Huddled between the Balkans and central Europe, Croatia is a country rich in history and natural wonders from limestone caves, endless forests to scenic pebble beaches. The country’s most famous waters are found inland at the Plitvice Lakes National Park, a system of waterfalls, caves, and 16 terraced lakes that cover the entire blue-green color spectrum. The Adriatic Sea coast is truly spectacular, dotted with more than 1,000 islands surrounded by impossibly clear water just inviting gone to jump in and swim.
Here are 5 more reasons to visit this exquisite jewel of a country:
- Split:
A city that is a juxtaposition of old and new. Ancient cathedrals sit alongside buzzing restaurants in this beautiful city with its terracotta-tiled houses and stunning beaches. Explore the old city with its medieval architecture and then take a stroll to the riviera where you can hire a yacht to explore the sprinkling of islands surrounded by aquamarine water.
- Dubrovnik:
Best known for its status as a UNESCO Heritage Site, Dubrovnik is one of the only walled cities left in the world. Quaint cobbled streets, sunny market squares, and the blue Adriatic Sea glitter beyond. Savor your time here by walking the city walls, soaking in the sunset from a terrace restaurant, shopping for charming souvenirs and delicious delicacies, and falling in love with the “Pearl of the Adriatic.”
- Zagreb
If culture is your vibe, a trip to Zagreb is a must. A key central hub, Zagreb has everything from food, festivals to culture with a dollop of Balkan energy. It’s the ideal place to visit for a city break, as it’s small enough to get to know it intimately. There are also a few quirky museums to visit, how about the Museum of Broken Relationships? Now that’s something to talk about.
4.Vis
This island—the furthest from the Croatian mainland—is relatively underdeveloped compared to its island siblings, and that makes it a big drawcard as it’s less commercial and more authentic than some of the other islands. Once there, make time to beach hop (try Lucica and Srebrna ), climb Hum Mountain, eat fresh shellfish in exquisite Komiža and take a boat trip to the blue cave of Biševo.
- Korcula
Korčula is famous for its white wine (pošip grapes are primarily only grown here), and the island is home to a mix of tangled woods, winding coastlines, tiny fishing villages, vineyards and twisted old, olive trees. Its biggest town, the talked about Korčula, is known as “Little Dubrovnik” for its fortified medieval walls and narrow streets. Local legend says explorer Marco Polo was born here, and the site of his alleged birth is open to visitors
