Croatia’s Most Beautiful Hidden Gems
One of Europe’s hottest destinations, Croatia attracts its fair share of visitors. It used to be an under-the-cover destination, but a string of fashionable festivals and trendy hotel openings has changed that. Now you have to go out of your way to escape the crowds, but there are still plenty of hidden gems to be uncovered. From secluded bays to clandestine rooftop bars, here are the most beautiful off-the-beaten-track places to visit.
Dubovica
Despite Hvar’s popularity, it’s still possible to find serene spots on the island. You’ll have to venture out of the Old Town, but stumbling across idyllic bays lapped with azure waters makes it all worthwhile. Remarkably there are very few people in sight, so you’ll likely have this breathtaking beach all to yourself.
location
open
Nautika
It’s difficult to find any hidden gems in a city as well-known and frequently visited as Dubrovnik, but secret or no secret, Nautika is a must-eat. This charming restaurant has a balmy terrace overlooking the fortress and a menu showcasing the very best of Croatian cuisine. Eat your way through the country with truffles from Istria, scallops from Ston, cheese from Pag and wash it all down with a delightful Dalmatian wine.
location
open
Korcula
Korcula is no secret, but I don’t think it gets half the attention it merits. Korcula is an island paradise, but with none of the crowds of neighbouring Hvar. Get lost down cobbled backstreets and dine under fragrant pine trees and you’ll be sure you’ve stumbled across the best-kept secret in Croatia.
location
open
Zorače Beach Bar
Zorače is an awesome beach bar, it has all the cool of Tulum’s most fashionable hang-outs but none of the pretense. Wind charms sway in the sea breeze, soulful music hums in the background and Croatian beer is served out of the bottle. Grab a drink and watch the picturesque beach below as the sunlight dances through the wicker.
location
open
Zori
Any dinner date that starts with a water taxi is going to be a memorable one. Located on a tiny islet off Hvar, the setting of this superb seafood restaurant couldn’t be any more romantic, especially if you time your dinner with sunset.
location
open
Sakarun beach
Sometimes it pays to visit the under-the-radar islands that don’t host any fancy festivals or trendy restaurants. The bygone island of Dugi Otok is perhaps Croatia’s best-kept secret, along with the sapphire blue Sakarun beach which sparkles under the sunlight.
location
open
Lešić Dimitri Palace
LD Terrace is the ideal place to come for a romantic dinner beneath fragrant pine trees. The menu is one of fresh seafood with dishes such as tuna tartar with zucchini salad and roasted oysters with Dalmatian herbs.
location
open
Zaracé
Zaracé is a beach of two contrasting coves. To one side lies an idyllic beach of turquoise waters perfect for swimming in, but to the other lies a rocky bay of emerald pools and cliff faces too steep to descend but too beautiful not to be awe-struck by.
location
open
Massimo cocktail bar
Perched atop a 15th century turret, you wouldn’t know this bar was here unless you researched it or have a really tall boyfriend who looks up a lot (like me!). You have to climb a rickety, wooden ladder to reach the relaxed rooftop bar which boasts beautiful views.
location
open
Šibenik
Neigbouring Zadar and Trogir get all the attention, so the quaint town of Šibenik is often overlooked. Home to bygone restaurants and a 15th century cathedral, it makes for a lovely stop whilst driving along the Adriatic coastline.
location
open