Earlier this year, we spent a good 10 days in one of Europe’s most visited countries, especially during the summer months, Croatia. We tried to explore as much of the country as we could, from Zagreb to Dubrovnik and everywhere in between.
If you look on Europe’s map, you’ll see that Croatia is a country with a rather long coastline onto the Adriatic Sea. For accuracy purposes, let us tell you that its coastline is 5.835 km long, which could also be translated as the 23rd longest coastline in the world (thank you wikipedia!).
No wonder why many tourists even skip the capital city of Zagreb and head straight to the coast. Here are the prettiest towns and cities on the coastline of Croatia that you should visit ASAP!
Pula
Starting from the Istrian peninsula, a must see destination is its largest city, Pula, mostly known for its roman sites: the Arena (which actually looks a lot like the Colosseum, in Rome), the arch of Sergii, where you can enter the old town from and the Temple of Augustus. Inside Pula’s historical centre, you’ll step back in time and get lost inside its alleyways. Grab a gelato or a slice of pizza while you walk and discover its numerous churches and squares.
Arch of Sergii
Pula's Arena
Rovinj
Also situated on the peninsula of Istria, Rovinj is one of the most beautiful, picture perfect Croatian towns. Its small size makes it ideal for lazy wanderings and it can definitely be seen in one day (or less)! Climb up St Euphemia’s bell tower for the best view of the old town and the harbour and believe us when we say that while walking randomly inside Rovinj’s alleys, you’ll often find it hard to choose which street to follow, as they are all more than charming!
Rovinj's beautiful houses
The view from St Euphemia's bell tower
Zadar
Driving out of the peninsula and almost halfway before arriving to Split, you’ll find Zadar, which also happens to be Europe’s Best Destination for 2016! Zadar’s old town is connected with its “modern” part through a bridge, which leads to one out of the four gates of the historical district. Its paved streets lead to numerous little squares here and there and its buildings’ architecture is imposing, to say the very least. The city’s most popular “site” is the so called Greeting to the Sun point, situated on Zadar’s seaside promenade. This is where people are gathered each day to catch the sunset over the Adriatic Sea.
Zadar's bridge to the old town (fun fact : this was our apartment's view!)
Split
Maybe Croatia’s most popular city after Dubrovnik, Split perfectly combines roman and medieval architecture. With Diocletian’s Palace being the most famous and photographed monument, Split gets flooded by hoards of tourists each summer and of course the number of bars, cafes and restaurants is accordingly large. Remember to climb up the Marjan Hill, for spectacular views over Split. Oh and when you see the Grgur Ninski Statue, standing in front of Split’s Golden Gate, don’t forget to touch his big toe: the legend says that if you do so, you’ll return to Split one day!
Diocletian's Palace
Split's beautiful historical district
Trogir
Trogir might not be listed among Croatia’s most popular towns, but it’s definitely among our favourite ones! It’s also the smallest town we went to in Croatia and you can visit it while being based in Split, as a daytrip. Its historical centre is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and once you get there, you’ll have no wonders why! Its fortress, its cathedral and its beautiful city hall, are only some of Trogir’s attractions and the town definitely deserves a visit, even if a short one.
Trogir's Town Hall square
Dubrovnik
No list of Croatia’s prettiest coastal towns is completed without Dubrovnik! Often named as Adriatic’s gem, Dubrovnik got really famous over the past few years, especially after the world famous TV series "Game of Thrones" used it as one of its filming locations! If you’re a fan of the series as well, you’ll be happy to find several Got Tours held there. But even if you’re not, paying a visit to Dubrovnik is a must! Its perfectly preserved medieval town and its 2km long stone walls will make you feel you’re transferred into another era.
Walking onto the walls was, by far, our personal favourite thing to do in Dubrovnik, as we got to catch some amazing views of the city and the harbour.
View from Dubrovnik's stone walls
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