Croatia sits at the top of many tourist wish lists. In fact, tourism is booming here in such a remarkable way, it’s hard to believe the country was a war zone less than 15 years ago. Flocks of tourists come from Western Europe and Asia to explore Roman ruins and the sumptuous fresh food of the Dalmatian coast. This would be a good time to follow the herd. For beach-lovers who want to bask in the Mediterranean climate along the Adriatic, make sure you visit between April and October. Pack a swimsuit, walking shoes and a hearty appetite. Here are 8 reasons to visit:
1. ZAGREB
Croatia’s capital is charming and compact. The gothic architecture will have you rubbernecking as you explore the city center on foot. Visit the town square in the morning for coffee or at night for a drink with fashionable locals. On Sunday mornings, there is a ramshackle market in Britanski Square, full of relics from the former Yugoslavia.
2. VALUE
For a taste of Europe, Croatia’s prices can’t be beat. Wine, cheese, traditional embroidery, gems and jewellery, homemade walnut brandy sold on the side of the road – if you’ve bought it in Croatia, chances are it’s a bargain. The Croatian currency is the kuna and they are approximately 5 to the Canadian dollar.
3. FOOD AND WINE
On vacation, meals become the only schedule that needs to be followed. Let your hunger guide you through plates of pasta, crispy thin-crust pizza and grilled calamari. All of this should be washed down with generous amounts of exceptional local wine. The food along the Adriatic coast is Italian in flavour (the boot lies just across the water), while the food inland has the flair of Eastern Europe. For a Croatian treat, try burek, a fried phyllo pastry filled with fresh white cheese or spiced meat, topped with yogurt. Also, café culture rules here. A morning latte and airy croissant are very easy and cheap to be had.
4. SPLIT
Halfway down the Croatian coast lies the country’s second biggest city, Split. It is a tourist’s dream with the magnificent Roman ruins of Diocletian’s palace at the heart of it. The fortress walls now hold a combination of historic sightseeing and cosmopolitan shopping. Don’t miss the underground market, a stroll on the stone plaza by the water and, of course, the beach!
5. DUBROVNIK
On the southernmost tip of the coastal strip lies Dubrovnik, a UNESCO world heritage site. Walk atop the fortress wall (as look-out soldiers did many centuries ago) that goes around the periphery of the old city. Look out for stunning views of cliffs that plunge into the water and Dubrovnik’s trademark red rooftops.
6. THE ISLANDS
Croatia is perfect for island-hopping if you happen to have an extra yacht kicking around. If not, efficient and affordable ferry services usher people from one port to another. Visit Mljet for a bike ride, Hvar for partying the night away, Brac for the peculiarly-shaped Zlatni Rat beach, and Pag for its namesake cheese which is served across the country.
7. PAKLENICA PARK
This is the spot for those who aren’t content to bake in the sun. Active types will swoon for the rock formations, creeks and springs of Paklenica Park. For those who are lithe as lizards, each spring there is a Big Wall Speed Climbing competition. Bring a partner.
8. PLITVICE LAKES
A cluster of 16 lakes, all connected by waterfalls. This is another Croatian gem that has been designated a UNESCO world heritage site. Visit with forest creatures and feel the history of a locale that has been inhabited by many different peoples over thousands of years.