Croatia

• • • • • Croatia is a European country occupying an area of 56,594 km2(21,851 sq mi). As observed on the physical map of Croatia, despite its relatively small size, the landscape is considerably diverse. It is made up of fertile and mostly flat plains in the north, and low mountains and highlands along the coast. The Dinaric Alps and a few smaller mountain ranges (Velebit and Velika Kapela) slice through the country, with the highest point rising to 6,005 ft. (1,831m). The highest point has been marked on the map by a yellow upright triangle. Along the Dalmatian coast, as well as on most of Croatia's offshore islands, the land is hilly, rocky and steep. Natural water sources are numerous, and the country's biggest lake, Lake Vrana, extends over 12 sq. miles (30 sq. km). However, the Plitvice lakes are the most famous and are composed of a group of 16 different small lakes connected by waterfalls. Europe's second-largest river, the Danube, forms the far northeastern border with Serbia. Other major rivers include the Drava, Krka and Save. Counties of Croatia Map Croatia (officially, the Republic of Croatia) is administratively divided into 20 counties (zupanije, zupanija - singular) and 1 city with special county status (grad - singular). In alphabetical order,the counties are: Bjelovarsko-Bilogorska(Bjelovar-Bilogora), Brodsko-Posavska (Brod-Posavina), Dubrovacko-Neretvanska (Dubrovnik-Neretva), Istarska (Istria), Karlovacka (Karlovac), Koprivnicko-Krizevacka (Koprivnica-K...

The star of this seafront city is its wealth of Roman architecture, namely the Pula Arena. Constructed between 27 BC and 68 AD, the amphitheater is remarkably intact and is still used as a venue for concerts and festivals. Even non-history buffs will enjoy the city's seaside cafes, Lighting Giants art installation, and Aquarium Pula. Located on the northern Dalmatian Coast, Zadar is a quirky addition to any Croatia itinerary. Aside from its historic old town and string of beaches, the city boasts two particularly unique attractions: Sea Organ, a structure that plays music using the movement of the waves; and The Greeting to the Sun, an installation that collects the sun’s energy during the day, then plays a trippy light show from sunrise to Twitter Condé Nast Traveler does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published by Condé Nast Traveler is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. More from Condé Nast Traveler • • • • Contact • • • • • • Do Not Sell My Personal Info © 2023 Condé Nast. All rights reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Condé Nast Traveler may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Con...

Travel during the off-season is a good option. While flights might be fewer and ferries might be less frequent or cover fewer routes, the weather is mild on the coast during the winter, and historic centers that would be otherwise packed with tourists can be visited more freely and easily. But you might get hit with snow and cold weather in inland cities if you travel in the wintertime. Traveling Around Croatia Croatia's coast and inland regions offer impressive views, ancient monuments, local delicacies, natural wonders, and memorable experiences. Many travelers choose to explore the coastline, which is accessible via the Adriatic Highway. This highway curves around bays and clings to cliff sides, following the country's western edge from the north to the south. Along the way, many ancient towns and cities welcome visitors, who stop to view ancient architecture from the Greek and Roman eras.

United Nations appeals judges have significantly expanded the convictions of two allies of late Serbian President Slobodan Milosevic, holding them responsible for involvement in crimes across Bosnia and in one town in Croatia as members of a joint criminal plan to drive out non-Serbs from the areas during the Balkan wars The third geographic region, the Croatian littoral, is composed of the Drainage Of the 26 rivers that flow for more than 30 miles (50 km) in Croatia, the Kupa, which forms part of the frontier between Slovenia and Croatia, and the Cetina rivers are of particular importance because of their hydroelectric potential and because they flow into the Adriatic Sea. In addition, a great deal of water circulates in underground rivers and pools in the karstic regions of the central mountain belt and the littoral. These waters account for many of the Soils The Pannonian and para-Pannonian plains are enriched with alluvial soil deposited by the Sava and Drava rivers. These plains are the most fertile agricultural regions of Croatia and form the country’s breadbasket. The soil of the central mountainous belt is rather poor but offers some cultivable land in the fields and meadows and some grazing land in the plateaus. The Croatian littoral is mostly mountainous and barren, with rocky soil and poor agricultural land. Climate Two main climatic zones dominate Croatia. The Pannonian and para-Pannonian plains and the mountain regions are The Dalmatian coast, Istria, and the ...

Croatia makes quite a splash. With Grade 3 and 4 rafting and kayaking available on rivers that gush through lush forest, and sea kayaking on the coast, it's the perfect place to paddle. For a different pace, dive into the Adriatic's graveyard of vessels, clamber limestone cliffs or sail between 1200 islands.

Greenery and waterfalls converge at Plitvice Lakes National Park © Shutterstock / weniliou 2. Plitvice Lakes National Park Best for spectacular waterscapes A turquoise ribbon of lakes linked by gushing waterfalls in the forested heart of continental Croatia, Unesco-listed There are 16 interconnected lakes, the 2.35km-long (1.5 miles) Kozjak being the largest, plus dozens of smaller ones – some just reed-fringed ponds. Travertine expanses covered with mossy plants divide the lakes, whose startling colors are a product of the underlying bedrock. Wooden boardwalks allow you to easily traverse this exquisite watery world. Planning tip: Entry tickets are limited to avoid overcrowding. Be sure to book online in advance. 4. Mljet Best for epic landscapes Cloaked in dense pine forests, marvelous The entire western section of Mljet is a national park, where you’ll find two sublime cobalt-colored lakes, an island monastery and the sleepy little port of Pomena, which is as pretty as a bouquet. Don’t neglect eastern Mljet, home to some tranquil little bays and brilliant beaches. Remote Vis Island boasts some incredible bays and beaches © xbrchx / Shutterstock 7. Vis Island Best for hidden bays and coves Mamma Mia! 2 put it on everyone’s list. The port of Vis, neighboring Kut and Komiža at the western end are the island's major towns, made up of lovely stone townhouses and seaside promenades. The hidden bays and rocky coves of its southern coast are best explored by boat, especially po...