Where can you go that has history, gorgeous beaches, national parks, culture, quaint villages, rolling vineyards, lifestyle and wellbeing offers, outdoors activities, learning, connecting opportunities and ancient architecture all in one place?
Well there might be a few places, but Croatia is definitely one of them that comes highly recommended.

Croatia is full of life, has nature at it´s finest, the route of 1.000 islands and a wholy country to discover.

Dubrovnik is a beautiful, walled city by the sea topped with coral terracotta roofs on every building. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site due to the rich history of the city.

Plitvice National Park is a must-see if you venture to Croatia. It is the oldest National Park in Southeast Europe and the largest in Croatia. It is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Natural Site, and is known for the breathtaking 16 lakes arranged in cascades.

The Zagorje region is a peaceful place with never-ending green hills and winding country roads. It is an area of Croatia where you can escape the busy touristic nature of Dubrovnik and enjoy the amazing vineyards and castles this tranquil place has to offer. Zagorje also offers some of the best swimming pools and saunas using their natural spring water to rejuvenate your skin.

The "Golden Cape" is a beach that juts out into the sea in a way that sunbathers can enjoy the views of turquoise waters on both sides. Also on Brac Island is Lovrecina Bay, a less crowded beach that is also stunningly picturesque

Croatia has firmly established itself as one of Europe’s premium tourist destinations. Its major attractions like Dubrovnik, Zagreb, Plitvice Lakes and Zadar have gained global tourist acclaim.

If you are one of those who are willing to look beyond the standard travel brochures, then these hidden gems are the perfect destination for you. Some of the hidden gems are the following:

Popularly referred to as the “Lover’s Island”, Galesnjak is quietly emerging as one of Croatia’s top romantic destinations. This is because it is the most heart-shaped island in the world.

You can have a picnic, enjoy a quiet romantic time or even camp through the night. Most people who visit the island set base at Pasman Island or in the historic town of Zadar.

Varazdin is one of the most well preserved towns in Croatia.

Its rich history which stretched back to 1181 is so evident that the town has been described as “a history book come alive.”

Its Central European Baroque town is a trip back into the classical Baroque era. The buildings are preserved in all their color, artistry and glory.

Senj is a historical treasure-trove with a wealth of architecture, monuments and records. It most famous icon is the Nehaj Fortress which was built in 1558.

Perched upon the Nehaj hill in the heart of town, the fortress offers magnificent views of the town. It also offers a glimpse into the city’s rich architectural heritage

Most of these are now in ruins, but some like the late Gothic Rector’s Palace are still standing. There are also numerous medieval churches, towers and fortifications which can be viewed near the island’s major towns of Sundurad and Sipanska Luka. Visiting the island can offer one an incomparable glimpse into Croatia’s rich architectural heritage.

Croatia’s stunning natural beauty makes it an ideal holiday destination for anyone looking to relax on a beach, sip some fine wine and take the occasional stroll down a cobbled street – but that doesn’t mean that thrillseekers are excluded. The mountains, rivers, forests and famously spectacular coastline are filled with exciting adventures, and all within easy reach of our luxury villas in Croatia. Taking you from the underwater mysteries of hidden caves to the very modern magic of a city on screen, we’ve put together our top five outdoor activities in this fascinating country:

The River Cetina flows from the slopes of Dinara, Croatia’s highest peak, to the Adriatic coastline southeast of Split. Winding its way through the scenic Dalmatian countryside, it provides ideal conditions for rafting trips.

Located less than 20 minutes from Zadar, Modric Cave has been described as the Mediterranean’s most beautiful cave. Despite this reputation, it remains something of a hidden gem, which is probably a good thing given that like most caves, it’s a fairly confined space. However, if you’re comfortable squeezing past the stalagmites and stalactites, you’ll be rewarded with the unforgettable sight of nature at its most secluded and spectacular.

The pristine waters of the Adriatic Sea are perfect for both experienced and novice divers, with crystal clear views and reliably warm temperatures. One of the favoured spots for divers is Vela Luka, on the island of Korcula, where you’ll find the famous Blue Hole. A cave located deep underwater, the light shining through an opening at the top has earned the name ‘the cathedral’ for its peaceful atmosphere.

Although Dubrovnik’s historic charm has attracted tourists for centuries, a certain HBO series has attracted a completely new set of fans. In Game of Thrones, the city’s old town doubles as King’s Landing, a corrupt capital where gruesome executions and acts of treachery take place as a matter of routine. In real life, Dubrovnik is much less dangerous, but still equally beautiful – and best explored on foot.

A large peninsula at the head of the Adriatic Sea, the province of Istria has more than 2500 kilometres of bicycle trails. The picturesque coastal towns of Rovinj, Pula and Rabac are all easily reached on two wheels, and there are endless vineyards, churches, forests and streams to stop by en route. At the end of your journey in the village of Mali Kosi, you can enjoy a well-earned rest at the idyllic Villa Dubria.

Though most people equate vacation with relaxation and sightseeing, doing a little volunteer work is also a great way to travel. Not only does it give you the opportunity to learn about local culture in ways that you might not otherwise, it can also help you pinch pennies while on the road.

In the small village of Kuterovo, nestled between the sea and the Velebit Mountains, eight orphaned bears have found refuge at the town’s bear sanctuary. Volunteers run the bear sanctuary and live in a house in town, next to the baby bear center.

A rescue center for the endangered griffon vulture, Eco-Center Caput Insulae is located on the beautiful island of Cres, where a colony of vultures lives near the town of Beli.

Volunteers may participate in six programs that help keep the center running: the Eurasian griffon protection program, restoration of dry stone walls, recovery of freshwater ponds, eco trails management, working with tourists, and assisting the local inhabitants.

WWOOFing has become a pretty popular way to travel, so you might be familiar with the concept. Basically, you perform manual labor on an organic farm in exchange for food and accommodation, and of course, the opportunity to learn about local life and customs.

Current opportunities include harvesting, gardening, and working with horses on a ranch.

If you want to get your hands dirty while learning a about traditional building techniques in Croatia, consider rebuilding stone walls and shelters. You can help repair walls at the Eco-Center on Cres or participate in a multiple-day workshop organized by Dragodid.org, an association committed to the preservation of this unique part of Croatia’s architectural heritage.

School is probably the best place to expand your academic knowledge, but when it comes to learning about life, there is nothing more enriching than traveling. Whether it’s the people you meet or the things you see, traveling provides more valuable life lessons than school, mainly because instead of being told something, you experience it.

http://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/10-reasons-why-traveling-more-va...

Croatia is a country of exceptional diversity, with influences from Central Europe, the Balkans, the Mediterranean and the Orient manifested in a rich variety of cultural events that run throughout the year.

Many festivals celebrate diversity and local customs, traditional heritage and the globalized world through folk music, art and dance. Several local, national and international ensembles, wearing traditional costumes, participate through concerts of church-singing and contemporary international music. An abundance of exhibitions and craft workshops are also additional treats for festival-goers.

Grape, olive, lavender, and salt harvests take place throughout Croatia. Summer is the season for salt harvesting at the ancient salt pans in Ston and harvesting lavender on the Dalmatian coast. Small farms might not widely advertise their harvests, but you can find out about regional harvests as well as agritourism through local tourist offices.

Vineyards are grown in Konavle for centuries. Surely, our ancestors were taught by the ancient Greeks when they founded a colony in this region, the city of Epidaurus, today’s Cavtat.

An Olive branch is a symbol of peace! An olive tree grows fruits that produce olive oil. In addition to its aroma and taste, dishes which are enriched with olive oil are healthy and provide vital benefits to the human metabolism. The Konavle area once was almost entirely covered with olive trees.

Spend a week with Sail Croatia in 2016 island hopping around the most spectacular coastline in Europe discovering tiny islands and secluded coves hidden in the sparkling blue of the Adriatic.

Travelling with around 25 others aboard traditional Croatian motor yachts we experience the true culture of the islands and people. Swim every day in another bay, walk every evening in a historic port, experience every day another island.

While living in Croatia, foreign visitors can learn Croatian at a number of locations throughout the country. Courses can be offered at Croatian higher education institutions or in language schools.