Croatia is a fascinating country with plenty to see and do. Located in southern Europe, it is bordered by Slovenia, Hungary, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro. Zagreb is the capital and largest city of Croatia. The people of Croatia are warm and welcoming, and the food is delicious. The official language is Croatian, but English is also widely spoken. Before we discuss things to do in Croatia, let’s learn a little more about this amazing country.
In this article, we will discuss many things to do in Croatia, but let’s learn more about it first. Let’s review facts, location, people, language, food and everything about Croatia before going further. When you visit Croatia, don’t forget to stay in Zaton Holiday Resort.
Where Is Croatia Located?
Croatia is located in south-eastern Europe, and it is bordered by the Adriatic Sea. Its northern border is Hungary. Croatia is very diverse geographically. Its official name is Republic of Croatia Republika Hrvatska (Croatian). It has the borders of Slovenia to the northwest, Hungary to the northeast, Serbia to the east, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro to the southeast.
Zagreb is Croatia’s capital and largest city. The country has a total area of 56,594 square km.(21,851 square miles) and Croatia’s population is nearly 3.9 million.
Croatian War of Independence
Croatia became an independent country on 25 June 1991. On February 15, 1992, Croatia gained international recognition by the European Economic Community. There was a war situation going on in the country and it effectively ended in August 1995.
Each year on 5 August, an event is celebrated as Victory and Homeland Thanksgiving Day and the Day of Croatian Defenders.
After War Situation
After the end of the war, Croatia had to face the challenges. That included the return of refugees, establishing democracy, protecting human rights, and general social and economic development, establishment of functioning markets, and the creation of stable prices, interest rates, and currency.
Current Economic Conditions In Croatia
Croatia is labeled as a high-income economy by the World Bank. It ranks “very high” on the Human Development Index.
Tourism is a significant source of revenue generation for the country as it has the most popular tourist destinations.
Croatia supplies social security, universal health care, and tuition-free primary and secondary education.
What Is The Best Time To Visit Croatia?
Croatia is an excellent place to visit during summer, from June to September. The temperature these days is between 18°C to 30°C. The pristine lakes and sea waters in this region are particularly more enjoyable this time.
Normally the summers are short term in Croatia. It is hot, and mostly clear and the winters are long term. Winter in Croatia is cold, wet, windy, and partly cloudy.
How Many Days Are Enough To Explore Croatia?
A number of travelers have recommended a minimum 10 days to be the ideal amount of time to explore Croatia. If you have less time, then you can stay for 7 days to explore the beautiful place. But be sure, the best time to visit there is during the summer season of May-October.
Plant and Animal Life In Croatia
The country’s vast geographical area results in a diverse range of fauna and flora of Croatia. Grapes and olives are grown to produce wine and vegetable oil. Slavonia (Croatia’s winemaking areas) has many oak forests and trees.
In terms of animal life, lizards are most common on the coasts, while wolves and bears occur in the lush forests.
Croatia is also home to hares, foxes, boars, wildcats, and mouflons (wild sheep).
People In Croatia
Croats are among about 90 percent of the population. Serbs are the largest minority in Croatia.
There are small groups of Bosnian Muslims (Bosniaks), Hungarians, Italians, and Slovenes as well as a few thousand Albanians, Austrians, Bulgarians, Czechs, Germans, and other nationalities.
Approximately half the population resides in urban places. While most of Croatia’s Serbs live in urban areas. Besides this, a considerable number of people reside in villages and towns.
Most lightly populated part of Croatia is the central mountain belt, in the regions of Lika and Banija, and in northern Dalmatia.
Language Spoken In Croatia
Croatian is spoken in Croatia. It is a South Slavic language of the Indo-European family. Croatian is similar to Serbian and Bosnian. Croatian language is written in the Latin alphabet.
Croatian Cuisine
Italian and other Mediterranean cuisines are usually preferred in Croatia which features seafood, cooked vegetables and pasta, and condiments such as olive oil and garlic. Click here to read detailed article about Croatian food.
Altitude
Highest Point: Dinara 1,831 m
Lowest Point: Adriatic Sea 0 m
Mean Elevation: 331 m
Things To Do In Croatia
Let’s find out the things to do in Croatia. Ancient cities and unspoiled nature are some of Croatia’s most captivating sites. Let’s have a look.
Dubrovnik Old Town Walls
The Walls of Dubrovnik are one of the main attractions of Dubrovnik Old Town. It is a series of defensive stone walls surrounding the city of Dubrovnik in southern Croatia.
The walls were built between the 12th and 17th century, and are well preserved until today. The walls are built around the seashore. The purpose of these walls were to protect a town from pirates and other unwelcome guests. This is the main attraction for the tourists.
Lokrum Island
Lokrum island is in the Adriatic Sea 600 meters (1,969 feet) from the city of Dubrovnik, Croatia. It is a very pleasant and quiet place and the island is covered in lush vegetation and greenery. Regular ferry service is available to visit there.
It is forbidden to stay overnight on the island as there is no accommodation on Lokrum.
Korcula Town
Korcula Old Town is a popular place among the tourists. It is one of the best well preserved urban complexes.
The town walls and its forts and towers are the major attractions.
Diocletian’s Palace
Diocletian’s Palace, a very ancient architecture in Split, is the main attraction for tourists. The palace was built for the Roman emperor Diocletian who retired in 305 AD
Split is Croatia’s second-largest city. The palace has four monumental gates.Three gates are accessible from the land, and one gate is opened directly onto the water.
This Gothic and Renaissance architecture is the most popular tourist destination.
Pula
Pula is the 7th largest city in Croatia.It is a dynamic town that offers lots to do and see. It has many ancient Roman buildings and the most famous among them is the Pula Arena. It is one of the most well preserved architecture. This place is actually an amphitheater.
Pula has a lot of places to see like sandy beaches that offer fishing, swimming, sailing and diving
Zadar
Zadar is the oldest Croatian city and is situated on the Adriatic Sea, at the northwest.This is fifth-largest city of Croatia.It has a truly amazing geographical position and is surrounded by stunning nature. Zadar is worth visiting because it has some of the world’s most attractive beaches. It has wet winters and very warm summers.
Plitvice Lakes National Park
Plitvice Lakes National Park is Croatia’s largest and oldest national park.The national park was found in 1949. It covers almost 30,000 hectares of land. The scenery and landscape are breathtaking. It has stunning waterfalls and lush forest that capture the attention of tourists. Indeed it is a place worth visiting.
Zagreb’s Gornji Grad
Gornji Grad is one of the districts of Zagreb. It is located in the middle of town. It is the most historical part of Zagreb and considered as the house of several historical sites and tourist attractions.
Most popular tourist attractions include the cathedral. It has a large collection of religious art and artifacts.MOst liked places include Museum of Broken Relationships, Church of St. Mark and the Tower of Lotrscak.
It is a must visit for all explorers!
Zlatni Rat Beach
Zlatni rat beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Croatia. It is one of the most exceptional beaches in the world because of its very different and unique shape. It is surrounded by the crystal clear sea which makes the view very breathtaking. It is bordered by decades-old pine trees planted by the locals to create a nature look.
The beach is located less than 2 km from the town of Bol. It covers an area of over 20.000 square meters which can easily accommodate over 10.000 people.
Rovinj
Rovinj is a city in Croatia located on the north Adriatic Sea. It is the best place for vacation because it has a healthy dose of nature. It is popular among tourists because of resorts and an active fishing port. Rovinj is one of the most ‘photogenic’ towns in the Mediterranean and a must visiting place in Croatia.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are alot of things to do in Croatia, as it is a beautiful country with a lot to offer. From its stunning natural scenery to its rich history and culture, there is something for everyone to enjoy. So whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach vacation or an exciting adventure, be sure to add Croatia to your list of places to visit.
