CROATIA
Dreaming of a par excellence holiday, make it true by exploring the gleaming sea breezes and Rocky Mountains along the trendy islands of Croatia. Popularly known as the Republic of Croatia it’s a part of the European empire located at the Adriatic Sea. To speak of Croatia it overflows with bounty of beauty in its lushy forests, effortlessly flowing streams, vast lakes and deep gorges. The golden wheat fields, marvelous castles, rolling hills, vineyards, oak woods and the rivers all in today day make Croatia nothing less than any other tourist point. Croatia is specially a summer joint because of its epicurean hotels, the open camping grounds along the clean beaches, and with plenty of sightseeing. Not forget about the country’s most successful endeavors that is football and handball, Croatia’s favorite and most popular sport. Although Croatia’s reputation takes one back to the war times the country welcomes tourists and assures of a safe stay. The reason being the key importance given to the tourism it’s the major source of revenue. Travelers from all parts of the world flock here to get glimpses of ancient ruins, medieval castles, and the pristine beaches. So in whole Croatia is the best option for tourists, who fall for natural beauty and would like to spend loud vacation with abundant of adventure sports. Croatia is rated as one of the best places for kayaking in the speeding rivers, trekking the limestone walls, windsurfing in the islands, scuba diving, and exploring the caves that speak of the history of country. To make it more simple Croatia is one of the most attractive countries with 1185 islands along the Adriatic Sea of which 66 are inhabited islands. Each myriad island boasts of luxurious resorts, unique water sports, and fabulous attractions. People specially come to visit Zagreb the grand metropolis with castles, rich history, rolling hills and health spas. Apart from sightseeing and sporting Croatian people also are interesting, try out the seafood exclusively cooked in the roman style. It also possible to cruise along the uninhabited islands, one is sure to be surprised by the beauty of Croatia and all the hyperbole just falls short.
CULTURE
The people of Croatia are called Croats and known as western Europeans posing as a united country with common religion that is Catholicism. But life in the inlands has been distinguished by Croatians living hinterland and the coastal inhabitants. This difference is clearly seen in the architecture, customs, cuisines and traditions. Nonetheless is the art form here significant in the architecture of coastal towns like Dalmatia and Istria. The Romanesque cathedrals and Venetian bell towers predominantly display the influence of other countries on Croatia. Equally the influence is seen in the language of Croatians who seem to master different foreign languages. Fluent in English that is used as a business language and as for mode of daily communication Croatians are masters of German, Italian and other European languages. Croatians tend to keep their traditions alive in the form of folk festivals, carnivals and other summer festivals.
GEOGRAPHY
Basically a horseshoe-shaped country bordering Slovenia in the northwest, Montenegro to the south, Hungary in the north, Adriatic sea to the west, Serbia in the northeast, and Bosnia-Herzegovina to the east. Measuring, about 56,542 sq. km it descents from the Alps to the Pannonian Valley and straight till the Drava and Danube rivers. With diverse geology like the boggy plains, deep valleys, vast coastlines and the Alps this country is geographically categorized into three different regions namely, the mountain region, the Pannonian region and the Mountainous region. The landmass of Croatia is mainly its hinterland where the capital city Zagreb resides. Commonly Croatia is included in the geographical dimensions of Balkan Peninsula but majority of Croatians deny being part of the Balkan nation. However from tourist point of view the 5835kms of coastline along the Adriatic Sea is home to several varieties of marine life. Croatia is further divided into twenty administrative cities like Slavonia, Zagreb, Dalmatia, Istria, Kvarner Gulf and others.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Mostly crowed during April and September when the sky is clear and low accommodation prices. If you are looking for an active holiday, plan your travel around May and June when the outdoor activities season start. This time of the year has long sunny days giving the tourists ample time to cover most in a day provided one has enough stamina and a bulky wallet. Also the accommodation prices are reasonable in May and June as Italian and German tourists prefer the months of July and August. The months of August and July are known for peak season in Croatia when the prices are all time high and the attractions are crowded with tourists from the neighboring countries. No matter how dense the crowd is one still find isolated cove, room or home where you can spend private time. There’s also advantage in the peak season when the tourism department arranges for extra boat lines to the islands and organized excursions. If you want to keep a low profile the best time can be the month of September when the waters remain warm with little number of visitors.
TOP ATTRACTIONS
Although a very young nation Croatia has very strong deep rooted history with northern plains and isolated Dinaric interiors. A culturally rich country of vulnerable traditions, architectural wonders, different dialects, and a violent historic past. Most visited and known Croatian tourism and travel is the summer tourism when the all activities are predominant where the tourists can make way to rural tourism in the quaint villages, relax in the infinite number of spas and lie effortlessly along the coasts. The cuisine is undoubtedly a mouth watering one and an ideal place for gastronomes, Croatian cuisine is tasty and equally healthy as most of the dishes are made of available seafood. Not to miss on the menu is Croatian wine cellars. The vast number of islands for sure makes it difficult for anyone to select the best but most popular are the big islands Mljet, Hvar and Korcula. One can plan the travel on the basis of famous cities in Croatia like Zagreb, Istria, Dalmatia, Dubrovnik, Rijeka, Pula, Osijek, Sibenik and Gulf of Kvarner.
Zagreb
Zagreb is the capital city of Croatia since the medieval times serving the cultural and political needs of the country. The city is known for its elegance as a metropolis that is home various luxurious buildings and avenues standing there from the early 19th century. Basically the city is divided into the upper and lower towns known as the Gornji and Donji respectively. The upper town takes you Zagreb’s history with its landmark buildings and cathedrals. While the lower town has an array of art museums, that exemplify the 20th and 19th century architecture. Trg Josip Jelacica is the main orientation point where the statue of Jelacic uses to be there till 1947 but was removed because of the Jelacic Ban. Other attractions are the Stone Gate- the eastern gate to medieval Gradec Town which has now turned to a shrine. The gate specialty is that it’s made up of wood that was destroyed in the fire of 1731 except for the painting of a virgin and a child, the painting is believed to have magical powers so often visited for prayers by the locals. Then there’s the Ban’s Palace (Banski Dvori) which was the seat of Croatian viceroys but currently the presidential palace. The Lotrscak Tower is a major attraction that was built in the 13th century to protect the southern city gate. You may also like the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Museum Mimara, Mirogoj cemetery, Medvedgrad, Maksimir Park and the botanical garden.
Istria
Popular for its size as the largest peninsula in Croatia the city Istria is located in the west of the country. Basically the interiors of Istria that have small hilltop towns, rural hotels and farmhouse restaurants make it a place of attraction among many companies. Tourist favorites are the cities of Pazin and Pula where the driving shipyard and Roman amphitheater steal the show. Height of travel to Istria is the along the coast centers on the fetching fishing village of Rovinj and the ancient Roman town of Porec. Pula being the coast’s largest city from where you can visit the Brijuni Islands and rest at the modern seaside resort of Rabac. Overflowing with Roman architecture Pula has historical attractions like the Roman amphitheater and the cape of Kamenjak. Don’t miss the small peninsula of Rovinj one of the most attractive towns in Istria.
Dalmatia
Located to the south of Croatia it occupies the central part of Adriatic’s coast. This city displays hedonism with historic background like the Roman ruins, medieval architecture on the islands and Venetian outposts once upon a time. Dalmatian land is divided into cities like the Trogir, Split, Sibenik, Zadar and Dubrovnik. Zadar is popular for its tasty menu of Croatian delicacies, vibrant nightlife and museums. Zardar is home to two major national parks and one of the most unspoilt Adriatic’s fishing village. Then the outstanding of all cities here is the Dubrovnik that is popularly known as the ‘pearl of Adriatic’. Dubrovnik should be definitely on the travelling menu as it is listed in the UNESCO world heritage list. It is named so because of the pearly light that is exuded from the magnificent walls that surround the baroque buildings and marble streets. Again the whole city is home to beautiful beaches, churches, monasteries and museums. Other cities of interest can be Split, Brela, Brac, Hvar, Korcula, Lastovo, Mljet, Vis and Trogir.
Gulf of Kvarner
The gulf of Kvarner lies between Rijeka and Pag Island with popular seaside resorts. Kvarner adjoins Istria and tourists love this place because of its mild climate and rich flora and fauna. The Krk Island that is counted as the Croatia’s largest Island lies in Kvarner. Krk Island is often the famous stop for summers over the krk Bridge and hotels. Then there is Opatija known for its aristocratic resorts, botanical gardens and well tended parks. And Rijeka is the famous port and largest port of Croatia that is always covered with cargo, boats, cranes, and fumes. So this is point where people find connectivity to other places through ferries like Zagreb, Istria and Dalmatia.
GETTING HERE
Known International airports in Croatia are that of Zagreb, Dubrovnik, and Spilt offering services to all the cities across the country. The airports of Split and Zagreb are the major airports that serve year round with direct routes from UK though North Americans hardly find any direct flights. If want save your pennies you can try the sea route from the Italian ports from where ferries operate taking not less than eight hours to reach Istria, so if you save pennies you loose ample of time here. Look for special discounts and cheap travels from the discount carriers like easyjet, Ryanair, Wizz Air and Sky Europe. Croatia also has train routes from Italy, Hungary, and Austria, Swiss, France and other European countries. So if you are visiting any of these European countries catch a train directly to the cities of Croatia.
Click to Hide