About two hours flight from Paris is Croatia! A country marked by a rich history and fratricidal wars with its neighbors ... But what we must remember today is rather all the medieval remains that remain standing over the centuries in this wild setting between pine forests and hidden coves. Because Croatia is above all fantastic landscapes: 1,700 kilometers of southern coastline and 1,185 islands and islets bathed in crystal clear waters, bathed in the sunshine of the Midi. Overview of the must-see places in Croatia.
1. Dubrovnik
Built on a rock, the city of Dubrovnik is one of the most beautiful walled cities in the world. The turquoise waters that lick the rocky sides of its rock make this cove a fabulous setting. A scenery that almost became a macabre place of desolation when the enemy bombings of the war of independence in 1991 have seriously damaged the medieval city. Fortunately, the help of Unesco and some international donors allowed the rehabilitation of this mythical city. Today the ramparts are proudly erected again, and the cobbled streets that wind their way up between the churches and palaces are perfectly restored. With its newfound charm, the city known as "the pearl of the Adriatic" is a delight for its panorama and its unique atmosphere at any time of the year.
If you are a fan of Games of Thrones, let yourself be transported to King's Landing on a guided tour that will take you to the most famous filming locations of the series!
2. Plitvice Lakes National Park
The oldest and most famous park in Croatia is home to a magical natural phenomenon. Sixteen terraced lakes, green travertines and waterfalls flowing through these vegetable sieves. The limestone formation mixed with a particular biological process gives rise to layers of algae and moss that constantly change the Decor. Several Kilometers of Wooden Footbridges have built to spIS Green and Blue Setting, and join the economs that adorn the lakes. The bank sh shKes. Elter An impressive fauna, Nearly 120 Species of Birds Populat the Tops of Spruces and Junipers, The below footprints betray the presence of bears and lynx. In short, a garden of Eden where the turquoise waters would make the most beautiful lagoons of the Indian Ocean jealous.
On the other hand, the site obviously attracts a lot of people and here are a few tips for organizing your visit.
3. Zagreb
With its 800,000 inhabitants, it gathers one fifth of the total population of the country. Often forgotten at the expense of the seaside cities of the Adriatic, Zagreb has been a very important cultural and political center since the Middle Ages. The sculpted ar chitecture of the FACADES and the Religious Buildings Conceal UnSuspects and Are Reminiscent of the Cities of Vienna or Budapest. Despite its dynamic page, The CI Ty Hasaged to Maintain A Certain Authenticity in the Face of Modernization. Inded, the old districts are of a bewitching charm with without a calm worthy of a provincial village. From an artistic point of view, the avant-garde movements are very present and the galleries are legion. Zagreb is a bit of a stopover before relaxing, an opportunity to learn more about Croatian history before enjoying the beaches and the wonderful islands. Zagreb is also the starting point for many excursions: in the historical streets of Ljubjana for example or on board a traditional boat on the lake of Bled.
4. Hvar
Hvar's 68 kilometers make it the longest island in Central Dalmatia. With 2,722 hours of sunshine a year, this strip of land is a popular destination for tourists. And it is easy to understand why, when you know the existence of the many creeks that surround the northern and western part of the island. The vegetation is also exuberant, leaving in the air fragrant notes of lavender and rosemary. Here two towns compete for the island's supremacy, Hvar, an elegant medieval town built in a pine forest on the edge of turquoise waters, and the older Stari Grad, which was the first town on the island founded by the Greeks. You can also take an excursion to discover the Blue and Green Caves from Hvar.
5. Korcula
Many people think that Korcula is the most beautiful island in South Dalmatia. The medieval city of the same name has managed to survive and preserve itself through the ages. Built on a peninsula in the Pelješac Strait, the city is strategically located to control ships on the Adriatic. Its ingenious architecture was established according to the sometimes very strong wind blowing through the streets (the bura), which from the air resulted in a fishbone-shaped layout. Today the old town has become an ideal place to stroll among the restaurant the s , stores and charming terraces. The island in general is a breath of fresh air for all its occupants. With its dense vegetation, vineyards and numerous forests, it is distinguished by its 182 kilometers of finely delineated coastline.
6. Pula
3,000 years of history inhabit the walls of the largest city in Istria. Pula is an interesting stop on a trip to Croatia, if only for its cultural and historical dimension. Indeed, the city has been the scene of important archaeological discoveries, suggesting that the The region has been inhabited for more than 8,000 years. First mentioned by Greek historians, the city fell into the hands of the Romans before the birth of Christ, thus becoming an important commercial crossroads. Among the vestiges that can be observed there, go to the Roman amphitheater to the temple of Augustus: click here to book your entrance ticket in a few clicks.
You can also take advantage of this opportunity to go back in time through equally glorious periods by visiting the numerous medieval churches. Today, Pula is an economic and cultural engine of the region and is increasingly asserting itself as a leading city of tourism in Istria.
7. Sibenik
Surrounded by the regions of Zadar, Split, the Dinaric Mountains, and the Adriatic coast, Sibenik is a region that is not very developed from a tourist point of view, which gives it a refreshing authenticity. It is surprising when you consider that these lands are home to the Kornati Islands and Krka Park, two of the most beautiful national parks in the country. Spots that allow you to enjoy exceptional walks. For an experience far from the crowds and urban tumult, opt for a "Robinsonnade" on one of the 125 uninhabited Kornati islands. The Krka is an exceptional setting to contemplate wonderful waterfalls and take a dip in crystal clear lakes. The capital of the region of Sibenik also has treasures, including the figurehead: the Cathedral of St. James classified as a world Heritage Site by Unesco. You can discover it during a guided tour that also includes the Skradinski Buk waterfall, one of the most beautiful sites in the Krka National Park. Click here for to find out the prices!
8. Rovinj
A Latin veil still hangs over Rovinj, a borrowing from the period when the region was under the Italian flag; this has the gift of immersing us immediately in a most cosmopolitan atmosphere. Here, artists abound since the Second World War and the city has inherited the laudatory nickname of "Montmartre of Istria". In short, one comes to Rovinj to discover an enchanting setting, to walk the maze of winding streets that crisscross the city, to stop at the market stall after stall, and to stroll from store to store to discover the Italian-Croatian handicraft. The city that is called the "Little Croatian Venice" is also rich in monuments such as the Cathedral of St. Euphemia or the arch of Balbi, additional reasons to make a stop there. The city being quite small, it is difficult to circulate during the high season, prefer to go there in autumn or spring.
9. Split
Split is a concentrated place of activities and excursions like no other in Croatia. Rafting and canyoning in the north, creeks, rocks, isolated beaches and pinewoods in the south, this mix of leisure activities makes this seaside town the most dynamic in southern Croatia . Tempted by rafting on the Cetina river? Book your experience in a few clicks right here! Almost two thousand years old, the city is today a young and active metropolis. And even if tourism seems to be the main sector feeding the region, the naval field and the primary industries are making the most of this setting. The main reason for coming to Split is to stroll through the heart of the city, around the Roman palace, and then to enjoy the waterfront and the magnificent facilities that adorn the coastline. All of this while sitting comfortably on a shaded terrace to taste the local specialties.
10. Zadar
Built between the rivers Zrmanja and Krka, Zadar is the crossroads of Dalmatia. Despite its turbulent history, this Croatian city has maintained its status as a dynamic city. With a multitude of things to see and do, it ranks among the four most important cities on the Dalmatian coast, thanks to tourism and its strong economy. The old town is an ode to the ancient and medieval world, which despite the destruction caused during the period 1991-1995 retains an intact heritage. To enjoy a unique moment, go to the terraces of the waterfront, where the sun sets on the golden ripples of the ocean in the evening. In fact, legend has it that this is the place where you can see the most beautiful sunset in Croatia.
11. The island of Lokrum
The vegetation of the island of Lokrum is rich of pines, cypresses, oaks, myrtle, oleanders... Under the patronage of Unesco, the island was classified as a natural reserve in 1964. Peacocks roam freely. not uncommon to find starfish. If swimming is possible all around the island, it is especially recommended in the south. Are you a fan of the Game of Thrones series? The island of Lokrum, aka the city of Qarth in the series, is home to a small museum that looks back at the filming and especially that exhibits the real throne used by the production (a gift that HBO made to the municipality of Dubrovnik). The opportunity to take a souvenir photo on the throne before strolling in the shade of the botanical garden.
12. The Kornati Islands
Off the coast of Central Dalmatia, there are 147 islands, islets and reefs on 69 km² listed. Seen from the sky, these anarchic formations appear as geological curiosities emerging from the sea. This natural site, wild and preserved, was classified national park in 1980. The underwater area of Kornati reserves a biological diversity which will delight the divers. Boating in the national park is ideal! There are no hotels and camping is forbidden in the national park, as well as cycling. You can drop anchor in some coves and sleep on your boat. If you want to stay a few days or even a week, you can rent a fisherman's house on one of the islands of the archipelago(Kornat, Kravjačica, Lavsa) or even in Žut.
13. Trogir
About ten kilometers from Split, Trogir is a port city, whose historic center is included in the Unesco World Heritage List. Built on a small island (about 1 km long), separated from the mainland by a canal and connected by a bridge to the island of Čiovo-Okrug Gornji, the small, photogenic, much-visited Venice is often chosen as a movie set for films in period costumes. The fortress communicates with the north and south shores through two bridges. Like many of the old cities built on the Croatian coast (Zadar, Šibenik, Split, Dubrovnik), Trogir is a remarkable example of historical and urban continuity. On the island site, the walled city has developed with respect to the Hellenistic and medieval foundations and then to the Renaissance, Baroque and Classical styles.
14. Ok rug
Just across from Trogir, Okrug-Gornji forms an island with Čiovo, which is connected to the historic peninsula by the old bridge and now the bridge, inaugurated in 2018. Anchored in the southwest of these island lands, Okrug enjoys a Mediterranean climate, where lush vegetation abounds lining small beaches and coves. It is even said to be one of the brightest towns in Croatia. This small seaside resort, less than 15 km from Split, is more quiet and natural than Trogir, and is attracting more and more visitors . Numerous accommodations, cafes-bars-restaurants, summer animations and even a diving club.
15. Biokovo Natural Park
Biokovo Nature Park is an imposing karst massif. The majestic mountain plunges its vertical walls into the sea and leaves its mark on the landscape. The highest peak, St. George (Sv. Jure), reaches 1,762 m. The high limestone rocks are mostly bare while the Dalmatian black forests and multiple meadows grow below. The site, classified as a natural park, can be visited all year round. Covered with both high altitude and Mediterranean vegetation, it favors the growth of endemic plant species and shelters a v aried fauna . From the top of the mountain, the views of the coastline, the islands and the hinterland are absolutely splendid.
16. Mljet
Mljet is the southernmost island of the Croatian archipelago and the largest of the islands in the Dubrovnik region. It has remained very wild and little built, because the west of the island is protected as a national park and the forest covers about 70% of its surface. The north is where the villages of Pomena, Polače and Sobra are located, as the northern coast is too exposed to the winds. Mljet was first mentioned by Homer, yet there is no evidence that the Greek people had settled on the island. It is said that the winds of Poseidon drove Odysseus to the island, where he stayed with Calypso, forgetting Ithaca for several years. Another legend says that in 61 AD, St. Paul was shipwrecked in the vicinity of Mljet. The island was given to Benedictine monks from the Apulia region of Italy, before coming under the authority of Dubrovnik in the 14th century.
17. The island of Brač
Pronounce "bratche"! Just a short distance from Split, the island of Brač has Supetar as its main port, a good base for a vacation in the Adriatic Sea. Situated around a horseshoe-shaped bay, the island enchants with its simple way of life. When you disembark from Split, it's relaxing! Connected to the big city by a direct line of car ferries, Supetar is the ideal destination for those who want to take full advantage of the possibilities of the mainland (Central Dalmatia) while enjoying the Charms of a small island town, where everything is nearby. For the day, the easiest thing to do is to do as the islanders do, let the hours tick by around the port. On the nearby beaches, on the pontoons, you can settle down, have a picnic and laze around without any complexes. The island is also endowed with num Erous pedestrian paths and several bicycle paths
18. The Island of Vis
This is one of the most beautiful and best preserved islands in Croatia. Geographically a little out of the way, Vis has recently been considered a tourist destination. But in no way can this island compete with its neighbors, because it is too small and too fragile to become a place of mass tourism. It can be crossed on foot by following a path along the coastline lined with tamarisk trees, palm trees and beautiful houses. Vis was until 1992 a base of the Yugoslav army. Since the departure of the soldiers , it has remained isolated from its fellows. Today it is an agricultural island where the inhabitants live mainly from the cultivation of olive trees, vineyards and fishing.
19. Cres
From the original walled city, the ruins of the ancient and medieval fortress were uncovered. The patrician palace of the Petrić family, which is the oldest historical monument, dates from the 15th century. It has kept its elegant late Gothic style, with Venetian influence the s . Then Cres grew towards the sea, occupying a whole large bay on the northwestern coast. Today, the port is also a very pleasant seaside resort, where the traditional fishing activity blends harmoniously with reasoned tourism. There are many cafes-bars-restaurant s, ice-cream parlors, stores and everything for the stay of the vacationers.
20. Kopacki Rit Nature Park
This huge nature reserve of some 23,000 hectares is known as the Little Amazon of Europe. Listed in 1993 as a wetland of international importance, this nature park is one of the largest freshwater areas in Europe. The day tour includes a walk on footbridges, a boat ride through the wetland. Other options include stops at Tito's Castle (Dvorac Tikveš), the hunting residence of Prince Eugene of Savoy, which can be reached by tourist train through the woods. A 30 km long road allows you to discover a part of the territory. Several paths have been laid out for free discovery of the landscape. The ambient humidity due to the presence of watercourses is conductive to animal diversity. The Kopacki Rat is home to over 291 species of birds and 44 species of fish. Attracted by the fish, migratory birds are numerous in early autumn.
When is the best time to go to Croatia?
The yearly calendar really starts around Mardi Gras with the many karnival events and ends with the end of year festivals. But it is especially in the summer that Croatia offers its greatest electic choice. From Summer festivals (concerts, street performances, historical re- enactments , exhibitions, night markets, gourmet food, etc.) to the numerous music, folklore or film festivals. Check with your local tourist office for the latest program.
How to visit Croatia?
The easiest way to travel along the coast and inland to visit the national parks is to rent a car . The guarantee to live a trip in total freedom!
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