25 years after declaring independence from the former Yugoslavia, Croatia has transformed from a war-torn region to a booming tourist destination and with flight times into Pula, in the Istrian peninsula, taking as little as 90 minutes from London Gatwick, this makes the country ideal for short breaks. Dubrovnik, which lies further down on the Dalmatian coast, is used as a filming location as King’s Landing in Game of Thrones.
Staying in the small village of Bokordici, a�30 minute drive outside of Pula, Villa San Antonio is a self-catering large luxury Mediterranean-style home boasting a range of modern amenities including a sauna, outdoor barbecue, swimming pool, a large garden and games room. It costs from £183 per night for up to 13 people, and it’s perfect for large groups of friends or families. Hiring a car for the duration of your stay is a must, as taxi fares are expensive and add up quickly.
We visited Rovinj, a charming fishing port with narrow, cobbled streets, just 40 minutes drive from Pula. It’s most famous for the�St Euphemia Cathedral which is the highest church tower in the peninsula at 61 metres high and also boasts a picturesque harbour, beautiful squares, winding paths with sea views and much more. �
Istria was part of Italy until as recent as 1947, and the influence of Italian cuisine is still apparent with pizza, pasta and gelato all staples, but�with a distinctly Croatian twist. If you’re looking for something special we recommend the Michelin awarded Monte, which gained the country’s first ever star in February 2017. Tasting menus start at 1014 Kuna, around £120, for five courses and wine pairing for each course per person, which is a great way to eat gastronomically without breaking the bank.
After dinner head to Mediterraneaeo, an intimate cocktail bar where you can have a drink quite literally on the rocks in their informal outside space. Their broad menu boasts all of the classics you’d expect to find including espresso martinis, strawberry daiquiris and amaretto sours plus local specialities on a waterfront location which�is perfect for watching the sun set across the Adriatic Sea. Don’t be afraid of trying the local wines either; go for a Malvazija Istarska which is a refreshing white wine with spicy notes and is perfect for pairing with seafood.
The Plitvice Lakes National Park is a must-see and based in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Located in the heart of the country, this UNESCO World Heritage Site covers 73,000 acres of land and is famous for its sixteen terraced lakes that are joined by over 90 waterfalls as far as the eye can see. There are eight hiking trails that wind around and across the crystal clear water with a boat linking to the twelve upper and four lower lakes so it’s worth visiting for a couple of days to explore properly. Driving time from Pula to Plitvice is around three hours each way and is by far the easiest way to get there; make the most of the diverse Croatian landscapes by taking the coastal road past Opatija and Rijeka, which lead on through the mountainous region of Croatia Proper. Make sure you arrive early before the crowds to experience the magic of Plitvice.
Useful links
www.visit-croatia.co.uk
www.np-plitvicka-jezera.hr
www.airbnb.com
