Dubrovnik, Croatia

Romantic poet and expat extraordinaire, Lord Byron, called Dubrovnik the “Pearl of the Adriatic”, and we can’t help but agree. Located in Croatia’s extreme south, it remains one of the most popular tourist attractions on the Adriatic Sea. It would make a pretty good new place to live, too.

In 1979 the city was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it has been home to countless artists, poets, playwrights, philosophers and scholars throughout its history, making this gem of a city the ideal place to ponder the things that really matter in life. The Croatian language and its literature heritage also owe a lot to the inspiration that this city brings.

Despite its popularity as a tourist destination, under 50,000 people call the city a permanent home. And the climate here is predictably Mediterranean, which means mild winters and pleasant, sunny summers.

Notable events and places within the city include the Dubrovnik Summer Festival, when artists are given the keys to the city for entertaining the city’s guests with live plays, concerts and games. The historic arcitecture in the Old Town is majestic too. And there are many Mediterranean islands around the city which offer breathtaking hiking, views, and swimming in those clean, transparent waters of the Adriatic.

If you’re interested in traveling or moving to Dubrovnik, check out Croatia Online, a really helpful blog highlighting tips, undiscovered places and travel facts throughout the country.

Exploring the Beaches of Croatia

Dubovica Beach

Dubovica Beach is located on the island of Hvar, off of the Dalmation coast. It is a lagoon-shaped beach with white pebbles, back-dropped by lavender fields (which radiate the aroma of the flower). The overall area is quite humble and not commercialized. It is a great place for adults who want to relax, and not so much a family beach. It offers beautiful waters for swimming.

Milna

Milna is located on the island of Brac, and has four lagoon-shaped beaches. The backdrop consists of romantic wooded areas with pine trees, vineyards and orchards. They are also pebbled beaches with trees surrounded them. Swimming here is very pleasant.

Zlatni Rat Beach

Zlatni Rat Beach is located also on Brac Island. Its name translates as “Golden Horn.” It is a gorgeous, golden sandy beach that attracts many people and juts out into the water. People come here to swim and engage in various water sports. This beach also has a maleable shape and position, depending on wind and tide.

Lokrum Island

This island is accessible by boat from Dubrovnik, and it has a nude rock beach on the easternmost point of its premises. It is a natural resort that is under the protection of the Croatian Academy of Art and Science. The island has a botanical garden, as well as an accessible peak that has an old French fort and offers awesome views of the surrounding area. There is also an old monastery to walk to. In terms of beach activities, there is a small lake that goes into the open sea and has very still water, which is good for inexperienced swimmers.

Valalta

Valalta is a well-known Croatian nude beach, which is located by the town of Rovinj. Many people flock to Valalta for naturist camping and restaurants. There is a sandy beach, but it was installed by humans.

Koversada

Koversada is yet another Croatian nude beach, which is located in the same region as Valalta. It is one of the oldest naturist centers of Europe. The town itself is also very into the nudist culture, much more so than Valalta. There are both sandy beaches and pebble beaches, with many opportunities for swimming.

Learning the Social Customs of Croatia

Croats make up the majority of population in Croatia, but there are several other ethic groups, including Serbs, Hungarians and Roma. Most of the population is under the Roman Catholic religion, and the church tends to be influential in society. The church used to be repressed when this country was under Soviet rule, but has regained power ever since. Many Croats are loyal to Gospa, the virgin, and many towns throughout the country have shrines built to bless her.

Many Croats also have the tendency to be nationalist and proud of their country, calling it “Our Beautiful Homeland.” They have pride in their heritage and culture, and their nation, which has had to put up with many foreign invasions, occupations and control. Croats keep their culture very alive with various songs, folk tales, jewelery, costumes, dancing and rituals.

Croatia is a very family based society, even though nuclear family households are becoming the norm in the modern age. People are usually close with their extended families on their mother’s and father’s sides, and consider them a network of support. Weekends are often reserved for spending time with families.

In terms of greeting, the common gesture is a handshake, eye contact, and greeting for appropriate time of the day: “dobry jutro” for morning, “dobry dan” for afternoon, and “dobro veeer” for evening. It is a good idea to address people by their title and surname: “Gospodja” for Mrs, “Gospodice” for Miss, and “Gospodin” for Mr. Wait to be told to begin using first names. At parties, hosts usually introduce new people to guests. They will introduce then women and then the men, oldest first and youngest last.

If you are invited to a Croatian house, it is polite to give flowers to the hostess, and/or chocolate or wine to the host. Flowers should be in an odd number, and not chrysanthemums, because those are used for funerals.

Eating manners are not very formal in Croatia. People like to enjoy their food while having good conversations. However, if you are at someone’s house, you should definitely wait to be told where to sit, and wait for signals to begin eating. You should unfold your napkin and place it on your lap. You will likely be offered second helpings of food. It is standard to refuse them, and then take more after the host insists. If you are finished eating, you should leave a small amount of food on your plate.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Romantic poet and expat extraordinaire, Lord Byron, called Dubrovnik the “Pearl of the Adriatic”, and we can’t help but agree. Located in Croatia’s extreme south, it remains one of the most popular tourist attractions on the Adriatic Sea. It would make a pretty good new place to live, too.

In 1979 the city was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it has been home to countless artists, poets, playwrights, philosophers and scholars throughout its history, making this gem of a city the ideal place to ponder the things that really matter in life. The Croatian language and its literature heritage also owe a lot to the inspiration that this city brings.

Despite its popularity as a tourist destination, under 50,000 people call the city a permanent home. And the climate here is predictably Mediterranean, which means mild winters and pleasant, sunny summers.

Notable events and places within the city include the Dubrovnik Summer Festival, when artists are given the keys to the city for entertaining the city’s guests with live plays, concerts and games. The historic arcitecture in the Old Town is majestic too. And there are many Mediterranean islands around the city which offer breathtaking hiking, views, and swimming in those clean, transparent waters of the Adriatic.

If you’re interested in traveling or moving to Dubrovnik, check out Croatia Online, a really helpful blog highlighting tips, undiscovered places and travel facts throughout the country.