Croatia is a small European country, but thanks to its geographic location and underlying geology, it is very diverse. It overflows with attractions, not only the world-known Adriatic coast.

 

With a surface of only some 55 000 km², Croatia is a bridge from the Mediterranean to the Alpine region in the north, the vast Pannonia plain in the east and the Dinaric wilderness in the southeast. Croatia stretches from the lazy, wide rivers on the Pannonia plains with giant wetlands and vast stretches of golden wheat and corn fields to the mountainous part where wolves, bears and lynx roam to the craggy and exotic Mediterranean coast bathed in sun and crystal blue sea.

 

CONTINENTAL CROATIA

Northwest

Northwestern Croatia includes Zagreb, the capital, and the lands around it, up to Slovenia and Hungary in the northeast. Big rivers (the Drava, Mura and Sava) define the natural borders – they are still mostly natural, with sometimes extensive floodplains with marshes. The Drava is said to be one of the last remaining natural lowland rivers in Europe (Read more about Croatian rivers). Hills rise from the plains, but not more than a little bit over 1000m above the sea level, often crowned with the forts and castles. The area abounds with hiking routes and mountain huts. Vienna-style Zagreb is the main urban attraction, but small towns like Baroque Varaždin or festive Samobor are still exciting and lovely.

Eastern Croatia (Slavonia)

The granary of Croatia, primarily flat Eastern Croatia, is delineated by the Drava (bordering Hungary) river in the north, the Danube in the east (bordering Serbia), and Sava in the south (Bosnia). Rivers are attractions in their own right, wild and dynamic, still spilling over to their vast floodplains like Kopački rit and Lonjsko polje nature parks. These parks are living zoos, with impressive deer rut in the autumn (See deer rut in Kopački rit) and vast flocks of birds and other animals. Lonjsko polje is blessed with the traditional architecture of wooden houses that could be easily dismantled during floods. Island hills dominate the central part, with Papuk Mountain and nature park. Several towns deserve attention, like Osijek, the centre of the region. Still, Đakovo, even war-wrecked Vukovar, now rebuilt on the Danube banks, today an important stopover on the Danube cruising.

 

Central Croatia

Karlovac is the town in the thinnest part of Croatia, where plains start rising into the hills, then mountains. It is also the meeting point of emerald rivers, with deep, slow parts that suddenly tumble down through spectacular waterfalls. Plitvice Lakes are the best example. Hills culminate in Gorski kotar, a region touching Slovenia on the northwest and Kvarner to the west. Deep green in summer and white in winter, this is the realm of wild animals, scattered villages, towns, and wild rivers. Gorski kotar gradually descends to the south, to the Lika highland, with lovely meandering rivers born on one side of the plain, flowing gently and disappearing into the underground. The view onto the sea is obstructed by very high coastal mountains like the Velebit Mountain, arguably the wildest part of Croatia, with spectacular landscapes.

 

COASTAL CROATIA

How to choose the best part of the Adriatic coast, see in our article What part of the Adriatic coast is best for you.

 

Istria

Even Romans loved Istria, as vilas rusticas distinctly demonstrate. Istra is, therefore cultivated land, with enchanting coastal towns like Poreč, Pula or Rovinj, but also in the interior. Motovun, Hum and others are hilltop towns amid the rolling hills with wood and small farms. In Istra, you can majestically wine and dine, immerse in history, engage in various outdoor activities or be lazy on the beach. Brijuni and Kamenjak are natural highlights, but every nook and cranny of Istra offers a chance to discover something and please your senses.

Kvarner

Kvarner is bordering Gorski kotar on east and Istra on the north. The southern slopes of Istrian Učka Mountain are part of the area.  Kvarner is a huge bay with the port city of Rijeka at the bottom. The continental part consists of two sides. One goes to the Učka mentioned above foothills – Opatija Riviera, with the string of small coastal towns, glitzy Opatija is the most known. These towns blend Croatian and Austrian architecture with posh villas and hotels. Another continental side follows the Adriatic coast to the south, beneath the mountains that eventually become mighty Velebit. Several towns are also tourist centres. Then, there are islands: the largest Croatian islands –Krk and Cres, along with Lošinj, are popular tourist destinations with beautiful nature and historic coastal towns. Smaller, bare and weather-beaten islands that jut from the sea stretch further south, ending with Rab Island – the border with Dalmatia. This is the most accessible part of the Croatia coast.

Dalmatia

All praises to Kvarner and Istra, but Dalmatia is the authentic Mediterranean. Split is the largest city, but Zadar, Šibenik and Dubrovnik are other major economic hubs and historical and cultural centres of Dalmatia. Numerous other stone, mellow towns and villages adorn the coast you can’t escape the ancient times that date back to the Greek presence.

Dalmatia is a coastal getaway where people still blend in harmony with nature (despite rampant urbanization in some places). Blue and crystal clear sea bathes mostly rocky shore in the shadow of the  Aleppo pine and Mediterranean oaks. Dalmatian islands often emanate a laid-back island vibe, while some, like Lastovo, excel in island seclusion.