Croatia: Your Next Must-Visit Destination for Unforgettable Adventures
Experience the magic of Croatia, a dazzling paradise nestled along the azure waters of the Adriatic Sea. With its sun-kissed beaches, ancient towns, and stunning natural landscapes, Croatia promises an unforgettable adventure. Stroll through the enchanting streets of Dubrovnik, often referred to as the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” where history whispers from every stone. Venture into the breathtaking beauty of Plitvice Lakes, where cascading waterfalls and crystal-clear lakes create a fairy-tale setting. Indulge in the mouthwatering flavours of Croatian cuisine, from freshly caught seafood to exquisite local wines that tantalize the taste buds. Whether you’re exploring the historic ruins of Split or sailing among the idyllic islands, Croatia’s charm and warm hospitality make it the perfect destination for travellers seeking both relaxation and excitement. Discover why Croatia is the hidden gem of Europe and create memories that will last a lifetime. Start planning your Croatian getaway today and let your dream vacation begin!
UAE citizens can enjoy visa-free travel to Croatia for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism, business or family visits. Just ensure your passport is valid for at least three months beyond your stay, have proof of accommodation, a return or onward ticket, and be prepared to show sufficient financial means for your trip. While travel insurance isn’t mandatory, it’s recommended to have coverage for medical emergencies. Upon arrival, you may undergo routine customs checks, so having all necessary documents ready will ensure a smooth entry into Croatia.
Dubrovnik Old Town
My first foray into Croatia was a visit to Dubrovnik. And it was because of Dubrovnik that I became forever hooked on Croatia. Dubrovnik, Croatia’s most glamorous tourist destination and a UNESCO World Heritage site, centers on the magnificent Old Town area, contained within sturdy medieval defensive walls. Any first-time sightseeing tour of the city should begin with a walk around the Old Town Walls.
The Stradun in Dubrovnik
You’ll likely enter the Old Town through the famous Pile Gate, built in 1537 and one of the city’s most impressive structures. From high up on the walls, you can enjoy amazing views over the Old Town rooftops and out across the glistening Adriatic Sea. Other fun things to do in Dubrovnik include exploring the Stradun, a wide 300-meter-long pedestrian thoroughfare lined with boutiques, cafés, and restaurants that are famous for their white limestone cobblestones.
Plitvice National Park
Croatia’s most visited inland attraction, Plitvice Lakes National Park (Nacionalni park Plitvicka jezera) encompasses steep forested hillsides surrounding 16 emerald-blue lakes connected by a succession of thundering waterfalls. A network of footpaths and wooden bridges crisscrosses the park (the country’s first national park), and the entrance ticket includes boat rides across the lakes. Thanks to the lush pristine nature, the park is a haven for wild animals, including wolves and bears (though they are timid, so you are unlikely to see them) as well as owls, eagles, and falcons.
Hvar Town
Many tourists visit Croatia to explore the blissful Dalmatian islands, of which the most fashionable is Hvar. Here, the trendy city of Hvar is home to some of the country’s top hotels and best seafood restaurants. Dating back to the years spent under Venetian rule (1420-1797), its car-free Old Town is made up of a spacious main square overlooked by a 16th-century cathedral, a pretty fishing harbor, and a hilltop fortress. Hvar is popular with yachters and celebrities, as well as travelers who come here to enjoy its beaches and water sports. It is served by ferry from Split.
Diocletian’s Palace in Split
Split, Croatia’s second biggest city after Zagreb, was established within the ancient Roman walls of the huge Diocletian Palace (Dioklecijanova palaca). Situated overlooking the Adriatic Sea, it was built by Roman Emperor Diocletian, who retired here in AD 305. Square in plan – it’s more fortress than palace and actually housed the Emperor’s personal garrison – the palace has four monumental gates, three accessible from the land, and one that originally opened directly onto the water.
Diocletian’s Palace
A fun thing to do at night is to visit and enjoy the illuminated ruins, while during the day, concerts and entertainment are frequently held. The Old Town is a pedestrian-only zone and has been proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The best way to access the palace is to walk through the city’s southern gate. It’s the gate directly in front of the St. Dominic Church. Once you pass through the gate, the palace will be directly on your left.
Rovinj
Located in northwest Croatia, on the Istrian peninsula, the Venetian-era seaside town of Rovinj is made up of pastel-colored houses ringing a pretty fishing harbor and presided over by a hilltop church with an elegant bell tower. Besides the nearby pebble beaches, the main tourist attraction is the Batana Eco-Museum on the seafront, which tells the story of the batana, a type of wooden boat used by local fishermen. There are also plenty of top-rated hotels, up-market seafood restaurants, and art galleries to explore.
Zadar’s Romanesque Churches
Zadar’s car-free Old Town is built on a small peninsula jutting out onto Croatia’s Dalmatian coast. Said to be the country’s oldest continually inhabited city-it can trace its roots back as far as the Stone Age-its top tourist attractions are its many fine Romanesque churches, most of them built between the 9th and 13th centuries and filled with superbly preserved religious paintings and ornate golden treasures. Be sure to check out the 9th-century pre-Romanesque Church of St. Donatus; the 11th-century Church of St. Mary; the Cathedral of Anastasia and the Church of St. Chrysogonus, both from the 12th century.