Croatia may be a medium-sized country in Europe, but what makes it stand out is its coastline. With over 1770 km (almost 730miles), it offers a fantastic journey for those who love the Adriatic. It is a perfect combination of blue water, cute towns, and beautiful panorama streets. Here are some stops that should be planned on your trip along Croatia’s coast:
Starting this tour from the north, the first stop is Istria. It is the biggest half-island of the northern Adriatic and is often called the “Toscana of Croatia”- the reason for this name is the mix of hilly vineyards, medieval towns, and the culinary highlights of the region.
One city in Istria you should visit is Pula, which is known for its impressive Roman amphitheater. Stroll through the old town, explore the Temple of Augustus, and enjoy freshly caught fish in one of the harbor restaurants. If you want to explore the seaside you can go to Kap Kamenjak, which has a lot of hidden bays and impressiv Cliffs.
If you follow Croatia’s coast in a southern direction, you will reach the Kvarner Bay. On the mainland, you should stop in the coastal city Opatija. It is characterized by numerous historic villas built by the noble Austrian Habsburg family during the late-medieval period.
Over a bridge you can reach the Island Krk, which is a good destination for hiking or if you want to try the regional wine, especially the Žlahtina wine is a must try on Krk.
In the Dalmatian region, there are two cities worth visiting: Zadar and Split. Firstly, Zadar beautifully combines history with modern art. Since 2005, it has featured an art installation called the Sea Organ, which creates music using the movement of the incoming waves. However, for those who are less interested in modern art and more interested in history, Zadar also has something to offer. Just stroll around the old town, and you will find several Roman ruins.
Split is known as the heart of Dalmatia. The highlight is Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dominates the old town. Cool bars, cafés and boutiques are hidden in the narrow alleyways.
The grand finale of the tour along the Croatian coast is Dubrovnik. The old town with its mighty walls, palaces and picturesque alleyways casts a spell over everyone. But I don’t want to talk too much about it. It’s best to see it yourself.
