Discover Croatia: 8 Amazing Fun Facts That Will Make You Fall in Love with This Beautiful Country

1. Croatian Necktie Origins

Before they were knot-orious worldwide for their breathtaking coastlines and crystal-clear seas, Croatians were turning heads with their fabulous fashion sense: The origin of the modern necktie can be traced back to 17th-century Croatia, where soldiers donned decorative cloths around their necks during the Thirty Years' War, ultimately inspiring the term "cravatte" and the evolution of the fashionable accessory we know today.
Source => tieroom.com

2. Game of Thrones in Dubrovnik

Winter is coming, and so are the tourists: Dubrovnik, Croatia, was transformed into the fictional world of Westeros, playing host to several iconic Game of Thrones filming locations – like Pile Gate, Bokar Fortress, Fort Lovrijenac, and the infamous Jesuit Staircase, where Cersei took her Walk of Shame!
Source => thewholeworldisaplayground.com

Did you know that a simple yet delicious Spanish dish, pan con tomate, is made by massaging bread with garlic, ripe tomatoes, Spanish olive oil, and a pinch of salt? Discover the mouthwatering magic behind this Catalan treat!

=> Fun Facts about Spain

3. Record-Breaking Truffle Discovery

Talk about a truffle-shuffle: In 1999, a Croatian truffle hunter and his trusty canine sidekick, Diana – the true "Diana Jones" of the truffle-hunting world – uncovered a 1.31 kg fungal treasure in Istria, Croatia. The serious reveal: This gargantuan truffle earned a Guinness World Record as the largest white truffle ever found, was immortalized in bronze, and transformed Livade into a world-renowned truffle mecca – all while skipping the lucrative market to rather regally end its days as a feast in its homeland.
Source => coloursofistria.com

4. Genius Croatian Inventors

Who needs batteries when you have brainpower? Croatia's homegrown inventors have brought forth some shockingly bright ideas: From Renaissance polymath Faust Vrančić designing the first wind turbine and suspension bridges, to the electrifying genius of Nikola Tesla patenting over 700 inventions in his lifetime; let's not forget the writable duo, Slavoljub Penkala, who created the first mechanical pencil and solid-ink fountain pen; and lastly, zooming into the present, meet Mate Rimac, the man behind ultra-high-performance electric vehicles at Rimac Automobili.
Source => croatia-yachting-charter.com

5. Ston's Impressive City Walls

Like a protective Nanny Mc-Stone on steroids, the Croatian town of Ston is shrouded by glorious stretches of ancient wall - just waiting for you to traverse: Boasting a whopping 5.5km, the Ston Walls hold the second place medal in the European stone wall race, only beaten by Hadrian's Wall. Constructed strategically in the 14th century, these walls provided Dubrovnik with independence through defenses, trade, and even salt works - not to mention tantalizing oysters, which have a penchant for boosting your love life! Blend in a mix of history, mouth-watering seafood, and architectural wonders for the ultimate Ston experience.
Source => godubrovnik.com

6. Croatia's Sunshine Olympics

If soaking up rays were an Olympic sport, Croatian coast residents might just give the Aussies a run for their money: Boasting over 2,081 hours of sunshine annually, Croatia claims the silver medal for yearly sunshine hours, lagging only behind Australia's 2,884 hours, yet outshining Melbourne's average sun exposure.
Source => worlddata.info

7. Sinjska Alka Tournament

Step aside, jousting knights of Renaissance Fairs; there's a new gig in town that takes "ring toss" to a whole new level of horse-powered awesomeness: The Sinjska Alka is a centuries-old Croatian tournament where knights in full gallop aim their lances at an iron ring suspended from a rope, all the while promoting chivalry and community. Inscribed as Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in 2010, this genuine medieval extravaganza puts other costume party wannabes to shame.
Source => ich.unesco.org

8. Zlatni Rat's Changing Beach Shape

They say change is the spice of life, but even Zlatni Rat beach didn't get that memo regarding its peculiar shifting shape – talk about being a stick in the sand: Though the beach doesn't exactly alter its angle by 20° each year as some believe, it does, however, stretch a noteworthy 30 cm annually. Nestled on the island of Brac, this sought-after spot for water sports lovers is surrounded by a lush pine forest, accessible via ferry from Split or a quick flight to the island’s cozy airport.
Source => mybestplace.com