Archive for 'Tourist Attractions in Croatia'

One of the best things about Dubrovnik is the landscape of the city itself. The old town, by the harbour, as made so iconic by Game of Thrones, is charming and atmospheric. The rich blue of the waters is set against the bright grey stone walls and buildings and red rooftops. It is quite the sight to behold and reason enough to visit the city. If you have found a vacation rental in Dubrovnik and are planning on exploring her streets and taking in those views, then I have a recommendation: make sure to try out Restaurant 360.

Tvrdalj Castle is a well-preserved Renaissance palace that was built in the 15th century but is best known for its alterations and ownership under Petar Hektorović, a famous Croatian Renaissance poet, in the 16th century. It was during Petar's time in the castle that the building was fortified, expanded and became a sanctuary to travellers, locals in times of war, religious women, animals and plants. Both he and building are rather fascinating and extraordinary. Just find a vacation rental in Hvar and spend some time exploring and learning about this wonderful building and its incredible history.

Built across one storey, the building surrounds a fishpond that was created as a habitat for grey mullet, with a system to ensure a fresh supply of seawater. Above this is a small tower that has a dovecot for birds, and a garden with flowers and trees for land animals and an area in which herbs and medicinal plants were cultivated.

Tvrdalj is a palace and the fortified summer residence of Petar Hektorović, the Croatian poet (1487-1572). The most famous building in Stari Grad, it was built over the course of the poet's life and it had the same importance for him as his literary work.

In fact, it is actually a literary work in its own right and is engraved with more than twenty stone inscriptions in both Latin and Italian as well as inscriptions in the Croatian language. One particularly important inscription is the Italian, “Fede e realtà o quanto è bella!” (“Oh how lovely faith and reality are!”), which was Hektorović's life motto.

In addition, the building boasts beautiful views, pretty grounds and gardens and is richly steeped in local history. To spend time wandering this incredible architectural gem, just find a vacation rental in Hvar.

Varazdin is a grossly underrated Croatian tourist destination. Known as “Little Vienna” among Croatians, due to its stunning Baroque character, it was actually briefly the nation’s capital, from 1756 to 1776. It was during this time that the UNESCO awarded cobblestoned, pastel-hued Old Town (though it was new at the time) was born, the highlight of which is the Castle.

A small city, it is home to around 40,000 and is located 80km away from today's capital of Zagreb so all you have to do is find a vacation rental in Zagreb and it is an easy day trip. And a perfect day trip it is. This incredible city and castle are both rather well-kept secrets and well off the beaten track. While there is little infrastructure for tourists to rely on, there is also an air of authenticity and an unhurried way of life that allows for greater appreciation of your rather picturesque surroundings. A trip to the city and castle is a little like stepping right into a fairy tale.

The Blue Cave on Bisevo Island in Croatia is one of the world's most beautiful and intriguing natural phenomena. It is like a stepping (or should we say floating, as you enter by boat) into an entirely different world or an alien world, in particular. The rocky grotto, only recently opened to the public, is a cave that is famous as one of the great natural beauties of the Adriatic. At certain times of day, sunlight enters the cave through a crack in the stone and creates a light effect by refracting, illuminating the whole cave with a magical blue light. A visit is definitely a highlight of any holiday in the are,a so find a vacation rental in Dalmatia (perhaps a vacation rental in nearby Split) and pencil in a trip.