Nathan's Insights

Official Name: Republic of Croatia
Established: 925 (Kingdom), 1527 (Joined Habsburg Monarchy), 1918 (Part of Yugoslavia), 1991 (Independence)
Population: 3,855,641 (2022 estimate)
Country Size: 56,594 square kms
Religion: 79% Catholic
Language: Croatian
Currency: Euro
Capital: Zagreb
Order of Visit: Eighty Third
First Visit: 29 April 2024
Last Visit: 04 May 2024
Duration: 6 Days
Highlights:
Dubrovnik – Exploring the historic and picturesque town.
Other – Exploring the islands of Elaphiti, Kolocep and Sipan
Hvar – Ferry crossing, Exploring Palmizana Island, swimming in the Adriatic Sea
Split -Diocletian’s Palace, Visiting local markets
Cities: Dubrovnik, Hvar, Split.
Croatia Journal Entries

Location and Geography

Croatia is a country located at the crossroads of Central and Southeast Europe. It borders Slovenia to the northwest, Hungary to the northeast, Serbia to the east, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro to the southeast, and across its coastline on the Adriatic Sea is Italy to the west.

History and Culture

The Croats arrived in modern-day Croatia in the late 6th century, then part of Roman Illyria. Croatia had its first recognised King (King Tomislav) in 925, elevating Croatia to the status of a kingdom. In 1527, faced with Ottoman conquest, the Croatian Parliament elected Ferdinand I of Austria to the Croatian throne effectively joining what was later known as Austria-Hungary.

In October 1918, the State of Slovenes, Croats, and Serbs, become independent from Austria-Hungary and in December 1918, it merged into the Kingdom of Yugoslavia.

Following the Axis invasion of Yugoslavia in April 1941, most of Croatia was incorporated into a Nazi-installed puppet state, the Independent State of Croatia. A resistance movement led to the creation of the Socialist Republic of Croatia, which after the war became a founding member and constituent of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. On 25 June 1991, Croatia declared independence.

Between 1991 and 1995 a fierce war of independence was fought with Serbia which led to an estimate 20,000 deaths.

What drew me to visit Croatia

The beautiful city of Dubrovnik is a place I have wanted to see in person for over a decade. It looks so stunning bordering the Adriatic Sea. I’m also looking forward to visiting the island of Hvar and experiencing the sea water and pristine waters.

Additionally given Croatia was colonised by the Greeks and Romans I understand there is amazing architecture so a visit to the Diocletian’s Palace in the heart of Split is something I’m really looking forward to.

This will be the last European country of this trip with Darby, and I suspect it will be a real highlight.

What I experienced

I was very impressd by the beauty of Croatia and thoroughly enjoyed the 6 days here on the coast exploring islands and cities.

Dubrovnik is as beautiful as its pictures suggest. While I found the crowds to be a bit much, even outside of the peak season, it was worth visiting.

But getting out on the sea and visiting smaller islands was enriching for my soul. The pace of life slower and the beauty of the water and landscapes greater.

Getting a change to swim and float in the Adriatic Sea was a real highlight. I felt relaxed and at peace in this country and region.

<updated 30 May 2024>