Croatia

Europe

Croatia

Traveling Around Croatia

It is not a surprise to anyone that such a beautiful and versatile country as Croatia steals the hearts of many new visitors each year. The fact that a relatively small country can offer so many different climates and landscapes is something you don’t see often from sunbathing on the most beautiful beaches under the Mediterranean sun to hiking through the pristine mountain landscapes with unique flora and fauna. There is something to do for everyone. Let’s take a closer look at Croatia and everything it offers for upcoming visitors.

Things to Do in Croatia

Croatia is a country that has many things to offer for its visitors. Besides the beautiful beaches and pristine landscapes, the country has several cozy cities, national parks, and picturesque villages that are also worth a visit. Here is a list of locations that are highly praised in Croatia:

Dubrovnik City Walls

The Dubrovnik city walls and fortresses have played an important defensive role for Dubrovnik over the centuries. Even in the most recent war between 1991 and 1992, the old city and the city walls suffered much damage. If you are a history buff, visiting Dubrovnik is not complete until you have walked on the spectacular city walls. The city walls have been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1979.

Lokrum Island

Just off the Croatian coast, a fifteen-minute boat ride from Dubrovnik lies the island of Lokrum. The island is the ideal destination to escape from the tourist crowds in Dubrovnik. The island is small in size, therefore perfect for an afternoon of exploring. Within the island, you will find the Dead Sea Pool, which is a lake on the island that is connected to the ocean. There is also the Benedictine Monastery, the botanic gardens, and the ruins of Fort Royal

Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes is the largest national park in Croatia and one of the oldest in Southeastern Europe. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is located 130 km south of the capital Zagreb and consists of 16 lakes connected by waterfalls. The national park was established in 1949. It is definitely worth a visit for anyone that enjoys hiking and nature.

Diocletian’s Palace

Diocletian’s Palace is undoubtedly one of the most important sights in Split. This ancient Roman palace was built in the early 4th century AD for Emperor Diocletian. Today, the palace forms a large part of the old city; it is actually more of a small town within the existing city. Diocletian’s Palace is a must-visit when you are in Croatia.

Foods to Try in Croatia

From the spicy sausages of Slavonia to the seafood of Dalmatia, Croatian food and cuisine varies from region to region. It may seem strange that a small country like Croatia has such a rich culinary tradition, but its location and historical events have had a major impact on Croatian cuisine. The Croats are very proud of this heritage, which has left them something very tangible in the form of food that they cherish every day. And of course, they are only too happy to show their cooking skills to tourists.

  • Zagorski Å¡trukli: This dish is originally from the Croatian region of Zagorje and can be prepared in two ways – boiled or baked. It is kind of a strudel but savory, made with cheese.
  • Brudet: A delicious fish soup prepared from fresh fish from the Adriatic Sea, olive oil, garlic, celery, parsley, and rice. It is often served with Polenta, which is cooked cornmeal.
  • Black Risotto: Another seafood dish. Black risotto is made with squid and gets its unique black color from the ink it uses to protect itself from predators.
  • PaÅ¡ticada: A must-try stewed meat dish prepared in a complex way in a delicious sweet and sour sauce. What makes PaÅ¡ticada so unique is that different regions within Croatia prepare this dish differently. Each local cuisine gives its unique twist.

Croatia Travel Tips

  • Book your activities, travel, and accommodations in advance to avoid disappointment.
  • Carrying cash is a good idea as you will often find cash-only services.
  • No tipping is required, but rounding up your bill is always appreciated.
  • Although Andorra is not part of the European Union, it uses the Euro currency.