Croatia is a country with a troubled recent past but a very bright future. For fitness enthusiasts and those that like to paint, hike or just get out and explore, this beautiful country with its many islands, will delight and inspire all that take the time to see its many wonders. Enjoy our top ten list of Croatia’s attractions!
10. Mljet
flickr/divje zeje
The island of Mljet set farthest to the south and east of mainland Croatia is our starting destination for our Croatian top ten attractions. This island – the largest in an area known as the Dubrovnik Peninsula – measures some 37 kilometres long by 3.2 m wide and was first discovered in the 6th century BC. The western half of this island is now a National Park and contains wonderful lush Mediterranean flora and fauna – as indeed does the entire island.
Also in the western half of the island are two now-saltwater lakes – formerly freshwater, they were joined to the sea by monks in an effort to aid transportation methods. The monks were from the Monastery of St Mary which sits serenely on a small island in the centre of the larger lake. Nowadays the entire island of Mljet is a wonderful Mecca for tourists, walkers, cyclists and photographers. Enjoy beautiful scenery and relax. What a way to start a Croatian adventure!
9. Brijuni
flickr/Jonas Goessaert
Not just a single island but an entire group of 14 islands – the Brijuni islands are set in the Northern Adriatic sea and are separated from the Istrian Peninsula by the Fažana Straits. The Brijuni Islands – like part of Mljet – are also National Parks and have beautiful scenery and gardens plus a museum.
The islands have a reputation for being the former haunts of the ‘jet-set’ and even today are certainly worthy of this accord. Visitors have mixed feelings on the ‘official’ island tour and ‘safari’ – some advise to make your own way around and take a packed lunch – but make your own decision. Either way you will certainly have plenty to see – the botanical gardens, old stylish hotels which adorn the shores and of course the Tito memorabilia.
8. Island of Lokrum
flickr/Leon de Boer
While we’re on the subject of islands, our number eight tourist hot-spot for Croatia is also surrounded by water – though this particular island – Lokrum, is just 600 metres and a 15 minute ferry journey from the city of Dubrovnik. Lokrum is a small yet perfectly formed island which measures less than a mile wide. Take a trip here to view the beautiful exotic plants in the botanical garden set up by Archduke Maximilian Ferdinand of Habsburg in the late 1800’s.
Also, if you like the idea of being on your own ‘private island’ for a few hours Lokrum is for you – since there are no human inhabitants (other than your fellow visitors). In fact you’re likely to feel quite regal – as your main company will be the spectacular peacocks which were introduced to the island in the late 19th century. The island is home to a Benedictine Monastery built in the 11th century and there is Romanesque and Gothic architecture which dates back to the 12th and 13th centuries for you to explore at your leisure. Or you could ‘dare to bare all’ on the island’s southern naturist beach!
7. Old Town of Rovinj
flickr/akk_rus
Set on the western coast of Croatia on the Adriatic Sea is the old town of Rovinj. This town is a popular tourist destination and can be reached by car from Pula airport which is approximately 30 kilometres to the south. Visit here if the idea of purchasing freshly caught seafood from the quayside and then complementing with truffles, vegetables and olive oil from the town market at nearby Valdibora gets your taste buds salivating!
Rovinj has plenty to offer the roving tourist, being an easily accessible town and not too large. Hire a bicycle and get a little exercise to work off that delicious lunch – or alternatively climb up the campanile of the cathedral of Saint Euphemia set in the middle of the old town. If you fancy taking things at a gentler pace, perhaps a stroll around the Rovinj Heritage Museum would be more up your street.
6. Zlatni Rat Beach
flickr/Szabolcs Emich
Sitting on a two kilometre ‘spit’ of land which juts south into the crystal turquoise waters of the Adriatic Sea from the Croatian island of Brać, Zlatni Rat beach is one of the most popular holiday beaches in Croatia and for good reason. This beautiful beach (Zlatni Rat means just this) offers stunning bathing facilities and excellent water-sports all in a scenic location with the picturesque pine-clad mountains of Brać as a back-drop.
Although the beach is pebbles and shingle (so best to wear sandals or flip-flops) it has much to offer the sun-worshiper. Facilities are excellent and sun-bed loungers are available for hire at a good rate. Water quality here is amazing and the offshore breezes mean that wind-surfing and other on-the water sports are not to be missed. Nearby on the island are all the usual tourist facilities and there are also hiking and biking trails as well as churches and other places of interest all well within walking distance. Now which one of you took my towel off my sun-lounger?
5. Diocletian’s Palace
flickr/altamons
Another west coast destination in our top ten – and now surrounded and integrated into the town of Split – is the former palace of the Roman Emperor Diocletian who reigned from the late 3rd century AD. This palace is one of the oldest and most culturally important buildings on the Croatian coast. After the Romans left, the palace was abandoned, until the 7th Century when locals used the palace as a refuge place from invading barbarians. This habitation inside of the palace continues today with many of the shops and restaurants in Split being built within the old walls of the palace.
On the east side of the palace lays the Porta Argentea (Silver Gate) while on the west side lays the Church of St Dominic which was reconstructed in the early 20th century. The Mausoleum of Diocletian (nowadays known as the Cathedral of St Doimus dedicated to St Mary) is perhaps the oldest originally preserved building in the area – this building is octagonal in form and is encircled by 24 columns which support the roof. Take a walk through ancient history and enjoy this fascinating area of the old town of Split.
4. Krka National Park
If you love all things natural and are a flora and fauna buff, then the Krka National Park at number four on our list is the place for you! This National Park (Croatia’s 7th) in the central Dalmatia region of Croatia was originally designated in 1985 – primarily to protect the river Krka for scientific, recreational and cultural reasons as well as to cater for the obvious increase in tourism that would inevitably result from this decision.
In total the Park covers an area of some 109 square kilometres in total and within the river are 18 different species of fish as well as numerous shellfish. On land and in the air there are 222 known species of birdlife, while there are also 18 species of bat not to mention other mammals. The river Krka itself is considered exceptional in terms of the quality of its water and it has the largest travertine system of cascades in Europe.
At Skradinskbuk you can see an amazing natural phenomenon, where waterfalls cascade into and out of a pool at three different levels- this is one of the finest examples of calcium carbonate waterfalls in Europe. For devotees of history the park still has plenty to offer in the form of the Visovac Monastery on Visovac Island. This Roman Catholic monastery was founded in 1445 by Franciscan Monks, and is well worth the boat trip to visit for some quiet reflection away from the distractions of busy modern-day life.
3. Plitvice Lakes National Park
flickr/Iñigo Silanes
If you’re the kind of hopeless romantic that dreams of secret assignations with the one you love in a landscape of emerald green lakes with smoky, tumbling waterfalls cascading down precipitous rock faces and the symphonies of beautiful bird-song all around to lull your senses, then this holiday destination is the one for you! The Plitvice Lakes National Park is the largest national park in Croatia and also a UNESCO world heritage site because of its outstanding natural beauty.
The area consists of limestone and chalk rocks which have been molded and shaped throughout the passage of time by water and wind– resulting in many stunning formations, caves, lakes and waterfalls. The area as one might expect has an abundance of wildlife, flora and fauna. Plan a trip inland to see this park – you won’t be disappointed – and will come away with memories that will last a lifetime.
2. Hvar
flickr/Sitomon
For that island ‘getaway’ in the sun, the island of Hvar is probably not a name that instantly springs to mind – but once visited it is not easily forgotten. This small island just to the south of the island of Brać in the Adriatic has a mild Mediterranean climate boasting mild winters and warm summers. If walking through terraced fields of lavender, olive groves, fruit orchards or vineyards is high on your list of fresh air activities then Hvar should rate well.
The island has a population of just over eleven thousand people and tourism is now one of its main industries along with lavender and wine production. There are marinas, harbours, hotels and good eateries in abundance here and holiday makers feel instantly at home. Consistently voted one of the top ten islands in the area, Hvar gets our thumbs up of approval at number two on our Croatian top ten.
1. Dubrovnik
Photograph/© Suresh Krishna
At number one on our top ten Croatian attractions is the city of Dubrovnik. This beautiful city on the shores of the Adriatic Sea is one of the top ten Medieval cities in the world and its quaint cobbled streets literally sparkle in the sun from being worn so smooth by the passage of feet.
Dubrovnik grew up as a maritime port growing bigger until the city exerted considerable influence over the surrounding area. Today the city is still considered by many as one of the world’s truly scenic cities and has a ‘feel and character’ all of its own. Traipse down its narrow streets, visit markets, small souvenir shops or eat in wonderful restaurants, all while taking in the charming ambience of this ancient city.
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