6 Things Not To Miss In Croatia

By: Kratika Thu, 29 July 2021 6:07:34

6 Things Not To Miss in Croatia

There are many reasons why Croatia is one of Europe’s hottest summer destinations. From Zagreb to Dubrovnik, the country is home to striking beaches, the enormous Blue Grotto and one of the world’s largest remaining Roman amphitheatres at Pula.

Croatia has it all: millennia-old seaside cities used as filming locations for Game of Thrones, more than 20 protected natural areas covering almost 10 percent of the country’s land, and some of Europe’s best-preserved ancient ruins. If you’re heading to Croatia, read our guide to its star attractions, including an organ played by sea winds and the renowned Museum of Broken Relationships.

things not to miss in croatia,croatia,must visit places in croatia,tourist places in croatia

# Explore Diocletian’s Palace

Not so much a palace as a walled village, this vast structure was built for the Roman emperor Diocletian when he abdicated in 305CE, after 19 years in power. The southern section contained Diocletian’s generously proportioned retirement quarters, and the northern half housed his servants, soldiers and storage cellars. Still standing today, in the centre of Split’s Old Town, are sections of the outer walls, the grand peristyle (central courtyard) and two of the many granite sphinxes that were used to decorate the palace.

things not to miss in croatia,croatia,must visit places in croatia,tourist places in croatia

# Marvel at Zadar’s Sea Organ

Sceptical that the sea can play a musical instrument? Head to the northern tip of Zadar’s seafront promenade, where you’ll find an installation by Croatian architect Nikola Basic. Unveiled in 2005, it consists of 35 polyethylene pipes embedded in the stone stairs, which play melancholy chords as the sea breeze blows through them. Right next to the Sea Organ is the Greeting to the Sun, another ingenious Basic installation in which 300 glass plates create light shows with the sun’s rays.

things not to miss in croatia,croatia,must visit places in croatia,tourist places in croatia

# Take a boat inside the Blue Grotto

One of Croatia’s most haunting natural phenomena can be observed on the islet of Bisevo, which is accessible by ferry from the larger islands of Vis or Hvar, or from Split on the mainland. After sneaking into the cavern through a 1.5m-high hole blasted in 1884, you’ll witness the glowing effects created by sunlight passing through an underwater opening. The best time to visit is on a summer day between about 11am and 1pm, when the sun is at its strongest.

things not to miss in croatia,croatia,must visit places in croatia,tourist places in croatia

# Walk along Dubrovnik’s city walls

Stroll Dubrovnik’s city walls, and you’ll see why the city was impregnable during the Middle Ages. The present fortifications date from the 12th to 17th centuries and run for 2km (1mi), almost completely encircling the red-roofed houses of the Old Town. They are bolstered by a series of towers and forts, the largest of which (St Ivan/St John’s Fortress) now houses an aquarium. Allow an hour to walk the entire length of the walls.

things not to miss in croatia,croatia,must visit places in croatia,tourist places in croatia

# Go back in time at the Pula Arena

The Pula Arena is the best-preserved ancient monument in Croatia and one of the six largest remaining Roman amphitheatres in the world. Built between 27BCE and 68CE, it could hold 23,000 spectators, who sat in socially determined tiers to watch gladiators combat wild animals. After such spectacles were banned in the 5th century, it served successively as a quarry, a venue for medieval jousting tournaments and a grazing ground. Nowadays, it’s a 5,000-seater theatre used for concerts, plays, sports events and the Pula Film Festival.

things not to miss in croatia,croatia,must visit places in croatia,tourist places in croatia

# Spot wildlife in the Plitvice Lakes National Park

The 300sqkm (116sqmi) Plitvice Lakes National Park is situated about halfway between Zadar and the Croatian capital of Zagreb. It was awarded Unesco World Heritage status in 1979. Distinguishing natural features include an 8km (5mi) chain of 16 lakes, which are connected by waterfalls of up to 70m (230ft) in height. Its thick forests of beech, spruce and fir trees are inhabited by rare species such as the European brown bear, the grey wolf, the European wildcat and the Eurasian lynx.

About Us | Contact | Disclaimer| Privacy Policy

| | |

Copyright © 2024 lifeberrys.com