7 Must Visit Spots in Croatia
Back in the summer of 2017, a very dear and old friend of mine, Jana, was moving to Europe from Montreal to pursue her dream career. She was taking some time in between her old job and her new one to travel through Austria, Croatia and them to Amsterdam where she would be living and working. She invited me along and I took her up on the opportunity and I am so glad I did because what an amazing trip it was.
We meet in Vienna, Austria, where my friend, Jana, was attending the wedding of a long time friend. After a few days in Vienna, Austria, walking about the city, eating in some amazing restaurants, visiting markets, town squares, the modern art museum, we got on a bus headed to Croatia that traveled through Bosnia. The sights were amazing. Rolling hills and mountains, crystal clear waters and beaches. We took in the sights and once we landed in Croatia we began our adventures touring around and visiting all kinds of amazing places. We went on island boat tours, went out dancing in clubs that were the ruins of old castles, ate amazing yummy foods in some very swanky restaurants, and stayed in a gorgeous little resort on a remote island. Then we landed in our final destination, Amsterdam.
I didn't know much about Croatia at the time or what to expect. My friend, had a vague idea of the spots and areas she wanted to see but we did a lot of flying by the seat f our pants and asking friends who had visited the country where to go and what to see. We learned as we went along and enjoyed being on an adventure in Croatia together.
What I discovered is that Croatia is a beautiful country, located in south central Europe in the Mediterranean region, along the Adriatic sea. It has a pleasant Mediterranean vibe and climate that makes it a perfect destination for those looking for a getaway with beaches, lush greens, deep history and architecture. Its Dalmatian coast is comparable to Italy's Amalfi coast, but can be toured for a fraction of the cost of Italy and fewer tourists to contend with when visiting the sights.
Some of the highlights, attractions and my favourite spots in this beautiful country, include:
Zagreb
A beautiful city filled with 18th- and 19th-century Austro-Hungarian architecture, Zagreb is Croatia’s northwestern capital. The streets are lined with outdoor cafes, shops, museums and parks . Stop at a local café and partake in the ritual of coffee drinking and people watching as the energy of the city thrums and hums with life, music and market goers.
Plitvice Lakes National Park
Plitvice Lakes National Park is an amazing 295-sq.-km forest reserve and all natural heaven located amongst the rolling hills and lush greenery of central Croatia. It's known for a chain of 16 terraced lakes, waterfalls, walkways and hiking trails that wind around and across the water, It is the site of Veliki Slap, a 78m-high waterfall, as well. It is a must see in Croatia, so bring your hiking boots and pack a snack because this is a day long excursion you will want to add to your itinerary.
Zadar
Located on the Dalmation coast Zadar, is a city famous for its lovely sunsets and its one of a kind Sea Organ along the waterfront, that look like a series of marble steps. Also, known for the Roman and Venetian ruins of its Old Town, there are several Venetian gates with in the city walls and a walk along the streets will have you surrounded in Roman-era architecture and churches.
Nin
Nin, a small town in the Zadar County of Croatia, best known for its long natural sandy beaches totalling 8,000 m in length and laden with black medicinal, exfoliating sands. Visitors frequent the oldest Croatian royal town, to take in the sun, enjoy the sand and bask in the warm waters.
Split and Sibenik
Split is Croatia's second-largest city and the largest city in the Dalmatia region. It lies on the eastern shore of the Adriatic Sea. Not far from Split is Sibenik, a smaller city, where one can experience Dalmatian life as it really is, enjoy beaches, resorts, restaurants, and the full gorgeousness of the coastal experience.
Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik, a city in southern Croatia, fronting the Adriatic Sea, is known for its distinctive Old Town, encircled by massive stone walls. Also, well known for being one of many of the filming locations for the popular HBO Series Game of Thrones.
In old town you can walk the wall, saunter the Stradun, enjoy a meal at one of the many, many fabulous restaurants, and take in the amazing architectural sights of the area. There is so much to see and do in Dubrovnik that could be a blog post onto itself.
Lokrum Island
Take a short ferry ride from Dubrovnik and visit Lokrum Island. A beautiful island located just off the Dubrovnik harbour Lokrum Island has so much to do and is a great exersion to add to your trip. Visit the beach, wander the gardens and admire the ruins and architecture while peacocks and rabbits roam about freely and graze.
If you are fortunate enough to do so I highly recommend travelling to and visiting this eastern European country with a rich blend of history and amazing sites to see at some point in your lifetime.
Have you been to Croatia? What were your favourite parts of your trip? Share in the comments below.
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