With a coastline of powder-sand beaches and historic cities, Croatia offers unforgettable experiences. But don’t forget about the country’s incredible national parks!
Among the top things to do in Croatia is visiting the famous Blue Cave, where sunlight reflects off the water to create a ghostly blue light. Make sure to visit on a day trip from Dubrovnik and book ahead for the 15 minute ferry ride!
Lastovo
With a very few inhabitants, Lastovo offers an untouched natural beauty. The island’s stunning coastline is complemented by the cool shade of pine trees. The rocky beaches and crystal-clear waters make it an ideal location for enjoying long summer days by the sea.
The island is also famous for its fumari (peculiar chimneys). These chimneys decorate stone houses throughout the region and are considered a sign of wealth. It’s almost impossible to find two identical chimneys on the island. The town of Lastovo is home to the oldest settlement on the island and is worth a visit. The main church in the old town square dates back to the 14th century and is decorated with beautiful paintings.
Lastovo is the most forested island in Croatia; 70% of its surface is covered by forests. It is part of an archipelago with 46 islands and reefs, and it was declared a nature park in 2007. The area has an abundance of wildlife and unique flora.
There are many things to do in Lastovo, including exploring the untouched nature and visiting a few of the villages. A van tour can be organized to take you inland and see the island’s most interesting locations. The tour will take you to some of the most picturesque villages and give you a chance to sample some of the local food and wine.
One of the best places to try local cuisine is at a konoba. Konobas are traditional local households where you can enjoy a variety of dishes. They also sell local wine. Some of the most popular dishes include sardines grilled on a spit and brodetto, a fish stew. You should also try the local marastina, a full-flavored white wine.
In addition to the delicious food, Lastovo is home to some of the most breathtaking scenery in Croatia. The island’s unique landscape has helped it attract Travel in Croatia from all over the world. Its mountains are a sight to behold and provide a great place for hiking and trekking.
Cres
Cres is a small, pristine island in Croatia that is home to some of the country’s most beautiful beaches and stunning mountain hikes. The island has something for every traveler, whether you want to explore picture-perfect old towns or forgotten villages where time stands still. Its secluded beaches and scenic hiking trails will make you fall in love with the place.
Located just south of the mainland, the island is accessible by ferry from Brestova. During summer, the island is buzzing with events like the Four Islands MTB race and Kvarner Bay challenge, as well as an array of culinary events, such as the days of Cres lamb and olive oil. During the rest of the year, the island is more quiet and offers a peaceful escape from the crowds of tourists in the larger resort settlements on the mainland.
The main town of Cres is a jewel of pastel-colored terraced houses overlooking a small natural harbor and a pretty marina. Its old town is dominated by the medieval Venetian tower and features a number of other historic structures. A stroll around the streets of Cres will reveal some of the island’s best restaurants and konobas – traditional Croatian taverns serving great food at reasonable prices.
Most visitors to the island stay in either the main resort of Mali Losinj or the smaller village of Veli Losinj, which has a similar feel to Venice thanks to its long history under Venetian rule. However, there are many other minuscule villages worth exploring, such as Lubenice, Beli, and Valun.
While in the area, don’t miss the chance to visit Vransko Jezero Lake and wander its marina and beaches. You can also learn about the region’s history by taking a trip to the Grmov Bunkers. Another popular attraction is Martinscica, where you can see the town’s monuments and learn about its history.
There are several ways to get to the island of Cres, including air, rail, and bus. The main airport is in Rijeka, and it’s possible to take a train or bus from other destinations in Croatia, including Zagreb and Ljubljana. Car rentals are available from numerous companies, but it’s a good idea to book in advance to avoid disappointment.
Osijek
When you travel to Osijek, you’ll find a vibrant city that is home to a unique culture and some stunning natural wonders. Located in the heart of Croatia’s Slavonia region, Osijek offers something for everyone to enjoy, and is sure to leave you with a lasting impression.
A city tour is a great way to get acquainted with Osijek. It will introduce you to the history and culture of this region, while also giving you an opportunity to see some of the top attractions in the city. Some of the most popular sites include Tvrda, the old town, and the main city square. Tvrda is the best-preserved baroque fortress in the country, and it has become a major cultural hub. The fortress hosts a wide range of events throughout the year, from music festivals to traditional performances. It is a must-see for any visitor to Osijek.
Other places to visit in Osijek include the General Barracks, which was built in 1726. It was once the center of the city, and today it houses various museums. Another popular attraction is the Church of St Michael and All Angels, which is a beautiful two-spired baroque church. It is located in a pleasant town square that has many other interesting buildings and statues.
Getting around Osijek is easy with the city’s public transportation system. Buses and trams run regularly, and there are also taxis available. Alternatively, you can rent a bike or take a river cruise along the Drava River. The city also has four car charging stations if you are traveling with an electric vehicle.
The main square is a great place to begin your tour of Osijek. It is called Ante Starcevic Square by locals, and it is a great place to shop and dine. It is also the site of a beautiful cathedral and several historic buildings.
If you have some extra time, you can make a day trip to the nearby town of Vukovar, which was destroyed in the 1990s war due to its location on the border with Serbia. There are daily buses to Vukovar from Osijek, and it is a sobering but fascinating look at Croatia’s recent history.
Zagreb
Zagreb is a fun place to visit as part of a Croatia travel itinerary. Its restaurants are popular among locals and offer delicious cuisine. You can also visit the Dolac Market or the Mirogoj Cemetery. Some of these attractions are free, while others charge a small fee. Zagreb’s public transportation is also inexpensive. You can take the trams or buses to get around the city, and Uber is available for those who want to travel further afield.
If you enjoy history, Zagreb has many museums to explore. The City Museum, for example, is located in a former convent from the 17th century and includes exhibition rooms that feature information about the city’s long history. Other interesting exhibits include the Iron Age Hall and a model of the city that takes up an entire room.
Another must-see attraction is the Archaeological Museum, which has a fascinating collection of objects that spans many centuries. You’ll find yourself ogling a ritual vessel from 2500 BC one moment and admiring shields and swords the next.
There are also plenty of places to shop in Zagreb, including the large Mihajlo Puharno shopping mall, the only department store in the country, and the old-fashioned Nama. The city’s food scene is equally impressive, and you can sample the cuisine at restaurants such as the Cheese Bar at the main square and Wine Bar Bornstein near the Cathedral.
The best time to visit Zagreb is in June, when the weather is warm and sunny but the streets aren’t as crowded with tourists. The crowds really pick up in July and August, however, when temperatures reach as high as 21 degrees Celsius. September is a great month, as the temperature is still warm but the crowds have thinned out.
Zagreb is a pedestrian-friendly city, so you can easily walk to most of the city’s top attractions. However, you may want to rent a car for sights that are further afield. The trams and buses are easy to use and cheap, so it’s a good idea to try them out. You can also join a guided tour of the city through the online portal GetyourGuide, which offers a range of exciting options at affordable prices.
