Perhaps you’re on the lookout for verdant woodlands. Croatia has them. Do one or more waterfalls pique your interest? That’s available in Croatia as well. Fascinating buildings from a wide range of periods? In large quantities, Croatia has it. Not to mention the country’s most prominent feature: its beaches. It was certainly not an easy assignment to choose just 6 of the most stunning locations in all of Croatia, but we managed it.
1. Dubrovnik
You may be familiar with Dubrovnik even if you’ve never been there since it was used as a shooting site for the critically acclaimed HBO series, Game of Thrones. It is one of the best-preserved medieval walled towns in the world and has been a crown gem of the Adriatic since the 15th and 16th centuries. By walking around the walls, visitors may take in breathtaking panoramas of the city and the turquoise seas surrounding it.
2. The Castle of Trakoan, Croatia
History shows that Trakoan Castle has been in the exact location since the 12th century. Still, the origins of its name remain a mystery. Even though its present Neo-Gothic architecture dated back to a refurbishment in the 19th century, the structure was initially erected as a Romanesque fortification. It has undergone several transformations in ownership, maintenance, and use throughout its long history.
3. The Protected Area of Northern Velebit, Croatia
Ready for a hike? Northern Velebit National Park is conveniently located amid Croatia’s coastline and is well worth a visit. There are hiking paths around the park, which comprises the northern side of Velebit Mountain, the country’s tallest peak. Some homes and shelters have been abandoned by their previous occupants. Beyond that, you’ll find a wide variety of native flora and intriguing geological formations.
4. Rovinj
Like many other Adriatic coast settlements, Rovinj has a rich history that spans millennia and includes mention of several different tribes, empires, and other kinds of rulers. They’ve left behind a gorgeous mishmash of mismatched buildings in pastel hues and red roofs. Some residents of Rovinj still speak Istriot, a Romance language that was formerly extensively spoken but is now almost extinct. This may be of interest to students of language history.
5. Krka National Park, Croatia
The Krka River that runs through the park inspired the establishment of the Krka National Park. Getting to the park is a breeze if you begin your journey in the picturesque coastal town of Sibenik and travel a little distance northeast. Upon arrival, you will be greeted with beautiful waterfalls, Roman ruins, hiking paths, and, if you’re fortunate, a wide variety of fascinating creatures, such as the European otter or one of the numerous kinds of birds of prey called this area home.
6. Korcula
Korcula Island is another location inhabited long before civilization and the development of advanced architectural techniques. Since the earliest settlers arrived in the area in the Mesolithic era, many other peoples have come and gone, with Croatians now making up the vast majority of the population. Beautiful beach towns and villages, wineries, and pine woods now stretch out in every direction.