Posted by Sights Croatia Top 10, arrival / connections in the country and further information for tourists in Croatia.
After a referendum in 1991, Croatia declared itself independent from the Yugoslavia confederation that emerged after World War II. Since Serbia under Slobodan Milosevic did not want to accept this, it led to a serious war that lasted for many years and ended in 1995 with the Dayton Treaty. To this day there are conflicts in the Serb-inhabited areas of Croatia.
Croatia is now heading west and wanted to join the EU quickly. Under pressure from old ally Austria, accession negotiations to the European Union began soon after independence.
Above all, the extradition of Croatian war criminals to the international court was a main obstacle – in Croatia they are revered as heroes in the fight for freedom.
On July 1, 2013 the time had finally come: Croatia became the 28th member of the European Union.
>>> Book a day trip from Dubrovnik to Montenegro online: The most booked tour on the Internet
The economy has been growing for several years after a difficult transition process. Tourism in particular is an important source of income. More than 10 million tourists visit the country every year. Holidaymakers are mainly drawn to the Adriatic coast and the islands in the Adriatic. The sea is quite close from Austria and southern Germany, the weather and the beaches are good. The only disadvantage: There are not very many sandy beaches in Croatia. The price level is significantly lower than in Italy, although Croatia is certainly not one of the cheapest countries in Eastern Europe. Some things are even more expensive than in Germany.
Arrival / connections in the country
You can reach Zagreb directly from Munich several times a day by train. Croatia can also be easily reached by train from Austria, Italy, Slovenia, Hungary and Serbia. It is cheaper to travel with one of the many regular buses, some say guest worker buses. There are daily buses from Germany to the larger cities of Croatia for around just 50 euros. The buses usually run at night. In summer you can reach Croatia quite cheaply with charter flights.
Public transport within Croatia is inexpensive and plentiful. The railway network is quite thin. However, cities and villages without rail connections can be easily reached using the well-developed long-distance bus network.
Do you already know our large internet travel guide about Slovenia? If not, you should click here
Sights in Croatia 2024 TOP 10
Zagreb: The capital of Croatia was not destroyed in the war. The architectural style of the old buildings is strongly influenced by a Habsburg style and is a major attraction. Croatia was ruled by Vienna for a long time. The Upper Town is the district with the old aristocratic palaces and is easy to reach on foot, but also with a small cable car. The upper town is overlooked by St. Mark’s Church, which is well worth seeing. The Lower Town is today’s business district with a strong nightlife. The theater, built in the neo-baroque style, is one of the most interesting sights in Zagreb. A good, cheap place to stay in Zagreb is the private youth hostel Ravnice. The centrally located hostel cost 15 euros per night in 2010 (homepage, email, tel.: + 385 +1 2332325).
Adriatic: Almost all tourists who come to Croatia are drawn to the Adriatic coast. Here you can find everything mass tourism is looking for: beaches, sun, old towns, nightlife, good restaurants and, in some cases, affordable prices. Recently there have been increasing opportunities to take part in a cruise. The most beautiful city in Croatia is Dubrovnik. The old town with its meter-thick city wall is considered one of the most worth seeing in Europe.
Dubrovnik, the magnificent sight of Croatia
Split is a large city with a compact old town and the world-famous Roman Diocletian’s Palace. You can go on vacation quite cheaply on the islands. Campsites are very popular among young holidaymakers. Holiday apartments in Croatia are cheap – especially if you book them privately or search locally. The island of Krk, connected to the mainland by a bridge, is one of the most popular Croatian islands. The island of Cres and the neighboring island of Losinj are somewhat quieter and are also suitable for hikers. On the island of Rab you will find long sandy beaches, which are hardly found anywhere else on the Croatian Adriatic.
Dubrovnik – Pearl of the Adriatic Coast:
Start your Croatian adventure in Dubrovnik, the “Pearl of the Adriatic”. Explore the iconic city walls, stroll along the main street Stradun and visit the Governor’s Palace. The well-preserved medieval architecture and panoramic views make Dubrovnik a must-see for every visitor.
>>> Book a day trip from Dubrovnik to Montenegro online: The most booked tour on the Internet
Plitvice National Park
Visit Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hike through lush forests and marvel at the chain of lakes and waterfalls. The park’s natural beauty and diverse wildlife offer tranquility in the midst of nature.
Split – Diocletian’s Palace and more:
Croatia’s second largest city, Split, is home to the historic Diocletian’s Palace. Stroll through the palace’s maze of alleys, visit St. Domnius Cathedral and enjoy the lively atmosphere on the waterfront promenade.
Hvar – a lavender-scented paradise:
Take a trip to the island of Hvar, known for its lavender fields and picturesque landscape. Stroll through the historic town of Hvar with its medieval architecture, relax on the beautiful beaches or hike to the Spanish Fortress for wonderful panoramic views.
Pula – Roman Amphitheatre:
Explore Croatia’s Roman heritage in Pula, home to the Pula Arena, one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheaters. Discover more Roman ruins, such as the Temple of Augustus, and enjoy the charm of the coast.
Island of Korcula – birthplace of Marco Polo:
Visit the island of Korcula, which according to legend is the birthplace of the explorer Marco Polo. Stroll through the medieval streets of Korcula town, visit St. Mark’s Cathedral and experience the island’s rich history and maritime heritage.
Rovinj – a romantic city in the north by the sea:
With its charming old town and seaside atmosphere, Rovinj is a romantic destination on the Istrian peninsula. Climb to the top of St. Euphemia Church, stroll the cobbled streets and enjoy the colorful sunsets on the Adriatic coast.
Krka National Park – waterfalls and more:
Krka National Park is a paradise of waterfalls, lakes and historical sites. Explore the Skradinski Buk waterfalls, visit the monastery island of Visovac and witness how the power of nature and history are intertwined.
Makarska Riviera:
The Makarska Riviera, a beautiful stretch of coast with crystal clear waters and picturesque beaches, marks the end of your Croatia trip. Explore the cities of Makarska, Brera etc
Croatia information |
|
| Resident | 4.5 million |
| Area | 57,000 km² |
| Inhabitants / km² | 79 (medium population) |
| Capital city | Zagreb |
| Language | 90% Croatian. The minorities speak their own languages – Serbian 5% (a language very related to Croatian), Hungarian, Italian |
| religion | The Croats are Catholic. The Serbian minority is Orthodox. |
| currency | Croatian kuna |
| gross domestic product | $1300/pop (rather richer Eastern European country) |
| Visas |
no, EU member, ID card is enough |
| Area code of Germany | ++385 |
| Internet addresses | .hr |
| Vehicle license plate | HR (in Croatian the country is called Hrvatska) |
By the way, we are currently (2022 and 2024) launching a website about Croatia (travel guides and more)
