Croatia's Old World Charm and Spectacular Scenery Are Reasons to Visit

Katy Paulson
Sep 11, 2021
3 min read

Croatia is a Mediterranean beauty with an Eastern European personality and an ideal destination for travelers yearning for new adventures. Miles of sun-soaked beaches, spectacular natural sights, magical medieval cities, and fantastic gastronomy are a few reasons travelers love this destination.

Aerial view of boardwalk crossing lakes past waterfalls — Plitvice National Park is known for its vivid, turquoise lakes and numerous waterfalls.

Tucked alongside the Adriatic Sea, Croatia shares a border with Italy, Hungary, Slovenia, Montenegro, and Bosnia, making it easy to plan a multi-country itinerary.

The climate varies depending on which part of the country you're visiting. Croatia generally experiences warm summers, with temperatures peaking in the 80s in July. Lovely fall weather extends through September, and winters are moderate though rainy.

Here are some of the sights you'll want to make time for when you visit:

Picture-Perfect Coastlines

Aerial view of Zlatni Rat dotted with beachgoers. — Zlatni Rat is considered one of the best beaches in Europe.

With 1,100 miles of mainland coastline and over 1,200 islands, Croatia is one of Europe's best beach destinations. The southernmost Dalmatian Coast offers an alluring array of sandy stretches, pebbled coves, and sun-drenched rocky shorelines. Pine forests and olive groves provide natural shade for many beaches.

Nearby islands boast equally stunning beachfronts, lush interior landscapes, fascinating historical attractions, and a relaxed Mediterranean vibe. Hvar, Korčula, Rab, Brac, and Mljet are popular islands to explore.

A Croatia cruise is a relaxing option for exploring the country's coastal cities, charming villages, and cultural offerings.

Historic Cities

Croatia's cities are rich in history, architecture, and culture.

Dubrovnik

View of terra cotta rooftops and church steeples overlooking sea. — Dubrovnik's Old City is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Perched on the brilliant, blue waters of the Adriatic Sea, the terracotta rooftops, gleaming buildings, and limestone streets of this medieval city are visually arresting. The old town center is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and its Old City Walls, constructed in the Middle Ages, are familiar to many from HBO's game of thrones.

Split

Brightly lit Saint Domnius Cathedral and Peristil Square with deep blue night sky. — The Cathedral of Saint Domnius and Peristil Square glow brightly against the night sky.

Split charmed the Roman emperor Diocletian, who built a residence here early in the fourth century. The narrow streets of this ancient city are bustling with people exploring the many cafes, restaurants, boutiques, and bars.

Zadar

Croatia's vibrant capital city serves as its cultural hub. The "City of Museums," largely overlooked by tourists, has old-world charm, a thriving café culture, and the country's best museums. Zagreb's Christmas Market was twice voted as the finest in Europe.

Spectacular National Parks

Cascading waterfalls emerge from tree-covered hillside. — Plitvice National Park has two primary sections, each about a half-day hike.

Visit any of Croatia's eight national parks, and you'll see that the country's dazzling scenery isn't limited to its beaches. At Krka National Park, the Krka River feeds seven impressive waterfalls, including the 150-foot Skradinski Buk, which is made up of 17 smaller cascades. The unspoiled landscape of the Velebit mountain chain makes up almost 8% of the country and is also protected as a national park.

Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia's oldest and largest, is the nation's most famous inland attraction. Sixteen intensely turquoise lakes are connected by waterfalls reaching up to 255 feet. In 1979 it became the first national park in the world to be added to the UNESCO World Heritage list.

Sleeper Culinary Destination

Bowl of black risotto dressed with cheese and herbs, surrounded by a block of cheese, carafe of oil, and bunch of herbs. — Black risotto is a Croatian specialty.

Croatia earned the dubious moniker of the 4th Most Underrated Foodie Destination in the World in 2020, and many people don't realize that it's a gastronomic gem.

Three restaurants received a Michelin star in 2021, bringing the number of eateries with that accolade to 10. Specialties vary by region and are shaped by diverse foreign influences over many centuries.

Dalmatian cuisine is Mediterranean, with lots of fish, olive oil, and vegetables. Istrian fare is similar, with the addition of more pasta and beans. Zagreb leans European with a more meat-based diet, and Slavonia favors pork and paprika. Specialties to seek out in Croatia include sheep's cheese, black risotto, cured ham, and octopus salad.

World-Class Wine

Two glasses of red wine in foucs with terracotta roofed buildings in background. — Croatia has been producing wines for over 2,400 years.

While Italy and France are famous for producing delicious wines, a glass from Croatia may be just as aromatic and satisfying. Dalmatia is a popular sub-region for wine enthusiasts known for a wide variety of native grapes. These create a robust, well-rounded taste and fruity aromatic wines.

Central and South Dalmatia are home to some of the best-known vineyards in the country, such as Kastela and Dingac. Other popular wine regions include Istria, Slavonia and Plesivica.

Croatia has so much natural beauty and old-world charm to offer. Contact Grand Journeys Travel HERE to start planning your Croatia adventure!