuisine sits beautifully at the intersection of Central European heartiness and Mediterranean freshness. Expect Italian influences in pasta and pizza, but the real stars are gloriously local: Adriatic seafood, famous Ston oysters, premium olive oils, and increasingly impressive wines. From traditional konobas to Michelin-starred establishments, Croatia caters to every culinary inclination.

Timing Your Visit

May and September offer the ideal balance: lovely weather, manageable crowds and excellent value. Croatia's most appealing properties book well ahead, so early planning for 2026 is wise.

Current opportunities include attractive Croatia cruise savings, such as May 2026 departures with £688 per couple reductions (from £1,790pp half board).

I love working with specialists Prestige Holidays for their vast knowledge, local connections and ability to respond to enquiries quickly and thoroughly. Their expertise in creating well-organised, protected travel experiences gives me complete confidence in recommending their Croatian adventures.

Whether you're seeking cultural immersion, coastal relaxation, or the perfect combination of both, Croatia delivers. Just maybe pack some calming music for the cliff-edge driving portions.

JST x