With its stunning beaches along the Adriatic coastline, historic towns and scenic villages, there is good reason for Croatia’s fame. There is, however, so much more to Croatia than just its magnificent coastline. That’s why we are sharing this list of fun facts about Croatia that’ll make you want to visit time and time again.
Overview:
- Croatia has been inhabited since the Paleolithic Age
- Croatia was a part of the former Yugoslavia
- Croatia is home to Europe’s oldest town
- Majority of the population are Croats
- Football is extremely popular
- Seafood is a huge part of the Croatian diet
- Croatia’s cuisine is divided into coastal and inland flavours
- Istria is famous for its truffles
- Over a thousand islands are found off Croatia’s coastline
- 10% of Croatia is preserved by national parks
Quick facts about Croatia
Capital: Zagreb
Language: Croatian
Currency: The offical curreny of Croatia is the Euro
Neighbouring Countries: Slovenia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Montenegro, Hungary and Serbia
Flag:
Facts about Croatia's history
The Neanderthal Museum in Krapina, Croatia by Zaljko Filipin
The Neanderthal Museum in Krapina, Croatia by Jung won Chung
Fact 1: Croatia has been inhabited since the Paleolithic Age
The remains of more than 20 Neanderthals were discovered in the archaeological site located near the town of Krapina in 1895. The remains were dated as being 130,000 years old. It was then in the 7th century that the Croats (where Croatia gets its name) settled in the former province of Dalmatia when they conquered the people already living there. The area converted to Christianity in the 9th century and became a part of the western Catholic Church based in Rome.
Fact 2: Until 1991, Croatia was a part of the former Yugoslavia
Known as The Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (SFRY), the six republics that made up the federation were Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia (including the regions of Kosovo and Vojvodina) and Slovenia. Croatia remained part of Yugoslavia for 74 years, until they declared their independence on 25 June 1991 along with Slovenia. Resistance to independence on the part of the Serbian population of Yugoslavia plunged the nation into a prolonged civil war. Today, Croatia is an independent and stable country which has rapidly become a popular tourist destination.
Fact 3: Croatia is home to Europe’s oldest town
Vinkovci in eastern Croatia is the oldest continuously inhabited town in Europe. Dating back some 8,300 years, the city is an important archaeological site, rich in history and cultural heritage.
Facts about Croatia’s culture
Dubrovnik, Croatia by Dennis Bunnik
Fact 4: Majority of the population are Croats
Croats make up about nine-tenths of the population, with Serbs, Hungarians and Gypsies making up the minorities. The Croats are predominantly Roman Catholic, although there are Christian Orthodox, Muslim, and Jewish minorities, mostly living in Zagreb.
Fact 5: Football (Soccer) is extremely popular
Like many other European countries, Croats are very passionate about soccer. It is the country’s most popular sport and it isn’t uncommon to hear locals have heated conversations about the sport. Soccer is played amongst all age groups across the country and is played on amateur and professional levels, with Dinamo Zagreb being the most successful club. Attending a soccer game in Croatia is a great way to witness the country’s competitive spirit and truly immerse in the destination.
Facts about Croatia's food
Image by Dennis Bunnik
Image by Priscilla Aster
Fact 6: Seafood is a huge part of the Croatian diet
Known for its stunning coastline stretching along the Adriatic Sea, it’s no surprise that seafood is such a large part of a typical Croatian diet. Be prepared for the freshest seafood of your life, practically plucked from the ocean and onto your plate!
Fact 7: Croatia’s cuisine is divided into coastal and inland flavours
Croatian cuisine can be difficult to define as it reflects the many cultures that have influenced the country throughout history. Croatia is also a country with diverse geographical regions whose availability of fresh produce has shaped the region’s cuisines.
Food along the Dalmatian coast and Istrian peninsula strongly reflects traditional Mediterranean cuisine, featuring fish and other seafood. Further inland, the cuisine features more typical Slavic foods like cabbage, pork and potatoes, and is spicier than anywhere else in Croatia.
Fact 8: Istria is famous for its truffles
One of the most interesting facts about Croatia is that it is home to the world’s biggest truffle. Buried treasure of the truffle variety was discovered in the Motovun forest around eighty years ago. Several truffle types grow in Istria almost all year round, with the most valuable being the white truffle (also known as the Tuber magnatum pico), which can go for more than 3000 euro per kilo! In fact, one of the largest white truffles ever found was discovered in the Motovun forest by Giancarlo Zigante in 1999, weighing in at 1.31kg.
Facts about Croatia’s geography
Plitvice Lakes, Croatia by David Hein
Fact 9: Over a thousand islands are found off Croatia’s coastline
From remote fishing outposts to harbours filled with luxury yachts, Croatia has over 1000 islands, but only around fifty of them are inhabited. Croatia’s coastline offers the perfect opportunity for island hopping, with the most popular islands including Hvar, Vis, Korčula and Brač.
Hvar
Hvar, Croatia by Adam Dickson
As well as being a favoured destination for the rich and famous, Hvar is also known for its lush fields of lavender, herbs, vineyards, and for being one of the sunniest places in Europe! The island’s capital, Hvar Town, is a stunning fortified medieval town centred around the largest town square in Croatia, St Stephen’s Square. Towering above the town square sits the medieval castle of Fortica, completed by the Venetians in 1551. It’s well worth the winding uphill walk for spectacular views over Hvar Town from the Fortica.
On Bunnik Tour’s Jewels of Dalmatia small group tour, you can spend a full night in Hvar to explore all it has to offer!
Fact 10: 10% of Croatia is preserved by national parks
Overflowing with lush, dramatic and diverse natural landscapes, Croatia’s natural beauty is well protected with 8 national parks, 11 nature parks and 2 nature reserves. The oldest and most iconic of Croatia’s national parks is, by far, the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Plitvice Lakes National Park. Situated on the Plitvice plateau, crystalline turquoise water flows through 16 terraced lakes via a series of tumbling waterfalls, fringed by dense vegetation that makes you feel as if you were in an enchanted forest. You can explore the magic of Plitvice Lakes National Park on our Croatia tours.
Visit Croatia with Bunnik Tours
Croatia is one of the most unique and beautiful places in the world. At Bunnik Tours, we offer small group tours, where you can visit the ancient city of Dubrovnik, discover the Roman ruins of Split and explore the exquisite architecture of Zagreb. A beautiful country with a great climate and incredible scenery, we think everyone should explore the wonders of Croatia. Book one of our tours online today or get in touch with our friendly team of Travel Specialists.
FAQs
What is Croatia famous for?
Game of Thrones
Dubrovnik was catapulted to fame for being the filming location for Kings Landing in the famous fantasy series, Game of Thrones.
Christmas Markets
While Croatia is a stunning summer destination, it transforms into a magical Christmas wonderland in winter.
What is Croatia's famous food?
Although regional specialties vary, you’ll be able to find these classic Croatian dishes nearly everywhere in Croatia.
Cevapcici
A dish enjoyed in former Yugoslavia, cevapcici or cevapi are small sausages made from minced beef or pork and spices. Cevapcici are grilled over coal and served with flatbread and kajmak (a Balkan dairy product similar to sour cream).
Crni Rizot
Also known as Black Risotto, this dish is prepared along the coast.
How old is Croatia as a country?
Croatia is actually one of Europe’s youngest countries, only officially declaring independence from the former Yugoslavia in 1991. This was followed by 4 tumultuous years of war, ending with Croatia’s victory in 1995. Croatia has since recovered from its turbulent past, becoming a member of the European Union in 2013 and firmly cementing itself as a popular tourist destination.
