Croatia (Republika Hrvatska) sits at the crossroads of Central and Southeast Europe, where the Pannonian Plain meets the Mediterranean.
Capital: Zagreb
Population: ~3.9 million
Area: 56,594 km2
Official language: Croatian
Currency: Euro (€) — since 1 January 2023
EU member: since 2013
Schengen member: since 2023
Time zone: CET (UTC+1) / CEST (UTC+2)
Croatia borders Slovenia, Hungary, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro, and shares a maritime border with Italy.
Despite its size, Croatia offers an impressive variety of landscapes.
In the east, you’ll find the flat plains of Slavonia. Moving west, the terrain becomes greener and more mountainous, while the Adriatic coast opens up into one of the most beautiful shorelines in Europe.
1,700 km of mainland coastline
Over 6,000 km including islands
1,200+ islands, islets, and reefs
Along the coast, the climate is Mediterranean — with warm, sunny summers and mild winters — perfect for exploring both cities and nature.
Croatia’s history spans thousands of years, and you can still see it everywhere you go.
Some highlights include:
Dubrovnik — the "Pearl of the Adriatic," famous for its medieval walls
Split — home to Diocletian’s Palace, a living Roman complex
Plitvice Lakes National Park — cascading turquoise lakes and waterfalls
Pula — with one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheatres
Poreč — featuring the Euphrasian Basilica, a masterpiece of Byzantine art
Croatia is one of the most heritage-rich countries in Europe relative to its size.
Croatia currently has 11 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including both national and transnational listings:
Old City of Dubrovnik
Historical Complex of Split with the Palace of Diocletian
Plitvice Lakes National Park
Euphrasian Basilica in Poreč
Historic City of Trogir
Cathedral of St James in Šibenik
Stari Grad Plain (Hvar)
Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests (transnational)
Venetian Works of Defence (transnational)
Stećci Medieval Tombstones (transnational)
Croatia is home to 8 national parks, each with its own character:
Plitvice Lakes — 16 interconnected lakes and waterfalls
Krka — famous waterfalls and river landscapes
Kornati — a unique archipelago of 89 islands
Brijuni — island group with historical significance
Paklenica — dramatic canyons and climbing routes
Risnjak — forested mountains in Gorski Kotar
Mljet — a green island with saltwater lakes
Northern Velebit — diverse mountain ecosystems
Some of these parks are located close to Šibenik, making them perfect for excursions during your stay.
Croatia has a strong tradition in mathematics and mathematical competitions, with roots going back to the 19th century.
The Croatian Mathematical Society (HMD) organizes national competitions and prepares teams for international olympiads such as IMO and EGMO.
Croatian students have achieved excellent results over the years — and have been participating in EGMO since its very beginning in 2012.
Šibenik is where history, the sea, and everyday life come together.
Located on the central Dalmatian coast, at the mouth of the Krka River, it’s one of the few Croatian coastal cities founded by Croats — first mentioned in 1066 by King Petar Krešimir IV.
Today, with around 34,000 residents, it’s a vibrant coastal city and the centre of Šibenik-Knin County.
Šibenik’s old town is full of narrow stone streets, staircases, and hidden squares — perfect for exploring on foot.
One of its greatest landmarks is the Cathedral of St James, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture
Built between 1431 and 1535
Constructed entirely of stone
Famous for its 71 sculpted stone faces
Designed by Juraj Dalmatinac and Nikola Firentinac
Fortresses with a view
Šibenik is known for its impressive system of fortresses — each offering a different perspective of the city and the sea.
St Michael’s Fortress — the oldest, now an open-air concert venue
Barone Fortress — built in 1646, today an interactive visitor site
St John’s Fortress — the largest, recently restored
St Nicholas’ Fortress — a UNESCO-listed sea fortress guarding the channel
Šibenik is one of the rare cities in the world with two UNESCO World Heritage Sites:
Cathedral of St James
St Nicholas’ Fortress
The fortress is also part of the wider Venetian defensive system from the 16th and 17th centuries.
Šibenik is perfectly located for exploring some of Croatia’s most famous natural attractions.
A short drive away, Krka offers stunning waterfalls, wooden walkways, and lush scenery along the Krka River.
It also includes the island of Visovac with a Franciscan monastery dating back to 1445.
An archipelago of 89 islands, known for its raw, rugged beauty and crystal-clear sea — especially popular for sailing.
Šibenik has a lively cultural scene, especially during the summer.
International Children’s Festival (since 1958)
Concerts and performances at St Michael’s Fortress
Various music and cultural events throughout the city
Life in Šibenik follows a relaxed Mediterranean rhythm.
You’ll find plenty of fresh seafood, olive oil, local wines, and traditional dishes such as:
grilled fish
octopus salad
black risotto
pašticada
fritule
Local wines include indigenous varieties like Babić and Debit.
Šibenik’s old town is compact and easy to explore on foot.
The waterfront promenade (riva) is perfect for a walk, with views of the channel and nearby islands, while the historic centre invites you to wander through its stone streets at your own pace.