The Country of One Thousand Islands

IF YOU’RE the kind of student who feels ready to leave the chav-tastic, binge-dinking, mini-skirted package holidays of the past behind, and is searching instead for an equally inexpensive and youthful, yet utterly more civilised vacation experience – look no further than Croatia.

The breathtaking Dalmatian coast offers sun, sea (yet very little sand!) as well as a rich history and culture, beautiful ancient towns and villages, national parks and the most mesmerising and idyllic coastlines. So whilst you are not totally abandoning your beloved student pastimes (the nightlife can be eventful to say the least!), the option to indulge in altogether more cultural activities and become immersed in local life is never far away. 

Practicalities

Croatia currently resides outside the EU and its national currency is the Kuna, so one should be warned not to expect the bargain prices of Eastern Europe.  Accommodation in Croatia is abundant and varied, suiting many different pockets. A common source of accommodation is ‘homestay’, where locals rent out rooms within their houses. This gives more freedom than a hostel, whilst providing the opportunity to get an insight into the lives of the locals, who are often able to provide you with invaluable regional advice.

Culture and History

The Croatian people themselves are warm and accommodating (with the exception of maybe a few members of the service industry!) and it is sometimes easy to forget that this is a country that was ravaged by war only a matter of decades ago. Croatia suffered during the break up of Yugoslavia, and active fighting continued in the country until the war of independence between 1991 and 1995. Reminders of the violence are reflected both physically in the form of bullet holes and commemorative buildings and museums, as well as emotionally in the form of the great civic pride and sense of patriotism expressed by Croats. 

Whilst the majority of Croats live basically, areas of the country are experiencing considerable wealth, mainly due to the capital brought in by wealthy European tourists; an enjoyable few hours can easily be spent ‘yacht perving’ in a number of the affluent port towns.

The food is a fusion of Italian and eastern European, with an emphasis on delicious cured hams, cheeses, truffles, and of course seafood. For the wine buffs out there, a number of most quaffable wines are also produced locally, notably on the Island of Vis.

Highlights

Whatever your interests, be it geology and nature, climbing and water sports, history and politics, or simply an appreciation of the finer things in life such as sunbathing and fine dining – Croatia will find something to keep you amused. 

The Kornati national park, off the coast of Zadar, displays spectacular and rare rock formations which rise eerily from the turquoise waters, as well as hot fresh water pools which are well worth the visit, although beware of the ‘booze cruise’ style boat trips which can frequent the islands. At the heart of the country the Platvice Lakes National Park provides the opportunity for hiking, kayaking and mountain biking within dramatic scenery, peppered with waterfalls and perhaps the odd bear or wild boar!

Dubrovnik, dubbed the ‘jewel of the Adriatic’, is an enchanting city and world heritage site, encased within the ancient walls that you can walk all the way round, something that is highly recommended, particularly in the early evening as the terracotta rooftops bask in the yellow light. The city has a fascinating political history as it was involved in fighting well into the mid-1990s, although little evidence of the troubles can be seen today, unlike in less prosperous areas of the country, as considerable efforts have been made to restore the city to its former glory.

The Islands

Island hopping in Croatia is as dreamy and idyllic as one can imagine, and days can be spent wistfully drifting between various picturesque ports whist soaking up the Mediterranean sun on deck. Ports particularly worthy of mention include Korcula and Havar, however for the truly adventurous traveller wanting to get away from it all, there are over 1,000 tiny islands to choose from in which to get lost – although beware of the naturists!