Croatia: The Pearl of the Adriatic

Located at the intersection of Central Europe, the Balkans and the Mediterranean, Croatia is a beautiful country with natural beauty, islands, crystal-clear waters and historical character. The country, which has a Dalmatian coastal type, has nearly 1000 islands and islets, and Croatia hosts thousands of tourists each year for both seaside holidays and cultural visits. Although there are many islands and cities to visit, in this article I have compiled for you the capital Zagreb, Dubrovnik which receives the most tourists, Hvar Island with its crystal-clear waters, and Rovinj, which many travel magazines have selected as the 'Most Beautiful Coastal Town'. Called the 'Pearl of the Adriatic' by English poet Lord Byron, Croatia, alongside its blue waters, attracts tourists with its striking stone structures and history. The region, which was once within the borders of the Byzantine Empire, experienced many changes throughout history. The region that united with Hungary at one point came under the protection of the Ottoman Empire for a period. In recent history, it was part of the states that formed Yugoslavia. Carrying traces of this eventful history, Croatia ranks among the most beautiful Balkan countries. Croatia has been a member of the European Union since 2013 and can be visited with a Schengen visa. Its currency is the Kuna. Before your trip, it is sufficient to convert your money to euros. You can exchange euros for kunas at exchange offices in Croatia. [caption id="attachment_144579" align="aligncenter"] Zagreb[/caption] Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, is not a beach holiday destination but offers you a wonderful cultural visit opportunity. The city attracts attention with its medieval town-style structures and baroque architecture, and at the same time is a lively city. Although Croatia generally appears peaceful, it also attracts attention with its lively city life. Places that must be visited in Zagreb are Jelacic Square, Zagreb Cathedral, Dolac Market, Tkalciceva Street and St. Mark Church. Jelacic Square: The city's main square, you can reach this square from Bogoviceva Street. The square opens to many streets and takes its name from the Josip Jelacic statue located in the center of the square. Zagreb Cathedral: This cathedral was built on top of a structure that was destroyed by the Tatars in the 1200s. The cathedral, which draws attention with its Neo-Gothic style, contains many religious artworks and sacred objects inside. This cathedral was used as a watchtower during the period when the Ottoman Empire dominated the region. Dolac Market: Dolac Market, a daily farmers market, is a place where locals shop daily. This market area, where you can find everything, also attracts considerable interest from tourists. Tkalciceva Street: The city's liveliest street and most of the popular venues are located on this street. St. Mark Church: St. Mark Church, whose history dates back to the 13th century, draws attention especially with its roof decorations. You can reach the church with a short walk from Tkalciceva Street. The structure, where Romanesque and Gothic architecture come together, has a different character compared to the city's general style. Zagreb is a city that can be visited in a short time, so it can be visited even for a weekend. The best time to visit Zagreb is the December period. The city's Christmas market is very beautiful and has been selected as one of the most beautiful Christmas markets for years. For this reason, you can enjoy the city during the last week of December and at Christmas time. [caption id="attachment_144580" align="aligncenter"] Dubrovnik[/caption] Dubrovnik, one of the cities that receives the most tourists in Croatia, has a captivating nature. Dubrovnik, a combination of crystal-clear waters and Croatia's magnificent stone architecture, is surrounded by the finest examples of Renaissance and Baroque architecture. Dubrovnik, established between the 12th-17th centuries, is surrounded by walls. Walking through the streets of the historic town of Stari Grad from inside these walls, you feel as if you are walking through a completely different era, in a medieval town. The must-see places in Dubrovnik include Stradun Street, Franciscan Monastery, St. Blaise Church, Sponza Palace and Lovrijenac Fortress. Stradun Street: It runs through the center of Dubrovnik's historic section and is an area that attracts intense interest from tourists. Franciscan Monastery: The monastery was built outside the walls surrounding the city in the 13th century. However, it suffered severe damage in the earthquake of 1667. The pharmacy area located inside the monastery is the 3rd oldest still-operating establishment in the world. St. Blaise Church: The construction of this structure was undertaken by architect and sculptor Mario Gropelli. The church draws attention especially with its rich interior design. Sponza Palace: The palace was built at the beginning of the 16th century. The palace, which takes its name from the word 'spongia', meaning cistern in Turkish, was used as a school, customs office, armory and even a bank. Dubrovnik's Memorial Room is located at the entrance of the palace, and here are black and white photographs of people who lost their lives while defending the city. Lovrijenac Fortress: Lovrijenac Fortress, where the Game of Thrones series was filmed, is visited by thousands of tourists each year. Located 37 meters above sea level, the fortress is situated on the western side of the city's waters. The fortress hosts various events and festivals. Dubrovnik experiences a tourist influx each year because it is the city where the Game of Thrones series was filmed. For this reason, the city is somewhat touristy and expensive. Dubrovnik is suitable for summer travel as it is a route where you can swim.

Rovinj

Rovinj is, in my opinion, the most impressive place among the ones I have mentioned and has been deemed worthy of the title 'Most Beautiful Coastal Town' by many travel magazines. Located on the Istrian Peninsula in northwestern Croatia, Rovinj is built on a hill from which you can observe the Adriatic Sea. Rovinj is a magnificent destination with its colorful houses, baroque churches, narrow streets, and seaside houses. At the same time it is a lively town. Nightlife never stops in its center, everywhere is bustling. There are many areas in the island's coves for swimming. The region, which was once controlled by the Venetians, bears traces of Venetian style. Walking through the streets, you feel as if you are in Italy. You should definitely visit the center of the old town in Rovinj. In the old town, the Medieval Town Gate, Carrera Street, Balbi Arch and St. Euphemia Cathedral are must-see places. Balbi Arch: Balbi Arch takes its name from Daniel Balbi, the mayor at the time. St. Euphemia Cathedral: St. Euphemia Cathedral, in Baroque style, visible from the town's skyline, was built by the Venetians who dominated the region in the 17th century. Rovinj is also quite famous for its beaches. Local residents even jump into the sea from the rocks surrounding the island. Rovinj's rock-hidden coves are particularly striking. For example, Monte Beach is right next to St. Euphemia in the old town and looks like a pool covered with rocks on three sides. You can descend here by stairs. Lone Bay is another cove where you can swim. This one is surrounded by pine forests.   [caption id="attachment_144582" align="aligncenter"] Hvar[/caption]

Hvar

Hvar is an island famous for its natural beauty. To go to Hvar, you need to take a ferry from the city of Split. Reaching the island by ferry in two hours, Hvar is a route that can be chosen for a seaside holiday abroad with its blue flag clean beaches, historic coves and entertaining nightlife. If you have reached Hvar, you must visit Stari Grad, the old town, which is under UNESCO protection. Stari Grad, with its history-laden streets and colorful houses, is a must-see. The island of Hvar also has 20 islands around it. These islands are called the Pakleni Islands. You can visit these stunningly beautiful small islands with daily boat tours. Particularly with its pristine coves, Borovac, Jerolim famous for its crystal-clear coves and Marinkovac are among the islands to visit. You can also visit Stevi Klement, which is the largest among these islands. However, there are no beaches on the islands so it is much more practical to go prepared. If you have a portable chair and food and drinks with you, you can be much more comfortable while enjoying the sea. Another must-see spot on Hvar is the Franciscan Monastery and its beach. The monastery also houses an art gallery and musical events can be organized here. You can swim in the sea right in front of the monastery.  

Food and Drink in Croatia

Over the years, Croatia has developed a mixed cuisine by blending different cultures under its influence. Especially in a country famous for its olives and olive oils, olive oil-based dishes must be tried. While dishes made with seafood stand out in the coastal regions, further inland, vegetable and meat dishes showing the influence of Hungarian, Austrian and Turkish cuisine are prominent. You must try the sausages called Kulaneva or Kulan in Croatia. These sausages are made by blending many different spices. You should also try the food called Burek, which resembles a combination of stuffed rolls and pastry from our cuisine. Besides these, Cobanaca, a type of stew, is among the favorite foods of the local people. Croatia, which truly deserves the title Pearl of the Adriatic, is a country of different beauty throughout with its unpolluted coves and medieval town-like streets. You can add Croatia, where you can fully feel the Balkan warmth, to your travel plans.     Prepared by: Nilsu Kotil