Croatia and Montenegro

Croatia is a gorgeous little slice of Mediterranean coastline, sitting very unassumingly across the Adriatic Sea from its more popular neighbor, Italy.  Though once very off the beaten path, it has become more popular in the past few years with tourists and small cruise ships who visit the port of Dubrovnik.  Scheduled to join the European union this year, prices may be rising but are still considered a bargain to the rest of Europe.  Having flown under the radar for a while, many are just discovering the beauty of the Croatian coastline, the delicious food, and friendly people.  It is an ideal destination for honeymooners, celebrations, or simply adventurous travelers looking to see a different part of the world!

There is so much to do, from national parks with sparkling waterfalls, medieval city walls, crystal clear water lapping over smooth pebbles on its many beaches, offshore islands to explore, and just relaxing with a glass of Croatian wine and fresh seafood on a patio.  Some have billed Croatia as “the new Italy”!  Wouldn’t you like to go see it before everyone else does?  Over 20 years have passed since the Bosnian War ended in that region, and Croatia is a perfectly safe place to visit; in fact, the locals are so kind and genuinely welcome visitors.

And while you are in Croatia, you shouldn’t miss a side trip to Montenegro.  If Croatia is the new Italy, then Montenegro may be the new Croatia.  It is a bit grittier, not as pretty and polished up for tourists, but fantastic luxury resorts like the Aman Sveti Stefan are popping up, beckoning visitors.  And you don’t want to miss seeing this country by coastline.. Montenegro is home to Europe’s southernmost fjords, and the dramatic landscape is best captured by boat.  Stops in medieval Kotor, quaint seaside town of Perast, and the Our Lady of the Rocks church in the middle of the Bay of Kotor are all must-dos!

Check out some photos from my trip there and let me know when you’d like to start planning yours!