Croatia is a hidden gem when it comes to both kitesurfing and sightseeing.
Visit the backdrop of the Kings’ Landing from the famous Game of Thrones series in Dubrovnik, explore one of the many nature reserves, go island-hopping or visit Ancient Roman ruins. Don’t forget to try the typical pag cheese and Croatian honey. 

HIGHLIGHTS OF CROATIA

KITESURFING IN A BEAUTIFUL VALLEY
Enjoy a unique backdrop of lush green hills and mountains while kitesurfing at one of the peninsulas on the Adriatic sea. You’ll find great spots mostly with flat water and stable winds. 

NATIONAL PARKS 

If you are keen on exploring nature, make sure to visit at least one of the eight national parks this little country has to offer. From impressive waterfalls to blue caves. Croatia has it all. 

THE ISLANDS

The country’s islands in the Adriatic sea are a definite go-to when you visit Croatia and want to escape the crowds. Pag and Hvar are just two of them, but take note and make sure to hop on a ferry or boat to go and explore! 

VINEYARDS 

If you like wine, especially white wine, we recommend you to save some time for this. Follow vineyard trails, go on cellar tours and meet the people behind the bottle! Croatia has a rich history when it comes to growing grapes which dates back to Ancient Greek times. 

KITESURFING IN CROATIA

The almost 6.000 km coastline of Croatia offers enough space for beautiful kitesurfing spots in addition to the touristy beaches. It is not without reason that Croatia is popular with various types of tourists. For this is also the land of special music festivals, fine wine, seafood, nature and sailing. 

From buzzing coastal towns to tranquil islands and impressive nature: Croatia is your next holiday destination if you want more than an eat-kite-sleep (repeat) holiday in Europe.  Because the thermal wind that usually kicks in during the afternoon on most kitesurfing spots, this might be the perfect country to combine kitesurfing and other (family friendly) activities! 

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO KITESURF IN CROATIA? 

The summer months are suitable for kitesurfing in Croatia. This is because the thermal winds turns on in the afternoon (around 2 or 3pm). Many kitesurfers visit Croatia in July or August, for example. The thermal wind is not very strong but that does not matter when you are enjoying the water with your 12m kite on beautiful spots with clear water, few crowds and beautiful surroundings.

WHAT ARE THE BEST KITESURF SPOTS IN CROATIA?

Viganj 

On a peninsula almost right in front of the kitespot Neretva, you'll find Viganj: a nice little town with a great atmosphere. Kitesurfing alongside beautiful green hills, local fishermen, stately buildings … on a beautiful flat-water bay with stable winds blowing from the afternoon until sunset.

Neretva

South of Nin, past the town of Split lies Croatia's most popular kitesurf spot: Neretva. Neretva Delta (or Neretva Komin) are located at a large river bay in the South of Croatia. Kiteboarding in Neretva  is appealing for beginners due to the big shallow parts yet the wind feels slightly lighter. Komin Kiteboarding is the go-to for advanced riders due to its versatile conditions and options like small waves and open-river riding. All and all a great area, due to the ‘funnel effect’ (also known as the Venturi Effect) caused by the two large islands that excels the afternoon (thermal) winds during summer. The wind during peak-season blows between 15 and 30 knots and can have dips for some minutes - up to half an hour. Because the wind is off-shore, it’s best to head back to the shallow parts to wait for the wind to pick up. Don’t worry: there are rescue boats too and you’ll never drift out because you are in a bay. 

To have beach access, storage, WiFi and shower/wc you have to pay at Neretva. Also: mind the swimmers because right next to the kitesurfspot there is a popular bathing area. 

Bol 

South of Split lies Brac, with kitesurfing mecca Bol on it. A beautiful peninsula with cute little harbors and a relatively quiet place. Apart from flat water for kitesurfing, you will find beautiful cliffs for hiking and walking routes under the shade of pine trees. You share the spot with sunbathers and swimmers so beware. The kite start and land zone is a pebble beach. 

Nin 

This Spot, which lies 15km in front of the town of Zadar, has several (peninsular) islets and a 500m long 'sand spit' running into the water that serves as a kite beach. This makes conditions perfect for those who like flat water, because you can also kite behind the sandspit on a perfectly flat lagune. Be aware that parts of the sandspit are reserved for sunbathers and swimmers. 

ABOUT THE COUNTRY

A Brief History of Croatia

The area around the Adriatic sea has been inhabited since prehistoric times. It has been settled by the Romans and Turkish nomadic people, among others. 

For a long time Croatia was part of the Ottoman Empire. But at the end of the 16th century, under the leadership of Archduke Karel the Second, a turning point came. Coastal towns and islands - such as Split and Zadar - fell outside the Ottoman Empire. 

By the end of the 18th century, most of Croatia was no longer in Turkish hands and Croatia became part of the forerunner of empire Austria: the Habsburg Empire. But if you think this means that Croatia entered a peaceful era, you are wrong: In World War 1, Croats had to fight in the Austro-Hungarian army against independent Serbia. In 1918, Austria-Hungary, which was among the losing sides of World War I, disintegrated after which the Croats, Serbs and Slovenes, formed a kingdom that came to be called Kingdom of Yugoslavia. Croatia was a dictatorship, in which the Serbs dominated.

During World War II, Yugoslavia was successfully attacked and occupied by Nazi-Germany. Croatia recaptured large parts of the occupied territory. And after the war,they managed to develop economically because it was in a neutral territory with many alliances. 

On 25 June 1991, Croatia declared independence from Yugoslavia. But, this period was also anything but peaceful: the declaration of independence was not accepted and the Yugoslav Army invaded Croatia. A black page with heavy bombing of places like Zadar and ethnic cleansing… 

December 1991, several European countries recognised Croatia as an independent state. EU recognition followed in January 1992. United Nations-led peace talks began during the same period, leading to a ceasefire.

On 15 January 1992, Croatia was officially recognised by the European Union, which they joined in 2005. 

Because of this long history of wars and occupations, you could say that Croats are passionate: about their country; politics. But also about other things like relationships and music: life is all about enjoyment for the Croats nowadays, and this can be seen and felt in everyday life. 

Other Attractions in Croatia

Explore nature! Croatia is loved by those who get excited by tranquility and nature. So during summer, you won't just find beachbums enjoying the clear sea water, but you will also find hikers, mountainbikers and walkers exploring Croatia's natural parks. The Plitvice Lakes is a popular one. This is where deep limestone gorges form sixteen lakes with a fairytale waterfall area.The impressive gorges of National Park Paklenica are worth a visit, too.

Bisevo Island is home to another beautiful natural phenomenon you must see: a blue cave with unprecedented blue water which shines bright and the surface shimmers in silver. Sounds extraordinary? It is! Go between 11 and 12 am (morning) because then the sunlight reflects through the water coming from the white floor of the cave: The cave is filled with aquamarine light, while objects in the water appear to be silver.

Prefer a bit more action? Go rafting on the Cetina River, go parasailing or rent a (sailing) boat. Last but not least: don't forget to visit the beautiful towns and villages.  Dubrovnik, for example! It’s one of the most famous walled cities in the world.  Or gho to Stari Grad. One of Europe's oldest cities located on the island on Hvar - which is also known for its party scene. 

Getting to Croatia

To fly to one of Croatia's coastal cities, such as Split or Zadar, you often have to transfer to another (larger) European city such as Amsterdam. There are several airlines that fly to various cities in Croatia: Croatia Airlines or KLM fly to the capital Zagreb. Transavia flies to Pula, Zadar, Split and Dubrovnik. Easyjet and Ryanair also fly to Croatia. An other common way to reach Croatia is by car (and ferry, from Italy). 

If you prefer to travel by public transport, bigger European cities offer bus (tours). 

Traveling by bus is also the most popular form of public transport within Croatia. This is mainly due to the fact that bus ticket prices are relatively low and the number of bus services and bus routes relatively high. 

USEFUL RESOURCES

Croatia Ferries  

Bus Croatia