Croatia and Italy are both must-visit spots in the Mediterranean for every kind of traveller, whether you’re travelling as a couple or with friends. The countries have similar climates and are equally brimming with their own distinct histories and cultures. But which one is for you?
Deciding between Italy & Croatia
Knowing the differences between the two locations will help you select the perfect holiday destination. Remember, there is no wrong decision with these two rich holiday spots and the good news is that you’ll enjoy whichever one you choose. Here is everything you need to know:
Italy
If you’re a history buff looking to lose yourself in ancient civilisation or a foodie wanting to sample some culinary artistry, tours to Italy will be more up your alley. The Italian peninsula is the epicentre of the Roman Empire, the birthplace of the Renaissance, and home to some of the world’s most renowned masterpieces.
Melt into the landscapes
You’ll also find some of the most beautiful landscapes and pristine waters available in Europe on the peninsula. There are plenty of awe-inspiring destinations to visit in Italy, including whale watching on the Tyrrhenian Coast, wine tasting in the vineyards of Tuscany, and volcano watching on the island of Sicily.
Food and Culture
We can not leave out discussing Italy’s food scene, a phenomenal choice for the foodie traveller, and italy undeniably wins when it comes to cuisine. It’s one of the main reasons travellers visit the country, with the copious amounts of delicious pizza and pasta will always leave you wanting more. Pairing this with Italy’s excellent transport system, you are able to travel around easily to find new and exciting food hotspots.
Change with the seasons
You don’t need to worry about the season, as each one offers a new perspective. You could choose to enjoy the Italian Alps, enjoying this destination in the winter for a ski holiday. In the summertime, temperatures are significantly cooler in the Alps and is a popular destination for Italians seeking to escape the hot weather.
The springtime in Italy is particularly beautiful, around the months of April and May, alternating between cool rainy days and pleasant sunny days. The spring season is ideal for taking a leaf from the Italians’ book and embracing the beauty of the ‘dolce far niente’ (‘sweetness of doing nothing’) lifestyle.
Croatia
The country of Croatia is relatively small, so you might be surprised by the natural and architectural marvels it has to offer. The beauty of the landscape never ceases to amaze with eight designated national parks, including the crystal Plitvice Lakes which account for 10% of the national territory.
The Ultimate Beach Destination
Home to some of the best beaches in Europe, you can island hop across the 1000 isles on the Adriatic Sea for unparalleled views of the country’s famous coastline. Swim in dazzlingly blue waters and bask on the beach in the Mediterranean sun in the alluring atmosphere of Croatia.
If you’re thinking about visiting Croatia, make sure you check out the coastline and islands. You could charter a boat and explore in this manner, allowing you to visit several islands and beaches.
Roam along the Coastline
Croatia is an excellent hiking destination. Roam through the national parks, and get close and personal with the views and splendid waterfalls, and lakes.
If you are seeking a hiking challenge take a look The Premuzic Trail, Velebit, this trail will take around 3-4 days to complete. You will be exploring the Velebit mountain range, along with its surrounding pristine wilderness and alpine grassland. The trail starts at the Zavizan mountain and ends in the village of Baske Ostarije.
You cannot wild camp on the Velebit trail, although there are various mountain huts and shelters along the way. Some are staffed, comfortable, and serve meals, while others are unstaffed. If you want a more comfortable option, book ahead of time as Velebit is popular with hikers.
History and Culture
Throughout the country, you’ll see nods to its culture and history, from local stories of friendly giants building villages to tales of the occasional Greek God forming islands out of the sea. Croatia has a rich history, from the ancient Celts who built stone circles 3000 years ago to the Yugoslavia era that shaped most of the twentieth century. Croatia’s atmosphere has an irresistible allure that will keep you wanting to return.
The Winner
Both countries undoubtedly have their merits, but both are differently suited depending on the holiday you’re looking for. Both having fantastic sun-soaked beaches, and an array of ancient towns and cities jam-packed with history.
I hope that emphasising some of the primary selling factors for both countries has helped you decide which one is worth your next visit; with so many similarities and differences, you can make your pick based solely on what you want to experience and see!
Italy groans under the weight of its cultural cachet so sorry Croatia – when it comes to food and history buffs, Italy is unapologetically better designed.
However, if you want a less costly, beach-focused holiday where you can rest and explore in the sun, Croatia is the better option.
