Croatia

After almost exactly two months in Croatia, today we say goodbye to continue our journey towards Greece.

Our last stay in Croatia was over Christmas-New Year 2024, and we were somewhat irritated by the reserve and distance of the Croatians. We might as well have stayed at home.

However, over the past two months, we have come to know Croatia in a completely different way, and we have become fans. First, the Croatians all speak excellent English and many also speak German, and second, they are always up for a chat. Relaxed, honest, and friendly. Traveling here is fun.

It has to be fun: 10% to 15% of the GDP is generated by tourism in Croatia. For charter sailors, it is the most important destination in Europe and indeed one of the most expensive. But then it has to work, and it always has for us. The charterers were all professionals, thoroughly solid and honest. That’s not a given, from what you hear.

As you stroll along the promenades, it seems unimaginable that a war raged here 30 years ago. Croatia has made it: today there is peace, security, and prosperity. It is part of the EU, Schengen, NATO, and has introduced the Euro. To achieve this, they had to elect good governments and keep their pride in check. Something I would wish for other former Yugoslav republics as well, because it is worth it. As a Swiss, I know very well how difficult that is.

We are now taking the ferry to Italy and from there directly to Greece, where we have rented an apartment in Lefkada for two weeks.

*This blog post has been automatically translated by a Large Language Model.