In The Loop Travel
  • Home
  • Destinations
    • The Americas
    • Caribbean
    • Mexico
    • Europe
    • Asia/Pacific
    • Africa
  • Fitness
  • Cruising
  • Travel Tips
  • Videos
  • Work With Us
  • My Work
  • About
  • Colorado Craft Brewery Guide
  • Media Kit
  • TBIN Influencer Network

6 Reasons This Should Be the Year You Finally Visit Croatia

2/22/2019

2 Comments

 
Picture
Coastal towns like Zadar offer a great array of recreational and cuisine options.
By John Roberts

I've been to Croatia a number of times and have really fallen for this gem of the Adriatic. Cruise ships bring hordes to Dubrovnik and other popular spots like Zadar. But the country offers so much more to explore.

Here are five reasons you need to make plans to travel to Croatia.

History Comes to Life in Zagreb
Croatia is unlike any other European destination. It offers a mix of Old World European charm, easy Mediterranean lifestyle, a stunning 3,625 miles of coastline dotted by more than 1,000 islands, islets and reefs and fascinating history, rich culture, delectable cuisine and natural beauty. Croatia features 10 UNESCO World Heritage sites and eight magnificent national parks. These are considered to be some of Europe's most well-preserved sites.

The capital city of Zagreb offers the chance to explore the nation'
s rich history and culture, as well as architecture that is reflective of significant periods. The bright yellow Croatian National Theatre building, built in the 1800s, is the cultural heartbeat of the city and reflects the Viennese style.

Check out the iconic neo-Gothic cathedral and St. Mark's Church from the early 13th century or the red umbrellas of 
the Dolac open-air market and lush greenery of its public parks and gardens. Zagreb is also a city of contrast -- old and new architecture, upper and lower towns, modern and traditional events and festivals and an emerging food scene grounded in centuries of deep traditions but with modern approaches.

A Spa Retreat in Slavonia

The Slavonia region, with rolling wine trails and the stunning Kopaki Rit Nature Park, is also home to Bizovacke Toplice, a well-known thermal bath and rehabilitation destination and spa. The healing waters are pumped from a depth of almost 2,000 meters from the remnants of the Pannonian Sea, which contains an abundance of healing minerals.

Treatments in the thermal waters have been known to help 
give joint relief to sports injuries and aid in rehabilitation; this has been a destination for athletes seeking a place to prepare and condition for seasons and events.

Inviting Istria

Set along the western part of the country is Istria. It's the largest peninsula and a destination that is both a feast for the eyes and palate. Explore medieval hilltop towns perched high above valleys of ancient forest, award-winning olive oil groves and beautiful vineyards.

Don't miss out on storybook 
Motovun, the charming artist community of Groznjan, or Livade, a destination for those seeking Croatia's illustrious white and black truffles. Coastal towns like Rovinj offer some of the country's top cuisines, best enjoyed while sipping regional wines and soaking in some of the most magnificent sunsets in the world.

For those 
interested in history, explore the amphitheater in Pula and other fishing villages along the coast -- like Umag, Porec and Novigra -- that were once Roman settlements. These destinations reveal a calmer Mediterranean lifestyle.

Make it a Wellness Vacation

Croatia's epicenter for wellness is the Kvarner region and the city of Opatija, which is acknowledged as the wellness oasis of the country. Opatija owns a history as a wellness center dating to 1873, when the Imperial Train was built and vacationers from Vienna and Hungary came to the region to recover from seasonal ailments. The region's history as a wellness and hospitality destination can be seen in the beautiful Austro-Hungarian architecture of luxurious hotels, wellness spas and splendid villas that dot the coastline and hillsides.

Visitors to this region are drawn by the benefits of the captivating phenomenon known as the "
Kvarner Effect," which embodies all elements that are so special to Croatia. The densely wooded mountain forest of Gorski Kotar is known as the "Lungs of Croatia," and fresh crisp air, coupled with the healing effects of the northern dry bura wind have helped those with respiratory ailments. The air quality also helps those who prefer a more active lifestyle to experience the ultimate benefits of the region while enjoying various active outdoor activities from cycling, hiking, swimming, sailing, skiing and of course, yoga. Plus, the charming port city of Rijeka has been named a European City of Culture for 2020.
Picture
We love sunny Croatia, especially in summer. We found this quiet spot on the island of Ugljan, just across from Zadar.
The Country's Coastal Charms
The Dalmatian coast has some of Europe's most sought-after destinations and dramatic coastlines, lined with vineyards, olive oil plantations, natural beauty and the crystal clear waters of the Adriatic Sea.

Evidence of Roman and Venetian influence can be seen along the coastal towns full of rich history, medieval architecture, islands, award-winning beaches, world-class diving and snorkeling, awe-inspiring sunsets and delectable cuisines and wines. Explore Zadar's two renowned art installations the Sea Organ and Sun Salutation
. You can also discover Sibenik's UNESCO World Heritage sites at the Cathedral of St. James and St. Michael’s Fortress or stroll through UNESCO-protected Trogir.

Roman Emperor Diocletian retired in Split, and you can visit his Palace along the famous Riva or take ferries to explore islands of Hvar (the country's sunniest)
 and Vis among others. The most-touristed site is Dubrovnik and its white marble streets, historic 16th-century battlements and scenic surroundings.

One Festive Nation

Year-round, Croatia is constantly brimming with cultural events from museums and gallery exhibitions to festivals and cultural events. Istria's Pula Film Festival, held in July, is the oldest film festival in Croatia and one of the oldest in Europe.

The country also
 is a cool destination for music festivals, especially during the summer. Try the Hideout Music Festival on Zrce Beach on Pag Island. In May, Split celebrates Sudamja, the centuries old celebration of Day of St. Domnius, held every year on May 7.

The biggest and most well-known summer festival, ULTRA, is held during July in Split, Hvar, Vis and Brac. Also, travelers can experience Dubrovnik's Summer Festival, which features music, theater, dance and other cultural events among the backdrop of the Old City's iconic marbled streets. During the holidays, Zagreb is the destination to get into the spirit of the season, as winner of Best European Christmas Destination for three consecutive years
.

Thanks for reading,

JR
Subscribe today to get the latest reviews, tips and tricks to help you have your best adventure ever.

2 Comments
Ryan K Biddulph link
2/24/2019 12:32:07 am

10 UNESCO sites is awesome John. Most countries are happy to boast 1 or 2 sites garnering that designation. Impressive. Now that is history!

Reply
John
3/3/2019 06:11:40 am

Croatia is a rock star for many reasons. Have you been yet Ryan?

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Categories

    All
    Africa
    AIDA Cruises
    Alaska
    Albatros Expeditions
    Alicante
    AmaWaterways
    Amber Cove
    American Queen Steamboat Company
    American Queen Voyages
    Amsterdam
    Antarctica
    Antigua
    Arctic
    Arizona
    Aruba
    Asia
    Atlas Ocean Voyages
    Australia
    Austria
    Avalon Waterways
    Backroads
    Bahamas
    Barbados
    Barcelona
    Belize
    Blue World Voyages
    Bonaire
    Bora Bora
    Brooklyn
    Budapest
    Burma
    Cabo San Lucas
    Cadiz
    California
    Cambodia
    Cancun
    Caribbean
    Carnival Cruise
    Celebrity Cruises
    Celestyal Cruises
    Christmas Markets
    Cologne
    Colombia
    Colorado
    Corfu
    Costa Rica
    Cozumel
    Craft Beer
    Croatia
    Crystal Cruises
    Cuba
    Curacao
    Dominican Republic
    Dubrovnik
    Egypt
    Emerald Cruises
    Emerald Waterways
    Europe
    Expat Life
    Explora Journeys
    Fathom Travel
    Fitness
    Florida
    Fort Lauderdale
    France
    French Polynesia
    Galapagos
    Galveston
    Germany
    Grand Cayman
    Greece
    Grenada
    Guatemala
    Halifax
    Harmony Of The Seas
    Hawaii
    High Line Park
    Hiking
    Holland America
    Hong Kong
    Houston
    Hungary
    Ibiza
    Iceland
    Isla Mujeres
    Italy
    Jim Thorpe
    Key West
    Kotor
    Labadee
    Lake Minnewaska
    Las Vegas
    Lisbon
    Lithuania
    London
    London Eye
    Maine
    Malaga
    Mexico
    Miami
    Minnesota
    Mississippi River
    Monte Carlo
    Montenegro
    Monterey
    Montreal
    Moorea
    MSC Cruises
    MSC Divina
    Netherlands
    Newfoundland
    New Jersey
    New Orleans
    New York
    New York City
    New Zealand
    North Carolina
    Norway
    Norwegian Cruise Line
    Nuremberg
    Oceania Cruises
    Oregon
    Orlando
    Panama
    Panama Canal
    Passau
    Paul Gauguin
    Paul Gauguin Cruises
    Pennsylvania
    Philadelphia
    Pickleball
    Ponant
    Portugal
    Prague
    Princess Cruises
    Puerto-rico
    Queens
    Regensburg
    Regent Seven Seas
    Rome
    Royal Caribbean
    Saint-Tropez
    San Francisco
    Santorini
    Scenic Cruises
    Scottsdale
    Seabourn
    SeaDream Yacht Club
    Sicily
    Silversea
    Sintra
    Sorrento
    Spain
    Star Clippers
    St. Maarten
    St. Thomas
    Symphony Of The Seas
    Tahiti
    Travel Gear
    Travel Tips
    Tunisia
    Turkey
    Turks And Caicos
    UnCruise
    Un-Cruise Adventures
    UnCruise Adventures
    Universal's Islands Of Adventure
    Uniworld
    Utah
    Utica
    Utica Boilermaker 15K
    Vienna
    Vietnam
    Viking Cruises
    Washington
    Windstar Cruises
    Wisconsin

    Archives

    January 2023
    December 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014

    RSS Feed

Copyright © 2013 | All rights reserved | Ewing, New Jersey.
Contact | About | Media Kit