From Game of Thrones’s King’s Landing to the famous 90’s show “Stipe u gostima,” Croatia has been a special destination and has drawn tourists from all over the globe to witness and visit this land where seemingly all the Earth’s different parts are coming together. Mountains and rocks, sand and beaches—no wonder the Romans ruled those parts for centuries. Not yet convinced? In the text below, we’ll discuss why Croatia might be the ultimate vacation spot and why you might reconsider your next destination when you have a few days off.
History and Culture
The rich culture and heritage of Croatia is reason enough to visit the country. Besides the beautiful beaches, the well-preserved architecture of famous landmarks makes it especially valuable, as those are silent reminders of the many empires and civilizations that crossed those lands. Dubrovnik, most famously known as King’s Landing in the HBO TV show Game of Thrones is often called the “Pearl of the Adriatic”, and is a UNESCO World Heritage site that’s often visited by tourists due to its modern cultural reference and the past as well. Then again, there are other cities, such as Split, that have a well-preserved Roman-era complex referred to as the Diocletian’s Palace that currently hosts vibrant cafes and markets. But enough of the coastline, although some might find it the most intriguing and interesting part of Croatia. The inner cities of the country, such as Varaždin and Zagreb (the capital) are filled with architecture from the Austro-Hungarian time, one more reminder of the times long gone.
Nature as We Imagined It
The natural wonders of the unique country are often hosts to those seeking adventure and excitement, and more than often the pictures you see of nature never do them justice, as this scenery seems almost impossible to capture. The country is home to eight national parks, including Plitvice Lakes and Krka, both of which are famous for their cascading waterfalls and lush greenery. That’s why hikers and climbers love these parts, as they can also visit the many peaks of the Dinaric Alps. You can see why it might be appealing to lovers of nature, as they’ll get everything in one place, from mountain peaks to natural scenery.
Memorable Coastlines and Islands
The Croatian coastline is arguably its most famous feature. It stretches over 1700 kilometers along the Adriatic Sea and is home to more than 1200 small and big islands. Popular destinations such as Hvar, Brač, and Korčula will surely put you on a special journey visiting their fairy-tale-like villages while enjoying a vibrant nightlife that promises you amazing food and even better people. And if you would rather enjoy a more secluded lifestyle, there are numerous smaller islands perfect for those looking for a nice retreat from their daily lives. The whole coastline is full of memorable ruins of the past, making it perfect for lovers of history. Thankfully, on websites such as mycroatiacruise.com and similar ones, you can check the many different offers on cruises that make it perfect for those looking to relax and enjoy nature. What better way to experience the beauty of this natural wonder than to sail it with the top summer yacht charter while enjoying the hot sun and sipping champagne?
Hospitality and Gastronomy
We can’t talk about Croatia without mentioning the hospitality of the people and the amazing dishes that are traditional to the region. Now, as you can imagine, there is a mosaic of different food to be tried as the coastline boasts itself with marine food, while in the central parts, you might come across dishes with a bit more meat and dairy. So for those who love dishes such as čevapi, goulash, and truffle-infused specialties, you might be better off seeking these inland, but for those preferring fish and maybe a nice octopus salad, the coastline is the place to look. And let’s not forget the fruits, olives, and other foods that thrive in such a climate. Now, back to the hospitality of the people you’ll come across: nice and warm welcomes, as they’re used to tourists and quite enjoy their company.
What About Money?
Depending on the parts and regions, the prices can vary. Our advice is to look for smaller towns that are within a 20 km radius of the main tourist attraction, as you can always rent a car and visit Split and Dubrovnik without having to pay high prices in hotels or motels. Plus, the smaller towns often have more charm and character; the people are usually more welcoming and friendly and prices are lower. When it comes to the inner lands, you might have some trouble finding a place to sleep at an affordable price in Zagreb, as the capital is home to all the main attractions.
But, just a few kilometers off the city’s borders, you can always find something nice and with public transport being quite organized, going to the city and back should not pose too much of an issue. Other things, such as food and drinks, might be a bit overpriced at the coastline, but you can find local produce and drinks at the markets for a lot less and prepare some of the food on your own.
If somebody would ask why Croatia, the answer is simple: Why not? It has everything you’d expect from a nice vacation spot, from beaches and the sea to ancient ruins and history, from food to amazing dishes and drinks, and, among other things, more than enough terrains to hike and mountains to climb on.