If you’re a traveler, travel blogger or geography enthusiast then you’ve not only heard about Croatia, but you’ve most certainly jotted it down on your bucket list. If you don’t fall into one of the above categories (or you do, but you’re into more mainstream destinations- not judging), then you’re wondering where on earth Croatia is and why did this panda need to go there so urgently?
You know what time it is!
Chances are that if you’ve ever heard of Croatia, it was in the context of atrocious Balkan warfare. Some of the bloodiest conflict since the end of World War II was waged in the region during the breakup of the former Yugoslavia in the early 1990s, and the scars, both physical and psychological, have yet to fully heal.
But for anyone who’s actually visited Croatia, it’s a sun-drenched coastal paradise of exquisite medieval architecture, thousands of dreamy island getaways, and some of the friendliest people. You’re probably far more familiar with Croatia than you may have realized, and we have Game of Thrones to thank for it. The show has captivated viewers all over the world, and seasons 2 and 3 showcased Croatia’s most famous city- the walled seaside fortress of Dubrovnik- which was chosen as King’s Landing.
Zagreb is the capital of Croatia though (not Dubrovnik) and their currency is Croatian Kuna.
Croatia is, by European standards, one of the larger countries and has a TON of things to do and see. I knew I had limited time before I started school (and of course my besties in Abu Dhabi were just counting down the sleeps till I would return), so I couldn’t do everything that I wanted to.
So I picked one destination in Croatia and planned my Croatia visit around that. Do you want to go here?
Yeah I bet you do! This is Plitvice National Park.
Of course it was Expat Bee who unveiled this European gem to me and ever since I found out about it, I’ve been DYING to go. Like literally dreaming about going there in my sleep.
Why would you want to go there? Let’s look at some visual reasons:
Still not convinced? How about a few more:
This is one of those places that pictures, even my pretty ones, don’t do it justice. Before I went, I read plenty of blogs with guides to visiting Plitvice. All of them had their routes mapped out before they arrived, and some even give photography tips. You can read some here, here and here.
I don’t know if I’m the only blogger who travels like this but when I got there (at 7am), I too had a route planned. But once I entered the park and started walking/trekking/climbing/hiking I was distracted by the beauty around me and veered off my chosen path. I started off following route B and later ended up on route C. I took two boats across lakes and a bus that transported me from the upper lake section lower lakes. My path was haphazard and probably made no sense but I went where I felt was the direction to go! Not that I can complain as I saw beauty at every turn.
As for the photography tips, talking about shutter speed and aperture is all well and good but the best advice is this- the places where you can view the waterfalls are on uneven, rickety wooden platforms with no barriers. That means you need to position your tripod in such a way that one leg isn’t going through the platform, hold on to your camera because people thundering past you WILL cause it to fall into the water- tripod and all- should you not be careful. No doubt it was a challenge for a solo panda like me but if I can do it, you can too! Think about those simple factors before lowering your shutter speed for those beautiful misty water shots!
If you’re good at descriptions, you’ll be challenged to name all the colors of Plitvice’s 16 lakes. Turquoise, azure, green-blue or blue-green, emerald, gray: they change by the day or even the moment, depending on light and what minerals and mosses are in the water.
Plitvice was breathtaking and since I arrived at 7am, I was back at my guesthouse by 13:30. It’s a lot of walking, climbing, hiking and in general- active effort. It isn’t a place for small hyperactive kids (they will fall into the water), babies in prams or those with mobility issues.
From Plitvice I made my way north again but this time to Zagreb, Croatia’s capital city. I couldn’t believe that is the country’s capital city as it is so untouched by the modern world.
Everything about this city is just delightful.
From the street art…
To the churches…
To the cute places to enjoy a meal…
To this delicious French toast…
To cute souvenirs at the huge open air market…
To charming walkways and streets…
To these stunning views…
I tried this Croatian speciality dish called Strukli at a place recommended to me by my blogging buddy Marwa. Thanks girl for sending me to the most romantic restaurant (called Vinodol) in Zagreb by myself 😁 But seriously, both the dish and the restaurant were so, so good. Strukli, was this magical dish with layer upon layer of the softest pillowy dough alternating with creamy, soft cheese… it was like a giant hug.
I have been charmed by Zagreb. Not head over heels like I am with Prague and not besotted like I am with Belgrade. But simply charmed. In Croatia I was a celebrity again, reminding me so much of my days in South Korea, where I was stared at everywhere I went. The first time it happened, I was waiting for a tram on the side of the road and people were slowing down to look at me, smile and stare. At first I thought I was perhaps dressed inappropriately (I’ve been in the gulf for too long), or was I doing something wrong? But as every second man turned his head to look at me, sometimes wink and some even approach me (I would love to engage you in conversation handsome Croatian man but I don’t speak Croatian!), I realised that this piece of chocolate was just in high demand in this land of vanilla 😂 People were in general, very friendly and seemed to think I was local as a few tourists asked me for directions! 😀
Croatia however is about more than just Plitvice National Park or Zagreb. There are many interesting historical sites you can visit, old towns waiting to be explored and island hopping for the more adventurous ones. Even if I just concentrate on the coastline, islands and the beaches, there are many possibilities on Hvar or Pag Islands or you can get lost in the cute little streets in Split’s old town and of course, Dubrovnik is a story on its own. It is for these reasons and many more that my heart literally aches to go back to Croatia so I can explore more… as grateful as I am to have gotten to opportunity to explore just a tiny bit of this incredible country, I know that I have major regret over not being able to stay longer and explore more. So… when is my next long weekend??!!
Have you been to Croatia? What did you love about it and tell me what I should do when I go back again… (in the not too distant future I hope!)
21 Comments
Croatia is on my list. I want to island hop. Your pictures are stunning. Maybe I’ll bump into you in Croatia. BTW, I need some tips about visiting Africa. South Africa is out of my budget right now, but I got my eyes on Kenya or Tanzania for winter break. Please drop me some ideas @ phillygirl77@rocketmail.com. Until next time..
Thanks Croatia is so beautiful that it’s hard to take bad pics! Going to drop you an email tomorrow I promise 😎
Oh my goodness this look gooorgeous! I’m glad you had such a good time. 🙂
That strukli looks amazing too.
Thank you! Croatia is stunning, I honestly don’t believe pictures could ever do justice to a place like that 💙
I’m so glad you got to go to Croatia.!! And that you enjoyed it.!! As I’ve been following your blog and saw you went to Serbia and Slovenia – I was waiting with bated breath to see if you went to Croatia too.!! It’s amazing 🙂 Of course, I’m Croatian-American, so I’m probably a little biased 😉 Next time you should also try and add Zadar to your list. It’s a little smaller than Dubrovnik and Split. But just as cute. Plus it also has the Zadar Sea Organ Steps.!! Also, there’s Hvar and Trogir islands. Beautiful…beautiful places.
Ah you’re Croatian! That explains why you’re so awesome 😆 Unfortunately I didn’t have as much time as I would’ve like in Croatia but yes next time round I’m heading to Zadar and Hvar for sure 😃 I think I could spend a month in Croatia and honestly still not see everything I want to see. Beautiful landscapes and friendly people make it a great Eastern European destination and definitely one of my favourites 💙
Oh thank you so much.!! You’re pretty awesome too.!! 🙂 And I agree, there’s never enough time to visit all the wonderful places in Croatia. Whenever, I would visit my relatives, they would get so annoyed because I would leave them and go on excursions. Haha… But of course I’d go!! So much to see and experience. I’m really glad you had a lovely time especially after your drive in from Slovenia. And even more glad to hear you’re going back 🙂 Can’t wait to read more of your travels.!! Good luck with work!
I think Croatia is the most beautiful place I have ever been in Europe. We were on the istrian coast, and I have never seen such beautiful clear water except in the north of Scotland. They have amazing food, beautiful stylish people, and a laid back style. We also found they weren’t very used to tourists. But we got along just fine.
I am jealous that you were on the Istrian coast… I have heard so many great things about it and I will definitely include it in my next trip to Croatia. Yes I agree, the people are friendly despite not being overrun with tourists and yes they are beautiful! Seems like I also need to visit the north of Scotland too 😀
You totally do 🙂 Scotland is beautiful.
If I didn’t want to go to Croatia, I do now!!!! Your post is inspiring and pictures are fab.
Haha thanks that’s exactly what I like to hear 😃
well written… just added croatia in my bucket list
Oh I am so glad this post has inspired you 😀
Some European family have visited-and said “Beautiful” so, I know it’s now a touristy spot but I think it’s on my list too..heck, what’s not traveling with you? Keep enjoying and stay well.
😂 true, I do seem to “get around”! Glad you enjoyed the post and yes your family are 100% right about Croatia being beautiful!
Hahahaha you are most welcome 😀 Was it romantic? I didn’t really notice, lol! I was hungry and there for the food and was the only under dressed person in the place 😀 😀 Glad you enjoyed it, I loved the food there <3
Well I think that because I am married, I see romance everywhere I go! Loads of couples were there so it also felt very romantic 🙂 But seriously, it was a great recommendation, I love listening to your tips!
There were lots of couples there that’s true, I remember now 😄 Well, I wouldn’t normally notice them 😁😁 Glad you enjoyed it. You are most welcome ☺️
That was Croatia in Game of Thrones? I really must pay more attention next time …
I think that in the later seasons they used a set instead of shooting on location. But Croatia was the inspiration!