Why Croatia is Europe's best-kept secret (but not for long)!

I just got back from an 8-day trip to Croatia, and let me tell you—it’s an absolutely incredible country. With jaw-dropping natural beauty, deep-rooted history, and a resilient, proud people, Croatia is a destination that punches well above its weight. It blends old-world charm with modern flair.

Here are five compelling reasons why Croatia should be on your travel list:

Stunning Coastline and Beaches

Croatia hugs the Adriatic Sea across from Italy and boasts over 1,000 islands and a whopping 1,777 miles of coastline. Add the islands in, and you’ve got access to some of the clearest, most beautiful waters in Europe.

If you’re visiting in the summer, the warm weather makes it perfect for swimming, sailing, kayaking, or just lounging seaside. I was there in April, and we had a mixture of everything: rain, sun, and wind. As expected, the temperatures weren’t warm enough to spend time in the ocean. I visited the cities of Zagreb (the capital city), which is inland, and the rest of the week stayed in Zadar, in a hotel right on the beach, and in Split, which is also a coastal city. Although I didn’t spend time swimming or playing on the beaches, it was fun to walk along the coastlines.

Not every bit of coastline is a perfect, sandy beach. In fact, Croatians have a funny saying—if you can get into the water without breaking a bone, it counts as a beach.

Rich History and Architecture

This country is a treasure trove of historical sites! Croatia has a rich and varied history. Among the history highlights:

• Croatia was originally part of the Roman Empire

• During medieval times, parts of the coastline (the area called Dalmatia) were ruled by Venice, and then the Ottoman Empire took over

• After World War I, Croatia, along with surrounding countries, became the federation of Yugoslavia, and was under a communist rule.

• Between 1991-95, Croatia fought a war of independence from Yugoslavia, and since then it has become part of the United Nations and the European Union, with a prime minister and president.

Some of the incredible architecture I saw, which I would highly recommend, is:

In Old Town Zadar you can see the Roman influence, with fortifications and temples, and Venetian rule, in which you see the architecture and city walls.

Zadar also has some modern fascinations, including the Sea Organ, which creates music from the movement of the waves, and Greeting to the Sun, which showcases a solar-powered evening light show.

The Diocletian’s Palace in Split was the former residence of a Roman emperor.

The Klis Fortress near Split, used in defense against the Ottomans, was also part of the Game of Thrones footage.

Trogir, a little island town close to Split, is full of old-world charm.

The city of Dubrovnik (on my list for next time!), is renowned for its medieval architecture and has city walls over a mile long. It’s another Game of Thrones favorite.

National Parks & Wonders

This is where Croatia absolutely shines! The national parks are breathtaking with the beauty of waterfalls, lakes, and hiking trails.

Plitvice National Park: if you can only see one national park while you’re here, make sure to visit Plitvice. It’s incredibly stunning, with 16 lakes connected by over 90 waterfalls. The highest waterfall in the park is over 200 feet tall. Although I was a little disappointed that we didn’t have more greenery in April, our guides assured us that the somewhat bare surroundings serve to highlight the water and the amazing beauty of the cascades in the park.

Paklenica National Park: Compared to the other two national parks I’m mentioning here, Paklencia is much more mountainous. It’s a true hiking park, with dramatic canyons, interesting rock formations, and a beautiful mountain stream. The hike is fairly steep, with an altitude gain of over 1,600 feet throughout.

Krka National Park: This national park comes in second. If you can’t see Plitvice, or if you find yourself further south, then you definitely need to experience Krka. This national park has seven waterfalls, following the Krka River from the Adriatic Sea inland. Amazingly beautiful—the pictures don’t do justice to the majestic beauty of the waterfalls.

In addition to hiking in the three national parks above, I also had a chance to visit a local cave outside of Split, called Varanjaca Cave. There are many caves in Croatia due to the rocky terrain. The stalactites and stalagmites did not disappoint!

Whether you’re into serious hiking, casual walks, or just standing in awe of Mother Nature, Croatia delivers.

Food

Croatian cuisine has a very Mediterranean influence, but they also very much have their traditional stews and dishes. I was surprised to learn that Zadar and the surrounding coast are top exporters of tuna to Japan—who knew?

I ate lots of cheeses and cured meats, croissants and breads, and Mediterranean salads. I tried traditional Croatia dishes, crepes, and a pizza as good as any I’ve eaten.

Croatia is also known for its wines and olive oils. I brought home some amazing flavored olive oils!

Festivals and Cultural Events

Croatia hosts some great festivals, ranging from music events to cultural celebrations. Although I didn’t participate in any of the festivals or local events, I did see many of them advertised during our stay.

Affordable and Accessible

Croatia is well-connected to major European cities. Although you won’t see any nonstop flights into Croatia from the U.S. (yet), it’s easily accessible through many popular European stops. I connected through Amsterdam each way, making for an easy flight there & back.

Croatia is also more affordable than many of its Mediterranean counterpart countries. With all of the things to see & do at reasonable prices, you’ll be surprised at  everything you can include in your Croatian experience.

My sister and me standing on Greeting to the Sun

When should you visit?

I’m a little biased, but I really loved going in the spring. We had the places (mostly) to ourselves, and cool temperatures for the most part. In the summer, the national parks are packed, and the weather is hot & humid. But if you’re going for the beaches and the watersports, you would definitely want to go in warmer temps. Bottom line: it doesn’t really matter WHEN you go, just that you should.

Whether you’re drawn by dramatic coastlines, fascinating history, national parks that look straight out of a fairy tale, or unforgettable food and wine—Croatia has something for every traveler.

It’s beautiful, approachable, and a bit of a hidden gem (for now). Go soon, before everyone else figures it out!