Explore Croatia’s Filming Locations

Croatia, with its rich history, stunning landscapes, and diverse culture, has captivated the hearts of many filmmakers, authors, and audiences worldwide. Its picturesque settings, from the ancient city walls of Dubrovnik to the idyllic Adriatic seaside, have provided an enchanting backdrop for various films, TV shows, and books. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the magic of Croatia’s cinematic and literary allure, uncover hidden gems, and provide essential travel tips for your trip to this beautiful country. So, sit back, relax, and prepare to embark on a journey through the lens of 10 famous films shot in Croatia.

The 10 Famous Films Shot in Croatia

Croatia’s enchanting landscapes, well-preserved medieval architecture, and vibrant cities have featured in numerous blockbuster films. Here are ten of the most well-known movies shot in this stunning country:

1. Game of Thrones (2011-2019) – The popular HBO series used several locations in Croatia, most notably Dubrovnik, which served as the main filming location for King’s Landing, the capital of the Seven Kingdoms.
2. Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi (2017) – The ancient and stately streets of Dubrovnik were transformed into the casino city of Canto Bight in this installment of the Star Wars saga.
3. Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again (2018) – Croatia’s captivating island of Vis doubled as the fictional Greek island of Kalokairi in this feel-good musical sequel.
4. The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard (2021) – This action-packed sequel filmed multiple scenes in the picturesque cities of Rovinj and Zagreb.
5. The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian (2008) – The pristine beauty of the Plitvice Lakes National Park was used to portray the mythical world of Narnia.
6. Marco Polo (2014-2016) – This Netflix series, based on the famous Venetian merchant and explorer, filmed extensively in Croatia, particularly in Dubrovnik.
7. The Terror (2018) – The AMC series shot several scenes in Pag Island, known for its moon-like landscape.
8. Doctor Who (2005-present) – The beloved British TV series filmed the episode “The Vampires of Venice” in the historic town of Trogir.
9. Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014) – The Marvel superhero movie used the city of Zagreb as a backdrop for one of its action scenes.
10. Winnetou (1962-1968) – This classic series of Western films, based on Karl May’s novels, was largely filmed in Croatia’s beautiful Paklenica National Park.

5 TV Shows Set in Croatia

Aside from films, Croatia has also been a popular location for several TV shows. Here are five notable series that have used the Croatian landscape to enhance their storytelling:

1. Game of Thrones (2011-2019) – As mentioned earlier, this iconic series used various locations in Croatia, particularly Dubrovnik and Split, to bring the fictional world of Westeros to life.
2. Knightfall (2017-2019) – This historical drama series about the Knights Templar filmed several scenes in Dubrovnik, using its medieval architecture to represent Paris in the 14th century.
3. Doctor Who (2005-present) – The long-running British sci-fi series used Trogir’s historic streets to portray 16th century Venice in the episode “The Vampires of Venice.”
4. Emerald City (2017) – This modern reimagining of “The Wizard of Oz” was partially filmed in Split, using the ancient Diocletian’s Palace as a location.
5. Crossing Lines (2013-2015) – This Franco-German-Italian crime series shot several episodes in Croatia, including scenes in Zagreb and Dubrovnik.

5 Animated Films Set in Croatia

While Croatia’s stunning landscapes are best appreciated in live-action films, the country’s rich culture and history have also inspired the settings of several animated films. Here are five animated films that evoke the spirit of Croatia:

1. The Elm Chanted Forest (1986) – This Croatian animated film, known as “ÄŒudesna Å¡uma” in Croatian, tells the magical story of a painter who finds himself in a forest full of talking animals and magical beings.
2. Lapitch the Little Shoemaker (1997) – Based on a popular children’s book by Croatian author Ivana Brlić-Mažuranić, this animated film follows the adventures of a shoemaker’s apprentice as he travels through the Croatian countryside.
3. The Magician’s Hat (1990) – Another Croatian animated film, “ÄŒarobnjakov Å¡eÅ¡ir” in Croatian, presents a series of fantastic and surreal adventures set in different regions of Croatia.
4. Gypsy Tales (2002) – This animated series, known as “Ciganske priče” in Croatian, uses Croatian Romani folklore as the backdrop for its stories.
5. Professor Balthazar (1967-1978) – This popular animated television series, created by Croatian animator Zlatko Grgić, takes place in a fictional city based on Zagreb, the capital of Croatia.

Famous Books Set in Croatia: Classic and Contemporary

Croatia’s enchanting landscapes, vibrant cities, and complex history have inspired numerous authors, resulting in a diverse array of books set in this captivating country. Here are three classic and three contemporary books that beautifully depict Croatia:

Classics:

1. “Black Lamb and Grey Falcon” by Rebecca West – This seminal travelogue provides a detailed and evocative account of West’s travels through Yugoslavia, including Croatia, in the late 1930s.
2. “The Bridge on the Drina” by Ivo Andrić – Although primarily set in Bosnia, this Nobel Prize-winning novel by Croatian author Ivo Andrić provides valuable insights into the history of the Balkans, including Croatia.
3. “Café Europa: Life After Communism” by Slavenka Drakulić – In this collection of essays, Croatian author Slavenka Drakulić explores life in post-communist Eastern Europe, including her native Croatia.

Contemporary:

1. “Girl at War” by Sara Nović – This powerful novel tells the story of a young girl’s survival during the Croatian War of Independence.
2. “The Hired Man” by Aminatta Forna – Set in the small Croatian town of Gost, this novel explores the lingering effects of the Yugoslav Wars on a tight-knit community.
3. “The First Rule of Swimming” by Courtney Angela Brkic – This family saga takes readers to a remote Croatian island, presenting a vivid portrayal of Croatian island life.

Exploring Croatia’s Filming Locations: Where to Go

Croatia’s diverse landscapes and well-preserved architecture have made it a popular destination for filmmakers. If you’re planning a visit, here are some must-see filming locations in Croatia:

1. Dubrovnik – Known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” Dubrovnik’s old town, with its formidable city walls and beautiful baroque buildings, served as the primary filming location for King’s Landing in “Game of Thrones.”
2. Split – Home to the ancient Diocletian’s Palace, Split was another significant filming location for “Game of Thrones,” serving as the setting for Daenerys Targaryen’s throne room.
3. Vis Island – The idyllic island of Vis served as the fictional Greek island of Kalokairi in “Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again.”
4. Trogir – This charming medieval town was used to portray 16th century Venice in an episode of “Doctor Who.”
5. Plitvice Lakes National Park – Known for its cascading lakes and waterfalls, this national park was used to represent the mythical world of Narnia in “The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian.”

Where to Sleep in Croatia: Cheap and Luxury Options

Whether you’re seeking a budget-friendly hostel or a lavish seaside resort, Croatia offers a wide variety of accommodation options to suit every traveler’s needs. Here are three budget and three luxury options to consider when planning your trip:

Budget Options:

1. Hostel Villa Skansi, Hvar – This friendly and centrally located hostel offers dormitory-style accommodations and a vibrant social atmosphere.
2. Swanky Mint Hostel, Zagreb – Situated in a renovated old textile-dye factory, this trendy hostel combines industrial design with comfortable accommodations.
3. Hostel 1W, Rijeka – This modern and stylish hostel, located in the heart of Rijeka, offers both private rooms and dormitories.

Luxury Options:

1. Villa Dubrovnik, Dubrovnik – This five-star hotel offers luxurious rooms and suites, a private beach, and stunning views of the Adriatic Sea and the Old Town.
2. Hotel Excelsior, Dubrovnik – This historic hotel, located just a five-minute walk from the Old Town, offers luxurious accommodations, a private beach, and a wellness spa.
3. The Meneghetti Wine Hotel, Bale – This luxurious hotel and winery, located on the Istrian peninsula, offers beautifully appointed rooms, a gourmet restaurant, and a selection of their own wines and olive oils.

Where to Eat in Croatia: Budget and Luxury Options

Croatia’s culinary scene is as diverse as its landscapes, offering everything from cheap eats to fine dining. Here are three budget and three luxury options to try during your visit:

Budget Options:

1. Vallis Aurea, Poreč – This popular fast-food restaurant is known for its delicious and affordable cevapi (grilled meat rolls).
2. Buffet Fife, Split – Located in Split’s city center, this eatery offers affordable and tasty traditional Dalmatian dishes.
3. Pingvin, Zagreb – This sandwich shop in Zagreb is well known for its large, tasty, and budget-friendly sandwiches.

Luxury Options:

1. 360 º, Dubrovnik – Overlooking Dubrovnik’s historic city walls, this Michelin-starred restaurant offers a contemporary Mediterranean menu and an extensive wine list.
2. Monte, Rovinj – This Michelin-starred restaurant in Rovinj serves creative and modern dishes using local ingredients.
3. Restaurant Noel, Zagreb – Located in the heart of Zagreb, this fine-dining restaurant offers a modern European menu and an extensive wine list.

Detailed Itinerary: Exploring Croatia Day by Day

Exploring Croatia’s famous filming locations and literary settings can be an exciting and rewarding experience. Here’s a detailed day-by-day itinerary to help you make the most of your trip:

Day 1: Dubrovnik – Explore the historic city walls and streets of Dubrovnik, the primary filming location for King’s Landing in “Game of Thrones.” Visit the Lovrijenac Fortress, the setting for the Red Keep, and walk along the city walls where many of the series’ pivotal scenes were filmed.

Day 2: Split – Visit Diocletian’s Palace in Split, which served as the setting for Daenerys Targaryen’s throne room in “Game of Thrones.” Wander through the palace’s ancient cellars and peristyle, and stroll along the Riva promenade.

Day 3: Vis Island – Take a ferry to the island of Vis, the filming location for “Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again.” Visit the picturesque village of Komiža, enjoy the beautiful beaches, and try some local wine.

Day 4: Trogir – Explore the medieval town of Trogir, known for its beautiful Romanesque and Renaissance architecture, and the filming location for the “Doctor Who” episode “The Vampires of Venice.”

Day 5: Plitvice Lakes National Park – Spend your day in the stunning Plitvice Lakes National Park, the filming location for “The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian.” Explore the park’s beautiful lakes, waterfalls, and hiking trails.

Cryptid Legends and Curiosities About Croatia

Croatia, with its rich history and diverse landscapes, is full of fascinating legends and curiosities. One of the best-known legends is the tale of the Black Queen, a mythical figure associated with the origins of the Plitvice Lakes National Park. According to legend, the Black Queen was a benevolent but stern ruler who created the lakes to provide water to the drought-stricken land.

Croatia is also home to several cryptids, or mythical creatures, such as the Morana, a goddess of winter and death who is said to live in the rivers and lakes of Croatia. Another cryptid is the Krsnik, a vampire hunter who battles with the evil vampire-like creatures known as Kudlak.

These legends and cryptids add a layer of mystery and intrigue to Croatia’s landscapes, providing a wealth of inspiration for filmmakers and authors alike.

Hidden Gems in Croatia

Beyond the popular tourist destinations, Croatia is full of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Here are a few lesser-known locations that offer a unique glimpse into the country’s culture and history:

1. Motovun – This small hilltop town in Istria is known for its well-preserved medieval walls and stunning views of the surrounding vineyards and truffle forests.
2. Korčula Town – Often referred to as “Little Dubrovnik,” this charming town on the island of Korčula is known for its beautiful medieval architecture and the alleged birthplace of the famous explorer Marco Polo.
3. Varaždin – Known as the “Baroque capital of Croatia,” Varaždin is full of beautiful Baroque buildings, charming squares, and an impressive castle.
4. Slavonia – This eastern region of Croatia is often overlooked by tourists, but it’s known for its beautiful landscapes, wine routes, and the Kopački Rit Nature Park.
5. Zadar – Known for its Roman and Venetian ruins, modern art installations, and beautiful sunsets, Zadar is a vibrant city that offers a unique blend of history and modernity.

What to Pack for a Trip to Croatia

When packing for your trip to Croatia, it’s important to consider the time of year, as the country experiences a range of climates from Mediterranean to continental. Here’s what to pack based on the season:

Spring (March – May): Pack light layers, a waterproof jacket for the occasional rain shower, comfortable walking shoes, and a hat and sunglasses for protection from the sun.

Summer (June – August): Pack lightweight clothing, swimwear, a sun hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Don’t forget a light jacket or cardigan for cooler evenings.

Fall (September – November): Pack a mix of summer and fall clothing, as temperatures can vary. Include a warmer jacket for the cooler November weather, especially if you’re visiting the continental part of the country.

Winter (December – February): Pack warm clothing, including thermal layers, a winter coat, gloves, a hat, and a scarf. If you plan to visit the mountainous regions, snow gear is a must.

No matter the season, always pack a pair of comfortable walking shoes as you’ll likely be doing a lot of walking, whether you’re exploring the cobblestone streets of Dubrovnik or hiking in one of Croatia’s beautiful national parks.

Transportation Tips for Getting Around Croatia

Croatia is a relatively small country, making it easy to get around and explore different regions. Here are some transportation tips for your trip:

Public Transportation: Croatia’s public transportation system is reliable and extensive. Buses are the most common form of public transit and are an economical way to travel between cities and towns.

Ferries: If you’re planning to visit any of Croatia’s islands, ferries are the way to go. Jadrolinija is the main ferry company, and they operate regular services between the mainland and the islands.

Car Rental: Renting a car gives you the most flexibility to explore at your own pace. However, keep in mind that some of the roads, especially in the coastal areas, can be narrow and windy.

Trains: While not as extensive as the bus network, trains are a comfortable and scenic way to travel between major cities like Zagreb, Split, and Rijeka.

Bicycles: In certain areas, especially on the islands, renting a bicycle can be a fun and enjoyable way to get around.

Travel Documents Needed for Visiting Croatia

When planning your trip to Croatia, it’s important to have the necessary travel documents. Here’s what you’ll need:

Passport: Your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure from Croatia.

Visa or ETIAS: Depending on your nationality, you may need a visa to enter Croatia. Starting in 2023, travelers from visa-exempt countries will need to apply for an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) authorization.

Travel Insurance: While not mandatory, it’s highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses, trip cancellation, and lost luggage.

International Driving Permit: If you plan to rent a car, you’ll need an International Driving Permit (IDP), along with your valid driver’s license.

Conclusion: Your Ultimate Guide to a Film-Themed Trip to Croatia

From the ancient city walls of Dubrovnik to the serene landscapes of the Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia offers a wealth of cinematic and literary locations for film buffs and book lovers alike. With this comprehensive guide, you’re now ready to embark on your own journey through the stunning locations of famous films shot in Croatia. Whether you’re retracing the steps of your favorite Game of Thrones characters or exploring the lesser-known corners of this enchanting country, we’re sure you’ll find your trip to Croatia to be a memorable one.