Croatia Archives - Seek Your Trip

May 29, 2017 by Arlene

Croatian Wines – Simply The Best

Croatia is a beautiful country nestled on the Adriatic Sea, part of the bigger coastline of the Mediterranean. Croatia is comprised of over a thousand islands and a large continental or mainland region which is home to several vineyards. There are three main wine regions in the country of Croatia – Continental, near the capital of Zagreb, Istria – along the northern coast and islands and Dalmatia down toward the southern tip and its islands. Each of these regions has their own specific tastes and textures of wine. Here we have a look at all three.

Continental

One of the continental regions that is known for its impressive wines is the north eastern region of Slavonia. This area gets a cooler more continental climate that comes down from central Europe and across its diverse landscapes such as valleys, mountains and hills. Plains and river basins with the fresh waters of the Danube, Drava and Sava makes for ideal wine growing country with the Grasevina grape having been planted and harvested here for centuries resulting in some beautifully crisp, fresh white wine.

Istria

The largest peninsular region in the Adriatic, Istria is home to luscious weather and cool breezes from the sea. This region was once a part of Italy and it can be evidenced by not only the types of Italian grapes that are found throughout the vineyards but also in the Italian language being spoke throughout the town squares and in the markets. Moscato and Terrano, a controlled grape, are grown in the region with exceptional results in the red earth that is similar to that found in parts of Italy. This makes for Croatian wines from Istria having the level of quality and texture to rival the best Italian wines. For some of the best wines in the area, seek out the Coronica Winery where the grapes are bred with intense character and robust flavour, resulting in impressive wines of exceedingly high calibre.

Dalmatia

This gorgeous coastline is home to a number of impressive vineyards that stretch from Zadar down to the area around Split. This area is known for the Babic grape, a Croatian grape that has been used for centuries to create delicious robust red wines with a hefty strength and delicious flavour. Generational vineyards scatter the region where grape growing and winemaking traditions have been passed down though families over time. This creates a rich wine history that is unrivalled in the area, with historic wine blends you are unlikely to find elsewhere. Small plots of grape vines are grown here in small plots surrounded with dry stone walls and the soil, while strange for grape growing, somehow works its magic and produces some of the most delicious grapes for wine you can find. For the best of the region, try to find wines by the Skradin and Bibic families – winemaking families for over 500 years.

So there you have a rundown on Croatian wines and where to find the best in the country. Any trip to Croatia isn’t complete without trying at least one or two of their famous wines, varieties that you are unlikely to find elsewhere in Europe without at least a good hefty hunt through wine stores.

May 10, 2016 by Arlene

5 Hawaii alternatives you need to visit in Europe

Travelling around Europe can offer many exotic places that you never knew existed, giving you the same relaxation, sunshine and surfing as Hawaii can offer. So if you’re looking to travel around Europe and find some exotic alternatives, make sure to pack your sun cream, your EHIC and some board shorts, and check out our list of 5 Hawaii alternatives that you need to visit in Europe.

Biarritz, France

Biarritz is an elegant seaside resort that has been popular with European royalty and tourists alike. Thes spot often hosts various surfing competitions and is a major surfing destination for those looking to catch some waves in Europe instead of heading all the way to Hawaii. Biarritz boasts hot temperatures all year round with record highs hitting 40.6?C. If you’re looking for a fantastic surfing destination as well as luxury, then Biarritz boasts the best. With beautiful beaches and a unique atmosphere, there’s no better alternative to Hawaii than Biarritz.

Mellieha, Malta

Mellieha is a large village in Northern Malta which is a very popular tourist resort. Malta is one of Europe’s few exotic countries, with stunning sandy beaches and incredible nature all around the island. It is most well known for its beaches with the popular one being Ghadira Bay, where you can catch some of the best waves in Europe. If you’re looking for a Hawaiian alternative that offers relaxation, hot sun and fantastic surfing spots then Mellieha should be your first stop.

Costa de Caparica, Portugal

Surfing is a huge part of life in Costa de Caparica and if you’re looking for cultural festivals, fairs and celebrations then this is the perfect place to be. Boat tours and water sports are as big here as they are in Hawaii. Whether you’re looking to scuba dive, snorkel, surf or wakeboard, there’s plenty of opportunities to do so here.

Premantura, Croatia

Many people head to Hawaii for the chance to get up close and personal with nature. Pemantura can also offer this with their unique national parks such as the Kamenjak National Park and scuba diving. Premantura is wild with rugged beauty and showcases various plants, shrubs and wildflowers, dinosaur footprints and a number of protected marine species. With enjoyable temperatures almost all year round, crystal clear sea, natural beauty and interesting cultural heritage, Premantura offers a fantastic alternative to Hawaii.

Chia, Italy

Many people go to Hawaii for it’s incredible food, and although Chia may not have all of the home-grown tropical fruits that Hawaii can offer, there is no shortage of incredible cuisine here. Located in Southern Sardinia, there is also no shortage of hot weather and pristine beaches. It is these beaches and the turquoise water that attracts surfers and tourists from around the world, as well as many locals. Some of these beaches have been rated the best in Europe, so whether you’re looking for surfing, sunbathing or water sports there’s plenty to do here and is a great European alternative to Hawaii. If you’re after sun and tasty cuisine, then Chia is a great place to go.

April 30, 2013 by Arlene

Croatia on Foot: Top Five Sites

Croatia is one of Europe’s most beautiful countries but tourists have long memories and although the Croatian War of Independence ended almost 20 years ago only recently have people begun to return in significant numbers.

It is a country blessed with so much natural and cultural beauty: countless enchanting islands, magnificent national parks, stunning lakes and cities so bursting with history it seems to hang in the air. Here we give you the best five places in Croatia to explore on foot, so pack your comfy shoes and a camera, and prepare to be impressed!

1. Dubrovnik

The Pearl of the Balkans, as it is often dubbed, is simply one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Architecturally it is stunning, with 80 churches and numerous examples of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque structures, with even a severe 1667 earthquake doing little to diminish its magnificence.

Damaged again by the war in the early 1990s UNESCO have helped restore the city, although for me some of the existing scars of the war serve to enhance the city’s beauty by showing what it has been through. The Sponza Palace which dates from the 1500s is my personal favourite, with Renaissance architecture as splendid as anywhere in the world. I could gladly spend hours roaming the atmospheric streets of this amazing city, although I may allow myself the occasional stop for beer and seafood. The walk around the old town’s ramparts is one of Europe’s most satisfying strolls too.

2. Split

Split lies on the edge of the Adriatic and despite being the second largest city in Croatia is still small enough to explore on foot. It is around 1,700 years old and, like much of the country, has been the scene of fierce battles throughout much of that time. Modern Split, however, has a fabulous blend of the old and new, a thriving café culture and its old town has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1979. Scratch the surface and the evenings are alive with traditional and contemporary musical delights and many a fine bar in which to sample nightlife Croatia-style.

3. Hvar

The island of Hvar in the Adriatic Sea is only around 40 miles long, but possesses a self-confidence that belies its size. It has a fine climate making it a popular holiday spot with a wide range of people, from local families to the Croatian and European playgirls and boys who revel on the luxurious yachts that fill the lively and colourful harbour.

Hvar is a great place to let your hair down and party from sunset to sunrise, with great nightlife, fine restaurants and plenty of bars. However, for those wanting something more sedate it also boasts fields of lavender, hills lined with glorious pines, vineyards and olive groves which make for sensational – and relatively easy – walking.

4. Zagreb

Another great city, the capital Zagreb is a fantastic, intoxicating clash of cultures that assaults the senses at every turn. There is history aplenty here in this city where the Austro-Hungarian Empire battled with Tito’s communists and with a lively cultural and gastronomic scene this makes for a fascinating city with a character all of its own. Often ignored by tourists who stick to the coastal delights, we think to miss out on Zagreb is to miss out a significant part of this enticing country.

5. Plitvice Lakes National Park

Probably the finest of the eight national parks in this relatively small country, it is also the largest and oldest, founded in 1949. Yet another UNESCO World Heritage-recognised site, it attracts over one million visitors every year and with its stunning limestone karsts, dramatic waterfalls and ethereal waters of green, turquoise and aquamarine, it is no surprise. The highest waterfall, at 78m, is the Veliki Slap and hours pass in minutes as you marvel at its beauty. With plenty of wildlife – including bears, deer, wolves and badgers and myriad interesting bird species – Plitvice is simply a must visit on any walking holiday to Croatia.

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Photo provided by Headwater

January 28, 2013 by Arlene

Top 10 Party Destinations for You and Your Friends

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Here is a list of the top party destinations in the world that can assist you in deciding where to go next and will also save you money because these destinations are easily accessible due to the amount of online discounts available.

1. Ibiza, Spain

The number one Mediterranean party island, Ibiza, offers the best dance floors and the best DJs of the world. With a lively nightlife, it is a perfect party island for trendy tourists.

2. Las Vegas, Nevada

When talking about parties, one cannot forget Las Vegas. It is overflowing with bars, clubs, casinos, restaurants and wide variety of entertainment. The best part? It never closes. You can party, eat, drink and dance all night and day. Tanning Salons in Las Vegas, NV are everywhere you turn and you get get a cheeky top up before the real thing to look as good as possible whilst partying.

3. Koh Phangan, Thailand

Koh Phangan is located on the island of Koh Samui and is known for a fantastic beach and diving opportunities. The island is also famous for its full moon party in the jungle. Full Moon Party takes place every full moon, of course. Thousands of tourists from around the world gather in an open area and party together. Colorful lasers illuminate the jungle and the loud music rocks the place.

4. Jamaica

It flaunts a laid back atmosphere and is a centre for reggae, rocksteady and dub music. The sunsets and beautiful beaches make this place great for the more mellow partier.

5. Beachcomber Island, Fiji

Beachcomber Island is Fiji’s party island whose extensively popular nightlife attracts the younger tourists who cannot get enough of nightclubs. Festivals go on throughout the night, all year round with a wide selection of exotic cocktails and renowned DJs.

6. Hvar, Croatia

Hit Croatia’s sunniest and most trendy island if you are really eager to be out until dawn. During the summers, the island turns into one big party that brings together people from all over the Croatian coast.

7. St. Lucia

If you are looking for a Caribbean destination with vibrant nightlife, St. Lucia is where you should go. Every night here seems to be the Friday night. The island has a wide selection of nightclubs and bars with hot rhythmic music. The island also offers celebrations including the jazz festival and several summer festivals.

8. Mykonos, Greece

Located in the Aegean Sea, Mykonos has a stunning architecture and endless cobbled streets that lead to flat-roofed white houses with wooden doors and windows that are painted blue. In Mykonos, you can lie down in the sun on the beautiful beaches in the afternoons to enjoy the sun and water sports. In the evening it is something entirely different. Lively celebrations on the beach kick off at dusk. Mykonos has always been a favorite among party lovers.

9. Istanbul, Turkey

Halfway between Europe and Asia, Istanbul is just amazing. To discover the true celebrations of the city, the key is to go up to the attics of buildings where most of the bars and clubs are located. A cross-cultural city, Istanbul shows the eyes of the modern world. After the traditional “nargile” (hookah), the nightlife offered is too tempting to resist.

10. Dominican Republic

Dominican Republic is definitely the paradise of the “all inclusive”. While during the day, the main focus is on the sun and beach, the nights are tinged with color and dancing until dawn. The hotels in the area incorporate great clubs, but the best and most authentic festivities occur on the beach at full moonlight.

So if you’re ready to party, pack your bags and embark on a journey to one of these hoppin’ destinations.

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Photo by robertocastano on Flickr