Too Beautiful: Exploring the Balkans - Croatia
🧏♀️ The Balkan Peninsula, located in southeastern Europe between the Adriatic and Black Seas, is named for its mountainous terrain. This region boasts rich cultural, religious, and ethnic diversity and was historically known as the "Powder Keg of Europe" due to conflicts. However, the current situation is peaceful (rest assured, it's quite safe!). The Balkan Peninsula includes countries such as Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Romania, Serbia, and Slovenia.
This time, let me share my journey in Croatia!
Since I visited nine countries in one go, I only stayed in Croatia for a few days. Here are three must-visit spots I recommend: 🌟🌟🌟
1️⃣ Zagreb
This is the capital city. It was reportedly damaged by an earthquake years ago, and many buildings are still under restoration. However, it's worth a visit to experience Eastern European culture. Most attractions are in the Old Town, with "Ban Jelačić Square" as the city center, divided into the Upper Town and Lower Town. In the Upper Town, you can see many historical landmarks and enjoy a panoramic view of the city from the hilltop. Note that some famous buildings are still under restoration, such as:
📍 Zagreb Cathedral (Zagrebačka katedrala)
📍 St. Mark's Church (Crkva sv. Marka)
There are also many museums, galleries, and graffiti streets to explore on foot. The most memorable for me were the "Museum of Broken Relationships" and the "Hahahouse" (Laughter Museum), both quite interesting 😄 *Tickets are required for entry.
2️⃣ Dubrovnik Old Town
Tickets are required for entry. Known for its well-preserved city walls, this location gained fame as a filming site for the American series "Game of Thrones." Walking along the city walls offers countless photo opportunities—take your time to find the best spots! At the foot of the walls, you can explore Dubrovnik Cathedral, monasteries, the bell tower, Stradun Street, the small fountain, and more. Every corner is worth your time. If your schedule and budget allow, I highly recommend spending a few days exploring this ancient city and even taking the cable car! *Side note: Look for the owl-shaped stone near the walls of the cathedral and monastery (see photo 6). Legend has it that if you can stand on it without holding onto the wall, you'll either find love or have good luck 😆... but it's super challenging! What was it originally? Apparently, it was a drainage outlet.
3️⃣ Plitvice Lakes National Park
Tickets are required for entry. Located in the karst mountains of central Croatia, this park was established in 1949, making it the oldest national park in Southeast Europe. It is also the largest national park in Croatia and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. The park features 16 lakes, earning it the nickname "Sixteen Lakes National Park." I highly recommend this spot—the lakes are breathtakingly beautiful. The area is mainly explored on foot, with shuttle buses available (included in the ticket price) depending on your route. You can also take a boat, but be sure to arrive early. We arrived around 4 PM and missed the boats. It's said that bears may appear here at night, so be cautious! 😉
🌟 Tips for Hong Kong Travelers:
· Visa-free entry
· Use euros for currency exchange, but credit card payments are also convenient
· If you plan to visit nearby countries, you can drive and cross borders. However, during peak seasons, you may face long traffic jams and might need to get out of the car for luggage checks, so bring plenty of snacks!
· The weather is pleasant in July and August; wear summer clothes but bring a light jacket for lakes or mountains, and don't forget sunscreen.