Croatia

Croatia is located on the coast of the Adriatic Sea and is an ideal destination for beach lovers, adventure seekers and history buffs alike. Croatia’s traditional heritage and rich wine making culture are other reasons to visit the country. In the past decade, Croatia has been gaining popularity thanks to its frequent appearances on the HBO series, Game of Thrones.

Croatia’s capital Zagreb is known for its historical architecture and rich cafe culture. Explore the city on foot and you will discover lively streets lined with food vendors and small markets.

Dubrovnik, a coastal city has become one of Croatia’s most visited destinations in recent times – thanks to its unofficial sponsor Game of Thrones. Old town, where you will find Dubrovnik’s ancient city walls and stone buildings, served as the famous setting for King’s Landing in GoT. If you wish to experience more GoT settings, then visit the nearby garden Trsteno Arboretum and Lokrum Island.  

Croatia’s second-largest city Split, is a melting pot of traditional life and modernity. The UNESCO world heritage listed Diocletian’s Palace from the 4th-century reflects ancient Roman architecture, and it also houses a contemporary scene filled with bars, restaurants and shops. Other highlights of the city include the Cathedral of St Domnius – another well-preserved 4th-century Roman building and Marjan Forest Park – a hillside park and a few beaches.

Zadar is one of the oldest cities in Croatia, located on the Dalmation Coast. It hosts plenty of historical attractions like the Sun Salutation, the Roman Forum, St Donatus’ Church and St Anastasia’s Cathedral.

The Istria region is defined by scenic landscapes, wineries, outdoor activities and charming medieval villages. It also offers excellent cuisine and its seafood is widely appreciated. The region’s coastal highlights include Rovinj – a tourist-favourite fishing port with a charming old town. Keep in mind that the town’s cobbled streets and pebbled beaches are often packed with visitors. The coastal city Pula, highlights Istria’s Roman heritage, which can be seen in its well-preserved Roman amphitheatre. The city is also home to a wide range of beaches and is a great base to explore the nearby national parks.

Zagorje region in north Croatia, is home to lush hills, vineyards, medieval castles and architecture and a cluster of picturesque villages. This is one of the most off-beat locations in the country where you can experience raw nature without the hullabaloo of crowds.

Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO listed site with 16 lakes connected by waterfalls and Krka National Park with its stunning waterfalls and gorges are the most popular natural sites in the country.

Croatia’s Islands

Croatia’s aesthetic charm extends from the mainland to its exquisite islands, the most popular of which are Brac, Hvar, Korcula, Mljet and Losinj.

Brac Island centres around its main city Bol – which is famous for its old town dotted with red-roofed stone houses and the pebble beach Zlatni Rat, popular for swimming and windsurfing.

The nearby Hvar Island is a luxury beach destination where you can enjoy a vibrant nightlife and party till dawn. Hvar Town – the main town of the island, is home to a hilltop fortress which is surrounded by 13th-century walls, Saint Stephen – a baroque cathedral and the 15th century Franciscan Monastery.

To the south of Hvar lies the island of Korcula – packed with historical architecture, good resorts and verdant forests. Korcula town is often referred to as “Little Dubrovnik” because of its strong historic appeal and houses beautiful castles, churches and town squares.

If you’re looking for a secluded destination, you should head over to Mljet – a forest-covered island with raw natural beauty. The island’s main draw is Mljet National Park, which offers great cycling and walking along a lovely coastline and through ruins and lakes.

Losinj Island is known for lush greenery and beautiful bays where you will discover various walking and biking trails. The main town Mali Losinj is famed for its natural harbour and the 19th-century building – the Museum of Losinj.

Ask anyone who has been to Croatia about their experiences and you will get the same answer – it is simply beautiful. A trip to this charming country gives you the opportunity to explore nature, dive into its history and understand its rich culture. To sum it up, Croatia is a perfect place to fulfill all your Mediterranean fantasies.