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By Peter Minkoff
Everyone is having a hard time adapting to the situation and the travel ban that’s still prevalent all over the world. In the meantime, while we’re still recuperating from the lockdown and trying to enjoy the beauty of our local heritage and natural spots, we can learn about some of the world’s most precious travel destinations, and Croatia is among them.
Consider this an ideal way to plan for your next bucket-list trip, while we’re still only allowed to plan and imagine. Here are a few fun facts that will serve as perfect reasons for you to head right over to this beautiful Adriatic country as soon as possible (and as soon as it’s safe).
Travel back to Ancient Rome in Split and Pula
Any history buff will fall madly in love with Croatia, especially if you head over to Split to see the renowned remains of Diocletian’s Palace, located in the heart of the city, and creating an immersive, historic experience. Visiting the Palace will instantly send you back in time, even though the place is now bustling with various modern amenities that provide a spotless night out.
In Pula, Istria, there’s another piece of timeless Roman heritage in the shape of a first-century Roman amphitheatre. It was used for gladiator contests, and it would hold up to 20,000 spectators, a truly majestic sight even today, long past its prime.
National parks as far as the eye can see
Considering its relatively humble size, Croatia boasts a vast territory under protection for its natural wealth and beauty. There are eight national parks you can visit and explore in Croatia, and every single one is enchanting in its own unique way.
The Plitvice Lake National Park might be the most well-known of the bunch, primarily for its breathtaking waterfalls and exquisite wildlife. Risnjak National Park offers a different experience for the more active among you, with dramatic mountaintop views and a range of hiking trails to explore.
Beaches and hidden seaside nooks
Let’s face it, if there’s one key reason to visit Croatia, it would be its stunning coastline and its numerous, beautiful islands. Unlike the turquoise, sandy beaches of Greece, Croatia is mostly rich in pebbled, cool beaches further beautified by forest groves stretching over each island and the shores. The best possible way to experience all of the hidden beaches and remote seaside nooks is by a smaller yacht or a boat, preferably with all the amenities to elevate the experience.
More Croatia explorers choose Ribco inflatable boats for their compact, yet comfortable design and luxurious look and feel. They let you find your way to the largest marinas in Croatia, but they also let you venture into the less known, remote island alcoves far from prying tourist eyes. Perfect for a romantic getaway, and ideal for getting to know this slice of the Adriatic coast.
Head over to Zagreb’s peculiar museum of breakups
Historical sites abound all over the country, but for those of you who like to experience the more contemporary vibes of Croatia, there’s one particular place you should add to your agenda. We’re talking about the famous Museum of Broken Relationships, with dozens of love stories stored for posterity.
This modern museum is placed in the very heart of the historic part of Zagreb called Upper Town, and as you meander through its cobbled streets and enjoy the architecture, you’ll brace yourself for the many love stories hidden in the museum as an homage to love itself.
Unparalleled food and delicacies
In recent years, there has been a surge in foodie travel opportunities everywhere in the world, as more countries are creating culturally-infused eateries designed to introduce their authentic recipes with every visitor that stops by. It’s no different with Croatia and its many fine-dining restaurants, as well as youthful brunch spots and street food eateries. If you find yourself on the coast (which you definitely should), take the time to visit at least a few of the local seafood restaurants.
You’ll find that their local recipes are heavily influenced by the surrounding countries such as Hungary and Italy, but that each region such as Dalmatia and Istria have staple meals of their own worthy of your palate. Plus, the wine list in any restaurant will not disappoint!
From low-cost hotspots and extremely affordable accommodation all the way to luxury travel opportunities, Croatia is as diverse as a country can get to appeal to all of the visitors that flock to its shores. The natural jewels hidden in Croatia are reason enough for you to head over there as soon as you can to replenish your energy, while the cultural heritage is so vast that you’ll need to go back a few times to satisfy your curiosity. Add it to your bucket list, and prepare to be amazed every step of the way!
Peter Minkoff is a lifestyle writer at High Style Life magazine. Besides writing, he also worked as a freelance fashion stylist for many magazines. A true craft beer and soy latte aficionado, he loves spending his days at the beach and visiting second-hand stores on a daily basis. Follow Peter on Twitter below for more tips.
