Adam and I on our 10 day honeymoon in Croatia
* Please Note - Although this post is not sponsored, some links may be affiliate links *
Our Croatia Honeymoon
Croatia was never the original plan. When Adam and I first started planning our wedding in Italy and talking about where we could go for our honeymoon right after, Sardinia was the target destination. After a little bit of research though, we realized mid to late September was not the ideal time of year to go to Sardinia so instead we pivoted to Croatia. And what a great pivot it was!
By the time we made the switch though, we were only a month away from our wedding and since I was seriously deep in the trenches of planning our wedding, I left it in Adam’s court to plan our Croatia travel itinerary. We had 10 days to enjoy and explore as much of Croatia as possible, and other than me requesting a few days to just chill and recharge directly following the wedding, our main goals were to experience some Croatia sailing, visit Dubrovnik and eat as much delicious traditional Croatian cuisine as we could.
Our 10 Day Croatia Itinerary
Following our wedding in Italy Adam and I were mentally and physically exhausted. Not only had we organized three days of wedding celebrations in Tuscany, but we met up with friends for a whirlwind weekend in Florence beforehand. We were desperate for a recharge. Adam’s itinerary had us flying from Rome to Split before catching a ferry to Hvar where we would be staying for the first 3 days and 3 nights of our Croatia honeymoon.
Along the edge of Vinogradišće bay is where you will find Zori Timeless Hotel and Restaurant Hvar
Our Luxury Boutique Hotel in Hvar
Our first accommodation in Croatia would be a boutique hotel in Hvar called Zori Timeless Hotel and Restaurant. A 5-star accommodation in Hvar, Zori is a beachfront property with 4 residences/villas, each with their own outdoor swimming pool. Each of the residences come with all the luxury fixings you would imagine with a 5 start property including air-conditioning, large wardrobes, a coffee machine, a fridge, a minibar, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV, a terrace and a private bathroom with a shower. In additional to great room amenities the hotel also has a small fitness centre but more importantly features one of the best restaurants in Hvar! Palmizana Beach as well as Laganini beach club (one of the best beach clubs in Hvar during the summer season) can also be found a stones throw away.
The ‘Cloud Residence” at Zori Timeless Hotel and Restaurant is a one bedroom suite with a large terrace and rooftop Jacuzzi pool
While at Zori, Adam had booked for us to stay in the ‘Cloud Residence’ which featured a one bedroom suite with two swimming pools and a wide-open terrace overlooking Vinogradišće bay. Our beautiful rooftop pool with Jacuzzi provided stunning views of the bay and became our favourite spot to chill, drink and relax. Adam had also organized a half board stay with our accommodations which meant that not only was breakfast and dinner included with our room but so was all the non alcoholic beverages in our room and at the restaurant. The room itself was beautiful, spacious and modern. The atmosphere was so relaxing and just what we needed to recharge our batteries. Upon check in, we found a beautiful bottle of Chandon and some freshly baked cookies in our room, a gift from the hotel to help us kick off our honeymoon. A great touch if you ask me!
Over the course of three days Adam and I feasted at Zori Retaurant. Known for being one of the best restaurants in Hvar, the restaurant itself is a destination. It wasn’t uncommon for small boats of people to arrive just to dine there for dinner and no wonder, the food was fantastic! The best we had on the island in fact! The menu was full of delicious fresh seafood and creative interpretations to otherwise classic dishes and there was always a cocktail that paired perfectly with whatever you were craving.
FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM @ISTHATSOH
Breakfast is served! The food at restaurant Zori is so good!
During our stay at Zori, we had a member of staff (Mr. Martin) looking after us exclusively. He would organize activities for us, recommend us dishes based on our like and preferences, and made sure we were have the best stay possible. No little detail was overlooked and Mr. Martin made sure we never left a meal hungry or wanting for anything. He also made notes of what we enjoyed the most (like a whole grilled fish for me at dinner) so he could make sure the kitchen always had one available for me.
The next day Adam and I got up early, had a full breakfast before heading out for a casual hike. Mr. Martin had told us about a rugged walking path that takes you into several bays from which you can swim or admire the view.
Adam and I on our hike
Desperately in need of a some exercise after weeks of excessive drinking and eating, Adam and I packed a bag and headed out on a little adventure. In reality the hike was more of an hour and a half trail walk. It did take us to some pretty amazing bays with the most beautiful aquamarine waters though where we could dive in and enjoy a swim (just watch out for the sea urchins)!
Laganini beach club (one of the best beach clubs in Hvar) and Palmizana Beach are so close to the hotel, you can see it from the terrace of our one bedroom suite at Zori Timeless Hotel
Feeling pretty good after getting in some exercise Adam and I headed to Palazana beach beside the hotel with a pitcher of Carona’s tucked under our arm to enjoy a swim and spend the rest of the afternoon baking under the Croatian sun.
On our third and last full day at Zori, Adam and I were determined to soak up all the luxury. From here on out, we would be ‘roughing it’ in comparison to the lavishness we experienced at Zori, so we made sure to make the most of our last day. Mr Martin had helped us to arrange an in room massage so after breakfast, Adam and I went out for a quick walk in the opposite direction of where we hiked yesterday to check out Palmazana Marina, before returning to our room for our 90 minute massages.
Our lovely therapist ready to pamper us with a 90 minute in room massage
More photos from our time at Zori Timeless
ENJOYING THIS BLOG POST? CHECK OUT THESE OTHER TRAVEL POSTS!
Sad to leave but looking forward to our upcoming sailing adventure, Adam and I headed to Hvar to catch our ferry to Dubrovnik. Since we didn’t have time for breakfast, Mr Martin actually packed us some sandwiches to take on the ferry! Such a thoughtful sendoff!
Upon arriving in Dubrovnik, we went straight to the docks to board the catamaran we would be sailing on for the next couple days.
While planning our honeymoon in Croiatia, Adam found a Croatia Sailing Charter company that offered individual cabin rentals (as oppose to entire boats) and a variety of tours ranging in length, departure destinations and excursion offerings. Adam had booked a 4 day Croatia sailing holiday for us which would take us to varies elephiti islands and towns including Sipan, Polace on Mljet island, and Broce and Ston in the Peljesac Peninsula. During our 4 day sailing itinerary we would have opportunities to swim, stand up paddle board, snorkel, cycle and go hiking. In the evenings we would be docking in small towns where we had the convenience of buying snacks and drinks from the market for the next days sailing.
Sailing to Sipanska Luka, Sipan
Once settled into our nice and clean cabin, we headed to the upper decks and got aquatinted with the crew and other guests. Unfortunately there wasn’t much wind so we couldn’t do any sailing but we did make a pit stop for a swim in a little cove on the way to our first island.
That evening we would be docking in Sipan, a small inhabited island 17km north west of Dubrovnik. The crew had arranged a reservation for dinner for all of the guest which made settling in for the evening quite effortless.
Sailing to Polace Village on Mljet Island
On day two of our Croatia sailing holiday we departed Sipan early and heading towards Mljet Island. In no rush, we ended up stopped in Prožurska Luka (a small bay and village on the northern shores of Mljet island) to swim, paddle board and explore the surrounding before continuing on. After about an hour of motoring, we finally arrived at our destination, Polace village on Mljet island. Not only would we be docking here overnight but our skipper and guide had organized an e-bike excursion for us to explore Mljet’s National Park on the northwest part of the island.
Mljet National Park is a large park that surrounds two saltwater lakes – Veliko (the larger late) and Malo Jezero (the smaller lake). The lakes stretch 4 kilometers and there is a great biking/walking path around them that you can cycle on. While cycling, as you look out into the middle of the lake you will also see a small island, Melita (Sveta Marija) with a large building (formally a Benedictine monastery erected in the 12th century). Today, a café/restaurant occupy the building and visitors to the national park can jump on a boat (included with your 15 Euro entrance fee) to pay it a visit.
Dinner that night was at another restaurant arranged by our skipper, called Konoba Antika. The food was phenomenal, plentiful, and typical of traditional Croatian dishes. Adam and I ordered the squid ink risotto and their signature octopus dish, cooked in a covered ban under hot coals with veggies! It was so good!
NOTE* Konoba Antika does not take credit cards so bring cash!
Sailing to Sipanska Luka, Sipan
Finally, on our last full day on the catamaran, we had some strong enough winds to put up the sails! Originally the plan was to head to Peljesac peninsula for some fresh oysters but given there was a big storm heading our way, our captain decided it head back to Sipan to dock and take refuge.
Between rainstorms Adam and I did manage to go on a short hike in which brought us to a beautiful olive tree grove above the town of Sipanska Luka. Sweaty from both the exercise and humidity we headed to the beach bar for a quick swim before another huge storm rolled in for the night.
Sailing to Lopud Island and Dubrovnik
The next day we departed Sipan early and headed to Lopud, the last stop in our catamaran sailing adventure.
Lopud Island Restaurants
Since we only had an hour and a half to check out the island, Adam and I walked the main esplanade before settling down for a bite at Obala. This family owned waterfront restaurant offers stunning views of the bay and delicious traditional Croatian dishes. I think they knew we were coming because the first thing they did once we sat down was show us a platter of fresh fish. Even though they didn’t have my favourite Scorpion fish, they did have a large Turbot which Adam and I had heard of and had been meaning to try. The food here was delicious and Adam said it was his favourite meal next of this whole sailing portion of our trip, next to Konoba Antika.
Next Stop: Dubrovnik!
Accommodations in Dubrovnik
Adam and I were so excited to explore the old town in Dubrovnik. We were both really into the Game of Thrones series when it was on TV so we were excited to see what ‘kings landing’ in real life was like. Our accommodations in Dubrovnik was actually a short term apartment rental above the old town of Dubrovnik. The owner greeted us at the door and helped us with our bags. He gave us fresh towels, a map and a couple welcome beer to enjoy on the patio. The view from our apartment is what sold us. It was maybe an 8 minute walk into old town but it was perched so high on the hill that it offered spectacular views of the old town.
Eager to experience the old town of Dubrovnik, Adam and I quickly showered, got ready and made our way down towards the town. On the path that led down to the town from our Airbnb we came across so many ornate, beautiful doors! I loved all the different designs and entrance ways and I had to stop and take a few pictures of my favourites. Once in old town we quickly learned that Old Town Dubrovnik is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world! Even at night the old town is packed with people and finding a good restaurant to eat at without a reservation or massive line was difficult.
Restaurants in Old Town Dubrovnik
After a few failed attempts, we eventually settled in at a small sushi restaurant called Mediteraneo Sushi and Seafood, before grabbing some ice cream at Aroma and calling it a night.
The next day Adam and I got up early and made our way back to old town as things just started to open. Hoping to beat the tour buses and swathes of people that came with them, Adam and I spent a good part of the morning walking the wall around the whole town where you got to experience spectacular views of the walled city.
Walking the walls of Dubrovnik is one of the most popular tourist activities you can do while in Croatia. The wall is visited by more than 1.2 million visitors a year and spans nearly 2 kilometers around the town which took us close to an hour and a half to walk. There is an admission fee to walk the walls of Dubrovnik which cost 35 Euro per adult in peak season (March to October) and can be purchased at the entrance of the wall.
After walking the wall Adam and I were feeling hungry. We had plans to go to this specific restaurant for lunch but since it wasn’t open yet we snacked on Burek from Milnar and fruit from a local market* we found while wondering around old town.
*I later found out that Gundulić Square Market operates six days a week starting at 7 am, selling all kinds of fruits and vegetables, souvenirs, liqueurs, flowers and cheese.
Lady Pipi in Old Town Dubrovnik, Croatia does not take reservations
Finally it was time for lunch! Adam and I headed up to the top of the walled city to Lady Pipi’s for some grilled fish and meats. We had tried to go here the night before but the line was too big and we knew we wouldn’t make it in before it closed. Instead of risking the line we decided to come back for lunch instead and beat the line by showing up 10 minutes before they open.
The food at Lady Pipi’s ended up being really good and actually fairly priced for ‘old town’ standards. It easily turned out to be one of our best meals while in Dubrovnik consisting of primarily grilled meats and seafood.
After lunch Adam and I headed to Buza Bar for a drink! Located not the side of a cliff and only accessible through a hole in the wall, Buza bar is a great spot to escape the crowds and enjoy views of the Adriatic. Adam and I stayed here for a couple hours talking over cocktails and a bottle of wine while occasionally stopping to people watch.
After a couple hours, another big storm began rolling in so Adam and I took the opportunity to head back the Airbnb for a quick refresh before dinner at Dalmatino Dubrovnik.
A Quick Trip to Lokrum Island
All things must eventually come to an end but before we headed to the airport, there was still one last thing Adam and I wanted to do, visit Lokrum Island.
Adam and I on the ferry to Lokrum Island
A quick 15-20 minute ferry ride from Dubrovnik’s old town harbour, Lokrum is home to a Benedictine monastery where you will find and can take picture with the famous Iron Throne, a sprawling botanical garden, and secluded salt lake. It is also home to about a bajillion peacocks which roam the island freely. Adam and I spent a few hours exploring the island, walking around and taking pictures. If we had more time we likely would have sat down at one of the cafe/restaurants on the island for a drink or went for a swim in the secluded salt late.
Note: The price of the round trip ferry ride plus entrance into the ‘Nature Reserve of Lokrum’ costs 27 Euro
Thank you so much for joining Adam and I on our honeymoon to Croatia. If you have any questions feel free to leave them in the comment section below, otherwise don’t forget to subscribe as I’ll be back with more travel content soon. Ciao for now!
- Soheila
PIN THIS POST
