Explore Croatia’s Rich Heritage with iBestTravel
Northern Velebit National Park
Forget about “Game of Thrones.” You can explore the fictional kingdoms of Westeros without sword fights and scheming. Much of the fantasy series was filmed in Croatia. The Northern Velebit National Park covers 109 square kilometers of a larger mountain range that bends around the Adriatic coast. It has designated trails for biking, hiking, and horseback riding and is also home to Croatia’s deepest mountain cave. The Lukina jama plunges to a depth of more than 1,400 meters.
Northern Velebit National Park, Lika – Karlovac; +385 53 665 380; entry from $8 per person age 14+
Veli Rat lighthouse overlooks crystal clear Adriatic Sea waters on the southwestern cape of Dugi otok. You can visit the 42-meter-tall “Dalmatian guardian of the open sea” year-round and stay overnight in the three-bed or four-bed suites. Lighthouse Veli Rat, Road D109, Dugi otok; +385 21 390 609; from €649 ($895) per night
An hour’s drive north from Zagreb, Trakošćan is a 13th-century fortress that was part of the northwestern Croatian defense system. Inside, the museum has a collection of books, paintings, furniture, and weapons. There are scenic hiking trails along the 2.4-kilometer-long artificial lake. Trakošćan Castle, Trakošćan 1, Central Croatia; +385 42 796 281; entry from $5.50/adult, $2.70/child
The hilly vineyards above the Danube river have made Erdut a popular wine destination. The region is home to a 150-year-old oak barrel with a capacity of 75,000 liters. Erdut, Slavonia; +385 31 595 001
In northern Istria, the village of Motovun-Montona overlooks the Mirna River Valley from its hilltop site. To the delight of foodies, the Motovun Forest along the river is rich in truffles. Motovun-Montona, Istria; +385 52 681 726
The theater opened to great ceremony in 1895 in Croatia’s capital city. Designed by celebrated Viennese architectural firm Helmer and Fellner, the theater has hosted performers including Franz Liszt, Laurence Olivier, and Vivien Leigh. Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb, Trg marsala Tita 15, Zagreb; +385 14 888 418
