Croatia is a destination to visit year round. While most just think of the country as a sun and sea destination in the summer, for me the spring and fall are the most ideal times to visit. I also want to note that the Christmas market has been voted the top market in Europe the past 2 years!
Style: Croatian women are some of the best-dressed women in the world, so you might feel a bit depressed about your wardrobe when you see theirs. Don’t stress though, you are a tourist, so just be comfortable, there’s really no need to pack your stilettos. If you are wondering who the locals are it will be the ones who look like they are walking down a runway.
1.Know your geography
As small as it may seem, Croatia is actually a pretty big and long country. Before you plan your trip, look at the map and organize your stay rationally. If you’re a fan of nature parks and big cities, go see Plitvice lakes and Zagreb. If you prefer the islands and coastline cities, look at areas around Split. Whatever you choose, bear in mind that the traffic gets bad during the season ( June 15th – August 15th) and you can’t plan your travel time precisely. If you are limited on time, it makes more sense to fly into one city and out of another, for example fly into Zagreb and out of Dubrovnik.
1. Istrian Truffles – There’s only three places in the world where you can find the white truffle- France, Italy, and the Istrian Peninsula of Croatia. The season is from mid-September to January and while black truffles can be found year round, the white is the real prize, earning up to 2,000 Euros per kilo. The Guinness Book of World Record holder GianCarlo Zigante found a truffle weighing 1.310 kilos near the town of Buje. Istria’s forests full of oak trees are home to the unique mushroom, and if you visit you can go on a hunt with the dogs and test your luck.
Four years ago, I was the most anxious I have ever been as I boarded a flight to Croatia. For about five months prior to my departure I was planning the production of “Wonders of Croatia,” my first TV series that I would own and distribute worldwide as Ashley Colburn Productions. I had planned 7, one hour episodes highlighting the various regions of the country and the series would air on the National TV station, HRT in Croatia upon completion, followed by other networks worldwide. I am happy to say that all 7 episodes were filmed in 3 months, but it was a very busy 3 months. Trying to organize the production on the other side of the globe could only take you so far, so I knew I needed to get over to Croatia and start the filming before the weather changed. When I wasn’t busy producing and hosting, I was doing media interviews throughout the country. The series was a huge hit and I am thankful for Croatia’s loyal following through the years.
It’s where the rolling hills meet fairytale towns. It’s where the wine flows right up to the sea. It’s one place in the world, I can return to time and time again and get lost in the mystic vineyards, sparkling sea and medieval towns.
When it comes to European hotspots, no place can beat southeastern Europe’s prized jewel, Croatia. The quaint capital city of Zagreb is the perfect blend of old world charm and modern sophistication. Centrally accessible from most major airports in Europe, Zagreb is a great weekend getaway or stop on your way to the Adriatic Sea and islands. The coffee culture is unique in Zagreb and is full of cafes in the squares and on the side streets. I fell in love with the city during my first trip to Croatia in 2009 and I have been going back each and every year. The old city can be walked by foot, so a car is not necessary after being dropped at your hotel from the airport.
