Croatia is a fascinating holiday destination, which encompasses historic towns, bustling cities and idyllic beaches. A tour including Zagreb, Split, Hvar and Dubrovnik will ensure you experience a broad sample of what this beautiful country has to offer.
Zagreb is the capital of Croatia and the country’s largest city. It combines modern amenities with Gornji Grad, the medieval old town. To enter the old town, you pass through a gate which forms a shrine to the Virgin Mary. Legend has it that a fire in the 1700s destroyed everything in the town except from the picture of Mary that now stands in this shrine. Pause here and light a candle and it is said your wish will be granted. Another worthwhile visit is Mirogoj, the city’s largest cemetery. Every year on the Croatian Day of the Dead, huge numbers of the population walk here bearing candles in a sight both eerie and beautiful.
Split is an ancient city built around the Diocletian Palace and is home to a litany of Roman architecture erratically scattered around its streets. The palace is Split’s must-see destination, as the most complete Roman palace ruins in the world. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979 and is depicted on the 500 kuna banknote of Croatia. Other than this, one of the main pleasures of Split is the climate. Receiving around 2,700 annual hours of sunlight, it’s likely any time spent here will involve some fine weather.
The island of Hvar, with its crystal-clear seas, rolling green hills and lavender-scented air, offers another angle to Croatia’s tourist scene. It contains vineyards to explore, beautiful beaches, and the nightlife is reputed to be some of the liveliest in the country. In the summer months, many young people come to Hvar to enjoy all-night parties. However, it is also possible to escape the crowds by renting a boat or water taxi and heading to the nearby Pakleni Islands.
If you tire of capital culture, ancient history, and beach parties, Croatia also has sheer luxury sewn in. Dubrovnik, nicknamed the “Pearl of the Adriatic”, is a World Heritage Site and elite destination for celebrity visitors. If you’re looking for an up market Dubronik hotel, you’ve come to the right place, the majority of Croatia’s upmarket accommodation options are located here. There is also a stunning pedestrianised Old Town to explore and city walls to walk round, offering panoramic views of the city.
With all these different possible holiday experiences, Croatia really does have something to suit all tastes. It’s an interesting place well worth a visit for any traveler tired of the cliché destinations of the Mediterranean.
Sean Burke writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.
