Croatia, a country of rich cultural heritage and spectacular natural beauty, is known all over the world for its coast. However, in addition to the crystal clear Adriatic Sea, our beautiful country also offers a number of fascinating continental destinations that you should not miss. Discover something new beyond the coast, exploring the wonders that Croatia hides within its borders.
Exactly "Where to travel in Croatia except for the sea" is one of the most searched terms on search engines, and this list could help visitors in their research of Lijepa naše.
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Plitvice Lakes - a fairy tale in reality
/// Legend of the origin of Plitvice Lakes. There would be none without the Black Queen!
The Plitvice Lakes, located in the heart of Croatia, are often described as a true paradise on earth. The national park consists of 16 lakes connected by waterfalls and surrounded by lush forest. Visitors can explore the wooden paths that lead through this natural wonder, observing the play of colors from light blue to turquoise water. Plitvice Lakes are of UNESCO world heritage, and every corner of the park offers an opportunity for unforgettable experiences in untouched nature.
The Plitvice Lakes are the most famous and most visited Croatian national park, and it is special in every season. The colors of its lakes range from deep sapphire to light turquoise, depending on the time of day and the mineral content of the lake. Series of lake basins, four different hiking trails and thousands of plant species – in the Park, stunning scenes line up one after the other.
Krka National Park - breathtaking waterfalls
/ / / Skradinski buk - an unmissable destination of Krka National Park
Krka National Park, located on the Krka River, is known for its spectacular waterfalls. Visitors can explore a network of trails that lead to magical waterfalls. The park also abounds in flora and fauna, providing a unique experience of nature in the heart of Croatia.
Skradin noise in the National Park "Krka" It is the longest waterfall on the Krka River, and it is formed by travertine barriers, islands and lakes. It is the most famous and most visited waterfall on the Krka River, the longest travertine barrier in Europe, 200 to 400 meters wide, with a total height difference of 45,7 meters.
Skradinski buk can be seen all year round thanks to the network of paths and bridges, which enable a pleasant and safe walk. On Skradinski buk there are restored mills, rolling mills and stupas, which have been using the power of the water flow for centuries. While respecting the traditional architectural value, some mills have been arranged as souvenir shops, while others have been turned into exhibition spaces for the ethnographic collection.
Zagreb - the capital city with a soul
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Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, offers a mix of historical sites, art galleries and colorful markets. Visitors can wander through the narrow streets of Upper Town, exploring medieval landmarks such as the Stone Gate and the Church of St. Brand. The lower town offers a dynamic atmosphere with numerous shops, cafes and museums.
Zagreb is a metropolis that has the Maksimir forest park in its heart, but also a mountain - Ridge so it is also ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.
Baranja – an ethnological pearl
/// Baranja is calling you: Check if Baranja is real or a fairy tale
Baranja, located in the north-east of Croatia, is an ethnological pearl with a rich cultural heritage. Traditional country houses, wine cellars and numerous events reveal to visitors the soul of this rural area. Baranja is also famous for its vineyards and wine roads, providing an excellent opportunity to taste excellent wines because Baranya is the mother of wine in the literal translation of her name.
Kopački rit it is probably one of the favorite places visited by anyone who heads east to the Osijek Baranja county. If you want to experience primeval nature, nature in its full beauty, but also nature merciless and fierce, then visit Kopački rit. There you will face both the beauty of birth and the sadness of dying. Everything that nature can show in its endless diversity, you will find in the forests and waters of Kopački rit, which many call the European Amazon.
Međimurje – a green paradise in the northern part of the country
/// Why Međimurje? Check out what this green oasis hides
Međimurje, located in the north of Croatia, enchants visitors with its green beauty and rich cultural heritage. Vineyards, beautiful castles and traditional villages make this area special.
Why choose Međimurje for your vacation? Where to start from...? Natural heritage, culture, tradition, history, top wines and gastronomy, beautiful nature, friendly hosts, goldsmithing... In Međimurje you can even 700 kilometers of bike paths and driving through beautiful nature and terrain dotted with hills, forests, forest roads and marked bicycle paths.
They are also located there Terme Sveti Martin which consist of a series of active and relaxing activities: swimming pools, jacuzzis, massages and saunas. In the very place where the resort is now, back in 1913, thermal mineral healing water flowed when they were looking for oil.
Slavonia - the golden plain and the cultural heart of the East
/// Why is the village always IN and Slavonia totally cool?
Slavonia, known for its endless plains, represents the cultural heart of eastern Croatia. Visitors can explore traditional villages, enjoy gastronomic delicacies such as kulen and sausages, and experience rich folk music and dance.
Delicious traditional dishes made from local ingredients, socializing with hospitable hosts with excellent fruit brandies, attractive family farms and holiday homes, old, completely forgotten crafts in the modern world, top handicrafts and famous slings, a few wise sayings and time that seems slower flows - Srijem and Slavonian villages are real small stress free zones, safe havens from burnout. Charging is popular again. Tourism in Slavonia it's getting more and more interesting.
The city of Osijek is a Slavonian metropolis, located on the Drava River, offering beautiful architecture and numerous urban amenities. Numerous interesting events are held here that attract visitors to the Croatian east. Vinkovci is a town known for the discovery of the oldest Indo-European calendar, and it is also proud of the fact that it is the oldest continuous settlement in Europe and the cradle of European civilization. The Požega region with its Bećar Museum and famous wine story is definitely on the list of must-see places.
These destinations represent only a small part of the riches that Croatia offers beyond the coast. Explore all the wonders and discover that Croatia is not only a destination for sea lovers, but also for those seeking cultural and natural wonders with continental charm. Continental Croatia, unlike the coast, truly lives 365 days a year and you can visit it at any time of the year because the continent is always IN.
Cover photo: Osijek-Baranja County Tourist Board
