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The Republic of Croatia is a European country situated along the Adriatic Sea and its hinterland. It stretches from the slopes of the Alps and deep into the Pannonian Valley to the banks of the Danube and Drava rivers.

Thus according to its natural characteristics, as well as its cultural and historical development, Croatia can be divided into three geographically distinct zones:

the Coastal region

the Mountain region

the Pannonian region

In Croatia, where the Mediterranean, the mountains and the Pannonian plains come together in a unique harmony of natural beauty, within just a little more than a hundred kilometres, you can come across exciting different landscapes.

The Adriatic, with one of the most indented coastlines in Europe with its 1,185 islands and islets, of which only 66 are inhabited, is undoubtedly the most popular tourist destination. One of my personal recommendations would be to try an island hopping experiance. Imagine being sailed away to several of the beautiful remote islands with crystal clear turquoise waters and rocky coastline backed by lush forests which all contribute to a personal private paradise.

Popular destinations

Zagreb is a vivacious new European metropolis that has well preserved its Central European charm, the capital city of Croatia and the country’s political, economic, intellectual and cultural centre.

Split – When, in the year 305, the Roman Emperor Diocletian, who ruled the entire world at that time, decided to build his leisure time abode – in which he intended to spend the rest of his life – he had no doubt as to exactly where build to it. In the very heart of Dalmatia, in the bay of Aspalathos (Split), well protected from the sea by the islands of the Split archipelago, and defended on its landward side by high mountains, Diocletian created a special point on the map of the Adriatic: the future city of Split.

Today Split is the second largest city in Croatia, and the regional capital of Dalmatia, built inside and around the historical Diocletian’s Palace from the third century, included in the UNESCO world heritage list. The people of Split, who are particularly attached to their city and the hill called Marjan overlooking it, will proudly boast that there is no other place in the world like Split.

Dalmatia – is the apogee of the Mediterranean, bursting with colours, fragrances and shapes, an unforgettable experience of unspoilt nature. It is a region of long beaches, pine woods and the ancient towns of Zadar, Sibenik, Split, Trogir, Omis and Dubrovnik that testify to the rich cultural and historical heritage of Croatia. The islands of Hvar, Brac, Solta, Korcula, Vis, Mljet and others, although equally enchanting, are all unique in their character. Dalmatia is also known for its good wines and friendly people.

Olives, indigenous aromatic plants, gleaming white stone against the verdant vegetation and the towering mountain massif of Biokovo whose spurs reach all the way to the sea – yes, this is indeed an exceptional part of the country, and its beauty is made all the more enchanting by numerous historic events and monuments, and cultural manifestations making this is an ever interesting region full of attractions which draws a great many visitors.

Istria is the most developed Croatian tourist region, the closest and most easily accessible from Western Europe, whose landscape can be compared to that of Tuscany or Provence. The first known inhabitants of Istria were the Histri, from whom Istria received its name. Numerous peoples and cultures, from Roman times to today, have left evidence of their cultures in the architecture, wall paintings and in rich ecclesiastical architecture. Vineyards and picturesque little towns are scattered all over the interior of the peninsula.

Dubrovnik, a medieval aristocratic republic from the 12th-19th centuries and the best preserved walled city in the Mediterranean, is one of Croatia’s main tourist attractions and one of only three European cities ranked as a World Heritage Site of zero category by UNESCO, which the English poet Lord Byron named the “pearl of the Adriatic”. The enchanting landscape, including the nearby islands, the beaches, the infinite number of historical sites, the colours, the shapes, the scents, the warmth of the climate and people… will all prove to make an unforgettable experience.

There are many beautiful islands in Croatia, like Korcula, the birthplace of Marco Polo, Hvar, Brac, which has one of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean – Zlatni rat – which is also a windsurfing paradise. The island of Mljet which is situated between the island of Korcula and Dubrovnik. The most visited island is Krk, but in the Kvarner there are also the well known islands of Cres, Losinj, Rab, Pag…to name but a few!

National parks

In Croatia there are seven National parks – The mountain of Risnjak is a national park, situated relatively close to the coast, in the region of Gorski Kotar. The Plitvice Lakes are situated in the continental region of Lika, half way between Zagreb and Sibenik. The beauty of unspoilt nature and the abundance of animal and plant life, were the reasons why the area was designated a national park in 1949 and why UNESCO put Plitvice lakes on its list of world natural heritage in 1979. The Paklenica Canyon, located in the vicinity of Zadar, is also protected as a national park. Its two 400 m deep gorges rank among the most impressive erosion formations in Europe. Paklenica is also noted for its flora and fauna. The Krka River, probably the most wonderful of all the rivers in the Croatian karst, is also a national park. The river runs through a canyon, and then as it cuts its way to the sea, it forms lakes, waterfalls and rapids.

To sum up Croatia is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. I highly recomend for you to try croatia at least once in your life. I have no doubt you would then realise that it is one of your most favourite holiday destination. Please feel free to take a look at my photo gallery if my words cant convice you to love croatia as I do then ill let croatia do it for me.

Photo gallery

By Shaun Rollitt

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