Romantic coastal cities in Croatia

Croatia has many romantic places, especially the popular Coast, which attract with its rich historical past, medieval appearance, secluded beaches, beautiful parks and plenty of opportunities for romantic walks along the sea, candlelight dinner and discovering many romantic places. 

Pula

Like ancient Romes, the heritage of the city of romantic Pula reaches three thousand years in the past, it was also built on seven hills and all roads on the istrian peninsula lead to the town. Right in the centre of Pula we will find one of the best preserved Roman amphitheatres. The local people call it Arena. The Arena is probably the most impressive, but not the only ancient monument which is situated in Pula. In the centre of the town, the ancient Roman Forum, there is temple of Augustus, dedicated to the first Roman emperor Augustus. There is also the old citadel, the Sergius Arch, Gate of Hercules and many other historical landmarks. 

Rovinj

Rovinj is one of the most romantic mediterranian towns. Located on the western coast of Istria, surrounded by wooded, gentle hills that protect it of the bora wind, Rovinj has been the perfect holiday destination for over a century. Besides its romantic views, for which it is known as the city of romance, the beauty of Rovinj is reflected in the nearby archipelago of 22 islands. Among them the most beautiful and the largest are St. Andrews and the St. Catherine islands. Near Rovinj there are many protected natural areas, such as Lim fjord, the swamp Palud, the Park Forest Punta Corrente and Romuald's cave.

Poreč

Once a small fishing village, Poreč represents one of the most brilliant jewels of Croatian tourism. Located of the west coast of Istria, where mild climate prevails, a rugged coastline with numerous islands, peninsulas and romantic beaches offer an amazing treasure of tourist attractions. Poreč is a romantic town that boasts a long and rich history. In Poreč is located one of the most beautiful early Byzantine churches in Europe, the Basilica of Euphranasius from the sixth century. The UNESCO put it on its list of world cultural heritage. 

Opatija

Opatija boasts the longest tourist tradition in Croatia, the tradition was founded back in the time when the Habsburgs ruled the area. This may be due to its extremely favorable geographic position, just 500 kilometres from Vienna, Milan and Munich, and the fact that Opatija has been the most accessible way to the Mediterranean from Central Europe. Long romantic promenades and the most beautiful parks of Croatia embellish Opatija. The Villa Angiolina is the cradle of tourism in Opatija. In 1844, a local merchant from Rijeka bought the peninsula where the villa is located in order to built a home. He romantically named it after his wife. 

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is located in the south of the country. It is undoubtedly the most important and the best known romantic destination in Croatia. Its specific medieval silhouette, the imposing town walls that for centuries protected the city against invaders from the land and from the sea will never be forgotten by anyone who at least once visited this fairy tale town. The entire old town is listed on UNECSO's World Heritage list, besides its unique architectural heritage, Dubrovnik is also seen as the Athens of Croatian culture.  

Mali Lošinj

Mali Lošinj, the largest town on the Lošinj Island

Mali Lošinj is located on the southern side of the Bay of Lošinj and because of this position has become a very important commercial centre and maritime. Today is also an important tourist destination. The town dates back to the 12th century when twelve Croatian families settled in the eastern by of Saint Martin. Mali Lošinj is with 7000 inhabitants the largest town in the Adriatic.

The golden age of Mali Lošinj

The golden age for the town was the end of the 19th century when because of seafaring the small village turned into a maritime town. Due to the big chances and the maritime crisis in the area, because of passing from sail boats to stream boats, is seemed that the destiny of this city was ended. Upon discovering the health benefits of the climate, and growing of the tourism, a new beginning in the island's history was open.

Republic of Croatia Square

The main town square Republic of Croatia Square is triangular in shape and the construction of its seafront has been completed in 1926. Recently, it has been covered with stone tiles. The square served as the central stage for many events. The beautiful fountain on the square depicts two dolphins that spew fresh water coming from the Vranjsko lake. The fountain, as well as the nearby sculpture of a fisherman, where both made by master sculptor Vinko Matković from Rijeka.

The Church of the Birth of Our Lady

The Church of the Birth of Our Lady was built from 1696 to 1757 on the hill of Bardina and the field of Ravnica and its facade exemplifies the Baroque style. The church boasts an interesting and a valuable collection. It has an organ made by Venetian master Gaetano Callidi, stations of the cross are a copy of the 1747 work by Gianbattista Tiepolo and its marble altar crucifix of the Holy Cross was made by sculptor Bartolomeo Ferrari.

Veli Lošinj, the city of captains houses

Veli Lošinj, the oldest town on the island

Veli Lošinj spreads from the bay of Javorna to the bay of Jakovlje. It was once the largest town on the island of Lošinj. This town was once filled with carob trees, olive groves, vineyards and almond trees. Today is surrounded by an evergreen forest of Alpine pines and because of the Mediterranean climate, the most beautiful groves of lemon, tangerine and orange trees.

The Church of Saint Antun Pustinjak

The old port of Veli Lošinj is dominated by a great steeple and the church of Saint Antun Pustinjak (Anthony the Hermit), the town's patron saint. The church is a real treasury of art, mostly coming from the times of the Venetian Republic. Its present day structure was completed in 1774, during the reign of the Prejasna Republic. The person who was most responsible for furnishing the church was Gasparo Craglietto.

Museum and Gallery of Veli Lošinj

The town fortress was turned into the Museum and Gallery of Veli Lošinj. The ground level houses a model of the Apoksiomenos, represented in the position that it held for centuries after falling from the damaged Antiguity ship. The first floor of the Museum contains exhibits of the prehistoric and antiquity periods of this area, as well as the first permanent settlement of the Croatian tribes that arrived in the thirteenth century. The exhibit also includes artifacts of the development of the Veli Lošinj that date up to the twentieth century and the beginning of tourist boom.

Church of Our Lady of Angels

The church of Majka Božja od Anđela is a little bit smaller than the parish church and was constructed in the year 1510. It also boasts an extensive collection of artwork from the Venetian school. It is also worthwile to mention the church of John the Baptist. It was constructed on top of Kalvarija in 1755, at the height of 235 meters above Veli Lošinj. The mass is given there only once a year, on June 24 th.

Cape Leva

At the bay's entrance near Cape Leva, stands a light post that guides the vessels at night so that may safely enter the bay. A few old cannons surround the light-post and resemble those that the town's ancestors used to defend themselves from unwanted guests. In 1455, a defense fort was constructed for this purpose at the tip of the bay. It used to stand on the seacost rock, but is now obstructed with a row of houses that were built on the coast and the small port called Mandrača.

The most beautiful towns in Croatian Istria

Istria Country

Istria is the largest peninsula in the Adriatic Sea. It is located at the head of the Adriatic between the Bay of Kvarner and Gulf of Trieste. It is shared by three countries: Slovenia, Italy and Croatia. The most beautiful towns in Croatian Istria are Poreč, Pula, Rovinj, Novigrad and Motovun.

Many attractions

Pazin is the administrative seat of Istria. The Lim bay and valley is a picturesque feature found near Vrsar and Rovinj. The Istria area offers many natural and cultural attractions, clean and pristine beaches with crystal water, culinary delights and many opportunities for active leisure.

Poreč

Town Poreč has a picturesque city centre, located on a small peninsula submerged in the sea. The historical centre, once encircled by towers and walls is today conserved in valuable remains. Its major landmark is the Euphrasian Basilica, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997.

Pula

Pula is the largest town in Istria Country. As the rest of the region, it is known for its unspoiled nature, smooth sea and mild climate. It has a long tradition of fishing, winemaking, shipbuilding and tourism. It has been Istria's administrative centre since Roman times. The most famous building is the Arena.

Rovinj

Is a popular tourist resort and a fishing port. The old town had seven gates, three of which have been preserved to this day: The Gate of the Holy Cross, The Portica and The Gate of St. Benedict. The largest monument in Rovinj is the Church of St. Euphemia.

Novigrad

It was once a peaceful fishing town, but over the years has become a popular tourist destination. Novigrad has rich cultural heritage, preserved natural beauty and astounding historical sights. It is also one of the top Istrian gourmet places. The city walls have for centuries protected Novigrad's rich history.

Motovun

It is a small medieval town in central Istria, overlooking the Mirna River valley. Motovun is a popular and an attractive tourist destination. The bell tower with a crenulated crown from the 13th century, standing next to the Parish Church of St. Stephen from the 17th century, dominates the town's historic core.

Opatija

Opatija is an elegant tourist destination situated in the Gulf of Kvarner under the Učka mountain in Primorje-Gorski Kotar country. It is an ideal choice for a vacation in summer and winter season. The beautiful scenery, pleasant climate, tended parks, hotels and old Austrian villas, seaside promenade and beaches attract tourists from Europe and around the world for more than 160 years.

In Roman times, the area was home to several patrician villas. The person who first discovered the beautiful Opatija was Iginio Scarpa, a merchant from Rijeka who built his holiday home here in 1844 and named it the Villa Angiolina. This event marked the beginning of tourism in Opatija. The place started intensely developing under the supervision of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Several important facilities were built alongside the first Hotel Quarnero - a pavilion with indoor pool for warm sea baths, a bathing place with separate areas for men and women, and the 12 kilometre long coastal promenade from Volosko to Opatija and further to Lovran. After World War Two, Opatija's tourism became more orientated to the hosting of conventions and the summer season.

The most important attractions are Villa Angiolina, Saint James's Church, Maiden with Seagull, Hotel Kvarner, Opatija's Sculptures, Swiss House, Juraj Šporer Arts Pavilion, Lungomare, Park Angiolina, Church of Our Lady of the Annunciation, Saint James Park, Open Air Theatre of Opatija, Croatian Walk of Fame, Opatija's Market Hall, Opatija's small harbour and other.