The Better of Croatia
I wonder where to go Croatia? It is not easy to choose a favorite place as the islands offer numerous breathtaking landscapes and beautiful cities. The small European country has become a popular tourist attraction and is amazingly breathtaking.
The history of Croatia began thousands of years ago. Most of the current infrastructure has proven itself and is an integral part of today’s culture. With its fascinating history and impressive architecture, Croatia is one of the few countries where there are many unexpected surprises. The UNESCO World Heritage Site has recognized and protected almost 20 sites.
If you are planning to visit this magnificent country on the Adriatic, start your vacation with a tour of some unique ones UNESCO sites.
This article lists some of the best heritage sites, as well as other exotic destinations that you will fall in love with.
Here we go.
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Plitvice Lakes
As one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Croatia, this limestone and chalk park is huge! Known for its distinctive formations, waterfalls, lakes and various plants, Plitvice Lakes was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. Since then, nobody has been able to swim or practice water sports in the lake to protect the water. Visit the impressive network of 16 lakes separated by natural dams, the colors of which change with each season. In addition to the paradisiacal landscape, the park is home to rare beautiful birds, giant bears and wolves.
The Plitvice Lakes are almost surreal. If you love the outdoors go here and enjoy the hiking and amazing wildlife.
Historical complex of Split
With a whopping 38,500 square meters, Split’s historical complex includes Roman archaeological monuments and has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979.
The site, built around 300 AD, extends for almost two thousand years as a retirement residence (palace) of the Roman emperor Diocletian. It was built entirely of stone from the island of Brač – today it is preserved as an open-air museum.
The palace has one of the Croatian currencies – the reverse of 500 kuna, which was released in 1993. Take a tour of this beautiful Roman architecture and experience life in ancient Rome. Everything inside the palace is ornately preserved, and the whole place is a great sight as you relive life from the past.
Split Complex was used as the filming location for the HBO TV show ‘Game of Thrones’, the fictional series.
Venetian Defense Works: Stato da Terra
The Venetian naval defense system was built between the 15th and 17th centuries by the Republic of Venice on the shores of the Adriatic Sea. The defense system also includes Fort St. Nikola on the island of Ljuljevac near Sibenik and the Zadar walls, which have incredible military architecture.
The Venetian Sea Defense System is the latest addition to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Croatia. The site is preserved to protect the crucial sea routes that carry wealth to La Serenissima.
Split is a wonderful city to explore and attracts many travelers – it’s also one of the filming locations for Game of Thrones, which adds to its popularity.
Best cities to visit in Croatia
1. Slavonia, Krapanj Island – Papuk Nature Park
Slavonia is an underrated Croatian park and a much less visited part of the country. In 2015 it was named the first in Croatia UNESCO Geopark. Krapanj (sponge town) is the smallest and most populous island in the Šibenik region – known for its processing since the 18th century.
Šibenik There are many hiking and biking trails for a leisurely afternoon stroll or bike ride through town while exploring the island.
Visit the village of Mučići, visit the Pegasus riding club and watch the horses trot in the beautiful fields. If you can ride a horse, you can ride any healthy horse of your choice. If not, you can hop on a pony for a slower, safer jaunt.
You can explore them later St. Laurent Oil Factory Museum built in 1584.
Beach lovers can swim, sunbathe, deep-sea diving and spear fishing on one of the numerous pebble beaches.
The island has shipwrecks that you can also visit and learn about the sails of the past.
Accommodation options on Krapanj – 4 star hotel Spongiola
2. Zagreb
ZagrebCroatia’s capital is a lovely place, especially at Christmas. For most Europeans, it is a popular place in winter.
The city is famous for its fascinating Christmas markets in Europe, which attract hordes of tourists every year. Accommodation is not cheap in high season. So, if you’re not fancy, you can skip the season and visit much later when the Christmas fever subsides.
Zagreb is also famous for the magic Museum of Illusions – opened in 2015.
Visit Ban Jelačić Square, an icon of the city mostly visited for the famous statue of Ban Josip Jelačić that dominates the square.
Later you can visit the Zagreb Zoo in Maksimir Park, such a quiet, perfect place for nature lovers away from the city crowds.
In the evening, enjoy a romantic dinner in one of the city’s restaurants or party until dawn in modern city clubs.
The best places to stay in Zagreb are:
Esplanade Zagreb Hotel
Best Western Premier Hotel Astoria
Hotel Dubrovnik
If you can, visit Zagreb for Christmas when it gets magical.
3. Šibenik
From the old monastery gardens of Šibenik The hilly old town has over two thousand steps that you have to climb to get around.
A city of fortresses, Šibenik has a rich history and once served as the official city of the Croatian king.
Visit the old St. James Cathedral from the 15th century. The huge church is right in the heart of the city and is considered to be UNESCO cultural heritage Page? ˅.
Later you can go to the Medieval Mediterranean Garden, a lovely little garden with unusual plants and trees that is breathtaking. Sit in the cozy café and enjoy your drinks while you take in the beautiful scenery.
Šibenik is not for the faint of heart, it has several fortresses, but the best is the Barons fortress. Located at the top of the town, you have to do a strenuous, strenuous hike, but once you get to the fortress it is well worth the climb. Start by exploring the exquisite museum and later enjoy the breathtaking sights of the city and the expansive Adriatic Sea.
4. Zadar
Zadar is a big city and arguably one of the most beautiful cities on the Adriatic coast.
All over Zadar is breathtaking, start your tour with Land Gate and explore the old town of the city. You can’t miss the monuments to the sun and sea organ created by Nikola Bašić – the sun organ is a massive LED light compound that uses light to play around with the natural elements.
The sea organ is a collection of installed pipes hidden under steps that slope into the sea. The monument communicates with nature by picking up sounds from the wind and waves. As you get closer to the monument of the sea, from a distance you can hear pleasant, soothing sounds that are truly a magical moment!
Another fantastic landscape in Zadar is that St. James Cathedral, and St. Donatus Church – a colossal church on the beach boulevard, which with its magnificent presence dominates the entire sea.
visit Biograd na Moru in northern Dalmatia, a small town in the middle of the Adriatic Sea. It is a famous city known for its marine tourism. Check out the large Kornati Marina – a seaport west of the city. It has fixed 15 docks with 750 berths.
Biograd na Moru hosts more than 10,000 sailors from all over the world every year. The town was once a crown parish of the Croatian kings and has been welcoming tourists since 1920, resulting in the first hotel, built in 1935.
Other activities around the harbor include sporting activities such as water skiing, surfing, water polo activities, tennis, swimming and much more.
You can also visit one of the parks;
Paklenica National Park
Kornati National Park
Telašćica Nature Park
Vrana Lake Nature Park for relaxing moments
Accommodation options are:
Falkensteiner Club Funimation Borik
Falkensteiner Hotel & Spa Iadera
Heritage Hotel Bastion
5. Korčula
The city of Korčula is often referred to as the favorite city in Croatia. It is also a famous city with large crowds and a lively nightlife. If you love the place of a busy city full of tourists and wild festivals, this is the best place to be. It’s charming and has this gigantic city gate that welcomes you as you enter the city.
Korčula is famous for the legendary travel stories of Marco Polo. According to legend, this was his birthplace, and so you can find all kinds of souvenirs in his name. There is also a museum in his memory filled with his objects.
As you stroll around town, you’ll also notice other souvenir shops selling unique gifts to take home with you.
This is a laid back city so the only things to do here are to take in the beautiful scenery, stop by the cafes and restaurants, and explore the various local cuisines.
Perhaps the most amazing heavenly landscape is the Pelješac peninsula, seen from a strategic point in one of the cafes near the city walls.
You can choose one of them Hotels stay.
6. Trogir
Trogir is without a doubt a hidden gem. You won’t find it on any tourist itinerary or in tourist companies that want to visit this lovely little town. Trogir lies between mainland Croatia and Čiovo and is a tiny island connected to two cities by massive bridges.
You could call it your happy place or a peaceful retreat to escape to. Spend the day strolling the narrow streets, visiting the public park and enjoying the pleasant view of the Adriatic Sea.
visit St. Lawrence Cathedral in the center of the town square. Tall buildings in the square are more likely to hide it, so you have to go directly on site for a better view.
Another picturesque view in Trogir is that Kamerlengo Tower – A 15th century castle with breathtaking views of the entire city and the picturesque harbor. The tower is a perfect vantage point for taking beautiful photos of the entire island.
Accommodation options in Trogir are:
Bellevue aparthotel
Hotel Pasike
Hotel Trogir Palace
Our last word
Croatia is a beautiful place to visit all year round. Most cities are connected by a motorway, so you can get to your destination faster by road. You can rent a car if you are staying for a week or more. It’s a heavenly serene destination for those who want a relaxing vacation without a lot of activity. The country is relatively small, so you can quickly get by on your own. Just rent a taxi and pre-book all of your vacation stays.
