The internet has transformed travel and fuelled a real boom. People are researching, planning and booking their holidays online, as the digitalisation of services has made it cheaper and more convenient than ever beforeto travel. The lower cost of travel is encouraging people to travel sooner. They also have more choice than ever before.
One popular country is Croatia. Below is a look at thiscountry that stands of the crossroads of south-east and central Europe, at the British love affair with Croatia and at water sports activities in Croatia.
Britain loves Croatia
Croatia is a beautiful country in its own right. Part of its appeal are the Croatian islands, which are a big hit with sailing enthusiasts.
The increasing number of music festivals Croatia holds has made the country especially popular with young people. There’s the Hideout Festival, which takes on the island of Pag, in July; and the Unknown Festival, on Rovinj, in September.
Then there’s also the small matter of Croatia’s connections to a TV show called ‘Game of Thrones’ .The city of Dubrovnik served as a location for several scenes in the smash hit TV series. The Bokar Fortress represented King’s Landing and a number of scenes were filmed on St Dominika Street. Die-hard fans of the show can take a guided Game of Thrones-themed tourof the city.
Combine all these elements with cheap flights and a generally low cost of living and Croatia is an attractive prospect. Londoners especially love Croatia because of their access to so many different main airports, such as Heathrow, Stansted and Gatwick, from which they can fly to lots of different destinations easily on a cheap flight, including Croatia.
Indulging a love of water sports
Of course, there’s nothing more a Brit likes than a dip in the ocean. Whether it’s on home shores or abroad doesn’t matter. They just like to get in there in the water, under the sunshine, bathe and cool down.
Which is another reason they love Croatia. There are plenty of beaches and bathing opportunities. For anyone who likes to get a bit more active in the water, though, there are also lots of opportunities to try out water sportswhile on holiday. Here are some of the best activities you can practise while on holiday in Croatia:
Catamaran charter
Chartering a catamaran is a fine way to get out onto the water and explore Croatia. This is possible with yacht chartering and boat hire marketplaces such as BorrowAboat. Dubrovnik, Split and Pula are three possible destinations you could choose. Chartering a catamaran while you’re out in Croatia is a chance to experience the finer things in life, but the best thing of all is that platforms such as Borrow a Boat have made this much more affordable. Yachting is no longer something only the affluent can do.
Booking a catamaran is easily. You can just go online, check if the catamaran you want is available on the dates you wish to charter it and, if you’re happy with the price, go ahead and book. If you need more information, simply make an enquiry on the site and someone will get back to you.
Sea kayaking and snorkelling
Seeing Dubrovnik from a sea kayak is a superb way to experience the city and you can get special tours for this. You can paddle past the city’s walls and to a more secluded spot for snorkelling and snacks. Book an evening tour and it’s possible to enjoy the sunset, too.
Windsurfing
Croatia offers spending windsurfing opportunities, with the town of Bol, on the island of Brač, being one of the best spots in the summer. In the morning, the breeze is just the right strength to suit beginners, whereas after lunch is a better time for more experienced windsurfers. Late April to July is the best time to come if you’re looking for stronger winds.
White water rafting
If you’re even more of a thrill-seeker, you could try white water rafting. One of the best locations for this is the Cetina River, in southern Croatia. Another good spot is Montenegro, where you can visit the Tara River, admire the waterfalls and take in the fabulous sight of Durmitor Mountain.
Whichever destination or tour choose, you’ll be with experienced guides who will help you navigate the waters safely so you can get the most out of your experience. Tours are also more affordable than you might have expected, in some cases starting as low as just £30.
Swimming and bathing
Of course, Croatia has so many beautiful waters that a Brit simply can’t pass up the opportunity to go for a dip in them if the waters allow. The warm salt lakes of the waters around Mijet National Park will relieve the aches and pains from a day of exploring. Or you can wade in the water on the shore of Brela, the first town on the Makarska Riviera, or swim off the fantastic Stiniva Beach on Vis.
Croatia has long been a popular destination with British tourists, even before ‘Game of Thrones’ established the country even further on the map. A low cost of living, cheap flights, music festivals and a variety of water sports activities have all also helped Croatia become a truly outstanding destination. Visit this country and you can be sure of a highly enjoyable holiday.
