In this article, I’ll be sharing some fun and interesting facts about Croatia – this breathtaking slice of southeastern Europe that will surely tickle your wanderlust and have you itching to add Croatia to your “really want to see” list.
Croatia has it all, a vibrant, rich history, sunsets that will make your heart skip a beat and landscapes so picturesque you’d think they’re straight out of a fairytale.
What more could you possibly ask for? Driving along its beautiful coastal routes will make your face go WOW all the time, permanently!
For more fascinating tidbits about Europe, check out Interesting facts about Warsaw, Latvia, Slovenia and Lithuania.
Fun Facts About Croatia
- Zagreb is not only the capital of Croatia, but also the largest city, with just under 700,000 inhabitants (as of 2023).
- Croatian currency is Euros, so if you are visiting from Europe, you do not need to worry about changing any money!
- The oldest European city is the is the Eastern Croatian city of Vinkovci, in which people live continuously for more than 8300 years.
- The Iris croatica is the national flower of Croatia and the Slavonian oak is the national tree.
- The Croatian word for ‘hello’ is ‘zdravo’.
- January is the coldest month in Croatia, with temperatures averaging around 9.4°C (48.9°F). The country boasts mild winters compared to the cold winters in the UK.
What is Croatia most famous for?
This pint-sized paradise nestled in the heart of Europe, is bursting with fascinating facts and delights waiting to be uncovered. From its dazzling beaches that could give any Caribbean getaway a run for its money, offering the most beautiful sunset in the world, to its rich history that rivals the juiciest soap opera plotlines, the country of Croatia has it all!
Did you know that Croatia has the highest number of UNESCO intangible goods of any European country? So if you love to spot World Heritage items, you will not be disappointed when you visit Croatia!
Croatia Is Known as the Land of a Thousand Islands
Did you know that Croatia has over a thousand islands? 48 of which are inhabited and each has its own spellbinding charm and unique character. If you’re someone who loves water sports and island hopping, Croatia is where the fun’s at!
Here are a few must-visit islands that you’ll absolutely adore:
- The island of Hvar: Hvar is a piece of heaven with its bright mornings, crystal clear waters, and the wildest beach parties you can imagine. It averages around 2,718 hours of sunshine per year, making it one of the sunniest spots in Croatia!
- Krk Island: If you’re looking for a chill island vibe, Krk is the place to be. It’s the largest island along the Adriatic Sea and offers a laid-back scene with cute little towns and delicious local treats.
- Brač Island: The most famous beach in Croatia is, arguably, the Zlatni Rat beach (or Golden Horn) found on the island of Brac. The cool thing about this beach is its ever-changing shape. By ever-changing, I mean it can literally shape-shift! It can go from a smooth, narrow point to a wider, curvy form, depending on the mood of the tides.
Croatia is Home to Several Exceptional Individuals
Croatia is not only a thing of beauty, but also a land of extraordinary talent! Some of the well-known figures from Croatia are:
- Nikola Tesla was born in Smiljan: A brilliant inventor and engineer, Tesla is renowned for his pioneering work in electrical engineering and his contributions to wireless communication and AC power systems.
- Ivan Vukić: Vukić was a Croatian naval officer and inventor who developed the “Lupis-Vukic” torpedo. While not considered the world’s first torpedo, Vukić’s “Lupis-Vukic” torpedo was a significant advancement in torpedo technology during the 19th century!
- Andrija Mohorovičić: We know him as the meteorologist and seismologist who discovered the Mohorovičić “Moho” Discontinuity (a boundary between the Earth’s crust and mantle).
- Goran Ivanišević: One of the most famous exports is the former tennis player who is the only player to win a Wimbledon Men’s single tournament as a wildcard inclusion.
Game of Thrones was filmed in Croatia
Yes, that’s right. The show that took America by storm was filmed in Croatia! With spectacular views over the Adriatic Coast, the beautiful walled medieval city of Dubrovnik provided the ideal filming location for King’s Landing, the House Baratheon seat and where the Lannister family resided.
Not only that, the Pearl of the Adriatic also provided the perfect backdrop for the luxurious and extravagant city of Canto Bight from Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi!
What’s more, Alfred Hitchcock, the master of suspense, got inspired by some wild birds off the Croatian coast to create the spine-chilling movie “The Birds.”
Not only that, according to Alfred Hitchcock, he stated that…
Zadar, Croatia Sunsets Are “The Most the Beautiful in the World”
Located on Croatia’s stunning Dalmatian Coast, Zadar is considered one of the best places in the world to watch the day come to its close!
The unique feature that makes Zadar sunsets extra special is the Sea Organ, an architectural sound art installation situated on the city’s waterfront. As the waves of the Adriatic Sea interact with a series of underwater pipes, they create harmonious and hauntingly beautiful musical sounds. Perfect accompaniment for the most beautiful sunset in Croatia!
Not only is Zadar one of the best places to watch the sunset, it is the oldest continuously inhabited city in Croatia, making it a popular tourist attraction for visitors to Croatia.
Croatia Is Home to Ten UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Croatia may be a small country, but it’s bursting with cultural and natural wonders! With ten UNESCO World Heritage Sites, you can explore ancient cities like Dubrovnik and Split or marvel at the stunning waterfalls in Plitvice Lakes National Park.
Other historic gems include, the Diocletian’s Palace in Split, the mosaics in Poreč, the Stari Grad Plain on Hvar Island, and so much more. Croatia’s mix of history and breathtaking nature parks and nature reserves make it a truly unforgettable place to visit.
Suggestion: For more UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Europe, check out intruiguing facts about Lithuania.
Pula Arena Is One of the Best-Preserved Roman Amphitheaters in the World
It was constructed during the 1st century AD and is estimated that it could hold between 20,000 to 23,000 spectators!
Pula Arena is an architectural marvel that continues to captivate visitors to this day. Imagine standing before its imposing circular shape and beautiful outer façade crafted with an exquisite combination of limestone and local Istrian stone. Spectacular!
The World’s Smallest Town in the World Can Be Found in Croatia
Hum, located in Croatia is such a small town, that it has only about 28 inhabitants!
Despite its size, Hum has an extraordinary charm that makes it a delightful and off-the-beaten-path destination for travellers seeking a truly one-of-a-kind experience.
Beyond the Beaches: Amazing Facts About Croatia’s Nature and National Parks
Croatia is blessed with 8 national parks and 11 nature parks. Making it the best place for nature enthusiasts and outdoor lovers to visit. Let’s take a look at all of the parks and what they offer:
- Plitvice Lakes. Boasts cascading waterfalls and crystalline lakes.
- Krka Park. Showcases impressive waterfalls and lush landscapes.
- Paklenica. Caters to hikers and climbers with its rugged canyons and peaks.
- Brijuni Park. Is situated on an archipelago and charms visitors with its wildlife and ancient ruins.
- Mljet Park. Features two picturesque saltwater lakes on an island.
- Risnjak Park. Explore a diverse flora and fauna to captivate nature lovers.
- Kornati Park. Located in North Dalmatia, boasts over 150 uninhabited islands, which are ideal for boating and diving.
- Northern Velebit Park. Offers pristine wilderness, breathtaking peaks and a diverse range of wildlife, for unforgettable adventures in the heart of nature.
The best parks in Croatia for you to explore totally depend on your own personal interests and preferences. There are quite a few to explore and each as their own something special to offer visitors.
Plitvice Lakes is the most popular national park due to its picture postcard ideal of Croatia. If you can only visit one national park in Croatia, then this is the right place to visit!
Croatian Language is Closely Related Other Slavic Languages
The official language of Croatia is basically cousins with Serbian, Bosnian, Slovenia and other South Slavic languages. A fascinating similarity exists in their word for ‘thank you,’ where the magic phrase ‘hvala’ gracefully works its charm across all these languages!
Croatian was formally recognised as one of the official languages of the European Union only in 2013. While fashionably late to the EU party, Croatian has since taken its well-deserved place among the distinguished languages of the bloc.
No, Dalmatian Dogs Did Not Originate From the Region of Dalmatia in Croatia.
Even if they do, there is no concrete evidence to support the claim. These spotty cuties have quite the history, with ancient Egyptian tombs and artwork showing dogs that look just like them!
Some believe Dalmatians may have roots in ancient times. Others point to their association with British coaching and firefighting in more recent history.
The origin story might remain a mystery forever and while Dalmatia in Croatia has nothing to do with the dogs, one thing we can all agree on: a Dalmatian dog is adorable!
Croatia has played a huge role in world history
While you are exploring Croatia’s enchanting landscapes, don’t forget to celebrate the country’s inventive spirit! Here’s a list incredible inventions that originated in Croatia, with their respective years of invention:
- Necktie (17th century): The Croatians gave us the stylish necktie, adding a splash of elegance to our wardrobes.
- Parachute (1910): Embrace your inner adventurer and thank the Croatians for making sky-high dreams a reality.
- Ballpoint Pen (1938): Say goodbye to messy ink spills, as Croatia’s invention revolutionised writing on the go.
Rijeka Festival – Croatia’s Most Popular Annual Celebration
Known for its maritime heritage, cultural diversity and captivating historical sites, Rijeka is a fascinating destination for both history buffs and modern-day travellers.
The annual Rijeka Festival is Croatia’s largest and most popular carnival event, attracting thousands of visitors every February!
The city streets come alive with a vast array of dazzling costumes, mesmerising masks and spirited dancers. All moving to the rhythm of traditional folk music. The atmosphere is electric and you’ll find yourself caught up in a whirlwind of excitement and laughter as everyone joins in the party atmosphere.
The heart of the festival lies in the spectacular parade, where intricately designed floats glide through the city, showcasing the creativity and craftsmanship of the locals.
As the day gives way to the night, the party continues with lively music performances, dance-offs and an array of delectable traditional treats to savour. Whether you’re an eager participant or a keen spectator, the Rijeka Festival promises a memorable experience that will leave you with cherished memories of Croatia’s rich cultural heritage.
Wrapping up Interesting facts about Croatia
Have the many interesting Croatia facts featured made you want to pack your bags to visit this European gem?
Don’t miss out on this enchanting country that offers a unique blend of old-world charm and modern delights. Whether you’re exploring its historic cities, basking in the sun on its pristine beaches, or immersing yourself in its vibrant festivals, Croatia promises an unforgettable adventure filled with excitement and joy.
So, add Croatia to the top of your travel bucket list and let this paradise work its magic on you! Happy travels and “Sretan put!” (have a nice trip!)!
For further interesting facts about Croatia, check out Visit Croatia.
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WOW! A thousand islands, I had no idea!! Also, didn’t know Tesla was born there. Lots of great info here!
Thanks so much for linking up at the #UnlimitedLinkParty 123. Pinned.
Croatia truly is so fascinating, alongside being so beautiful and picturesque! Thank you for stopping by Dee!
Oh wow wow wow such beauty. Would love to visit, but alas …
Thank you for sharing your links with us at #272 SSPS Linky. See you again next week.
Croatia seems to have everything I would love to explore – those waterfalls are magnificent and the history and ancient architecture grab my interest. #MMBC
The waterfalls and the National Parks are beautiful! Dubrovnik is so popular thanks to Game of Thrones, it was hands down the best location to use!
I love Croatia – the waterfalls and national parks are amazing, I loved sailing around Hvar and the food is simple but really delicious :o)
#MMBC
Croatia is a European gem, it really is beautiful! To experience it whilst sailing around must have been amazing, seeing it from a different perspective!
This is amazing. I love traveling, but Croatia has never been on my radar–but it looks like a fantastic place to travel to and explore. That sunset photo is stunning. Thanks for sharing these facts. Pinning! What a neat place. Visiting from Grammy’s Grid Unlimited Link Party.
It looks like such a gorgeous place! Adding to my bucket list!
I didn’t know much about Croatia until now. What an interesting read. It looks such a beautiful country and I had no idea it had so many islands. #MMBC
Game of Thrones was not the only movie filmed in Croatia, In 1962, the first movie about Winnetou, the Apache Indian chief, and his companion Old Shatterhand was filmed at Plitvice Lakes, Krka National Park, the Zrmanja river canyon, Vrlika, and Paklenica national park. In one part of the movie where Apaches are sitting around the fire, you can shortly spot a train in the background going towards Knin. Croatia’s nature can be extremely beautiful, so many very special places out there. I love the mountains the most, specially Velebit and Gorski Kotar. Magical places.
What a beautiful and intriguing country Croatia is. I remember having a builder in once who loved to holiday in Croatia and would talk about it all the time. I didn’t learn many of these facts from him though. (apart from maybe the beautiful sunsets.) #MMBC
Oh wow! Croatia looks beautiful. Definitely one for the bucket list.