From Venice to Athens, Europe’s most popular destinations are buckling under the weight of unsustainable tourist numbers.
11.12.2023 - 07:58 / lonelyplanet.com
First-time visitors to Croatia are often startled by the striking turquoise hue of its sea and see-straight-to-the-bottom waters.
This Mediterranean sun destination certainly has no shortage of beaches – thanks to its 1,777-km-long (1,104 miles) Adriatic coastline and close to 1,200 islands, there’s a beach for everyone. The question is, do you prefer sandy or pebbly?
The pros and cons of each are a topic of debate – some swear by the crystal-clear waters of a pebble beach not clouded by sand, while others need to feel the soft powder between their toes. In Croatia, you’ll mostly find pebble beaches nestled in the coves of rocky shorelines, but there are also many sandy exceptions.
And did you know that all beaches in Croatia are public? It’s the law! You can lay down your towel where you please – there’s no such thing as a private beach here.
Whether you’re looking for pebbly or sandy, family-friendly or sporty, we have the beach for you with our handy guide to the best beaches in Croatia.
Croatia’s most photographed beach, Zlatni Rat, does not disappoint. Follow the pine-scented promenade from seaside Bol to this gorgeous expanse of fine, soft pebbles lapped by inky blue waters. Its astonishing V-shape changes and shifts with the tide and currents of the Adriatic Sea. The beach’s windy eastern side is a top spot for windsurfers, while the cool kids hang out at beachside Auro.
Planning tip: It’s a 30-minute stroll from Bol. An alternative is to park at Parking Zlatni Rat, a 10-minute walk away.
Hvar Town revelers recover from their boozy nights at Dubovica, a tiny cove swathed with a beach of dazzling white pebbles 10km (6 miles) east of town. At its eastern end, look out for the small cave hidden in the rocky shoreline. When you’ve had enough sun, lounge under the pines at Duba Beach Bar, where cold drinks come with a chilled soundtrack.
Planning tip: After a 15-minute drive east from Hvar Town, it’s a 10-minute trek downhill along a stony zig-zagging path from the main road. Or just catch a taxi boat.
It’s a 30-minute walk from the Old Town and a hike down – and back up – 160 stone steps, but Sveti Jakov gives you some breathing space from the busyness of Dubrovnik’s main beach. And you get sublime views of the walled Old Town, which are even more spectacular as the sun goes down. Secluded it might be, but you can still rent sunbeds and umbrellas and grab a bite at the beachside bar.
Planning tip: From Pile Gate, take bus no. 8 to Sveti Jakov church. Behind the church, you’ll see steps down to the beach. Or take a taxi boat from the Old Town port.
Off the southern coast of Vis Island lies striking Stiniva Bay, surrounded by a near-circle of rocky cliffs with only a narrow opening to the sea. Part of its
From Venice to Athens, Europe’s most popular destinations are buckling under the weight of unsustainable tourist numbers.
Zagreb is Croatia’s historic northwestern capital, boasting many impressive 18th- and 19th-century Austro-Hungarian architectural buildings and landmarks. Travelers should check out attractions like the main square, the Zagreb Cathedral, and the city’s pedestrian district, Tkalčićeva Street — which is a great place for shopping and dining. It’s a historic city featuring many educational and cultural exploration opportunities, including museums, art galleries, and diverse entertainment.
Looking for the perfect holiday escape? Consider Croatia. The country offers an impressive range of winter festivities that are perfect for kids and adults alike. Here are five great cities that put on an amazing show for the holidays.
Bristol’s maritime past is superseded by its legacy as the hometown of Banksy whose murals have inspired waves of activism since the 1980s. Expressed through its cyclable neighborhoods, second-hand shopping, and plant-based dining scene, Brizzle’s green philosophy makes it a mint destination in the United Kingdom for couples, families, and nomads.
With its high-end resorts and spas, luxury department stores, and clean-cut golf courses, it is no wonder Scottsdale, Arizona, is such a popular destination — especially for bachelor and bachelorette parties. This being Arizona, it’s in the middle of the desert, but it’s far from the cartoon desert of Wile E. Coyote and Road Runner. For proof, all one has to do is consider the culinary scene and see just how good desert dining can be.
Phuket, Thailand’s largest island, floats off the western coast and is bordered by the Andaman Sea. Comprising alabaster-white beaches, snorkeling in crystalline waters, and a splash of cultural sights, Phuket is a Thailand-in miniature destination with something to offer revelrous backpackers as well as honeymooners, and families. These Airbnbs in Phuket with private pools and million-dollar views give you a preview of the third outing of White Lotus.
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No first trip to Edinburgh would be complete without a visit to Edinburgh Castle. The world-famous icon of Scotland is part of the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh’s World Heritage Site and is the most popular paid tourist attraction in the country. Dominating the skyline of the city, the fortress looms over the streets below from its position on the Castle Rock. Due to its strategic location, it has been a royal residence, a military stronghold, and a focus of countless sieges and battles. It also offers stunning panoramic views over the city of Edinburgh. Due to the size and walkability of the city center, the best way to explore Scotland’s capital is on foot. That means, if you are looking for a central Airbnb, you’ll be no more than a 30-minute walk from the Royal Mile — the main street leading to the castle gates. The Airbnb near Edinburgh Castle rentals we’ve selected here are steeped in history, have views of the iconic site, Superhost status, and five-star reviews from past guests.
There’s never a bad time to visit Germany’s 2,000-year-old city. Cologne straddles both banks of the Rhine and is lined with riverside botanical gardens and sculpture parks. With over 100 museums exhibiting everything from perfume to chocolate, there’s little wonder Köln is considered the German cultural capital. Winter kicks off in November with the annual Cologne Carnival which takes a brief hiatus when the yuletide markets claim the limelight before resuming and going out with a bang in February.
If you’re a scrolling fiend (or have ever skimmed a rack of French postcards), you’ll be familiar with the photogenic landscapes of Provence. This southeastern province of France is where you’ll find fields of lavender and sunflowers, world-class rosé wineries, and the glamorous Côte d’Azur beach resorts. Close to the beach and vineyards, these luxurious Airbnbs in Provence give you the best of both worlds.
Poland’s landlocked capital has a complex history that has seen the “Phoenix City” bounce back from conflict over multiple conflicts. Modern Warsaw is a mishmash of restored medieval structures and cutting-edge skyscrapers among which stands Varso Tower – the tallest building in the European Union.
I'd seen images of baby Krishna atop a banyan leaf in pop devotional art posters all over India. Yet it was only on a dusty lane in Jaipur's Old City that I witnessed the leaf of the banyan tree deliver something divine in person. “That's outstanding,” said Chintan Pandya as he tasted a piece of kesar pista makhan—a seemingly simple bar of saffron-tinted butter topped with bits of crushed pistachio—picked off the dried leaf. “No…mind-blowing.” Licking his fingers, America's most acclaimed Indian chef passed the bar to me. “Here, use your hands.”