Archive for 'Parks & Gardens in Croatia'

Maksimir Park is the oldest public park in Zagreb and is one of the most beautiful spots in the city. In autumn, the trees lining the main paths and in the forests of the park turn the most stunning golden hues, making it the most perfectly picturesque place to walk around and enjoy nature. On the hottest days of summer, those same trees afford blissful shade and respite from the scorching sun. During winter, snow rests on branches and makes the paths glitter and, in spring, the blooms and animals take over. So, no matter when you find a vacation rental in Zagreb and no matter what time of year you come and visit the city, a walk in the park is a good idea!

Maksimir Park was founded in 1787 and was the first large public park in South-Eastern Europe, as well as an early example of a public park in Europe, in general. Named for Bishop Maksimilijan Vrhovac of Zagreb, the park was opened in 1794 and was originally on the outskirts of the city and home to a dense forest of hornbeams and oaks. Due to expansion, however, it is located in a more central position today and is now surrounded by several neighbourhoods, with only some of the original forest still remaining and acting as a girdle to the park. Landscaping was initially undertaken according to the plans of Bishop Vrhovac in the baroque style but then redesigned by Bishop Juraj Haulik, among others, in a more romantic neoclassical style that was in line with Biedermeierist notions, incorporated elements of historicism, and emulated the park that was established at the Laxenburg estate of the Habsburgs.

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!

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.

Croatia is increasingly famous as a destination for stunning landscapes beyond the crystal-clear seas, incredible rock formations, soft white sandy beaches, diverse marine life and more of her perfect and renowned seaside resorts and cities. In addition to these wonderful coastal scenes, there are plenty of jaw-dropping vistas and awe-inspiring places to be explored. So, on your next vacation in Croatia, be sure to pack your activewear and hiking boots and get out into all of that outstanding natural bounty.

The Mljet National Park is a vast area of incredible protected natural beauty, which covers the entire north-western section of the Island of Mljet, not too far from the city of Dubrovnik. Put under protection in 1948, it was officially made a national park by the Croatian government in 1960. Bordered by two saltwater lakes known as Veliko and Malo Jezero, the Large and Small Lake, most of the area is covered in rich forestry and paints a vivid image with the lush greens set against the azure seas, rich blue lakes, and endless skies. Breathtakingly beautiful, peaceful, and a wonderful place to stretch your legs and have a bit of an adventure, it is an ideal spot for a day-trip if you have found a vacation rental in Dubrovnik and are looking to venture out of the city for some fresh air and refreshing views.