Where Time Stands Still: Falling in Love with Croatia
From Dubrovnik with love… if the Alps let us leave. After two flight delays, one to burn off fuel because we were too heavy to clear the surrounding mountains and another for gusty winds, we finally took off, hearts pounding and grinning the whole way. It was the perfect end to a trip that was as thrilling as it was unforgettable.
Starting in the foggy mountains of Zagreb, with its strong Central European influences, and culminating in the sun-drenched terraces of Dubrovnik, every day in Croatia feels like walking through time. Each turn reveals another layer of history: Roman ruins transformed into lively squares, medieval walls framing Adriatic views, austere communist-era buildings, and fishing villages that still move to the rhythm of the tides.
Traveling south through Croatia, I was struck by how seamlessly the ancient and modern coexist. In Zadar, the waves compose music on the famous Sea Organ while remnants of a Roman forum stand beside Soviet architecture. In Split, you can savor fresh seafood inside what was once a Roman emperor’s palace, winding through narrow stone streets that seem to hum with life. Plan for at least two days here to take it all in.
When we arrived in Dubrovnik, we made our entrance by sea: gliding into the harbor as the old city walls of Dubrovnik Old Town rose before us. Seeing this UNESCO World Heritage city for the first time in the soft evening light was pure magic. It’s no secret Dubrovnik is grappling with over-tourism, but experiencing it at twilight offers a more intimate, authentic glimpse. Starting next year, new cruise ship limits will help, but my advice? Visit in spring or fall, when the pace slows and the beauty feels all your own.
And while Croatia dazzles on land, it’s equally captivating from the water. The Dalmatian Coast is dotted with more than 1,200 Croatian islands, teeming with hidden coves, sandy beaches, and quiet fishing villages. Some are inhabited, others wild and untouched. I often design itineraries that begin on the mainland and weave through the islands by private yacht charter, complete with a skipper, water toys, and plenty of time for swims in the clear Adriatic Sea. There’s always that one family-run restaurant your captain insists you try – and it somehow ends up being the best meal of your trip.
Croatia isn’t just a destination to visit; it’s one to feel. The warmth of its people, the taste of its wines, and the whisper of history beneath your feet all weaves into something unforgettable. And when every detail of your Croatia vacation is expertly planned, you don’t have to think about logistics or timetables. You simply get to fall in love with this extraordinary country, one sunset at a time.
