Treasures of Croatia

Eight national and 11 nature parks, two nature reserves, more than 1,200 islands and islets, the picturesque Adriatic coast, olive groves, vineyards and lavender fields, an ancient Roman amphitheater and the Great Croatian Wall, medieval castles and fortresses... This is just a small part of what Croatia offers to travelers. Let's talk about its treasures.

Visit the dawn of our era

The museum city of Pula, like a time machine, with its architecture takes us back two millennia to the ancient Romans. Its amphitheater, now known as Pula Arena, was one of the six largest in the Roman Empire. Not only is it the same age as the Colosseum, there is an assumption that it was built by the same architect, and is much better preserved than the Roman celebrity.

In the past, the amphitheater could accommodate 20,000 spectators, now only 5,000. Once upon a time, gladiator fights and knightly tournaments took place here, now concerts, competitions, music and film festivals, and in winter, an ice rink is flooded here.

For time travelers, Pula has many other attractions. In the central square, next to the embankment, there is a forum with an Augustan temple from the same period. Even before our era, the triumphal arch of Sergius was erected, attracting the attention of Michelangelo and Piranesi. Today, the Venetian fortress above the city houses the Historical and Naval Museum of Istria, and numerous forts remind us of the Austro-Hungarian rule.

Escape the hustle and bustle in the Franciscan monastery

The LOPUD 1483 hotel, an hour by ferry from Dubrovnik, was recreated with the participation of Baroness Francesca Thyssen-Bornemisza. Having visited Dubrovnik for the first time in 1992, she decided to restore the Renaissance church treasures there, opened a workshop in the Franciscan monastery in the historic center of the city, and made friends with the monks.

During an excursion to the island of Lopud, the Baroness saw the ruins of the 15th-century Monastery of Our Lady. She liked these places so much that she completely restored the shrine along with the surrounding fortress walls. The work lasted eighteen years. Thirteen cells were converted into five luxury rooms with private bathrooms, the interiors were filled with antique furniture and works of art from the Thyssen-Bornemisza family collection, a 16th-century tapestry was hung in the living room, and the monastery table from 1550 was preserved in the restaurant. This is how the LOPUD 1483 hotel was born - an ideal option for an exclusive vacation with friends, wedding ceremonies and other celebrations. 

Let yourself be charmed by the stars of Hvar

For decades, Hvar, the longest island in Croatia, has attracted the successful and famous: Giorgio Armani, Michael Schumacher, Prince Harry, George Clooney, Beyoncé and many others. In Stari Grad, whose history goes back 2,400 years, you can still visit the Jurin Podrum restaurant, where Wallis Simpson and Edward VIII dined, or go water skiing like Jacqueline Kennedy, arriving on a warship personally commissioned for her by Josip Broz Tito.

Hvar offers all kinds of entertainment: on the water (snorkeling, windsurfing, electric foiling), on land (jeep safaris, quad bikes, motor rickshaws, mountain climbs, there is even a via ferrata, trips to lavender fields, tastings of local wine and olive oil), in the air (helicopter excursions and parachute jumps). The island's nightlife is on par with Mykonos.

The nearby Pakleni Islands are a popular destination for sailing enthusiasts. On the island of Sveti Kliment, they are home to one of the 22 marinas of the ACI Marina chain, which offers the best conditions for yachts. The Palmižana Meneghello restaurant, whose history began in 1906 with the arrival of botanist Meneghello, is also open on this island. He began growing aromatic herbs here, opened a small hotel, now run by his great-grandchildren, and a restaurant that still attracts the attention of celebrities.

To completely relax and breathe in the healing air, which combines the aromas of the sea, magical herbs, pine forests and olive groves, stay at the Maslina Resort in the bay next to Stari Grad. And if you prefer to be closer to the sights, choose Palace Elizabeth (The Leading Hotels of the World) on the central square of Hvar, next to the town hall and marina.

Visit the town of romantics

The Motovun forest on the Istrian peninsula is famous for the valuable white truffle that is harvested here. But even if you are not a gourmet, you should definitely come here for a walk around Motovun, a picturesque medieval fortified town on a hill. Its narrow cobbled streets are closed to cars. More than a thousand steps lead to the center - this is the longest staircase in Croatia. At the top is a bell tower, and next to it is the Church of St. Stephen, created by the famous Italian architect Andrea Palladio. A plaque on one of the houses reminds us that the famous racing driver Mario Andretti is from here.

Visit art galleries, enjoy local cuisine and wine in numerous cafes with tables on the terrace, admire the views of the surrounding hills, valleys and vineyards. This town is especially romantic at sunset. And if you want to propose or celebrate your wedding anniversary, why not do it in Motovun?

Climb the Great Croatian Wall

The Great Croatian Wall is located in the town of Ston on the Pelješac Peninsula. Built in the 14th century, it stretched for 7 km, of which five have survived to this day, but this is enough to be the longest fortification in Europe and the second in the world.

The Ston fortifications protected salt marshes, because salt was worth its weight in gold at the time, providing a third of the income of the Dubrovnik Republic. Here you can still see how it is mined in the traditional way, and at the same time visit the oyster farms in Mali Ston.

If you have already visited these places and want to see something new, we recommend going to the Oštica Peninsula, which is crossed by the Bedem-Grebaštica fortress wall, built five centuries ago.