With around 1,700 kilometers of coastline, no fewer than 1,246 different islands, eight national parks, and endless seaside towns, villages, and charming old cities, Croatia is a sight to be seen. Whether you are planning a road trip through the Balkans, looking for an easy city break, or dreaming of the ideal island vacation, this blog has a few of the most beautiful areas of Croatia to see. Read on to learn more!
Rovinj
A breath of fresh air after the big crowds on the Dalmatian Coast, northern Croatia’s Istrian Peninsula is a lovely area of charming villages and towns. The port city of Rovinj is one of the biggest cities and most popular destinations, luring tourists with its beautiful cobbled streets, colorful buildings, and bustling fishing harbor. Like a lot of settlements along this stretch of the Adriatic, Rovinj was established by the Venetians and Ilyrians and then captured by Rome. Originally an island, it was only connected to the mainland way back in 1763.
Zagreb
Croatia’s biggest city is usually overlooked by travelers whose attention is drawn to the stunning beaches and national parks in the south. However, this is one of the most livable capitals and not one to miss if you are a fan of incredible architecture. Zagreb is arranged into two different parts: the Upper Town (Gradec) and the Lower Town. The third neighborhood, New Zagreb, is on the opposite side of the Sava River. There is the historic St. Mark’s Parish Church, with its vibrant roof bearing twin coats of arms. The close by St. Catherine’s is one of the finest Baroque churches in the entire country. You can also admire the glass ceiling at Oktogon, the Secessionist-style tiled façade at the Kallina house, rummage around vibrant produce at the Dolac Market, and wander through the Lenuci Horseshoe, which is a U-shaped configuration of different city squares and parks located downtown. The Mirogoj City Cemetery is also a sprawling park filled with tombstones and mausoleums on the city’s north side.
Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik is definitely one of the best places to visit while in Croatia. This small coastal city of about 50,000 people is nestled in the country’s Southern tip. It is a seafront city with a large personality, with stunning old town architecture, red roofs, and a very fascinating history. It is recognizable due to it being the location of King’s Landing in Game of Thrones. While here, you can walk the streets and enjoy a gelato or head up to the fortress walls for a bird’s eye view of the town. Make sure to wake up early while you’re here to avoid the large crowds.
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