The Adriatic may boast miles and miles of lengthy sandy beaches, but if you’d rather not spend your holidays in Croatia just soaking up the laid-back atmosphere, then why not get a feel for the island by taking a day trip to some of the country’s lesser known destinations:
Cavtat
Recently resurrected as a visitor destination, for tourists on their holidays to Croatia, the southern-most town of Cavtat is a must see destination. This quaint fishing village provides the anti-thesis to the bustling capital of Dubrovnik and if you’re taking your Croatia holidays in the city, then its location across the bay from the capital, makes it easily accessible when on a daytrip. The resort boasts a number of small beaches dotted around the peninsula and is well known for the many seafood restaurants that it boasts. Also worth checking out are the churches of St. Nicholas and the monastery church of Our Lady of the Snows. The journey from Dubrovnik takes just 40 minutes by water-taxi and as you approach the city on your return you are rewarded with classic views of the capital.
The Black Mountain
Just an hour’s drive away from Dubrovnik is the country of Montenegro, with its steep mountains and calm fjords. The country has its own micro-climate and with a higher than average rain-fall the result is a lusher, almost tropical, destination. Palm trees and magnolia are dotted alongside citrus fruits and grapevines to create a unique flora and fauna which simply must be visited whilst on your Croatia holidays. The Gulf of Kotor, which lies just south of Dubrovnik, is four bays long and although driving the entirety is bound to take some time, you can visit a section of the fjord whilst on your holidays in Croatia.
Wine Tasting
The Adriatic produces some great wines and currently this secret is known by very few people on their holidays to Croatia. If you consider yourself a wine-buff or simply want to taste the local beverage then why not take a day trip to the Peljesac Peninsula. This destination is the prime place on the island for wine tasting and the wine produced in the region is both inexpensive and of excellent quality. With plenty of tasting opportunities this tour promises to be a welcome addition to your holidays in Croatia.
Crossing the Border
300kms away from Dubrovnik lies the border of Bosnia-Herzegovina, a border which symbolises the heartache of all the wars following the break-up of Yugoslavia. Many will remember watching in horror as the Mostar Bridge fell down, but with the bridge now repaired the city is slowly rebuilding itself. The border town may be harrowing but it is worth taking a visit to on your Croatia holidays as its setting next to the Neretva River is simply breathtaking. Many of the buildings still show evidence of their war-torn past, but a number of tourist shops have opened along the main street to cater for the day-trippers which now visit this region.
Jane Wilkinson is head of Marketing for Essential Sun. The travel company offers a great range of Croatia holidays with their trained advisors available to help you find your ideal holiday at an unbeatable price.
