My travel choices in 2024 (part 1)
Exploring Croatian Islands Beyond the Crowds
Please hit the 🧡 button and leave a comment if you enjoy this article to help others find it. Thank you!
Although I don’t consider myself an extremely active traveler, every year I try to fill my calendar with as much travel as possible, and 2024 was an exciting one. It was full of new sights and ticking off bucket-list sites, of solo, coupled and group unforgettable adventures. I’ve become a pro at squeezing travel into weekends and holidays.
I have to say that travel for me is not about counting cities and countries – it’s about learning, growing, and connecting with the world in a way that keeps my curiosity alive.
Here’s a look at how my 2024 unrolled and how each trip brought its own unique story and lessons, reminding me why I love exploring Europe and, my home, Croatia.
I had to split this post into 4 parts because when I started adding photos, I realized my plan wasn’t sustainable. Read more:
Croatian islands off-season
Why off-season? Two main reasons: my fair complexion bans me from staying too long in the scorching Croatian sun in July and August, and I hate seasonal crowds. Off-season, these islands are like a paradise.
Are there any disadvantages? Of course. It’s very hard to find accommodation in winter months, or even restaurants, and the available ferry lines are limited.
What’s in the post?
Mljet Island
Pag Island
Cres Island
Lošinj Island
1) Mljet Island (January)
My significant other and I enjoy the nature of these islands off-season, and we decided to kick off the new year with Mljet in January. We spent the New Year’s Eve on the island. Look at the wonderful weather…
What did we do on an empty island? We went hiking every day, enjoying the sights, sounds and smells. I only have sights to share.
Mljet island is a green island, with forests in Mljet National Park covering more than 90% of its total area. Ancient Greeks called the island Melita/honey which over the centuries evolved to become the Slavic name of Mljet.
Mljet is a mythical island and is said that both St Paul and Odysseus shipwrecked on it.
2) Pag Island (April)
This was again a “coupled” weekend trip, and it was just before the start of the early season. Pag island is closer to Zagreb, which is why we chose it this time.
Besides having a salt pan and a long history of extracting salt from the sea, Pag also attracts visitors with its “Moon Surface”.
3) Islands of Cres and Lošinj (May)
Another “coupled” weekend trip. Cres and Lošinj have been connected by a bridge since the ancient Romans created the canal and split one island into two. The weather was perfect, and there were almost no tourists. We spent our time driving around both islands, visiting Apoxyomenos and endangered griffons, soaking up the sun and taking in all the sounds. As you can see, I like taking pictures of flowers, plants and clouds.
To be continued…
And one last thing - this publication will stay free forever, but if you feel I deserve a cup of matcha 🍵 here and there, then please buy me some - the next drink’s on me! ☕
MORE INTERESTING SIGHTS:
Wine museum, London, Picasso’s birthplace and so much more…
Plus, my “2025 Calendar: 12 Countries in 12 Months” is a gift for my free subscribers, so go and get your inspiration:
Stunning photos!
Beautiful! I can’t wait to visit Croatia one day 🤩