Croatia

Split

Split is one the oldest cities and the second largest of Croatia. This is a dynamic city centred on the palace of the Roman Emperor Diocletian. Split is a great city with a lot of cultural diversity and is settled in an magnificent area between coastal mountains and the turquoise waters of the Adriatic.

Hotels

- Palace Judita Heritage hotel:
Palace Judita Heritage is a 4-star hotel located in the heart of Split, right in front of the Diocletian’s Palace. You can choose between four different types of rooms whose names are inspired by a legendary local figure.  Be sure to bring ear plugs; the Palace can be a loud place at night.

- Hotel Vestibul Palace: 
Vestibul Palace Hotel, located inside the Diocletian’s Palace, is a 4-star hotel and a member of the ‘Small Luxury Hotels of the world’. The hotel has different orientations regarding the architectural style, there are indeed Romanic, Gothic and Renaissance influences which contribute to its unique character. The comfortable rooms are a combination of ancient and modern styles which are an integral and inseparable part of what make the charm of the Hotel Vestibul Palace. Be sure to bring ear plugs; the Palace can be a loud place at night.

- Hotel Atrium:
Hotel Atrium is one of the only 5-star hotels in Split, located just a few minutes away from the city centre. All rooms are modern and furnished with cutting-edge equipment. While staying there you can enjoy several different pleasant services such as an organized visiting day through the city, a relaxing massages at the Spa centre or a swim in the pool.

- Marmont Hotel

Marmont, located in the old city centre, is a four star hotel that, despite its old-fashioned and traditional exterior, is very contemporarily furnished.  The large rooms are very luxurious, very comfortable and furnished in a modern fashion.  The restaurant shares this interior and offers dishes from all over the world.  The hotel is only a few minutes away from Diocletian's Palace. 

- Cornaro  Hotel

Cornaro is a four star hotel in the middle of Split's old city centre, a short walk away from the Palace and the Riva.  This luxurious hotel has contemporarily styled, large rooms and modern interiors.  The exterior is in a lovely pink-red building that fits right in the traditional old centre. 

Restaurants

- Augubio Congo: 

Augubio Congo is a restaurant located in a 15th century villa. In this cosy and relaxing restaurant you will have the opportunity to discover some traditional Mediterranean food mixed with modern influences.

- Bokeria Kitchen & Wine:
Bokeria Kitchen & Wine was built in an old hardware market, and its style is inspired by the lively markets of Barcelona . Located right in the centre of the town, this restaurant offers you a broad range of dishes plus several seasonal meals which will perfectly match the flavourful Croatian wines. The detail that you will undoubtedly appreciate at Bokeria Kitchen & Wine is the live jazz music.  The accoustics in here however make for a very loud environment.

- Konoba Varoš:

Konoba Varoš restaurant is located in the ancient part of Split. It is an old-styled restaurant with wood decorations offering a pleasant Dalmatian background music creating a very authentic and pleasant atmosphere. They serve various typical Dalmatian meals with fresh local meat or fish, which will match everyone’s requirements.  If you intend to order a Peka Octopus (stew), be sure to give the restaurant some notice - ideally 24 hours minimum.

- Zinfandel's Food & Wine Bar

According to the owners, they wanted the interior to be both industrial and rustic looking and it truly looks exquisite.  Importantly, they've also managed to capture the hearts of guests with their contemporary Croatian cuisine and tapas, charcuterie and cheese platters, excellent wines and impeccable service.  It is tucked away nicely in a quiet little alley, close to Diocletian's Palace. 

- Paradox Wine & Cheese Bar

This wine and cheese bar has 'Dalmatia' written all over it with over 100 wines.  Representing the diversity and quality of wines in this region, 50 wines are available to try by the glass.  As well, they offer about 20 artisan cheeses that are primarily produced locally.  You can pick and choose whatever suits your taste buds as you relax in their cozy interior space with stonewalls set against elm and oak furniture.  They have an extremely friendly staff, many of which hold wine qualifications

- Mazzgoon

Newer eateries like the eclectic Mazzgoon at the West Gate of the Palace, with a charming courtyard that wraps around the place, are creating imaginative interpretations like terrine of rabbit with grapefruit marmalade starters; a smashing risotto with raisins and apples and finishing a traditional brudet fish stew with local sweet wine to give it a marvelous new taste.  Their pastry chef adores chocolate and her homemade truffles are absolutely killer.  If you really consider yourself a seafood aficionado, now that you are finally here, the one dish you must have at least one serving of is Black Risotto.  Don't be put off by its strange licorice look, the taste is remarkably light and sweet.  Other fin food not to miss, despite its lowly status and bargain price is Gavuni and Sardines.  The former are tiny smelts that are quick-fried and so downright yummy they're like seafood pomme frites.  And the sardines here are so fresh and unsalty, you will be amazed.  Then there's Grdobina (devil's mother), a ferocious looking monster whose fat, sharp toothed head is chucked into the soup pot, but it's firm white yummy tail is deliciously grilled.  Padraic, owner and operating manager of Fresh Eire Adventures, claims the macaroni, shrimp, cream and black truffle dish here is the best he has tried in the city. 

Attractions

- Diocletian’s Palace:
The Palace of Diocletian is listed, with the Historical Complex of Split, as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This massive palace charged with history was built in the 4th century as an retirement residence for Diocletian, the famous and powerful Roman emperor. Nowadays it represents almost half of the town's historical centre and is one of the most crowded tourists sites. While visiting the Diocletians’s Palace, don’t forget to visit Saint Domnius Cathedral which basically built as a mausoleum, a majestic funeral eulogy from another time.  Be sure to check out our blog post Diocletian: From Emperor To Enigma written by renowned historian Jonathan Brucefield. 

- Archaeological Museum

Even though it's situated north of the town centre, Split's archaeological museum is certainly worth the trip.  The museum was founded in 1820, making it the oldest museum in Croatia.  The museum's contents come mainly from central Dalmatia, especially from Salona, with thousands of stone epitaphs from that region.  Also featured are ceramics and glass of Greek and Roman origin, along with hundreds of other objects made from bone, metal and glass from various historical periods including prehistoric, pre-Christian, Greek and Medieval.

- Froggyland

This quirky museum exhibits over 500 stuffed frogs in every day human situations.  This is all possible thanks to Taxidermy, a preservation technique that fills up the frog from the inside through its mouth.  The museum features frogs who have been preserved by masters such as Francois Perrier, Walter Potter and Pierre-Yves Renkin.  Ferenc Mere, founder of the museum and also a master in the art of Taxidermy, created this unique collection which, to the present day, remains the biggest and best collection of its kind in the world. 

- Beaches:

1. Riva 

Riva beach is the perfect place to enjoy a moment of relaxation with either a walk along the promenade or a glass of wine in front of the water. This is a dreamy setting with palm trees and pristine waters where several cafés and bars are situated. This location is popular and the setting is as beautiful by day as by night.

2. Bačvice Beach 

Bačvice Beach is the favourite beach of Split for swimmers, as they can practice all year around. Not only the warm temperature is appreciated but also the cleanliness of the water. Indeed Bačvice Beach as earned the ‘Blue Flag’ which awards the quality of the water. Finally this popular beach is also accessible to disabled people and you will find plenty of activities there to make the best of your stay.  Try catch a game of Picigin at sunset - this local, ancient, game is played here. 

- The Ivan Meštrović Gallery:
The Ivan Meštrović Gallery is an art museum honouring the work of the 20th century scultpor. The building in itself is a work art as it as constructed on plans designed by Ivan Meštrović. Inside the building as well as in the beautiful gardens, you can find several masterpieces in marble, stone, bronze or wood.

Dubrovnik: Restaurants & Wine Bar

Here are our Top Restaurant & Wine Bar Recommendations in Dubrovnik, as prepared by intern Mathieu.

Restaurant 360°

For the ultimate Dubrovnik dining experience pay a visit to Restaurant 360° a trendy and elegant place commited to presenting top-notch cuisine prepared with the finest ingredients, inspired by Mediterranean flavours, influenced by local history and presented in a contemporary manner.  The chef at 360° takes modern Mediterranean dining to a whole new level constantly experimenting with new techniques and recipes to keep their menu full of delicious selections and inventive combinations.  Regarding the food, there isn't really a thing we wouldn't recommend from the delicacies they serve, for all the dishes encompassed in their menu are a gastronomic adventure.  There is a special degustation menu that serves several mains in smaller portions.  One other thing you shouldn't miss, is treating yourself with some of the exclusive wines recommended by the sommelier. 

360° is a sophisitcated outdoor oasis, showcasing superb fine dining amidst the iconic sights of Dubrovnik's dramatic architecture.  Their superior service is a pearl of the Adriatic's gastro scene.  Whether it is a romantic dinner with your significant other, a family get together, or just a night out with your friends, 360° offers something for everyone.

Nishta

Jam packed into a street filled with restaurants is this small haven for non-meaty lovers.  You'll find a fusion vegetarian cuisine from all over the world.  Choose from falafel, curry, soups, salad bar and much more.  The menu also contains vegan and gluten-free dishes for those mor in tune with Mother Nature.  Enjoy the local wines, beers, and home-made juices that Nishta has to offer.  A lot of thought has gone into the design of the toilets, so make sure you arrive with a full bladder otherwise you will miss out on the joke. 

Barba:

In the old town of Dubrovnik, Barba is a restaurant which offers you delicious seafood in a simple but modern interior. Their burgers and salads are also gorgeous. This restaurant is a nice place to order fast food such as fried fish.

 Here’s a review from TripAdvisor of Barba by Padraic, owner of Fresh Eire Adventures:

 “Great value, no nonsense fast food in a comfortable and friendly restaurant setting. I made the mistake of ordering too much - the tempura prawn dish was very heavy. However, the server saw it wasn't to my liking, and (they also forgot to order it for me so it took half an hour to arrive) didn't charge me for it. 

Recommended (for the calamari)”.

D'vino Wine Bar

D'vino Wine Bar is the perfect place to relax, share an intimate conversation, celebrate a special occasion, or just unwind and enjoy a glass of wine at the end of the day.  Located in a narrow street in the heart of Dubrovnik Old City, D'vino has an imported wine available by the glass, bottle, and tasting servings.  D'vino offers over 60 wines by the glass, which is by far the richest selection in Dubrovnik, with a focus on small wine producers and family vineyards across Croatia.  From quick bites to elaborate gourmet platters, D'vino has it all.  Based on local ingredients and traditional delicasies, they serve delicious food with a twist.

 Razonada Wine & Tapas Bar:

Razonada Wine & Tapas Bar is simply the best place to discover high quality Croatian wines in Dubrovnik. With its elegant interior, we suggest to combine a fabulous glass of wine with Croatian tapas such as Proscuitto. Charming and romantic, this establishment is located inside the Pucic Palace Hotel, in the very heart of the Old City of Dubrovnik.  Croatia is a land of contrast and the fine wines follow this diversity.  Produced on lush rolling green valleys or steep cliff sides the wines of Croatia range from refreshing light whites to full-bodied reds.  We recommend sampling a glass of the famous red wine from the Peljesac peninsula, Dingac.  Or if you are looking for a cool white wine then we recommend Posip from the island of Korcula.  And the lounge bar Defne, a rooftop terrace over Razonda, offers a stunning ambience above the busy streets, after a glass of fine wine make your way up to the terrace for a light lunch.  If you are looking for a slightly different way to explore and experience the beauties of Croatia look no further. 

Kopun

Kopun, one of the rising stars among Dubrovnik's restaurants, and a local favourite, is located on one of the most enchanting squares in Dubrovnik's Old Town, the calm and peaceful Ruder Boškovic square, approached via romantic baroque staircase.  Elegant interior, gorgeous outside seating and relaxed setting of the whole area, popularly known as Jezuiti, enhances their rich offer, and puts Kopun in the top of the town's restaurant scene.  Alfresco dining at Kopun, gives you a unique opportunity to enjoy the view of a wonderfully ornate Jesuit church of St Ignatius, while indulging in authentic delicasies.  Their menu features buzzes for everyone's taste, with an emphasis put on tradidtional Croatian recipes, thus one can enjoy flavours from all over Croatia, tastes of Istria or Slavonija, Zagorje or Dalmatia, all carefully gathered and brilliantly created in this one lovely venue.

Special feature on their menu is capon, young rooster bread exclusively for meat.  Capon represents a highly valued delicacy in traditional cuisines all across Europe, and in time of Dubrovnik republic it was served to local aristocrats.  The recommended dish Dubrovnik Capon, rooster in sauce of sour orange and honey, is inspired by the work of Marin Drzic, Dubrovnik's famous 16th century writer.  So sink in and sense the true Dubrovnik, as it once was.

Dubrovnik Hotels:

Here are our Top Hotel Recommendations in Dubrovnik, as prepared by intern Mathieu.

The Pucic Palace:

The 5-star Pucic Palace is a 17^th century baroque building in the old town of Dubrovnik, and the unique hotel is located inside the fortifications. Rooms are chic and charming, and bathrooms are unique with their Romanesque Italian mosaic in walls and tiles. Open your window, and admire a stunning view of Dubrovnik (be sure to pack some earplugs: the old town can become very loud at night).

Their Defne terrace offers a creative contemporary eastern Mediterranean cuisine, best enjoyed on a sunny day; it’s so pleasant and refreshing.

Hilton Imperial:

The 5-star Hilton Imperial is a wonderful building on the doorstep of Old Dubrovnik just outside the Pile Gate, and close to Banje Beach.  Rooms are spacious and comfortable with high-quality bedding.  To fully decompress, the Beauty Line Center at the Hilton Imperial, allows you to enjoy their indoor swimming pool, spa, steam room, fitness gym or even massages. 

The Porat Restaurant offers refined Mediterranean cuisine with local produce meticulously chosen by Hilton Imperial Executive Chef, Julija Basic. The Lobby Bar is also a smart way to appreciate cocktails, wines or even a simple coffee in their sumptuous terrace, facing the beautiful old town and their ramparts.

Hotel Lapad:

Lapad Hotel is a 4-star Victorian architectural building located close to the old town of Dubrovnik, in front of the sea in Lapad. Rooms are spacious and cosy; you have the option to choose between the old and classic parts of the establishment. The breakfast is substantial and varied, no better way to start a good day. To relax, the swimming pool is ideal after a day visiting old Dubrovnik city, as is the restaurant where you can enjoy gastronomic Mediterranean creative food.