Croatia is a former Yugoslav republic located on the Adriatic Sea. It is about as large as Nova Scotia. Part of Croatia is a barren, rocky region lying in the Dinaric Alps. The Zagorje region north of the capital, Zagreb, is a land of rolling hills, and the fertile agricultural region of the Pannonian Plain is bordered by the Drava, Danube, and Sava Rivers in the east. Over one-third of Croatia is forested.
Because of its geographic location, Croatia has been influenced by its neighbours over the years. Its cultural heritage is a wonderful mixture of Mediterranean and Eastern traditions, as well as those of Central Europe and the Balkans. Its cuisine offers a lot of seafood that is a testament to the region's Mediterranean heritage. Restaurants serve fried, grilled, or stuffed squid, which occupies coastlines and even inhabits islands. You can enjoy the Sarma, a kind of stuffed cabbage with Austro-Hungarian influences, in the north of Croatia. Cevapcici, meatballs with onions, or pitas are also on the menu, dishes inspired by Ottoman cuisine. Dessert lovers will enjoy the Bajadera, a delicious pastry with hazelnuts and almonds. Croatian gastronomy is a testament to the country's rich cultural diversity. But religion also seems to play an important role in the lives of the people. Various festivals and events show the Croats' devotion to their traditions throughout the year.
Here is a list of some of the best things to do while in Croatia.
Perfect Family Highlights to Visit
See the Split Aquarium
Enjoy at Istralandia Water Park
Take a ferry ride around islands
Go hunting for truffles in Istria
Zipline in Omis
Visit the Famous Blue cave
Swim underneath Krka Waterfall National Park
Experience dinner in the sky
Canyoning by the Cetina River
Foods to Try
Lamb on the spit
Punjena paprika
Octopus salad
Cevapi (grilled Serbian sausage)
Pasticada (braised beef)
Pršut & Pag Cheese
Crni rižot (Black risotto)
Čobanac (slow-cooked beef stew)
Brudet (seafood stew)
Zagorski Štrukli (Dough baked or boiled filled with eggs, cottage cheese and sour cream)
Peka (mix of meat, potatoes, and vegetables cooked together in a clay or iron pan)
Photography Hot Spots
Plitvice lakes
Krka National Park
Jasenovac Memorial Site
Vrbnik bay
Old Dinaric fortress
Dubrovnik
Trakošćan Castle
Diocletian’s Palace, Split
Roman ruins in Pula
Souvenirs to Buy
Samobor Crystal
Sestine umbrella
Croatian Lace
Wooden toys
Ceramic Vucedol dove
Licitar heart
Slavonian Sokadian jacket
Olive oil
Croatian cheese
Kazun
Zovnica
What is the best way to enjoy Croatia? Although you can certainly enjoy it by car, allowing you to stop wherever you want and venture off the beaten path, the best way is by cruise, or better yet a private yacht, along the coastline and myriad islands.
Have you ever considered Croatia? It's never too early to start planning.
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