Traveling to Croatia for the first time? Or just exploring what Croatia has to offer? We are here to answer all your questions and get you better acquainted with this beautiful European country. Find out fun facts about Croatia that'll amaze you.
Located along the crystal-clear Adriatic Sea, Croatia is one of Europe's most beautiful countries full of rich history, natural beauty, and vibrant culture. Situated in Southeast Europe, Croatia shares its borders with Slovenia, Hungary, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro as well as a sea border with Italy. Full of natural wonders such as the UNESCO-protected Plitvice Lakes National Park, mighty Velebit mountain, and more than 1000 scattered islands along the Dalmatian coast as well as rich history, make this well known European destination quite special. And what will make your vacation even more special is staying in a villa with pool in Croatia that will make your experience unforgettable.
So, let's explore Croatia facts together and find out what makes this Mediterranean country truly special!
Fun Facts About Croatia You Must Know
1. Croatia is the original home of the popular dog breed named after its Dalmatian coast - the Dalmatian dog. Dalmatians are known for their distinctive appearance with a white coat adorned with black spots.
2. The necktie (cravat) originated in Croatia, because Croatian mercenaries wore them during the Thirty Years' War, catching the attention of Parisians, so thanks to Croatians, you look so good in your suit! :)
3. Croats are excellent in sports and football is a national passion, so no wonder Croatia's national team reached the final of the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
4. Croatia has over 1,200 islands and islets scattered along its coastline in the Adriatic Sea. Sailing through the Adriatic Sea is the best way to see as much as you can and Sebastus Yacht Charter can help you with that.
5. Croatia boasts the world’s smallest town, Hum in Istria, with a population varying from 17 to 23.
6. Your favorite TV Series "Game of Thrones" was filmed in Croatia, including Dubrovnik as King's Landing and the Fortress of Klis as Meereen, and it's not surprising that Croatia is a popular filming location.
7. Croatia has the highest number of UNESCO Intangible Goods of any European country. From music, crafts, cuisine, and festivals to various other cultural traditions, which is surprising for such a small country, you should visit UNESCO world heritage sites in Croatia.
8. The renowned inventor and electrical engineer, Nikola Tesla, was born in the village of Smiljan in Croatia.
9. Croatia has a heart-shaped island Galešnjak which is the only island in the world that has a heart shape.
10. Croatia is home to the world's first sea organ, an innovative architectural marvel in the coastal city of Zadar where the natural rhythm of the waves creates enchanting melodies.
11. The amphitheater in Pula is one of the six largest Roman arenas still standing and is the only one with all four side towers completely preserved.
12. The island of Hvar, located off the Dalmatian coast, is renowned as one of the sunniest places in Croatia, with an average of over 2,700 hours of sunshine per year.
13. 10% of Croatia is protected via Croatian National Parks, Nature Parks and Nature Reserves.
14. Croatian Slavoljub Penkala invented a mechanical pencil, called the Penkala in 1906. Today we call it “pen.”
15. The UNESCO-protected Plitvice Lakes National Park has 16 lakes interconnected by a series of waterfalls.
16. Dubrovnik was a significant independent republic for 450 years and was a major rival of Venice in the Adriatic. Now, it's a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its well-preserved medieval walls and historic buildings which carries the nickname the “Pearl of the Adriatic” thanks to the famous English poet Lord Byron.
17. Croatia has a beach known as Zlatni Rat, or Golden Horn in English, which is famous for changing its shape and direction based on the wind, but there are also many beautiful beaches on Brac island.
18. Croatia is home to the world’s largest truffle which weighed 1.31 kilograms and was found in Istria.
19. Croatia is home to Europe’s oldest town. The Eastern Croatian city of Vinkovci is the oldest continuously inhabited city in Europe.
20. The wealthiest collection of remains of Neanderthal people in the world was found in Krapina near Zagreb by Professor Dragutin Gorjanovic Kramberger.
21. The world’s first torpedo was constructed in Rijeka. Ivan Luppis (Ivan Vukić) developed the first prototypes of the self-propelled torpedo in 1866.
22. Croatia has an indigenous beach game – Picigin. Picigin was invented over 110 years ago in the shallow waters of Bačvice beach in Split and involves players keeping a small ball from touching the water.
23. Croatia has an internationally renowned term ‘Fjaka’ for a relaxed state of body and mind best described as the ‘sweetness of doing nothing’ or being in a ‘day-dreamy state’, so feel free to use this Croatian word as well.
24. Rice chocolate was invented in Croatia in 1963 at the Zvečevo factory in the western Slavonian city of Požega.
25. The island of Cres is home to the last remaining colony of griffon vultures.
26. It is believed that the renowned explorer Marco Polo was born in the town of Korčula located on the island of the same name.
As it can be concluded, Croatia is a land of captivating contrasts and fascinating wonders that has been attracting visitors from around the globe for a while. From the adrenaline-fueled excitement of football matches to the pioneering legacy of Nikola Tesla, Croatia offers a wealth of intriguing fun facts waiting to be discovered. With over 1,000 islands, including the enchanting heart-shaped Croatian island of Galešnjak, Croatia offers you an island-hopping experience and some of the most beautiful beaches. Blessed with an abundance of sunny days, some of the most beautiful sunsets in the world as well as the highest number of UNESCO intangible goods, Croatia, together with Dalmatia, is a real gem waiting to be explored.
So why wait any longer? Visit Croatia and explore this enchanting land in style by staying in one of our luxury villas in Croatia which provide luxury and comfort. Whether you're drawn to its beautiful beaches, historic cities, or breathtaking landscapes, Croatia will offer you everything you need. From the walled city of Dubrovnik, and stunning islands like Korčula, Brač, and Hvar to the Istrian peninsula, Zagreb capital, and Slavonia, you have got everything you desire in this amazing country.
