Travel to Croatia by
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Yachters love the sailing opportunities, sunbathers have an incredible choice of beaches and scuba divers have a paradise of sea life to explore. Beyond the pretty scenery, Croatia also boasts a fascinating history and cultural life. The walled city of Dubrovnik on its southern tip is a must-stop for Mediterranean cruises but the long coast is littered with remnants of Croatia’s varied past.
The Romans swept through two thousand years ago, leaving an amphitheatre in Pula and Diocletian’s Palace in Split. Long ruled by Venice, many ports along the coast bear the distinctive imprint of its former master. In southern Dalmatia, the towns of Hvar and Korcula resemble Little Venice without the canals. In Istria, the striking bell tower in Rovinj is modelled after that on St Mark’s Square in Venice.
In contrast to the Italian-influenced coast, the Croatian interior was part of the Austro-Hungarian empire and looks it. Zagreb, Croatia’s capital, has the kind of stately architecture that wouldn’t be out of place in Vienna or Budapest. Plus, it has a small medieval quarter that vaguely resembles Prague. To the north of Zagreb, in the middle of green, rolling hills, lies Varazdin, Croatia’s most underrated city. Lying too far from the coast to attract much tourism, Varazdin nevertheless boasts a stunningly well-preserved baroque centre.
So, if you travel to Croatia, what to see first? Following is my personal list of highlights for a Croatian visit:
Dubrovnik
Byron called it the "Pearl of the Adriatic" for the magnificent curtain of walls surrounding a city paved in marble and strewn with Renaissance sculpture.
Banje beach
Hvar Town
In addition to the splendid harbour promenade and sculptured facades, it’s becoming known for the best nightlife on the Adriatic.
Korcula Town
It resembles Hvar in some ways, especially the narrow cluster of streets, but it lies on a narrow peninsula and is quieter.
Rovinj
Istria’s prettiest little town, it retains the flavour of a traditional fishing port despite the heavy influx of tourists in recent years.
Travel to Croatia and visit Plitvice Lakes National Park
It has to be seen to be believed. The 16 turquoise lakes seem to glow and there are waterfalls everywhere. It’s a UNESCO world heritage site.
Brela Beach
The idyllic coves, bordered with pine trees, stretch out like a long necklace of beaches. Forbes magazine recently named it one of the top twenty beaches in the world.
No matter where you go in Croatia, you’ll find people eager to welcome tourists after the gruelling war of the early 1990s. English is widely spoken and costs are comparatively reasonable compared to the rest of the European coast. So what are you waiting for? Travel to Croatia!
Krk island beach
About The Author
Jeanne Oliver is the author of this article. She has written all three editions of Lonely
Planet’s Croatia guidebook. To find out more about travelling to Croatia including accommodation, car rentals, ferry schedules and itineraries, visit Jeanne’s website, http://www.croatiatraveller.com.
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