Croatia

Croatia is becoming an increasingly popular destination for visitors, attracting people with its beautiful Adriatic coastline and its medieval towns and Roman ruins. 

A large contributor to that popularity is the walled city of Dubrovnik, which is surrounded by a 25 meter high medieval stone wall that is perhaps the best in the world. Splendid views of this UNESCO World Heritage maritime city can be had from these walls. Inside is the old town district of Stari Grad with its beautiful stone streets, buildings, churches and palaces.

History buffs will appreciate the giant Diocletian’s palace in Split. This complex contains 220 buildings and was built by the 4th century Roman emperor that gives the palace its name. Also nearby are the ruins of the former Roman capital of Salona. From a more recent time, the medieval Trakoscan Castle is also impressive.  The Adriatic Coast is very beautiful and attracts millions of visitors to the beaches and seaside resorts. Islands such as Rab, Hvar and Korcula attract many with their charms, while the Mljet and Plitvice National Parks entice with their more tranquil natural beauty.

Although Croatia went through a war in the 1990s when it declared independence from the former Yugoslavia, there is little evidence left in major towns of the violence that occurred during that period.  The coastal areas have resumed their former charm and visitors will bring back lasting memories of a region which has the hybrid charm of Eastern Europe and the Mediterranean.