Traveling is an opportunity to create unforgettable memories, and what could be better than finding a destination with gastronomic experiences, especially for 87%* of Croatian travelers who say they want to try authentic cuisine this year.
In Croatia we have numerous locations that offer Michelin-starred or highly recommended experiences, alongside attractions that attract visitors from around the world. Booking.com below, he shares five domestic destinations that stand out with their gastronomic offer.
Rovinj
Rovinj is a charming town whose visitors can enjoy accommodations with top-quality facilities complemented by excellent restaurants, one of which even has two Michelin stars. In addition to delighting your taste buds with a vacation here, you will surely enjoy a walk through the city center towards the church of St. Euphemia, as well as the wonderful Mediterranean scents in the air. And for those who come for a longer vacation, there is also the opportunity to get to know other charms of Istria through one day tour, where tasting truffles in picturesque medieval Motovun is only part of the experience.
Where to stay: Boutique Residence Arion offers couples comfortable rooms and accommodation in Rovinj, where guests can enjoy a beautiful garden, and some rooms and a terrace with a view of the sea. In the restaurant located here, guests will enjoy Italian cuisine, and they can also rent bicycles.
Dubrovnik
The history that permeates every step along Stradun and the view of the imposing Minčeta make a visit to Dubrovnik an unforgettable experience. To make the visit even more impressive, this beautiful city is adorned with numerous restaurants with Michelin recommendations, and there is no shortage of pleasures for the palate. In order to avoid the crowds, don't forget that the surroundings are enchanting and spice up your visit to Dubrovnik with a trip to Konavle, where you can enjoy local wines.
Where to stay: Hotel Bellevue Dubrovnik is a luxurious accommodation located in an excellent location on a cliff above the bay, and guests from the rooms have a beautiful view of the blue sea. The historic center of Dubrovnik is within walking distance, and guests can completely relax at the spa center with sauna and gym. Couples especially liked this location and rated it 9,6 for their trip.
Split
The town under Marjan offers an unforgettable experience, and you can explore its history by walking through the old city center, where Diocletian's Palace dominates, while top-notch Mediterranean gastronomy further enriches the experience, with numerous restaurants that boast a Michelin recommendation. Spice up your gastronomic experience guided tour of the center of Split, during which you will visit famous city sights. And to make sure that your vacation will be an experience to remember, when visiting one of Split's most famous monuments, touch the big toe of Grgur Ninski and make a wish.
Where to stay: Dolce Vita Apartments are located in the heart of Split, inside the Diocletian's Palace near the Cathedral of St. Duje, in a great location to enjoy the beauty of the city. These charming rooms with stone elements in the interior are truly ideal for a romantic vacation.
Zagreb
The capital and largest city is home to some of the most famous Croatian chefs and numerous restaurants that will provide visitors with a valuable gastronomic experience, two of which have Michelin stars. There are also numerous places in the city where travelers can sweeten their sweet tooth with delicious French-style desserts. Zagreb is also a lure for tourists due to its numerous events and fairs, so it is a great option to visit at any time, with the famous book fair in autumn and the Festival of Lights, which delights visitors with attractive light installations and visual shows in early spring. Travelers should definitely plan a visit to the Zagreb Museum of Illusions, where they will experience the impossible, because nothing is as it seems there, and for which tickets can be bought in advance.
Where to stay: Brickwall Apartments offers accommodation within walking distance of Ban Jelačić Square, near numerous places where you can have a coffee or a glass of wine in the nearby Tkalčićeva Street. These apartments provide you with everything you need for a pleasant stay, and couples are especially delighted with this location, giving it a rating of 9,5 for their travels.
Trogir
Trogir is an excellent choice for all couples who want to experience culture and history, and it really comes alive here when you go for a walk through the stone streets of the city center, where you will come across the famous cathedral of St. St. Lawrence and the Kamerlengo tower. The old city center is located on an islet between the island of Čiovo and the mainland, and the city center is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. In Trogir, too, you can visit several Michelin-recommended restaurants and complement this cultural experience with a gastronomic one.
Where to stay: Villa Tonina is located on the island of Čiovo and is only a few minutes' walk from the beach, and offers guests apartments where they can fully relax on balconies overlooking the sea. Free parking is available to them, and they can also use the barbecue in the garden. The center of Trogir is within walking distance.
*The 2024 travel forecast survey was commissioned by Booking.com and was conducted on a sample of adults who plan to travel for business or pleasure in the next 12 to 24 months. A total of 27.730 respondents from 33 countries and territories participated (including 1008 from Argentina, 1012 from Australia, 505 from Austria, 1001 from Belgium, 1002 from Brazil, 1009 from Canada, 1009 from China, 1002 from Colombia, 508 from Croatia, 504 from Denmark, 1011 from France, 1011 from Germany, 1016 from Hong Kong, 1004 from India, 510 from Ireland, 504 from Israel, 1014 from Italy, 1004 from Japan, 1009 from Mexico, 1014 from the Netherlands, 1015 from New Zealand, 500 from Portugal, 502 from Singapore, 1010 from South Korea, 1009 from Spain, 502 from Sweden, 507 from Switzerland, 504 from Taiwan, 1003 from Thailand, 502 from the United Arab Emirates, 1007 from the United Kingdom, 1005 from the USA and 1007 from Vietnam). Respondents completed the online survey in July 2023.
