Porec
Submitted by: Mark from Buras, Louisiana, USA
Visited: The first time was about 15 years ago the last time was June and July of this year 2006
Organised: I called Pan Adriatic in New York for my plane tickets and rental car
Type of accommodation: Private accommodation - stay most of the time with family

(Out of 5, best = 5)
How would you rate the town/city you stayed in? 5
How would you rate the accommodation? 5 now since I put the AC in
How would you rate your holiday overall? I love it in Croatia. Last year when Hurricane Katrina hit Buras and I lost everything. I told my family that if I had the money to retire that I would have been on a plane to Croatia to live. But like everyone else I have to work. But I love it there.

Comments:
I love it there but it is starting to get a little crowed during the summer but that is OK with me.

Would you go again? Yes, I might go for Christmas if not I will be there next summer.
Submitted 17th August 2006

Porec
Submitted by: Mary from Scotland

Comments:
We have been visiting Porec in Croatia for the last eight years or so. We have stayed at different hotels, mainly ones belonging to the Riviera group and have nothing but praise for the standard, cleanliness, service, choice and standard of food - in fact we have never found fault with any of the hotels or the friendly staff.

Having visited so many times we have learned a lot about the culture and customs of the Croatian people. We have obviously done all the excursions like the trips to Trieste to see the fairytale castle, the stud farm that breeds and trains the famous white horses, the ampitheatre at Pula, the little narrow winding streets leading up to the lovely church in Rovinj, the Euphrasius Basilica with it's fascinating artifacts in Porec, our favourite (which we do every year) the fish picnic, which lasts all day and takes in some of the many beautiful islands dotting the coastline, stopping at the pirates cave for a swim and a thirst quencher on our way either up or down the Lim Fjord, the fresh fish, salad and crusty bread washed down with a glass of wine or the local fire water - grappa....ah happy days! We've traveled by bus, bike, coach, taxi,boat,water taxi and ferry. Visited "within reach" places like Venice and beautiful Lake Bled.

This year we will be paying our second visit to the island of St. Nikola and the hotel Fortuna, I could write pages of our love for this hotel on it's own little island, but suffice to say anything else after this experience just wouldn't be enough.

As far as tips go, it's a good idea (and good manners) to try to learn some basic words and phrases of the Croatian language, not that the Croatian people cannot speak English because most do, and several other languages besides. As I have already said, they are very friendly people and really appreciate it when you try to communicate even a little with them in their own tongue.

Having traveled to many neighbouring towns and cities by local transport, while we are there this year we are going to look into the possiblilty of hiring a camper van and exploring the beutiful country of Croatia on our next holiday.
Submitted 25th July 2006

Tribunj
Submitted by: Georgiana from Romania

Comments:
I had the pleasent ocassion last year to go along with my family in a vacation in Croatia, Tribunj.This pleace was recommanded to us by another family that were practicaly in love with this place.At the begining i was a little bit sceptical about the trip but in the moment I get there I understand everything:the place is like a piece from heaven where you can have a wonderfull and pleasent vacation along with the person you love, friends or family.Is the perfect place for a summer vacation and not only.

In three weeks my and my family we will go again in the same place, at family Cvitan that are great people and that dedicated a lot of there free time just to show us arround the wonderfull placesc and the two national parks that are very close:Krka and Kornati.

I recommand Tribunj web page to everybody that is looking for accommodation and large photo album about the place. http://tribunj.biz
Submitted 20th July 2006

Dubrovnik & Nearby Islands
Submitted by: Mark from England

Comments:
I recently visited Croatia, arriving in Zagreb and gradually travelling down to Dubrovnik via Split. The ferry connecting Dubrovnik and Split travels for 9 hours but the breathtaking scenery on view as one progresses down through the Split channel is more than enough to compensate for the journey time.

As is the consensus opinion, Dubrovnik is a beautiful city, in my opinion the most beautiful I have stayed in. However, by far the most memorable part of my stay was a boat trip around the islands just off the Dubrovnik coast:

The boat set sail from the beach in Lapad, my friends and I having bought tickets on the beach the previous day; each of us paying about 100Kn. Our itinerary was to include the islands of Ruda and Lopud culminating in a beachside barbeque on the island of Lokrum. The waters were as blue as I have seen and the captain cruised through the waters with some jovial music playing as we and our fellow travellers (about 10 people in total) enjoyed the warm sea air. Ruda and Lopud were stunning, with plenty of walking and swimming to do for the hour that we were docked. Our final destination, Lokrum was the stuff of dreams, a lovely beach that lead up to a small restaurant. By that time we were famished and the sight of the restaurant owner walking from the beach with a fresh catch set off Pavlovian response in all the party. The fish was barbequed on a grill in the middle of the restaurant and served with salad and potatoes. The meat was so fresh and tender and it was enjoyed by us all, setting us up for our final journey back to Lapad.

Warm, tired and satiated we basked in the sun as it lowered in the sky to the sound of the captain's music. Finally as we approached the bay at Lapad a few of us felt the urge to dive into the crisp waters. The captain kindly killed the engine and we hit the water, swimming the 200m back to the beach. Exhausted and fulfilled, we sat in the bay with a cold glass of beer an watched as the sky turned a golden orange and gradually the sun disappeared below the horizon. A perfect end to a wonderful day.
Submitted 6th July 2006

Trogir, Vis Island, Dubrovnik
Submitted by: Elizabeth from London, England
Organised: Myself
Type of accommodation: Hotel and apartment

(Out of 5, best = 5)
How would you rate the town/city you stayed in? Trogir – 5, Vis – 5 and Dubrovnik 4
How would you rate the accommodation? Trogir, Hotel Pasike - 5, friend’s house - 5, Hotel Excelsior - 1
How would you rate your holiday overall? 4

Comments:
The places we visited were beautiful, food was great and we had a relaxing holiday. Hotel Pasike in Trogir was fantastic. The experience was let down by the Hotel Excelsior In Dubrovnik, which in my view deserves only two stars and charges 5 star prices. The main problem was waste water dripping through our bathroom ceiling. It took some effort to persuade the hotel that this wasn't acceptable and to move us. After turning down an offer of one single room for me and my husband we were moved to a tiny, viewless and slightly grubby room.

Overall. Rooms: small and tired. Service: indifferent and at times staff were rude. Food: horrid - thick dry slices of tuna dressed with lemon sorbet were served as Tuna Carpaccio. Spa: I enquired about a massage 3 times without any response. Private beach: a concrete creation.

The only saving grace is the swimming pool which is a good size but in a rather an ugly setting.

Sibenik & Vodice
Submitted by: Maureen, UK
Visited: October 2005 and May 2006
Organised: October - Saga, May - Balkan Holiday
Type of accommodation: Hotel

(Out of 5, best = 5)
How would you rate the town/city you stayed in? 5
How would you rate the accommodation? 4
How would you rate your holiday overall? 5

Comments:
Croatia is my faviourite place, I went in October 2005 with Saga stayed at the Solaris complex in Sibenik, visited Trogir, Spilt, Zadar, Promeston, Sibenik. I love the culture, history and peaceful surroundings, this has got to be one of the most beautiful places to stay. I love the people, found them very friendly and helpful. Although the complex was a little isolated there was a local bus run from right outside the hotel. the beaches are so close to your hotel, you can almost touch them. Pine trees surround the complex and the views from the hotel are out of this world. Even though it was October we still had some lovely weather and found ourselves sunbathing on the 15th October.

Only two weeks ago went back this time stayed in Vodice and travelled with Balkan Holidays (did not rate this as much as Saga). The hotel and town were lovely, but found we were the only British people amongst a hotel full of German tourists. The hotel seemed to cater more for them than us, but I did not let this ruin my stay. I cannot rave about this country enough and have talked many people into visiting this beautiful part of the world. Going again in September, can't stay away.
Submitted 4th June 2006

Dalmatian Coast
Submitted by: Nancy from Chicago, USA
Visited: My first trip was in 1996 and I have made 7 additional visits since then
Organised: To book my airfare I used a travel agency in Chicago that specializes in visits to Croatia: Croatia Tours, 5850 N. Lincoln Ave, Chicago, Tel: 1-800-554-1433
Type of accommodation: Private accommodation/apartment

(Out of 5, best = 5)
How would you rate the town/city you stayed in? I have visited many cities and a few islands and rate them all a 5
How would you rate the accommodation? All were comfortable and pleasant
How would you rate your holiday overall? Spectacular! I hate to leave and always plan to return

Comments:
I had no idea what to expect on my first visit. I was going to meet my new-found Croatian family and assumed I would be making one trip to Croatia in my lifetime. I was awestruck by the beauty of the Dalmatian Coast and the warm reception by the Croatian people. I have returned again and again, taking in the many beautiful and historical sights of the country.

I highly recommend seeing the coast and islands by boat/ship. It's a real bargain and thoroughly enjoyable. Brac and Hvar are gorgeous! Split, Trogir and Dubrovnik are "must see" destinations.

I have many tips to share with would-be travelers. I can also advise as to how to locate relatives in Croatia, as I have helped hundreds in doing so, since finding my own family there 11 years ago. I can be reached at CroatianHeritage@aol.com

Would you go again? I will indeed return again and again to explore this lovely, friendly country.
Submitted 2nd June 2006

Split & Visnice (near Trogir)
Submitted by: Kristy from Chicago, USA
Visited: I have been to Croatia 4 times since 1996 with my 5th trip approaching in a few weeks
Organised: Myself
Type of accommodation: Family owned apartment

(Out of 5, best = 5)
How would you rate the town/city you stayed in? 5 I've stayed in Split and a small town, Vinisce, about 45 minutes from Split near Trogir
How would you rate the accommodation? Very comfortable
How would you rate your holiday overall? 5+

Comments:
I love it there. It is truly one the most beautiful places I've ever been. The people are friendly. So warm and welcoming. The sea is stunningly clear. The weather beautiful. (I usually travel there between June and September) The history, the small shops and the overall scenery is wonderful! I have other motives for going as well, my distant relatives, with whom were discovered 10 years ago.

I have visited Trogir, my favorite spot for shopping for jewelry and sipping coffee seaside, Primostin, a lovely small town to shop in, swim and enjoy the culture. Split is a vibrant, historical city with much to do and see. Shopping in open air markets, bargaining, looking at the stunning jewelry and art. Enjoying the food and culture. I could go on and on.

For any one who is looking for a wonderful place to vacation, this is it. Whether you're in to history, culture, water sports, shopping or just relaxing on a beautiful beach or island, this is a great place to go. There is something for everyone. The prices are reasonable compared to other European destinations. You can see the sites by driving, taking a bus or taking a ferry up or down the stunning coast of the Adriatic.

The hardest and most expensive part for me is the airfare. Flights are definitely limited coming from the US and seem to be getting more and more expensive. Anyone considering visiting from the US should plan well in advance, especially if going during peak season (June thru September). I was barely able to book a flight back in January for my trip in June. If you are flexible, don't mind several stops or are willing to pay more it can be a little easier.

August seems to be the busiest time. Many Europeans seem to vacation then so book accommodations as early as possible. Private or family owned apartments are great. They range from modest (no TV or AC) to very comfortable depending on budget. You really get to experience the culture and meet wonderfully warm people who are glad to point out things to do and places to see. They may even give you homemade wine from their vineyard, or olive oil from their grove to sample.

Would you go again? I will and I do, usually every other year.
Submitted 22nd May 2006

Hotel Croatia, Cavtat
Submitted by: Sophie & Dave
Visited: June 2005
Organised: Holiday Options
Type of accommodation: Hotel Croatia, Cavtat

(Out of 5, best = 5)
How would you rate the town/city you stayed in? 4
How would you rate the accommodation? 4
How would you rate your holiday overall? 4

Comments:
Hotel was very nice and clean. Disappointed with the evening meals (Hotel Albatros had superb food - visited in May04) but tour operator now offers hotel on b & b basis for 2006. Fantastic views - worth paying the extra for a sea view room. Cavtat is lovely, although not the place to go if you need lots to keep you occupied, harbour is beautiful and great food in town. Dubrovnik is 1/2 -1 hour by boat/bus, well worth the trip. Also went horse riding which was good but expensive. We have fallen in love with Croatia and are due to travel to Cavtat for the 3rd time soon.
Submitted 18th May 2006

Rijeka, Split and Dubrovnik
Submitted by: Matt Booth from England
Visited: Summer 2005
Organised: Internet booked flight (KLM)
Type of accommodation: Hostel (cannot remember name - sorry)

(Out of 5, best = 5)
How would you rate the town/city you stayed in? 5
How would you rate the accommodation? 5 (was cheap and good for the money)
How would you rate your holiday overall? 5

Comments:
Transport

Although there are convenient airports in Croatia, especially Zagreb and Dubrovnik, most of the flights from the UK there are more expensive than flying to Italy. You could consider doing as I did, and flying cheaply into Venice, then getting the train to Trieste and then by bus / train / ferry to your chosen destination. Alternatively there are many ferries to Istria from Venice that are resonably priced.

Also worth noting is that most of the coastal towns can be reached by land or sea. Though a ferry from Split to Dubrovnik will take up a sizeable part of the day, it is in my opinion more beautiful than travelling by bus, though the latter is quicker.

Would you go again? Yes, and am planning to go at the end of July.
Submitted 6th May 2006

Zadar
Submitted by: Sanna from Sweden
Visited: mid-July 2004 (3 weeks) and mid-July 2005 (5 weeks)
Organised: Organised it myself
Type of accommodation: Private accommodation

(Out of 5, best = 5)
How would you rate the town/city you stayed in? Zadar - 5; Pag (Novalija) - 5
How would you rate the accommodation? 5
How would you rate your holiday overall? 5

Comments:
Two years in a row I've been to beautiful Croatia... Fell in love with the country and the people. The landscape is beautiful with the ocean and the people are so friendly.

I stayed in a little town 30 minutes outside Zadar called Pridraga. A quiet, small place where everybody knows everybody! In Zadar we walked through the city with all the stores and coffeshops. We strolled by the water and listened to the water-organ that plays while the waves splash in. At night we went to "Gotham"-club where they had different themes every night.. Salsa-night, R'n B, something for everybody. Ice-cream brakes at "Donat"! The best ice-cream in the world. =) all the great restaurants in Borik, with the best pizzas made in a real "stone-oven"! We drove to the island of Pag, terrific
scenery, with the ocean by your side. It was breath taking! In Novalija we went to Zrce! A place that is often called "the Ibiza of Croatia".. A beach where there was a party 24/7 it was crazy. Three discotecs at one beach and they all kept open all night long. If you like to party you have to go there..

We also went to Vodice and a place called Hacienda.. It's a club that has no roof! So while you dance you can watch the stars. =) We drove to Split to watch football.. they have a great stadium there! And it's a beautiful city.

Plitvice lakes were amazing.. we walked around the park looking at all the beautiful waterfalls and the incredible "landscape" Kornati National park is another amazing place. You get to go on a boat-tour in the morning that takes you to the park. You have lunch and then you go and swim in a lake high above the sea. They have donkeys that walk around free!

If you go to a smaller town.. don't forget to go to a "fair".. where you can buy anything from a goose to a pair of shoes! It's an amazing experience! Or if you are near Karin you have to go to the out-doors mass they have in the summer. And don't forget to just enjoy yourself. Croatia is a hard place to describe.. You have to experience it by your self!

Would you go again? No doubt in my mind
Submitted 25th April 2006

Porec
Submitted by: Anon from England
Organised: Siesta Holidays (www.siestaholidays.co.uk)

Comments:
Porec is the place to visit.

I recently visited Porec with my sister, mom and dad and cannot fully describe how wonderful this holiday was. We stayed on the Brulo complex which consisted of the Hotel Diamant, Rubin and Crystal. We stayed in the Hotel Rubin. If you are looking for a lively, partygoing, holiday then this one is definitely not for you. This is more for the people who want to get away from everyday life and unwind and relax in some lovely surroundings.

We booked our holiday with Siesta Holidays (www.siestaholidays.co.uk). We had to travel by coach as my dad will not fly so we are limited as to where we can travel.

The sights here were lovely and there was lots to see and do. It was a short way from the town, so if the complex was not enough for you, you could take a walk to the town and see how Croatian life is.

We also had three excursions included in the price of the holiday which made the holiday even more of a bargain. The excursions were not everyones cup of tea but was a great way to get around and see different parts.

The three excursions were Pula Lim Fjord, Opatjia, walking tour of Porec town.

I had heard many good things about Croatia before I went but was pleasantly surprised when I got there to see for myself just what a lovely place Croatia and the people really are.

Would you go again?
I would definitely go back here and would definitely recommend it to everyone.
Submitted 22nd April 2006

Croatian Holiday
Submitted by: Robyn from Queensland, Australia
Visited: October 2005
Organised: Ourselves
Type of accommodation: Booked accommodation over the web for Split & Dubrovnik, the rest of our accommodation we stayed in private apartments we saw advertised along the roads, everywhere was so clean and the people so accommodating.

(Out of 5, best = 5)
How would you rate the town/city you stayed in? 5
Zadar 5 as it has so many things to do in the surrounding areas.

Trogir, a lovely place for a stop over, nice and handy to Split.

Split 5 it has everything, it is so alive the people are wonderful and the old town is beautiful. The restaurants along the waterfront are fantastic.

Dubrovnik 5 our accommodation was brilliant apartment dani sat on the road above the old town everything about the place was amazing.

Comments:
I would love to submit my thoughts on our wonderful visit to Croatia. Words can't describe how beautiful the country is, we travelled the entire coast line the scenery was absolutely amazing. Stayed on Krk Island then travelled down the beautiful coast to Zadar where we enjoyed looking at the old city, while in Zadar we went out to Pag Island, quite amazing the lunar landscape of the island is trully unique. We also visited the Kaka National Park it was absolutely beautiful had a great day out and about the region.

Travelled down to Split, well what can you say about Split had 3 glorious days their had a lovely apartment owned by Joesph who met us outside of the town and escorted us in then took our down to the waterfront and pointed out all the places of interest especially some lovely restaurants. We just walked and looked it was everything we expected it to be. Spent a lovely day on Hava Island another beautiful island.

Headed off to Dubrovnik and were met by our hostess Dani at her lovely apartment she was an amazing lady so helpful. Dubrovnik is the most beautiful place I have told all my friends they must visit and definitely stay with Dani. After 3 lovely days in Dubrovnik we headed back up the coast and stayed with our same lady in Zadar. Our next stop was the Plitivic Lakes, we thought the Kaka was amazing the Plitivic Lakes were the most beautiful place I have seen had 2 days roming around the place. We then headed to Zagreb, what a wonderful surprise it was we had no idea what to expect but it was trully beautiful the buildings were amazing and the museums to die for. Only had 2 days could have spent a week, next time. We were running out of time by this and our next stop was Varazdin with its beautiful palace, had a good look around the countryside it was a lovely place to end our amazing trip to Croatia.

We talked about it so much my son and his partner are coming over in September and I am sure he will be blown away by the beauty of the place and the wonderful friendly people. As you can tell from this email I absolutely loved the place, can't wait to go back.

Would you go again?
So all in all Croatia receives a 10 from Barry and myself. Hope to visit again next year.
Submitted 15th March 2006

Vis Island
Submitted by: Mary from London
Visited: 2004 & 2005
Organised: Myself
Type of accommodation: Apartments & hotels - travelled around

(Out of 5, best = 5)
How would you rate the town/city you stayed in? 5
I t's a very attractive unspoilt place, with just enough in the way of restaurants and cafes, without the commercialisation you find on Hvar or the coast. Pretty countryside, friendly locals (they seem to like the English a lot), good beaches - mostly pebble but some sandy ones. This island seems to have missed the tourism of the coast. We loved it and that's why we went back. And guess where we're going this year!!!

How would you rate the accommodation? 3
The apartments we stayed in are pretty basic and they were right under a chiming clock (all night!) but there is now one luxury house in Kut we spotted (and it really is luxury!) and we've now found some more modern apartments.

How would you rate your holiday overall? 6
Fantastic! We'd recommend you try this island before the secret gets out.

Would you go again? We are!
Submitted 28th February 2006