Croatia has become one of the hottest places to visit in Europe. Formally one of the six countries that comprised Yugoslavia, it has claimed independence for almost thirty years now. The country is comprised of over 1,000 islands and borders the Adriatic Sea, making it the ultimate beach destination for people in the surrounding area or around the world. There are some bigger cities that are definitely worth visiting, but there are also so many islands and parts of the country that go overlooked by tourists. So, if you wan to get a holistic picture of what Croatia is really all about, follow this guide.
Islands
Saplunara is a village in the southernmost island of Mljet. One-third of the island itself is taken up by a national park and is mostly not visited by tourists. What is unique about the village of Saplunara is that there are three sandy beaches to visit, and beaches that actually have sand are not always so common in Croatia.
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Solta is an island relatively near the city of Split, about an hour on a boat. There are at least five ferries a day from the city to the island but is not always visited because of its close proximity to the island Brac, which is more popular. However, not only is there plenty of beautiful water to enjoy on the island, but there are also many local treasures including their honey, which is thought to have healing properties. This, along with their wine and olive oil make it a gastronomical dream.
The island of Krk is actually connected to the mainland by a land bridge, so there is really no reason not to visit. Beyond the beautiful water views and beaches, there is also the Krk Cathedral, which was built in the 5th century.
On Land
Visnjan is the place to go if you are an astronomy enthusiast. The town is home to the Visnjan Observatory, where 100 minor planets, two comets, and more than 1,400 asteroids have been discovered alone. During the peak season in May through September there are events called Astro Nights, which is a 2-hour observation session, children’s workshops, and English tours.
Samobor is a town near to the Slovenian border, but very close to the city of Zagreb. There you will find traditional Croatian restaurants serving trout, game, and veal, along with the famous Croatian cream cake called samoborska kremsnita. This cake has been made and served in Croatia for several centuries, some even say as far back as the 15th century.
Pula is a city located on the tip of the Istrian Peninsula completely on the sea. This beautiful town is known for many things, one of them being its Roman ruins. There is a Roman Arena similar to the Collesium in Rome that you have to visit when in Pula. But even before the Roman’s conquered it, Pula was already established. It is actually an ancient city, with artifacts in the region that have been excavated being from the Neolithic period.
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