Traveling to Croatia

Croatia became my 37th country, though I only had two days - essentially a side trip during the Montenegro exploration. Even a brief visit showed why Croatia has become one of Europe's most popular destinations.

Croatia has 4 million people spread along one of the most beautiful coastlines in the Mediterranean. Since the 1990s war and EU accession in 2013, it's transformed from a recovering post-conflict nation into a major tourist destination. Game of Thrones filming in Dubrovnik certainly helped.

What I Experienced

We focused on the Dalmatian coast, driving up from Montenegro. The road hugs the Adriatic, with islands scattered across azure water and terracotta-roofed towns climbing the hillsides. It's spectacular, if traffic-clogged in summer.

Dubrovnik was the highlight. The old town, encircled by massive medieval walls, is genuinely stunning - though also packed with tourists and cruise ship passengers. Walking the walls at sunset, watching the light change over the terracotta roofs and the sea beyond, justified all the crowds.

The prices surprised me. Croatia is noticeably more expensive than its neighbors, particularly in tourist hotspots. A coffee in Dubrovnik costs what a full meal costs in Montenegro or Albania.

Practical Notes

• Croatian Kuna was the currency (switching to Euro in 2023)
• Dubrovnik old town is pedestrian-only - park outside and walk
• Island hopping by ferry is popular but book ahead in summer
• The coast is expensive - inland Croatia offers better value
• English is widely spoken in tourist areas

Croatia deserves more than two days. Plitvice Lakes, Split, Hvar, the islands - I barely scratched the surface. But what I saw confirmed the hype.

High-resolution aerial photography from Croatia is available for purchase with commercial license - perfect for Mediterranean travel marketing or coastal destination wall art.