Croatia

One of the districts of Zagreb, Croatia, is called Gornji Grad–Medveščak. The name Gornji Grad means "Upper Town" because of its historical position on the city's hillside, above Donji Grad ("Lower Town"). Situated in the city's center, the district is home to 30,962 people, who are dispersed throughout 10.19 km2 (3.93 sq mi), according to the 2011 census.There are many historical landmarks and tourist attractions in the Gornji Grad–Medveščak area. This region includes Gradec and Kaptol, the two separate medieval Zagreb centers that make up today's Upper Town. Gornji Grad is home to the Croatian Parliament, the city's cathedral, and the well-known pedestrian café strip Tkalčićeva. Other notable items may be found outside of the oldest historical towns, like the city's imposing cemetery, Mirogoj, which is farther north and was constructed since 1876.Four additional districts border it: Črnomerec to the west, Maksimir to the east, Podsljeme to the north, and Donji Grad to the south.Gornji Grad's most significant arterial route, Medveščak, runs between its southern and northern borders. It begins as a little Ribnjak street next to the Ribnjak park, widens and changes its name to Medveščak street until Gupčeva zvijezda, and then changes its name once again to Ksaver in the north.

On the peninsula of Split, Croatia's second-biggest city, is the hill known as Marjan. It is a unique site, entirely encircled by the city and the sea and covered in a dense Mediterranean pine forest. Originally utilized as a park by the locals as early as the third century, it is now a popular weekend getaway spot and a metropolitan recreational hub. Surrounded by a picturesque forest, it is also the location of a number of beaches, jogging routes, tennis courts, and the city zoo. The Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries (Institut za oceanografiju i ribarstvo, IZOR) is located at the tip of the peninsula. With a height of 178 meters, Marjan provides a view of the entire city, the neighboring islands, and the mountains of Kozjak and Mosor.Bene, Kašjuni, and Obojena beaches are situated at the base of Marjan Hill. At a height of 122 meters (400 feet), the maximum temperature recorded at the local weather station since records began in 1948 was 38.6 °C (101.5 °F) on July 5, 1950.On January 23, 1963, the lowest recorded temperature was -9.0 °C (15.8 °F). Marjan Park is well-known for both the sports it offers visitors and its natural beauty. Along with the various park excursions, the panoramic vista is one of the park's greatest features. In and around the park, there are also cafes, eateries, beaches, and places of worship.  

On the same-named island in Croatia's Split-Dalmatia County sits the town and port of Hvar. The town is the largest settlement on the island of Hvar, with 3,771 residents, while the municipality has 4,251 (2011) residents. It is located across from the neighboring towns of Stari Grad and Jelsa on a harbor on the island's south shore.The town of Hvar has a long and illustrious history as an Adriatic cultural and commercial hub. With a powerful stronghold above that surrounded the town walls and guarded the port, this commune, which was a part of the Venetian Empire from the 13th to the 18th century, was a significant naval base.[4] As wealth increased, so did cultural life, and one of Europe's oldest theaters still standing, which inaugurated in 1612, is located in Hvar.The walls, which date back seven hundred years, as well as numerous public structures and noble homes from the fifteenth to seventeenth centuries, are still standing.The Hygienic Society of Hvar (Higijeničko društvo u Hvaru), which celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2018, changed the course of the town's and the island's economy once the port of Hvar was no longer used as a military post in the 19th century. It was established in 1868 with the goal of offering "good care for visitors" and was one of the first "tourist boards" in Europe. The Arsenal, Loggia, the Croatian Institute, and the Hvar Heritage Museum with its art and archeological collections are only a few of the town's many hotels, galleries, museums, and exhibitions today.Located in a charming natural bay and shielded to the south by the Pakleni Otoci island series, the port of Hvar provides a year-round safe refuge for boats. Particularly during the summer, the village is a popular port of call for yachts traveling the Adriatic. The port of Hvar has frequent catamaran ferry services to Split, Brač, Korčula, Lastovo, and Vis.

One of Croatia's biggest and oldest national parks is Plitvice Lakes National Park. Because of its exceptional and charming network of tufa lakes, caverns, and interconnected waterfalls, Plitvice Lakes National Park was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1979.Established in 1949, the national park is located near the Bosnia and Herzegovina border in the mountainous karst region of central Croatia. The Croatian interior and the Adriatic coastline region are connected by the significant north-south route that runs through the national park area. Over 296.85 square kilometers, or 73,350 acres, make up the protected region. Lika-Senj County owns about 90% of this region, with Karlovac County owning the remaining 10%.With over a million people annually, the national park is Croatia's most visited tourist destination.Depending on the season, admission fees range from 10 to 40 euros per adult per day in the summer (as of 2024). The lakes of the national park are known across the world for their waterfall formations. From the surface, sixteen lakes are visible. Numerous tiny rivers and underground karst rivers come together to form these lakes. Each lake follows the flow of water and is connected to the others. Travertine, which is naturally deposited by moss, algae, and bacteria, acts as a dam between them. The interaction of water, air, and plants results in the especially delicate travertine barriers. In the middle of the Dinaric Alps, between the Lička Plješivica peak in the east and the Mala Kapela mountain in the west, the Plitvice Lakes have developed in a depression. The national park is situated near Slunj and Korenica on the D1 Zagreb–Split national highway, which runs across Bosnia and Herzegovina. Ogulin, Rakovica, Otočac, Gospić, and Bihać are some of the largest Bosnian municipalities in the vicinity.

Originally called Ragusa, Dubrovnik is a city by the Adriatic Sea in southern Dalmatia, Croatia. It is a seaport, the hub of Dubrovnik-Neretva County, and one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Mediterranean. There were 41,562 people living there as of 2021.The Old City of Dubrovnik was designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1979 in recognition of its exceptional medieval architecture and fortifications. When refugees from Epidaurum (Ragusa Vecchia) formed the town known as Ragusa in the 7th century, the city's history most likely began. Prior to being governed by the Republic of Venice, it was a protectorate of the Byzantine Empire. From the 14th century until the 19th century, Dubrovnik operated as a free state. Historically, the city's economy was derived from maritime trade; as the capital of the maritime Republic of Ragusa, it developed to a remarkable degree, especially in the 15th and 16th centuries, when its richness and diplomatic prowess made it noteworthy.At the same period, Croatian literature emerged from Dubrovnik. Poet Ivan Vidalić referred to it as the "crown of Croatian cities" in a letter to Nikola Nalješković (1564).In 1667, a severe earthquake nearly devastated the entire city. Following the French Empire's occupation of Dubrovnik during the Napoleonic Wars, the Republic of Ragusa was disbanded and merged into the Napoleonic Kingdom of Italy, which subsequently became part of the French Illyrian Provinces. 

Situated on Croatia's Adriatic coast, Zadar is a historic city renowned for its breathtaking fusion of medieval architecture and ancient Roman ruins. Zadar, one of the oldest cities in Croatia, has long been an important hub for politics and culture. The Roman Forum, the famous St. Donatus Church, and the stunning Zadar Cathedral are some of the city's historical landmarks. It is a unique tourism destination because of its rich tradition and contemporary, relaxed attitude. Zadar has stunning natural beauty in addition to its historical charm. Visitors can take in the Sun Salutation, an installation that harnesses the energy of the sun to illuminate the city at night, and the renowned Sea Organ, an architectural wonder that produces music from the movement of the sea. Zadar is a must-see location on the Croatian coast because of its crystal-clear waters, neighboring islands, and energetic old town, which offer the ideal balance of leisure and adventure.a

At the southernmost point of Croatia's Istrian Peninsula sits the historic seaside city of Pula. Pula is renowned for its magnificent Roman architecture and is home to the Pula Arena, one of the world's best-preserved Roman amphitheaters, which continues to hold events and performances. The city's varied architecture and culture reflect its rich history, which spans more than 3,000 years and was impacted by Roman, Venetian, Austro-Hungarian, and Yugoslav authority. In addition to its historical charm, Pula has beautiful beaches, clear waters, and lush pine trees in a laid-back Mediterranean setting. The nearby Brijuni National Park, a group of charming islands off the coast, is a haven for history buffs and nature lovers. Pula's distinctive blend of natural beauty, vibrant beach life, and old tradition makes it the perfect destination for both relaxing holidays and cultural exploration.

Croatia's capital, Zagreb, is a dynamic fusion of contemporary vitality and historic charm. Known for its vibrant street culture, Austro-Hungarian architecture, and rich history, Zagreb lies tucked away between the Sava River and the southern slopes of the Medvednica Mountain. The city's Lower Town (Donji Grad) has tasteful 19th-century architecture, museums, and verdant gardens, while the Upper Town (Gornji Grad) boasts cobblestone streets, Gothic churches, and old government buildings. Zagreb has a laid-back lifestyle despite being a capital. Locals like to meander through open markets like Dolac and sip coffee in outdoor cafés. A thriving art scene, oddball museums (such the Museum of Broken Relationships), and seasonal festivals that liven up the city's streets are additional highlights. Without the throngs of tourists found in more touristy cities, Zagreb offers a pleasant and genuine European experience with its blend of history, culture, and a friendly atmosphere.

Zagreb, the capital city of Croatia, is a charming blend of history, culture, and modern vibrancy. Nestled between the southern slopes of the Medvednica mountain and the Sava River, it serves as the political, economic, and cultural heart of the country. The city is divided into two main parts: the historic Upper Town (Gornji Grad), with its cobbled streets, medieval churches, and iconic St. Mark’s Church; and the more modern Lower Town (Donji Grad), known for its elegant Austro-Hungarian architecture, museums, and lively squares. What makes Zagreb unique is its relaxed, welcoming atmosphere combined with a rich cultural scene. Visitors can enjoy everything from world-class art galleries and music festivals to cozy cafés and bustling open-air markets like Dolac Market. The city is also famous for its museums—like the quirky Museum of Broken Relationships—and a vibrant café culture that reflects its Central European influences. Zagreb offers a perfect mix of urban sophistication and historic charm, making it a great base for exploring both the city and the rest of Croatia.  

Croatia is a beautiful country in Southeast Europe that shares borders with Bosnia and Herzegovina to the southeast, Serbia to the east, Slovenia to the northwest, and Hungary to the northeast. To the west is a lengthy coastline that stretches along the Adriatic Sea. Croatia is well-known for its varied landscapes, which include stunning islands, stunning beaches, pristine waterways, and a fascinating past. Roman, medieval, and Renaissance architectural styles may be seen in the nation's cities, with the capital Zagreb, Split, and Dubrovnik standing out as important centers of culture and history. The islands of Croatia, like Hvar and Brač, are well known for their stunning natural surroundings and exciting nightlife. Throughout its lengthy history, Croatia has been influenced by the Romans, Venetians, and Austrians, contributing to its rich cultural legacy. Its significance in European history is demonstrated by its UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which include the old town of Dubrovnik and the ancient city of Diocletian's Palace in Split. Along with its wine regions, the nation is renowned for its Mediterranean and Central European-inspired cuisine. Since its successful entry into the European Union, Croatia has grown in popularity as a travel destination, providing travelers with the ideal fusion of natural beauty, historical charm, and contemporary attractions.