Croatia is fast emerging as one of the most popular tourist attractions in Europe. The country is becoming famous not just for its beauty but also nightlife as well as culinary delights which it has to offer. As a result, the number of tourists visiting Croatia each year is growing exponentially. Croatia property market prices have risen swiftly due to this huge inflow of tourists. This does not mean that the country is losing its charm.
There are plenty of small vacation cities in Croatia which are still relatively unexplored. Rather than just sticking to the usual tourist circuit, it is a good idea to explore these small cities to experience the true charm of the county.
Today, we will highlight 3 such small vacation cities which you should definitely explore in Croatia.
1. Trogir:
Trogir is located on the Adriatic coast. A visit to the small town of Trogir is like stepping into the Time Machine. The medieval architecture of the town is pretty well preserved. The island city is well connected to the mainland with the help of 3 bridges. The ancient winding streets give you a glimpse of the traditional architecture of medieval Europe. The city is also famous for its numerous art galleries as well as the top of the line restaurants. Some of the tourist attractions which you can visit in this small town include:
• Roman ruins
• St. Dominic monastery
• The clock tower
The small town is also famous for its nightlife. There are quite a few clubs and pubs to choose from. All in all, if you like exploring medieval towns which have retained their old world charm, Trogir is the perfect place to visit.
2. Rastoke:
Rastoke is a town nestled among nature. It is surrounded by rivers as well as waterfalls on all sides. It is home to only 100 permanent residents which make it a quiet little town there are bridges crisscrossing the rivers all through the town to help you navigate the landscape. Owing to higher tourist demand, there is a 100 room hotel nearby to help you explore the place at your own pace. You can also opt for water sports like:
• River Rafting
• Kayaking
The locals are pretty friendly and will not hesitate to provide you with more information about this beautiful town. Rastoke is a town which seems to have emerged right from a fairytale due to its pristine beauty.
3. Motovun:
Motovun is a city which is located on a 900-foot hill. It consists of a double-walled castle built specifically to protect the city. The castle is located near to the highest point of the hill. The material charm of the city is such that you will be reminded of the Game of Thrones. Around the old town, the modern buildings, as well as shops, have been built to serve the needs of the today.
With that being said, the old part of the town has been retained in its entirety. The fortifications built by the Venetians in the 14th century still stands strong. The city is dotted with various restaurants, art studios as well as shops to keep you occupied. Additionally, there are quite a few tourist attractions which you can explore like:
• Hilltop walled ancient city
• Benvenuti Winery
• Bell Tower
• Church of the Virgin Mary
As it is located on a hilltop, you can indulge in paragliding as well. The view of the town from the paraglider is a sight to behold. Motovun provides you the opportunity to witness the amalgamation of material Europe with modern architecture.
If you’re planning a trip to Croatia, rather than visiting just the bigger cities like Zagreb, it is a good idea to explore the lesser-known side of the country as well. You can explore these 3 small vacation cities which will provide you with a glimpse into the architecture, art, and culture of Croatia.
