Europe & Britain | Destination Guides

Game of Thrones is over, but Croatia's appeal will live forever

Recently updated on December 4th, 2023 at 04:00 pm

Multicultural and hospitable, Croatia is a country where many differences successfully connect in a small space. With its crystal clear sea and port towns, fishing boats and cobbled streets, this country is a true charm of the Mediterranean Sea. HBO’s epic fantasy series Game of Thrones brought even more fame to the Croatian landscapes. But even though the hype of the show is now over, the appeal of Croatia travel lives on. 

ZAGREB

The capital of Croatia is one of the oldest cities in Central Europe, as evidenced by written sources dating back to 1094 when the diocese was founded in this area. It is located between the Medvednica Mountains and the Sava River. The old town consists of the medieval Gradec, which today is the centre of the Croatian government and parliament, as well as Kaptol, the centre of the archbishopric. 

After administrative unification with the surrounding settlements in the 19th century, beautiful squares, parks and fountains were built in Zagreb, making it one of the greenest European cities today. The Croatian capital is young and playful despite the almost thousand-year history of its Old Town. The city lives in the rhythm of successful new enterprises and relaxes with the sunset. 

It is best to get to know the city gradually on a relaxed walk, slowly uncovering the layers of this rich history. Walk along the streets rising from the main city square in one of the most picturesque markets in this part of Europe, Dolza. Go through Opatovina to Kaptola or along Radicheva street to the Stone Gate, to the Bansky palaces and the picturesque roof of the St. Mark’s Church. 

You can also get to know Zagreb by riding in its blue trams. Pulsating continuously in everyday life the city of Zagreb offers the most original cultural events. There are 20 theatres, 30 museums, about 45 galleries, a large zoo and almost a million inhabitants. Zagreb is a real Croatian metropolis, which, like a magnet, attracts guests of various tastes and preferences.

zagreb croatia

LIKA – KARLOVAC & PLITVICE LAKES

With its rivers, mountains, pristine forests, lakes and caves, Lika and the Karlovac region of Croatia will surprise you with an incredible number of national parks. Here, lowland landscapes are replaced by forests and mountains, intertwined with the sources of the purest European waters which quench thirst in overseas countries. Many sparkling waterfalls also dot the rich green landscape.

The most famous Plitvice Lakes National Park will delight you with its unspoilt nature, 16 shining lakes and 157 species of birds. Here the small lakes are interconnected by waterfalls that appeared as a result of precipitation of travertine, a special type of limestone. The borders of the national park cover the source of the Koran River, surrounded by dense forests of beech, fir and spruce. The park is decorated with several caves, springs and flowering meadows and is a ‘must’ for your Croatia travel.

It is impossible to say exactly what time of the year the park is most beautiful: in spring, when flowers bloom in its meadows and the forest turns green, in autumn, when bright colours of foliage are reflected in the mirror of lakes, or in the winter when ice envelops waterfalls and the surrounding trees are covered with snow. 

plitvice lakes

ISTRIA

In Istria, you can find the remains of prehistoric cities and fortified medieval towns that have peppered almost every hill in the inner part of the region with typical streets, squares and churches. 

While the outlines of antiquity and the legacy of Venice are recognized on the banks of the cities of Pula, Rovinj, Vrsar, Porec, Novigrad or Umag, the spirit of medieval Europe is felt in the central part of Istria. Istria offers you not only the sea, sunny beaches, romantic bays and marinas. It also beckons you to walk along fabulous paths leading to medieval towns crowning its hilly landscape. Hike up at least one of them, Motovun, Grozhnyan, Zavrshye, Optrtal, or the smallest city in the world – Hum. 

Although it seems that they are unusually similar to each other, each of these medieval towns is one of a kind. Be curious on your Croatia travel – look in the houses, look at the coats of arms and chambers, enter the churches and relax in the chill of the chapels. People are kind-hearted and helpful in Istria, and they will willingly tell you a story about their home – the land on which the greatest diversity exists in peace and harmony, proud of its frankness.

opatija croatia

SPLIT

In 305AD, the most influential person in the world at the time, Emperor Diocletian, had to decide on where to spend the rest of his life. Of all the places in the world, he chose the Adriatic coast of Dalmatia. In the heart of this region he built his home, starting the foundations of the future city of Split.

Follow the aroma of cypress and rosemary along the path of the ancient Romans to Tragurion, where its magnificent churches, palaces and balconies talk of history and legend. Feel the spirit of the Alkar Sin knights, relax on the irresistible beaches of the Makarska Riviera under the high cliffs of Biokova, and go sailing along the blue roads of the ancient Greek sailors to sunny islands where an abundance of ocean, lavender and wine awaits.

Inspired by the warm charm of the Mediterranean south, Split is a city that tells its rich history not only through visits to its museums and churches, but also through the streets, stone houses and palaces built in ancient times. 

Another ‘must’ on a trip to Croatia is experiencing the real Mediterranean spirit and atmosphere in funny and sung konobas – taverns. If you walk along the interweaving white stone streets to the shore where boats swing on the sea, you will discover a city where almost every famous Roman emperor tried to squeeze his imperial presence. 

RELATED: 10 Things You Never Knew About Croatia

split croatia

DUBROVNIK

Fortified walls are usually built to protect wealth, and this was certainly true in the case of Dubrovnik, one of the most beautiful cities in the world, surrounded by a stone wall 1940 meters long. Dubrovnik was once one of the largest ports and a very significant Mediterranean trading state, as evidenced by the fact that in its most glorious days its merchant fleet totalled 700 sailing ships.

From the glorified walls of this city with their magnificent towers and bastions, on your Croatia travel you can see the wonderful Elaphite islands of Sipan, Lopud and Kolocep, scattered like pearls in the blue of the sea. The Elaphite Islands are the pristine Mediterranean, abundant in lush subtropical vegetation, wide pine forests and olive tree plantations.

Walking from the Onofrio’s Fountain to the City bell tower, the refined Gothic-Renaissance structures of Sponza Palace, the baroque churches of St. Vlach and the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, every step in this city will remain in your memory. 

dubrovnik

Keen to travel to Croatia? Our Best of Croatia & Slovenia trip will help you reveal the beauty, charm and culture of these fascinating countries.

Been to Croatia before? Share your travel tips and highlights in the comments below. 

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