Here are three things I wish I knew before visiting Croatia.
Zagreb
Zagreb is a Capital and as any municipality enjoying primary status in a country, offers beautiful old parts of town (do not miss St. Mark’s Church), comely parks, lakes, many museums, restaurants, shops and bars. But also has some peculiar habits such as regular testing of an alarm for the warning system every first Saturday of the month. So knowing that Croatia was in war, as long ago as it was, when you are a tourist you might panic hearing those noisy sirens let’s say, at Saturday noon lunch. This also may happen at some other cities in the country too. So do not panic, it is just a test and it is perfectly safe to stay calm and carry on. With your lunch. Dobar tek!
Offseason
Croatia might be a gem but is it still a hidden gem? We are not so sure anymore. In high season the country is getting so many visits, every year more and more people come to witness this Mediterranean country. Considering smaller town such as Duce might be a good way to go, since Hotel Plaza Duce is still near all the big towns and yet gives you privacy on the beach. If you would really like to experience Croatia fully and freely of tourist stampedes, you might also want to reconsider coming in an offseason periods, such as June and September. To be clear on this, offseason in Croatia is almost as warm as summer and might be even more beautiful than a high season since temperatures are not so consuming. If you like swimming in a warm sea but not burn on the hot summer day, decide September.
Not just Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik might be the most well-known among tourists but it is not the only old town on the Croatian coast worth to visit. In fact, there are many (really, like dozen) more as enchanting and special so plan your time to visit them too. Our recommendation is Korčula old town, Šibenik, Split, Hvar and Zadar. There are all with splendid old walls dating long, long in a history line, picturesque and cozy to roam around. Our hotel in Duce is a great base to start exploring. So, to come to Croatia and not visit them really it’s not an option, especially when they all are within a reach of an average traveler.
Learning about Croatian culture and history is always a part of our lessons, together we can make your stay in Croatia a vacation you’ll never forget. Our staff will do everything to make you feel very welcomed in a Hotel Plaza Duce. See you soon!