Croatia: Beautiful City, Glorious Islands

Croatia has quickly jumped to become one of Europe’s hottest destinations, and not without reason. The Dalmatian Coast is replete with beautiful and stately old towns, and magnificent natural scenery that include some of the continent’s best beaches.

Whether you’re visiting the ancient walled city of Dubrovnik or island hopping between the coast’s many islets, a trip to Croatia will provide you with a holiday you’ll always remember. If you’re planning to travel to Croatia, here are a few things that you won’t want to miss.

The Old Town of Dubrovnik

Croatia’s top destination for anyone looking to enjoy the ultimate mix of beach time and historical sites is the city of Dubrovnik, with beautiful old architecture, marble streets, and pristine beaches. Be sure to walk the city’s walls and take in the panoramic views from the top of Mt Srd.

Visitors will also enjoy exploring the old Franciscan Monastery and Museum. If you’re looking to make a daytrip outside of Dubrovnik, the fortified town of Korcula, believed to be the birthplace of Marco Polo, is a charming experience with its narrow winding streets, Renaissance palaces, and cathedrals.

Croatia’s best islands

Hvar

Hvar, and its main city Hvar Town, have become one of Croatia’s most visited regions, bolstered by its medieval walls, palaces, marble streets, and popular nightlife options. Most city life revolves around St Stephen’s Square and the winding streets that run up to the Fortica, a citadel built upon a medieval castle. The region is also a great place to enjoy time outdoors with great roads for cycling and a welcoming bay to sail.

Brac

Perhaps the number one beach destination in Croatia, Brac is made up of an interior that is covered in the rock quarried to build The White House, along with vineyards, olive, fig, and cherry orchards, while its exterior coast is lined by the beaches you’re most likely to discover on a postcard or advert for Croatia.

While you’re less likely to find the grand types of sites like those in Dubrovnik and Hvar, the laidback villages of Brac complement the relaxed beach atmosphere perfectly.

Vis

One of Croatia’s untouched islands, Vis has now opened its doors to visitors and is a destination for exploring nature, enjoying traditional cuisine made-up mainly from the catch of local fisherman, as well as fine wines grown and produced by the island vineyards. Be sure to visit both the traditionally upper-class town of Vis Town, as well as the working fisherman’s town of Komiza.

Images by Anosmia, lostajy and Yacht Rent, used under Creative Commons license