A Trip to Croatia is a Trip to Adventure, Beauty and Ancient Times

If you’ve been to Rome and think you’ve seen it all when it comes to ancient civilization and exquisite architecture, think again. Located in Eastern Europe along the Adriatic Sea, Croatia will blow your mind with its rich history, beautiful buildings, incredible nature reserves and more than a thousand islands bursting with museums, nightclubs, cafes and ancient ruins. The country is so majestic, and its structures so classic, that it’s no wonder the producers of Game of Thrones chose Croatia to film their hit Roman based television series.

There are as many options to explore in Croatia as there are islands. Here at JoyTravel.com, we’ve highlighted a few for you to consider before booking a trip to Croatia.

1.Zagreb:
Located in the north west, you won’t want to miss the capital city of this country. It is known for its 19^th and 18^th century architecture. It was highly influenced by Austria and Hungary as evidenced by the building designs throughout the city. In the upper part of town you will find shops and cafés on Tkalčićeva Street which are constantly bustling with tourists and locals alike. The primary mode of transportation here is walking, so bring a hat and some comfortable walking shoes to enjoy the atmosphere – and enjoy you will! Turns out that Croatia boasts more sunshine than most European countries! Don’t forget to hit the lower part of Zagreb known as Ban Jelačić. There you will find more shops, museums and parks.

2.Dubrovnik:
Located in the south of Croatia and facing the Adriatic Sea, this city is breathtaking with its intimidating stone walls dating back to the 16^th century. Many of the buildings boast a baroque style, giving one the sense of being transported back to Renaissance times. You won’t want to miss strolling through gothic inspired Old Town at dusk where the sunsets are incredible and the food, entertainment and bar scene never cease to satisfy the entertainment minded tourist.

3.Bol:
There are many beaches in Croatia, but one of the most famous, Zlatni Rat, is in Bol. It’s a beach with flat pebbles that flows into the Adriatic. Zlatni Rat is famous for having waters that change color depending on the wind. It’s not uncommon to see stripes of aqua followed by teal followed by dark blue. Windsurfers and swimmers flock to Zlatni Rat during the summer for its warm and crystal blue waters. The coast itself is dotted with pine trees and connects the coastline with the town of Brac.

4.Brac:
Brac is known for its charming stone homes and windy streets that dazzle with color in the form of purple and pink geraniums. In the center of the town you can find many panels that explain the history of Bol. And don’t forget the hotel complexes! From simple to luxurious, there are plenty of places to stay and enjoy Croatia in style. Just a few include Elaphusa, Bretanide and Hotel Borak.

5.Split:
As mentioned before, this town is located on the Dalmatian Coast and was used as a location for the hit show, Game of Thrones. With its fortress-style complex in the center, Diocletian’s Palace, it’s not hard to picture what occurred during the 4^th century when it was built by a fierce Roman emperor. This city still retains 200 buildings built of white stone and a plethora of shops, cafes, houses, hotels and several galleries. If you didn’t know any better, you might think you were walking through Rome!

6.Pula:
If you want a coastal city experience, look no further than Pula. This majestic peninsula is lined with Roman ruins and has architecture dating as far back as the 10^th century BCE. Pula is popular with party goers for its bar and nightlife scene.

7.Poreč:
If historic old towns and cool caves are your thing, look no further than Porec. Located on the Istria Coast in the western side of Croatia, this is most popular during the summer. Marvel at the majesty of a sixth century Euphrasian Basilica complex, famous for its gem-studded mosaics in a Byzantine style. Camp along marinas and beaches teaming with water sports. And don’t miss Baredine Cave – known for its awe inspiring stalactite formations.

8.National Parks and Nature:
With over 10% of the country taken up with national parks, it seems important to boast of just a few of their treasures. After all, Croatia is quickly gaining the reputation of being one of the most beautiful countries in the entire world and it’s not hard to see why!
Paklenica Karst River Canyon: This is likely one of the most famous national parks in Croatia. Situated in northern Dalmatia at the southern slope of the Velebit mountain, this park boats 2 canyons: Velika Paklenica and Mala.  It is full of rivers, waterfalls and gorgeous rock formations. Kids in particular love the artificial basement and cave complex that was constructed in the 1940s and 1950s during tension between USSR and Yugoslavia.
Krka National Park: With over 17 waterfalls, one could easily spend all day hiking and exploring this lush national park. It has over 800 species of plants with over 200 birds and 18 species of bats! There are thousands of other water creatures and reptiles that call Krka home.
Plitviče Lakes National Park: This is a 295 square kilometer forest reserve located in central Croatia. It’s unique for its 16 lakes, chained together like a necklace and featuring waterfalls that push water out to limestone canyons. Hikers and nature enthusiasts go nuts for the well-designed walkways and trails around and over the water itself. Those who would prefer a boat can take a Lake Kozjak ferry to view waterfalls, including the 78-foot Veliki Slap.

Fun Fact about the Croatian Waterfront AKA The Dalmatian Coast,
You might assume that the Dalmatian coast is named after famous spotted dogs, but in truth, the dogs were named after the coast itself. The Dalmatian dogs go back to the seventeenth century when they were bred for Roman families and royalty.

Croatia, JoyTravel.com Style

If a trip to Croatia sounds exciting, but you’re not sure about how to book such an exotic location, look no further than JoyTravel.com. We will take care of the details for you so you can enjoy an amazing Croatian adventure hassle free.