Breathtaking Balkans: The Best of Croatia

This column, Breathtaking Balkans, seeks to highlight some of the most beautiful places on the planet through the eyes of some of the most forward-thinking tourism companies in Europe. These operators promote responsibility, sustainability and authenticity to its clients.
Croatia is a country of contrast. Composed of lush valleys, densely-wooded forests, hilltop towns and plunging cliffs that meet the Adriatic, there is a scene to please any traveler in this boomerang-shaped Balkan country. From cave exploration to truffle hunting, one tourism operator, VMD, offers enough adventures to create the ultimate once-in-a-lifetime experience. This edition of Breathtaking Balkans explores four of VMD’s best itineraries.
VMD is a distinguished company taking visitors on trips across the Balkans for more than a decade. With partners across the region and Europe, this active-vacation tour operator not only lists standing itineraries, but also caters to clients’ specific trip ideas and requests. Get moving with one of their many adventure-based tours such as hiking, cycling or rock-climbing, or enjoy Croatian culture with traditional Balkan music and architecture that brings history to life.
The mission of VMD is to “create a true and in-depth adventure” while “bringing you closer to where and who you really are.” The beauty of the Balkans—and Croatia specifically—is that there is an ease to befriending the country’s people and experiencing it’s wildlife and nature. VMD helps connect the dots so new-comers can immerse in their surroundings. At the end of each day and every trip, the goal of VMD is to always have fun exploring with new friends.
Photo: Simone, CC-BY
Hiking the Islands of the North Adriatic
Krk, Cres and Losinj are the islands that make up Croatia’s North Adriatic otherwise known as Kvarner Bay. This walking adventure includes landscapes that take hikers from one extreme to the next. From evergreen forests on Losinj to karstic limestone plateaus (otherwise known as moon plateaus) on Krk, this trail leads to sweeping views in an unusual Mediterranean setting. Go for a dip after a long day of hiking at one of the best beaches located in the town of Baska.
Photo: Miroslav Vajdic, CC-BY