Ready for the island? Then off to Croatia! The country has over 1,200 islands, but only around 50 are inhabited. Would you have known? Much of the marble for the White House in Washington, D.C., comes from the Croatian island of Brač. But there is also a lot to see and experience on the mainland.

In the capital Zagreb, one of the oldest streetcar systems in Europe awaits you, which has been in operation since 1891. You can also marvel at Zagreb Cathedral here. It is the most important Gothic building in south-eastern Europe and, at 105 meters, the tallest building in the country. You will also find the Church of St. Mark in Zagreb. Its roof shows the coat of arms of Croatia, Dalmatia and Slavonia.

Pearl of the Adriatic

Croatia’s coastline stretches for 1,777 kilometers along the Adriatic Sea. The city of Dubrovnik is considered the pearl of the Adriatic. It is one of seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the country. Many scenes from the TV series “Game of Thrones” were filmed in Dubrovnik and in the coastal city of Split, around 220 kilometers away. Further north, you can visit the smallest town in the world: Hum in Istria has fewer than 30 inhabitants. Due to its construction with a city wall, city gate and urban structures, the town was granted city status in the Middle Ages.

Sound waves and vineyards

The country’s eight national parks are also worth a detour, including the famous Plitvice Lakes, which are known for their breathtaking waterfalls. In the city of Zadar, a sea organ played by the waves awaits you. The installation looks like a series of wide steps leading down to the sea. Hidden underneath is a construction of resonance chambers that produces syncopated and ever-changing melodies.

You will see plenty of vineyards as you drive through the country. Croatia has a long wine-growing tradition and produces around 140 million liters of wine every year. The ballpoint pen was also invented here by Slavoljub Penkala. And what do you think comes from the Dalmatia region? Of course, the Dalmatian dog breed. The tie is also an invention from the Balkan state. Croatian horsemen wore them during the 30 Years’ War from 1618 to 1648.

On your journey through Croatia, you can marvel at vineyards as far as the eye can see. Photo: iStock

Diverse and delicious cuisine

The country’s diverse and delicious cuisine is strongly influenced by Mediterranean, Slavic and Hungarian influences. You should definitely try it:

• Peka, a traditional preparation of meat (usually lamb or veal), potatoes and vegetables. The dish is cooked slowly over open coals under a bell-shaped metal cover, the peka, which gives it a special aroma.
• Pašticada is a traditional Dalmatian braised beef dish that is marinated and stewed in a rich sauce of red wine, onions, bacon, tomatoes, spices and dried fruit. It is often served with homemade gnocchi.
• Black risotto gets its characteristic black color from the ink of the squid. The dish is prepared with onions, garlic, white wine and fish stock and sprinkled with Parmesan cheese.

Want to dance away a few calories after dinner? Try kolo, the Croatian folk dance. The dancers line up in a circle, hold hands or shoulders and mainly move their feet to the beat.

The landscape, the food or the culture? What impresses you most in Croatia?