Located in Eastern Europe, Croatia is home to beautiful coastlines, stunning lakes and forests, a fascinating history, fantastic wine, and delicious sea-to-table cuisine. It has a rich history and is famous for its well-preserved historical sites, some of which are popular UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Croatia is a popular destination for sailing enthusiasts due to its many islands and beautiful coastline. Water sports like windsurfing and kayaking are also widely enjoyed. The country is also known for its vibrant music festivals and events, such as the INmusic Festival and Ultra Europe, which attract music enthusiasts from around the world.

The best time to visit Croatia is during the summer months, from June to September, when sunlight is plentiful and temperatures are warm, between 66°F and 86°F. These conditions are ideal for boating and swimming in the blue waters around the islands.

The cooler conditions of April, May and October lend themselves to a wide range of other outdoor activities, from hiking to kayaking.

In November to March, Croatia’s winter, you can focus on Zagreb or Split when they’re at their quietest and most relaxed.

Croatian food is varied and distinctive. Different areas have different specialities. The coastal region, for example, is well-known for its truffle-based dishes and soups. Fried fish is also very popularly consumed in the coastal areas. In the mountainous and hilly regions, mushrooms, berries and wild meat are used in a lot of the preparations. The white truffles of Istria are very well-known, as is goulash. Pasta is also eaten on a large scale and is available everywhere. Olive oil, herbs and spices such as garlic, rosemary, pepper, etc. are what typically characterise Croatian cuisine. Wine is consumed widely in Croatia, apart from beer. Croatian food shares many similarities with Italian cuisine. Both are rich in olive oil and fresh seafood, and their simple preparations let the quality of local ingredients shine through.

When in Croatia, you must shop from Zagreb. The country’s capital promises flea markets, collector’s markets, little stores as well as shopping malls for you to indulge your every whim and fancy. Boutiques here sell home appliances, accessories made by local designers, clothes and more. The little stores lined along streets sell CDs, old books and old records too. For souvenirs, you could always pick up a bottle of the best Croatian wine, some olive oil or truffle-based sauces.

The main language spoken in Croatia is Croatian but English is very widely spoken. Depending on the region you’re in, you’ll also find many locals speaking German and Italian.

1. ZAGREB

No other city glorifies culture and arts in Croatia like Zagreb. This capital city of the coastal country has a charm of its own, differentiating itself from the exotic beach towns and playful islands. Lying in the northwestern part of the country, this city came into existence in the 2nd century AD, when Hungarian King Ladislaus established its first diocese. At the present day, the cosmopolitan city of Zagreb makes for the centre of the government, academics, and culture of Croatia. The entire city of Zagreb is categorized into three parts – the Lower Town, the Upper Town, and New Zagreb.

It has beautiful heritage sites, including Zagreb Cathedral and Treasury, Museum of Broken Relationships, Museum of Mimara, The Croatian National Theatre, The Croatian Museum of Naive Art, and The Art Pavilion and the Mestrovic Gallery. While you are in Zagreb, you can engage in a number of activities, including sightseeing tours and cultural walks. You can also unwind and relax in the peaceful, green surroundings of the Zagreb Botanical Garden and the Maksimir Park. Zagreb enjoys warm weather with periodic rains.

Places to visit in Zagreb: The Croatian National Theatre, Museum of Broken Relationships, Zagreb Botanical Garden

2. DUBROVNIK

A busy port city with a medieval walled old town, Dubrovnik draws a diverse crowd of travellers to its ancient sites, hidden cavern bars, beaches, historic landmarks, and stunning seascapes.

Dubrovnik has a long and storied history dating back to the 7th century. The well-preserved Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its medieval walls and historic architecture. One of the city’s most iconic features is its ancient city walls, which encircle the Old Town.  It is also home to numerous cultural and historical landmarks, including churches, monasteries, palaces, and museums.

Places to visit in Dubrovnik: The Franciscan Monastery, The Mount Srd Cable Car, Rector’s Palace, Elaftiti Islands, Gundulic Square, Stradun, Lovrijenac, Jesuit Staircase

3. ZADAR

Nestled on the northern Dalmatian Coast of Croatia and dating back to 3,000 years, the old beautiful city of Zadar flaunts a stunning coastline and a rich history. Featuring a subtle atmosphere and a calm and quiet environment, the city of Zadar retains its old world charm. Though it has seen a rise in tourism over the past few years, the city still remains one of the less explored places in Croatia, which has helped conserve its rustic virgin beauty.

Zadar is one of the best places for people looking for less crowded tourist destinations. From beach lovers to history lovers and for those who like to enjoy the nightlife of a city, Zadar has it all in its locker.

Places to visit in Zadar: St. Donat’s Church, St Simeon’s Church, St. Anastasia Cathedral, Saharun beach, Kornati National Park, Zadar Archaeological Museum, Museum of Ancient Glass, People’s square

4. SPLIT

Once a stopover point for visitors to nearby islands, Split is now a thriving tourist destination. The largest town in Dalmatia receives its tourists with a small town vibe, breathtaking sights, and welcoming locals. A big part of the city of Split resides within the ancient walls of a Roman palace. But it doesn’t just stop there, Split has so much to offer other than the marvellous chunks of history, that you’ll come back again to savour the experiences here.

The city of Split is packed with a plethora of famous tourist attractions, in the form of churches, temples, monuments, and arcades. Some of the striking landmarks that the city boasts to its tourists include the bustling Peristil Square, the Egyptian sphinx monuments, Jupiter’s Temple, and St. Duje’s Cathedral.

Places to visit in Split: Diocletian Palace, Old Split Town, Cathedral of Saint Domnius, Split Beaches, The Blue Cave

5. HVAR ISLAND

The Hvar Island is particularly renowned for its luxurious retreats and relaxing beaches, making it a very popular tourist place to visit in Croatia. Hvar is popular due to its mild climate throughout the year, and a little more for its exuberant parties. The island boasts of rich Mediterranean flora and fauna, exceptionally great beaches and bays, and interesting cultural and historic heritage. The island has most of its life trapped in the Hvar town, Stari Grad and Jelsa. Apart from that, you can also visit some old traditional villages to understand the local life, visit one of many vineyards on the island, and taste some of the greatest wines made in Croatia.

6. ROVINJ

Rovinj has an old-times charm as the city’s major attraction. From the centuries old churches to medieval architecture and art, the city’s beauty remains a hidden treasure due to the lack of tourism. The baroque buildings and the nearby nature parks add to the beauty of the region, while the turquoise waters of the Adriatic offer breathtaking views. Rovinj is a city known for its beautiful beaches along with the city’s medieval themed architecture with narrow alleys and streets.

Places to visit in Rovinj: The old town, Punta Corrente Forest, La Grisia, The church of St. Euphemia, Lim Fjord, Rovinj Port, Balbi’s Arch, Monkodonja, Beaches

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