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Forget Santorini and its blue domes and caldera views, the French Riviera with its exclusive beach clubs and retro look, and Barcelona with its crowded beaches and hostile attitude towards foreigners.
The top 2 trendiest Mediterranean getaways of this year are claimed by An country, tucked away on the often overlooked Balkan Peninsula, in Southeastern Europe, and believe it or not, Americans can fly to both countries nonstop from this year.
Last year, Croatia has clocked the highest number of hotel bookings of any region in the European Union 34 million reservations distributed Airbnb, Booking and Expedia, according to Eurostat data.
This year looks set to dominate the travel landscape again, with United Airlines banking heavily on a Croatian summer, starting with the Pearl of the Adriatic:
Dubrovnik
Europe’s most sought-after fortress city, Dubrovnik, has been on the bucket list of many since it featured heavily on it Game of Thrones as the fictional capital of Westeros, King’s Landing.
United has been flying with the for several summers Newark (EWR) → Dubrovnik (DBV) route, capitalizing on the HBO show’s massive popularity, and shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
When you dream of wandering timeless cobbled streets, flanked by stone palaces dating back centuries, and marveling at the imposing fortifications that stretch over seas so turquoise only the Caribbean could rival them.
Yes, it’s busy, and yes, it’s starting to look more and more like a medieval theme park these days, with the locations of historical places being renamed on Google to match their Game of Thrones equivalents – forget the Jesuit steps, that’s it Cersei’s Walk of Home-And Got it tours that outshine the actual worthwhile cultural expeditions that are in high demand, but hey, this level of age-old allure doesn’t just diminish overnight.
Away from the visitor-dominated cruise StradunThere are numerous quieter, marble-paved alleys around Dubrovnik where you can get lost, paved with marble streets. And believe it or not, only a minority of tourists actually go to the historic Sponza Palace, one of the few buildings in the city to survive a devastating earthquake in the 17th century.
There are also some hidden gems to look out for. The Franciscan Monastery is home to one of the oldest pharmacies in Europe, dating back to the 16th century, and a short ferry ride away is Lokrum Island. lavish Mediterranean escape with church ruins, botanical gardens and peaceful swimming spots.
Fly direct from Newark (EWR) to Dubrovnik (DBV)
- Only one non-stop route operated by United Airlines (seasonal service only)
- Direct flight: about 8:50 am there, 10:10 am back
- 1 flight per day in high season (June to August)
- Typical return averages: about $1,100 – $1,250
Before you book your flights to Croatia, make sure you use the Entry Requirement Checker to make sure you have all your documentation in order. Europe is changing its travel rules this year, and Americans are particularly affected.
Don’t say we didn’t want you.
Split
Croatia’s second largest city, and now the place for parties and sun-drenched fun (with a dash of Old World culture), Split will be served by non-stop Transatlantic flights this year for the first time in history.
Split Airport (SPU) is the most anticipated addition to United’s expanding Euro-summer network, marking Croatia’s second non-stop connection to North America after DBV. We are still waiting for the Pula flights to be announced, but in the meantime… we settle for this Adriatic powerhouse.
And don’t get us wrong: we’re far from mad about Delta’s favorite destination this year.
Split is half-lively seaside town, half-ancient wonder emerging from the walls of a 3rd-century palace commissioned by a Roman emperor. The city literally began as Emperor Diocletian’s favorite summer retreat, and as the once-vast empire crumbled and fell, people began to occupy and occupy the wide courtyards and outer wings.
It’s now what we call Split’s Stari Grador old town, with squares from the Middle Ages flanked by coffee shops and traditional stone mansions (yes, they have the iconic green shutters) and winding cobbled alleys that seem never-ending.
The waterfront, Split, Riva, are home to some of the trendiest bars and clubs, and your best bet is to spend a weekend in the center of Split, but if you’re really here for sun, sea and summer fun, you might want to take a boat to a nearby island called Hvar.
We personally like to call it Croatian Ibiza. Iykyk.
Alternatively, the more unusual island of Bračabout 40 minutes away by boat, is more relaxed, with stone towns surrounded by the azure Adriatic Sea, lush countryside and picturesque pebble beaches with perhaps half the crowds you see in Split.
Fly non-stop from America to Split (SPU)
- Only one non-stop route operated by United Airlines (seasonal service only)
- Direct flight: about 8:45 am there, 10:05 am back
- 3 flights per week in high season (Sun/Tue/Thurs)
- Typical return averages: about $800 – $1,150
Wondering if it’s as chaotic and a hotspot for pickpockets as those Spanish seaside resorts? This is Eastern Europe, baby. Much less scammers to watch out for.
This is what travelers mainly say about Split:
Move over France, Italy, Spain: Croatia is this year’s most popular summer destination, but you don’t necessarily have to limit yourself to touristy Dubrovnik or Split.
Here are 4 lesser-known European islands for fewer crowds and cheaper prices.
