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Croatia is a beautiful and culturally fascinating country that just broke its all-time tourism record.
A whopping 20.6 million tourists visited Croatia in 2023.
Croatia is no longer just a summer vacation destination. Its pre-season and post-season tourism numbers are also higher than they have ever been before. There isn’t a bad time to visit!
Here are 5 reasons why this beautiful country is one of Europe’s most desirable destinations right now:
Dramatic Dubrovnik
The 5 Croatian cities with the highest number of tourist visitors in 2023 were Dubrovnik, Rovinj, Porec, Split, and Umag. And the chance to see Dubrovnik alone is one of the main reasons to visit Croatia.
Often referred to as the Pearl of the Adriatic, Dubrovnik’s Old Town offers panoramic views and incredible beauty. It is a cultural hub with a rich history.
And of course thanks to its starring role in Game of Thrones it is famous around the world.
Dubrovnik’s Old Town was built between the 11th and 13th centuries. It is surrounded by city walls that stretch over 1.3 miles, which is best visited during the low season as they can be uncomfortably crowded during the peak summer months.
As well as offering stunning architecture and heritage attractions, Dubrovnik is also on the coast, so you can combine your cultural explorations with the chance to relax and appreciate Croatia’s famous crystal blue waters.
Exceptional National Parks
Croatia is home to 8 breathtaking national parks which makes it an incredibly appealing destination for travelers hoping to explore the great outdoors.
If you’ve got time then aim to explore as many of these as possible so that you can see the diverse landscapes that make up this fascinating nation and its islands.
Only have time to visit one of Croatia’s national parks?
Make it the UNESCO World Heritage listed Plitvice Lakes National Park, which is regularly chosen as one of the most beautiful national parks in the world.
This national park is a water wonderland. As the name suggests you can enjoy lakes and incredible awe-inspiring waterfalls.
Hiking under the waterfalls is popular and kayaking through the lakes is the best and most adrenaline-filled way to explore the waters here.
A Year-Round Destination
Many people mistakenly believe that Croatia is a country you can only visit in the summer months.
While it’s true that Croatia is most popular in the summer thanks to its beaches and the opportunity to island hop and sail between its destinations, the country is actually a year-round destination.
This is supported by statistics that show pre-season and post-season tourism numbers are higher than they have ever been before, and winter visitor numbers are growing steadily.
Croatia is an incredibly geographically diverse country. Depending on where you visit and the time of year you arrive, you can swim, snorkel, sail, and even ski here. There really is something for everyone, and there is no bad time to visit.
Easy To Access
Croatia is incredibly easy to access both for European and American travelers. Last summer, two American airline companies served non-stop flights to Croatia for the first time, and the country is also well served by a wide range of low-cost European airlines.
When you’re in Croatia, the country is easy to explore by plane, train, and automobile. You will also find a great ferry service that connects the islands and coast of the country making island hopping a breeze.
It’s worth noting that timetables for buses and ferries are reduced between November and March if you visit in the winter but train services remain regular and reliable.
Croatians are known for their warmth, hospitality, and friendliness. English is also widely spoken in the country and this makes getting around incredibly easy and straightforward.
Breathtaking Beaches
The beaches in Croatia are some of the most beautiful in the world. Croatia has a mixture of sand and pebble beaches.
The most famous and beautiful sandy beaches in the country are on the island of Rab. There are 22 golden sand beaches on the island in total.
The coastal city of Split which is built on Roman palace ruins is also a great spot for sun, sea, and sand seekers.
The coastline of Croatia is one of the country’s biggest attractions and a huge part of why it is so desirable. There is no bad spot thanks to the long coastlines, hidden coves, bright blue seas, and islands surrounded by the Adriatic Sea.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com