Most travelers contemplate the more well-known cities like Zadar, Split, Dubrovnik and Zagreb when visiting Croatia and rightfully so, however, there is so much more to the country. I believe to experience true Croatian culture and the natural beauty of the country, these smaller towns are definitely some of the best options.
Motuvun
A gorgeous town in the Istrian region that sits on a hill in the Mirna River valley. It is perched between two sets of thick walls and between those walls are Romanesque and Gothic buildings, family restaurants and family-owned tourist shops. The town is known for its famous truffles, authentic cuisine, and its popular film festival, which takes place every summer. Surrounded by vineyards, it also has a tradition of very good wine.
Hum
Known as the smallest town in the world, consisting of basically one street that loops around the town. Hum marvels with its historic walls, stone streets, and miniature dimensions of just one hundred meters in length and 35 meters wide. The must-see in this small wonder is the Glagolitic Alley, a seven-kilometer promenade along the road from Roč to Hum that leads to the gates to the city. It consists of eleven (11) monuments dedicated to Glagolitic scripts, the first Slavic letter. They are all carved in stone except for the main gate, which is made of copper. Don’t forget to get yourself a bottle of Biska, the traditional Istrian brandy made by a 2000-year-old recipe.
Pula
One of the largest towns in the Istrian region of Croatia with remarkable archaeological sites that emphasize its Roman history. The highlight being the amphitheater, the only one in the world with a complete circle wall. The coastal town positioned in the valley of seven hills, gives you astonishing Adriatic views, narrow cobbled streets and exquisite restaurants that give you a true taste of Croatia’s dining.
Primošten
One of the central towns of Croatia, Primosten has become a big tourist attraction and is gaining popularity every year. The town is known for its beautiful beaches, amazing sunsets and traditional live concerts in the summer months. It has a rapidly growing popularity with the younger crowds because of its nightlife, which includes its acclaimed foam parties.
Šibenik
What sets this small big city from Croatia’s more popular big cities is its ability to enchant you with its sense of entering everyday life. As you explore you can always find children playing, people sitting and chatting in doorways, and the smells of home cooking drift through the air. While wandering the quiet narrow cobblestone allies inside the city walls, you will be sure to come upon the stone St. James Cathedral decorated with 71 sculpted faces one of the most iconic churches in Croatia. You are sure to come across other small churches, the 14th-century Prince’s Palace, squares, fortresses, especially St. Michael’s Fortress with its open-air theater, lonely gun platform and impressive views of the Old town and neighboring islands.
Trogir
A tiny island, linked by bridges to both the mainland and the far larger Čiovo Island, Trogir is a small town with Baroque and Renaissance buildings, encompassed by medieval city walls. The towns waterfront promenade remits a romantic character, lined with ice cream shops, cafes, bars and restaurants. It is an allurement for evening walks by families and couples alike. Stroll past the amorous views and lined yachts on the harbor into the narrow streets and back alleyways for more restaurants, local residencies and family-owned businesses. Take a stroll through Trogir’s market, with its variety of fresh fruits, vegetables and local olives, honey, oil and grappa. At night the market transforms into an outdoor eatery for tourists and locals. Trogir allows for easy access to Split by boat and on the eastern end of the southern shore, a bridge leads over to the larger Ciovo Island, both worth a visit if you have the time.
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