When we mention Croatia, many things could come to your mind – some will immediately think of its natural beauty, others might remember sporting achievements, and there are surely those who heard about gastronomic offerings, as well as those who know something about its rich history.
Each one of them is right! Although small, Croatia is known for many things. So, let’s learn more about what makes this country so special.
Natural Beauty
The number one reason why Croatia is famous is its natural beauty. Here you can find everything—sea, lakes, rivers, and mountains.
The Adriatic Sea is one of the most beautiful seas in the world, adorned with over 1,200 islands, each unique in its own way. This is precisely why Croatia is one of the most popular destinations for sailing enthusiasts.
The island of Brač is home to one of the most famous beaches in the world, Zlatni Rat, which has been named one of the most beautiful beaches globally. If you visit Brač, Hvar, Vis, or Korčula, besides pristine beaches and charming small coastal towns, you’ll have the chance to experience traditional life in Dalmatia, just like it once was.
Another well-known location on the Croatian coast is the Blue Cave, renowned for its spectacular sights created by sunlight reflecting inside.
In addition to numerous islands, Croatia has eight national parks, a pretty big number for a small country, and each one will take your breath away.
Plitvice Lakes earned their fame thanks to 16 cascading lakes connected by stunning waterfalls. Similarly, Krka National Park is renowned for its breathtaking waterfalls and rich biodiversity, featuring mesmerizing flora and fauna.
Other parks, like Mljet, Kornati Islands, and Paklenica, showcase Croatia’s diverse natural beauty in different ways. Mljet is famous for its tranquil saltwater lakes and lush forests, Kornati Islands for their dramatic cliffs and crystal-clear waters ideal for diving, and Paklenica for its rugged canyons and world-class hiking and climbing trails.
Historical and Cultural Heritage
Croatia is a country with a rich history that goes back thousands of years. Its historical cities and monuments are witness to this rich heritage, and attract millions of visitors every year.
Dubrovnik, often called the Pearl of the Adriatic, is probably the most famous city in Croatia. The city is known for its impressive city walls, which are under the protection of UNESCO. However, there is a chance you heard about Dubrovnik for some other reason. The city was used as a filming location for Game of Thrones, so fans of the series might recognize it as King’s Landing.
One of the oldest cities in Croatia is Split, home to Diocletian’s Palace, one of the best-preserved Roman buildings in the world. Today, people still live inside the palace, and you can have a coffee or enjoy lunch in one of the many streets or old town squares, between its walls.
In addition to Dubrovnik and Diocletian’s Palace, the UNESCO World Heritage List also includes the Cathedral of St. Jakov in Šibenik, the old town field on Hvar, and the Plitvice Lakes.
Croatia is known for preserving its traditional customs. Croatians still wear national costumes during certain events and festivals, folk dances are performed and practised, as well as singing the Klapa song, which is also under UNESCO protection.
Gastronomic Wonders
Croatian cuisine is a real treasury of different flavours, created under the influence of the Mediterranean, middle Europe, and Osmanian influence. This resulted in dishes that will enchant the palate with every bite.
In Dalmatia, the dishes are simple, light, and delicious. Here, you can enjoy a variety of seafood specialities, with some of the most famous being brudet, buzara, black risotto, and octopus salad. All of these are enhanced by local olive oil, which is the true star of every dish.
Istria, although partly located along the coast like Dalmatia, offers a distinctly different culinary experience. One of its most famous products is the truffle. You can try it in various combinations, with the most popular dishes being fuži and pljukanci with truffles. Add some Istrian prosciutto to the mix, and you’re in for a real gourmet treat.
If you venture east to Slavonia, you’ll discover a completely different offering. Kulen, fiš-paprikaš, and chobanac are something you will find on every table. Slavonian cuisine is known for its bold use of spices and is rich in meat-based dishes and paprika-flavoured specialities.
Even Zagreb, the heart of Croatia, has its gastronomic gems. Strukli, soft and juicy pillows of dough and cheese, and Zagreb steak, stuffed with ham and cheese, are something you just need to try by yourself.
If you’re a wine lover, you probably heard of some famous Croatian wines. Dalmatian and Istrian wine selection lead in this area, producing top varieties such as Malvasia, Plavac mali, and Graševina. These two regions are also famous for olive oil, one of the best ones in the world. Its rich flavour perfectly completes every dish.
Sports Legacy
Although small on the map, Croatia is a real sports megaforce.
The Croatian football team has been one of the best in the world in recent years. At the FIFA World Cups in 2018 and 2022, this team claimed second and third place, respectively. It’s hard to find someone who hasn’t heard of Luka Modrić or Ivan Rakitić. And these aren’t the only successes of the Croatian national team.
Besides football, Croatia is also highly successful in other sports such as water polo and handball. Croatian athletes regularly win medals at the Olympic Games in various disciplines. In addition to that, Croatia is home to some of the most famous tennis players like Goran Ivanišević, Marin Čilić, and Borna Ćorić.
Art and Science
During history, Croatia made a significant contribution to art and science.
Croatian writers like August Šenoa, Miroslav Krleža, and Marko Marulić left a deep mark on literature. Klapa, tambourine music, and Dalmatian chansons are important parts of the musical tradition. During the summer, you can hear and experience the beauty of it on town squares, at festivals, and in bars, during different live performances.
One of the world’s most famous scientists, Nikola Tesla, was born in Croatia. Faust Vrančić, known as the inventor of the parachute, and Ruđer Bošković, a distinguished physicist and astronomer, are also part of Croatian scientific heritage.
Festivals and Events
Every year, during the second week of July, Croatia becomes a centre of the world music scene thanks to the Ultra Europe Festival that happens in Split. This festival draws thousands of people from all over the world who come here to enjoy performances of world-famous DJs, in incredible surroundings, under the open sky.
If you find yourself in Dubrovnik during the summer, don’t miss the Dubrovnik Summer Festival. This cultural celebration offers a rich lineup of theatre performances, classical music, and dance, all set against the stunning backdrop of the city’s historic walls.
When winter rolls around, head to Zagreb for Advent in Zagreb, a Christmas fair that has earned accolades as one of the best in Europe for several years running.
But the festivities in Croatia don’t stop there. Every year, Varaždin transforms into a vibrant hub of art and joy during Špancirfest, a festival that celebrates creativity, culture, and local gastronomic delights. In Đakovo, the traditional folklore festival showcases the region’s rich cultural heritage through the renowned Đakovo embroidery. Meanwhile, the people of Vinkovci take great pride in the Vinkovci Autumns, a festival dedicated to preserving the region’s Slavonian traditions.
With so many unique festivals across the country, Croatia offers a year-round celebration of culture, tradition, and local flavors, making it an ideal destination for anyone looking to experience something special.