Croatia – WAC Travel

Aerial view of part of the Walls of Ston leading down to town on the water with green mountains in the background

Walls of Ston, Croatia: Off The Beaten Path

Written by Iulian Milcomete on May 27, 2022. Posted in Adventure, Croatia, Inspiration.

As the longest walled path in Europe, (and the second longest in the world next to the Great Wall of China), the Walls of Ston is a historical hike with breathtaking views. Nestled into the mountainside on the Peljesac Peninsula, the walls stand overlooking the clear blue waters, making for a picturesque escape from the more crowded tourist areas in Croatia.

Stretching over 3 miles, the Walls of Ston connect the villages of Mali Ston and Ston to the southwest; they start in Ston and weave their way up the mountainside to the Pozvizd Fortress, then meet with the walls of Mali Ston. There are a total of 40 towers and 5 fortresses along the route to explore.

When construction began on the wall in 1335, the purpose was to protect the salt production that was booming in the area; the lucrative salt trade contributed a third of the annual budget for the Dubrovnik Republic during the medieval times. Each stone was hand-carved and placed with care. During an extensive renovation that lasted 50 years and ended in 2009, builders kept that traditional method, and only placed hand-carved stones. A magnificent feat, these walls are remembered and preserved so travelers can walk the path as they did hundreds of years ago.

After exploring the fortified walls, head into the Mali Ston village for world renowned oysters. We recommend the legendary Bote Sare restaurant; their European flat oysters (Ostrea edulis) are incredible. End your afternoon sitting by the bay and taking in the gem of a village you’ve found yourself in.

Featured image: © Tatyana Gundar | Dreamstime

Hvar lavender fields at sunset with the sea and mountains in the distance

Hvar Lavender Fields, Croatia: Off The Beaten Path

Written by Iulian Milcomete on February 4, 2021. Posted in Adventure, Croatia, Inspiration.

Most people associate lavender fields with France, thanks to the purple rolling hills across the Provence region, from the Valensole Plateau to the Luberon Valley. Not many people would even guess that Croatia has any lavender fields at all, let alone on an island not far off the coast from Split or Dubrovnik, Hvar. Despite often being nicknamed the “Lavender Island”, Hvar is best known for its beaches and stone fortresses, leaving these fields as a hidden gem of sorts in Croatia.

Just 50 years ago, these fields accounted for 8% of of the world’s lavender production, but since then emigration and forest fires have severely shrunk the once booming industry. Now going through a revival period, the sight of these colorful shrubs with the turquoise Adriatic Sea in the background remains something truly special.

Each June, a Lavender Festival is held in the village of Velo Grablje, where unique treats and souvenirs like lavender-flavored ice cream and lavender honey become more abundant in celebration. With a more active role, you can discover the freshest lavender oil you’ll ever encounter by following it through the harvesting and distilling process. This festival is also important to the revival of the fields, bringing them needed money and attention.

Featured image: © Rostislav_sedlacek | Dreamstime.com

Rear view of a young couple sitting on a ledge with their arms wrapped around each other, overlooking Dubrovnik and the Adriatic Sea

3 Croatia Honeymoon Destinations

Written by Iulian Milcomete on January 28, 2021. Posted in Croatia, Inspiration.

While parts of Croatia have begun to take off as travel hotspots, overall it continues to fly under the radar as a coastal paradise speckled with awe-inspiring fortresses. The allure of this underrated honeymoon spot knows no bounds. Whether you prefer to spend time together lounging on a beach or touring charming old towns, these Croatia honeymoon destinations have you covered. To top it all off, you’ll be able to end each night with a romantic dinner over some of the best wine and seafood in the Mediterranean.

© Scott Jones | Dreamstime.com

1) Mainland Dalmatia

The mainland of Croatia’s Dalmatia region is home to some of the country’s most popular destinations, such as Dubrovnik and Split. These cities skyrocketed to fame after they were featured as filming locations for Game of Thrones, and they’ve continued to entice visitors with the charm of signature red-roofed buildings and shimmering blue waters. It’s the perfect place to cap off a wedding that was, hopefully, not very red. Dip your toes in along golden shores or charter a yacht for the day and skim along the waves to the Elaphiti Islands.

When you want to escape the bustle of a city, you can venture to the Peljesac peninsula for local wine tastings and delightfully fresh meals in tiny fishing villages. If you’re a fan of oysters, they’re a must-try delicacy here. While this area could be easily summarized in a day trip, it’s worth spending a couple of nights to thoroughly explore the quieter scenery, whether that means strolling along fortress walls or tucking yourselves away in secluded coves of pebbly beaches. For the couple itching for an outdoors adventure, consider conquering the summit of Sveti Ilija together. From here you not only will be able to take in the many islands of Croatia spread out below, but if it’s a clear enough day you may also see Italy across the Adriatic Sea.

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2) Dalmatian Islands

The Dalmatian Islands have everything you could want in an island honeymoon and more. Hvar, Korčula and Brač are the three most popular islands, thanks to their abundance of gorgeous beaches and delightful stone towns. There are a plethora of other islands to choose from, ensuring that the two of you will be able to balance your honeymoon with activities to suit both your interests. But if you’re looking to celebrate amidst lively nightlife, a few nights on Hvar are a must. Glitzy and glamorous but still seeping with old town charm, this island is becoming somewhat of an answer to France’s St. Tropez.

For a truly unique experience, spend some time on Vis, a former military base that has only been open to tourists since 1989. This helped to preserve the area, leaving much of its natural beauty intact. Relatively popular with day-trippers looking to check out Stiniva Bay or the Blue Cave, staying overnight here is less common and will allow you more freedom as the sun sets.

3) Istria

If you’ve been amazed and astounded by Italy, Istria is calling for you. Just like in Tuscany or Piedmont, you can have a romantic outing of wine tasting, olive oil tasting or truffle hunting through a luscious green landscape. If you really want to marvel upon another impressive colosseum, Pula can provide that for you. If you miss the colorful coastal towns of the Cinque Terre, allow the city of Rovinj to lure you in. And if you’ve missed Italy so badly that you’re dying to spend any small amount of time there again, Venice is reachable in a day trip.

As enticing as the similarities may sound, Istria still has its own Croatian flavor, from more iconic red roofs to an intricate overlap of histories on display. The region is home to an abundance of small towns, each with their own personality, that you can set out on day trips to. Or you can use the peninsula as a base for aquatic excursions to Lim Fjord or the Brijuni Islands. If thrill-seeking is your love language, there no shortage of options, whether you wish to paraglide over the countryside or rappel down into mysterious caves. Though sandy beaches are harder to come by here, this diversity of other activities Istria has to offer makes it one of the ideal Croatia honeymoon destinations.

Tall statue of Gregory of Nin reading from a document with a bell tower looming in the background

Gregory of Nin, Croatia: Off The Beaten Path

Written by Iulian Milcomete on August 11, 2020. Posted in Adventure, Croatia, Inspiration.

Standing watch in front of the Golden Gates of Split, Gregory of Nin serves as the protector of the city, and protector of the Croatian language. Be sure to stop at Gregory’s statue for a bit of good luck; locals have rubbed his big toe for years hoping for good fortune in their endeavors.

In 926, Pope Ivan X outlawed Slavic languages in the Church; Latin was the single permitted language to be used for Mass and Church business. As very few Croatians spoke Latin, Grgur Ninski (a medieval bishop of Nin) made his opinion known loud and clear, to the detriment of his position. With passionate speeches and declaratory accusations, Gregory championed the Croatian language, and fought to keep it within the Church for the sake of the Croatian people.

Towering at 28 feet tall, the statue of Gregory of Nin is a well loved monument with locals and globe-trotters alike. Although his body is deep bronze in color, a single toe is now a smooth, golden surface due to years of being rubbed for good luck. Originally erected in the Peristyle of Diocletian’s Palace, the statue was relocated multiple times; Gregory of Nin now stands guard at the entrance to the city, symbolizing hope and national pride for all who enter.