Croatia is full of surprises. That could be the headline of this article. This country has been our home for the whole of our lives, and it still makes us wonder how a rather small country like Croatia has so many interesting facts. Croatia has a rich history so it’s no wonder that some of the things mentioned in this article have been invented in Croatia. Then there are some other fun facts about Croatia that make you wonder and call for a visit to this beautiful country in Europe.
Croatia today is one of the most famous countries in Europe when it comes to summer vacations. If you are going to explore our Croatia Travel Blog for a bit, you’ll find out why is that so. We have traveled a lot, visited many countries so far, and seen some jaw-dropping landscapes. But nowhere have we found so many interesting places packed on a relatively small piece of land.
And so we have decided to write an article in which you’ll be able to learn more about this country through 11 fun facts about Croatia. Here we go, I hope you’ll enjoy the facts ride.
1. Croatia Has Over 1,000 Islands
This country is home to 1,244 islands, islets, and reefs, but only around 50 of them are inhabited. These islands stretch all along the Croatian Coastline and vary in shape and size. Not many countries in the world can boast about the number of islands. Once you visit Croatia, you can really appreciate these islands; they somehow make everything much more interesting.
The way of life on the Croatian islands is a bit different than on the mainland. You could say that it’s more traditional and easygoing. If you plan on visiting Croatia, we suggest you visit at least one of its islands and enjoy in peaceful and relaxed way of living.
2. The Smallest Town in the World is in Croatia
I still remember this place from the elementary school books. It was always strange to imagine what the smallest town looked like. Hum, located in Istria, the largest peninsula in Croatia, is recognized as the world’s smallest town, with a population of around 30 people. This small town has everything it needs to be proclaimed as a town. Make sure you pay it a visit while exploring Istria.
3. Croatia Invented the Tie
Did you know this one? The tie, which is the symbol of the modern business world originates from Croatian soldiers who wore it in the 17th century and later became a fashion staple worldwide. It’s known as ‘kravata’ (cravat) in Croatia. Cravat = Croat. So next time you put your tie on, know that you’re connected with the history of Croatia through it.
4. Game of Thrones Was Filmed Here
If you are a Game of Thrones fan, we’re sure you already know this fun fact about Croatia. Dubrovnik, the most famous historic city in Croatia, served as King’s Landing in this popular HBO series, attracting thousands of fans to explore its medieval walls. But Game of Thrones was filmed in other locations in Croatia as well – Klis, Split, Mljet National Park, and so on.
There are other popular movies that were filmed in Croatia over the past decades. Take the example of Winnetou, a Western movie that older generations are more familiar with and which was filmed at locations such as Zrmanja River Canyon and Tulove Grede.
5. Croatia Has One of the Clearest Seas in the World
Once you visit Croatia and dive below the surface, you’ll be stunned by the clarity of the sea. This is especially noticeable when diving or snorkeling at the Croatian islands. The Adriatic Sea along Croatia’s coast is known for its incredible clarity, making it a paradise for swimmers and divers. Although there are no coral reefs like in some other seas, there are still many underwater locations that are perfect for underwater exploration. Take the sunken bombers from WW2 near the coast of Vis island as an example.
6. Nikola Tesla Was Born in Croatia
The man who made it possible for you to read this article right now was born in Croatia. One of the most famous inventors in the world was born in the village of Smiljan in modern-day Croatia. There is a never-ending dispute about whether Nikola Tesla is Croat or Serb. It doesn’t really matter to us, the world is lucky to have this kind of man who made our lives what they are today through many inventions.
If you are visiting Zagreb, we suggest you visit the Nikola Tesla Technical Museum – one of our favorite museums in Croatia.
7. Croatia Has the World’s First Sea Organ and Wind Organ
In Zadar, you can listen to music played by the waves through an incredible sea organ embedded into the waterfront. It’s still one of the most favorite and visited attractions in Zadar. You have to visit it if staying in Zadar. Just sit on it and let your mind wander with the melodies of the Adriatic Sea.
But there’s more. A few years ago, another similar installation known as Rogotin Wind Organ was built in Rogotin, a small village near the city of Ploče in southern Croatia. This organ is played not by the sea, but by the wind and produces evocative droning music. If you are traveling from Split to Dubrovnik or from Dubrovnik to Split, consider visiting this place. It’s way less famous than Zadar Sea Organ, but equally stunning if you ask us.
8. Truffle Hunting is a Big Deal
The Istrian Peninsula is home to some of the world’s best truffles, with the record-breaking white truffle found here. Croatia is renowned for its gastronomy and each region has its own specialties. Istria, the largest peninsula in Croatia, is famous for truffles, wines, and some of the most picturesque towns in Croatia that are located on hilltops.
9. Croatia Has Its Own Dog Breed
One of the most unique dogs in the world originates from Croatia. The Dalmatian breed originates from the Dalmatian region, and there are even centuries-old paintings of that dog preserved in Zaostrog Monastery on Makarska Riviera. This dog breed can be easily recognized by its black spots on white skin and it even has its own movie – 101 Dalmatian. Did you watch the movie? Did you know about the origins of the Dalmatian dog?
10. The World’s Oldest Public Theatre is in Croatia
Everybody loves theaters and Croatia is home to the oldest one in the world. Hvar Town is home to the oldest public theatre in Europe, built in 1612. It’s also a monument of national importance in Croatia. Hvar is also one of the most famous of Croatian islands, located opposite of the southern park of Dalmatian Coast. It’s known for the crystal clear Adriatic Sea, historical sites and as one of the best places for a vacation in Croatia.
11. Croatia Has the World’s Smallest Cathedral
Another ‘smallest’ among the fund facts about Croatia. The Church of the Holy Cross in Nin is often referred to as the smallest cathedral in the world, measuring only 36 square meters. So not only the Croatia have the smallest town in the world but the smallest cathedral as well.
12. Croatia has the oldest salt pans in Europe
The oldest salt pans in Europe are located in Croatia too and produce ‘white gold’ up to this day using the traditional methods. This saltworks is located in Ston town in southern Croatia, not so far away from Dubrovnik. If you want to explore Mljet National Park, the ferry to this island is located near Ston so visit it and explore this remarkable saltworks, Ston city walls, and try Ston oysters.
13. One of the largest abandoned military facilities is located in Croatia
Now something totally different among the fun facts about Croatia. A location perfect for all urban explorers out there. You probably heard about Plitvice Lakes, one of the most famous and most visited national parks in Croatia. Well, not so far away from Plitvice Lakes National Park lies Željava Airbase – an underground airport in Croatia.
It’s one of the most monumental abandoned places in Europe and the whole airport is embedded into the Plješivica mountain. If you are an avid urban explorer or just want to visit this stunning location near Plitvice Lakes, we suggest you do so since it will be one of the coolest locations you have visited in Croatia.
Before you venture to Croatia
Did you know about any of these fun facts about Croatia? There are a lot more, but let’s stop right here and call it Fun Facts about Croatia: Part 1. In the future, we are going to write more similar articles. We hope you expanded your knowledge about Croatia through this one and ignited a spark of interest in Croatia. Next time you visit Croatia, keep these facts in mind and visit some of the places we have mentioned here!
Enjoy your travels through Croatia!
