GROUPON GUIDE TO MACON

Why You Should Travel to Croatia ... And Soon

BY: Sarah Gorr |Dec 20, 2016

With an insatiable wanderlust, I keep an eye on the globe with one question in mind: “Where to next?” When two different friends planned separate trips to Peru, I followed suit and proudly climbed Machu Picchu. When my Instagram feed overflowed with pictures from Iceland, I had to see the country’s jaw-dropping vistas and natural hot springs for myself.

And now that everyone’s social-media feeds are packed with cobblestone streets, red-roofed cities, and the bluest seas I’ve ever seen, it’s clear everyone is planning to travel to Croatia. And you should, too—but you ought to do it now. Here’s why.

It’s not on most tourists’ radars.

Croatia only gained independence in 1991, so it’s relatively new to travelers.

The former Yugoslav republic is just across the Adriatic Sea from Italy, but the tourism boom in Western Europe hasn’t reached it yet. It’s still one of the region’s best-kept secrets for a Mediterranean getaway.

“It hasn't been completely overrun by tourism yet.”

– Amy Thomann, visited Spring 2016

Since travel to Croatia is only getting more popular, I reached out to my friends (and fellow travel experts) to get the scoop on this oft-forgotten part of Europe.

Groupon managing editor Amy Thomann visited in late spring of 2016 and was struck by the lack of crowds. “It hasn't been completely overrun by tourism yet,” Amy says, a fact that’s especially true if you travel during spring or late fall. That said, during the high season of July, August, and even September, cruise ships overrun port cities like Dubrovnik and Split. These cities can see upwards of 10,000 tourists a day, not counting non-cruise visitors.

It feels like Italy, but at a better value.

Two major improvements: fewer crowds and lower costs.

“I kept saying over and over that ‘It was like Italy but better,’” Amy says, adding that she was blown away by the country’s beauty, cuisine, and culture. She’s got a point—Croatia’s romanesque architecture, rich café culture, and tasty wines remind me more of Tuscany than the Eastern Bloc.

“It’s like going to Italy for half the price.”

– Patrick Connor, visited Fall 2016

Patrick Connor, another friend who visited in the early fall of 2016, points out the other big difference—its low cost. For all its Italianate charm, “It’s like going to Italy for half the price,” he said. But the cost of visiting Croatia won’t stay low for long as people continue discovering its wonders, making now an even better time to go.

It has gorgeous attractions in every region.

Beaches, historic cities, national parks—you name it.

Once you’ve got your dates set, it’s time to narrow down your Croatia-vacation itinerary. Mediterranean coastline, mountains, century-old towns—Croatia’s got it all, and it would be impossible to see everything in one trip. To make things easy, here’s what you can’t miss:

  • Zadar: This historic town along the Dalmatian Coast is chock full of Roman ruins and medieval churches, but the city’s standout attraction is its sunset, accentuated by Nikola Bašić’s Sea Organ. This art installation looks like a set of stone stairs, but contains a series of pipes inside that create beautiful, melodic tones as the tide rises and falls.
  • Zagreb: Amy recommends visiting the non-coastal capital, which is rich with history and has an old town you can’t miss. It’s also the perfect place to experience the country’s vibrant café culture.
  • Plitvice Lakes National Park: Home to 16 lakes, miles of trails, and untold numbers of waterfalls, this park made several travelers’ shortlists. Nearly a two-hour drive from Zadar, getting there takes some work but the envy-inducing pics will be worth it.
  • Vis: A beautiful and relatively tourist-free island, it’s a favorite recommendation off the beaten path. Amy calls it “maybe the best place on earth.” Surrounded by bafflingly blue waters and picture perfect coasts with lovely beaches, it’s easy to see why.

Wherever you go in Croatia, heed Amy’s advice: “Go soon. It feels like it will be [overrun by tourists] within the next five years or so.”

Photos (except hero): Amy Thomann, Groupon

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