Explore the stunning mountain village of Motovun, dive into the rugged beauty of Paklenica National Park, indulge in traditional fish dishes on the historic island of Vis, discover the untouched wilderness of Dinara Nature Park or unwind on the car-free island of Silba. Are you ready to be enchanted by these hidden Croatian gems? 01 ■The most beautiful mountain village of Istria: MotovunMotovun lies in the north of Istria and is one of Croatia's most beautiful mountain villages. The medieval village is home to just over 500 residents and sits atop a hill around 277 metres above sea level. Motovun is recognisable by its historic city walls.  Motovun villiage in Croatia. Credits Dejan Hren.  Motovun village in Croatia. Credits Zoran Jelaca. Stroll through the beautiful city gates and relax at one of the charming terraces for a magical view. Motovun is renowned for its truffles, which have been found in the wooded surroundings for years. So, don't forget to order a truffle dish during your visit! 02 ■Paklenica National Park: a paradise for hikers and climbersHiking enthusiasts are in the right place in Paklenica National Park, located about 45 minutes from Zadar. Expect rugged canyons, limestone peaks and spectacular views. The park was established in 1949 and covers 95 square kilometres.  Paklenica National Park in Croatia. Credits Ivo Biocina.  Paklenica National Park in Croatia. Credits Julien Duval. The park includes the Velika Paklenica Canyon and the highest peaks Vaganski vrh (1757 m) and Sveto brdo (1753 m). Especially rock climbers can reach highlights here, as the park has about 400 marked climbing routes. Additionally, there are plenty of hiking trails and special mountain biking paths to explore the surroundings. 03 ■Traditional fish dishes, history and beautiful sunsets on VisCroatia has more than 1150 islands and Vis is one of them. Here, you won't find mass tourism, but rather authentic Croatian culture. It's about a 2.5-hour boat ride from Split to this beautiful island with blue waters and pristine beaches. The island has a long maritime history and fishing was long its main industry.  Vista from the Island of Vis in Croatia. Credits Zoran Jelaca.  Komiza village at the Island of Vis in Croatia. Credits Ivo Biocina. Take a bike tour around the island, book a wine tasting, make a pit stop in the old fishing village of Komiža and taste the traditional Dalmatian fish dish Brudet. Interested in history? Visit Tito's Cave, where Yugoslav leader Josip Tito hid in the caves. For the best sunset, head to the beautiful Fort George! 04 ■An untouched wilderness experience in Dinara ParkConserving authentic nature is a priority in Dinara Nature Park. Think of rich geological diversity and wild flora and fauna! The Dinara Nature Park is almost 63,000 hectares in size and is located in the Dinaric Alps in Croatia, near the border with Bosnia.  Dinara Nature Park in Croatia. Credits Aleksandar Gospic.  Dinara Nature Park in Croatia. Credits Zoran Jelaca. From Split, it's a little over 2 hours by car. The park was established on 5 February 2021 and is therefore still very new. From marshes, rocks, forests and even caves, Dinara Park continues to surprise and is ideal for experienced hikers and nature lovers. 05 ■Relax on the car-free Silba and climb the 'Tower of Love'Car-free streets, picturesque villages and crystal-clear blue waters. Silba is perfect for travellers seeking peace and simplicity. Silba is a car-free island and belongs to the North Dalmatian island group. About 600 people live on this small island and goods are transported by tractor. The easiest way to reach this hidden gem is by boat from Zadar, which takes about an hour and a half.  'Tower of Love' at the Island of Silba in Croatia. Credits Toreta from Shutterstock.  The Island of Silba in Croatia. Credits Velibor Jakupović / Croatian Tourist Board. Order fresh fish in the local taverns or enjoy the sun on the idyllic beaches with azure blue water. You mustn't leave the island without visiting the 'Tower of Love', also known as the Marinić tower. This tower was built in 1872 as a symbol of love and loyalty. From the spiral staircase, you have a breathtaking view of the Adriatic Sea! Unlocking Croatia's hidden gemsEscape the crowds and delve into the lesser-known wonders of Croatia. From quaint villages to breathtaking natural landscapes, these off the beaten path destinations offer a glimpse into the authentic beauty and culture of this captivating country. Whether you're seeking adventure or tranquility, Croatia's hidden treasures await your discovery. 
Hanan I travel the world to find unexpected stories. 28 March 2024
Comments are closed.
|
