When dreaming about a European holiday and writing a bucket list, Croatia normally doesn’t come to mind straight away. But on our recent trip to the land of islands, history and Westeros, we were blown away by how beautiful it was. In fact, we believe it should be on top of everyone’s European Bucket List and here’s seven reasons why:
1. History
The square of 3rd Century Diocletian’s Palace
Croatia boasts a rich and interesting history. From the Romans to the Ottoman empire and even with their more recent conflicts, Croatia has plenty to keep the history buff intrigued and fascinated. Many cities of Croatia, with their preserved monuments are like open-air museums, but there are also plenty of actual museums, galleries and walking tours to immerse yourself in and learn about Croatia’s history; just ask the Information desk of the city when you are there.
History and beauty all in the one place
2. Beaches
Sveti Jakov beach, Dubrovnik
The Dalmatian coast is lined with gorgeous islands and crystal clear, deep blue waters. The beaches we visited throughout Split, Hvar and Dubrovnik have been some of the best we’ve seen in Europe. Whilst they aren’t generally sandy beaches, the water is so clear and, when we visited in June, the temperature was perfect for dips in the sea or sunbaking on the shore.
Beautiful crystal clear waters of Hvar
3. Beauty
Beautiful architecture
Croatia has a beauty very similar to Italy. There are the cobblestone streets and breathtaking medieval buildings that are still in amazing condition. You can really feel like you’ve been transported to another century when wandering through the narrow passageways. However, if natural scenery is more your thing, Croatia also has you covered, with luscious forests and of course the aforementioned beaches.
A stunning coastline…
4. It’s Cheap!
Enjoy the beauty of Europe without breaking the bank
Europe, in all its beauty, is not always the cheapest destination. Especially if you’ve had to blow up to $2000 just to get there. Once you are in Croatia though, you can enjoy all it has to offer without spending your life’s savings. In comparison to other European destinations, eating out and enjoying all Croatia has to offer is reasonably cheap. For example, one of the restaurants we dined at included two massive meals, sides and drinks for under 159 kuna = €20!!! What you save on eating, can than be spent on day trips to the islands or nearby historical cities.
The spectacular Blue Cave can be done as a day tour from Split
5. The People
The people of Croatia were some of the friendliest we’ve encountered in all of Europe. Everywhere we went, the locals were only too happy to stop and have a chat and provide local tips (such as when was the best time to see the main sights and avoid crowds, what beaches to see, etc). On one occasion, we thought we were being ‘marked’ for pickpockets, as a guy stood really close behind me when I went to withdraw cash at the atm. He began singing and started to strike up a conversation. A little guarded, we chatted politely, and he then proceeded to tell us which atms didn’t charge withdrawal fees so we can save money before wishing us a “lovely evening”. Even the travel agency went beyond regular customer service and organised to get my passport to me in Dubrovnik (which I, ahem, left behind in Split)!
A local happily gave us a great tip on when to walk the wall of the old town and avoid the crowds of tourists
6. Hidden Gems
Funky street art in Split
I’m sure every country has this, but there’s nothing like wandering through the streets to find some amazing street art or a cute hole-in-the-wall bar that has a lot of character. With all the narrow alleys, you are sure to find these gems wherever you go in Croatia.
The vestibule in Diocletian’s Palace allowed Diocletian to convince his subjects that he was a god by standing in it at the right time of day (and be lit up by golden sunlight)
7. Game of Thrones
One of the locations for Game of Thrones
Obviously this doesn’t appeal to everyone, but I’m obsessed, so I won’t even try to apologise for this reason. In case you have been living under a rock for the past 5 years, Game of Thrones is one of the hottest TV series (in fact, for the past couple of years, it has broken records for both legal and illegal views). Many of the scenes from the hit show are filmed in Croatia. For the fans out there, little ol’ Kings Landing is based in Dubrovnik. Other scenes involving our favourite Khaleesi were filmed in Dubrovnik and Split. Split also served as the backdrop for Arya’s journey in Season 5. Being the fangirl that I am, it was super fun to walk through the cities and spot some favourite moments and scenes from the show. Both Split and Dubrovnik offer walking tours, or you can also do it yourself with the aid of moviemaps.org
3rd Century Klis Fortress (aka Mereen)
So there you have it, seven very basic, but convincing reasons to put Croatia on your European bucket list. We only had the pleasure to visit Split, Hvar and Dubrovnik, but let me assure you, the other cities of Croatia are equally as beguiling and will be on our future European itineraries for sure! In fact, I’m sure we could come up with plenty of more reasons why you MUST put Croatia on your bucket list! If you want to read more, check out our posts on Split and Dubrovnik.
What would your reasons be?
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Great post. Croatia has long been somewhere I want to go to, and then I left the UK to travel, and I’m currently in New Zealand! I found myself jealous of a friend who went there on holiday, despite being in Central America at the time, and all your reasons for going there totally appeal to me! Being in New Zealand has given me a new appreciation for Europe’s history, something I know little about, and relaxing on a hot beach sounds pretty awesome right now!
Thanks Gemma! New Zealand is quite a detour from Croatia (but beautiful all the same!). Hopefully you will get there soon enough! Being in Canberra at the moment, I am totally with you on wishing to be on one of the Croatian beaches!
I have wanted to travel to Croatia since I met someone in college who was adopted from there. I’ll be honest, I didn’t know the first think there was to know about Croatia at that point but after doing some research, it is definitely on our bucket list. Your photos are beautiful by the way. Love your blog, we will definitely be following along! 🙂 http://www.ourfoodieappetite.com/traveling-to-dubai-20-things-we-wish-we-knew-part-2/
Thanks so much Kait! Glad to hear you like the pics and the blog! I hope you can visit Croatia some day soon! The food there is great also!
Aw Kim, come on…don’t make me jealous!! There is just soooo much of Croatia to explore, I’ve touched base with a couple of the islands!! Made some good friends while there so I’ll have to get back someday!
I agree! We barely scratched the surface when we were there. A longer trip to Croatia is definitely needed!
You had me at beaches. And then again at beauty. And again at friendly locals, and, of course. Game of Thrones. I must get to Croatia!
Yes Nikita! You must! You may find even more reasons to love Croatia when you are there! I can’t wait to go back!
Croatia is on my bucket list! Seems like an incredible country that has it all.! Wonderful pictures by the way!
Thanks Chrysoula! You aren’t too far away from Croatia in Greece! I hope you can get there soon!
I’m hoping to get to Croatia in 2016. The company I freelance for has an office in Slovenia and the boss keeps talking about organising a week long famil to the Croatian coast. Fingers crossed!
Ooh! That would be amazing! Fingers crossed for you!
Just reminded me why it’s next on my list 🙂
I’m so glad! Where else is on your list?
I can’t describe how much I want to go here. Thanks for inspiring me even more.
Thank you Heather! Happy to inspire!
Especially if you compare them with many other European countries. It’s a standard in Croatia, like in other countries in the Balkans – the prices are low for tourists but the quality is no different from Western Countries.
I totally agree! The food and all of our experiences in Croatia were as good (if not better) than in other European cities and for a fraction of the price!
Yes, I love Croatia! Was there back in 2009 in Krk island and can only recommend it. My next ways to Croatia will lead through Plitvice Lakes National Park.
That sounds awesome Julius! We definitely want to return to Croatia and spend more time exploring the beautiful surroundings.
I’ve been to Croatia 3 times from Australia and now seen one third of the country after falling for its charm and beauty. To me it’s the most beautiful country in the world , so much do the whole country could be declared a national park. There are so many places apart from those you mentioned,. My hidden treasures are the island of Murter and the kornati archipelago. Pucisca on island Brac , Island of Vis and Stiniva cove, Sibenik and the Krka Falls, Varazdin, Mali Losinj on the island of Losinj and Rovinj, Motovun & Groznjan in Istria. I note you didn’t get to check out Croatia’s most popular destination the treasure of the Plitvice Lakes. Be sure to do this on your next trip but stay in the village built on waterfalls in Rastoke. Google Image these places you will be blown away.
Thanks so much for the suggestions Tom! I was so sad we missed the Plitvice Lakes, as they are definitely on my bucket list! There is simply not enough time in the world to enjoy the absolute beauty of Croatia! I would love to go back again and spend an extended amount of time (even live there for a while if possible!) exploring the breathtaking country. It’s definitely one of my absolute favourite countries and when I look back through my photos of our time there I feel a sense of wanderlust and love for everything we saw and did there. I will definitely have to check out the places you mentioned… You are so lucky to have visited Croatia 3 times! I’m sure it’s still not enough! 😉