Whether on its 1200 islands, some of which are uninhabited, or along its 6000 km of often wild and rugged coastline, outdoor enthusiasts can sunbathe, swim, surf, kayak and canoe, sail, hike, bike, climb and much more.
Breathtaking coasts and various national parks
Croatia's coastline is one of the most sought-after diving destinations in Europe. But the enchanting Adriatic coastline with the Istrian peninsula and the Kvarner Bay in the north and Dalmatia in the south is only part of what makes Croatia so beautiful.
To the east of the rugged coastline lie the Dinaric Mountains, with the Pannonian Plain stretching out behind them. In the mountain ranges with their gorges you will find regions like in a film. The rugged karst areas of the Plitvice Lakes National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Krka National Park near Sibenik with its many lakes and waterfalls were settings for the famous Winnetou films.
Croatia has eight national parks and eleven protected nature parks. The mountain regions of Croatia are home to griffon vultures, golden and short-toed eagles as well as lynxes, golden jackals, wolves and brown bears.
Croatians love coffee
Castles and palaces steeped in history are perched on the gentle hills of the Pannonian lowlands. The Diocletian Palace in the old town of Split, the amphitheatre in Pula and the harbour town of Trogir are worth seeing. In Zagreb's upper town of Gornji Grad and the bishop's town of Kaptol, there are historical and modern buildings to marvel at.
Croatia's varied cuisine includes meat and fish dishes, hearty soups, bacon and cheese. A typical dish is pašticada, beef marinated in wine. The gugelhopf, called kuglof in Croatian, is popular. Croats love coffee. In Croatia you will find many traditional coffee houses, like the ones in Vienna.
