If you have been itching for a European vacation but you’re not sure where to go, look no further than the Adriatic Sea. This lesser-known sea of southern Europe is a hidden gem bursting with opportunity.
Below are some tips on how the get the most out of your vacation in the Adriatic Sea.
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Book A Meal On The Beach
One of the best things about a beach vacation is enjoying a nice, long meal and watching the sun go down. If you are going to multiple locations on your trip to the Adriatic Sea, make sure to ask the locals for the best restaurants on the waterfront.
Eating at a local restaurant on the beach will allow you to eat the freshest seafood and enjoy authentic recipes from locals who have probably been making their dishes the same way for years and years.
After your meal, you can walk up and down the beach and dip your feet in the water.
Enjoy The Culture
The Adriatic Sea is bursting with quaint beach towns and historic cities like Dubrovnik, Split, and even Venice in the North. If you are planning on going to this area for vacation, arrange for a few days in one or more of these places.
Venice is known worldwide as one of the most unique cities in Europe with its endless canals and hundreds of years of history. An overnight trip there would be a perfect way to start your Adriatic adventure.
Dubrovnik and Split, both on the West coast of Croatia, offer stunning views of the water. Dubrovnik is so stunning that HBO filmed many seasons of the hit show Game of Thrones on location there. Pula, which is a city in Northern Croatia, is home to an ancient Roman amphitheater that today is used as a concert venue.
Take some time on your trip to enjoy the culture in each of these places. Walk the cobbled streets and appreciate the paths that people have trodden for hundreds if not thousands of years.
Get Out On The Water
The best way to enjoy the Adriatic Sea is to be on the water. The great thing about this region is that although it is well-known, it is still less busy than the Mediterranean or the Aegean Sea, so the water won’t be as crowded. With the growth of sailing holidays in Croatia, numerous companies now offer charters that cater to a range of preferences, from brief afternoon cruises to extensive multi-day journeys. Whatever kind of cruise you are looking for, you will find it on the Adriatic Sea.
Another great way to enjoy the waves is to rent a paddleboard or a kayak and float around. Make sure to gaze through the crystal-clear water to see the abundance of sea creatures that live below.
Sample The Seaside Cuisine
This body of water is sandwiched between Italy and Croatia, so you are bound to find incredible food all along the coast. The East Coast of Italy is known for a variety of foods from the regions of Marche, Abruzzo, Molise, and Apulia.
Each region up and down the coast has its own unique culinary traditions from stuffed olives to minestrone, but the most important ingredients near the water are the fish and seafood. Freshly caught mussels, swordfish, and tuna are just some of the delicious seafood you can enjoy paired with a local wine from the region you are visiting.
Hop over to the Croatian side and you will find even more fresh seafood as well as their own spin on coastal cuisine. One popular dish is called Peka and it is made with a variety of local ingredients like octopus, lamb, chicken, or a locally caught fish mixed with potatoes and slow-roasted in a covered cast-iron pot and covered in coals.
Like Italy, Croatia is known for its wine. Wine has been produced in the region since the times of ancient Greece, so make sure to sample this historic beverage with each meal.
Pencil In A Little Roadtrip
It is relatively easy to rent a car in Italy and Croatia and it is a great way to get around. If you have a few days, a road trip around the northern tip of the Adriatic Sea from Italy, through Slovenia, and into Croatia will offer breathtaking views of the coast.
The perk of driving around the coast is that if you see something interesting, you can stop and look at it. The car gives you the freedom to do what you want during the trip and see what you want to see.
The Adriatic Sea is full of surprises and adventure that will surely keep you entertained for the duration of your stay. Whether it’s eating the local cuisine or going on a sailing cruise, your dream vacation is within reach!
