Croatia is a delightful blend of the Eastern European and the Mediterranean and embodies the best of both worlds. Situated on the stunning eastern Adriatic Shore, this beautiful Balkan country will thrill the seasoned traveler with its unending array of historic sites, national parks and tranquil beaches.

Charismatic Croatia

The Croatian capital, Zagreb, is comparable to places like Prague and Budapest when it comes to old-world charm, and tourists should visit both the Upper and the Lower Towns - Gornji Grad and Donji Grad - in order to fully experience this ancient city. Highlights include a visit to the Medvednica Fortress and the progressive Museum of Contemporary Art.

Croatia is divided into three regions, which include Lowland Croatia, home to Kopački Rit, the largest natural wetlands in all of Europe, and Mountainish Croatia, where tourists are entranced by densely wooded areas and rugged mountains. Littoral Croatia consists of the country's stunning Adriatic coastline and features such popular holiday destinations as Dubrovnik in the south and Pula, with its colossal 6th century Roman amphitheatre that's simply called "The Arena", in the north.

Popular Croatian Destinations

Dubrovnik, with its UNESCO World Heritage Site Old City and gorgeous harbour area, is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Croatia. Not for nothing is whitewashed Dubrovnik called the "Pearl of the Adriatic", and its exquisite churches, including the Baroque Church of St Blaise and the Romanesque Franciscan Monastery attracts visitors from all over the world.

Cavtat, founded in the 6th century BC, is a short ferry ride away from Dubrovnik, and this trendy town attracts many visitors with its attractive blend of upscale holiday accommodations and first-rate local and international restaurants. Cavtat is also only 6km away from one of Croatia's best kept secrets: the hidden beach of Plat. With its sheltered sandy and pebbly beaches and calm seas, Plat is the ideal place to kick back and relax for day or two after the hustle and bustle of international travel.

Another Croatian must-see is the Euphrasian Basilica, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and which lies in the ancient city of Poreč. Visitors to Poreč should also make time to explore the Cave of Beredine with its fantastically shaped stalactites and stalagmites. The city of Rovinj is another extremely popular destination and is considered to be one of the most beautiful of all the Adriatic towns. Highlights include the Dvije Sestrice Islands, home to countless nesting seagulls, and the tranquil Limska Draga Fjord.

Coping in Croatia

Croatian is the country's official language although several other European languages - not including English - are also fairly common. It would therefore be wise to carry a Croatian-English dictionary and phrasebook at all times, especially when ordering food, unless one is comfortable choosing dishes with names like "maneštra od bobić" or "kulenova seka" without knowing what they are.

Croatia is a cosmopolitan mix of Eastern and Western Europe that will delight both the history and culture buff as well as the casual tourist.