Croatia - the Mediterranean as it once was

 

A place where Central Europe meets Southern and Eastern Europe. A place where the Alps meet the Mediterranean. That is Croatia. Although it is with its 56,542 sq km one of the smallest European countries, Croatia counts among so few countries in the world that can show so much natural and cultural diversity in such a small place.

 

Lets visit famous Croatian Adriatic coast and dip our feet into crystal clear Adriatic Sea while at the same time we enjoy the scent of pines whose branches timidly hide numerous virgin beaches. Rent a boat and sail carefree between Croatian islands, from the Brijuni archipelago in the north of the Adriatic, across Kornati or Hvar in its central area, towards Korcula, Mljet, Lopud, Kolocep, Sipan in the south... In Croatia everyone will find an island for themselves. We have 1185 of them!

 

If you are not a sailing type of person, do not worry. The mainland will also entertain you. In Istria we recommend to visit Euphrasius' Basilica from the 6th century, one of the most beautiful examples of early Byzantine art on the Mediterranean, today a UNESCO world heritage site. Pula is also nearby with old Roman amphitheater as well as little medieval towns like Motovun situated at the top of the hills in the peninsula's interior. It is understandable why Istria is called "Croatian Tuscany".

 

Dalmatia in the Croatian south has jewels like Sibenik, old Croatian medieval capital, Trogir, a small town situated on an islet connected by a bridge with the mainland, whose charm lies in wandering the narrow stone streets. Like Trogir, Split is also under UNESCO protection. Once the seat of the Roman emperor Diocletian, today Split is the second largest city in Croatia and the center of Dalmatia. In the far south, slightly isolated, you will find a pearl of the Adriatic, Croatian Athens - Dubrovnik. Cute Mediterranean town fortified with two kilometers long town walls, Dubrovnik hides some of the best examples of secular and church architecture in Croatia. Millions of visitors have already visited Dubrovnik and they come back over and over again. Be one of them!

 

While on the coast the Italian influence is evident, in first place thanks to centuries and centuries of Venetian presence, the interior of Croatia is more similar to Austria and Hungary, with whom Croatia has for centuries been in the same state. Lets enjoy the fresh air of Croatian mountains, hiking in spring, summer and autumn, and skiing in winter in some of Croatian ski resorts. Do not miss Plitvice Lakes National Park, the oldest in Croatia and one of eight national parks in our country. This beautiful UNESCO world heritage site is made of 16 terraced lakes connected with 92 cascades and waterfalls. Further east, in the province of Slavonia, many rivers like Sava, Drava or Danube and beautiful wetland areas of Lonjsko polje and Kopacki rit are awaiting you. Here you can relax in the presence of storks.

 

And when you finally feel like coming back to the civilization, come to Zagreb, Croatian capital city. Almost one quarter of Croatia's 4.4 milion people lives in wider Zagreb area. Zagreb is political, economical, cultural and religious center of Croatia. This city with strong central European influence people call "little Vienna". Perfect place to enjoy excellent Croatian coffee, or, even better, excellent Croatian cuisine, unique fusion of Italian, Austrian, Hungarian and Turskih dishes. And finally visit some of numerous museums and galleries or simply walk carefree around the city.

 

Croatia has many faces. It is up to you to discover them. We will help you.