Croatia is blessed to be a land of natural riches. Not only does it boast of possessing almost 2000 kilometers of rocky, indented shore but also of having more than a thousand islands being blanketed with natural vegetation. Since the early 1990’s, the country has come a long way — experiencing the collapse of communism, a war of national survival and then securing independence. Though Croatia is in the stage of its development, its tourism has found appeal from visitors around the world.
Whether you are backpacker, touring families, yachters, long distance cyclists or spa hotel surfers, Croatian tourism is bound to become a wonderful experience and something you will remember for your entire life.
Croatia represents a mixture of being a country with unique Roman architecture held with the cultural beauty, Croatian food, popular wines with unique characteristics, and the beautiful natural riches of the coastal landscape, mountains, valleys and national parks.
However, if you are on a short trip to Croatia or don’t know where to begin your exotic and historical Croatian journey, then here are the list of the three best destinations that you should make sure to visit.
Croatia: three cities not to miss
1) Dubrovnik
Nicknamed as the “Pearl of the Adriatic”, Dubrovnik is an ancient city that is surrounded by the Adriatic Sea and situated in the extreme south of Croatia. It is known to be the most prominent tourist resort in the Mediterranean.
One of the famous sights to be seen in Dubrovnik are the walls that run 2 kilometers around the city, which were built to protect the vulnerability of the city from intruders, earthquakes, and other disasters.
Each stone has a story to tell and contains rich history and culture within. Dubrovnik boasts of stunning architectural and spectacular churches, monasteries, museums, and fountains, perfect for backdrops for pictures.
Visit other places in Dubrovnik, such as the Elaphiti Islands, the attractive town of Cavtat, the Konavle Valley, Mijet Island, Ston, and Peljesac Peninsula, for more eye-catching and one-of-a-kind attractions. Dubrovnik has its own airport located about 20 kilometers to the south of the city.
2) Rovinj
Known as the most romantic town in Croatia, Rovinj is a fabulous lovers’ cove for honeymooners or anniversary vacationers. It has also been held as the most photogenic towns in the Mediterranean.
The enchantment of the town is felt in the narrow medieval streets surrounded by the warm Mediterranean setting. The entire coastline of Rovinj contains 22 islands, which boast nature’s beauty and thus has been held as the area of protected natural heritage.
If you want to have some cultural experience, a visit to the Rovinj Town Museum and its many galleries are bound to please you. The main church in Rovinj is Saint Euphemia Cathedral, which keeps relics of the saint.
Other places to see in Rovinj include: a visit to the old town, Monkodonja Hill Fort, Rovinj Aquarium, and Golden Cape nature park. The breathtaking surroundings with its therapeutic properties offer possibilities for recreations like: biking, horseback riding, jogging, and cycling.
3) Split
As the second largest city in Croatia, Split is well known for its unique Roman heritage. The city has been built around the UNESCO-protected Diocletian’s Palace. Apart from the pristine beaches on a beautiful coastline, the city is also famous for its complete architectural and cultural features.
Split’s foundation, the Diocletian’s Palace, is known for its historic background and safe harbor for its residents. Ever since the Romans evacuated the palace and never returned, centuries past before the palace was inhabited again. In the 7th century, Split residents depended on the abandoned palace to protect them from invaders and turned the palace into their homes and businesses. Today, the Diocletian’s Palace presents a wide variety of shops and restaurants, both in modern and historic styles.
Cultural and artistic events are held throughout the summer, which include classical music concerts performed by national and international artists and also various cultural performances by the local people of the place. If you’re planning to head to Split during the summer, be sure to catch one of these memorable music events!
If you still get time to explore Croatia then you would also like to explore and discover other stunning places, such as the world’s best sunset in Zadar; the last standing Roman amphitheatre, Pula Arena; waterfalls, caves, and lakes in the Plitvice Lakes National Park; and the most long-distance hike with views of the forests and mountains on the Premuzic trail.
