10 things you (probably) didn’t know about Croatia
Croatia is a stunning destination known for its breathtaking coastline, historic cities, and vibrant culture but there’s so much more to this Adriatic gem than meets the eye. From unique traditions and hidden natural wonders to surprising historical facts, Croatia is full of fascinating secrets waiting to be discovered.
Croatia has become one of the hottest summer destinations over the last decade. You may have heard about this country but don’t know much about it or you may be wondering what is all this buzz about.
Here are 10 things you probably didn’t know about this amazing country.
1. Gorgeous beaches
Croatia has a lot of beaches. One of our favorites is on the popular party destination of Hvar Island. You may say, so what? Lots of places have great beaches. What if we said, have a beach to yourself for a day? With an amazing shore and so many islands, you can always find a beach that will be just for you! Get out there and find it, and enjoy the best of the Adriatic Sea.
2. Year-round Mediterranean climate
Croatia has a mild Mediterranean climate, similar to that of Italy or Greece, and every season offers something amazing.
In the summer, popular activities include kayaking, hiking, sailing, rock climbing, and horseback riding. You can go sea kayaking in caves and explore secluded bays. For those who enjoy staying active, sea kayaking is a favorite, as the Adriatic Sea is calm, making it perfect for discovering hidden bays and caves.
In the winter, visit Croatia’s capital, Zagreb. Many travelers mistakenly overlook Zagreb, but it’s a must-see destination, offering a rich mix of history, science, and fun museums—like the famous Museum of Broken Relationships. The city’s past Hungarian influence gives it a charm similar to Budapest, and it boasts a vibrant, clean, and safe atmosphere. Plus, it hosts one of the best Christmas markets in Europe!
3. Incredible value
Croatia has an incredible value for the United States dollar. Go outside of the main touristy areas and it will stretch even longer. Don’t you want to live like a king on your next vacation? We are here to make it a reality for you.
4. Game of Thrones filming locations
If you were a Game of Thrones fan, you’d love Croatia! Doubling for King's Landing in HBO's epic fantasy series Game of Thrones, the historic city of Dubrovnik received a record number of visitors last year. Fans are jetting off to Croatia once again to discover the settings of the fantasy series such St Dominika Street, Ethnographic Museum, Bokar Fortress, Lokrum Island, Klis Fortress, and much more.
5. Island hopping on a private yacht isn’t just for the ultra-wealthy
With more than 1200 islands in Croatia, there’s no better way to explore the country than by sea. You can charter a private yacht or boat in Croatia to explore its wonderful coastline. There is a wide range of boats available that can give you the freedom to customize routes, combine shorter charters with land itineraries and do one-way trips.
6. Incredible history
Are you a history buff? Do you love architecture? From Diocletian's Palace that was built for the Roman Emperor Diocletian in the fourth century AD to Croatian National Theatre built in 1895 and the 23-story modern building, Zagrepčanka, built in 1976, Croatia has a lot of stunning and unique architecture that you will be impressed by.
7. 5,000 square kilometers of natural parks and UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Croatia’s natural parks occupy about 8% of its land. Two of the most popular ones are Plitvice Lakes and Krka National Park - not to be missed. The country has multiple UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Visit them all as they all have amazing history especially when you get to discover them with fantastic local guides.
8. World-class wine, truffles, olive oil and finger-licking cuisine
While Croatia is beautiful it is delicious as well. Yes, the food and wine scene is absolutely amazing and, yes, you can have truffles in Croatia (they are not exclusive to Italy). Truffles are paired with amazing white wine Malvazija and award-winning olive oil from the Istria region. Yummy!
9. Underwater wineries
If traditional wineries are no longer impressive to you, (yes, I know, first-world problems!) how about some wine from an underwater winery? If you have a certified diver you can do it yourself, or a professional diver can get one for you. They store wine on the bottom of the Adriatic Sea to age and you get the chance to have it for dinner. How cool is that?
10. Sea organ and jaw-dropping sunsets
Two of Zadar’s most popular attractions are the Sea Organ and the Sun Salutation—two art installations that utilize the power of nature to create beautiful sounds and sights.
During World War II, most of Zadar’s seafront was destroyed and later rebuilt as a plain, monotonous concrete wall. To bring life and uniqueness back to the seafront, architect Nikola Bašić designed and unveiled the Sea Organ and Sun Salutation in April 2005.
This is a must-see attraction in the beautiful and mysterious city of Zadar!