Must visit
We are often asked: “What should we do while in Croatia?”. There are so many ways to experience the magic of Croatia. Meander the warrens of centuries old cobbled streets, discovering UNESCO sites as you go, spend few days by the turquoise waters of the Adriatic Sea as you sail the many Islands of Croatia, hike, cycle or raft along one of the eight stunning National parks.
This is just a beginning. Creating a list of must sea places in Croatia has almost no end.
Start your trip green inland which has many castles, hilly towns and Croatian Capital of Zagreb. Zagreb is a city with very rich history but it also has many happenings during entire year. It has free concerts on the most beautiful Zagreb squares and parks, food festivals, many coffee shops, open markets with fresh food and local products, advent fair…
After Zagreb find your way to Istrian peninsula which reminds a lot on Tuscany. This Croatian region used to a part of Roman Empire and it has many Roman ruins. Beside that it is famous for the best wine in Croatia, truffles and great food. The best known towns in Istria would be Pula, Poreč, Rovinj, Motovun…
Visit one of the most beautiful Croatian National parks (Plitvice lakes). This stunning National park was included in the World Natural Heritage by UNESCO since 1979. Thick fir and pine forest and park, rich with wildlife, hide a string of 16 lakes (Upper and Lower lakes) connected by sparkling cascades and murmuring waterfalls.
Once you arrive to Dalmatian coast stop in Zadar which was once described as a “stone boat” by poet, situated on a peninsula, the old town of Zadar merges traditional and present values creating the variety of Zadar’s attractions. The nucleus of old town clearly shows several cultural landmarks, like Roman Forum, the Old-Cristian St. Donat church to various Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque churches and buildings. Once in Zadar take a minute to recognize a true modern wonder, the Greeting to the Sun. It is a large circle made of glass and solar panels that collect energy during the day and then puts on a light show at night. The same designer also installed amazing artwork sea organ, so the motion of the waves will serenade you as you watch the light show.
After Zadar stroll through the narrow streets of old town of Split. Seventeen hundred years ago, the Roman Emperor Diocletian had his residential palace erected there and its remnants are seen even today blended among several layers of later ages’ buildings. Still, the Diocletian Palace (included in the World Cultural Heritage protected by UNESCO) forms the center of one of Croatian busiest cities on the coast. Walking through its streets you will enjoy its southern charm and liveliness.
You also have to visit some of the Croatian islands! The most popular island in Croatia would be island of Hvar. This is the longest and the sunniest island of the Adriatic. This island of vineyards, olive groves and lavender has attracted people ever since ancient time when the Greeks set up their colonies here.
Traveling further to the south you will reach the end of Croatia with its pearl called Dubrovnik.
An irresistible gem of World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO described as the “pearl of the Adriatic by the English poet Lord Byron, city surrounded by ramparts and fortresses and pounded by the sea kept its independence and appearance over centuries. Its Romanesque, Gothic, high Renaissance and Baroque buildings remind us on times when Dubrovnik was an independent Republic, second in fame to Venice as a center of cultural and economic power. Even if you have never been to Dubrovnik there is a big chance you saw it on TV. It lately become even more popular as one of the filming locations of the HBO show, Game of Thrones.