When we think of wandering around Europe, most of us automatically envision eating a baguette under the Eiffel Tower, exploring the ancient world in Rome or partying those hard-earned savings away in Ibiza. Backpacking Europe is pretty much an Aussie rite of passage, after all.

But what if we told you there was a place where you could experience all the things Europe has to offer as well as some killer summer vibes? Enter Croatia; your new wanderlust obsession. Not convinced? Read on for the low-down on why Croatia is the perfect mid-year break destination… you can totally thank us later.

The Beaches

With nearly 2000 kilometres of unspoilt coastline, Croatia knows a thing or two about beach days. Forget your standard golden sand, picturesque pebbled beaches and turquoise waters are where it’s at this summer.

Zlatni Rat is probably Croatia’s best known beach, and it suitably looks like a scene straight from a postcard, but smaller hidden spots like Nugal are also well worth the trip. Spend a day walking beneath sheer white cliffs before taking an afternoon snorkel through sunken ships and tropical fish. Eat your heart out, Greece.

---

The Food

As the meeting point between Turkey, Eastern Europe and the Mediterranean, Croatia is a melting pot of flavours. Each part of Croatia has a distinct culinary tradition and dishes found in one part of the country might not have even been heard of in another. We don’t know about you, but that sounds like a pretty good excuse to eat your bodyweight in food, after all, it’s new every time right?

Don’t forget to try out dishes like crni rizot, a squid risotto that is almost completely black, or pasticada s njokima, beef fillet that’s marinated in wine vinegar for days and served with homemade gnocchi. Be still our beating hearts.

---

The Festival Scene

Still salty about not being able to go to Coachella or Splendour in the Grass? Guys, Croatia has more than got you covered.

Most famous for hosting a plethora of open-air cultural festivals during summer – including the popular Dubrovnik Summer Festival, which attracts more than a few well-known international entertainers – Croatia has more festival options than you could ever cram into one trip.

Think hilltop film festivals with after-parties held behind medieval walls and music festivals galore. Once you’ve had your fill of exploring abandoned islands and medieval ruins (lol, as if that could ever be possible), why not top off your trip with a festival or two? Trust us, your ‘gram will never look better.

---

The Game Of Thrones Feels

ICYMI, Croatia is literally Westeros brought to life – and not in a cheesy, theme park sort of way.

Croatia is positively packed with Game Of Thrones filming locations, so you can nerd out as much as you want on your trip. GoT fans may recognise the city walls and forts of Dubrovnik as King’s Landing, the gorgeous Trsteno Arboretum as the Red Keep’s gardens (Margaery Tyrell not included) and the catacombs of the 1700-year-old Diocletian Palace in Split as where Daenerys trained her dragons in season four. (It also occupies 30,000 square metres and is one of the oldest and most imposing Roman ruins in the world).

We won’t judge you if you decide to stand atop the Fortress of Klis, the site used to film exterior shots of Meereen, and declare your allegiance to Daenerys. We’d probably do the same.

---

The Instagram-Worthy Natural Wonders

Between Plitvice Lakes National Park, the much raved about Mljet National Park and the picture-perfect Makarska (complete with a real-life cave bar), nature lovers will be spoilt for choice when it comes to sightseeing in Croatia.

Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, boasts 16 interconnected lakes and jaw-dropping turquoise waters perfect for hiking around. We’re talking serious magic, guys. And that’s even before you get to the waterfall-tastic Krka National Park or the natural swimming holes at Lokrum Island. Uh, yes please, sign us the heck up!

 

(Lead image: Croatia Full Of Life/Facebook)

—

Escape the mid-year blues and dive into the European summer with a Contiki tour. From island hopping to Adriatic adventures, you can see and do it all in Croatia – check out Contiki’s tours here.