In ancient and cozy Croatia, about 128 settlements are recognized as cities. Each Croatian city has something new and interesting to offer the tourist. Fine cuisine, nightclubs with local and Western music, cobblestone walks and sightseeing are what travelers from all over the world come to this country for.
Castles surrounded by nature, museums with archaeological finds and cafes with outdoor terraces await their guests in many cities of the country. The Croatian state has its own outlet to the Adriatic Sea, so it is possible to combine different types of recreation there. The pearl of the Adriatic with the azure bays of the Croatian ports is saturated with an authentic southern flavor. The area of the state is 56 thousand km². The population is over 4 million inhabitants. Administrative divisions are represented by 20 counties (regions).
Largest cities in Croatia
List of the country's main cities in terms of population.
Zagreb
The largest city in Croatia is located near the Sava River. Area - 641 km². The commercial and economic center of the country is famous for its large production of electrical appliances, as well as a huge number of food processing factories. There are many gourmet cafes and restaurants in Zagreb. An extensive transport network of the city helps tourists to get to any point of interest quickly and easily. St. Mary's Church, National Theater, King's Square - these are the true gems of urban architecture.
Population - 810 003 people (2018)
Split
The resort town and the second largest settlement in the country is located on the Adriatic coast. The area is 63 km². There are Roman ruins in the northwestern outskirts of the city. The center has excellent transport links. Diocletian's Palace is considered the main highlight of Split. There are many villas in the city, as well as sports stadiums where tennis and football are played.
Population - 178 102 people (2011)
Rijeka
The port city is the third largest in Croatia. The area is 44 km². Rijeka lives on shipbuilding, tourism and trade. The largest cargo and passenger port in the state is located here. There is an international airport not far from the city. Rijeka's Oblique Tower is considered the visiting card of the city. There are also many churches, cathedrals and parishes in the city in different architectural styles.
Population - 128 624 people (2011)
Osijek
The eastern town is based on the banks of the Drava River. Osijek is the industrial center of the country. The area is 169 km². Among the entertainment you can find here a zoo and an aquarium. There is a National Theater in Osijek. Within the city limits there is a chemical and a match factory. Transport in the town is represented by railway, air, buses and trolleybuses. There is a river port at the Osijek pier.
Population - 103 162 people (2017)
Zadar
The historical center of the country Zadar is located in the central part of the Adriatic coast. The area is 25 km². Zadar is part of the Zadar Archdiocese. The settlement is divided into Old and New districts. Roman buildings in the Old Quarter are of particular historical value. Tourism, fishing, mechanical engineering are the main sectors of the developing Zadar. There are three nature reserves near the town: Kornati, Velebit and Paklenica.
Population - 75 082 people (2011)
Velika Gorica
More modern than its predecessors, the city has good transport links. The area is 329 km². This place is a satellite city of the Croatian capital. The town's economy is based on agriculture and private trade business. A favorite place of the city residents is the picturesque Chiche Lake. The reservoir is almost closely adjacent to the city limits.
Population - 63 517 people (2011)
Pula
The western city of Pula is located on the Istrian peninsula. The area is 51 km². The first Greek colony in the Adriatic today is based next to the Brijuni National Park. An amphitheater, a temple, a town hall, a sea casino - this is what tourists might be interested in in Pula. The picturesque city is considered a major seaport. It has a developed transport infrastructure in all Croatian directions.
Population - 57,053 people (2012)
Slavonski Brod
The river port on the Sava River is also an industrial city. Area - 50 km². The 18th century Baroque fortress is an important historical landmark of the city. The city is known not only from a historical point of view, it was previously the home of the Croatian writer Ivane Brlic-Mazuranić.
Population - 56 769 people (2015)
Karlovac
The settlement, located at the confluence of several rivers, is located in the center of the country. Area 402 km². The city is popular with beer lovers. It is here that the brewery that produces "Karlovachko" is located. The bridge over the Koranu River is also interesting. In recent years, Karlovac has been actively built up, as it was severely damaged during the Second World War.
Population - 53,134 people (2015)
Varazdin
The city on the Drava River is the center of its parish. The area is 59 km². The cultural life of the city is closely linked to history and football. There are many makeshift conservatories in the city. Evenings of Baroque music are held in old churches with good acoustics, as well as in the spacious halls of ancient castles. The annual street performer festival attracts thousands of tourists to the city.
Population - 47 055 people (2011)
Šibenik
The settlement is located at the confluence of the Krka River with the Adriatic. The area is 458 km². The architectural monuments in the town date back to XV. There are many churches, cathedrals and monasteries in Šibenik. The City Museum is located in the Prince's Palace. There is a park near Šibenik that bears the same name as the river.
Population - 46 332 people (2011)
Dubrovnik
The resort is located in the south of the Adriatic. In a beautiful village, earthquakes sometimes happen. The area is 143 km². Dubrovnik has many historical sites, streets are paved with cobblestones, walls remember wars, unrest and coronations. The subtropical climate makes this place attractive to foreigners and residents of the country.
Population - 42 615 people (2012)
Bielovar
The city is located on the plains of Croatia in the central part. The area is 192 km². The city has a relatively young history. Famous for its cultural events. For example, a fair and the largest art exhibition in the Balkans are held in the vicinity of Bjelovar. The city is home to many social and cultural events.
Population - 40,276 people (2011)
Sisak
The settlement is based in the central part of Croatia. Area - 422 km². The city is famous for its mineral waters. Here their temperature reaches 54 degrees. The Lonsko Pole Park can be seen near the city limits. The Celts and Romans had a hand in the emergence of this town, therefore in Sisak there are fragments of ancient walls and other interesting places.
Population - 33 322 people (2011)
Vinkovci
The town of Vinkovtsi is located on the banks of the Basut River. The area is 94 km². The fields around the village are reputed to be the most fertile in Croatia. During the period of archaeological excavations, the Orion calendar was discovered near this town. The find confirms speculation that the Balkan culture is much older than it initially appears.
Population - 32,029 people (2011)
Koprivnitsa
The northern town of Croatia has a special charm. The area is 90 km². Koprivnica brews Carlsberg beer and produces delicious food. The town has its own football stadium. There are architectural gems represented by parks and churches. There are also hotels and great restaurants here.
Population - 30 854 people (2011)
Dzhyakovo
The settlement is another agricultural center in Croatia. The area is known for its fertile soils. The area is 170 km². Djakova's vineyards and wineries are popular throughout the country as well as abroad. The city constantly hosts exhibitions, festivals of national costume and embroidery.
Population - 27 745 people (2011)
Vukovar
The settlement is located on the Danube River. The territory is based in the east of the country. The area is 100 km². Port Vukovar is famous for its food factories and textile industries. The main attractions here are the Episcopal Palace and the Franciscan Monastery.
Population - 24 938 people (2015)
Solin
Croatian city on the Adriatic coast. The area is 18 km². The town is considered a suburb of neighboring Split. Despite its small size, the settlement is rich in historical monuments: the ruins of Roman forums, amphitheaters, museums. Tourism is the backbone of the development of Solina. The beautiful nature and the sea attract thousands of tourists to this area.
Population - 23 926 people (2011)
Zapresic
This place is a suburb of Zagreb. The capital Zapresic is 13 km away. Area - 52 km². The Sava River flows near the town. Industrial enterprises operate within the city limits. The center is adjoined by 10 villages, which are included in this administrative unit. Tourists come to Zapresic for the sake of beautiful nature and active recreation. There are not many entertainments in the town itself, but the prices for hotel rooms are significantly lower than in the capital.
Population - 19 644 people (2011)
Pozega
The city is located in the eastern part of Croatia. The area is 133 km². In September, the city hosts an annual folk music festival. Many military holidays are celebrated in Pozega. Parades, reconstructions and solemn processions are held on an ongoing basis. The cozy town is actively developing the tourism sector.
Population - 19 506 people (2011)
Samobor
Another settlement Samobor is based not far from the capital. The area is 250 km². Foam cakes and the Fashnik carnival are the hallmarks of the city. Samobor is decorated in traditional Croatian style. Its red tiles, cobbled streets and wrought-iron signs create a unique atmosphere of antiquity throughout the city.
Population - 15 956 people (2011)
Chakovets
The city of northern Croatia has a special architectural value. The area is 72 km². Various types of industry are developed in Chakovce. In addition, there are old churches, historic mansions and streets decorated in a variety of styles. In the suburb of Cakovec, Croatian castles are open to the public.
Population - 15 147 people (2011)
Rovinj
In the west of the Istrian peninsula is the town of Rovinj. The area is 88 km². Hotels, villas and fishing businesses are the main income of the city. Museums, chapels and monasteries are located in the historic part of the town. Buses run to Rovinj from all over the peninsula. There is also a tobacco factory, a port and many small businesses. Water activities are popular and in demand at the resort.
Population - 14 294 people (2011)
Makarska
A resort in the center of the Adriatic coast. Area - 28 km². The main attraction is the Marineta embankment. Hotels, hotel complexes, cafes and restaurants are open along the embankment. There are clean and well-maintained beaches near the embankment and Cape St. Peter. Not far in the mountains near Makarska begins a nature park that is open at any time of the year. The Mediterranean climate and the rapid development of tourism after the war made the resort attractive not only for foreigners, but also for local residents.
Population - 13 716 people (2001)
