Most people love to travel at some stage in their lives. This could involve anything from embracing the shift in seasons in New Zealand to traveling across Europe. If you’re looking for somewhere with a combination of beautiful views, outdoor activities, and history, Croatia is a great choice. In this article, we’re going to be discussing seven amazing locations you may wish to visit in Croatia.
- Dubrovnik
This is both a fortified city and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It features residential quarters that have been around for hundreds of years, and more than 12 churches. There are also squares of limestone and several medieval monasteries. Dubrovnik is found in the southern tip of Croatia, facing the Adriatic sea. It has rightfully been nicknamed the Pearl of the Adriatic.
There are plenty of beaches to choose from, and some are to be found on nearby islands. If you fancy a Dubrovnik walking tour, specialist websites display online reviews and blogs, and enable you to book online. You can choose a 1/2 day tour, history tour, or tailored private walking tour. There are even ones based around the highly successful ‘Game of Thrones’ series. Some great places to look out for include Saint Lawrence Fort, the Dominican Monastery, the Rector’s Palace, and the Baroque Cathedral.
- Hvar Town
This is a small seaside party town that features beachside cocktail bars. If you look above the hill, you can see Fortica – the medieval castle. You can swim at the waterfront promenade or in one of the tiny rocky bays.
If you wish to visit the Pakleni Islands nearby, all you need to do is jump on a taxi boat. Some other great local features include vineyards and lavender fields. There are also churches, fortresses, palaces, and a beautiful town square. If you’re into outdoor activities, you could visit some of the hidden coves or go hiking on the cliffs.
- Plitvice Lakes
You can find 16 interconnecting waterfalls at the Plitvice Lakes National Park. If you love viewing and photographing beautiful flora and fauna, this is the place for you. It’s also home to bears, wolves, eagles, wildcats, deer, and 120 species of birds.
The best way to travel is on foot, and there are plenty of local trails to keep you occupied for a couple of days. During the winter, why not go to the local small ski resort? This would be suitable for people of all skills and ages. If you fancy going for a swim, visit the Krka National Park and try the Krka river. Plitvice Lakes is ideal for visitors who want to go somewhere that’s off the beaten track.
- Zagreb
Zagreb is the capital city of Croatia, and also one of its largest ones. It contains medieval defensive walls and provides panoramic views over the red rooftops. If you fancy a walk, travel along the tree-lined Strossmayer promenade. You can also watch the local farmers selling their fresh produce at Dolak market (which is open-air).
Zagreb dates back to the 11th century, making it ideal for history lovers. You can visit some of its many local museums, and there’s an Upper Town and Lower Town. Of the two, the Upper Town is the richest in history. It contains cobbled streets as well as medieval structures and monuments.
- Istria
This is a great place for people who love hilltop villages and seaside towns. Rovinj sits on a peninsula that juts into the Adriatic Sea. It features cobblestone lanes, facades, and lots of art galleries. If you head over to Motovun you’ll discover that it’s a beautiful forested valley. Tourists arrive at the base and jump on the shuttle bus. Alternatively, they walk their way up to the medieval walls.
If you’re a nature lover, head over to the undeveloped reserve at Cape Kamenjak. Istria has good transport connections, including a summer catamaran service connecting various Istrian ports with Venice. It’s worth visiting San Canzian, which features stone-clad cottages and beautiful views over olive trees and vineyards. You can find it near the day trip town of Buje.
- The Island Of Brac
Lovers of white shingle beaches and pine trees should definitely visit Zlatni Rat beach. Of all the beaches in Croatia, this is the one most commonly photographed. Brac is the third largest island in Croatia, and it’s close to Split on the mainland. The waters are blue-green in color, and often feature kite surfers.
If you’re looking to stay at a resort, check out Milner, Supetar, and Bol. As there’s not a huge amount to see, they’re great places if you simply want to anchor down and relax. If you want to visit the island’s highest point, however, go to Vidova Gora, which is 780 meters high. This is a great vantage point for viewing the nearby islands and famous beaches below. If you’re interested to learn about Brac’s history of olive oil production, check out the Olive Oil Museum in Skrip.
- The Island Of Vis
This area was once used as a naval base, and it was closed off to foreigners until 1989. The island is slowly increasing in popularity, not least because It was used as a filming location for, ‘Mamma Mia 2’. Accommodation is limited at Vis Town and in the other larger settlement on the island.
The best way to get around is to have your own car with you, or to rent a scooter on the island. There’s an island nearby that’s uninhabited and called Bisevo. It features the beautiful Blue Cave. Boat trips can be organized from Vis and Komiza, and also from the mainland. For a ferry ride, you can travel from Split to Vis.
No doubt, one or more of these amazing locations has taken your fancy. This will depend largely on whether you want to relax on the beach, view historical buildings, or be involved in outdoor activities. Whether you do some or all of these things, you’re bound to have an amazing time in Croatia, and will be keen to come back sometime soon.
