Since joining the EU and appearing in scenes from “Game of Thrones,” Croatia has been basking in the spotlight. Walk along Dubrovnik’s city walls, overlooking the sapphire blue Adriatic. In seaside Split, wander the ancient Roman streets of Diocletian’s Palace, dating to 300 AD. Head to the Istrian Peninsula for more beaches, fishing villages, vineyards and olive groves, or inland to Zagreb, a cultural capital with more than two dozen museums.
Your elegant options to get to Croatia are probably by yacht or flying private… commercial flights tend to be mostly with the LCC and Seasonal charter providers.
Tourist Visa for US Citizens: Not required for stays under 90 days. Standard Schengen rules apply on multiple reentries.
Part of the EU & ► Schengen Agreement.
► US Department of State Croatia Information
Starting in 2025, the European Commission will roll out a U.S. style electronic travel authorization system for visitors from countries that are currently not part of the EU or Schengen Member. The cost of an ETIAS is €7, however, individuals under the age of 18, or over the age of 70, will not need to pay the fee. The ETIAS must be applied for online prior to arrival to the EU. Each eligible traveller, regardless of age, will require an ETIAS to visit EU member countries. The ETIAS will be mandatory for citizens of such countries as the United States, Australia, New Zealand and Canada.
Stari Grad, Hvar Island
Size: 53 rooms and suites
Style: Contemporary
Seasonal Operations: Closed from Oct 15, 2024 through April 30, 2025
Perched on Croatia’s sunniest island, Maslina Resort delights all the senses, whether you come seeking relaxation, adventure, or a complete wellness transformation. The 50 rooms and suites and three villas reflect the resorts’ Mindful Luxury philosophy, boasting natural materials, such as terracotta and Brac Island stone, as do the healing modalities in the Pharomatiq Spa (the sound healing therapy is a guest favorite) and seasonal ingredients hand-harvested from the on-site 86,000-square-foot organic garden.
I AM A VIRTUOSO PREFERRED PARTNER
PART OF MY RELAIS & CHATEAUX PARTNER PORTFOLIO
You get additional Amenities when I manage your reservation.
• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
• Daily breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom
• $100usd (or more) F&B or Spa Credit
• Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
and more
Italo-Slavic heritage and contemporary Croatian culture mix effortlessly in the northern Adriatic town of Rovinj. Colorful palazzos and historic buildings fill its beautiful Venetian-era Old Town, where you’ll find the Baroque Church of St. Euphemia. Climb its 60-meter-tall bell tower for spectacular panoramic views of the city, the Istrian Peninsula and the Rovinj archipelago. Linking the older and new districts, Tito Square is the lively town center, and home to a landmark clock tower, arch and museum. From here a long promenade extends along the harbor and marina and takes you all the way to Golden Cape, a tranquil forest. In the evening, chill out with a drink in the Old Town or head to the northwest end of the harbor for a relaxing sundowner.
Life in this exuberant city revolves around its outstanding UNESCO World Heritage Site, Diocletian’s Palace. Don’t be mistaken though – this is no quiet palace or stuffy museum – it’s an elaborate ancient complex of 220 buildings that make up the beating heart of this beautiful city. Home to around 3,000 people, Diocletian’s Palace is a precious Roman gem where the locals go about their daily lives undeterred by the fact that they’re living in a historical wonder. Its narrow alleyways are home to some wonderful restaurants and bars, so pull up a chair and sample the local pašticada (slabs of beef stewed in prunes and red wine), before heading to the charming Riva area at the harbor for a glass of the superb local wine and some world-class people-watching.
It was George Bernard Shaw who famously described Dubrovnik as “the pearl of the Adriatic” and recommended that “those who seek paradise on Earth should come … and see Dubrovnik.” Coral-tiled roofs and a backdrop of green hills contrast sharply with the spectacular blue of the Adriatic Sea. Thick medieval walls wrap around beautiful Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque churches, monasteries, palaces and fountains. Dubrovnik is truly amazing, and it’s no wonder this UNESCO World Heritage site played a central role in TV’s popular Game of Thrones. Be sure to take a walk along the city walls. No matter how many times you’ve been to Dubrovnik, you can’t help being inspired by the ancient ramparts that survived sieges by countless invaders for centuries and still stand proudly today.
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► VIRTUOSO: Croatia Information Page
Here is a good place to start for some additional information on quality Hotels, Water Adventures and Activities.
► WIKIVOYAGE: Croatia Page
A great resource for all the basic information you need for Croatia.
► VISIT Croatia
The official visitor information for Croatia.
Montenegro General Information
with Visa & Entry Requirements
or leave a comment below
page updated: December 2024
images courtesy: Wikimedia Commons, Croatia Tourism Board
Please Note: All Hotel / Resort / Cruise / Services Amenities are subject to availability and may have changed since the date of this being originally published.
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