Croatia is between central Europe and the Mediterranean. The capital and largest city is Zagreb, an inland continental area with paprika-spiced dishes like štrukli dumplings reflecting Hungarian/Austrian rule. This blend of climatic influences leads to a fusion of continental and coastal cuisine. Inland areas see heartier, meat-based dishes suited to the colder climate and forests, like game goulash and roasted meats. Mild Mediterranean coastal regions utilize abundant seafood, olive oil and herbs like rosemary. Croatia’s rugged terrain enables sheep farming and cheese production. Fertile lowlands supply vegetables and paprika and the bora wind helps dry pršut ham. Read Post

1. Trakošćan Castle 2. Veliki Tabor Castle 3. Klis Fortress 4. Čakovec Castle 5. Medvedgrad Castle 6. Castle of Stara Sušica 7. Ozalj Castle 8. Maruševec Castle 9. Bezanec Castle 10. Brod Fortress 11. Cetin Castle 12. Varaždin Castle 13. Dubovac Castle, Karlovac 14. OrsicRead Post

Croatia features beaches along its Adriatic Sea coastline and islands, ranging from isolated pebble coves to sandy beaches. Zlatni Rat Beach on the island of Brač features golden pebbles and an iconic horn shape-shifting with winds and currents. Its smooth pebbles, beachfront cafés, water sports rentals and natural beauty attract tourists and locals. Sakarun Beach on Dugi Otok island earns the name “Croatian Caribbean” with its 800 meters (0.49 miles) white sand bay and calm waters surrounded by pine forests. Banje Beach uniquely blends Croatian culture and the history of Dubrovnik with an active party scene focused around the Banje Beach Club, which hosts events and concerts. Zrće Beach on Pag Island is called the “Croatian Ibiza” for its summer beach clubs like Papaya and Aquarius, hosting famous DJs and nonstop parties day and night centered around dancing and water sports. Nin Beach, also called Queen’s Beach, spans over 3 kilometers (1.8 miles) with warm shallow waters and sandy sea floors perfect for families, with amenities, shops and restaurants in the nearby historic town of Nin. Read Post

Croatia is in Southeastern Europe, bordering Slovenia to the northwest, Hungary to the northeast, Serbia to the east and Bosnia, Herzegovina and Montenegro to the southeast. It shares maritime borders with Italy across the Adriatic Sea. The country covers 56,594 square kilometers (21,851 square miles).Read Post

Croatia has an active festival scene that features the Adriatic coastline and medieval cities to host events spanning music, culture, food and fairs. One of the key festivals to attend in Croatia is Ultra Europe (July 12 to 14, 2024), a 3-day electronic dance music event in Split expected to draw over 140,000 attendees. The Sonus Festival (August 18 to 22, 2024) also showcases house and techno DJs to 25,000 electronic music fans on Zrće Beach. Dimensions Festival (August 28 to September 1, 2024) takes place in the scenic town of Tisno. Those seeking arts and culture can attend the Dubrovnik Summer Festival (July 10 to August 25, 2024) to see classical concerts and theater productions staged across Dubrovnik’s historic landmarks. The Siege of Sinj 1715 Reenactment (August 15, 2024) brings to life the 1715 battle that saw Sinj against a massive Ottoman invasion through realistically staged fights with hundreds of reenactors in period costumes and weaponry. The festival to attend in Croatia for 2024 promises another stellar lineup of celebrations to enjoy. Read Post

Croatia is an expensive destination due to surging popularity in coastal cities like Dubrovnik and Split, increasing prices for lodging, dining, attractions and goods. Prices also reflect higher tourism incomes and taxes, such as 25% VAT, concentrated in these areas. Travelers can use affordable transportationRead Post

Croatia is in Southeastern Europe, bordering the Adriatic Sea and requires careful driving to navigate its roads and highways safely. Road safety tips in Croatia include wearing 0seatbelts, properly securing infants and children, using only hands-free phones, carrying safety equipment like reflective vests and adjustingRead Post

Croatia is a Mediterranean country in southeastern Europe, known for its Adriatic coastline with over a thousand islands. Road safety tips when driving in Croatia include always wearing seatbelts and properly securing infants or children in age-appropriate restraints and car seats. Use hands-free devices forRead Post

Croatia is in Southeastern Europe, with over 1,300 islands along its coastline, high biodiversity and popular tourist destinations. Croatia has extensive protected natural areas, including eight national parks, which harbor rare plants and animals. Croatia has a long history and culture, evidenced by Vinkovci beingRead Post

Croatia is a country with a rich cultural legacy across various fields. Numerous notable Croatian artists, chefs, scientists and other luminaries have made valuable contributions that have had global impacts over the years. Croatia has been inhabited for over 8,000 years and has a rich cultural history spanning the ancient Greeks, Venetians, Ottomans and Austro-Hungarians. Key historical destinations include the medieval walled city of Dubrovnik and Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited town, Vinkovci. Read Post

Croatia is on the Balkan Peninsula next to the Adriatic Sea, with over 1,246 islands. Major holidays like Christmas, Easter, Statehood Day and Corpus Christi are celebrated with religious services, family gatherings and cultural traditions. Zagreb is the capital and a historic hub, while SplitRead Post

Rovinj is a coastal town on Croatia’s Western Coast of the Istrian peninsula. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Croatia due to its well-preserved, old town and scenic location along the Adriatic Sea. Rovinj’s old town features medieval, Renaissance and Baroque architecture that reflects various rulers throughout history. Rovinj has a total population of 12,968 residents. This population breakdown shows that 11,629 residents live in the city proper, with the remainder in the outlying area of Rovinjsko Selo. Read Post

Zagreb is Croatia’s capital and largest city, serving as the nation’s center of politics, economy, culture, arts, sports, science and education. Zagreb’s history can be traced back to 1094 when the Zagreb diocese was founded. The city developed from two medieval towns, Gradec and Kaptol, that unified in 1850. Zagreb experienced rapid growth and became Croatia’s urban city. The city is composed of 767,131 residents. Zagreb features a museum and gallery scene, such as the Museum of Broken Relationships, which displays anonymous personal mementos from failed love relationships. Visitors can explore street art murals concentrated in several areas. The city features exhibits on local history and science. Zagreb transforms into a lively Christmas wonderland during Advent from December to January. Read Post

Split is a historic seaside city on Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast, founded in the 3rd century BC. It developed within the 4th century Diocletian’s Palace, built for the Roman emperor’s retirement. This remarkably well-preserved palace forms the core of Split’s Old Town, which has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Read Post

Dubrovnik is a medieval walled city located on Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast overlooking the Adriatic Sea. Dubrovnik serves as an important coastal city and seaport. Its old town is a UNESCO site with well preserved Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture. Read Post

These fiction and non-fiction books about Croatia shed light on the country’s history and culture. They’re perfect reads when preparing for your trip or when you simply want to know more about the country. Which one will you pick? Read Post

The Blue Cave in Croatia is often hailed as one of the country’s most beautiful natural wonders. Situated on Bisevo island, this magical grotto glows with the most brilliant hue of blue thanks to the sunlight bouncing off its white limestone floor. As you glideRead Post