In recent years, Croatia has become a popular tourist destination in Europe due to the fact that the critically-acclaimed TV Series, Game of Thrones, was shot in the country. However, that is not only the reason you should visit this Balkan country.

From the sunny beaches to the countless undiscovered islands with enthralling natural beauty, Croatia has a lot to offer to travellers who are looking for the perfect place to spend their European getaway. Check out these 6 reasons why you should travel to Croatia!

Top 6 Reasons to Visit Croatia

1.     Stunning Beaches

Many tourists visit Croatia because of its stunning beaches. While some are packed with tourists, especially the famous Golden Horn, most coastlines are inhabited and yet to be discovered.

You can find the best Croatian beaches in the region of Dalmatia. They are mostly characterized by crystal-clear waters, hidden coves, and pebbled coastline. As such, they carry a unique charm that captivates tourists. Whether your idea of the perfect beach getaway is a waterfront party, adventurous watersports, or a quiet escape, there’s a perfect beach in Croatia for you.

However, if you’re not quite a fan of rocky sites, you can still find beaches with soft sand such as the Solaris Beach Resort located in the historic city of Šibenik.

2.     Undiscovered Tourist Gems

The coast of Croatia is every sailor’s paradise! There’s no better way to explore the country’s dramatic cliffside, untouched waters, scattered islands, and hidden coves than going island hopping.

You can charter a yacht or rent a sailing boat to take you to the most remote coastal islands where you enjoy the beautiful natural attractions and local lifestyle. You can even explore the towns by kayaking, especially in the closely formed Elaphiti Islands where it’s possible to paddle between the countless small islands.

3.     Breathtaking Mountain Top Views

Aside from the stunning beaches and pristine islands, Croatia is also known for its impressive mountain peaks.

Tourists can go to some of the highest peaks such as the Dinara Mountain (a mountain that stretches across Slovenia, Serbia, Montenegro, and Albania) or the Biokovo Mountain (the tallest mountain in Dalmatia). Hiking to these towering peaks is a great way to enjoy breathtaking views of nature.

Another notable mountain peak is the Vidova Gora where you can see the beautiful beach of Golden Horn from the top.

4.     Rich in History

If you’re fascinated by history, Croatia also has a lot to offer. This Baltic country is full of historical sites that display over 2000 years of history.

You can visit the Dubrovnik City Walls which was the shooting location of Game of Thrones. Or you can take a stroll around the Diocletian’s Palace in the historical town of Split, dating back to the fourth century AD.

While not as rich in history as Dubrovnik or Split, you can also visit Croatia’s capital city, Zagreb, for an amazing sight-seeing experience. Check out historical sites such as the Zagreb Cathedral, St. Mark’s Square, and the Lotrščak Tower. Of course, don’t forget to visit the museums in the city as well!

5.     Exceptional Food

One more reason you should visit Croatia is because of its delicious and varied cuisine.

Depending on the region you’ll explore, you can discover dishes that are influenced by neighbouring countries like Italy, Hungary, and Turkey. You’ll also find all sorts of fish, prawns, octopus, and squid on almost every menu.

However, there are also a variety of traditional meals prepared from meat, specifically lamb, pork, veal, and prosciutto.

Must-try Croatian dishes include black risotto (cuttlefish or squid in red wine and squid ink), brudet (tomato-based fish stew), and fritule (doughnut-like fried pastries).

6.     Winemaking Industry

Croatia is also known for its long history in winemaking. The country is home to at least 100 native grape varieties which boosts the wine tourism industry.

You can go to several wine tours in the countryside where you can enjoy the vast vineyards, sip flavourful and award-winning wine, and learn how it was made. You’ll also meet enthusiastic winemakers whom you can approach to share and discuss opinions about wine flavours.

Overall, Croatia is the perfect country to visit if you’re into luxury travel and wine production.

Croatia is an underrated Baltic country that offers beautiful beaches, gorgeous countryside, compelling history, and great-tasting food and wine! You should definitely visit this country if you’re looking for an adventure-filled vacation in Europe.

Company Bio: ETIAS Europe is a non-government organization that provides the latest news and information about the ETIAS visa scheme. They also provide ETIAS visa assistance for tourists planning to visit European countries by 2021.