Croatia is a country located in Eastern Europe and borders Slovenia to the North, Hungary to the northeast, Serbia to the east, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro to the southeast. 

Croatia covers an area of 65,594 square kilometers and a population of about 4.28 million. The capital of Croatia is Zagreb, which is also the largest city in this country.

As a country, Croatia is the home of some of the most beautiful mountains, hills, beaches and historic spots. It is such a diverse place, which there is something to do for everyone. 
Now, that we’ve answered the question where is Croatia, let’s go into why you should spend your money on a trip there.

Hike some of the marvelous mountains in Croatia

Although Croatia may be associated with sun, beach, and cocktails, there are also many more things to do here apart from swimming and sunbathing. For all mountain lovers, Croatia offers some of the most breathtaking mountains out there.

One place that you can visit if you are into hiking is the Risnjak National Park in the Gorski Kotar Mountains. Translated into the wooden district the Gorski Kotar is a mountainous region, which is a popular summer hiking destination, offering some of the best views. 

Another place you can visit is the Northern Velebit National Park. Velebit abounds with countless peaks, where you can hike and enjoy the surrounding nature of Croatia. 

However, a place which offers some of the best views in Croatia is none other than Biokovo Mountain, which stands high above the Makarska Riviera, and offers one of a kind view of the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic Sea.

Then again, if nature is what you seek, a trip to Plitvice Lakes is something you cannot miss. This national park is, without doubt, one of the most magnificent locations in Europe, offering some of the most breathtaking scenery. 

A walk through this natural park is something you will not experience anywhere else. From turquoise waters to magnificent waterfalls, this place is a real heaven on earth. It is a place unlike anywhere in the world, and a place that takes every man’s breath away.

Enjoy the Adriatic Sea

If you’d ask anyone, where is Croatia, they will undoubtedly tell you that Croatia is a place that has some of the best beaches.  Well, they are not far from the truth.

In fact, apart from having some of the most magnificent mountains and national parks, what makes Croatia so popular with tourists are the beaches, which are too many to count.

Some of the beaches include the famous Banje Beach in Dubrovnik, with a fantastic view of the Old Town, Stiniva Beach, which made the list of the best beaches of 2016 in Europe; Bacvice Beach in Split, and many more. 

However, one beach which might be the most unique of them all is the famous beach called Golden Horn. Its unusual shape makes it so unique. It forms a V shape that resembles a tongue. The fact that its shape may often change depending on the winds is even more unique. Therefore, it might sometimes lean to the left, while other times to the right. Smoking a herb while relaxing on a beach sounds like a good thing? Did you know that Croatia is fighting hard to legalize cannabis and you can follow the latest news on a specific portal called Vutropedija? One more reason to come! 

Read more: Places to Visit in Croatia

Therefore, if sunbathing and swimming is something you are looking for then don’t worry as Croatia has more than enough. 

Discover Croatia’s rich history

Just like every other country in the Balkan, Croatia has a unique and rich history, which attracts countless tourists every year. 

One of the most known places in Croatia and one of the most unique as well is the Old Town Dubrovnik. It is a place that boasts some of the most spectacular churches, museums, monasteries and the famous walls surrounding the old town.

You can also visit the Upper Town of Zagreb, the Diocletian’s Palace in Split, The Pula Arena, as well as the town or Korcula and Rovinj. There are so many places to visit and see that we would need pages upon pages to fit them all.

Another place with a rich history that is on the radar these days in Croatia is Varaždin. It actually was the capital of Croatia before the fire of 1776, which ravaged the town. In the last decade, it has become a popular destination for students all over the world. It's even one of the main candidates for the European Youth Capital of 2021!

Read more: Historic Places in the Balkan Region You Have to Visit!

Croatia has such a rich history, that every corner you turn you are confronted with some relic of a past time. Therefore, for all of you history lovers out there, if the ancient and old is something that interests you, Croatia is the place to be.

Meet the Croatian People

The population in Croatia mostly counts Croats with about 90%, also including other minority groups such as Serbs, Bosniaks, Hungarians, Italians, Albanians, Slovenes, Germans, Czechs, Romani people, and others.

The Croatian language is the official language in Croatia, although most of the people can speak English as well. However, if you would visit the Istria region in Croatia, you would also find native Italian speakers, since, alongside the Croatian, the Italian is also used as an official language in that part.

Learn more: Meet Croatian people!
  
As for the people, Croatian people are some of the most friendly and open people out there. They love when people take an interest in their country; therefore, they love answering questions about their culture and history. They are also very hospitable and welcoming, and rarely a person feels uncomfortable around them.

Back to the initial question: Where is Croatia? 

Well, from all we’ve said here, Croatia is a country where nature and history are closely intertwined. It is a place where you hike a mountain one, and enjoy a cocktail the next day on one of their famous beaches. It is also a place that is so rich in history, that you would need so much time to visit and see it all. Finally, although many people know the answer to the question where is Croatia for those that don’t, now it’s the time to find out.