Is there anything more beautiful than romance? The butterflies in your stomach, the glow in your eyes, the wide smile on your lips as soon as you think of your loved one…

Love is truly the most amazing human experience. But, something so delicate, so meaningful, and so powerful needs a lot of care and effort to survive. 

Do you feel that you and your partner are getting lost in the routine, everyday struggles, and boredom? Then a little change of scenery might be just what you need to get those butterflies flying around again!

And if we talk about scenery – it doesn’t get much better than Croatia. Lush green islands? Countless shades of azure Adriatic sea? The warm Mediterranean sun? What more could you wish for?

Read on to find out how the Croatian coastline can once again ignite the flame of your relationship!

Soak up the legacy of one of the world’s most famous love stories at the Odysseus Cave

Mljet is the greenest Croatian island due to its lavish pine and oak forests. It used to be a Roman settlement, so it’s a true treasury of the long-gone times.

But, what is the most valuable secret this island holds? It’s the tale of a love so strong that even war and twenty years of separation couldn’t tear it apart.

Legend says that after Odysseus survived the shipwreck, he found a shelter in this exact cave. The nymph Calypso, who was the ruler of the island, fell in love with him.

Calypso trapped Odysseus in Mljet for seven years. After that, the gods decided to let him continue the journey back to his beloved Penelopa.

The cave that bears his name is actually a karst hole connected with the sea by a small passage.

When the sunshine hits the cave, it creates a mesmerizing kaleidoscope of colors, becoming the perfect set for a romantic encounter.

Explore the beaches of Korčula

Do you wish to have some privacy and peace to enjoy the glorious nature and each other? Then this island may be for you!

It is full of secluded pebbly beaches and bays, with Lumbarda as its shiniest star.

Yet, no matter how long you stay, there won’t be a shortage of places and sites to take your breath away. From Vela Luka and Žrnovo to Pupnat and Korčula Town – this island is full of hidden gems.

There is even an archipelago of about twenty deserted islands.They are accessible by boat or kayak and can be an ideal refuge for lovebirds.

Follow the traces of Game of Thrones

Have you spent countless nights binging on this hit show? If so, you are already familiar with the magic of Dubrovnik.

Reminisce on the passion and thrill this series bursts with as you pass by the different filming locations. Each one is more dazzling than the previous.

You will quickly realize why Dubrovnik is a lovers’ paradise. It’s one of the top destinations for weddings and honeymoons. 

You shouldn’t miss out on the opportunity to have a late-night walk through Stradun! That’s when Dubrovnik’s Main Street glows in golden light. It’s a fairytale-like place for a midnight kiss.

Arrange a private wine tasting on the island of Lokrum

Near the Dubrovnik coast lies one of the most popular tourist attractions in this area. Lokrum is an astonishing and endlessly romantic islet!

Croats are masters of the winemaking craft, and it would be such a shame not to sample it. This region is famous for Plavac Mali, Grk, and Pošip, to name a few. But, the whole country is known for its fine wines and even finer cuisine.

You could try complementing the wines with locally-produced delicacies. Cured meats, cheeses, and olives are some of the highlights. Dinner under the open sky is an intimate, bonding experience. 

If you are feeling particularly adventurous, you might go for replacing wine with rakija. It’s one of the favorite alcoholic beverages across the whole Balkan peninsula. But, be cautious, since it is very strong.

Enjoy a tranquil get-away in Žuljana

Žuljana is a tiny village on the Pelješac peninsula with just a couple hundred residents. It’s very close to Dubrovnik but still far away from the crowd. It embodies a true oasis of tranquillity and serenity.

Žuljana is full of bays, hidden beaches, crystal clear water, and picturesque landscapes. It is a divine choice if you are looking forward to finding love and passion once again.

Although small, Žuljana offers lots of opportunities for making life-long memories. Any adrenaline junkie out there would enjoy diving in such amazing surroundings.

There are also several very interesting locations to visit nearby. You can check out the ancient settlement of Ston with Roman ruins or the Botanic Garden of Trsteno. Or you could simply watch the sunset from the charming village square.

 

by Rebecca Brown,

guest writer

 

I’m Rebecca, a translator and avid traveler, a book worm and horror flick enthusiast. My job has given me the amazing opportunity to travel to dozens of countries around the world, and writing on Rough Draft gives me a chance to try to showcase some of them.