Croatia - Where To Visit And Things To Do
We have had two Croatia travel experiences in the last couple of years. The first one was when we also visited neighbouring Slovenia. The second one was when we did a river Cruise along the Danube River. In this travel adventure we also visited Hungary, Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania. Hopefully our blog on “Croatia – Where To Visit” will give you all the information you need to plan a trip to Croatia.
In our opinion, Croatia has the most to offer the discerning traveler, when compared with all the other countries in this region. Croatia is home to beautiful coastlines, stunning lakes and forests. Additionally, it has a fascinating history. Further the fantastic wines and delicious sea-to-table cuisine “is to die for”!!
We had the time of our lives in this awesome country. Croatia has it all.
Hope our blog will help you figure out Where to Visit In Croatia.
About Croatia -There Are So Many Places To Visit
Croatia is a Central European and Mediterranean country. It borders Slovenia in the west, Hungary in the north, Serbia in the east and Bosnia and Herzegovina in the south. Further, it also has a long maritime border with Italy in the Adriatic Sea.
The country covers a land area of 56,691 square kilometres. It has a population of about 4.5 million people. Almost 90% of the population is Croat. Of which, a majority are Roman Catholics. In addition, there are also Serbian, Bosnian, Hungarian and Italian minorities. Its capital is Zagreb, located in the north.
Croatia is one of the most famous and known European countries to spend a summer vacation. Most of the visitors fall in love with its coast and sea. Further, they are thrilled about the food and inspired by its cultural and natural heritage. We will guide you with planning on Where To Visit In Croatia.
Facts That Make You Want To Visit Croatia
- Croatia enjoys more than 2715 hours of sunshine per year. Hence, it is an ideal travel destination.
- There are many Croatian Guinness World Records. Amongst them are the largest box of popcorn, the largest cup of cappuccino and the longest distance moonwalk in an hour.
- The famous Zinfandel grape originated in Croatia.
- Croatians invented the parachute, the torpedo, the MP3 player, the mechanical pencil and the Maglite torch.
- The town of Hum is one of the smallest in the world.
- Brac Island has a beach that changes its shape after the winds.
- There are 1244 islands, isles, and inlets to explore in Croatia.
Facts About Croatia Continue
- Pula is home to one of the best preserved Roman amphitheaters.
- There’s a real Egyptian Sphinx at Diocletian’s palace in Split.
- One-third of Croatia is covered by forests.
- The city of Vinkovci has been inhabited for at least 8000 years.
- The necktie was invented here.
More On Croatia - Where To Visit
Our First Trip To Croatia
We traveled by train from Slovenia to Zagreb, the capital of Croatia. We then took an internal flight to Dubrovnik, the place in Croatia that most visitors flock to!!
Our first real glimpse of Dubrovnik was when we took a taxi ride from the airport to our Airbnb apartment in the outskirts of Dubrovnik. It was fascinating to drive past the waters of the Adriatic Sea and the River Ombla. The reflection of light from the moon and all the glittering lights from all kinds of boats was a sight to behold!! Our apartment was a very nice two bedroomed place where we spent the next 5 days with 2 of our very good friends.
The Beautiful City Of Dubrovnik
After a good night’s rest and a hearty “home cooked” breakfast, we set out to see Croatia and Dubrovnik.
The medieval walled city of Dubrovnik has been one of Croatia’s best-known tourist destinations for decades. Its city walls, gates, and towers were used as backdrops in Game of Thrones. Consequently it has propelled it to the top of many a bucket list. Further, it has also become a requisite stop on many cruise ship routes across the Mediterranean.
Dubrovnik is Croatia’s most-visited city with over one million visitors annually. There is no doubt in our minds that Dubrovnik is one of the top destinations to visit in Croatia.
Walking Tour Of The Old Town
The walking tour we undertook in the old town of Dubrovnik was most definitely a highlight of our stay in Croatia. Dubrovnik is called the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’. The town is surrounded by thick centuries old city walls.
We saw monasteries and churches, palaces and unique buildings. Further, we learnt of the history behind everything as we strolled the streets with our guide. In effect, got an insider’s view of the sites and landmarks in this stunning city.
We learnt of the story behind Onofrio’s Fountain and the circular structure that locals often quench their thirst at. Additionally, we saw the Franciscan Monastery and its restored Pieta sculpture, as well as, one of the oldest still-functioning pharmacies in Europe.
The Walls Of Dubrovnik - A Must Visit In Croatia
We then ascend to the walls, getting great views of the city and the sea. The Walls of Dubrovnik are a series of defensive stone walls surrounding the city. With numerous additions and modifications throughout their history, they have been considered to be amongst the great fortification systems of the Middle Ages. Amazingly, they were never breached by a hostile army. In 1979, the old city of Dubrovnik, which includes a substantial portion of the old walls of Dubrovnik, joined the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites.
Games of Thrones Tour - Another Exciting Place To Visit in Croatia
We discovered the ‘Game of Thrones’ film sites of Dubrovnik on this walking tour in Dubrovnik. Interestingly, the movie used real-life attractions for some of the show’s locations. We enjoyed the views of the red-roofed skyline we all have come to know as the King’s Landing. Subsequently, we followed in Joffrey’s footsteps at Lovrijenac Fortress and stood where Ayra Stark stood. Further, we heard some exciting behind-the-scenes stories about filming in the city.
Dubrovnik By Night
The old town of Dubrovnik really comes to life at nighttime. The street entertainment, the many shops, the abundance of super restaurants and the magnificent view across the water makes being out at night time in Dubrovnik so much fun.
We happened to visit Dubrovnik on the first day of summer. The old town really came alive at night time. This is the place to be for serious eating, given all the fabulous restaurants in town. We enjoyed some really good seafood as well as some serious drinking. We were even treated to a fabulous fireworks display that day.
More Places To Visit In Croatia Close To Dubrovnik
The Town Of Ston
We did a half day excursion to the beautiful town of Ston, from Dubrovnik. This area is another exciting place to visit in Croatia. We were intrigued by the historical facts about the small town. Most notably, its medieval walls which are some of the longest in Europe. We had some fun climbing part of the wall and exploring it. Afterwards we took some time off to stroll the streets and sit down at a restaurant to enjoy a snack., before continuing on to vineyard-laden.
The town also boasts of some of the best oysters in Europe. Even Roman emperors used to request the oysters to be delivered all the way to Rome. We stopped at a wayside oyster bar to enjoy some of the best oysters we have had in awhile!!
We then continued past the vineyard laden Orebić region. Along the way we made three stops at different vineyards and tasted some of the wine from Croatia. One of the vineyards, had an olive plantation and produced extra virgin olive oil. Consequently, we ended up buying a few bottles to take home.
Going Around Dubrovnik By Boat
In addition to its historical heritage, Dubrovnik is also a good place for summer holidays in terms of sea, sun and beach. There are several nice beaches around the town one can enjoy. However in Dubrovnik, as anywhere else on the Croatian Adriatic, one can swim and sunbathe almost everywhere along the coast.
We enjoyed our day out on the water. We spent quite some time cruising around and enjoying the beauty of Dubrovnik from the water. In addition, we went past many beautiful small islands. We stopped several times to swim, snorkel and have a dip in the sea. Being out on the calm and clear blue waters of the Adriatic Sea around Dubrovnik Croatia was so very relaxing.
Visiting The Countryside Around Dubrovnik Croatia
We drove around the outskirts of Dubrovnik to see the countryside one morning. It was so very nice to escape the bustle of the city and enjoy the peacefulness only the countryside can offer. There are so many canals, rivers and waterways right around Dubrovnik. We made a stop at a small lake and did a short hike around the area. The natural beauty of the rural areas of Croatia are awesome!!
Croatia - Where To Visit Continues - Beautiful Vukovar And Osijek
The second time we visited Croatia was when our river cruise on the Danube River took us to the town of Vukovar. This town is the country’s largest river port, located at the confluence of the Danube and Vuka Rivers. This city was almost totally destroyed when the tragic events of the civil war unfolded. However. renovation to restore the city to its former glory is very much ongoing.
We first enjoyed a guided tour of this city. We saw the main sights and learnt about the city’s tumultuous past. Further, we saw the famous water tower which is one of the most famous symbols of Vukovar and the suffering of the city and the country. This water tower somehow survived although the city itself was largely destroyed by the Serbian forces.
We then drove to the historic city of Osijek. This city hugs the banks of the River Drava. We explored the Old Town. Behind its thick stone walls lies an intriguing market square, lined by handsome public buildings with pastel-coloured facades. In the Upper City we saw the neo-Gothic cathedral, its red-brick spire soaring above the rooftops. Much of Osijek has been restored, but some buildings still bear the scars of the fighting.
More Of Croatia - Where To Visit
The city of Split is nicknamed the “Mediterranean Flower”. It is Croatia’s second-largest city. Split, is located on a peninsula off the Dalmatian Coast. The city’s main attraction is its historic core of beautiful Gothic and Renaissance architecture. Of which, the Diocletian’s Palace is the crown jewel. Built between 298 and 305 AD, this Roman Emperor palace complex is more like a small city. Amazingly, it has a maze of marble walkways and buildings containing shops, cafes and bars.
Outside the historic center, tourists will find plenty to visit, see and do. This includes strolling along the seaside promenade, shopping at the lively Green Market and swimming at Bacvice beach.
One of the most beautiful natural wonders in Croatia and all of Europe. The Plitvice National Park consists of several breathtaking lakes, waterfalls and lush forest. Most importantly, the park’s most notable features are the 16 interconnecting lakes that are divided into upper and lower clusters. Formed by natural travertine dams, the lakes range in distinct colors from turquoise to blue, green and gray. In addition, visitors can explore the lakes and surrounding area by walking along the assortment of wooden walkways as well as by boat.
Rovinj is located on Croatia’s Istrian peninsula in the Adriatic Sea. It is an archipelago of 20 islands with its Old Town set on a small peninsula. Narrow streets of cobblestone, stairways, arches and other interesting architecture make the Old Town sightseeing adventure. Some of the Old Town’s historic gems include seven medieval city gates, the 12th century town clock and St. Euphemia’s Basilica, an imposing baroque church packed with many stunning art works. Further, worth seeing are the scenic harbor, Carrera Street with its many shops and art galleries, and Grisia Street, which is lined with artists and souvenir vendors.
Hvar in one of the most popular places to visit in Croatia and in the Adriatic Sea. Hvar is a beautiful Croatian island off the Dalmatian Coast. It is favored for its landscapes of spectacular beaches, lavender fields and lush vineyards. Hvar’s main city, Hvar Town, is an attractive city. It features 13th century walls, marble stone streets, Gothic palaces, stunning churches and an imposing old fortress. Further, the town square is one of Croatia’s largest and most beautiful. It is surrounded by many historic buildings like the 17th century Arsenal and the Cathedral of St. Stephen. Additionally, the natural beauty of Hvar offers plenty of outdoor recreation, from hiking in the cliffs to swimming in the secluded coves and beaches.
It is located at the southern tip of the Istria peninsula in the Adriatic Sea. Pula is a popular destination that has been attracting tourists as far back as ancient Roman times. During ancient times, fans flocked the city’s amphitheater to watch gladiator fights. Having been ruled by various government powers over the centuries, Pula today belongs to Croatia. Finally, it is best known for its wealth of Roman ruins and mix of cultures.
Zagreb is the capital and largest city of Croatia. It is a vibrant metropolis packed with both historic and modern attractions. Located in northwestern Croatia, the city dates back to the 11th century when a diocese was first established by Hungarian King Ladislaus. Today, Zargreb is a sprawling cosmopolitan city and the heart of Croatian culture, academics and government. The city is divided into an Upper and Lower Town. For information, the Upper Town is the historic core where tourists can walk down cobblestone streets and visit old, medieval churches and towers.
More On Where To Visit And What To Do In Croatia
Croatian Food
Croatian food is awesome! Traditional Croatian cuisine is wide and varied, yet it’s hard to distinguish dishes that are exclusive to Croatia. This is because Croatian food has been influenced by tastes and traditions from neighboring countries. Further, it has also been influenced by the different nations that ruled the Croatian territory throughout history.
We were fortunate to be able to sample the many foods from this beautiful country. Just imagine, eating delicate seafood dishes, hearty ham and rich pastries on a picturesque coast!!!
Known locally as crni rižot, this is made with cuttlefish or squid, olive oil, garlic, red wine and squid ink. It has an intense seafood flavour and black colour. Popular all along Croatia’s coastline, this dish will turn your mouth and teeth black. But it’s worth it.
The white-grey, long-horned Istrian oxen are a gourmet delicacy. Boškarin is served at top restaurants and konobas (taverns) in a variety of ways. This includes, as carpaccio, in savoury sauce with pasta or gnocchi, as salami or steak, and boškarin tail soup.
Also called brudet, this fisherman’s stew hails from Italy’s Marche region. Traditionally, fishermen cooked it over an open fire using the catch of the day. They would add ample vinegar to the pot to preserve the stew for a couple of days.
This simple dish of mussels in a wine broth with garlic and breadcrumbs is popular all along the Croatian coast. Buzara means ‘stew’, and the preparation is similar to the way the French make moules marinière.
Popular throughout Croatia, this tender meat and vegetable dish is also called ispod čripnje. Literally, food that is cooked under a terracotta or iron lid over burning embers. Peka can include octopus, lamb, veal or chicken, and is often accompanied by potatoes.
A good meal frequently begins with a platter of pršut i sir (ham and cheese). Istrian pršut is made of skinned pork leg, which is dry-salted with sea salt and seasoned with natural spices such as pepper and garlic, and sometimes bay leaves and rosemary.
Best Time to Visit Croatia
The best time to visit Croatia is in May and June and also September and October when the weather is pleasant and sunny. This makes it ideal for swimming and sunbathing. It is also less crowded at these times than the summer months of July and August. These months are high season and further, it can be very hot, especially in the afternoon.
Last Word On Croatia - Where To Visit
Croatia has become one of Europe’s top tourist destinations. Like much of Europe, Croatia boasts its share of medieval cities and historic ruins. However, what makes this country exceptional is its wealth of stunning natural attractions such as the Plitvice Lakes, the spectacular Adriatic coastlines and gorgeous islands.
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