Croatia has long been on my list of travel destinations.  I was on a trip to Greece and Turkey and met a mother and son who had just left Croatia and told me how beautiful the country is and how wonderful its people are.  That was about eight year ago, and I have continued to hear nothing but great things about this area.  Read this guest post and see if Croatia makes it to your travel list.

Five Super Spots to Visit in Croatia

Rich in history, natural beauty and cosmopolitan urban centres; it’s no wonder why the popularity of holidays in Croatia is growing by leaps and bounds. From the olive groves and pine forests of the north to the chic cafes of Dubrovnik and the countless secluded islets of the Kornati Archipelago, this Adriatic charmer has something for everyone.

Dubrovnik

 

Known as the Jewel of the Adriatic for good reason, spell-binding Dubrovnik has it all: amazing historic sites, jaw-dropping scenery, chic restaurants and sophisticated nightlife. Backed by rugged mountains and awash in a sea of pretty red-roofed buildings, the city is a treasure trove of astonishing UNESCO heritage sites. From 1358 to 1808 the port was a wealthy and powerful regional centre and the long city walls jut out over a changing sea, studded with bulwarks, forts and towers. Visit the nearby island of Korcula with its intriguing fish bone pattern streets, birthplace of Marco Polo.

Split and Central Dalmatia

 

Nestled in the heart of the wild, mountainous central regions, majestic Split is the largest city on the Adriatic coast. The city rose around the summer palace of the Roman emperor Diocletian, still standing as a symbol of this magnificent coastal city. The Emperor’s mausoleum, the Cathedral of St. Duje and the incredible gardens and sculptures of artist Ivan Mestrovicare’s historic villa are just a few of the city’s historic sites.

Just a bit further down the coast, find the little town of Trogir, loaded with beautiful Romanesque churches and intriguing museums. The legendary islands of the Split archipelago include Brač, Vis and Korčula. Hike up Marjan Hill for eye-popping city and Adriatic views, and then spend a balmy seaside evening checking out the city’s super restaurants and wine cellars.

Istria

Lovely as its melodious name, Istria is awash in painterly colours: azure sea, white stone buildings and lush green landscapes. Dotted with tiny hillside villages and lush gardens, the region is a bewitching step back to Croatia’s seafaring past. Visit lively fishing ports laced with narrow stone streets, climb breezy hills to quaint medieval towns or sunbathe on pristine beaches. Recalling the quieter bits of Tuscany and Provence, Istria is known for its numerous hilltop fortresses and enchanting vineyards.

Zagreb

An up and coming tourist destination, Croatian capital Zagreb sports a lively combination of ancient traditions and contemporary charm. All business in the daytime, Zagreb lights up at night with plenty of fun-loving bars and clubs. The town grew from two medieval settlements that sprouted up on neighbouring hills, and its charming historic centre teems with romantic garden restaurants, chic cafes and colourful shops. Soaring over this delightfully walkable city and its leafy environs are the filigreed spires of the Cathedral of the Assumption, tallest building in Croatia.

Šibenik

A charming coastal town founded in the 10th century, Šibenik is a labyrinth of narrow cobbled streets and small squares climbing to a summit fortress. Situated on the banks of a wide Adriatic bay, Šibenik boasts a stunning Romanesque cathedral and a multitude of tiny islands. The city borders on the astounding Kornati Archipelago national parks, a sailing paradise of nearly 100 islands, ringed with reefs and tiny islets. Towering cliffs, languorous lakes and thundering waterfalls are among the astonishing natural wonders of these legendary islands.

Are you ready to visit Croatia?