Yoo. Soo, I'm traveling Europe right now, and we're having a hard time finding a cheap way to get to Greece and then back to London. However, Croatia is really cheap to get to and from. We're planning on spending about a week wherever we go. Any suggestions?

Thanks
Justin

5/22/2007 2:50:15 PM

I loved Croatia during my two visits there (Split and Dubrovnik). Dubrovnik is beautiful, cheap, fun...the entire Dalmation Coast is simply spectacular. We got a tour guide who was a member of the military during the Balkan Wars...he took us up to his old trench on the hills over the city that overlook Bosnia. There were still places that had damage from mortar attacks and the Bridge was still being rebuilt. I highly recommend it. Greece is great, but Croatia is better.

Dubrovnik:


Be sure to buy crystal over there if you do go - it's cheap and spectacularly crafted. I have a whiskey decantur and 6 low-ball glasses, a vase, and 6 flutes that cost me maybe $100 bucks total in 2001.

[Edited on May 22, 2007 at 3:16 PM. Reason : .]

5/22/2007 3:14:47 PM

I used to live in Bosnia and have spent quite a bit of time along the Croatian coast. You really cannot go wrong with Croatia. It is becoming quite the popular summer destination for European tourists compared to only a few years ago and with that the prices are climbing (still cheaper than most other destinations though). I would suggest that you look into visiting Dubrovnik (already mentioned), Split, Makarska, and/or Korcula. Split is a port city and very busy during the summer but there are a few nice sights to see. A short drive south is the Makarska Riviera, smaller seaside towns to relax and swim. Korcula is an absolutely beautiful island that is easily accessed by ferry and then even further south is Dubrovnik. If you want a slightly cheaper time, you should consider spending time in Neum, Bosnia. It is a small harbor town that splits southern Croatia from the rest of the country. The people in the town are ethnic croat so you really shouldnt notice much of a difference other than the border crossing and the different currency (although they likely will accept Kuna). Since it is in Bosnia, it should be significantly cheaper (note: this was true a few years ago).

One thing that Ive always wanted to do, and may get around to later this summer if I dont go back to the US, is take one of the multiple day island hopping cruises out of Split.

If you have any questions about these places or the region in general, let me know. I've spent far too much time over the last ten years or so in the former Yugoslavia.

[Edited on May 22, 2007 at 3:29 PM. Reason : BTW, Where are you now?]

5/22/2007 3:28:05 PM

Thanks for the info. It's a hard decision for me, since I've always wanted to go to Greece, and I know nothing about Croatia. It's also not in our guidebooks, and I can't find much info online. However, everyone says it's wonderful.

Right now we're in Nice France, and we're taking a plane to Madrid tonight. Then in a few days we're taking a plane to Rome, then traveling through Tuscany and Cinque Terre. After that, it's either Croatia or Greece. We have about 3 weeks left in our trip.

5/23/2007 5:54:25 AM

On a related note, do you guys know of the best ways to travel between italy and greece or croatia? I hear you can take ferries for 40-50 euro, but they're not necessarily that safe. Flights seem to be more like 100-150 euro. Ryanair doesn't fly into greece, which puts a damper on things!

5/23/2007 6:28:17 AM

HRVATSKA!

5/23/2007 6:43:44 AM

I realize the appeal of Greece and im sure that it is wonderful. However, you also cannot go wrong with croatia. To me, it is a good thing that it is not yet in all of the travel guides (hopefully resulting in fewer tourists and lower prices).

Ive never gone from italy to greece/croatia but in the past i looked into the ferries. I know people that have taken them across the adriatic and enjoyed it. what do you mean by not safe? Also check into the other discount airlines. im sure that at least a few fly to greece and if i remember correctly, EasyJet or something similar flys to Dubrovnik or Split.

5/23/2007 6:47:01 AM

5/23/2007 9:22:58 AM

Just don't go to Bratislava.

5/23/2007 6:20:09 PM