Croatia or Greece?
Dec 3rd, 2008, 01:43 AM
#2
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hard to choose
there are some similarities so i dont know that id like to do croatia and greece in the one trip either but if i had to choose between them...
i think maybe croatia - could be marginally cheaper
the greek islands are prettier in the sense - no more spectacular
but i think i prefer the croatian culture and generally they seem like a gentle kind of people
cleaner than greece - they get things done- unlike the greeks who have lots of building going on but not much completed
athens is more interesting than zagreb in my opinion but then id only recommend two days max in athens and only one in zagreb
zagreb is really hometown stuff- not very sophisticated
the north of croatia has that austrian influence in food - schnitzel and struedel
the southern part is more italian with pizza and seafood
greek food seems the same all over but i guess people who are from greece will argue about that one
im glad i went to greece
i loved kalambaka - thats a must-see
the monasteries up in meteora are incredible
and walking round santorini is gorgeous
i love dubrovnik and trogir in croatia
and the tiny village of ston
i wish id got to the muslim town a bit north of dubrovnik- mostar
but we did go to montenegro to see the fjord
like i said - hard to choose
i liked the greek food better i think
plentiful and good
hated the toilets - no flushing allowed in greece but croatia is fine
there are some similarities so i dont know that id like to do croatia and greece in the one trip either but if i had to choose between them...
i think maybe croatia - could be marginally cheaper
the greek islands are prettier in the sense - no more spectacular
but i think i prefer the croatian culture and generally they seem like a gentle kind of people
cleaner than greece - they get things done- unlike the greeks who have lots of building going on but not much completed
athens is more interesting than zagreb in my opinion but then id only recommend two days max in athens and only one in zagreb
zagreb is really hometown stuff- not very sophisticated
the north of croatia has that austrian influence in food - schnitzel and struedel
the southern part is more italian with pizza and seafood
greek food seems the same all over but i guess people who are from greece will argue about that one
im glad i went to greece
i loved kalambaka - thats a must-see
the monasteries up in meteora are incredible
and walking round santorini is gorgeous
i love dubrovnik and trogir in croatia
and the tiny village of ston
i wish id got to the muslim town a bit north of dubrovnik- mostar
but we did go to montenegro to see the fjord
like i said - hard to choose
i liked the greek food better i think
plentiful and good
hated the toilets - no flushing allowed in greece but croatia is fine
Dec 3rd, 2008, 02:47 AM
#3
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For me it would have to be Greece - but I am a self-confessed Greece-oholic, having visited somewhere in the region of 20 times since the early 90s (I've now lost count).
I have visited Croatia once in 2005 - staying in Cavtat and visiting Dubrovnik and area. Yes, I'd like to visit again and see other parts of Croatia but if I had to choose between, it would be Greece every time.
We actually found Greece cheaper in 2005 - not sure if it is still the case. There is just so much to see in Greece - all the islands have their own character and charm, then there is the Peloponnese and mainland - beaches, mountains, pretty villages, monasteries and ruins galore. We have rarely visited the same place twice and still have a long list of places yet to see. The climate is wonderful, the people friendly and it is such a laid back atmosphere that it is impossible not to relax.
Yes we will (and do) visit other places but Greece has a way of getting into your heart and soul and we will always return.
I have visited Croatia once in 2005 - staying in Cavtat and visiting Dubrovnik and area. Yes, I'd like to visit again and see other parts of Croatia but if I had to choose between, it would be Greece every time.
We actually found Greece cheaper in 2005 - not sure if it is still the case. There is just so much to see in Greece - all the islands have their own character and charm, then there is the Peloponnese and mainland - beaches, mountains, pretty villages, monasteries and ruins galore. We have rarely visited the same place twice and still have a long list of places yet to see. The climate is wonderful, the people friendly and it is such a laid back atmosphere that it is impossible not to relax.
Yes we will (and do) visit other places but Greece has a way of getting into your heart and soul and we will always return.
Dec 3rd, 2008, 03:51 AM
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While I have only been to Greece & Croatia once, my vote would be for Croatia. Croatia is beautiful and nearby Montenegro & Bosnia provide additional scenery, history & culture. I'll make just one point of difference. I found the Greeks to be almost jaded by the amount of tourism they receive. The Croatians are still rebuilding their economy and most appreciative of tourists. I found them warm, kind & interesting. The recent war brings a new dimension to travel in the area. Bosnia was a real eyeopener for me.
Dec 3rd, 2008, 02:46 PM
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Croatia, Croatia, Croatia! The scenery is sublime - it has everything from forests to rugged shoreline to the gorgeous Plitvice Lakes. And the islands - what can I say? Absolutely stunning. Lovely tiny characterful and atmospheric hilltop villages. There are so many undiscovered spots to escape to.
Fantastic food. When asked to name their least favourite cuisines chefs often say Greek. I don't mind Greek but it certainly is not my favourite (except I love those little local rural spots). If you are a foodie Croatia is the place for you.
The people are amazingly hospitable - they would give you the clothes off their backs.
Plus it has WHITE TRUFFLES!!!
Fantastic food. When asked to name their least favourite cuisines chefs often say Greek. I don't mind Greek but it certainly is not my favourite (except I love those little local rural spots). If you are a foodie Croatia is the place for you.
The people are amazingly hospitable - they would give you the clothes off their backs.
Plus it has WHITE TRUFFLES!!!
Dec 4th, 2008, 01:26 AM
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nikoletta
steady on!
why would you even write ' if ever'?
how funny that you jump like that!lol lol
yes i t was my mistake not to be more specific but i was alluding to flushing toilet paper
on the islands we saw signs requesting that you deposit used toilet tissue into baskets provided
we found this unacceptable especially since the toilets were often close to the restaurant's kitchen
we could flush paper in some of our accommodation - at least there was no sign prohibiting it so we did
on the ferry to capri it was amusing to see a sign that read: please flush the toilet
steady on!
why would you even write ' if ever'?
how funny that you jump like that!lol lol
yes i t was my mistake not to be more specific but i was alluding to flushing toilet paper
on the islands we saw signs requesting that you deposit used toilet tissue into baskets provided
we found this unacceptable especially since the toilets were often close to the restaurant's kitchen
we could flush paper in some of our accommodation - at least there was no sign prohibiting it so we did
on the ferry to capri it was amusing to see a sign that read: please flush the toilet
Dec 4th, 2008, 07:19 AM
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Point taken, lanejohann – that was a bit harsh. However, your post contains generalisations which might give a false impression to people who have never been to Greece, e.g. "cleaner than Greece" - Which places have you been to that were DIRTY?? "lots of building going on but not much completed". I don't think you can have visited Athens since the Olympics – the Metro alone is unrivalled in Europe, I believe, and it's being expanded all the time. Have you seen the new Acropolis Museum? "greek food seems the same all over". I don't think you're entitled to say that unless you've BEEN "all over". Yet you've been to Kalambaka, where I've had superb food which was completely different from equally excellent meals I've had in Crete, or Lesvos. Greece isn't just Cycladic islands and Athens, although I suppose inevitably, many contributors to this forum do tend to give that impression.
Dec 4th, 2008, 08:40 AM
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Racegirl:
There are 1185 islands along the Dalmatian Coast, only 66 of them are inhabited. You can start in the north and work your way down to Dubrovnik, the pearl of the Adriatic.
Depending on how much time you have to visit our fine country, you probably need to start doing research on places to visit.
Croatia is the only choice I could make, that's why I moved here last year.
Dobrodosli u Dubrovnik
There are 1185 islands along the Dalmatian Coast, only 66 of them are inhabited. You can start in the north and work your way down to Dubrovnik, the pearl of the Adriatic.
Depending on how much time you have to visit our fine country, you probably need to start doing research on places to visit.
Croatia is the only choice I could make, that's why I moved here last year.
Dobrodosli u Dubrovnik
Dec 4th, 2008, 08:34 PM
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Thank you everyone for your feedback.. I now know more than I needed to know about the toilets in Greece... ha-ha...
Seriously, it's obvious that both are beautiful places with a lot to offer... went today and bought a travel guide for Croatia.. think I'm leaning towards heading there.. plus it gives me an excuse to maybe spend a few days in Italy since it appears I will not be flying direct to Croatia from the US..
I've got some time to make my final decision so please, if you have any more feedback (other than more toilet talk) would love to hear it!
Seriously, it's obvious that both are beautiful places with a lot to offer... went today and bought a travel guide for Croatia.. think I'm leaning towards heading there.. plus it gives me an excuse to maybe spend a few days in Italy since it appears I will not be flying direct to Croatia from the US..
I've got some time to make my final decision so please, if you have any more feedback (other than more toilet talk) would love to hear it!
Dec 5th, 2008, 12:35 AM
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Both are lovely countries and have a lot to offer - to say I prefer one is not to say there is anything wrong with the other. It depends what you want to see and do and is somewhat down to personal preferences. If you've seen neither, plan to see both at some time. Whatever you decide, have a great time.
- and the toilet issue really is NOT a problem. In all my visits to Greece, I've never had the slightest stomach bug.
- and the toilet issue really is NOT a problem. In all my visits to Greece, I've never had the slightest stomach bug.
Dec 5th, 2008, 05:09 AM
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They're both great (my two favourite places on earth, so far, are Dubrovnik and Santorini).
Loved island hopping in both countries in late summer.
My one big disappointment in Croatia was the food - I do love food and eating out and very much preferred the Greek over Croatian.
Loved island hopping in both countries in late summer.
My one big disappointment in Croatia was the food - I do love food and eating out and very much preferred the Greek over Croatian.
Dec 5th, 2008, 06:32 AM
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I haven't been to Greece so of course I am biased but we went to Croatia last year and both my husband and I really fell in love with it - the people, the culture and atmosphere (not a McDonald's or Starbucks in sight, though I'm sure that will change), the food, the WATER (turquoise clear water, perfect for swimming), the landscape and the architecture of places like Dubrovnik. Sigh....
We went to Dubrovnik, Hvar and Trogir and I almost cried when we had to leave.
We went to Dubrovnik, Hvar and Trogir and I almost cried when we had to leave.
Dec 5th, 2008, 06:23 PM
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I found croatian food to be enjoyable though not necessarily my favorite. I would recommend Croatia over Greece just because I don't like greek food, no bias there. White truffle is not available till November.
Jul 5th, 2013, 03:46 AM
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I have been twice in Croatia and 17 times in Greece by now. I Both countries are beautiful, but that's where the similarities end.
Greece wins absolutely hands down.
Greece not only has amazing beautiful towns and villages, but also far greater diversity in terms of everything.
Greece has more islands (6000).
after austria the most mountainious country in europe. 80% is mountainious. So there are many different climates. Wich also means we have very diverse flora and forests. From alpine, to temperate, to mediteranean to having the only palm forest in europe.
In the north and middle Greece there are huge vast forest regions and if you go to the south, there are different forests, olive regions etc.
Every island in Greece has a different story, history, traditions, culture etc.
Then we have the very special places such as Athos, Meteora (absolute wonder in the world), Santorini etc.
Santorini is chosen many times for being the most beautiful island in the world.
Then the history.
Greek history is so vast, that there is practically no other country to compare. you have Ancient greece, Byzantine greece, modern greece, Minoan Greece, Mycenean Greece and more.
Greek cuisine is great an diverse one that is deeply rooted in Greek Culture. grandma's and moms cookings are absolutely delicous.
If you go to Greece. Try to visit a couple of different islands and then also a bit of the mainland. Go thrhough rhodope mountains or Pindos mountain range, or go to Meteora.
Greece wins absolutely hands down.
Greece not only has amazing beautiful towns and villages, but also far greater diversity in terms of everything.
Greece has more islands (6000).
after austria the most mountainious country in europe. 80% is mountainious. So there are many different climates. Wich also means we have very diverse flora and forests. From alpine, to temperate, to mediteranean to having the only palm forest in europe.
In the north and middle Greece there are huge vast forest regions and if you go to the south, there are different forests, olive regions etc.
Every island in Greece has a different story, history, traditions, culture etc.
Then we have the very special places such as Athos, Meteora (absolute wonder in the world), Santorini etc.
Santorini is chosen many times for being the most beautiful island in the world.
Then the history.
Greek history is so vast, that there is practically no other country to compare. you have Ancient greece, Byzantine greece, modern greece, Minoan Greece, Mycenean Greece and more.
Greek cuisine is great an diverse one that is deeply rooted in Greek Culture. grandma's and moms cookings are absolutely delicous.
If you go to Greece. Try to visit a couple of different islands and then also a bit of the mainland. Go thrhough rhodope mountains or Pindos mountain range, or go to Meteora.
Jul 13th, 2013, 06:27 AM
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If you are landing in Italy you can enter Croatia by bus or car and visit Istria region. I can not tell you a lot about it aside that it is worth visiting because that is not where I live. After Istria you should drive down to Zadar (or if you are leaving Italy by boat you can come straight to Zadar from Ancona) which is a great town by itself and a great place to set as a base since it is one hour from 4 national parks and close to all kinds of great stuff. You can spend a few days in Zadar, depending on how many excursions or day trips you want to make. While there, check out this site, it might be usefull http://www.experiencezadar.info/ After Zadar go south and stop in Trogir, a small town that is under UNESCO protection as cultural heritage of the world, spend a day there. Continue south and pass through Split. Depending on the amount of time you have you can have a glance at Split and visit the island of Hvar. Next is Dubrovnik further south but you can choose if you want to drive there or take a ferry from Hvar to Korcula and than throuhg peljesac to Dubrovnik (this would be my reccomendation).
