Croatia | Pearl of the Adriatic

One of Croatia’s most famous sights, the UNESCO-protected Plitvice Lakes National Park is a fairyland of cascading emerald lakes, bubbling waterfalls, and lush greenery. A number of wooden footbridges and hiking trails meander throughout this exotic paradise inhabited by wolves, brown bears, and over 160 species of birds, offering visitors scenic views and excellent photo opportunities.

Also known as Placa, Stradun is Dubrovnik’s most famous and beautiful street. Cutting through the Old Town, the 300 meters long promenade paved with marble connects the city’s eastern and western gates, and is lined with elegant historic buildings, many of which house pleasant shops and cafes.

Venetian-era monuments, purple lavender fields, and a yacht-studded Renaissance harbor – this is Hvar, the sunniest and most glamorous of all Croatian islands. Situated in the Adriatic Sea, off the Dalmatian coast, Hvar is characterized by green, unspoiled landscapes and small, pebbly beaches lapped by calm, azure seas. Natural charms aside, Hvar Town attracts well-heeled travelers with its pedestrian marble streets, chic restaurants, and fashionable party spots.

Covering 31,000 sq meters, Diocletian’s Palace occupies more than a half of Split Old Town and is one of the world’s grandest best preserved Roman ruins. Nowadays, around 3,000 people live inside the impressive marble and white limestone complex, which is home to 220 buildings and a plethora of bars, shops, and restaurants.

Home to our “Highlights & Delights of Croatia” journey, the islands of Losinj and Cres are breathtaking and perfectly located half way between Istria and Split. Once an important maritime and commercial center, Mali Lošinj is the largest island town in the Adriatic. Il lies on the lush Croatian island Lošinj, famed for its clean sea air, and houses an alluring historic quarter and a picturesque natural harbor lined with elegant, pastel-colored Mediterranean architecture.

Surrounded by medieval walls, the UNESCO-protected historic city of Trogir lies on a small island and is a treasure trove of Romanesque, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture. Charming Italian pizzerias and traditional konobas (local restaurants) fight for space on its with narrow, cobblestone streets, while lively outdoor cafes entice visitors with fresh seafood and foamy cappuccinos along the broad seafront promenade overlooking the Dalmatian Coast.

Set on a small island in the middle of the lake within Croatia’s Krka National Park, the centuries-old Visovac Monastery is a sight to behold. Aside from its religious importance and lovely collection of paintings and archaeological finds, this sacred spot surrounded by soaring cypress trees is a haven of serenity and lush vegetation.

Most people visit Croatia for its unquestionable coastal charms, but few of them know that further inland, the scenic landscapes and hilltop medieval hamlets of Istria resemble the Tuscany of yesteryear. One such place is Motovun, a quaint walled town perched on top of a hill above pretty vineyards, truffle-rich forests, and the 53-km-long Mirna River.