Croatia: Discover the Stunning Coastal Towns and Glittering Blue Waters

With some of the most beautiful national parks in Europe along with golden Mediterranean beaches and quaint historic old towns dotted along the coastline, Croatia has a wealth of breathtaking natural attractions alongside its historic architecture. Much of which dates back to Roman times. Here are some places you shouldn't miss when visiting this highly underrated European nation.

1. Walls of Dubrovnik (Dubrovnik)

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Completed in the 17th century, the ancient walls of Dubrovnik are beautifully preserved, encasing the picturesque old town of the city. While walking along the historic walls, you'll get stunning views over the lovely quaint town along with views out to the Adriatic Sea and Lokrum Island.

2. Srd Mountain (Dubrovnik)

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Towering over the city of Dubrovnik is Srd Mountain, which gives gorgeous views over the old town and the surrounding coastal scenery. At the summit of the mountain is the Fort Imperial, a fortress built during the Napoleonic Wars to protect the city. The site also holds a museum, built in the fort to commemorate the Siege of Dubrovnik, a vicious war that took place on the mountain.

3. Diocletian's Palace (Split)

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An ancient palace built in the fourth century for Roman Emperor Diocletian, the palace is huge and covers much of the old town of Split. One of the best preserved feats of Roman architecture in the world, the grounds were built as the emperor's retirement home along with a large military garrison.

4. Cave Bisevo (Bisevo)

Photo by Marco Klapper

An ethereal cave found in Bisevo, Croatia, the Blue Cave of Bisevo is one of the most beautiful of its kind in the world, thanks to the otherworldly luminescent blue light that shines off the waters. The island also features several picturesque beaches along with several historic buildings dotted around.

5. Krka National Park

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One of the most beautiful areas of nature in the country, the Krka National Park is relatively unchanged, with a spacious area generally aimed for scientific, cultural, and educational activities. The national park was formed to protect the Krka River from being altered by human activities. The best way to see the beautiful scenery offered here is to take a boat trip down the river, stopping at the magnificent waterfalls and scenic spots along the way.

8. The Arena in Pula (Pula)

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Although not quite as huge as the famous Colosseum in Rome, the Roman amphitheater in Pula is equally impressive as one of the best preserved of the larger arenas, with most of its original structure intact. Completed in 68 AD, it was once able to hold 26,000 spectators and is still used for various festivals throughout the summer today.

6. Plitvice Lakes National Park

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The Plitvice Lakes National Park is famous for its beautiful sixteen cascading lakes, causing a number of stunning waterfalls and some of the most picturesque scenery in Europe. Along with its waterfalls, the park is known for its array of beautiful water colors, a range of different shades of green and blue caused by the mineral composition of the lakes there. The national park is also home to a rich biological diversity, with many plants that are endemic to the area.

7. Trogir Historic Site (Trogir)

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Famous for its stunning Venetian architecture, Trogir is a historic town situated in Split-Dalmatia County. The town features a number of historic structures including the well-known Duke's Palace, and the Cathedral which were built around 13th century AD with the walls encasing the town dating back to the 15th century. Trogir is also famous for its Romanesque-Gothic and Venetian architecture, one of the reasons for its recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.

9. Franciscan Monastery (Dubrovnik)

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Situated in the historic city of Dubrovnik, the Franciscan Monastery is a large structure built in the 13th century. Belonging to the Order of the Friars Minor, the complex is composed of a monastery, a library, a church, and a monastery. The structure is one of the most beautiful buildings in Croatia with its beautifully-designed columns embellished with various figures such as human heads and flowers.

Conclusion

Each of the attractions listed here give visitors a fascinating glimpse into the history, culture and natural wonders of Croatia. There's so much more to do in this beautiful nation straddling the Mediterranean however, with gorgeous beaches stretching along the coastline and hundreds of picturesque islands.

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