Stunning Adriatic Sea: A Hidden Paradise ~ Must-Visit Highlights in Croatia

Text provided by Qidou Travel Network; Photos provided by Ouya Travel

The most stunning journey in the Adriatic Sea lies along Croatia’s coastline.
Split, the ancient city of Dubrovnik, the vibrant island of Hvar, and the water city of Opatija,
as well as the breathtaking Plitvice Lakes National Park, together form another fantastical world.
Croatia’s classics are all here~

◆ Ancient City of the Adriatic Sea ~ Split

As Croatia’s second-largest city, Split is the coastal hub of the entire Dalmatian region. Its outstanding historical and cultural heritage has driven the development of Croatia’s tourism economy. Thanks to its strategic location, it also serves as a key port of entry and exit. The popular TV series "Game of Thrones" was filmed here, and fans of the show will easily recognize that the city of Meereen was inspired by Split.

The ruins of Diocletian’s Palace in the old town are the most important ancient Roman relics in Croatia. Built over ten years with the labor of a thousand workers, the palace spared no expense in importing marble from Greece and Italy, featuring sphinx statues, columns, churches, temples, underground palaces, and the palm-lined boulevard in front of the harbor—truly magnificent.

In Split, the Le Méridien hotel is the only five-star resort, offering a unique perspective for admiring the ancient city. With an 800-meter-long beachfront, landscaped gardens, and stunning views just steps away, you can overlook the city and its surrounding islands, enjoying picturesque scenery and experiencing foreign charm.

◆ Island-Hopping in the Adriatic Sea ~ Hvar

To truly explore the Adriatic Sea, you must visit Hvar Island, one of the world’s top ten most beautiful islands. White stone-gray cliffs, lush grapevines, olive trees, the deep blue waters of the Adriatic, and the dazzling golden Mediterranean sunlight create a colorful beauty that is beyond words.

When island-hopping to Hvar, don’t leave in a hurry. Stay at the Amfora Hvar Beach Resort, where sea-view rooms offer views of the Adriatic, and the private bay and newly completed swimming pool let you enjoy the sea to your heart’s content.

◆ Pearl of the Adriatic Sea ~ Dubrovnik

Known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” Dubrovnik boasts well-preserved ancient walls that served as filming locations for "Game of Thrones." The fictional King’s Landing and many southern scenes were shot here. Locals take the cable car up to the mountaintop for a bird’s-eye view of the entire city, revealing its beauty in full splendor.

Although severely damaged in the 1667 earthquake, Dubrovnik still retains beautiful Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque churches, monasteries, palaces, and fountains. It was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. Travelers should stay at one of Dubrovnik’s five-star seaside resorts to enjoy the sea-and-sky views and hotel facilities, relaxing while taking in the sea, mountains, and European classical culture.

◆ Hidden Paradise ~ Plitvice Lakes National Park

Croatia’s largest national park, Plitvice Lakes National Park (officially Plitvička Jezera), is a masterpiece of limestone terrain and water, showcasing some of the world’s most astonishing karst landscapes. With ever-changing scenery throughout the seasons, the arrangement of its 16 lakes is unforgettable. Its other name—Plitvice Lakes National Park—is truly fitting.

Staying within Plitvice Lakes National Park means lodging in a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site. Spend your days exploring the lakes and walking along the winding wooden boardwalks, and even at night, you won’t be alone—the park’s wildlife keeps you company as you listen to the sounds of nature and breathe in the foreign air. Your senses of sight and sound will immerse you in every moment of Plitvice.

◆ Largest Peninsula in the Adriatic Sea ~ Istrian Peninsula

The Istrian Peninsula on the northeastern coast of the Adriatic Sea is a beautiful triangle, and Opatija is the starting point for exploring it. Known as the “Nice of the Adriatic,” Opatija has been a summer retreat for European royalty since the Austro-Hungarian era. Many elegant hotels and vacation villas are built along the sea, where you can enjoy life while savoring seafood delicacies and admiring the stunning scenery. The statue of the Girl and the Seagull standing along the coast tells stories of the past.

The Istrian Peninsula, rich in natural beauty, also boasts invaluable cultural heritage and is the homeland of the delicacy truffles. Truffles cannot be cultivated artificially and are extremely rare, making them highly valuable—often called the “diamonds of the kitchen.” In 1999, truffle hunter Giancarlo Zigante found the world’s largest white truffle in the Motovun Forest, setting a Guinness World Record and putting the Istrian Peninsula on the map. Here, you can follow professional guides into the forest to search for these culinary treasures and even taste truffle-themed special meals, savoring the unique aroma of fresh truffles in your dishes.

More related information
Recommended itinerary: [Hidden Paradise – Croatia, Slovenia, Bosnia & Herzegovina 13-Day Tour]
Features: Fly with Turkish Airlines; accommodations include Hvar Island, Dubrovnik, Plitvice Lakes National Park, and Split, with 6 nights at five-star Le Méridien hotels; includes a Hvar island-hopping tour, a visit to the truffle homeland of Livade, plus a truffle specialty meal and guided truffle hunt.
Early bird discount: Save NT$10,000 for the second person (valid until May 31, Tuesday)

Ouya Travel (02)2571-8555
Websitewww.euratour.com