After its War of Independence in the late 1990s, the Balkan country of Croatia has once again become one of Europe’s top tourist destinations. Croatia, like much of Europe, has its fair share of ancient cities and old sites, but the Plitvice Lakes, the breathtaking Adriatic coasts, and the gorgeous islands are what truly set this nation apart.
The picturesque old town of Dubrovnik, which dates back to the Middle Ages and protrudes into the water, has made it one of the most popular tourist destinations in all of Croatia. Farther up the coast is Split, where the Roman Emperor Diocletian constructed a modest palace for himself over 1,700 years ago.
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Top 8 Places To Visit In Croatia
Zagreb, the country’s capital, is inland and features neoclassical architecture in addition to easy access to Krka National Park for hikers. These recommended sights in Croatia will help you make the most of your time in this stunning European country.
1. Krka National Park
Krka National Park is a Croatian national park that features breathtaking scenery, animals, and historical sites. The park is located in Sibinik-Knin County along the Krka River, and it is most famous for the many waterfalls and natural pools of beautiful, blue-green waters that it contains.
The national park has well-maintained pathways and boat trips, and it is easily accessible by vehicle and bus from Split to Sibinik. The park’s cascading waterfalls are its most visited feature. Skradinski buk and Roki Slap are two of the most well-liked.
2. Zagreb
Zagreb, the largest and capital city of Croatia, is a bustling metropolis with many interesting sights to see. Founded as a diocese in the 2nd century AD by Hungarian King Ladislaus, this city in northwest Croatia has a long history.
Zargreb is now a huge, multicultural metropolis and the political, academic, and cultural center of Croatia. Upper Town, the city’s historic heart, is where visitors may stroll along cobblestone streets and see ancient, medieval churches, towers, and castles.
Lower Town, the city’s commercial center, is where residents live. The Stone Gate, which features a mural of the Virgin Mary and survived the devastating 1731 fire, is one of the city’s most significant landmarks.
3. Korcula
Korcula, an island 30 miles (50 km) off the coast of Croatia, is where legend has it that the merchant traveler Marco Polo was born. Korucla is a small Croatian island that is easily accessible by ferry from both Split and Dubrovnik, two of the country’s major cities.
Blato, one of Korcula’s lovely settlements, is noted for its baroque churches and long promenade of lime trees, shops, restaurants, and hotels. The island also features verdant forests, vineyards, olive orchards, and more. Lambarda is known for its beautiful, white sand beaches, but it also has many ancient Greek and Roman ruins.
Korucla Town, the island’s capital, is a walled, historic district filled with Venetian Renaissance buildings, vibrant markets, and a wide variety of visitor amenities.
4. Pula
Pula, on the southern point of the Istria peninsula on the Adriatic Sea, has been a famous tourist destination even since the days of the ancient Romans, when the city’s amphitheater played host to gladiator fights.
Pula, a city that has changed hands several times throughout the ages and is currently a part of Croatia, is well-known for its abundance of Roman remains and multicultural population. The city of Pula is bustling and full with exciting attractions.
The city’s Roman amphitheater dates back to the 1st century and is one of its main draws. The Arena Amphitheater is among the world’s largest and best-preserved amphitheaters. The Arena is the site of the annual Pula Film Festival in July.
The city’s main square, the Forum, is surrounded by Roman temples and architecture, and other important historic monuments include the city’s ancient gates, arches, monasteries, a Byzantine chapel, and a Venetian fortification.
5. Zadar
Rovinj is a popular tourist destination despite its outward appearance as a sleepy fishing village due to its preserved historic architecture and stunning natural scenery. Rovinj is an archipelago of 20 islands in the Adriatic Sea, off the coast of the Croatian peninsula of Istrian. Its Old Town is located on a small peninsula.
Rovinj is full with riches, including historical landmarks, picturesque scenery, delicious cuisine, and cutting-edge tourist amenities. The Old Town is a sight to behold due to its winding, cobblestone lanes, stairways, arches, and other noteworthy architecture.
Seven medieval city gates, a town clock from the 12th century, the Balbi Arch, and St. Euphemia’s Basilica, a massive baroque church filled with many exquisite art pieces, are just a few of the Old Town’s historic beauties.
6. Dubrovnik
Keep them in mind. These are the steps in Dubrovnik that Cersei used to descend. If you’re a fan of Game of Thrones, you’ll want to visit this area because it’s just like King’s Landing in the show.
The city is embellished with late Renaissance period residences on both sides of the roadway, giving it an air of antiquity.
The “Pearl of the Adriatic” is a common name for this UNESCO World Heritage Site. This fortified city was built in the late Middle Ages, and its Gothic and Baroque buildings make for a picturesque backdrop.
7. Hvar
The allure of lavender in the air is undeniable. Hvar, often known as the “island of lavender,” is famous not only for its Renaissance-style church and fortress, but also for its vineyards and lavender fields.
This island in Croatia has some of the world’s loveliest protected harbors, with walls that date back to the 13th century. Some of the best places in all of Croatia to have a vacation are listed here.
With pleasant summers and mild winters, it is one of the best spots to visit in Croatia any time of the year. The oldest public theater in Europe was built there in 1612, making it a paradise for theatergoers.
8. Trogir
Trogir, a city whose walls date back to the Middle Ages, is a World Heritage Site. It stands on an island, but bridges lead to the rest of the continent. It is a magnificent example of several distinct architectural styles.
Architectural styles ranging from Romanesque through Baroque and Renaissance can be seen here. It may be small, but the charm it offers visitors is huge.
Conclusion
The charming Mediterranean nation of Croatia is between central Europe and the Balkans. In short, it has everything a tourist might want and more. The Roman ruins have been replaced with cocktail bars, but the town nevertheless takes pride in its medieval past.
Are you enthused to go yet? The top attractions and sights in Croatia are listed below. Here are some of Croatia’s top attractions, restaurants, and more that you shouldn’t miss on your next vacation to Europe.
