Last year in May we travelled to Croatia. We have been to Croatia several years ago visiting the Plitvice falls, which we found beautiful but extremely crowded. This time we planned to visit less popular spots and explore inland away from the coast, where most tourists flock to.
Island hopping was not in our list this time as we had visited a few islands before.
Flew into Pula airport and rented a car. Our base was the historic resort town of Opatija. Spent a few days in the beautiful Istria peninsula visiting Rovinj, Pula, Kamenjak peninsula and other seaside towns. Then drove to Split. Spent couple of days there and then drove leisurely along the stunningly beautiful Adriatic Highway Jadranska Magistrala. Took one whole day with lots of stops and occasional detour into the inlands and the foothills of Velebit mountain for photography.
Stopped at Dubrovnik as daughters have not been to Dubrovnik before and being the greatest GOT fan it was again a pilgrimage for me too. It is getting really crowded but walking the walls still remain a fascinating experience. We were the first to arrive at the gates and did not have to endure the cruise ship crowd. In the afternoon it was teeming !
Then made a few day trips visiting Kotor in Montenegro and Mostar. Really wanted to see Sarajevo but we spent so much time in Mostar and then trying to find the Kravica waterfalls that ran out of time.
Then we drove up north again and stayed at a small village outside Krka NP. Visited the waterfalls next day. A fraction of a crowd compared to Plitvice. Really nice but not as stunning as Plitvice. The view of the Visovac monastery was spectacular. Drove onwards to Zagreb. Spent a day there and caught flight back home.
Croatia has become expensive indeed compared to our past experience but not really expensive like Iceland and it is a truly beautiful country.
I love driving. Jadranska magistrala was a beautiful drive. But if you are a thrill seeker then I recommend Serpentina Kotor. Not for the faint hearted. But TBH the drive to our AirBnB at a place outside Dubrovnik was more challenging. We thoroughly loved our experiences and would love to return.