Crystal Clear Croatia

The sea in Croatia almost seems like in the Caribbean with its crystal clear and turquoise water. The reason for that are the rock formations instead of sand beaches. In the beginning I thought I wouldn't like that, but it turned out to be also quite beneficial for nat having sand all over the place in the clothes and apartment after a day in nature.

In almost each city, there are beautiful swimming spots in walking distance or local busses (or going by car) bring you to even nicer parts.

The Croatian people seemed very layed back, a bit reserved but also friendly. I could really feel the typical vibe of the balkan and mediterranean culture but also the proximity to Greece.

Getting there is very easy and cheap (at least from Berlin) but check flights to all airports, because the prices really differ between them. Zadar and Pula are generally cheaper than Split or Dubrovnik, but best check yourself with Skyscanner from your location and dates.

Prices are much higher than I expected; a night in the hostel dorm costs between 20-40€ depending on the season. An Oatly milk in the supermarket costs 3,20€ a package of yoghurt around 2€ and a kilo of tomatoes 2,50€ (for your reference)

If you go out to eat a pizza will be aprox 15€ and a drink 3-4€.

I believe its best to travel there in April or May, September or October to avoid the masses and get off season prices.

The transport system seemed quite nice and easy to navigate to me. For inter city connections, busses run each day to all bigger places and if you're going along the coastline, I´d recommend taking the ferry. The islands can also be reached by ferries from the next city and have a quite consistent schedule up and running. In Pula, the public transport with busses was also very smooth and each line comes around every 15 minutes and even go directly to all nice beaches. However in Zadar I found it more difficult to get around. Thats why I got a lime e-scooter subscription for the first days and then rented a car for another 3 days, which was a game changer.

I have only seen Pula and Zadar so far, but this post will probably be expanded soon, as I absolutely fell in love with Croatia and will come back soon to check out even more parts.

PULA:

Accomodation:

I stayed in Hostel Antique which I really liked and its in a great location too. They have dorms with each 8 beds and a huge clean kitchen. I also met great people right away, so if you are looking for a more social experience, this might be your place.

A friend I made there stayed in Hostel Art and Joy, which just got a makeover and was very happy there as well. So you might also consider checking their vibe and if it suits you.

Food and Drinks:

Unfortunately I didn´t really find any nice coffee shops or restaurants. I believe speciality hasn't really make their way here yet and I rather drink no coffee out, than a bad one.

One place that stood out to me though, was Pizza Fabbrica, which is located in a really nice old factory building. I didn´t get to eat their pizza but it looked amazing and they have a stone oven.

One night we went to a little alternative garden bar with music called Art Park Pula. More local and young people hang out here, so its great to catch an authentic vibe.

Beaches:

My favourite was Galebove Stijne, which is in walking distance from Stoja. The bus line 1 goes there directly from the center and costs 2€ per direction. You can walk along the coast for about 20 minutes and then you get to a bay with crystal clear water and caves and jumping cliffs.

Another nice beach is near by Verudela, where bus line 2a, 3a and 71 is going. You can walk all the way by the coast from there and jump in the water at many spots on the way. At one point you will get to Verudela Canyon, a scenic cave spot with amazing clear water.

I wanted to check out even more swimming spots but didn't have the time. As mentioned though, the list will be expanded here.

ZADAR

Accommodation:

After having a terrible night and really bad experience in Lazy Monkey Hostel (DON´T GO THERE!!!)

I moved to Backpackers Home and had the best hostel experience ever. It has such a cosy and peaceful vibe and felt home immediately. The kitchen is huge and well equipped and the rooms clean and have good AC. I also met very nice people there, who I ended up hanging out with a lot and going on trips with.

Food and Drinks:

Similar to Pula, there are not really many nice spots as I found. The only speciality cafe in town is D16 Speciality Coffee, but unfortunately the staff was really unfriendly and also didn´t seem to have good coffee knowledge. I do not eat sweets, but got highly recommended an ice cream shop called Lámore per il gelato. It got quite bad google reviews, but not for the taste, but for the slightly higher price.

Generally speaking, Croatia is quite expensive when it comes to food anyways. I´d even say even supermarkets are almost double the price than in Germany, which surprised me.

Nature:

As mentioned earlier, I rented a car (by the airport because thats cheaper) so I´d be flexible to go check out the surrounding area of Zadar. It was very worth it, because we got to many absolutely stunning places that way.

Nr. 1: Approximately 1,5 hours Northeast of Zadar there are amazing waterfalls called Berberov Buk, which are not that popular yet, and therefore quite chill. You also don´t need a ticket for them link in other places. The water is crystal clear and super refreshing and you can chill all day either on the grass or the little cafe. Very good for a full day trip.

Nr. 2: Around 1 hour Northwest of Zadar is Manita Pec national park with a beautiful hiking route. Tickets cost 10€ (7€ with discount) and you can spend all day there. You need to be quite fit in order to be able to go up, as some parts are quite steep. Also don´t forget some food; there is one restaurant, but quite far up and with not too many options.

Very good for a full day trip.

Nr. 3: Aprox 20 minutes north of Zadar is a beach called Plaza Kozino which is not very well known yet and therefore was quite empty when we went. The water is so clean and clear and the little forest on the other side creates a secluded and calm vibe. There are no cafes or restaurants around, so bring your own supplies. Great for a half day trip.

Nightlife:

I didn´t really go out (I got enough of that in Berlin) but there is one spot that I investigated with decent music and vibes, called Svarog Bar

If you go, let me know it is was!

CONCLUSION:

Croatia is absolutely beautiful for its nature, but also the good infrastructure and its cute old city centers with historical buildings and sights. The people are a bit reserved but friendly and relaxed.

I´ll definitely be back soon!