Meet Croatia
The unique guide
Gastronomy: A distinctive blend of different cultures
The Croatian gastronomy is unlike anywhere you’ll find in the rest of Europe, and is often overlooked in the international food setting. However, the unique blend of Central European cuisine with Mediterranean cuisine has created some of the most delicious meals just waiting to be tried! Not to mention, Croatia is home to some of the freshest seafood, and seafood dishes such as grilled octopus and black risotto made out of squid and squid ink are common to enjoy along the Adriatic Coast. Culinary in Croatia itself is a significant part of the country’s social culture. Homemade liquors are served as a sign of hospitality, delicious slow-cooked meals, like the national meal of Croatia called Peka, are made before family events, and enjoying the company of loved ones is key in Croatian dining culture!
Intriguing modern history
Croatia being part of former Yugoslavia has made for some incredibly interesting, yet sombre modern history. Throughout the country there are sights that teach about the history of communism in Yugoslavia and how it affected the country, and about the Croatian Homeland War, which was Croatia’s fight for independence. The war for independence lasted 4 years, and ended in 1995, so quite recent in historical terms. There are museums dedicated to both topics throughout the major cities which are educational and informative ways to learn how Croatian struggles and independence.
A glimpse into Roman Times
Croatia is home to a plethora of impressive Roman ruins, and is home to some of the best preserved Roman ruins still standing to this day! Explore the Diocletian’s Palace in Split, a UNESCO World Heritage site that served as the residence of Emperor Diocletian in the 4th century AD, and one of the world’s best preserved Roman arena’s, the Amphitheatre in Pula, which was built to hold a whopping 23,000 spectators! Besides these two impressive glimpses into the past, there are a wide variety of Roman ruins throughout Croatia. The impressive collection of ruins lets visitors travel back in time to imagine how life was during the Roman Empire in Croatia, and makes it a great destination for history buffs!
Wander and wonder
Ready-made itineraries for your Croatian adventure
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Meet Croatia
Croatia’s location at the crossroads of the Balkans, the Mediterranean, and Central Europe becomes a mix of the different cultures and lifestyles. The coastal country has also been shaped by influences from the Byzantine and Austro-Hungarian empire, as well as the Venetian empire, which have all left lasting impacts on the country’s art and architecture, creating a unique Croatian identity.
Religion has played a significant role in Croatian culture, and while the majority of Croatia is Roman Catholic, there are significant populations of other religions like Orthodox Christians, Muslims, and Jews. The diverse religious heritage can be viewed in the numerous historical churches, breathtaking monasteries, and other stunning religious sites that dot the architectural landscape of the country.
The four major geographical regions of Croatia are:
Croatia proper
Dalmatia
Istria
Slavonia
The administrative regions of Croatia are divided into 21:
Bjelovar-Bilogora
Brod-Posavina
Dubrovnik-Neretva
Istria
Karlovac
Koprivnica-Križevci
Krapina-Zagorje
Lika-Senj
Medimurje
Osijek-Baranja
Požega-Slavonia
Primorje-Gorski Kotar
Šibenik-Knin
Sisak-Moslavina
Split-Dalmatia
Varaždin
Virovitica-Podravina
Vukovar-Syrmia
Zadar
Zagreb
City of Zagreb
Breathtaking natural scenery
Croatia is home to over 1,800 kilometres of coastline, including more than 1,100 islands and islets. Situated on the Adriatic sea, Croatia boasts calm, sandy beaches, rocky, dramatic coves, and beautiful, picturesque islands. Only 66 of these islands are inhabited, and all of them are known for their crystal-clear, warm waters and gorgeous beachfronts. All the way across the country, you’ll find the Dinaric Alps, a huge mountain range that has created some of the most breathtaking hikes and natural scenery in the country, including huge canyons and crashing waterfalls. Croatia has a number of incredible national parks which only add to the country’s geographical diversity, including the famous Plitvice Lake, famous for its interconnected waterfalls and turquoise lakes. Between the coast, the hills, and the mountainside, Croatia’s natural beauty is unique and unmatched.
Cultural Catch-Up
One of the most distinctive aspects of Croatian culture is its beautiful architecture which reflects the history of the country. Roman ruins are found in Pula, Venetian-inspired Gothic and Renaissance buildings in the Old Town of Dubrovnik, and the most distinctive to the country, Dalmatian style which combines elements of Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance elements which can be seen in coastal cities, like Split and Trogir. These buildings boast intricate detailing and ornate stonework. When you travel further to the inland of the country, like the capital of Zagreb, the architecture is more similar to the Austro-Hungarian style, with wide avenues and ornate buildings. The architecture of Croatia is definitely a representation of the cultural heritage of the country, and is exciting to explore and discover from city to city. The unique architecture may look familiar to you if you’ve ever watched Game of Thrones, as Dubrovnik is the filming spot for Kings’ Landing,
Once in Croatia, visitors will experience the warmth of the local people who are proud of their country and excited to show off its beauty. The warm, hospitable Croats only make for an uplifting atmosphere while you’re surrounded by gorgeous scenery. Immerse yourself in the Croatian lifestyle, exploring the ancient towns and villages, hiking the mountains and visiting the natural parks, or simply relaxing on the beach and soaking up that famous Mediterranean sun! Unwind and embrace the relaxing and exploring that the country has to offer!
When to go
Croatia is an extremely beautiful place to visit year round. The best time to visit the islands is during the summer to ensure beach weather, and cities are great to visit year round, although they can get a bit crowded and hot during the summer months, and are a bit more calm during the off season.
Essentials
Languages 101
Croatian is a slavic language spoken primarily in the country, with an estimated 5 million speakers in total. The language uses the Latin alphabet in writing. While Croatian is the most widely spoken language in the country, Serbian and Italian are both minority languages in Croatia.
Transport
Getting There
There are several airports in Croatia that have flights from Continental Europe and the rest of the world. The biggest airports are the ones in Split, Dubrovnik, and Zadar.
There are usually trains from only 3 international cities to Thessaloniki, those being Belgrade, Blageoevgrad, and Sofia. However, those were suspended due to covid and there is no current knowledge of when they will be resumed.
Getting to Croatia via bus is an affordable option.
Getting Around
In Croatia, people drive on the right side of the road and overtake on the left. In order to drive in Greece, visitors must be 18 years old with a valid driver’s licence. If renting a car, rental car companies in Croatia require a minimum age of 18, and a fee will apply to drivers renting car for drivers aged 18-20.
Croatia has a great public transportation system that is easy to use and very affordable. The buses connect to almost anywhere throughout the country. There are no high-speed trains in Croatia, but the train system connects a lot of the cities in the country, although it doesn’t reach as many places as the buses do, and are a bit pricier. Ferries are a great way of travelling between port cities and the islands. Zagreb and Split both have a metro system that connects the city and the outskirts.
Croatia’s cities are extremely walkable, and going on foot is often the most convenient way to explore them. Use our map to find out what’s near you, or combine it with the bus or metro for a hassle-free day out.
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