Archive for 'Tourist Attractions in Croatia'

When you look past the understandably famous resort towns and beaches of Croatia, past the more internationally renowned destinations and tourist hot spots, past the more built-up urban areas, you will realise that there is a whole other Croatia to be discovered. This Croatia is made up of a diverse and exceptionally lovely landscape that goes from those famous picture-perfect beaches to towering snow-capped peaks to immense forests to rocky gorges to pastures of wildflowers to jewel-toned lakes and everything in between. While there are certain images that first come to mind when one thinks of the country, there is much beauty to be discovered beyond what Croatia is stereotypically known and celebrated for and there are a whole lot of incredible landscapes to be explored. In fact, while it might not be the first destination to come to mind for hikers and explorers, there is plenty of adventure and some truly excellent trails that await in Croatia. So, if you're looking for a place to go on a hiking holiday or you are looking for a place that caters to all of your other holiday needs (good food, great beaches, interesting historical and cultural attractions, and much more besides), then Croatia is actually a wonderful option!

Specifically, a vacation rental in Lika-Senj is a great option for those in search of a holiday that entails some excellent hiking and exploration. This stunning region is comprised of much of the historic Lika Region, and is made up of a large chunk of the northern Adriatic coastline, several national parks, lakes, and mountains. Exceptionally beautiful, this lush region has a more mild climate than other parts of the country and is, therefore, the perfect unspoiled natural paradise for adventure and enjoying the great outdoors; whether you decide to go hiking, swimming, zip-lining, or any of the other activities that can be pursued in the region. One of the absolute musts when spending time in Lika-Senj is a visit to the Northern Velebit National Park.

While many think of Croatia immediately as a destination for sun holidays and seaside getaways, for ancient and picturesque harbour cities, and perfect beach resorts, there is, of course, much more to the country than that. Croatia has a landscape that is far more varied than these immediate associations belie and far more astoundingly, jaw-droppingly beautiful than most are aware of. There are towering peaks, forests full of butterflies, endless little islands that are world unto themselves, impressive waterfalls that thunder past, and lots of national parks that protect natural phenomena, flora, and fauna. If you are interested in exploration and seeing the great bounty of the natural world with your own eyes, then Croatia is likely a destination that will delight. Look past the stereotypical, if charming, appeals of Croatia as a holiday destination and see how much more it has to offer the discerning and adventurous tourist!

We may all be stuck at home and inside right now but that only gives us all ample opportunity to dream, look ahead, develop a serious case of wanderlust, and start putting together elaborate bucket lists of things we want to see and do and places we want to go when it is safe to do so again. And we're definitely all due a getaway when this thing is over! One of the places that we always favour is Croatia and one particular island in Croatia, quite the hidden gem, that we'd love to be exploring right now is Lastovo. Here are some reasons as to why it is on all of our bucket lists right now:

1. It is a natural gem.

Lastovo is a uniquely beautiful and unique island in Croatia as it is the only island in its entirety to be declared a Nature Reserve in the country. As such, her immense natural bounty and the fascinating flora and fauna of the island, have remained protected and preserved.

2. It is a perfect place to relax.

Home to less than one thousand people, sleepy, half-empty, pretty, little villages wonderful views over the Adriatic, and some excellent vineyards, it is a place of peace, calm, and relaxation.

Split is a beautiful seaside city set on the dramatic and picturesque Adriatic Coast with its turquoise, glittering waters and craggy cliffs and mountains and is home to incredible Roman ruins from long ago. It is, however, in no way stuck in the past and is a buzzing, vibrant place with a very active nightlife, incredible restaurants, and lots to see and do. So, if you’re looking for a holiday full of fun, sun, and excitement, then a vacation rental in Split is a good idea.

Split is also home to some great cultural gems including the incredible Ivan Meštrović Gallery (or Galerija Meštrović). Dedicated to the life and work of the 20th-century sculptor, Ivan Meštrović, the building rises like a sacred temple atop a hillside overlooking the coast. The building, in fact, looks rather like a temple due to its iconic and beautiful design, that features a long façade, reached atop a flight of stone stairs built into the hillside, with two three-bay wings flanking a central unit fronted by a portico with Ionic order columns. Above the portico there is a terrace that takes in those incredible views over the coast. Inside, the building is home to large, bright, airy rooms that house the most significant works of Meštrović, including sculptures, drawings, designs, furniture and architectural plans.

Croatia is a famously popular holiday destination, particularly for those in search of sun, sea, and fun, as it has a long and incredibly beautiful coastline dotted by lots of amazing resorts and seaside towns. Many of these towns are slick and chic and filled with modern developments and villas but there are some older and more historic settlements among them. In particular, one of the most beautiful and intriguing seaside resorts is Opatija, which was a popular coastal getaway and fashionable resort in the 19th century and remains filled with stunning Habsburg-era villas to this day.

Opatija is a pretty and charming little gem that was in a bit of a decline for a long time but has been since revived in the last decade or so and now regularly draws a largely mature audience for its grand spa hotels, incredible location along the Adriatic, climate that supports pleasant weather for trips pretty much all throughout the year, and its famous Lungomare promenade that hugs the coast and offers wonderful views over the town and neighbouring islands. If you’re looking for peace, relaxation, a perfect seaside escape, and very pretty surroundings, a vacation rental in Opatija is an excellent idea.

During your time in Opatija, between swimming in little bays (as there aren’t real beaches to speak of), wandering the promenade, dining in the city’s brilliant restaurants, watching the sun set over the coast, and generally just kicking back and relaxing, you should probably head to the Villa Angiolina at some stage, which is the Croatian Museum of Tourism and the only traditional tourist attraction to speak of in the town.