Eurotrip 2024: Croatia’s Coastal Magic (Not Necessarily in Order)
Okay, quick disclaimer before we get into this: these Eurotrip 2024 posts are not going to be chronological. My brain doesn’t work that way, and neither will this blog. I’m going to write about the countries we visited during our trip based on vibes, not timestamps. So let’s kick things off with a stunner—Croatia.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Split, Croatia
Dubrovnik: Where We Woke Up in a Whole New Country
Our first stop in Croatia was Dubrovnik, and what a dreamy arrival it was. After sailing through the night from Italy (yes, I’m still romanticizing this), we woke up to a whole new country on the horizon. There’s something wildly cool about falling asleep in one place and waking up docked somewhere completely new.
We hopped off the boat and grabbed some public transport to Old Town Dubrovnik, which is pretty much where all the action (and all the tourists) are. It’s that classic medieval walled city you’ve probably seen in Game of Thrones… more on that later.
The highlight here? Walking the perimeter of the city on top of the ancient stone walls. We got insane views of the terra-cotta rooftops, the Adriatic Sea, and the little labyrinth of alleyways below. It was hot, it was bright, it was beautiful.
Otok Lokrum: Dubrovnik’s Best Kept Secret
To escape the crowds, we caught a short ferry to Otok Lokrum, an island just offshore that felt like the world’s most peaceful nature park. We wandered through quiet forests, followed winding shoreline paths, and—this was the best part—discovered a tiny hidden swimming hole. It was serene, silent, and shockingly clear. Like, screensaver clear. 10/10 recommend.
The Game of Thrones Letdown
Now… about that Game of Thrones Museum. We were hyped. But uh, let’s just say it was more “Spirit Halloween” than “HBO Prestige.” Think: wax figures that felt like they were melting, costume recreations that looked like budget cosplay, and the general vibe of an abandoned theme park attraction. If you’re a hardcore fan, maybe you’ll get a chuckle—but I wouldn’t put this high on your to-do list.
Also, side note, I was still getting my sea legs around this point, and motion sickness would hit me like an unexpected plot twist. Definitely a buzzkill, but hey, the scenery made up for it.
Split: Sun-Drenched Vibes and Ancient Tunnels
Split was our last Croatian port, and it was the perfect way to wind things down. Another postcard-worthy coastal city, but with its own flavor.
The weather? Glorious. The sun was out, the skies were blue, and the water was this ridiculously rich cerulean color that I still dream about. It was like someone cranked the saturation up in real life. Between the deep marine blues of the sea and the warm terracotta and sandy tones of the city, the whole place just felt… cinematic.
We explored underground passageways and ancient stone buildings that made you feel like you were walking through a fantasy film set. Every turn had some crumbling archway or textured wall that was begging to be photographed (and of course, I did).
That’s it for now on Croatia—two cities, two vibes, both unforgettable. Up next: another country we visited somewhere along the way (no promises on order). Stay tuned for more European ramblings, recs, and regrets.
