Quick Facts: Croatia

Interesting Facts About Croatia

Home to the World’s Oldest Winery

Croatia is home to the world’s oldest known active winery. The winery, located in the town of Stari Grad on Hvar Island, has been producing wine since around 4000 BC, making it one of the longest-standing wine production sites in history.

The Birthplace of the Neck Tie

Croatia is credited with inventing the necktie. The Cravat (a type of necktie) was worn by Croatian soldiers in the 17th century and became fashionable in France, leading to the creation of the modern necktie.

A Coastline with Over 1,000 Islands

Croatia boasts an impressive coastline along the Adriatic Sea, with over 1,000 islands. Popular islands include Hvar, Brac, and Korcula, known for their crystal-clear waters, historic sites, and stunning landscapes.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Croatia is home to 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Dubrovnik, Plitvice Lakes National Park, and Diocletian’s Palace in Split. These sites showcase the country’s rich cultural, historical, and natural beauty.

The Adriatic’s Hidden Gem

Dubrovnik, often called the "Pearl of the Adriatic," is one of the most famous cities in Croatia. Its well-preserved medieval walls, historic Old Town, and scenic views attract millions of tourists each year. It also served as the filming location for King’s Landing in the TV series Game of Thrones.

Croatia’s Love for Football (Soccer)

Football is the most popular sport in Croatia, and the country has a passionate fan base. The Croatian national football team achieved international recognition by finishing second in the 2018 FIFA World Cup, making it one of the most successful teams in recent years.

A Land of Natural Wonders

Croatia is famous for its natural beauty, from the cascading waterfalls in Plitvice Lakes National Park to the Karst caves of Postojna Cave. The country is also home to the Velebit mountain range and numerous national parks that attract hikers, wildlife enthusiasts, and nature lovers.

Cultural Influence of Venice

The Venetian influence is strong in coastal cities like Zadar and Split. These cities feature Venetian architecture, with charming medieval buildings and romantic piazzas that reflect Croatia’s history as part of the Venetian Republic for centuries.

Croatian Cuisine

Croatian cuisine is influenced by both Mediterranean and Central European traditions. Popular dishes include cevapi (grilled meat), pasticada (braised beef), sarma (stuffed cabbage rolls), and seafood dishes like grilled fish and octopus.

The Croatian Language

The official language of Croatia is Croatian, which uses the Latin alphabet. It is a South Slavic language closely related to Serbian, Bosnian, and Montenegrin, with a rich vocabulary influenced by historical interactions with Italian, Hungarian, Turkish, and other languages.