Where is Croatia Located?
Croatia stretches from the eastern edges of the Alps in the northwest to the Pannonia Plains and the Danube River in the east. The central region is dominated by the Dinara mountains, while the southern part ends at the Adriatic Sea coast.

How Large is Croatia?

Croatia covers a land area of 56,542 km² and has a sea territory of 31,067 km². The coastline is 5,835 km long, with 4,058 km being the coastline of islands, rocks, and reefs.

How Many Islands Does Croatia Have?

Croatia boasts 1,185 islands, rocks, and reefs. The largest islands are Krk and Cres, with only 50 islands being inhabited.

What Kind of Climate Does Croatia Have?

Croatia has two distinct climate zones:
1. Moderate Continental Climate: Found in the interior, with average temperatures ranging from 0-2°C in January to 19-35°C in August.
2. Mediterranean Climate: Found along the Adriatic coast, characterized by many sunny days, dry and hot summers, and mild, wet winters. Average temperatures range from 6-11°C in January to 21-35°C in August. The sea temperature is around 12°C in winter and about 25°C in summer.

What Currency is Used in Croatia?

The currency in Croatia is the Euro (€), which replaced the Croatian Kuna (HRK) on January 1, 2023. Foreign currencies can be exchanged at banks, exchange offices. Credit cards are widely accepted, and ATMs are available throughout the country.

What is the Connectivity in Croatia?

Croatia has eight airports located in major commercial and tourist centers: Zagreb, Split, Dubrovnik, Pula, Zadar, Osijek, and the islands of Krk and Brač.

In addition to its natural attractions, Croatia is rich in cultural and historical monuments from various periods. The country’s unique position in the Adriatic has seen it influenced by numerous cultures over the centuries, making it a fascinating destination.

Historical Significance

The Adriatic region has long been a crucial route for trade and maritime activities between the East and Europe. This early development led to the establishment of significant centers of civilization, such as the town of Trogir.

Cultural Influences

• Coastal Croatia:
The coastline is heavily influenced by Mediterranean culture, with numerous monuments from ancient and Roman times.• Continental Croatia: This region reflects Central European cultural influences, featuring medieval cities, forts, castles, and rich Baroque architecture. UNESCO World Heritage Sites Croatia is home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including:

• Diocletian’s Palace in Split

• The historic cities of Dubrovnik and Trogir

• Euphrasius Basilica in Poreč

• St. James Cathedral in Šibenik

• The Stari Grad Plain on Hvar Island

• Plitvice Lakes National Park, recognized for its natural beauty

Intangible Cultural Heritage

In addition to its material heritage, Croatia also boasts seven traditional intangible cultural heritages protected by UNESCO.

National Parks

Croatia is home to eight stunning national parks:

• Paklenica

• Risnjak

• Plitvice Lakes (a UNESCO World Heritage site)

• North Velebit

• Brijuni

• Kornati

• Krka

• Mljet

Nature Parks

In addition to its national parks, Croatia boasts eleven nature parks:

• Biokovo

• Kopački Rit

• Lonjsko Polje

• Medvednica

• Papuk• Telašćica

• Velebit

• Vransko Lake

• Učka

• Žumberak-Samoborsko Gorje

• Lastovo Islands

Strict Reserves

Croatia also has two strict reserves:

• Hajduk and Rožan Kukovi

• Bijele and Samarske Rocks

Geo-Park

• Papuk

International Protections

Due to their exceptional biological and landscape diversity, some natural areas in Croatia enjoy international legal protection. Plitvice Lakes National Park is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Additionally, Kopački Rit and Lonjsko Polje nature parks, along with the ornithological reserve Ribnjaci and the lower Neretva, are included in the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance.

Location and Historical Significance

Trogir, often referred to as a “city museum,” is a unique city on the Adriatic coast known for its rich history and stunning architecture. Beneath its medieval foundations lie remnants from Illyrian, Hellenistic, and Roman times. Since 1997, Trogir has been a UNESCO World Heritage site, recognized for its international cultural significance.

Geographic Overview

Riviera Trogir is situated in the western part of Split-Dalmatia County. It borders the city of Kaštel to the east and northeast, the municipality of Rogoznica and the city of Šibenik to the west and northwest, and the island municipality of Šolta to the south. The area includes the city of Trogir, Seget Municipality, Okrug, Marina, and the inhabited islands of Drvenik Veliki and Drvenik Mali.

Climate

Riviera Trogir enjoys a Mediterranean climate with a favorable microclimate. The area is sheltered from northern winds by a chain of hills and protected from southern winds by an archipelago of islands. Archaeological findings indicate that Trogir is one of the oldest cities on the Mediterranean, with a history dating back to 2000 BC. In the 3rd century BC, it was known as Tragurion, a Greek settlement founded by Dorians from Syracuse and local traders from the nearby island of Issa (Vis). The name Tragurion” comes from the Greek word “Tragos” (goat), referring to the nearby mountain Kozjak, which was abundant with goats.

Cultural Monuments

Trogir is renowned for its architectural and artistic heritage, featuring styles from Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque periods. The city retains its Greek street layout and central square, where the cathedral now stands, once served as the Agora.

Notable Monuments

1. Cathedral of St. Lovre: Built between the 12th and 17th centuries, this cathedral features a 47-meter-high tower and a blend of Romanesque to Baroque styles. It houses valuable works such as the chapel of Ivana Trogir, a baptistery, a 15th-century crucifix by Blaž Burja, and choir stalls.

2. Radovan’s Portal: This 1240 masterpiece at the cathedral entrance depicts the theme of sin and redemption. Radovan, the sculptor, is also believed to have contributed to the Basilica of St. Mark in Venice.

3. Relief of Kairos: A 3rd-century BC relief of the Greek deity Kairos, the god of happy moments, is displayed at the Benedictine monastery of St. Nikola.

4. Čipiko Palace: Opposite the cathedral, this well-preserved palace was owned by the Čipiko family, including the famous warrior Coriolanus Čipiko and Alviz Čipiko, who participated in the Battle of Lepanto.

5. Municipal Palace: Built in Gothic and Renaissance styles in the 13th century, this building served as a prison and theatre between the 17th and 19th centuries.

6. City Loggia: Dating back to the 14th century, it features columns with late Roman capitals and the Allegory of Justice, a 1471 masterpiece by Nicholas of Florence.

7. Fortress Kamerlengo: This 15th-century fortress, named after the city’s financial clerk, is now a venue for classical music concerts and various performances.