Visit Croatia: The New Star in the European Sky!

Monday, February 26, 2018

Julio Fernandez

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Why visit Croatia, you ask yourself?

You can no longer say this new star in the European sky is under the radar. So, what is so special about this small but big-hearted country? Within a stone’s throw, you will stumble upon anything from Roman ruins and medieval churches to top-notch modern summer resorts and jaw dropping natural beauty. We’ll break it down into a couple of categories, and we are sure that at least one of them will convince you to visit ASAP!

Colorful and Vibrant History

Historic city of Dubrovnik in Croatia, or AKA King’s Landing from Game of Thrones

There was already life in the territory of Croatia in prehistoric times. The best example of that is one of the richest findings of the Neanderthal men in the world, when some nine hundred human fossil bones were found in a cave’s sandstone deposits at Husnjakovo Hill. If we fast-forward a little bit, Croatia was then part of the famous Roman Empire. Remnants of that era can still be found today, and they are well preserved. Some of the best sites include the Emperor Diocletian’s Palace in Split, and the old amphitheater where the gladiators used to fight in Pula. The arena dates back to the first century, and the Palace from the fourth century. Vibrant Croatian history continued, and more edifices that we still have today were created. In the medieval times, the Walls of Dubrovnik were constructed, and they have been standing there proudly since. Today, for a reasonable fee, you can stroll them and imagine what it may have been like in the good old days. For centuries, the people of Croatia were under the powerful Austrian Empire. That can also be recognized by the 18th and 19th century palaces and their beautiful architectural styles influenced by that era. The last century or so was not easy for Croatia; in addition to being a part of both World Wars, they had their bloody war for Independence in the 1990’s. Even with all of the turmoil the Croats overcame, the hardships of those times are not seen today. It is one of the safest countries in the world. So, if you are a history buff, this is a place where you can immerse yourself in the European history and awaken your curiosity.

Jaw-dropping Natural Beauty

Full Croatia Experience

A path winds around the waterfalls that cover Plitvice Lakes National Park.

If eye candy is what you’re after, Croatia will provide a plethora. Sea, sun, and sand are in abundance in the country. Even though Croats like to boast that they have more than 1,200 islands – which is true – only 50 of them are inhabited throughout the year. Out of 50, maybe 10 are visited by tourists, but the remaining 40 are equally as majestic. Whether you want peace and quiet on secluded beaches, or to party and drink champagne while island hopping, Croatia has got you covered. There is enough of both for everybody; the key is to decide what are you looking for. If you are not looking to absorb the sun rays on the beach, try getting lost in the pristine nature. Croatia is home to eight national parks and 12 parks of nature, which are all within the driving distance of wherever you are in the country. The most visited national park (and dare we say one of the most beautiful sights in the world) is Plitvice Lakes National Park. This stunning gem, with numerous waterfalls and surreal nature surrounding you, is something nobody should skip while visiting this country. Become one with nature and prepare for a sensory overload at Plitvice Lakes. As everybody that visits concludes, pictures never do it justice; you need to see it with your eyes and feel it in your soul. In addition to everything mentioned, Croatia is home to castles as well, especially in the northern parts of the country. To prove even further that Croatia is an overachiever, there are also numerous caves in the Karst territory, and some of the best scuba diving sites in the world.

Arial views of Plitvice lakes National Park, UNESCO World Heritage Site of the World

Bet you didn’t know this about Croatia!

This part is for those who like quiz shows, so use this segment as a cheat sheet. If you ever play “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” and you win something, we expect 20 percent of the winnings. For the people that start their day with a suit and tie, know that it was invented by Croatians. Remember that every time you are suffocating at work or a wedding. Even better, visit the country and thank them in person. The first fountain pen was invented in Zagreb by a gentleman named Slavoljub Penkala, hence the pen! The Mp3 player, the torpedo, and the parachute are all inventions of Croatia and its people. If you watch CSI and other crime shows, when they identify somebody by scanning their fingertips, they should give credit to a Croat named Ivan Vucetic, who established this method. Last but not least, one of the smartest guys that ever walked planet Earth, Nikola Tesla, came from Croatia. Radio, modern wi-fi technology, and electricity would not exist without him and his brilliant mind. Tesla was born in a small town close to the previously mentioned Plitvice Lakes, and you can visit his birth house and memorial museum there. Some proud Croats even claim that Marco Polo was a son of Croatia. This thought goes in the direction of a farfetched theory, but who knows! If all the above-mentioned are still not enough to ignite a spark within you, let’s talk puppies. The black and white spotted Dalmatian dog originated from Croatia! Even though I sometimes say that Croatia is a country where the sea is brighter than the people (and as a born Croat I am entitled to this opinion), all of the above statements prove me wrong. So check out Croatia and maybe you will be inspired to invent the next best thing.

The guys who invented the necktie!

The Royal Cravat Regiment on the streets of Zagreb, Croatia.

The Croatian Philosophy of Lounging

With the first rays of sunshine, all of the Croatian cities become big lounges or living rooms. Everything stops, all can be postponed, and at that moment there is only you and your cup of coffee. This is a country where you succumb to a softer side of life, which is why more and more people name it as number one on their travel bucket list. And if you truly want to understand and embrace the philosophy of lounging, you need to immerse in it for hours. Even the waiter doesn’t mind; he or she will gladly replace your glass of water so you can adjust your vocal cords for more talking. This is part of Croatian culture and tradition, and is an essential way of how people socialize there. It also stretches out to restaurants. Croats are not accustomed to fast and furious meals. Lamb, veal, octopus, and prime fresh fish are only some of the delicacies. Try a local dish prepared under the iron bell (Croatian: peka), or pork or lamb on a spit. Prosciutto and Kulen salami are some of the top sellers that are cured for months with a lot of love before they reach your plate, and they melt in your mouth. Sheep cheese from the island Pag has won multiple awards as the best cheese in the world. Savor the taste of olive oil made from century old olive trees from the coast. Croats enjoy their food for hours, and often intake more than they can handle. Now, knowing what’s on the menu, can you blame them?

Croatia food market

If we need to bet on one thing, our money would be on that you will never be hungry in Croatia. During a great meal you are entitled to great wine as well, and luckily, Croatia has tons of it. Some of the worlds most renowned and acclaimed wines experience their first sunshine here. If you are a wine aficionado, know that the Zinfandel grape originates from Croatia. For the intrepid ones, there is a strong brandy called Rakija. We would lead you in the direction of the herb or plum variety. You drink it as a shot, and immediately everything gets better. If not, repeat the shot for double the pleasure.

Visit Croatia

Jump on board, and take a ride. Croatia is ready with all of its charm and beauty. If you don’t buy our pitch for Croatia in this blog, consult some of these facts: Zagreb was voted “Best Christmas Destination of Europe” three consecutive times. Dubrovnik is where “Game of Thrones” and “Star Wars” have filmed. Croatia has the smallest town and the smallest cathedral in the world. The largest truffle mushroom in the world was found there, and Alfred Hitchcock said the “sunset in Zadar is the most beautiful in the world.”

Croatia sea