Croatia happily mixes genres. Prized for its sublime beaches and crystal clear waters of the Adriatic Sea, it is home to many cultural treasures, a reflection of its past. A crossroads between the Balkans and Europe, the country has been conquered many times. The invaders all left their legacy, from the Greeks to the Austrians, including the Ottomans and Italians. From the splendor of the coast to the beauty of the hinterland, here are our 10 favourites.
Zagreb, the capital
Croatia’s seat of power and the country’s largest city (over 800,000 inhabitants, including the agglomeration), Zagreb impresses with its calmness and small-town atmosphere, which is particularly noticeable in the Gradec and Kaptol districts in the upper part of the city. (Gorjni grad). The slope is steep and there are many steps, but the visit is worth it. In the lower part of the city (Donji grad) very green, neoclassical and Art Nouveau constructions rub shoulders. Zagreb has many museums: archaeological, city history… and the unique Museum of Broken Relationships, which displays memories and testimonies of separations, especially original ones.
Zadar, festive
Zadar is very popular with young Croatians (and Europeans) to party there. There are many open-air bars where you can dance until dawn, in the city’s parks and streets. This small fortified Dalmatian city, which would have rivaled Dubrovnik had it not been partially destroyed during World War II, retains a certain charm. Zadar is worth a visit for its atmosphere, its absolutely exceptional museum of sacred art, the small harbor at the entrance to the Terra Firma gate, and the sea organ that you can hear with the tides.
Division, city-hall
The historic center of Split was literally transformed into the incredible palace of Emperor Diocletian. It was built around AD. 300 AD on an area of 38,000 m², it housed both the emperor and his court, but also the troops. Many remains remain, such as the peristyle lined with steps, where you sit in the evening to listen to street musicians and drink a cocktail at Lvxor Cafe. Don’t miss the tomb of Diocletian and especially the view from the top of the bell tower (57m high) and the foundations of the palace where some scenes from Game of Thrones were filmed.
Dubrovnik, star
The magnificently restored Pearl of the Adriatic enchants visitors and Game of Thrones fans who will recognize King’s Landing, the capital of Westeros. To get the most out of your visit to Dubrovnik, it’s best to sleep inside the walls once the hordes of day tourists have left. A must-pass through the main street (Placa), the old canal, now covered with smooth travertines, polished years and pedestrians, the promenade on the walls, which is very well seen from the Fort Laurienaz, the outer fortifications, and the many churches of the city. For some peace and quiet, take a boat trip to Lokrum Island, home to an old monastery and a botanical garden populated by peacocks.
Plitvice: a natural pearl
Between Zadar and Zagreb, Plitvice National Park is worth a day’s visit, especially if you want to take the big tour and discover the 16 lakes and no less than 92 waterfalls. This natural wonder, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, can be discovered in any season, with winter preferred for the brave, when there is snow and the waterfalls are frozen. A word of advice, get there early or sleep nearby, the place is very popular and even in the off season you walk on the wooden bridges that span between the lakes.
Karka Nature Park, unknown
Less well-known and therefore less popular than Plitvice National Park, Krka offers great walks between ponds and spectacular waterfalls. These landscapes are caused by the same geological phenomenon as in Plitvice. From the small town of Sradin, we take a boat (or foot) up the river to discover the magnificent waterfall of Skradinski Buk. Following the river along a series of basins and lakes, you can reach (by boat) the island of Visovats and its monastery.
Hvar Island, the most jet-set
Hvar is both the name of the island and its main city. If a good part of the island is left wild, with its hills covered with maquis, pines, lavender and a dry center, the main port of the island, Hvar, exhibits the air of Saint-Tropez. A meeting place for the Croatian jet-set in summer, luxury yachts ply the harbor and bars and well-stocked beaches line the shore. To visit the historic center around St. Etienne Square, the largest on the Adriatic after St. Mark’s Square, it is best to go there in the cool of the morning, as when visiting the Spanish castle that dominates the city.
Mljet island, paradise
The originality of this preserved and very natural island between Dubrovnik and Korcula is the salt water lake communicating with the sea. The Benedictines settled and built St. Mary’s Monastery on an island in the middle of the lake. The place is majestic and can be visited after a short boat ride. Mljet is the perfect place for a walk, a picnic, a swim away from the crowds or a bike ride (it takes a couple of hours to walk around the lake).
The island of Korčula, the real one
Separated from the mainland and the Peljesac peninsula by a narrow channel, Korcula has preserved its authentic character. The old town is home to magnificent well-preserved settlements set on a fortified small peninsula. This is the only place where you can attend a moresca show, a sword dance that re-enacts the battles against the Ottomans.
Rovinj, the gem of Istria
Istria, in the north-east of Croatia, is a bit far from the classic regions. But everyone who visits it falls under the spell of this peninsula, called “Croatian Tuscany”. The pearl of this region is Rovinj. With its narrow streets, its colorful facades, its churches, particularly Sainte-Euphémie, and its belfry that resembles St. Mark’s Cathedral in Venice, the small town of Rovinj cannot deny its Italian influences. And the comparison is not limited to this. the gastronomy is among the best in the country and you will appreciate it especially if you like fish.
Source: Le Figaro
