Tums and Dramamine: Packing Essentials to Truly Experience the Tastes and Terrain of Croatia
Views of Dubrovnik’s harbor
It only takes a google search of ‘Croatia’ and two clicks for jaw dropping images of clementine-colored roofs and turquoise seas to invade the screen. I beg you to not let your exploration of Croatia end at your desktop. Be sure to acquire Tums and Dramamine prior to departure to balance out the hearty meals and nausea from traveling on snaking roads between destinations, however, medication or not every bite and exploration is worth every second.
Split
Rooftop at the Cornaro Hotel in Split
Cornaro Hotel welcomes, Game of Thrones fanatics, history buffs, and those looking for a leisurely escape in the town of Split. The 360 views from the hotel’s rooftop bar will leave all your followers back home rushing to book a room. And if that was not convincing enough, at the Cornaro you will eat like a royalty. Your stay here includes an Imperial Breakfast which is a great pregame feast to set the mood before heading down the street to Diocletian’s Palace.
“In Croatia a fish swims three times: in wine, water, and olive oil.”
While the thought of traditional Dalmatian cuisine may send sea-food haters running for the hills, Konoba Fetivi lures in even the pickiest of eaters with its humble and homey ambiance and passionate staff who make sure to take their time in explaining the unseen prep of the seafood from catch to cook as our server explains that “in Croatia a fish swims three times: in wine, water, and olive oil.” Konoba Fetivi has surely earned their Michelin recommendation. The restaurant is hidden down a narrow street in the southern part of Split. Prepare yourself to indulge in an adventurous four course meal, including jet black squid ink risotto. Even the fullest belly’s must hold out to indulge in their flaky apple strudel served for dessert.
Hvar
Amofra Grand Beach Resort
Although one will not encounter soft, sandy beaches on the island of Hvar, the pebble beach at Amofra Grand Beach Resort is not to be overlooked. The hotel has a youthful ambiance that gives guests access to water sports or a swim up beach bar to accommodate for every vacation ‘mood.’ Amofra is not more than a ten-minute walk from the Old Town. For those daring to venture out into daunting party scene at night Hulu Hulu Hvar Beach Bar is a must. It is just down the path from Amfora, this seaside club provides a great warm up for partygoers. Here I met Brits on holiday, locals having a night out, and Americans island hopping. The thudding of the music is always curated by a guest DJ who always seems to bring the house down.
Even though you may need a Tum to settle your stuffed stomach after devouring the organic spread, your gut health will sure thank you for visiting the farm to table restaurant Hora which is just outside one of the oldest cities in Europe, Stari Grad, which was established in 384 BC. Servers in crisp, white polos will remind you throughout your dining experience that they source everything you see right down to the garnish on your craft cocktail. Charcuterie board connoisseur will marvel at the variety of fresh meats and cheeses. To get to Hora travelers will have to go toe to toe with twirling backroads, and maybe even other vehicles. However, the scenic view of the lush terrain and bountiful feast that awaits you on the northern side of Hvar is a prize that makes the Odyssey worth it.
Dubrovnik
Roughly forty minutes outside of the 17th largest city in Croatia, Dubrovnik, hides the region’s own ‘secret garden.’ Here in Konavle, the people belong to the land. The Mujo family proudly opens their home sand that has been theirs since the 16th century. Here travelers can cook, eat, and drink as the three generations that live there do while simultaneously getting a run-down of their impressive family tree (stretchy pants strongly advised). Before getting down to business one of the eldest son’s, Ivo Mujo leads a toast of Rakija, hazelnut liquor, with a chaser of fig as eager guests chime “Zivjeli” in unison, which means ‘here’s to life’ in Croatian. Afterwards guests are set loose to pick their own ingredients from the bountiful garden While sidestepping hens and ducking under clothes lines visitors are emersed in an organic lifestyle that is so rare to encounter in the US. If you are lucky enough Ivo, may even gesture for you to pluck a peach straight from the tree to eat, which the family vows is the best way to savor fruit.
The terrain, tastes, and tales of the Dalmatian Coast is worth the time and money spent exploring past the confines of a screen. Ignite your senses and head to Croatia for a captivating voyage.