Why you should make your autumn escape to Croatia

Article by Jess    No Comments

The leaves are falling, and the mornings are now well beyond crisp. Autumn has definitely arrived. To me, the change of season seemed to come all of a sudden, and now I feel out of sync. I’m not ready for bonfires and conkers – I’m still craving festivals, picnics, and European breaks.

I may as well forget about the picnics and festivals, but at least I can console myself with the knowledge that autumn is actually a better time than summer to travel in some parts of Europe. Top autumn destinations include Turkey and Cyprus. But I reckon that Croatia Holidays are better still in autumn. And here’s why:

1. Bagging a bargain

You can get good deals on cheap flights once summer’s over, and great bargains on accommodation in Croatia, too.

2. Loving the sun

Climate-wise, autumn in Croatia can be kind of perfect, especially if you aim for its Adriatic coast, where a mild Mediterranean mood prevails. Whether your destination is Dubrovnik or Pula, at opposite ends of that coast, you can expect bright days and pleasant highs of around 20°C in October, without the sweat and sunburn of the high season, which leads me to…

3. Getting active

Sailing, sea-kayaking, white-water-rafting, kite-surfing, windsurfing, mountaineering…. Croatia’s coasts, rivers and national parks are top spots for all these pursuits, plus gentle rambling and cycling too. But try these under Croatia’s sweltering August sun, and you’ll soon be wishing you’d opted for the milder days of October.

4. Swimming

I won’t lie to you – sea temperatures do drop in Croatia come autumn. But in southern Dalmatia, around the coastal town of Split, it is still warm enough to swim in October. The crowds have done home, too, making the beaches all the more lovely. Try swimming off the coast of one of Dalmatia’s 1000-plus islands, or take a dip in the inland sea on unspoilt Mljet.

5. Going inland

October’s a great time to head inland to Zagreb, when the buzz of this city (Croatia’s biggest) is heightened during its film festival. Or head to the country for a one-off culinary experience in October – Istrian Truffle Days at Livade, near Motovun, are a brilliant way to sample this sought-after luxury food, without the high price tag you’ll find in France and Italy.