Situated on the Adriatic Sea, Croatia is one of the most beautiful countries in Europe. If you plan to experience it, be sure to consider spending time in at least one of its best places to visit.
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Pucisca (prices and hotel photos)
In a country with countless picturesque villages, Pucisca has often been called the most beautiful of them all. This small town on the northern coast of Brac is a regional centre for quarrying and stone-cutting, and its gleaming white stone, which is indigenous to the island, is what makes it truly unique. You will see charming stone houses with white paved roofs that add to the town's charm, along with Renaissance palaces and Baroque buildings, all made of white stone that leave visitors in awe. There are also many beautiful beaches and secluded coves, as well as a multitude of restaurants serving delicious traditional Dalmatian dishes. Those who want to get active can enjoy diving, water skiing, swimming and cycling.
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Zadar (prices and hotel photos)
Zadar is the ideal place to experience the Dalmatian coast without the crowds. This fortified port is a 3000-year-old city rich in history and natural beauty, but is still relatively unknown. At the heart of the city lies the old town, which offers many fascinating attractions, including Roman ruins, a wealth of ancient Romanesque churches and medieval architecture. Have fun wandering the quiet marble streets and enjoying the sun and sand on pristine beaches. Just before sunset, head to the waterfront promenade, where you will join others who gather to watch one of the most spectacular sunsets on the planet - in fact, Alfred Hitchcock himself said they were the most beautiful in the world.
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Split (prices and hotel photos)
The 'flower of the Mediterranean', as Croatia's second largest city is often referred to, is located on a peninsula off the Dalmatian coast. Split's main attraction is its historical core, full of beautiful Renaissance and Gothic architecture. The magnificent city was born when Emperor Diocletian decided to build his perfect retirement destination, with the spectacular walled palace built to his exacting standards between 298 and 305 AD. The complex is more like a small city itself, with its labyrinth of marble walkways and buildings housing cafes, shops, bars, two lively markets and elegant flats, built right out of the barracks where the emperor's soldiers lived. Outside the old town, visitors can swim in the Bacvice beach and take a stroll along the waterfront.
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Credit: http: //www.bigstock.com Old town of Vrbnik on the island of Krk Old town of Vrbnik on the island of Krk
Kvarner Riveria, Croatia (hotel prices and photos)
The Kvarner Riviera is located near Istria along the North Adriatic coast. It is centred around the city of Rijeka and also includes the famous resort of Opatija, as well as Lovran, Kraljevica and the islands of Krk, Cres, Rab and Lošinj. This largely unknown region offers everything from forest-covered mountains to picture-postcard beaches, with opportunities for unforgettable beach hopping, hiking in the wild Gorski Kotar mountains and exploring the island of Krk on two wheels. The southern end of Krk is home to one of the most beautiful beaches in the entire country, Velo celo or 'Golden Beach', an expanse of sand more than a kilometre long, below a dramatic, barren mountain range.
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Credit: http: //www.bigstock.com The Roman amphitheatre at Pula The Roman amphitheatre at Pula
Pula (hotel prices and photos)
Situated at the southern end of the Istrian peninsula in the Adriatic Sea, Pula is a waterfront city with a well-preserved 1st century Roman amphitheatre, considered one of the most famous sites in Croatia. In ancient times, fans flocked to the amphitheatre to watch gladiator fights. Today, it is the only remaining amphitheatre to have four side towers and all three Roman architectural orders fully preserved, and it is also the sixth largest in the world. There are many other popular ancient sites, including the Temple of Augustus, the Triumphal Arch of the Sergians, the Forum, which was once the main square in Roman times and serves as a lively square with more cafes today, as well as Hercules Gate, the oldest standing Roman monument, dating back to the 1st century BC.
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Vis (prices and hotel photos)
The furthest island from the central Dalmatian coast, Vis was once a Yugoslav army base during the socialist years. It was closed to foreign visitors for almost four decades, from 1950 to 1989, and abandoned by much of its local population. Today, it offers an ideal destination for those seeking a more pristine and authentic place in Croatia. Some of the country's most exclusive wines are produced here, including Plavac and Vugava, and it offers many breathtaking and secluded bays, perfect for spending the afternoon. Check out the old fishing boats in Komiza, snorkel in the beautiful cerulean waters of Stiniva Cove, sometimes among sea turtles and bottlenose dolphins, and enjoy meals of fresh local fish, paired with fine wine from the local vineyards, of course.
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Plitvice National Park (prices and hotel photos)
One of the most incredible natural wonders of the country and all of Europe, Plitvice Lakes National Park is a labyrinth of lakes and waterfalls, lush vegetation and crystal clear waters. It is so imaginative that it looks as if it has been computer-generated and torn apart right in Croatia. The most remarkable features of the park are the 16 interconnected lakes that are divided into upper and lower groups. They were formed by natural travertine dams and coloured from royal blue to turquoise, blue, green and grey. Visitors can explore the lakes and the surrounding area by taking a walk on the various wooden paths or by boat. It takes about six hours to explore all the lakes on foot, but by accessing the park's free boats you can reduce the time to about four hours.
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Mljet Island (prices and hotel photos)
Mljet is the greenest of all Croatian islands. Almost three quarters are covered by forests and the reminder is picturesque vineyards, fields and small villages. This beautiful island is famous for its wine, goat cheese, olives and two salt lakes that serve as popular swimming spots for locals and tourists alike - a building that was once part of a 12th century monastery stands in the middle of Lake Veliko and serves as a café today. The island has a rich history, and was already mentioned in the 4th century BC in Greek writing. There are numerous fortifications and tombs, including the Roman Palace, the largest after Diocletian's Palace in Split, as well as numerous shipwrecks and Greek amphorae along the coastline that testify to the presence of Greek sailors during their adventures at sea.
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Korcula (prices and hotel photos)
For a small island, Korcula offers a big impact with its sandy beaches, charming villages, lush forests, vineyards, olive groves and some of the brightest blue waters you've ever seen. It also happens to be the supposed birthplace of the famous travelling merchant Marco Polo (Venice disagrees) and its main town of the same name is a historic fortified city complete with medieval towers and walls, along with magnificent Venetian Renaissance architecture and lively, colourful markets. You can also check out the supposed home of Marco Polo and the city's museum - if you visit during the summer, check out the sword dance performances held weekly throughout the season. The Moreska sword dance is one of the city's most famous symbols and well worth watching.
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Hvar (hotel prices and photos)
Hvar is one of Croatia's most popular destinations. The island off the Dalmatian coast is stunningly beautiful, with many idyllic beaches, lush vineyards and lavender fields. If you want to see Gothic palaces, beautiful churches, 13th century walls and stroll the marble streets without bumping elbows with others, spring is the best time to go with pleasant temperatures and few crowds. Stand in the city square and you will be surrounded by many historical buildings, including St Stephen's Cathedral and the 17th century arsenal. Afterwards, enjoy the scenery by hiking on the cliffs, relaxing on the beach or swimming in hidden bays.
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Dubrovnik (prices and hotel photos)
Dubrovnik is a popular place for romance. In fact, here you can even follow in the footsteps of Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor who enjoyed their romantic relationships in this beautiful city, strolling through the narrow side streets and admiring the beautiful turquoise waters of the Adriatic. The main attraction is its charming, pedestrian-only old town, full of elegant Baroque churches and aristocratic palaces, contained within medieval fortifications. In the centre of town, there are many flower-filled gardens, quaint cafés and tiny pars with private corners ââ'¬â€œ perfect for hanging out and reflecting on the day.
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