The best of Croatia’s natural beauty

Stretching between the huge Velebit mountains and the pebbly Dalmatian coast, Croatia’s landscape is as diverse as it is dramatic. To free up as much time as possible to take in leafy national parks, rocky terrain, and saltwater lakes, consider booking your whole trip with flexible flights, accommodations, and a scheduled taxi from the airport before you leave home.

To help with your planning, we found some of the best places to experience Croatia’s natural beauty, as selected by global travelers.

Zlatni Rat Beach, Split-Dalmatia County

The triangular peninsula at Zlatni Rat Beach is nicknamed the “Golden Horn”

Zlatni Rat’s pointy peninsula of fine sand makes it Croatia’s most recognizable beach. Jutting out from Brač Island’s pine-forested coast, the “Golden Horn” attracts sunbathers, snorkelers, and surfers. The headland’s natural shelter makes windsurfing especially popular. For shimmering Adriatic scenery, you can climb up the Vidova Gora mountain and survey the beach’s angular shape from above. After a day outdoors, the seafront bar at Zlatni Rat Beach Hotel provides refreshing relief.

Blue and Red Lakes, Split-Dalmatia County

The breathtaking Red Lake nestles inside Europe’s largest collapsed sinkhole

Formed by collapsed caves, the huge karst sinkholes on the edge of Imotski village will leave you in awe. During spring, melting snow fills the 720-foot-deep Blue Lake, creating a stunning cyan surface, while in the summer you can hike down to the dried bed and watch locals play football. Then there’s the Red Lake, whose corroded cliffs stretch 850 feet above—and below—the water. Before visiting the lakes, enjoy views of the Biokovo mountains with some smoked pršut ham at Hotel Venezia Imotski.

Skradinski Buk Waterfall, Šibenik-Knin County

Skradinski Buk Waterfall is the showpiece of Krka National Park

In the vast and verdant Krka National Park, the teal Skradinski Buk Waterfall is the star attraction. Admire its cascades, limestone terraces, and mini lakes from wooden walkways, or take a guided boat tour to hear how Skradinski Buk once powered Europe’s first hydro-electric station. You can even change into your swimwear and wade in to experience the falls’ majesty up close. At Rooms Ive in nearby Lozovac, cap off the day with a glass of wine from the property’s vineyard.

Blue Cave, Split-Dalmatia County

The otherworldly hues of the Blue Cave leave visitors spellbound

There are many grottoes carved into Biševo Island’s limestone coast, but the 80-foot-long Blue Cave is truly special. When sunlight hits the water below its natural chamber, the grotto glows in celestial aquamarine and electric blue, turning everything beneath the surface silver and pink. To bask there in peace, hop on the small boats that depart Mezuporat Bay first thing in the morning. The air-conditioned Apartments Kastelani is 15 minutes away, on neighboring Vis Island.

Plitvice Lakes, Lika-Senj County

Plitvice Lakes’ pools and falls descend downstream for five miles

Croatia’s most famous waterway is right out of a fairy tale. The magical Plitvice Lakes comprise 16 basins and 90 waterfalls that tumble down stepped deposits of moss-clad tufa rock. Waters flow at full tilt during spring, but you can venture onto the larger Gavanovac and Kaluđerovac lakes in a rowboat in the summer. Even in low season, the autumnal tones and icy cascades are worth the venture. Right next door, Hotel Plitvice has rooms offering views of the park.

Northern Velebit National Park, Lika-Senj County

Fascinating rock formations dominate the Northern Velebit landscape

Famous for its rocky terrain and rich biodiversity, Northern Velebit National Park encompasses a huge swathe of Croatia’s largest mountain range. Along its winding trails, you’ll come across jagged limestone grooves, purple blankets of Siberian iris, and ancient grasslands. For sweeping vistas of valleys, peaks, and coastlines, head up to the Zavižan weather station beneath the mile-high Vučjak summit. Stay close to the village of Jablanac for easy access to the incredible natural surroundings.

Mljet National Park, Dubrovnik-Neretva County

The charming village of Polače is your gateway to Mljet National Park

Only a short catamaran ride from Dubrovnik, the thickly forested Mljet Island is a lush escape. Mljet National Park engulfs the north-western part, where hiking and bike trails circle two glistening saltwater lakes. Rent a kayak and paddle out to the pretty 12th-century Benedictine monastery on Veliko Jezero, then cool off in the lagoon-like Malo Jezero. At Villa Radulj, you can sample fresh seafood and vivid seascapes just a 5-minute drive from the park’s eastern edge.

Galešnjak Island, Zadar County

Galešnjak is a much-loved, pristine island in the Zadar archipelago

Nicknamed “Lovers Island,” Galešnjak’s heart-shaped outline was first noted by Napoleon’s imperial cartographer in 1806. Today, its secluded pebble beaches and turquoise waters entice travelling couples to take desert-island dips and romantic picnics. If you dare to pop the question, the only onlookers will be wild rabbits skipping through rows of olive and fig trees. Set the mood with flower-strewn beds, towel origami, and island views at Apartments Katarina in nearby Sveti Petar.

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The ultimate Santorini summer home escapes

 Fully immerse yourself in Greek island life in an idyllic villa on the island of Santorini, where you can swim in a cobalt-blue sea, drive around tranquil whitewashed villages to buy your morning Spanakopita (spinach and feta pastry), and sunbathe in blazing sunshine when it's safe to do so. Your only challenge is finding the best vantage point to take in this island's dreamy vistas.

Continue reading for Santorini’s highest-rated flexible vacation homes, according to global travelers.

Ikia Kriton

Have a glass of wine with a surreal Aegean Sea backdrop at Ikia Kriton

This old stone house is built into the cliffs on the edge of Santorini’s caldera, a crater that was partially submerged by the Aegean Sea after a volcanic eruption about 3,600 years ago. Views out onto this half-moon-shaped bay are highly sought after, and hundreds of thousands of visitors come each year to witness the soulful sunsets over whitewashed villages, a cobalt blue-sea, and maroon cliffs. The unblemished panorama of the island from this house’s broad terrace is a valuable asset and a heavenly spot for an early morning coffee or a night cap brought to you by welcoming hosts Kriton and Eirini, a mother and son duo.

Anemi House & Villas

The infinitely-instagrammable color palette of Anemi House & Villas

A traditional Santorini cave house painted pink, lilac, and blue, Anemi House & Villas is as photogenic as the caldera itself. It’s laid out like a rabbit warren, with gray stone stairs and private pockets of terrace punctuated by a plunge pool. Shaded by olive and palm trees beside overflowing flower pots, you’ll have a wide choice of places to enjoy a glass of wine in the evening sun. The house has everything you could ever want on vacation: An attentive but unobtrusive owner, Dimitris, beautiful monochrome suites varying from bright white to royal blue and hot pink, 360-degree views of the island from the rooftop, outdoor hot tubs, and lots of local markets.

Azalea Houses

Azalea is an 18th-century winemaker's house with peach-colored brick walls

A restored, 18th-century winemaker’s house with mud brick walls, Azalea Houses is authentically and traditionally Greek. At the same time, it’s the height of luxury with a minimalist aesthetic. The curved, peach-colored exterior creates a glorious color palette against the blue of the sea and sky. Walk to the nearby and famously pretty town of Oia, or find a private corner of the terrace while reading a book in a hammock shaded by fuchsia flowers.

Solstice Luxury Suites

Solstice Luxury Suites's rooftop pool is the perfect setting for drinks after dark

This whitewashed, cliffside Santorini villa is a masterpiece of minimalist design and Greek island appeal. The suites are all smooth lines and white linen, and the terrace has views of nothing but deep blue sea from the box-like rooftop swimming pool. Be sure to enjoy a drink here after dark, when it’s lit up with cacti planted around it like abstract sculptures. Additional perks include private hot tubs and a wonderfully hospitable staff led by Hercules and Nikos.

Cleo's Dream Villa

Cleo's Dream Villa is situated just below Santorini's famous blue-domed church

Beneath this cliffside villa, greenery flourishes in the fertile, volcanic soil and leads down to the sea, while above it you can see Santorini’s famous blue-domed church, the Three Bells of Fira. Its location is right in middle of the beautiful town of Oía, though it’s so quiet you wouldn’t know it. It’s also close to the beach, so you’ll be able to choose whether to relax in a private hot tub, rooftop pool, or a white sandy cove. The rooms themselves are decorated in soothing beige, gray, and rose pink, and open up to the terrace with deck chairs and a sweeping view of the caldera.

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Hoi An is among most romantic destinations in the world: Time Out

 Time Out - a global magazine specializing in food, travel and culture - has recently published a list of the most romantic destinations in the world.

From island paradises to charming cities or vibrant towns, the editors of the prestigious travel magazine Time Out selected 21 of the most romantic destinations in the world for couples. 

The lantern-lined old streets are the ideal destination for a stroll in the sunset. According to Time Out, I’m Hoi An, travellers will be "back to the past" seeing the architecture and simple life of the people here. "Letting your soul" drift with the water when traveling on wooden boats is a way for couples to "extend" their romantic dreams in Hoi An.

Other places include:

Montreal, Canada

Herzegovina

Venice, Italy

Marrakech, Morocco

Kyoto, Japan

Prague, Czech Republic

Zanzibar

Niagara Falls, Canada/USA

Iceland

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Do-it-yourself travel emerges as a new normal trend in VN

 As tourism recovers in the new normal after the lifting of pandemic- related restrictions, self-organised tours bypassing travel agency services have emerged as a rising trend, a local report says.

Da Lat in the Central Highlands, a destination favoured by both domestic and international travellers. — Photo courtesy of sggp.org.vn

Compared to last year, the number of people travelling during the Lunar New Year holidays has dramatically increased and among them, a marked trend can be seen towards self-organised tours, according to the Sài Gòn Giải Phóng (Liberated Sài Gòn) newspaper.

Nguyen Quoc Thai of Go Vap District in HCM City said that he returned recently to HCM City after a three-day spring trip to Da Lat City.

Since he booked all services in advance, his family and friends were able to enjoy the city and the trip with great convenience.

“The trip was fun, though many people chose Da Lat as their holiday destination. The entire cost of accommodation and travel by coach for three days and two nights from HCM City to Da Lat City was around VND5 million per person,” Thai said.

Due to the pandemic, tours to Phu Quoc, Da Lat, Nha Trang and provinces in the North are being favoured, said Hoang Thi Lanh of District 3, who planned and took her recent trip on her own.

“I booked everything myself and was happy with all discounts I got. If we want to know how good or bad certain services are, they should look for feedback from previous tourists via the social media,” she said.

Travel agencies have acknowledged that tech-savvy tourists are bypassing their services and enjoying doing things on their own.

“I have planned several trips this year, despite the pandemic complications. Travel has always been my hobby as it is endlessly inspiring. Even though 2022 is going to be tough, I will try to adapt and live peacefully with the new normal.” Anh Tu of District 2 told Việt Nam News.

He said that compared to a few years ago, self-organized travel has experienced some changes in terms of travellers needing to be more aware of their health status and being flexible with their schedules.

“I am more comfortable traveling with people that I know and discuss with if changes must be made. Traditional travel does not give me the feeling of security in terms of health. I try to prepare back up plans for every trip,” Tu said.

The self-organized travel trend is also thriving in other countries, facilitated by online travel platforms.

According to a study by Google and Temasek, the online travel industry in Southeast Asia has grown rapidly, estimated to reach US$90 billion by 2025. For Vietnam, the corresponding figure is US$9 billion. 

Specialised, high-end tours

With the tourism sector going through drastic changes happening rapidly, travel agencies have been forced to innovate, not only to survive complications of the COVID-19 pandemic, but also to adapt to the new normal.

Compared to last year, the number of people travelling during the Lunar New Year holidays has dramatically increased. — VNS Photo An Phuong

This has turned their focus to high-end tourism services that are now being organized by leading travel agencies like Saigontourist, Vietravel, Fiditour - Vietluxtour and TST Tourist.

Since these are pricey affairs, typical clients of the high-end tours are leaders of large corporations and businesses.

Each tour can cost several dozen million dong per day, depending on tourists’ requirements.

“Since the high-end tour line brings good revenue, our business has been able to survive during the pandemic. We have realized that organisation of specialised tours for loyal customers who have been with the company for decades is necessary,” said the representative of a travel agency

Tran The Dung, general director of Fiditour Travel - Vietluxtour, said that tourists nowadays want to relax physically and mentally in a safe environment and are looking for trips that can meet their their personal and specialised needs. 

Since the end of 2019, the company has focused on the high-end customer segment, providing comprehensive services, covering plane and car travel, hotels (four to five stars), restaurants and tour guides.

Vietnam is known for beautiful beaches attracting many independent travellers every summer. — VNS Photo An Phuong

Premium tours incorporate a streamlined sightseeing programme and refined services, Dung said.

“We have built multiple successful tourism products based on specific tourist preferences,” Dung added.

Lai Minh Duy, general director of TST Tourist, said paying careful attention to customers’ needs was the secret that keeps the company going in the challenging time.

TST Tourist has come up with leisurely tours that give customers more time to experience each destination, instead of the traditional sightseeing schedules that are packed with activities and destinations.

A Saigontourist Travel official said traditional tourism still has its own charm among “mature” tourists, especially those without much time to plan tours on their own.

Experts have stressed the need for the tourism industry to be ready to meet new challenges in providing better services for both domestic and international tourists.

They’ve said that this includes identifying and adapting to new travel trends and finding a role to play in most of them.

Source: Vietnam News

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A trip to Green Island in Binh Dinh province

 

The best time to visit Cu Lao Xanh (Green Island) in the south-central province of Binh Dinh, is from March to the end of summer. The island attracts much interest from visitors thanks to its pristine natural beauty and the over 100-year-old lighthouse.

The island is 9km from Xuan Dai Bay, a famous tourist site in Phu Yen province, and 24km from from Quy Nhon City. Covering an area of 365 hectares, tourists only need to spend one day exploring the island. However, many visitors decide to stay overnight at local homestays or camps along the beach to fully enjoy their trip to the island. The perfect travel itinerary to explore the best parts of Cu Lao Xanh is visiting the east side of the island in the morning, and the south in the evening. The first stop in the morning is the light house, which is aged more than a century. Standing at a height of 119m above sea level, its light can reach as far as 50km, the lighthouse significantly contributes to navigating local fishing boats. It is also a perfect place for vacationers to admire the sunrise on Cu Lao Xanh as it is thefirst place to receive the sun’s rays early in the day. Near the lighthouse is the Thao Nguyen reef, where visitors can try rowing basket boats or go snorkelling to view the stunning coral reefs. In the evening, let’s head to the south part of the island, which is the most populated area in Cu Lao Xanh. Visitors can find abundant menus full of fresh seafood at local restaurants, refuelling their energy after a long day.

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Con Dao Island - The Hidden Paradise Of Vietnam

 Once you’ve stepped ashore on any of the Con Dao Islands you’d be hard pushed to imagine that this stunning, secluded island paradise could have once been hell on earth. Con Dao Islands are one of the star attractions in Vietnam. Long the Devil’s Island of Indochina, the preserve of political prisoners and undesirables, this place is now turning heads thanks to its striking natural beauty.

Con Dao is not only attract tourists thanks to its natural beauty, but also because of all the historical impression. Con Dao is developing but still not lose the pristine and mysterious beauty. Especially environment here is still fresh, clean and beautiful with white sand and blue sea.

Con Dao is an deep-sea archipelago of Ba Ria - Vung Tau and also known as Con Lon and Con Son. This is the biggest island in the region and consists of 16 large and small islands. Referring to Con Dao, people often think of hard prisons along with historic Vestige. So many people seem to forget the natural landscapes here are beautifully serene beaches, coral reefs and rich flora and fauna secret forests. The island was prestigious travel magazine Lonely Planet World Con Dao voted as one of the 10 mysterious and romantic islands in the world.

With about 285 species of plants and more than 100 species of birds, mammals such as ducula bicolor, salangnes nest, cheloniidae, eretmochelys,... Con Dao is bestowed a perfect beauty with blue sea and white sandy beaches with calm weather all year round. Con Dao people believe that it's because the God made good Con Dao after all suffering that this country has experienced in its history.

Con Dao is pretty small so walking or biking is ideal just for sightseeing just relaxing in a quiet peaceful atmosphere. You will be ecstatic by the magnificent beauty of the Trau Lagoon with creamy sand dunes stretches at the foot of the imposing cliffs. Easily admiring the sight makes you forget any concerns, sorrows of life.

Exploring the poetic Bay Canh Islet. Whole island is covered with lush primeval forest. Each year there are hundreds of turtles come to lay their eggs on Bay Canh islet with a homogeneous number in Vietnam. You can enjoy swimming, playing with friends on the sandy beach or watching the turtles lay their eggs. Snorkeling is also one of the pastimes attracts a lot of tourists, because there is nowhere possesses the rich coral carpet diverse as much as Bay Canh Isle (many species on the Red Book of Vietnam).

You should try the specialty ketapang fruit- in your Con Dao trip. Its aromatic, greasy flavor, mixed with saltiness of salt, sweetness of sugar are really suitable for sipping with friends. In addition, Seafood in Con Dao is also very fresh. Con Dao's specialties are red grouper, white fish meat. Also you can enjoy lopster, slipper lopster . lobster and slipper lobster. Restaurants in Con Dao are relatively the same prices, therefore needn't to choose more. 
Con Dao trip also bring spiritual meaning, leading up to root. Because this is a land where martyr Vo Thi Sau and many champions sacrificed, along with the historic sites, Con Dao prison system during the war.

Con Dao is the choice for those who want to forage about peace in wonderful nature and at the same time fathom historical value. Travelling to Con Dao- an archipelago located in the southeast of Vietnam's waters - is an ideal hint for a perfect Vietnam holiday.

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The Snowdon Mountain Railway will take you to new heights this spring

There are a many railway trips that make for wonderful UK experiences, from the Fort William to Mallaig line in the Scottish Highlands to Yorkshire’s Pickering to Whitby route, but North Wales is home to one that's really worth adding to your bucket list.

The Snowdon Mountain Railway takes you up Mount Snowdon to enjoy some of the most incredible views in Britain. Since 1896, it’s been lifting passengers 1,085 metres above sea level for a relaxing ride up England and Wales’ highest peak.

The summit of Mount Snowdon
SNOWDON MOUNTAIN RAILWAY

Departing from Llanberis, the train pushes carriages across Victorian viaducts, passing over the beautiful Afon Hwch River, where you’ll spot the Ceunant Mawr Waterfall plunging into the gorge below.

Your first glimpse of Snowdon’s distant summit comes next as you emerge into open plains, where you’ll witness it poking above the mountain ridge to your right. On both sides, there are the remains of stone cottages that once housed the farming families who worked the land here.

AIRBNB

Keep an eye out for some of Snowdonia’s incredible plant and wildlife, too. Alpine meadow-grass, Alpine saxifrage, Alpine woodsia and Alpine cinquefoil are all native to the area, as well as birds and mammals like the peregrine falcon, meadow pipit, ravens, goats, otters and polecats.

Climbing higher, the views become even more breathtaking. As you reach Halfway Station, you'll see walkers down on the Llanberis Path to the right and the mountain Moel Cynghorion rising on the far side of the valley.


SNOWDON MOUNTAIN RAILWAY

People and cars become remote specks of the vast Rocky Valley, where the dramatic landscape is littered with rocks and you’ll approach Clogwyn Station, which overlooks Llanberis Pass and the cliffs of Clogwyn Du’r Arddu.

From the summit of Mount Snowdon, you'll catch a breathtaking view and on a clear day, you might even see as far as Ireland.

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