Contents of Post
I don’t think I really need to give anyone reasons to travel to Croatia. You look at a couple of pictures of the country, and you will immediately want to go. Yet the pictures don’t convince everyone as they show such a small aspect of the country. With all the different places to stay, it can’t just be captured in pictures.
So here are 11 reasons to travel to Croatia as your next destination, in no particular order.
The Beaches
When most people think of beaches, they picture waves lapping against a large area of soft, grainy sand. The feeling of it between your toes as you play volleyball, build sandcastles, or take a long walk at sunset. At least that’s what I thought.
However, the beaches in Croatia are not at all what I expected. Although a few sand beaches are scattered around the country, most are gorgeous pebble beaches. A confounding idea at first, but I assure you that they are lovely. The beaches alone would be among the top reasons to travel to Croatia.
Incredible Activities
There is a little slice of life for everyone here. Whether you are an adrenaline junkie or live the life of the average retiree there is something here for you.
For the more adventurous you may find interest in soaring above the Sea in a parasail. Maybe being in the water is more your thing. For that, there is snorkelling and scuba diving. Perhaps you want to avoid the seaside, but are still willing to get a little wet. Go white water rafting through the mountains or swim out to a waterfall. Don’t want to get wet? Try ATVing or hiking in the mountains. This is but a small list of things to do for the adrenaline seeker.
For those looking to relax, there are the gorgeous aforementioned beaches and breathtaking hikes all over the country. If those aren’t to your liking, Croatia boasts some delectable wine tours, feeling the wind in your hair on a boat excursion, or grab a book and curl up in one of the many cafés scattered about the country.
If none of that tickles your fancy, I am sure there is still something you can find something somewhere.
The People
Croatians are a unique people. They will claim that they aren’t friendly, but almost every interaction shows differently. Although difficult at times to crack through the shell, once you become friends you have a friend for life.
Croatians are excited to share their love of the country and the deep history that developed it. They can and will point out all the best places to go, things to do, and sights to see. If you are willing to listen, you can gain a wealth of knowledge about the country and meet amazing people. Not to mention that no one parties quite like Croatians.
The Variety in Landscapes
Croatia has a lot to offer in terms of landscapes. If these are your reasons to travel to Croatia you will not be disappointed, Croatia boasts an impressive coastline full of a variety of Islands. Each has its own type of landscape. Much of the Coastline also hosts a mountain range that extends into central Croatia. Wherein lies plains, forests, waterfalls, and so many others.
All the Different Types of Culture
The busy season in Croatia is not very long. Even so, between the tourists that visit, business owners, and the various Slavs from all around Croatia and the Balkans, this place is ripe with various cultures. You could spend your morning learning about Croatia from Croatians, then spend lunch with some Turks experiencing Turkish culture before indulging in some Brazilian with the Brazilians. In fact, one of the most renowned people for traditional Croatian tattoos was born in Cyprus!
Here, you can be wrapped up in cultures from all around the globe just by walking down the street.
Marco Polo (and other Historical events)
The Kingdom of Croatia was born in the year 925 A.D. So it is a country bound to be drowning in history. From the original Croats claiming the area and becoming a kingdom to the various wars participated in. Whether alone as a kingdom, part of another (such as the Austro-Hungarian Kingdom), or as an independent country.
One of the most famous aspects of history to come out of Croatia is the tale of Marco Polo. Supposedly, Marco Polo was born on the island of Korcula and started his journey from there. Another cool fact is that Croatia hosts the largest Colosseum in the world outside of Italy. The history that you can learn here is yet another one of the many reasons to travel to Croatia.
Game of Thrones
Croatia boasts not one, not two, but upwards of 10 different Game of Thrones filming locations Croatia is one of the countries that has the most locations used for filming. From King’s Landing in Dubrovnik and the city of Meereen in Kliss Fortress to Qarth on Lokrum Island and the city of Trogir and Stunning backdrops and country scenes of Westeros in Krka National Park. Many of the filming locations are just a day trip from Split!
There are so many places that you can stumble upon that, as a Game of Thrones fan, you will recognize immediately. Whether you do a tour or just travel to the locations yourself, if you are a fan it is definitely one of the best reasons to travel to Croatia.
Islands
Croatia is home to over 1000 Islands. This alone could be one of the only reasons to travel to Croatia. You could spend months or even years here and never visit them all.
Some islands are full of towns and cities galore, while others are still primarily wilderness. If you love to island-hop, it might be awesome to rent a boat and spend some time going from island to island. I promise it will not disappoint! These Islands give you over 1000 reasons to travel to Croatia.
National Parks
If you have ever played the board game “Parks” then national parks might just be your thing. Luckily for you, Croatia is full of incredible national parks, including some UNESCO (World Heritage) sites. Krka is an Oasis of waterfalls, while the island of Mljet is an island on a lake on an island on the Adriatic Sea.
Croatian national parks are gems. These gems are only one of many reasons to travel to Croatia, but alone would make it worth it.
Rakia (and Wine)
Rakia is a very strong alcoholic beverage that is traditional in the Balkans and a favourite of many a Croatian. While classic rakia is made from anise, over time it has evolved to be made from many different fruits. Wine is also locally made from locally grown fruit all over the country and is absolutely superb. We talk about that in-depth in our “Things you should know before you go“!
The classic anise rakia has a bite to it that feels as though you are shooting hard liquor, but if you aren’t careful and buy a bottle such as the blueberry rakia you may be in for a dangerous time. Some of the fruit variations are as smooth going down as juice. This has led many a person to become very, very drunk quite quickly. Like I said…. No one parties quite like Croatians.
So go get your party on!
The Food
While there are some fried cordon bleu and some pasta-like items found all over the country, there are a few foods that Croatians do best. The first of which would be anything related to olive oil and wine. There is so much locally made wine and olive oil with a superb taste that you can basically throw a stone and hit some.
Another is Pork. From sausages to ham to bacon and prosciutto. Croatians can cook or dry literally anything pork and take it to another level. Just thinking about it now is making my mouth water as I recall how the different flavours would just fill your mouth with porky goodness
The third, and in my opinion the most well done by Croatians, is Seafood. Being right on the Adriatic Sea means they get fresh seafood daily. Oh boy, do they ever know how to cook it, too. A freshly caught squid, mollusk or fish cooked by a Croatian immediately takes your tongue to flavour town.
That isn’t even close to the last of it. There are spit roast lamb and pig as well as dishes made in a large dome surrounded by coals, and every last morsel is spectacular.
If there were only one thing I could pick of all the reasons to travel to Croatia, it would be the Seafood. I learned of my love for swordfish while here.
In Conclusion:
If these reasons don’t convince you to go I have to say you are either out of your mind or scared! If you are scared, I’m gonna throw you an extra reason in here. Croatia is one of the safest countries in the world. It has actually been ranked as the 17th safest place. A huge leg up for travelling Americans, as America ranks as number 122 in 2021.
So hopefully my giving you these reasons to travel to Croatia as your next destination will get you over there.
All the Different Types of Culture
Marco Polo (and other Historical Events)
Are there any other reasons that you believe deserve to be on this list? Let us know in the comments below!
