Interesting facts about Croatia you should know

We always had Croatia on our bucket list, but honestly, we didn’t expect to visit it so soon. Sometimes the best trips are the ones that happen unexpectedly, and Croatia turned out to be one of those surprises that stole our hearts right away. For the past 25 years, Croatia has been an independent country. Before that, it was part of Yugoslavia. Today, it’s known for its long and scenic Adriatic coastline, more than a thousand islands, breathtaking natural landscapes, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, charming hilltop and seaside towns, excellent cuisine and wine, and above all, its warm and welcoming people.

The name of the country in Croatian is Hrvatska. The local language, Croatian, is Slavic and sounds similar to Russian, Czech, or Slovak. It’s almost identical to Serbian and Bosnian, with just a few regional vocabulary differences. Don’t worry if you don’t speak Croatian; English is widely spoken, especially by younger generations. In Istria, you’ll also hear Italian, a reminder of the region’s history under Italian rule during the World Wars. Read on to learn more interesting facts that can come in handy when you visit.

The history is rich

Over the years, Croatia was ruled by several Illyrian kings, Roman and Byzantine Emperors, Venetian rulers, Hungarian Kings, Ottoman Sultans, and Habsburg Monarchs.

All of these different rulerships can also be seen in the rich architecture across the whole country. For example, the Pula Amphitheater is a great example. Waddling around any city, you will see the history mingle. 

And don’t ask about the war. Twenty-five years ago, Croatia declared independence, but it suffered many of the effects of the Yugoslav war until the conflict finally came to a close in 1995.  Some regions were hit harder than others, but the memories remain raw for certain generations. 

Most people prefer not to discuss the war and would rather put it behind them to focus on the future instead. Don’t blame them, who would like to talk about war? Us not so much. 

A Snapshot of Croatia’s History

• • Early Settlements. Croatia’s lands were home to Illyrian tribes and later part of the Roman Empire.
  • Medieval Kingdom. Croatia became a kingdom in the 10th century and later entered a union with Hungary.
  • Ottoman & Habsburg Rule. Parts of Croatia fell under Ottoman occupation, while the Habsburgs ruled others.
  • Yugoslavia Era. After World War I, Croatia became part of the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes (later Yugoslavia).
  • Independence in 1991. Croatia declared independence from Yugoslavia, followed by the Homeland War in the 1990s.
  • Modern Croatia. Today, Croatia is a member of the European Union (since 2013) and the Schengen Zone (since 2023).

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11 Interesting Things to Know Before Visiting Croatia

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#1: It has a lot of beaches

With a stunning 3,900-mile coastline and more than 1,200 islands and islets, Croatia is a true paradise for beach lovers. The turquoise waters and sun-soaked shores are one of the country’s biggest draws, but there’s so much more waiting beyond the beaches, eight national parks, ten UNESCO World Heritage Sites, 13 mountain chains, fairy-tale castles, and countless cultural gems.

Most of Croatia’s beaches are rocky or pebbled, but they rank among the cleanest in all of Europe. Swimming water quality is taken very seriously: every year, hundreds of beaches are tested under strict European Union standards. This, combined with the pebble and rock base, keeps the Adriatic waters crystal clear. For those who prefer sand between their toes, sandy beaches can be found on islands like Rab and Brač.

Croatia’s magic doesn’t stop at the shore. Out of its 1,244 islands, only 50 are inhabited, and just 15 have populations over 1,000. While some islands attract many visitors, others remain untouched and wild, perfect for those seeking hidden escapes.

#3: Swimming Pools in Hotels Are Often Filled With Saltwater

Some hotels keep it conventional, having fresh water, and those closest to the sea have pools filled with salt water. We know saltwater is beneficial for the skin and health in general. Still, they do it also for ecological water-saving reasons. The water is filtered and chlorinated of course — but needs much fewer chemicals — and unless you drink it, you won’t even notice it’s salty.

Things to eat when in Croatia

#4: The Pen Was Invented in Croatia

#5: Dalmatians Come From Croatia

The world-famous Dalmatian dog, with its instantly recognizable white coat and black spots, has its roots in Croatia. Historical records and paintings from the 17th century depict dogs that resemble the modern Dalmatian, especially in the coastal region of Dalmatia, which gave the breed its name.

Originally, Dalmatians were bred as working dogs. They served many roles throughout history: guarding homes and livestock, running alongside horse-drawn carriages to protect travelers, and even working as hunting dogs. Their endurance, loyalty, and distinctive appearance made them popular not only in Croatia but eventually around the world.

Today, Dalmatians are beloved as family pets and cultural icons. From firehouse mascots to starring roles in films like 101 Dalmatians, their Croatian heritage continues to shine on the global stage.

#6: Croatia’s Money Was Named After Animals and Trees

Croatia’s currency has an unusual but charming backstory. The kuna, which was the official currency until 2023, is named after the marten—a small, weasel-like animal once prized for its silky fur. In medieval times, marten pelts were even used as a form of payment, which is how the name carried into modern money.

The coins also followed this nature-inspired theme. One kuna was divided into 100 lipa, the Croatian word for the linden (lime) tree, a species deeply rooted in Slavic tradition and culture.

Though Croatia now uses the euro (€), many travelers still find the history of the kuna and lipa a fascinating glimpse into the country’s cultural heritage.

#7: Croatia Invented the Tie (Cravat)

The stylish necktie has Croatian roots. In the 17th century, Croatian soldiers wore distinctive scarves around their necks, which caught the attention of the French. They called it cravate, derived from Croat, and from there the cravat evolved into the modern tie we know today.

#8: Hum: The Smallest Town in the World

Croatia is home to Hum, officially recognized as the smallest town in the world. With only about 20–30 residents, this tiny medieval settlement in Istria charms visitors with its cobbled streets, stone houses, and peaceful atmosphere. Despite its size, Hum has a rich history and even its own mayor, elected once a year.

#9: Nikola Tesla Was Born in Croatia

One of the greatest inventors of all time, Nikola Tesla, was born in the village of Smiljan, Croatia, in 1856. Tesla’s work with electricity and innovation shaped the modern world, and his birthplace now houses a museum dedicated to his life and discoveries.

#10: Croatia’s Thousand Islands

Croatia is often called the land of a thousand islands—and with good reason. Scattered along its Adriatic coast are 1,244 islands, islets, and reefs, creating a true paradise for sailing and island-hopping. Out of all these, only 48 are inhabited, each with its own character and charm. Some, like Hvar and Korčula, are lively and full of culture, while others remain untouched, offering quiet coves and pristine nature. Whether you’re exploring by ferry, boat tour, or private yacht, Croatia’s islands are one of its greatest treasures.

#11: Sunshine in Croatia

Croatia is one of Europe’s sunniest destinations, enjoying around 2,715 hours of sunshine each year, even more than Sydney, Australia. Long sunny days make it perfect for beach lovers, island-hopping adventures, and exploring the coastline well into autumn.

Other Interesting Facts

• King Tomislav: Croatia’s First King. King Tomislav, crowned sometime before 925 A.D., is remembered as the very first king of Croatia. His legacy is so important that you’ll see his name honored all across the country, from city squares and streets to monuments and landmarks.
• The popular HBO series Game of Thrones was filmed on the Dalmatian coast, specifically in Split and Dubrovnik.
• The amphitheater in Pula, Istria, once hosted fierce Roman gladiator battles. Today, it stands as one of only three fully preserved Roman amphitheaters in the world, and it’s also the 6th largest ever built. A remarkable piece of history right in Croatia’s backyard.
• The largest Croatian white truffle ever found weighed 1.31 kg (2 lb 8 oz) and was discovered by Giancarlo Zigante of Pototoska on November 2, 1999, near Buje, a town in Istria, Croatia.
•  The longest word in Croatian is prijestolonasljednikovičičinima, which means little heiress apparent to the throne.
• Croatia is home to a surprising number of dialects, and sometimes they differ so much that even Croatians can struggle to fully understand one another.
• Croatia has more than 300 geographically defined wine-producing areas.
•  Irish writer James Joyce was considered one of the most influential figures in the modernist avant-garde of the early 20th century. He was an English teacher in Pula, Istria, in the early 20th century.

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