September press coverage on Croatia round-up

In the first of a (perhaps) semi-regular series, I thought I’d round up some of the recent rather special UK press coverage on Croatia. There have been some great articles appearing in various newspapers and magazines this month!

A road trip from Split to Dubrovnik

One of the best articles this month is featured in the latest edition (October 2023 issue) of the UK version of National Geographic Traveller magazine. In an article titled “A Land of Stories” in the magazine, the author Adrian Phillips undertakes a road trip from Split to Dubrovnik, making use of the new(ish) Peljesac Bridge.

Adrian is particularly impressed by some of the eccentricities of Split – Froggyland, Gregory of Nin’s big toe, “Diocletian” making his way through the streets of his palace – before heading down to the former pirate HQ that is Omis. This part of Croatia is adventure central and that’s indeed what Adrian does – enjoying both zip-lining over the Cetina River and rafting before backtracking to Podstrana to try horseriding. A stop-off to explore Biokovo Skywalk is also on the cards, where Adrian nervously watches children jump up and down on the glass to see if it cracks!

Of course, it’s the Peljesac Peninsula where Adrian spends a fair amount of his time. He sets sail on the waters near Mali Ston to experience oyster and mussel farming, particularly enjoying freshly harvested mussels. The next day he meets with the team behind Edivo Winery, who seal and store Plavac Mali wine in amphorae underwater for two years. (Yes, really!)

You can read the article online here: A Croatian coastal odyssey: why road-tripping from Split to Dubrovnik is easier than ever although it’s really worth picking up a copy of the magazine for some glorious images of the Dalmatian coastline.

Family fun and adventure in Croatia

Another one of my favourite articles from the past few months is one written by Ben Machell in The Times. Ben and his family (him, his wife and his two kids) normally holiday in an all-inclusive resort (not in Croatia) and spend their time lazing by the pool. Wanting something different this year, he gambled on a two-week adventure itinerary in Croatia, starting off in Zadar and ending in Dubrovnik.

Ben and his family seem utterly delighted by Croatia and everything the country offers. As well as exploring the cities of Zadar, Split and Dubrovnik and the sights these cities have, his family try kayaking on the Zrmanja River (near Zadar), boating in the Kornati National Park, whitewater rafting on the Cetina River (as above!) – where the kids also embark on some cliff jumping – relaxing on Korcula and making use of everything the Sun Gardens Dubrovnik resort has to offer. This includes sea kayaking, where Ben and his son gained access to a hidden sea cave by swimming underwater two metres of solid rock.

One of the star quotes of the article:

…my first full dose of Croatia’s ridiculous natural beauty, , which — I would come to understand — could often seem almost hyper-real in colour and texture: bright-blue water, emerald-green forests, rugged, silver-grey mountains and gorges that sparkled in the sun.

Ben Machell, The Times

And overall? “We loved Croatia and we loved our adventures there.” A wonderful conclusion!

You can read the article online here: The adventure holiday that cured my family’s all-inclusive habit.

Wellness on Losinj

You magazine – The Mail on Sunday’s supplement – recently published a travel issue which featured an article titled “Welcome to wellness island” about the island of Losinj. Written by Rachel Johnson (yes, sister of you-know-who), I was initially amused to read that she had “never even heard of” Rijeka, to where she flew in Croatia to reach the island.

But once on the island, Rachel thoroughly enjoys partaking in something called a “Sea-Tox” at the Hotel Bellevue. Undertaking a full body analysis to better target a treatment programme for her, on the following days Rachel embarks on treatments such as massages and cryotherapy and activities such as hiking around Losinj.

The Sea-Tox is also supposed to include a limited diet, normally restricting carbs and sugar; rather amusingly, Rachel not only doesn’t partake in this aspect of the programme but also indulges in meals at the Michelin-starred restaurant in the neighbouring Hotel Alhambra.

After four days, I felt bursting with health, vitality and energy. I slept deeply, with the windows wide open, swam every day and never felt hungry.

Rachel Johnson, You magazine

Sounds idyllic and let’s face it – many of us would also indulge in meals at a Michelin-starred restaurant if we could!

For more press coverage on Croatia, take a look at our Articles on Croatia section.