Our recent family reunion in Croatia was an incredible experience, filled with history, culture, and stunning scenery. Over eleven days, we explored vibrant cities, peaceful coastal villages, and everything in between, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Planning the Perfect Reunion: Finding Our Dream Villa
A year ago, we decided to have a family reunion in a warm European destination for the summer. After looking at various options, we discovered a fantastic villa near Split, Croatia, that perfectly met our needs. The villa was just five minutes from the beach and had 10 bedrooms, which was perfect for our extended family of 19 people, ranging in age from 1 to 73. Its proximity to interesting places made it an ideal base for our week-long stay (Day 3-10) in Croatia.
Why We Chose This Villa
Spacious and Comfortable: The villa spans over 600 square meters across three floors, comfortably accommodating 20+2 guests in a luxurious and spacious setting.
Top-Notch Amenities: The villa offers private pools, saunas, a gym, and even a playground for the little ones, ensuring everyone in the family had something to enjoy.
Personalized Services: From daily gourmet breakfasts to private chefs and massage therapists, the villa provided exceptional service tailored to our needs.
Ideal Location: Just steps away from beautiful beaches and cultural sites, and only a short drive from Split’s lively center, the villa's location was perfect.
Fun Activities: We enjoyed traditional BBQs prepared by a private chef, explored nearby waterfalls, and visited ancient archaeological sites, making our stay even more special.
Day 1: Discovering Dubrovnik (Again)
Our journey began in the stunning city of Dubrovnik, which we were visiting for the third time. The charm of its ancient walls and the lively Old Town never gets old. We met our son Matthew, who had just finished a two-month backpacking trip across Europe, and shared a delicious lunch at Barba, a cozy spot known for its amazing sandwiches. Our stay at Dubrovnik Luxury Residence L'Orangerie was the perfect start to our adventure.
Day 2: Exploring Montenegro’s Beauty via Bosnia
To avoid long border delays, we started our journey early, taking a scenic route through Bosnia on our way to Montenegro. The drive gave us breathtaking mountain views, and once in Montenegro, we admired the stunning Bay of Kotor and explored the historic old town. We ended the day with a homemade meal at Babic restaurant near the border, soaking in the natural beauty and rich culture of the area.
Day 3: A Taste of Tradition in Mali Ston
On our way from Dubrovnik to Podstrana, we made a memorable stop at a family-owned oyster farm in Mali Ston. Mario and his son Ante welcomed us warmly and took us on a boat ride to their oyster beds. We learned about traditional oyster farming techniques and enjoyed freshly harvested oysters paired with Mario's homemade wine. This simple yet meaningful experience connected us with the region's rich maritime heritage.
Day 4: Relaxing in Podstrana
Our fourth day was all about relaxation. We spent the day enjoying the villa we had chosen in Podstrana, lounging by the pool in the morning and taking a peaceful stroll along the beach in the afternoon. The calm and quiet of Podstrana allowed us to recharge and truly appreciate the beauty of the Croatian coast.
Day 5: A Dalmatian Feast
In the evening, we celebrated with a special dinner at our villa. A talented chef prepared an authentic Dalmatian BBQ right in front of us, featuring lamb chops grilled to perfection and a traditional PEKA—a slow-cooked dish of veal, lamb, potatoes, and vegetables baked under a steel bell. The soparnik, a flatbread stuffed with spinach, chard, garlic, and olive oil, was a delightful addition. This unforgettable evening was a highlight of our stay in Podstrana.
Day 6: Cruising the Adriatic
We spent our sixth day exploring the Adriatic Sea on a boat tour that took us to the enchanting town of Trogir, the crystal-clear waters of the Blue Lagoon, and several beautiful islands near Split. The peacefulness of the sea and the stunning coastal views were the perfect balance to our land-based adventures.
Day 7: Discovering Split
We took a short trip into Split, eager to explore the city's rich history. Our tour of Diocletian's Palace was a step back in time, revealing the grandeur of ancient Roman history. A delicious lunch at Temple Kitchen Seafood and Steak was the perfect way to end the day, blending the old with the new in a city that offers both.
Day 8: Unwinding in Podstrana
After several days of exploring, we dedicated Day 8 to unwinding. While we relaxed at the villa, Dani, Matthew, and their aunts took an exciting diving trip in Omiš. They explored a shipwreck that lay at the bottom of the bay, and it was an unbelievable experience for them, filled with awe and discovery. Meanwhile, we spent the morning by the pool, soaking in the peaceful surroundings. In the afternoon, we headed to the nearby beach for a refreshing swim in the clear waters of the Adriatic. It was a perfect day of relaxation, allowing us to fully enjoy the slower pace of life in this beautiful part of Croatia.
Day 9: Adventures in Omiš
The town of Omiš offered a mix of adventure and scenic beauty. While our daughter Dani and son David enjoyed the thrill of zip lining, Matthew and I took on the challenge of hiking to the top of Tvrđava Fortica (Starigrad). The hike was tough, especially in the summer heat, but the panoramic views from the top were well worth it, showcasing Croatia's diverse natural beauty.
Day 10: Returning to Dubrovnik
As our journey began to wind down, we made our way back to Dubrovnik, navigating the narrow, winding mountain roads that offered one last look at Croatia’s stunning landscape. On the way, we stopped for lunch at SUTVID near Ston, a fantastic local seafood restaurant where mostly locals eat. The food was authentic and delicious, making it a perfect culinary stop on our journey. We spent our final evening enjoying the simple pleasures of a pebble beach near our hotel, followed by a sunset dinner at Mango restaurant. It was the perfect way to enjoy our last moments in this beautiful country.
Day 11: Farewell to Croatia
With a midday flight back home, we spent the morning reflecting on our incredible journey. The memories of Croatia’s vibrant culture, breathtaking scenery, and warm hospitality will stay with us forever.
In conclusion, our eleven-day journey through Croatia was filled with memorable experiences, each day offering a new adventure. From the historic charm of Dubrovnik to the coastal beauty of Podstrana, and from the delicious Dalmatian BBQ to the thrilling hikes in Omiš, Croatia captured our hearts at every turn. We leave with a deep sense of gratitude and memories that will last a lifetime.
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