Visiting Croatia with History, Islands, Wine & Waterfalls
Have you ever considered a trip to Croatia? Croatia is a lesser-known tourist destination in the Mediterranean region.
It is typically overshadowed by Italy and Greece and other ultra-popular tourist destinations in the general area but is growing exponentially in popularity.
Its drop dead gorgeous landscapes, delicious wines, breathtaking waterfalls, and easy day-trip access to significant locations make it an excellent choice for your next trip overseas. When you go to Croatia, you won’t want to miss these magnificent spots by land and by sea, tasting the carefully crafted wines of the region along the way.
Where is Croatia?
Croatia is located on the Balkan Peninsula north of Greece and east of Italy. It is a small crescent-shaped country whose
western shores lie along the Adriatic Sea, which is the northernmost point of the Mediterranean Sea.
Croatia has historically been under the rule of various foreign powers, the most recent of which was Yugoslavia.
The federation between the two countries fell apart in the early 1990’s and Croatia became a part of the European Union in 2013.
Croatia by Land: Dubrovnik, Split, and Zagreb
Dubrovnik was the capital city of the country for centuries. From nearly every vantage point in this peninsular city, one can enjoy the shimmering shine from the Adriatic Sea.
The ancient city walls remain a tourist highlight and never fail to inspire awe when walking along them. The original walls were constructed in the 9th century and the pinkish hue of the stone walls meeting the dazzling blue of the sea is simply mesmerizing. The city center is dotted with Baroque architecture and offers visitors a host of museums and attractions, making Dubrovnik a must-see for any Croatian travel itinerary. Additionally, Dubrovnik is situated perfectly as a jumping off point for various day trips, two of which are described down below.
Split is located about 140 miles (225 km) north of Dubrovnik along the Croatian coast. Also, a peninsula, this 2nd largest city in Croatia enjoys the glitter and sparkle characteristic of the Adriatic Sea much like Dubrovnik. The ancient Old Town is home to the sprawling Diocletian's Palace and is a hot spot for tourists. Dating back to the 4th century, people flock to the public square at all hours of the day and night to take in local food, drinks, and live music. Beaches abound and are a popular choice for tourists visiting Split.
Zagreb is the current capital city of Croatia. Visiting this city will bring you into the interior of the country but you will find the trip worthwhile. Zagreb is positively brimming with museums, impressive architecture, festivals, cinematic history, and tons of outdoor activities. Unlike many capital cities, Zagreb is laid back and authentic. No canned experiences here! Public transportation is widely available thanks to their streetcar system but taking a walk, meandering around, is the best way to take in this charming capital city.
Croatia by Sea: The Islands of Korcula, Hvar, Brac, and Vis
There are so many islands to visit in Croatia, each with its own unique characteristics and charm. Korcula is the alleged true birthplace of Marco Polo, as opposed to Venice, who makes the same claim. It is also one of the most relaxed islands to visit in all of Croatia. The island is thick with olive groves, pine forests, and vineyards. Sandy beaches and calm swimming coves make Korcula a standout.
Hvar is a wildly popular choice among tourists. It’s no wonder! The infrastructure for tourism is well developed, making it easy to access and get around. The beaches are incredibly beautiful, the food is delicious, and the local wine is delightful. (More on wine below, so keep reading!) There is a rocking nightlife scene there for those who like to get out and socialize. The island has been controlled by a wide variety of different countries over its history, so the architecture is mixed and exciting. And to top it all off, lavender grows in abundance here, delighting the senses off the ocean air.
Brac is an excellent spot for those who like the path less chosen. It’s not nearly as popular as Hvar and Korcula so visitors can expect fewer crowds and more authentic experiences. Inhabited since Neolithic times, the island has a rich history as well as amazing olive oil. In the Venetian years, the senate insisted that the entire island be planted with olive trees.
Over half a million still thrive on the island today. The variety is rare and results in an exquisite olive oil you will not want to miss.
Vis differs from other islands in the Croatian Adriatic because it is open to the sea. For many years it served as a military outpost for this reason. Over time, the island has opened up more to tourism but still offers a real glimpse of Croatian life and culture to visitors. Some of the best grapes are found on Vis making it a popular choice for lovers of wine.
Wines of Croatia
Tourists who love wine typically think of visiting Italy or the California coast. Croatia also has an abundance of vineyards that yield a wonderful assortment of wines for visitors to enjoy. There are tons of indigenous grapes such as Posip, which grows on Korcula and is harvested by hand due to the difficult to approach landscape. The history of this grape can be traced to the exact year of 1864, when the first vine was discovered and began spreading on the interior of the island. The resulting white wine is a golden yellow hue, crisply dry, with a fruity aroma. It can also be high in alcohol content so sip wisely.
Plavac Mali is an indigenous grape propagated mainly on the Peljesac Peninsula. This grape produces a robust red wine with the flavor of black cherry and a pleasing peppery finish. This wine is also quite high in alcohol content but ages well unlike other Croatian wines. The Peljesac Peninsula offers a multitude of wineries where visitors can learn about how the grapes are grown and harvested and have a taste of different varieties. Of course, many tourists opt to purchase these local wines to bring home for enjoyment long after the vacation ends.
Croatian National Parks with Waterfalls: Plitvice and Krka
Tourists will have a tough choice if they can only visit one of the national parks in Croatia that have gorgeous waterfalls.
They are both stunningly beautiful and offer awesome photo opportunities and lush landscapes.
Plitvice Lakes National Park is the best choice if you have the time to spend the night in the area. Although some tourists opt for a day trip to this national treasure, there is so much to explore that an overnight (or more!) is justified if you have the time. Plitvice has a large network of interconnected trails for hiking. Swimming is not allowed inside the park itself, but the surrounding rural area offers horseback riding and swimming. Inside the park, the waterfalls are plentiful, encircling a valley into which they fall. It's a natural wonder that shouldn’t be missed if possible.
Krka National Park is your pick if you want easier access due to its proximity to the coast. It’s a popular choice for day trips and can thus be a bit more crowded than Plitvice. Also, swimming is allowed inside the park, even at some of the smaller waterfalls. If this is a priority for you then Krka would be a great choice. Like Niagra Falls, Krka is home to a hydroelectric power plant, which you can visit for a bit of education on your visit. Plus, there is a working village to explore with appliances powered by the waterfall that is quite impressive to young visitors.
Day Trips from Croatia: Bosnia & Herzegovina and Montenegro
Tourists seeking to explore bordering destinations will not be disappointed with a trip to Croatia.
Bosnia & Herzegovina and Montenegro are both well within reach and offer a multitude of sites and historical significance.
From Dubrovnik, travelers can take a day trip leaving in the morning and returning in the late afternoon.
The amazing Kravice Waterfalls, the quaint town of Mostar with its ancient foot bridge, and historic Sarajevo are common inclusions on a day trip itinerary.
Just one hour from Dubrovnik, Montenegro is an absolute must for those seeking enchantment. The natural beauty is unsurpassed, even when compared to Croatia itself. A 15th century village called Sveti Stefan boasts of pink pebbled beaches and seafood that will knock your senses sideways. It’s been a hot spot for royal and celebrity tourism
since the 1930’s. The Old Town is bustling with activity and around every corner, visitors take in sights and sounds that are splendid and literally jaw dropping.
LuxEurope is poised and ready to plan and book your trip to Croatia. We have recommendations based on first-person experiences from our own travels
to this magical and mystical part of the world. Contact us today and let us help make your Croatian journey a trip to remember for a lifetime.