Sali (Dugi Otok Island)

Sali is the largest village and administrative center of the island of Dugi Otok (Long Island) in Croatia, in the Zadar region (North Dalmatia). 

It is a picturesque fishing village on the northeast coast with approximately 700-800 inhabitants. 

The name comes from the medieval salt pans (sal = salt). 

A quiet holiday destination — ideal for those who love nature, peace, and authenticity. 

Surrounded by pine forests, olive trees, and offering beautiful sunsets. 

Close to nature parks — just 2 km from Telašćica Nature Park (with the Mir salt lake) and near Kornati National Park. 

Facilities — a small harbor with restaurants, cafes, a few shops, a hotel, and a 15th-century church (St. Mary). 

Known for fresh fish and local festivals. 

In short: a charming, unspoiled fishing village perfect for a relaxing island vacation away from the hustle and bustle.

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Bjelovar-Bilogora

Bjelovar-Bilogora (Bjelovarsko-bilogorska županija) is a county in central Croatia, located in the northwestern part of the region. 

Capital/City Center: Bjelovar (historically founded as a fortress in 1756).

Characteristics: Strongly agricultural – the most agriculturally oriented region in Croatia (arable farming, livestock farming, dairy production). 

Beautiful rolling landscape with the Bilogora Hills, parts of Papuk, Moslavačka Gora, and Ravna Gora. Abounds in nature, forests, cycling and hiking trails (over 700 km of cycle paths), rural hospitality, and eco-tourism. 

Known for horse breeding, local wines, beer, traditional gastronomy, and a peaceful rural atmosphere. 

In short: a green, peaceful, and authentic part of Croatia, ideal for those who love nature, cycling, hiking, and local specialties – far from mass tourism.

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Brod-Posavina

Brod-Posavina County is a county (županija) in eastern Croatia, located in the southern part of Slavonia along the Sava River (which forms the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina). 

Capital/Largest City: Slavonski Brod (population: approximately 50,000) 

Location: Nestled between the southern slopes of the Slavonian Mountains (Psunj, Dilj, Požeška Gora) to the north and the Sava River to the south, offering a mix of plains, hills, and river landscapes. 

Key Features: Historically significant: the famous Brod Fortress (an 18th-century Austrian fortress against the Ottoman Empire) in Slavonski Brod. 

Rich tradition, folklore, hospitality, and Slavonian cuisine (meat dishes, Sava fish, kulen, and wine). Nature: River landscape, forests, and hiking trails in the hills. 

Economy: agriculture, food industry, some transport (road and rail connections). 

In short: a peaceful, hospitable Slavonian border region with a rich history, good food, and beautiful scenery, far from the hustle and bustle of coastal tourism.

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Dubrovnik-Neretva County

This is the southernmost county (županija) of Croatia, located in southern Dalmatia. 

Capital/seat: Dubrovnik (the most famous and largest city). 

Other important places: Korčula, Metković, Ploče, Opuzen. 

The county consists of a narrow coastal strip along the Adriatic Sea, including the southern Dalmatian islands (such as Korčula, Mljet, Lastovo, and the Elafiti Islands) and the inland area around the Neretva Delta (a fertile area with agriculture, citrus fruits, tangerines, and vineyards). 

Known for: UNESCO World Heritage Site: Dubrovnik Old Town (Game of Thrones location). 

Beautiful islands and nature (Mljet National Park). Neretva Delta with unique wetlands and boating. Tourism, shipping, agriculture, and fishing. 

In short: a region of spectacular coastline, medieval towns, islands, and a fertile delta – very popular with tourists, but with diverse landscapes from rocky coasts to marshy inland areas.

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Istria

Istria (Istra) is the largest peninsula in the Adriatic Sea, located in northwestern Croatia. 

A small northern section belongs to Slovenia and a very small part to Italy. 

It is known for: A beautiful, diverse coastline with clear water, pebble beaches, and romantic coastal towns such as Rovinj, Poreč, Pula (with its Roman amphitheater), and Novigrad. 

A green, hilly interior with medieval hilltop villages (Motovun, Grožnjan, Hum), olive groves, vineyards, and truffle forests (Istria is famous for its white truffles). 

Excellent gastronomy: olive oil, wine, seafood, truffles, and prosciutto. 

A Mediterranean climate, abundant sunshine, and a mix of Roman, Venetian, and Austro-Hungarian influences in its architecture and history. 

In short: Istria is an ideal mix of sun, sea, culture, delicious food, and unspoiled nature – one of Croatia's most popular holiday destinations, but often quieter than the Dalmatian coast.

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Karlovac

Karlovac County is located in central Croatia, with Karlovac as its capital and administrative center. 

It is one of the larger counties, covering an area of ​​approximately 3,626 km². 

Location: It borders Slovenia and Bosnia and Herzegovina and serves as a major transport link between the interior (Zagreb) and the coast (Rijeka/Split). 

Population: Approximately 100,000–130,000 inhabitants (depending on recent census, declining due to emigration and an aging population). 

Nature & Landscape: Known for its four rivers (Korana, Kupa, Mrežnica, and Dobra) → hence the nickname "city of four rivers" for Karlovac itself.

It boasts abundant greenery, forests, lakes, and karst landscapes. 

Popular Attractions: Rastoke (watermills and waterfalls), Aquatika freshwater aquarium, caves, and hiking and cycling trails. 

Things to see: Historic towns and castles such as Ozalj, Slunj, Ogulin, Duga Resa, and Dubovac Castle. 

Rich folklore, traditions, and Baroque architecture in Karlovac (founded in 1579 as a fortified town). 

Tourism: Strongly focused on nature tourism, adventure (rafting, kayaking, cycling), rural tourism, and cultural heritage. 

Often described as an "underrated gem" or "fairytale nature in the heart of Croatia." 

Economy: Primarily industry, forestry, agriculture, and growing tourism. 

In short: a green, water-rich region with plenty of history, tranquility, and outdoor opportunities, ideal for those who want to escape the busy coast while remaining centrally located in Croatia.

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Koprivnica-Križevci

Koprivnica-Križevci (Koprivničko-križevačka županija) is a county in northern Croatia, located in the Podravina region (along the Drava River). 

Capital/largest city: Koprivnica (approximately 28,000–30,000 inhabitants). 

Major cities: Koprivnica (capital), Križevci, and Đurđevac. 

Number of municipalities: 3 cities + 22 municipalities. 

Main characteristics: Fertile, flat Podravina and Prigorje regions → strong agricultural activity (corn, sugar beets, vegetables). 

Well-known company: Podravka (food group, including Vegeta herb mix, from Koprivnica). 

Tourist attractions: naive art (painters of the Hlebine school: Generalić, Večenaj), medieval towns of Križevci and Đurđevac, Picokijada festival (traditional folk festival in Đurđevac), vineyards around Križevci and Kalnik. 

Location: strategic corridor between Hungary (border with Hungary via Drava) and central Croatia → important north-south traffic axis. 

In short: a rural, agricultural county with rich folklore, naive art tradition, and Podravka as an economic symbol, located between the Hungarian border and Zagreb (approx. 70 km).

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Krapina-Zagorje County

Krapina-Zagorje County (Krapin's Zagorje County) is a county in northwestern Croatia, bordering Slovenia. 

It covers most of the historical region of Croatian Zagorje. 

Location: Hilly and green area with forests, vineyards, thermal springs, and medieval castles. 

Known for: Neanderthal find in Krapina (world-famous museum), numerous picturesque castles (including Veliki Tabor), folklore, wine, and tourism. 

Capital: Krapina (cultural and administrative center). 

Area: ± 1,224 km², fairly densely populated by Croatian standards. 

Distance: Only a 30-45 minute drive from Zagreb. 

Popular for day trips from the capital, tranquil nature, history, and culinary traditions (Zagorje cuisine). 

A true mix of prehistory, the Middle Ages, and rural charm!

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Lika-Senj County

Lika-Senj County is a county in central Croatia, with Gospić as its capital. 

It is the largest county in Croatia in terms of area, but has a relatively small population (approximately 45,000–50,000). 

It encompasses: Most of the historic and karstic Lika region (highlands, dense forests, mountains such as Velebit and Plješivica). 

A stretch of coastline on the Adriatic Sea around the town of Senj. 

The northern part of the island of Pag. 

Beautiful nature: Plitvice Lakes (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the springs of the Gacka River, the bear sanctuary, and the Velebit Mountains. 

A combination of mountains and sea. 

Preservation of traditions, folklore, and authentic rural culture. 

Less mass tourism → often considered one of Croatia's most underrated regions. 

In short: a rugged, green, and authentic area where mountains, forests, lakes, and a stretch of coastline converge – ideal for nature lovers and those seeking peace and quiet.

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Međimurje

Međimurje is the northernmost region of Croatia, situated between the Mura and Drava rivers and corresponding to the county of the same name (Međimurje County). 

It is the smallest and most densely populated county in the country, with approximately 113,000 inhabitants on 729 km². 

Known as the "Croatian flower garden" for its fertile plains, rolling hills, vineyards, and forests, it is a paradise for nature, wine, and gastronomy. 

History in brief: The region has a turbulent past under Habsburg, Hungarian, and Yugoslav influence. 

In 1919, the population voted in a resolution to join Croatia. 

It was part of Hungary for a long time until the First World War. 

Economy and culture: Important for agriculture (corn, potatoes, apples), wine production, and industry (metal, IT). 

Culinary specialties like gibanica (cake) and folk songs (Međimurska popevka, a UNESCO World Heritage site) make it unique. 

Tourism is flourishing with thermal baths (Sveti Martin), castles (Čakovec), and cycling routes through vineyards. 

Why visit? Perfect for relaxing holidays: hiking, wellness, and local festivals. 

It feels like a fairytale river landscape, ideal for wine and nature lovers.

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