Croatia is one of Europe’s most attractive and welcoming tourist destinations, but many American Jews only have a hazy idea of where Croatia actually is, and little idea of the amazing historical, cultural and natural treasures that are waiting.
Apart from hundreds of miles of beautiful Adriatic coastline and islands, dotted with UNESCO World Heritage Sites and picturesque fishing villages and ports, there are pine forests and olive groves that extend all the way down to pristine golden beaches. You’ll also find fascinating – and sometimes poignant – Jewish heritage sites and memorials.
Croatia’s Jewish history isn’t widely known in the US, but it goes back to the time of the Roman Empire. Croatia’s Jews built a prosperous and vibrant culture that witnessed the fall of the Romans, the arrival of the Slavs, the rise of Venice and Dubrovnik as seapowers, and the enlightenment that followed the Habsburg’s Edict of Tolerance.
A family vacation in Croatia is a wonderful opportunity to explore a corner of Europe where Mediterranean, Balkan and Central European cultures merge – and to add to your knowledge of European Jewish history. You’ll also enjoy a luxury seaside travel experience that will create wonderful family memories.
Dubrovnik – The Crown Jewel of the Adriatic
Many American Jews who plan a family tour of Croatia’s wonderful seaside resorts and towns are surprised to discover that they lie on the Adriatic Sea and not the Mediterranean. In fact, the Adriatic is a northern branch of the Mediterranean and is famed for its warm, clean and crystal clear waters. The Adriatic also has more than 1,300 islands and some of the region’s most stunning beaches and varied wildlife.
The ancient port of Dubrovnik is the crown jewel of the Adriatic and is usually the starting point for a Gil Travel luxury tour of Croatia. Dubrovnik was once a powerful maritime state that rivaled Venice, although it has a rather more laid back atmosphere these days. It’s a real joy to explore the atmospheric old Jewish quarter as part of a private walking tour and to visit the Dubrovnik Synagogue (the second oldest Sephardic synagogue in Europe).
The Old City is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a walk along the ancient city walls gives a spectacular view with a refreshing sea breeze. If you’re feeling adventurous, or you’ve got energetic kids in your group, try a guided kayaking tour around the walls, or Lokrum Island. It’s an amazing place to enjoy a picnic, or to settle in the shade with a good book.
The golden sands and gentle blue waters of Banje Beach are ideal for a relaxed day out. The beach is located near the Old Town and a dip in the sea is a great way to unwind after a walking tour or a visit to Dubrovnik’s two palaces). The beach is safe for kids and there are plenty of shallows for paddling and splashing around in. If you want to combine a unique Jewish heritage vacation in Croatia with an active and adventurous itinerary – and enjoy some lovely warm weather – Dubrovnik is an excellent starting point.
Split – Palatial Roman Ruins by the Sea
Croatia’s Adriatic coastline has boasted luxury development for over 2,000 years. The Roman emperor Diocletian loved the area so much that he decided to return from Italy and retire there. Diocletian built a spectacular palace in the seaside town of Split, which not only survived until the present day, but was used as a location in the Game of Thrones TV series. Split has a quiet Jewish cemetery on Marjan Hill that is well worth a visit and a stunning historical cathedral. But if you’re enjoying a family vacation in Croatia, your kids will be impatient to hit the beaches!
On the shore of Split you’ll find the famous Bacvice Beach. The sands slope down gently into warm shallow water that’s ideal for kids to play in. There are also rocks that stronger swimmers can explore with a mask and snorkel. The beach has good facilities, including changing rooms and showers etc. Bacvice Beach is a fun way to end a day of sightseeing around the old town of Split and to work up an appetite for some kosher Croatian food (talk to Gil Travel about creating kosher Jewish heritage tours in Croatia).
A great family excursion from Split is a ferry trip – or even a private boat trip – to the nearby Brač Island. One of the highlights of the island is the Zlatni Rat Beach. Don’t be put off by the odd name (there definitely aren’t any rats). The beach is also known as the Golden Cape or Golden Horn and is one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe. It’s basically a long triangular spit of white pebble sands that extends about 400 meters into the sea. In the middle of the beach is a large grove of aromatic Mediterranean pines, offering shade and tranquility.
Hvar Island – Chic but Family-Friendly
Hvar Island is part of the chain of islands extending southwards from the port of Split. If you want to organize a private family tour of Croatia’s seaside and beaches, Gil Travel can create a boat trip itinerary that takes in the best of the Adriatic islands. There’s an interesting story behind Hvar Town’s Venetian piazza (Pjaca). It was built by filling the bay with rocks and joins the Cathedral of Saint Stephen with the old fishing village of Madrač. The piazza and Spanish Fortress are easily accessible on foot and are pleasant places just to wander and explore.
A very short boat trip takes you from Hvar to the charming Pakleni Islands. It’s easy to find a quiet place to swim and picnic, or just to stroll. If you’re in need of a siesta, there are plenty of trees to provide some shade. If you visit during the season, you’ll see the blooming lavender fields (and butterflies) and can also visit the scenic inland villages. The villages are a good place to stop for a coffee, or a glass of something stronger, and a chat with the locals.
Korčula Island – Mini Dubrovnik
Many towns and cities have a unique claim to fame. The walled medieval town of Korčula claims to be the birthplace of Marco Polo, the greatest traveler and explorer of his age. Whether Marco Polo was born in Korčula or not, both the city and the Island are full of surprises. The traditional Moreška sword dance (staged weekly for tourists) is somewhere between a costume pageant and a full scale mock battle.
Music lovers will enjoy the local klapa (a capella) singing and the ten day baroque music festival that is held on the Island every year. If you want to combine a Jewish heritage vacation in Croatia with a chance to explore Croatian culture, Gil Travel can arrange private klapa lessons and guided visits to local cultural venues and events. For the more energetic – or less culturally inclined – members of your group, the Island of Korčula has some safe bike paths that provide stunning sea and mountain views and a selection of safe sandy beaches.
Istrian Coast – Rovinj and Pula
The long Croatian coastline extends all the way north to the Italian border, close to the city of Trieste. Two highlights of the Istrian Coast are the seaside towns of Rovinj and Pula. Rovinj is a hidden gem with a colorful old town, art galleries and top quality beaches. If you’re lucky, you may hear locals speaking the endangered Romance language of Istriot (similar to modern Italian). Rovinj is particularly beautiful at sunrise and sunset and an evening walking tour of the town, followed by drinks or dinner is recommended.
Rovinj has its own areas of outstanding natural beauty, the Forest Park and the coastal stretch running from St. Ivan promontory to Barbariga, including the Rovinj archipelago, are famous for their superb Holm Oaks and Alpine Pines.
The town of Pula has one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheaters in the world. It’s easy to imagine the savagery and splendour of the period when you look down over the arena. Depending when you visit Pula, you may be able to watch a modern reenactment of gladiatorial combat, or attend a more highbrow cultural event. The Amphitheatre hosts the Pula Film Festival, major concerts with star performers and even seasonal markets. Talk to Gil Travel about what’s on offer this year.
Just off the coast of Pula are the Brijuni Islands, home of the Brijuni National Park. It’s a “must-do” day trip if you’re traveling with kids, and is a lot of fun for adults too. Attractions include the safari park, where there is a new focus on preserving native Istrian species, and there are also over 200 genuine dinosaur footprints. The islands have a number of bike trails, as well as a Church built by the Knights Templar, Roman and Bronze age sites, and the remains of a Byzantine fort. If you have a range of age groups in your family, you’ll find something for everybody in Brijuni.
Plan a Luxury Family Vacation in Croatia
If you’re ready to plan a luxury family tour of Croatia’s beaches and seaside resorts, Gil Travel will work with you to create the perfect itinerary, packed with age appropriate activities for all the family. You can build a tailored travel plan around Croatia’s main coastal attractions and Jewish heritage sites, or get off the beaten track and explore hidden gems like Stiniva Cove with its striking cliff-flanked beach, or Cavtat’s Pasjača Beach, a magical and adventurous spot for older kids and teens.
Gil Travel will ensure that you experience the very best of Croatia’s luxury Adriatic resorts, and create enduring memories for your kids or grandkids. Talk to us now!
