Planning a trip to a beautiful place in Croatia?

I've been passionate about traveling since a young age, and even now, in my mid-years, that love for exploring new places remains just as strong. Recently, my wife and I had the opportunity to visit two beautiful destinations that had been on our travel list for quite some time, Split in Croatia and Kotor in Montenegro.

We had originally planned this trip back in 2019, but like many others, our plans were put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic, travel restrictions, and multiple flight cancellations. Fortunately, those days are behind us, and with no COVID-related travel restrictions in place, not even the need to wear a face mask on the flight, we were finally able to make this long-awaited journey happen.

This time, we flew from Heathrow Airport to Dubrovnik, Croatia. Although we could have booked a direct flight to Split, we opted for Dubrovnik as the fares were more reasonable. More importantly, we saw this as an opportunity to drive through the scenic landscapes of Croatia, giving us a chance to experience more of the country along the way.

Our flight was scheduled for the early morning, so we arranged a local taxi from Reading to Heathrow. Though our departure was slightly delayed due to a medical issue involving one of the passengers, we eventually landed safely in Dubrovnik, excited to begin our adventure.

Our Flight was landing at Dubrovnik Airport; Video: Russo aka Roni

After landing at Dubrovnik Airport, we picked up our rental car, which we had pre-booked through Kayak. Just outside the airport, you'll find several car rental companies to choose from. It's worth noting that during peak travel seasons, car rental prices can be significantly higher than what we paid during our trip in the first week of October 2022.

In addition to the rental cost, a refundable deposit of €900 was required, which is released upon returning the car without any damage. If you're planning to drive into Bosnia or Montenegro, some rental companies might also ask you to purchase additional insurance. While this was a legal requirement until October 2021, the respective governments have since removed that mandate. However, if you prefer to stay on the safe side, keep in mind that the cost of this cross-border insurance varies between rental companies, ranging from €45 to €125. Since neither Montenegro nor Bosnia is part of the EU, this insurance can be helpful in case of any incidents while driving through those countries.

We also considered renting a separate GPS/Satnav unit, but a helpful staff member suggested a more practical and cost-effective option: buying a local SIM card with mobile data. This turned out to be a great tip. I purchased a SIM card from a small shop in Dubrovnik, just a few miles from the airport, for 75 Kuna. Although Croatia is a member of the EU, at the time of our visit, they hadn't yet adopted the Euro and was still using its local currency, the Kuna. However, Croatia was set to join the Eurozone from January 2023. So, for those traveling before that date, it's advisable to exchange some Kuna in advance, ideally from a local currency exchange shop rather than at the airport, where rates may not be as favorable. I exchanged mine at a Western Union outlet in Reading, UK.

After enjoying a lovely lunch in Dubrovnik, we began our road trip to Split. The drive from Dubrovnik to Split is absolutely breathtaking, offering stunning views of the Adriatic coast and the rugged mountain landscape. If you're a fan of scenic routes, this journey will certainly not disappoint. It took us around four hours to reach our hotel, the Hotel Plaza Duce, from Dubrovnik Airport.

Hotel Plaza Duce is a beachfront hotel located just outside of Split. Though it’s on the pricier side, the off-peak season rates were quite reasonable during our stay. The staff were extremely warm and welcoming, and to our delight, they upgraded us to a premier room with spectacular views of the sea and rooftop pool. They even offered to assist with our luggage, but as I usually travel light, we politely declined. That said, the hotel’s elevators were large and always readily available.

We spent three nights at this excellent hotel and thoroughly enjoyed our stay. The food was delicious and well-priced. The hotel offers buffet-style breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as a poolside bar and room service, all with the same great quality and variety. The restaurant staff were especially friendly and attentive, providing exceptional service throughout. Most days, we had our breakfast and dinner at the hotel, and it truly added to the overall comfort and enjoyment of our time in Split.

A view from the hotel balcony in Split; Image: Russo aka Roni 

The beach directly in front of our hotel was just across the road and it was truly stunning. It offered a perfect spot to relax, with additional amenities such as a beach bar, Jet Ski rentals, and boating services available for those looking for a bit of adventure.

Split is surrounded by a variety of beaches, both small and large, ranging from sandy stretches to concrete platforms and pebbled shores. One of the most popular beaches in the area is Bačvice Beach, known primarily for its soft sand, although it also features a concrete section. It's a lively spot where you can swim, sunbathe, or even jump straight into the clear blue waters of the Adriatic.

Another notable beach is Žnjan Beach, the largest pebble beach in Split. It’s more spacious and ideal for families or travellers with rental cars, as it offers a large free parking area nearby.

The ocean water in Split is remarkably crystal clear, something that really stands out and is surprisingly pleasant in temperature, even during the off-peak season.

If you’re a beach lover or enjoy photography and videography, Croatia offers some of the most picturesque coastal scenery in Europe. The combination of turquoise waters, dramatic coastline, and vibrant beach culture makes it an unforgettable destination for seaside experiences.

Stony Beach in Split; Image: Russo aka Roni

A pebble beach near by the hotel; Image: Russo aka Roni

Although we enjoyed most of our breakfasts and dinners at the hotel restaurant, we also took the opportunity to dine out at a few other places around Split. The city offers a wide variety of restaurants and a vibrant nightlife scene, with several nightclubs catering to both tourists and locals.

As Split is a popular coastal destination, many of the restaurants near the seafront tend to be on the pricier side. However, if you're willing to explore a bit further, especially into the charming streets of the Old Town, you’ll find plenty of dining options with more reasonable prices, often without compromising on quality or atmosphere.

Entry to the nightclubs is generally free, and drink prices are quite affordable compared to other major tourist cities. Whether you’re looking for a quiet dinner by the sea or a lively night out, Split offers something for everyone.

Local street food shop in Split; Image: Russo aka Roni

On our second day in Split, we decided to take a day trip to Krka National Park, located about an hour and a half’s drive from our hotel. Visiting Krka is an experience you simply shouldn’t miss while in this part of Croatia, the park is truly breathtaking, with its lush landscapes, cascading waterfalls, and serene walking trails.

If you don’t have access to a car, booking a guided tour or a seat on a tour bus is a convenient and stress-free way to visit this natural wonder. However, for those driving, you’ll be pleased to know that parking at the park is free.

The entrance fee to the waterfall area was 110 Kuna per person, and this included a short shuttle bus ride into the park. These buses run every 20 minutes from the main entrance and drop you off at the nearest access point to the waterfalls, making the journey easy and enjoyable.

Krka National Park; Image: Russo aka Roni

You can also choose to walk from the park entrance to the waterfall area, provided you know the route. However, I would recommend taking the shuttle bus, as the difference in ticket price is only ten Kuna, and it saves both time and effort. Krka National Park is renowned for its spectacular waterfalls and the incredible natural beauty that stretches across the entire park. If you're into photography or videography, don’t forget to bring your DSLR or video camera; this place offers some truly breathtaking photo opportunities. I used my GoPro Hero 11 to capture some amazing shots and videos during our visit. And if you're lucky, you might even get the chance to swim in the Krka River, depending on the conditions.

On our third day, we had booked a full-day Five-Island Blue Cave Tour through my go-to tour operator, Viator. Unfortunately, due to strong coastal winds, the tour was cancelled. I was a bit disappointed to miss the chance to swim in the famous Blue Cave, but safety comes first. Thankfully, the Viator team was extremely helpful, and they processed a full refund on the same day.

With the tour cancelled, I took the opportunity to replace my laptop charger, which I had forgotten to pack. Most electronics and computer stores in Croatia are closed on weekends, but luckily, it was a Monday. We drove into Split’s Old Town and found a few local shops where I picked up a charger along with some useful accessories for my GoPro. Prices for electronics were surprisingly reasonable, especially when buying from local, non-touristy shops.

Later that day, we also visited Marjan Forest Park, a must-see spot in Split. From here, you can enjoy panoramic views of the world-famous Split Riva waterfront. I hiked up to the viewpoint on the hill, where the entire city of Split and its surrounding islands came into view. It’s an unforgettable experience, offering a perfect mix of nature, history, and scenic beauty. Travellers from all over the world visit this tranquil forest park to witness the majesty of Split from above and it truly lives up to the hype.

A part of old city in Split; Image: Russo eka Roni

There’s so much more to see in Split, but with only three nights to spend, we couldn’t fit everything in. A few key attractions we hoped to explore but had to save for next time include Diocletian’s Palace, the Golden Gate, The Peristyle, Split Riva, Marmon Street, Prokurative, and the bustling Split Market (Piazza). If you're planning a trip to Split, I highly recommend staying a few extra days to fully experience all the historical and cultural gems this vibrant city has to offer.

On our final day in Split, we decided to take it easy and relax at the hotel, knowing we had a long drive ahead of us to Kotor, Montenegro, a journey I’ll be sharing in my next blog post.

I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences, so feel free to leave a comment below. Also, don’t forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel, NewZest Media, where I regularly upload travel videos from around the world. You can check out the channel name 'mixedgala'

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