Geographically, among the regions of Croatia, we can distinguish between coastal and central regions. The coastal regions cover the Adriatic Sea coast and the Danube Highlands.
The cities of these regions of Croatia include most of the seaside and ski resorts in the country. The region of Central Croatia occupies about a third of the country and lies in the Middle Danube Lowlands. The capital of Croatia, Zagreb, is located here.
The northernmost region of Croatia, along which the border with Slovenia runs. Here are such famous Croatian cities as Pula, Medulin, Novigrad, and Poreč.
Istria is widely known for the ancient architecture of its cities. Here are the most famous beach resorts in Croatia. The ancient Roman amphitheater in Pula and the Brijuni National Nature Park are a constant attraction.
This region of Croatia is located between the Istria Peninsula in the north, North Dalmatia in the south, and the Gorski Kotar mountain range in the northeast. The northern part of Kvarner borders Slovenia, while the eastern part borders Bosnia and Herzegovina. Here are cities such as Opatija, Rijeka, Crikvenica, and Novi Vinodolski. Kvarner includes the islands: Krk Island with the resorts of Malinska and Baška, Rab Island, Cres Island, and Lošinj Island.
Kvarner is home to the national parks Paklenica and Northern Velebit, Frankopan Castle, and the famous Plitvice Lakes National Nature Park.
North Dalmatia borders Bosnia and Herzegovina. The administrative center of Northern Dalmatia is the city of Zadar. Other prominent cities in the region are Nin, Biograd na Moru, Vodice, Primosten, Pag Island, Murter Island, and Sibenik.
The region has many sandy beaches, as well as islands and islets off the coast. Tourists are attracted by the Krka Nature Parks and the Kornati Island Park with their magnificent nature.
This region includes many islands and borders Bosnia and Herzegovina. The central city of Central Dalmatia is Split. Besides it, there are the cities and resorts of Trogir, Podstrana, Omis, Makarska, Baška Voda, Brela, and Tučepi. Part of the region are the islands Brač, Hvar, Solta, Vis, and Ciovo.
Middle Dalmatia's attractions include Diocletian's Palace in Split and the old center of the monument city of Trogir. Both of these sites are under the auspices of UNESCO.
This is the southernmost region of Croatia. The Dubrovnik region is separated from the rest of Croatia by natural borders and is surrounded by Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro. The main cities of Southern Dalmatia are Dubrovnik and Cavtat. The territory of the region includes the Peljesac peninsula and the island of Mljet.
The main attractions of Southern Dalmatia are the Old Town of Dubrovnik, the valley of the Neretva River, and the Mljet National Nature Park.
The Central Croatia region occupies one third of Croatia's total area and is located in the basin of the Sava, Drava, and Mura rivers. The cities of Zagreb - the capital of Croatia, Samobor, Varaždin, Čakovec, and Karlovac are located here.
The main attractions of central Croatia include the Upper and Lower Grad of Zagreb, Zagorje, Trakošćan Castle, Samobor, the Museum of the Great Man in Krapina, Varaždin. There is a magnificent natural park Medvednica. It is in central Croatia that the largest thermal spas in Croatia are located - Tuhelske toplice, Varaždinske toplice, Krapinske toplice, and the unique sanatorium Naftalan.
Central Croatia is bordered by Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Hungary, and Slovenia.
Also check out Andrew Burenok tips on the regions of Croatia in the following video:
