Why you Should Visit Croatia: a country that has it all

Visit Croatia alongside the Adriatic Sea with 1200 islands. Borders 9 different countries, Slovenia, Hungary, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Serbia, and Montenegro.

Croatia is an incredible destination that offers something for everyone. From breathtaking beaches to historic cities, stunning mountains to delicious gastronomy, Croatia is a must-visit destination. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach vacation or an exciting adventure, Croatia has something for everyone. Explore the wonders of this fascinating country and experience the magic of Croatia!

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Many movies have been filmed or partially filmed in Croatia, such as “Game of Thrones“, “Fiddler on the Roof”, “Robinhood” 2018, and many more. Why do you think this is, so it seems, Croatia has it all!

Why Film Producers Choose Croatia

Ancient architecture, islands, impressive waterfalls, glorious beaches, national parks, forests, old towns, caves, affordability, and ancient culture. The weather is also hard to believe because it experiences 2700 hours of sunshine a year, more than Sydney, Australia. This is a filmmaker’s paradise and yes, a tourist visiting will encounter a memorable vacation, never to be forgotten.

A Touch on Croatian History

Croatian history can be rather complicated. as a result of history going back 30 000 years since the remains of Neanderthals were found. (an extinct species or subspecies of archaic humans who lived in Eurasia).

10 facts to note:

• Around 11 B.C. the Romans ruled.
• Then came Croat tribes who moved into Pannonia and Dalmatia and powerful clans and rulers developed.
• Around 800 A.D., the first real superpower since the fall of Rome, the Frankish emperor Charles the Great, conquered Dalmatia and strove to convert Croats into Christians.
• In 925, Croatia the Kingdom was born under King Tomislav, and under his rule, Croatia became the most powerful force in the Balkans.
• Hungary became the new ruler of Croatia in 1091. The Ottoman Empire tried desperately to take over Croatia and the Balkans. These battles took place over the years.  Eventually, Croatia became part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
• in 1918, “The Kingdom of Yugoslavia” (“Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes.”), failed and an uprising occurred.
• The Partisans fought back and only after World War II, did Tito becomes the leader of Yugoslavia. He transformed Yugoslavia from a largely agricultural nation into an industrialized one.
• Then there was a territorial battle between the Serbs, Croats, and Bosnians, where 100 000 people lost their lives, was a bloody war and NATO finally intervened with airstrikes in 1995. On Dec. 14, 1995, the Dayton Peace Accords were signed, officially ending the war.
• On 1 July 2013, Croatia became part of the EU.
• Today, Croatia is a peaceful, popular tourist destination.

6 Historical Sites in Croatia you must visit

Croatia is filled with history, from ancient to fairly recent. As Lord Acton said: “History is not a burden on the memory but an illumination of the soul”

1. Walls of Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik Pass

Purchase a Dubrovnik pass prior to venturing up to the Walls of Dubrovnik, for the purpose of the entrance to other sites, such as museums and entry into Fort Lorijenac which is a fortress and theatre outside the western wall of the city of Dubrovnik.

Encircling the Old Town

These walls encircle most of the old town and are 1,940 meters, allowing you to view both the blue waters of the Adriatic Sea and Old Town from the walls. Take bottled water with you, even though there are cafes to savor a meal or drink, you will need your water.

2. Amphitheatre de Pula

The 10 kuna banknote, has a picture of the Pula Arena. Roman Emperor Vespasian who was responsible during his reign for building the Colosseum was also responsible for building the Amphitheatre de Pula between 27 BC and the year 68, the result being the only arena to retain its four side towers and was the sixth-largest ever built.

Purpose of Amphitheatre

Originally constructed from wood and later reconstructed from stone, the purpose stayed the same, to accommodate gladiatorial fights and tournaments between knights. Later Emperor Honorius banned these fights, but battles between wild animals and convicts continued.

3. Trsat Castle

Trsat Castle is 138 meters above sea level overlooking the city of Rijeka, with the purpose to be a great lookout for the Romans, to monitor the roads and ships coming in. Today this castle is still put into use for open-air summer concerts, has a visual art gallery and theatre performances as well as fashion shows.

4. Diocletian’s Palace

Half of the old town of Split is part of the palace which was built for the Roman emperor Diocletian in his old age in the year 305AD. Decorated with 3500-year-old granite sphinxes from the site of Egyptian Pharaoh Thutmose III, also known as Thutmose the Great. . Only 3 sphinxes remain intact today.

Diocletian ruled from the age of 2 till his death at 56 years.

How to View the Palace

I would suggest going around the Diocletian Palace with a licensed guide, in other words, there is so much to observe and learn! Today more than 3,000 people live and work within the palace.

5. Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Do you revel in visiting churches and cathedrals all over the world then the Cathedral of the Assumption in Zagreb’s Upper Town is the one to visit. For one thing, it is said that it is the most impressive Gothic-style sacral building southeast of the Alps emphasizing the status and power of its bishops in those days and surprisingly the stained-glass windows are the oldest in Croatia.

6. Sea Organ (Morske Orgulje)

After the Second World War, Croatia worked hard at reconstructing the coastline in Zadar, thereupon, in 2005 the Morske Orgulje was opened to the public. White marble steps lead down to the sea, and under these steps, there is a system of polyethylene tubes and as a result, when the waves go against the organ, harmonica sounds are created. Grab a snack and coffee and listen and relax!

“On the day when man told the story of his life to man, history was born.”

Alfred de Vigny

3 National Parks that are Impressive

Croatia most certainly does have it all! There are 8 national parks, but 3 you just have to visit as a consequence they are breathtaking and fill your soul with wonder.

1. Krka National Park

“The journey to the waterfall can be exhilarating, but the destination is mind-blowing and rewarding.“- Why You should Chase Waterfalls

Number of Waterfalls

Krka National Park has 17 stunning, dramatic waterfalls and if you love swimming, you can swim in the Skradinski Buk, which is a massive, clear, natural pool with high waterfalls at one end and cascades at the other. Falling water represents life and reinforces faith and spiritual awareness, and existence.

Hiking and Birding

Hiking trails, mostly on wooden planks take approximately 2 hours or alternatively, observe the eight hundred and sixty species and subspecies of magnificent plants. Birds of prey show their presence and if you are an avid birder you will be in seventh heaven.

2. Plitvice Lakes National Park

How truly stunning is this walkway? It is worth visiting Croatia just for this experience.

There are 16 terraced lakes, rivers, streams, and waterfalls and this national park is the oldest and largest of the 8 national parks. Plitvice is a huge tourist attraction, but staying in a hotel close by allows you the opportunity to really discover all that it has to offer. The Eurasian brown bear can be found in the park, also lynx, wolves, and wild boars.

3. Mljet National Park

Getting Around

Cycling by hiring a bicycle is the best way to get around the national park including little villages. You can hire electric bikes, but they are very expensive. Make sure you take the ferry and visit the monastery and church, Island of St Mary.

Tourist Must-Sees

Two lakes, Malo and Veliko are saltwater and are linked together by a small canal then 90% of the park is covered in forest. Odyssey’s Cave you cannot miss out on and include some swimming and snorkelling?

12 Interesting Facts about Croatia

Did you know …

• Only in Cres do the Griffon Vultures nest so close to the sea. They are protected and endangered and are the only surviving vulture residing in Croatia
• Završje belfry is 22 meters high and tilts 40cm, so Croatia has its own leaning tower.
• There are nearly 300 wine regions in Croatia.
• Kuna, the Croatian currency is named after a cat-sized mammal, named the pine-marten. The coins, lipa, are named after a lime tree.
• The Iris is the national flower of Croatia.
• Known as the necktie originated from Croatian soldiers and is also known as the cravat. These soldiers who wore the cravat were mercenaries for the King of France.
• 1/3 of Croatia is covered in forest.
• Lavoslav Ruzicka (1939) and Vladimir Prelog (1975) are two Nobel Prize winners in chemistry and they came from Croatia.
• Maglica, a Croatian, invented the Mag Light.
• In Istria, is the world’s smallest town called Hum.
• Slavoljub Penkala invented the very first mechanical pencil.
• On the map of the Moon, Scientists J.R. Boskovik and A.Mohorovicic, have their names.

6 Epic Islands to Visit in Croatia

Some experts say there are 1244 islands, some say 1240, but out of these totals, that nobody can quite agree on, 525 are islets, while 642 are rocks and reefs. Only 67 are inhabited of which 20 of these 67 have lost their inhabitants as economic activity declined.

Island Hopping has become a very popular pastime and drawcard, which has encouraged transformative travel by ferry from one island to the next. Defining your purpose for visiting these islands, you need to know what you are looking for because the Croatian islands will oblige your desires.

Best Time to Visit During the high season, from mid-June to mid-September the tourist industry booms in Croatia. The peak season from the end of July to mid-August is not the time to go. Crowds galore and the prices of everything rocket.

What are you Searching for Are you looking for a cave in which the sunlight turns a brilliant blue for an hour each day, 120 dolphins, wine tours, luxury, fine cuisine and beaches, crystal clear waters, mammals and birds, historical sites, naturalist islands, hiking trails or just time to relax?

Suggested Way to Tour

The best way to do your luxury island hopping is with a day cruise, incapsulating an adventure that will take about 10 hours. On the other hand, if you would like a 10-day organized luxury tour, this ISLAND HOPPING LUXURY HOLIDAY IN CROATIA is the one to choose, offering luxury yachts, sightseeing, a 5-star boutique villa on Korcula, superb cuisine and you will be showcased all the exquisiteness the islands have to offer.

1. Rab Island then visit Pag Island the next day

Observe the Rab Knight Games and participate in the Rab Fair. Explore the town’s historical center, take a hike through the oak and pine forest, relax on the turquoise lagoons, and then relax on Rajska (Paradise) which is the longest and most popular sandy beach on the island of Rab. 

Suggested Hotel

Arbiana Heritage Hotel, positioned in the old town, offers a superb, relaxing time, overlooking the seafront. Pag Island is just 500m away, which allows you close proximity to visit another wonderful island.

2. Hvar

Famous For

Hvar is trendy for the famous and wealthy who bring their yachts to this island, moreover it is rather fascinating for the observer to spend a few hours spotting and viewing these yachts. One cannot believe there is so much money around to be able to spend on such luxury. A very popular tourist destination

Need Seclusion

Over 11 000 people live on Hvar and it makes the perfect summer destination. If you would like some privacy, take a boat to the nearby Pakleni Islands, where you can find secluded beaches and coves.

Historical Facts

Hvar city is surrounded by fortification walls dating from the 7th century and the divine historic cobbled walkways, a cypress garden that is more than 300 years old and is hidden by the 16th century Franciscan Monastery. The Cathedral and Fortress are definitely worth a visit.

Outside Beauty

Just outside you find rolling hills sheathed in layers of fragrant lavender, olive trees, and vineyards. Lavender is the symbol of Hvar.

3. Sveti Nikola

Sveti Nikola is a petite island and uninhabited, other than the Isabella Valamar Collection Island Resort, and consequently, it only has a 2km diameter to get around the whole island. Beaches are charming and striking and in addition, shaped gardens and spectacular views of the turquoise clear waters. Perfect island to just take time out to chill. One of my favorites!

4.  Galešnjak Island or Love Island

Even though this island is pretty boring from the sea, in the air, you will see it is shaped like a heart and due to this heart shape, it is worth a mention.

Who Mainly Visits

Quite phenomenal and many honeymooners go over by boat and make it their mission to snuggle together on the pebble beaches, swim in the transparent Adriatic, and say they have visited. Totally uninhabited and with only plantation preparation for olives and a foundation of one little Roman ruin, and small shrubs, the island really has nothing else.

5. Biševo Island

Biševo is tiny, 6 sq km south of the remote Dalmatian island of Vis, and has a population of 15, be that as it may, the inhabitants are welcoming and the simplicity is so inspiring.

Island’s Main Source of Income

The main income for the population over the centuries was fishing and cultivation of grapevine, olives, and figs, whereas today tourism and hospitality are the main sources of income.

What to See and Where to Stay

Visit the uncanny, eerie, impressive Blue Cave. When staying in Biševo, I highly recommend Airbnb or the Hotel Biševo with 131 beautifully decorated rooms furthermore, the restaurant is really good and they also have a pizzeria that overlooks the sea.

6. Elaphatiti Islands

Some say Elaphatiti, some Elaphiti, but others call them Elafiti. Who knows which is the correct name, but the name does not change the beauty of these islands.

Position of Islands

They are just northwest of Dubrovnik and when the crowds overflow into the city during peak season, escape to either Kolocep, Lopud or Sipan. As they are small islands, make sure you make your booking for accommodation well in advance and every day there are ferry links to these islands or go by catamaran.

Kolocep	Smallest of the 3 islands, but closest to Dubrovnik. Perfect for a day trip. No cars or traffic. Population of +/- 300 people. Lovely hikes through pine forest, relax on beach and you can stay overnight at the 4-star adults only hotel – TUI BLUE Kalamota Island.
Lopud	Middle of three island. Population around 200 and heaps of Roman history. One sandy beach called Sunj Bay. Hire kayaks and bicylces and enjoy the views. Franciscan Monastery and churches dating back to the 15th century. There are a couple of choices for accommodation from hotel, villas to guest houses.
Sipan	There are cars and buses, but the traffic is very mild. A beach club with cabanas, and an on-site restaurant. Stay in either apartments or hotels, to enjoy the rest of what the island has to offer.

Did you know, the breed of dalmatian comes from Dalmatia in Croatia?

9 Things not to do in Croatia

• When popping in to buy a cool drink or something small, don’t pay in notes. These businesses are often family-owned and they do not carry huge amounts of change. Be considerate and pay with your smaller coins.
• Swimming is great but wear rock shoes. Most of the beaches are pebbled and you will be able to enjoy the sea far more, by wearing your shoes.
• Don’t eat on buses or trains. This is not appreciated by the locals.
• Calling the sea “water” or “ocean” will infuriate the residents. It is the SEA.
• Never talk about politics. The Serbian war did not finish that long ago and this will only rub salt in the wounds of those who experienced it.
• Littering on the beach is an absolute NO-NO. Croatian pride themselves on their magnificent beaches. There are dustbins readily available for you to throw away anything you need to.
• When eating out, don’t just order pizza or pasta. Try some of the delicious Croatian dishes, such as peka and if you are a wine lover, order Croatian wines.
• if you love visiting cathedrals or churches, don’t take out your camera and flash selfies or family pictures. The majority of Croatians are Catholic and by doing so you are disrespecting the religion.
• After your scrumptious meal, don’t forget to TIP your waiter. 10% is normal, but if it was a great meal and service, tip 15%.

Did you know Croatia has the smallest town in the world? Hum. Read my article on this quaint destination.

A good friend is worth more than a bad brother. – Croatian Proverb

Have you visited any of these islands or Croatia? If you have let us know which ones and why, so others can go on your recommendations.