alisa350

My husband and I are planning a last minute trip to Croatia for five days at the end of April... we will be flying in to Zagreb - in five days is it worth going other places or should we just stay there and take day trips? We are in the beginning of researching our trip and would love suggestions!

Thanks, Alisa350

travel2live2

You could stay one night in Zagreb and four in Istria - that is what I would do. There is so much to see in Istria - it would give you a good taste. You could perhaps base in Rovinj and do daytrips to the little hilltowns from there (i.e. Hum, Groznjan, Gracisce, Draguc, Motovun). There is also an interesting amphitheatre to see in Pula (half a day is plenty there).

OR the Zagorjie area - it is east of Zagreb and very pretty, sort of like Austria. Lush and green and pastoral with interesting untouristy villages.

alisa350

Thanks for the info. Any ideas for a great place to stay in Istria? We will be celebrating our anniversary so want someplace romantic and beautiful!

Thanks again

suffrock

In June we're staying at Corte Montalbano, which is an apartment owned by the boutique hotel Casa Gardotto in Rovinj. Both properties really appealed to us, but since we're traveling with kids we opted for the apartment. www.casa-garzotto.com/index.htm

travel2live2

suffrock, that looks like a lovely place!

Porec is also a lovely seaside town in Istria I neglected to mention above (if you ignore the more resorty-looking areas). Rovinj is very romantic, however, and a great central place in which to base. Lovely for strolling in early mornings and evenings. There are some great rural places, sort of like agriturismos as well if you are interested in that type of thing.

In early May there is the Rovinj Pesaro Regata. I have not been there for that but it may be worth googling. May 1 is Labour Day so some things may be closed. Corpus Christi is also celebrated in May (dates vary) but I have not seen that affect anything from a traveler's perspective yet.

iris1745

Hi; I agree with 'travel2'. Consider staying in Rovinj. Leave for Rovinj on arrival in Croatia. It will be about a three hour drive from Zagreb, but much to do in this area. Three or four days. Then leave early and head back to Zagreb for your last night or two. In Rovinj, consider www.portaantica.com The Porta Antica Apt. 1, seaview, with terrace. They do not have parking, but the parking lot is close by. iris1745/dick

eluckhardt

I have never been, but heard great things about Plitvice Lakes. I believe it is between Zagreb and Istria, but not 100% sure.

travel2live2

You could definitely do Plitvice Lakes - they are stunning! It is as though you are suddenly transported to Paradise - the colours of the water range from green to azure to turquoise. Spectacular.

CordeliaCH

Last summer we did a whirlwind trip through a bit of Croatia and while we wished we had more time, we are so glad we saw what we did. After landing in Zagreb we drove to Plitvice Lakes (about 2-2.5 hours), which are absolutely stunning. I think we took 150 photos. There is no place like it on earth. We did a quick hike that afternoon. The next day we drove to Rovinj, which I think takes 4-5 hours from Plitvice but I'm not sure as we did a detour through Pula to see the ampitheatre. Then we spent a couple of days in Istria, based in the lovely and romantic Rovinj. I highly recommend Istria and would return in a heartbeat. Going to Plitvice first (or last) does reduce your time in Istria and can make things feel a little bit rushed but it is truly gorgeous if you decide to make time for it. Have fun, you can't go wrong!