One Croatian island has caught the attention of The Guardian, and if you’re a lover of not only peace and quiet but total isolation and disconnection from the world, it should catch yours, too…
Croatia boasts plenty of truly incredible destinations from coast to continent. Dalmatia of course makes all the headlines and has done for years now, but as more and more tourists discover Croatia away from Dalmatia, venturing into Istria, the continental part of the country and even as far as the otherwise very overlooked Eastern part of Croatia, more specifically Slavonia, Croatia’s amazing diversity as a country is becoming highlighted.
But what of the 1,000+ Croatian islands dotted along the rugged coastline? It’s not as if they’re never mentioned. In fact, as nautical tourism takes off more and more in Croatia, even the furthest-flung islands are being visited by those wanting to discover them for themselves. As the coast becomes busier with each and every passing summer season, many tourists are looking for something ”off the beaten path” and secluded, their own private island, as it were.
While the former Agrokor boss Ivica Todorić had no problem having a Croatian island (Smokvica) all to himself and his family for many years, for the vast majority of us mere mortals, that’s nothing but a pipe dream, a fantasy. We fantasise about having a slice of paradise all to ourselves so much amid our stressful and busy lives that we watch Tom Hanks in the classic Castaway film and feel envious, despite his isolation and having to cure his toothache with the aid of a rock, of course.
The popular British daily newspaper The Guardian, which has sung the praises of numerous Croatian destinations several times, has published an interesting list of fifteen of the best ”off-grid” places to stay in Europe. From lakeside cabins in Finland and organic farms in Italy to timber houses in Bulgaria and bubbles in France (yes, bubbles), the list highlights some of the continent’s best destinations for total isolation, peace and quiet, and a break from it all in the most authentic of senses.
Among the likes of Ireland, Portgual, Norway and France, Croatia’s Sveti Ivan lighthouse near Rovinj has made the cut. Here’s what The Guardian has to say:
”Sveti Ivan lighthouse stands on a tiny islet at the southernmost point of the Rovinj archipelago. There are two two-bedroom apartments in the lighthouse building, and fantastic sea views from the 23-metre tower. The lighthouse has a water tank and solar power, but no wifi. Two beaches with shallow water on opposite sides of the islet are best for swimming, plus there are rock slabs for sunbathing, and good spots for fishing, diving and dolphin-spotting. Provisions must be bought in Rovinj, which is 30-45 minutes away by boat, depending on the weather.”
Fancy paying it a visit yourself and well and truly disconnecting with the hustle and bustle of the modern world for a while on a quiet Croatian lighthouse island? We wouldn’t blame you.
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