Croatia feels like a place shaped by sun, stone and sea. Its coast stretches along the Adriatic with clear blue water and islands that look untouched. Towns rise in limestone and old city walls glow warm in the afternoon light. You will find fishing villages where boats sway in harbors and lively cities where Roman, Venetian and Slavic influences blend in one place.
Dubrovnik stands out with its ancient walls and narrow lanes. Split carries the spirit of Emperor Diocletian in its old palace streets. Inland you see mountains, rivers and forests that feel peaceful and wild at the same time. Plitvice Lakes shimmer in bright shades of blue and green. The islands of Hvar, Brač and Korčula offer calm beaches, vineyards and small villages filled with local life.
Markets are full of fresh seafood and local olive oil. Cafes spread out across squares create a warm easy atmosphere. You can swim in hidden coves, walk through old stone towns or drive coastal roads with wide views of the sea. Croatia brings nature and easygoing moments together in a way that makes every road trip feel memorable.
Croatia in a nutshell
- Population 3.8 million people (2025)
- Capital Zagreb
- Citizens are Croatian
- Native language is Croatian
- Local currency Euro
- Size 56.594 km²
The Big Four
Fun Facts
- They made your suit look better Have you ever worn a suit? Well, the Croatians actually are responsible for the necktie. Croatian soldiers in the seventeenth century wore scarves that inspired the modern necktie. The French loved the look and called it la cravate, honoring the Croats.
- Origin of Dalmatian dogs Disney made a movie about these dogs. The Dalmatian breed comes from Croatia’s Dalmatia region. These spotted dogs appeared in local art and records long before they became symbols of firehouses and pop culture.
- King's Landing If you ever seen the world famous series Game of Thrones, you might already have seen parts of Croatia. In the series King's Landing is the capital of the Seven Kingdoms. In reality, you're actually seeing Dubrovnik! The city was the main filming location for King's Landing.
- The Blue Cave Some caves in Croatia are special gems. This is especially applicable to what they call 'The Blue Cave'. On the island of Biševo, sunlight creates a glowing blue reflection inside a sea cave. This natural wonder looks spectacular and almost unreal.
Explore the regions
Croatia's history
The Greeks built early trading ports on the islands and the Romans followed with roads, fortresses and grand cities. You can still walk inside Emperor Diocletian’s palace in Split which was built in the early fourth century and remains one of the best preserved Roman sites in the world.
Croatian tribes formed their first kingdom in the tenth century. Coastal towns grew strong through trade and inland regions built stone fortresses to guard mountain passes. The Republic of Dubrovnik rose as a powerful maritime state and became known for skilled diplomacy and impressive defenses. For centuries it stood between empires and protected its freedom through careful alliances.
From the sixteenth century many Croatian lands came under the Habsburgs while the coast was shaped by Venetian rule. This mix of influences created a unique blend of architecture and culture that still defines cities and villages today. In the nineteenth century Croatia entered a period of national awakening and writers, artists and political leaders pushed for more autonomy.
Croatia became part of Yugoslavia in the twentieth century and later declared independence in 1991. The country rebuilt quickly and preserved its historic towns and cultural heritage with great care.
Croatia carries a past filled with ancient stones, sea powers and shifting borders. Its history is felt in every city gate and gives the country a strong unique identity.