“France won the FIFA World Cup 2018, Croatia won millions of hearts;” this has been trending on social media ever since the explosive finals between France and Croatia. With a population of just 4 million, this Croatian Team will go down as the most memorable performance by any team in World Cup history.
Here are some lesser-known facts about Croatia:
1. Tucked between Eastern and Western Europe, this little country gained popularity in the last few years as a travel destination, after being featured in one of the most viewed TV series, Game of Thrones. The scenes for King’s Landing, the powerhouse of Westeros that was featured in all the seasons, are shot in Dubrovnik, Croatia, and the country has become a tourist hub ever since.
2. Croatia is geographically very diverse – with something to offer to every traveller. It’s dotted with over 1200 unadulterated islands, which is a delight for beach lovers.
3. It’s a perfect destination for history enthusiasts as the country has eight amazing UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Roman influence is pretty evident as Croatian towns and cities are full of Roman and Byzantine ruins.
4. With eight national parks, Croatia is the best destination for nature lovers as well; the charming Austro-Hungarian buildings also attracts art and architecture enthusiasts.
If you are planning your first trip to Croatia, don’t forget to include these 3 destinations in your itinerary:
Dubrovnik
This medieval walled city has been a perfect backdrop in the much-loved Game of Thrones. The terracotta roofs, cobblestone lanes overlooking the turquoise waters of the Adriatic Sea, the church towers; well, what’s not to love about this fascinating UNESCO-listed old town.
Rovinj
The western most region of Croatia, this seaside town is as romantic as it gets. Dating back to the roman era, the town is situated on a circular peninsula, and is made of colourful buildings, rocky beaches, and breathtaking waterside cafes.
Plitvice Lakes National Park
Another UNESCO site in the country, this is one of the largest and the most-visited of eight national parks in Croatia. Dotted with pine trees and 16 fresh water lakes, painted in hues of blue and green, and wooden walkway across the lakes; the landscape, here, is straight out of a storybook.
So, plan your trip to this wonderland for travel experience of a lifetime!
