My personal top 10 of Croatian towns and cities

Besides the many great photo locations and the small little towns and hamlets, Croatia has "city life". I leave, Zagreb, Split and Dubrovnik off the map (sorry for that).  Even some of the more popular and beloved places like Zadar and Trogir I will not add to this list. Just so to challenge you to see the beauty of a morning sunrise on Ozalj castle or to scrawl along the street of the old Varazdin and have your coffee 10 times cheaper than that espresso in old town Dubrovnik. 

1. Varaždin 
My favorite Croatian town. Is it the old baroque heart of the city? Is it the vibrance that so many of the young students add to the atmosphere in this city? Is it the business spirit of this most wealthy and developed part of continental Croatia? Make sure to visit the beautiful old castle and combine your trip with a visit to Kalnik and Ludbreg that are in easy reach of Croatia's former capital. 

2. Ozalj
The lovely little town of Ozalj has the munjara powerplant and the wonderful Zrinksi Frankopan castle. Discover it yourself. 

3. Ogulin 
Ogulin is such a pretty town with a very nice old castle, the dobra river, and some great cafe bars. Just outside of the town is a beautiful lake surrounded by the Gorski Kotar mountains. It is an ideal base for a hike in the nearby mountain range. Try out this bakery, they offer such a great variety of inexpensive pastry and cakes. 

4. Samobor
One of the most prosperous towns of Croatia. The town square is very picturesque. The park is very inviting for a walk and so refreshing because of the brook that flows through this town. Samobor has a castle ruin and some great restaurants. The nearby surrounding of the Samoborske Gorje are very inviting for a day trip to the mountains. 

5. Fužine
The lake of Fuzine is so attractive for a Sunday afternoon walk. The landscape is fantastic. There are some cafes on the bank of the lake. A famous 4-star hotel and restaurant can be found near the lake. The pizza in this restaurant is of good quality 

6. Opatija
Taste the grandeur of this coastal town that was once home to the many Habsburg aristocrats. Enjoy a coffee with a wonderful sea view in this great hotel. The nearby nature park of Ucka is worth the extra drive up the mountains. 

7. Šibenik
If you are tired of the crowds in Dubrovnik...Šibenik is a must see. A wonderful historical old city at the Adriatic coast. The National Park Krka is nearby. 

8. Motovun
The city on the hill. Can be photographed from various viewpoints. 

9. Rovinj
Rovinj is a tourist boom but try winter or Autumn, you will not be disappointed. 

10. Korčula
The birth place of Marco Polo. The main capital of the Island by the same name. 

The lovely town of Ozalj