Croatia is one of the greatest sensations of European tourism. In spite of its troubled history, marked by wars and conflicts, today we find a country that has been rebuilt and incredible, proud of its culture, roots and historical heritage. From the southern tip of Dubrovnick to the northern outpost of Zagreb, everything is in perfect harmony with nature, with scenic seaside roads, exploration of a thousand and one islands, walking in natural parks, lakes and waterfalls, discovering the architectural beauty and art of its cities. In short, a fantastic destination that always welcomes visitors from all over the world with open arms. And since it is one of the most "in" countries, we have gathered the 10 places that, due to their beauty, peculiarity and originality, you will want to visit and photograph. And we are sure that they will be very successful in your Instagram profile.
St. Mark's Church, Zagreb
St. Mark's Church is a parish church in Gradec, Croatia. It is located in St. Mark's Square in the upper town. In the capital of Croatia, there are many interesting points to discover, but the roof of St. Mark's church is a must for a very original photograph. The roof of this building is decorated with the different colors of the city's coat of arms. As the church is located on a high point of the city, it is also interesting to enjoy the panoramic view of this place. This square owes its name to the church that occupies the center of it and whose glazed tile roof is emblematic of the capital. The building was built by Venetian masters and flanked in the 17th century by a baroque bell tower. Its interior has beautiful Gothic vaults, and a choir remarkably carved by Ivan Mesrovic. The square is also the soul and symbol of political life, as this is where the Sabor is located: parliament, the seat of government and other places of power. Croatian capital, Zagreb is an amazing city. Admire the upper city with its cathedral, its many cobbled streets and pastel houses. A walk in the lower city and you will be able to observe its palaces, theaters, squares. Near Zagreb you will find natural landscapes such as Lake Jarun, Mount Slejme. The most? Zagreb is only 2 hours from Paris, the change of scenery is guaranteed.
Forte Lovrijenac, Dubrovnik
To the west of the ramparts of Dubrovnik is the fortress St. Lawrence, better known as Fort Lovrijenac. Dating back to the 11th century, this massive medieval construction built on a rocky spur overlooking the sea was one of the city's defences. Anecdotal but interesting for fans, the fort serves as the setting for the series The Iron Throne. The Lovrijenac fort in Dubrovnik is a great place to admire beautiful views of the historic center, the walls and all the natural beauty that surrounds Dubrovnik, also nicknamed the pearl of the Adriatic. If you are a fan of the "War of the Throne" series, you can't miss this place where many scenes of the plot were filmed. In the chronicles of Ragusa, we learn that the inhabitants of Dubrovnik managed to build the fort in only 3 months and then constantly improved it until the 16th century, especially because of the great earthquake. In the 11th century, the Venetians wanted to have a hold on the city and so they began to build a fort in the same place. Having heard of their plans and not wishing to be under the umbrella of Venice, the inhabitants fought the Venetians, prevented enemy construction and managed to keep their fort and independence. This romanticized version is questioned by historians and the construction would in fact date back to the 14th century.
Island of Lopud, Elaphia
It is a very touristy island, in size the average size of the inhabited Elaphite Islands: 4.63 km2. Its assets are its beautiful beaches: the Sunj square, for example, but also its impressive architectural heritage: its sumptuous villas of ragusan aristocrats from the 15th-16th centuries. Do not miss the visit of the remains of the Rectors' Palace and the Franciscan monastery: 15th century. Imagine a dense vegetation, a blue sky and a turquoise sea to lose sight of. This is the paradisiacal setting of the island of Lopud in the Elaphiti archipelago, which can be discovered by boat from Dubrovnik. If you want to be dazzled by breathtaking landscapes and take a dive in the Adriatic Sea, this is a place not to be missed.
Lavender fields, Hvar
Hvar is a multifaceted Croatian island: on one side, a paradise of marinas, festivals and wine bars, on the other, the tranquility of picturesque villages and nature dotted with lavender fields, limestone hills and vast vineyards. The island of Hvar is one of the most frequented by ferries and has the charm of all Croatian islands: deep blue sea, boats and streets full of history. But beyond that, on the outskirts of the island, there is something you can't miss: the lavender fields. The best time to see and photograph them is in June, and if it is near sunset, you will witness unforgettable views. Although lavender is often associated with the vast fields of Provence, Hvar certainly doesn't fade when it comes to the purple and fragrant plains that stretch as far as the eye can see. Especially in spring and June, a fresh scent of lavender, subtly blended with rosemary and sage, fills the air. The crop thrives, as Hvar holds the national record for the number of hours of sunshine in Croatia.
Vineyards of Bire, Korkula
Vine cultivation in Croatia goes back as far as the first inhabitants who settled on these lands. We know the place that wine occupied in the lives of the Greeks who founded many towns on the coast and islands, and the Romans who in ancient times settled on a large part of the present day Croatian territory. In the first half of the 20th century when phylloxera affected a large part of the vineyards of Europe including those of France, Croatia escaped for a while from the invasion of this insect and its vines allowed regeneration of the vineyards that were destroyed. One way to discover Croatia and experience a more authentic trip is to do a wine tasting in Bire, a small town on the island of Korkula, where organic wine is produced. In these vineyards it is possible to taste the traditional wine of this charming place, observing its beautiful landscapes.
Plitvice Lakes
The National Park of Lakes of Plitviče is a 295 km² forest reserve in the center of Croatia. It is known for its chain of 16 terraced lakes, linked by waterfalls, which extend into a limestone canyon. Walks and hiking trails wind around the water, and an electric boat connects the 12 upper and 4 lower lakes. The latter make up the site of Veliki Slap, a 78 m high waterfall. Considered one of the most beautiful parks in the world, you must visit and photograph this unforgettable place. The Plitvice Natural Park, considered a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, stretches over several kilometers of mountains, lakes and waterfalls with a thousand and one shades of unique blue and great natural beauty.
Bisevo Cellar, Split
The small islet of Bisevo is only 5 nautical miles southwest of Komiza on the island of Vis. Covering 6 km2, it would hardly be noticed except for its remarkable Blue Grotto: Modra Spilja or Blue Grotto which strongly suggests the famous Grotto of Capri. Between 11am and 1pm on a sunny and calm day, the strongest rays of the sun passing through an underwater opening illuminate the cave with a bright blue light while objects below the surface glisten with silver and pink. The effect is strange and supernatural, especially if you are lucky enough to see it when the cave is little frequented, which it certainly won't be if you eat in July and August. Out of about ten caves scattered on the Bisevo coast, the blue cave is the most remarkable. Although it has long been known to fishermen, the cave is only accessible to the non-diving public when an entrance big enough for a boat has been formed by blowing a hole in the rock. On the outskirts of Split, one of the largest cities in Croatia, is the Bisevo Cave, a cave that can be visited by boat and which amazes with its light and blue of rare beauty. This visit is a must and you will have unforgettable pictures of the place.
Bell tower of Saint-Michel, Trogir
If you do not visit this monument in Trogir, your trip will be incomplete. From the observation terrace of the bell tower, a breathtaking view of the white walls and shingle roofs opens up. You can also consider the azure sea, the island of Ciovo. There is a bell tower in front of St. Lawrence Church. Outside the attraction looks very picturesque, tourists are attracted by the Italian architecture, which dominates this part of Croatia. The blue dial on the white walls is a symbol of Trogir. The tower dominates the city of Croatia, so it is here that one of the best observation platforms has been built, from where you can see not only the station, but also the sea, the green hills, the mountains in the distance. Trogir is a historical city of Croatia which has a lot to discover and is also considered a UNESCO heritage site. For the best views of the city and unique photos, climb to the top of the ST. Michael Bell Tower, where you will have a panoramic view of the most emblematic buildings and the Adriatic Sea in the background.
Fishing village, Rovinj
Rovinj, a coastal village that was once a place for sailors and fishermen, has a special charm. Stroll through the narrow streets and discover the old buildings, the market with its colors and flavors and the beautiful beaches of the square. A village to relax and appreciate the beauty of simple things. A small fishing port on the Adriatic Sea, the town of Rovinj in Croatia has the charm of a postcard. This small medieval town is perched on a hill and overlooks a fishing port where colorful boats undulate. It is proposed to you to discover this destination as authentic as romantic.
Castelo Trakošćan, Krapina
Krapina, in northern Croatia, is a place steeped in history with typical medieval streets and great natural beauty, with mountainous areas and waterfalls. In this town is the castle Trakošćan, a 13th century fortification of rare historical value and rare romanticism, perched on the top of a mountain. Do not miss this monument and feel yourself traveling back in time. And if you feel like visiting these places, look for a tour through the charms of Croatia, where you can discover these and other charming places.
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