Thirty years ago, I fell in love with the rugged Croatian coast the moment I saw the crystal clear water for the first time.
I grew up on sandy lakes, not tropical waters, so spending hours watching sea cucumbers, small fish and crabs was something I had never seen or known before.
I've visited Croatia almost every year since then, and it still feels refreshingly authentic – unspoilt, peaceful, and not artificially tourist-oriented. Here are four of my favorite places in this country.
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Fans of Game of Thrones should go on a one-day trip to the island of Lokrum
Lokrum Island and Dubrovnik Old Town
| Kyohei Miyazaki / Shutterstock
If you have ever dreamed of sitting on the Iron Throne from the HBO series “Game of Thrones”, I highly recommend visiting the island of Lokrum, which “played” the city of Qarth in the series.
After a short 15-minute ferry ride from Dubrovnik, you can stroll through the gardens of the Benedictine monastery.
There is also a small exhibition dedicated to the series, with a replica of the Iron Throne.
And if you are not a fan of the series, there will also be plenty of attractions on the island. Don't miss swimming in the salt lake (Mrtvo More), relaxing on one of the secluded beaches, or taking photos of the many peacocks roaming freely.
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Relax on a quiet beach along the seaside promenade on the island of Rab
Beach in Rab
| Emese Maczko
Although many tourists choose Lopar and its sandy beaches, I prefer to spend time along the quiet seaside promenade between the towns of Palit and Rab.
This promenade is a place of simple pleasures – a morning jog, a delicious breakfast with a view or a refreshing swim. The energy here lasts all day as families swim, look for shells and eat ice cream.
The path is decorated with small beaches hidden in the shade of pine trees. In the summer, I love to relax there, listening to the rhythmic buzzing of cicadas – a sound so typically Croatian that I cannot imagine this time of year without it.
Rastoke looks like a fairy tale come to life
Rastoke
| DaLiu / Shutterstock
Located approximately 30 minutes from Plitvice Lakes National Park, Rastoke is more than just a charming village.
More than 20 waterfalls on the Slunjčica River, original mills, a fairy garden and an ecological museum make a visit to Rastoke like a journey back in time.
My children loved the fairy garden with hidden fairy figures, and I enjoyed walking along the wooden footbridge, discovering more waterfalls.
Imotski is one of Croatia's best hidden treasures
View of Modro Jezero
| Uhryn Larysa / Shutterstock
At the top of the plateau, overlooking Modre Jezioro (Modro Jezero), located in a karst depression, there is the town of Imotski.
I recommend starting your visit from the viewpoint of Modre Jezioro. When the water level is high (usually after rainfall in late spring and early summer), you can see people swimming in the lake.
However, the fun doesn't end during the rare moments when the lake dries up. There is a tradition that the empty funnel becomes the pitch for a football match between the Vilenjaci (Elves) and Vukodlaci (Werewolves) teams.
I also like to visit the Topana Fortress, located at the highest point of the city, and the nearby Crveno Jezero (Red Lake), which is also located in a sinkhole and offers almost unreal views.
No matter where you go in Croatia, I'm sure you'll want to come back for more – I certainly do.
The above text is a translation from American edition of Business Insider
I’m Ashley Davis as an editor, I’m committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accuracy in every piece we publish. My work is driven by curiosity, a passion for truth, and a belief that journalism plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse. I strive to tell stories that not only inform but also inspire action and conversation.
