Croatia — more than just stunning beaches
Croatia is a land in the shape of a dragon or, as others see it, a swallow. Well known for its summer destinations like Split, Dubrovnik, or Šibenik or national parks like Plitvice Lakes, Krka, and Kornati. But it is also a land where the tie was invented, where Nikola Tesla was born, where you will find completely different landscapes from region to region, and always someone to enjoy a coffee or a beer with at a local bar. This small country of 56.594 km² — a little bit bigger than Denmark-in the Balkans, where around 4 million people live, has much to offer to all wandering tourists. It borders Slovenia, Hungary, Bosnia and Hercegovina, Serbia, and Italy across the Adriatic sea. It is a land with more to offer than stunning beaches, so read on to find out what else to see in amazing Croatia.
REGION OF SLAVONIA
Slavonia is a historic region of Croatia which consists of the Sava and Drava valleys and the mountains surrounding the Požega Valley in the west and plains in the east. There you can visit State stud farm Lipik, ideal for animal and nature lovers, and learn how to horseback ride.
When thirsty, visit the oldest wine cellar in that part of Europe from 1232. There is a story that in 1741 even Empress Maria Theresa and Baron Franja Trenko spent a full seven days in it enjoying the loving powers of wine. Wine sort “Graševina” has taken root in Croatia so much that many experts consider it autochthonous. You can try it while traveling through 3 wine roads: Vineyard Požega-Pleternica, Vineyard Kutjevo, and Vineyard Pakrac. If you continue your path through nature, there is a nature park Papuk — a favorite destination for hiking, biking, paragliding, and having a picnic with the family. If you like adrenalin, there is an adrenalin park in Duboka with hanging bridges, zip lining, and a flying skateboard, which is also suitable for kids. After, you can relax at Sovsko lake, the last remnant of the Pannonian Sea in Croatia, while watching wading birds. All in all, Slavonia is full of nature and activities that go along, with many tasty things to try to satisfy your taste buds.
HRVATSKO ZAGORJE REGION
Hrvatsko Zagorje is a region separated from Zagreb by mountain Medvednica. It is a part of Croatia with a lot of hills, rich culture, and history, with people living there being known as very joyful. In Krapina, you will find the Museum of Krapin Neanderthals near the world’s most famous site of Neanderthal man. The locality itself is protected as the first paleontological nature monument in Croatia. Then the museum “Staro selo” in Kumrovec -the open-air museum that reveals all the beauty of the architecture of the region from the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th century. Also well known as the birthplace of Josip Broz Tito, president of Yugoslavia. A walk through the “Staro selo” Museum in Kumrovec is the magic of discovering tradition and preserved heritage. Near Kumrovec in Zelenjak, surrounded by Cesargrad castle ruins and river Sutla, lies a monument to the Croatian national anthem. It is a relaxing spot and a favorite stopping place for people as they can enjoy green surroundings and traditional Croatian food in the “Ventek” restaurant. Other than that, check out castle “Trakošćan“ near Varaždin and castle „Veliki Tabor“ in Desinić and enjoy this hilly, green region.
Every destination has hidden gems that are not so popular among tourists simply because they do notknow about them. Croatia is a country which you can visit all year round, and it is suitable for you who do not like to visit places which are too crowded and already seen. Enjoy your trip.