My Travel Blog to Croatia
Departing from Birmingham on an early morning flight we decided to have a airport hotel for the night making things easier in the morning. With Jet2 they offer a twilight check in, so we checked our luggage in the night before with no queues, leaving us with hand luggage and a small overnight bag. In the morning this was perfect as we got to the airport and literally went through to security. Saying that on this morning, there wasn’t much queuing at check in anyway. Security took 40 minutes and before we knew it, we were boarding. The Flight was on time, and we were off. Jet2 cabin crew were very good and the aircraft also good. We landed in a split on time and collected our luggage right away. We were met by Jet2 ground crew who quickly showed us the way to our driver for our private car transfer. The journey was seamless, and the car transport was very comfortable.
The hotel Horizont was perfectly clean and a good 4 star, the cleaning staff worked hard and were brilliant with fresh bedding and towels every 3rd day if I remember rightly and the rooms were spotless, and the beds were comfortable and had a fridge. The staff throughout the hotel were pleasant but not over friendly however having been to Croatia before, this is their manner. We were on a breakfast basis and the food was varied. Plenty of continental and fruits and cooked if desired, all very fresh and buffet style. The pool areas were clean, and the spa and gym also however didn’t use the pool as the sea was much more inviting! The girls and I had a 30min back massage and i have to say it was very good, a male masseuse and he knew his stuff and was around 25.00. As the holiday went on the hotel remained spotless and the staff were helpful when we asked them questions. My only disappointment was the spa facilities. The hydro pool jets did not work and when I asked, they told me they hadn’t worked in 4-5 years! however they advertise as being one of the best spas in Croatia! This was a disappointing as I really wanted to use the hydro pool often. The spa itself was very lovely but given how large the hydro was and took up lots of room you would have thought they would have fixed it by now. I didn’t use the saunas, but they had at least 6-8 different ones on offer.
Baska Voda Resort was unchanged since the last time we visited back in 2014 which was pleasing as it was lovely then. Very traditional, popular with Croatians on holiday and nationalities from Poland, Austria, Swiss and Germany. As before there wasn’t many English however most staff speak good English as the Croatian language is not easy to learn in 12 days.
Croatian food is superb with many seafood options and great for vegetarians or vegans and pescatarians! If you like pizza and pasta too, there was a massive Italian influence. We ate seafood pretty much daily, catch of the day, scampi- (langoustines) Tuna steak, Seabass, White fish, mussels, and lobster! We were in heaven! If you are a meat eater, I would say more limiting, chicken is a favourite on the menu as is steak and veal, but that’s about it. Plenty of salad options and sharing plates.
The sea, of course is a big draw and the beaches can be busy however the area we went to most days was quiet in noise considering the number of people. The sea was crystal clear and refreshing. This isn’t a sandy beach it is pure pebbles so wore beach shoes which we’re a problem at all, however The Croatians are a little more hardcore and didn’t need them! Sun beds were 50Kn per day and umbrellas 30kn - we bought foam beds and used these whilst there and were perfectly comfortable and convenient to carry too as very light (we were only 50m) from hotel anyway. These widely available and were 120Kn Inflatables were 150Kn There are many beach and souvenir shops and a range boutique clothing and jewellery shops to wander. Plenty of restaurants to choose from and a couple of supermarkets if self-catering. The staff in all the shops were very friendly and helpful. Although the supermarket staff seemed unfriendly or perhaps unhappy! ?? We visited the next resort along Makarska for the day and wandered around d the old town area and visited the daily market stalls and ate there. A very pleasant day out. From here you can catch the ferry to the island of Brac. A lovely island to visit (as we have been before) Baska Voda, is a multi-generation resort, lots of families, couples and groups of friends, always a lovely relaxed atmosphere and very safe! The nightlife is good with a couple of beach bars and one larger beach bar/Club offering cocktails, music, and DJ sets but all very relaxed and a great atmosphere for all ages. Baska Voda, offers boat trips, water sports such as jet ski, paddle boarding, Paragliding, inflatable rides, fishing trips, part- submarine adventure and island hopping too. It also offers, day trips involving buggies, River rafting and adventure tours into the mountains and national parks. It is a perfect location for a great family holiday wanting something a little ‘Non-English’. All Inclusive doesn’t really exist in this area however I know of a couple of hotels in different parts of Croatia now offering this but eating out is a big thing here and well worth it. It’s the most beautiful scenic area and great for walking and exploring. Car hire is not required however also a great option to see more of the country! This is the 4th time we have visited Croatia and it did not disappoint. We love this country and i can highly recommend it.
Currency – 100HRK = 12.00 GBP 500HRK = 61.00 GBP 1000HRK = 122.00 GBP 5000HRK = 610.00 GBP
Excursions - Rafting down Cetina River Plitvice lakes Boat trip to Brac Quad/Buggy tour Zipline https://splitoutdooradventure.com/quad-tours-from-split
Travelling to Croatia Travelling time -Flight 2.5 hours from UK Transfer time from split to Baska Voda- 1hr15mins in private car.
Cost of meals- Pizza- 55Kn Pasta - 80Kn Seabass fillet - 120kn Prawns in shells - 140kn Mussels- 80kn Lobster (for 2) - 900Kn Tomahawk steak for 2 = 380kn