Croatia - where to go and what to do?
Welcome to Croatia! Land of diversity!
Croatia is one of the ecologically best preserved parts of Europe!
The land of thousand islands, magical nature, glorious history, rich cultural heritage and excellent gastronomy!
Her beauties have been celebrated since ancient times: from Cassiodorus to Dante, and all the way to George Bernard Shaw who found his paradise on Earth right here in Croatia!
Croatia has a richly indented wooded shore line with numerous islands, preserved old Mediterranean towns with stone-built houses and narrow streets, but also green costal meadows, lakes, rivers, picturesque places in the mountains, gently undulating areas which are decked with vineyards and medieval castles.
Preserved and ecological clean coast with clean and crystal clear waters make Croatia the most attractive tourist destination on Adriatic. Those who seek active holiday can enjoy fishing, hunting, diving, hiking, climbing, sailing, surfing, rafting, canoeing, tennis and golf.
The climate is Mediterranean, with warm summers and mild winters. The temperature range is 22°c - 26°c in July and 4°c – 9°c in January. The sea temperature reaches 24°c to 27°c in summer. Numerous bays, coves and creeks, uninhabited islands with untouched nature, with highest number of sunny hours a year, make life and sojourn comfortable and healthy.
The wealth of karstic forms, such as fissures and sink holes found on the surface, continues through a subterranean world of caverns, galleries, and other distinctive relief forms not easily found elsewhere in Europe. The most treasured parts of Croatia's natural heritage are protected national parks: The Plitvice Lakes, Risnjak, Paklenica, Nothern Velebit mountains, and with Brijuni and Kornati Archipelago, the island of Mljet and the Krka waterfalls in the coastal area. With three arboretums in Trsteno, near Dubrovnik, Lisičine near Voćine and Opeka near Vinica and with protected natural parks: Kopački rit, Papuk, Lonjsko polje, Medvednica, Žumberak, Učka, Velevit, Telašćica, Vransko jezero, Biokovo and Lastovo islands Croatia is a green land with more than 4 000 plants and animal species.
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Croatia has managed to preserve the rural and indigenous architecture, which clearly restates to its cultural diversity, makes it clear that large European civilizations had mixed here.
The six most important parts of Croatian cultural heritage are: the Old city of Dubrovnik, historical complex in Split with Diocletian's Palace, the historic town of Trogir, Euphrasy’s basilica in Poreč, the Cathedral of St. James in Šibenik, and Starogradsko polje on the island of Hvar, all protected as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.
Croatia has 340 protected historic entities and whole series of individual historic building, churches and chapels, fortresses and castles, manors and palaces and many archeological sites.
Croatia in its many museums guards priceless and diverse cultural treasures. There are many festivals and events ranging from music and film to folklore events and carnivals. Croatia is a country with intangible cultural heritage. On the Unesco list are the Festival of St Blaze in Dubrovnik, Croatian lace making with centers in Lepoglava and the island of Hvar and Pag, a carnival group of bell ringers from Kastav, near Rijeka, a unique religious event – Hvar's procession „At the cross“, singing in two part harmony and playing the traditional Istrian scale, the spring procession of the women's folklore group Ljelja in Slavonia and production of traditional wooden toys from the Croatian Zagorje. Sinjska alka – Knight’s tournament in Sinj, and Medičarski obrt, (handicraft) in the northern part of Croatia.
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The coastline attracts more visitors to Croatia.
Coastal Croatia comprises: Istria, the Kvarner Littoral and Dalmatia, the islands and Zagora (the Dalmatian hinterland). The mainland coast is 177 7km long, while the island coastline totals is 4012 km. Croatian coastline , like the Greek, has the largest number of islands - 1185 islands - and is the most indented in the Mediterranean.
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Istria is the biggest peninsula in Croatia and one of the most popular tourist regions.
Istria is the best developed coastal tourist region; it is well connected with the hinterland. It offers natural attractions as well as a range of culture entertainment and sports and recreation (e.g. about 500 tennis courts, and the ATP tournament in Umag).
Istria has a specific location as it is isolated from the rest of Croatia by the high massif of the mountain Učka. This unique location and the mix of various influences led to special culture, landscape, music and gastronomy.
The Island of Brijuni (national park) – spreads along the coast of Istria and consists of 14 islands. It’s rich in the Mediterranean (and subtropical) vegetation accompanied by a variety of game roaming freely in the park, while the offshore waters abound in marine flora and fauna. The island is also a treasure of cultural heritage. The most important monuments are the remains of ancient building – the temple of Venus, the temple of Neptune and a temple dedicated to an unknown deity, located in the centre of architectural complex, Byzantine cast rum and the Basilica of St. Mary from 6th century.
Istria's culture richness and beauty of her heritage are more apparent in the town of Rovinj. The panorama of Rovinj with the church of St. Euphemia and the bell tower in the centre is one of the most impressive symbols of Istria. The beauty of Rovinj has long been attracting many artists inspired by its magical views, preserved old town houses and picturesque narrow streets of the old part of town. Among these streets, Grisia has a special place, as the artists who gather there; offer their works to many tourists on the spot.
Red Island is far away from the city port 1, 5 /nm and 15 minutes by boat. Island is consisting of two small islands St. Andrija and Maškin which are connected with a strew. Island has very mild climate and is covered with myrtle and laurel. Beside Benedictine church and monastery and maritime museum, island offers numerous recreational and sport activities.
Novigrad has managed to preserve much of its architectural heritage, including magnificent defensive walls. Similar to Novigrad is Umag, the northernmost coastal city of Istria, opposite which is one of the largest marinas in Croatia.
Like Rovinj, Novigrad and Umag, the central city on the West Coast of Istria, Poreč, boasts its lovely location on the peninsula. In the city, which by the number of tourist is the strongest tourist center in the whole of Croatia, stands the most valuable cultural and historical monument in Istria. This is the Euphrasian basilica in Poreč – listed on the UNESCO World Heritage list. (from 6th century – early Byzantine art).
Pula – the largest town in Istria with well recognized preserved amphitheatre which testifies to the extraordinary importance of Pula and Istria since ancient times. This is the sixth largest Roman amphitheatre in the world and also one of the best preserved. The amphitheatre was built in the first century A.D., and its appearance has remained unchanged for two thousand years. It once served as an arena for cruel gladiator fighting and today serves as a tourist attraction and as a stage for various events. Istria is known for its good food & wine.
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Kvarner Riviera, with Opatija and Island of Rab has the oldest tourist tradition (since 1844.g) and is well visited during the whole year. Due to very pleasant and healthy climate Opatija has the role of climate health spa, which was the reason why first hotels were built here. Current health tourist facilities include famous „Thalassotherapy“(hotel Therapia in Crikvenica).
Opatija has a number of casinos, fancy restaurants and coffee bars, and there is a well known 10km long coastal promenade „lungomare“, by which the picturesque old town of Lovran can be reached – boasts a large number of luxurious villas often in attractive places. The ellegant Opatija's villas and hotels, lush gardens and parks lead you towards Rijeka, the metropolis of the littoral and today largest trading and maritime centre of the northern Adriatic.
Rijeka is fascinating city, not just as a maritime centre but also on of enviable cultural and artistic life and home to the greatest carnival event in Croatia. If you set off into Kvarner Bay you will see Rab, Krk, Cres and Lošinj (islands) and you can enjoy the small sunbathed towns with stone-built houses, rich cultural heritage, aromatic fragrances of lavender, sage, myrtle and in the waters beneath them you can enjoy the magical play of dolphins. A quite special experience waits for you on the steep hills of the Učka Mountain, especially in its nature park which is famous for exceptional ecological value and a high concentration of protected species. Northward in the region you will reach Risnjak (national park) – Delnice. All are idyllic holiday locations for those seeking to truly become one with the nature, and increasingly popular destination of Croatian winter tourism.
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Zadar - former Capital of Dalmatia for millennia.
Zadar is a place whose rich spiritual and material culture is best testified to by its walls and numerous sacral monuments, crowned by the symbol of the city, the 9th century Church of St. Donate. Zadar region, with its national parks, mountains, lakes and falls, also has lovely islands full of small welcoming ports and romantic beaches. Southern part of Island Pag belongs to Zadar region. Thebiggest place on this part of Island is small town Novalja – famous for its beautiful beach Zrče and good night life. Island of Pag is famous for handmade production of Pag Laces which is on the list of Unesco cultural heritage. The greatest natural jewel of the Zadar area is Paklenica National Park. The park abounds with bizarre karstic forms, caves and other natural features, as well as a wide range of climate conditions that has benefited the wide variety of flora and fauna. Despite its wild nature Paklenica is easily accessible by Adriatic tourist Road and the highway.
Šibenik
The aquatorium of Sibenik is the yachting paradise with gorgeous bays and beaches boasting as many as 240 isles and reefs. Island of Zlarin is known for it’s best coral hunters in the Adriatic. Krapanj – the smallest inhibited island in the Adriatic famous for being the sea centre of sea sponge harvesting. The Kornati Archipelago is incomparable creation of nature – the largest group of islands in the Mediterranean, and of the 365 strikingly beautiful isles, 150 form a quite special entity: the Kornati National Park. With Kornati archipelago, it is worth seeing river Krka which spills her cool waters over 7 waterfalls – the most interesting one is Skradinski Buk – on a tiny isle Visovac set in the middle of the green lake formed by river Krka with a Franciscan monastery. Apart from the natural beauties of Šibenik region, there is an amazing cultural heritage of the old city which was founded over 1000 years ago by Croats, which make it different from other Dalamatian towns. Šibenik is best known for its largest and most precious sacral monument, the Gothic Renaissance cathedral of St. Jacob (15th and 16th century) whose dome of white stone dominates the city. Its construction took more than a century. It is constructed solely of stone from the island of Brač and Korčula. It was built by Juraj Dalamatinac.
Split – is the biggest coastal city, in the heart of Dalmatia, where you can find the main Dalmatian islands and the most beautiful beaches. At the end of 3rd century, the Roman Emperor Diocletian chose the place at the foot of wooden hill Marjan for his palace. Is the place with a view to beautiful islands; Brač, Šolta, Čiovo, Hvar and Vis stretching one after the other. Near Split are the largest coastal resorts of middle Dalmatia, Trogir and Omiš; while further south we have picturesque Makarska Riviera, the best known for its beautiful pebble beaches.
Diocletian’s Palace – is the largest pearl of Croatia from the Antique period, and the historical heart of Split. The Cathedral of St. Dujam, the saint patron of Split is the symbol of the city. In front of the Cathedral is the Peristyle, the former space where the worship of Diocletian could be expressed, now gathering believers and tourist and the unrivaled summer scene. Along the seaside is the promenade, a favorite gathering place for the people of Split and their guests. Prokurative a Neo-Renaissance square along the western edge of the place, where every year the Festival of Dalmatian Chansons takes place, glorifying the love its inhabitants share towards beautiful songs. The Historical city of Trogir –is a great pearl of Croatian cultural heritage which is protected as a World Heritage site by UNESCO. Trogir is located on a small island between the mainland and the island of Čiovo, which is connected to by bridges. The most important cultural monument in Trogir is the Cathedral of Saint Laurence, built from the 13th century to the 15th century. It is known for its impressive Romanesque portal, which was sculpted by perhaps the best master sculptor Radovan.
Island of Hvar is declared one of the ten most beautiful islands in the world by the famous American magazine “Traveller”. The beautiful city of Hvar surrounded by powerful medieval walls attracts visitors the most. However, in recent times the island of Hvar is most famous for the Old Town, the former Antique Pharos after which the entire island was named. Starogradsko polje was included in the Unesco World Heritage List in 2008. Other parts of the island also stand out with their picturesque scenery; which includes lavender fields –symbols of the island.
Island of Brač –is the largest and the highest Dalmatian Island – island of wind and stone. Brač is known for its beautiful pebble beach Zlatni rat (in Bol) which is favorite place for surfers. The special feature of this peninsula shaped beach, composed of fine rounded, snow white pebbles, it tends to shift depending on the direction of the winds and the waves. The best known holiday destination on the island of Brač is Bol, and Vidova gora is one of the finest view points.
Island of Vis – is no less beautiful with its preserved old way of life and the wealth of fish found in its waters. Two main towns Vis and Komiža attract tourists with their clear water, beautiful beaches and rich underwater world. Nearby Vis there is a small island Biševo known for its Blue Cave particularly worthy of attention, famous for the enchanting play of light and colors in its interior.
Dubrovnik – Pearl of Adriatic, “Paradise on Earth”, the most beautiful city of Croatia, situated at the far southern end of Dalmatia. AlthoughDubrovnik is best known for its history and culture, the natural loveliness of the area around Dubrovnik does not lay behind the result achieved by human hands. From Elafiti islands: Šipan , Lopud, Koločep with their marvelous old summer residences, verdantly green islands Mljet and Lastovo, Pelješac peninsula and its vineyards, island of Korčula to fertile Konavle valley with small city Cavtat (tourist centre of Konavle) and the unique wetlands landscape of the Neretva Delta. Dubrovnik is a city whose story is best told by the city itself. Walk along its main street Stradun whose stone pavement has been polished smooth by feet that have walked it for hundreds of years. The historical core of Dubrovnik is one of the most beautiful on the Unesco list of World Heritage. The city’s glorious walls with fortresses surround Old city with sacral building dating from all the periods of its history since its foundation in the 7th century. There are: Onofrio Fountain, City bell tower, the Sponza Palace, the Ducal Palace, The Baroque church of St. Blasius the patron of Dubrovnik, the Cathedral of the Assumption of our Lady, Franciscan monastery, Dominican church and St. Ignatius and the Jesuit College. During annual event Dubrovnik Summer Festival the historical core of the Old city becomes unique stage in the world.
Island of Mljet: The western part of the island of Mljet is protected as a national park. It includes two deep bays which, due to their extremely narrow links to the sea, are regarded and indeed called lakes: the Great Lake and the Small Lake. Benedictine monastery from 12th century is located on a small island in the middle of the Great Lake.
Island of Lastovo – as a nature park.
Maloston Bay which is a kind of gateway to the Croatian South is cut deeply into the land where the Pelješac peninsula comes close to the mainland shore. The waters of this beautiful bay are so clean that the well known oyster farm is located here. Mali Ston and Ston were once a part of the Dubrovnik Republic and they are connected with 5, 5 km long defensive city walls from 14th century, defending the approach to the famous Republic. The city walls are one of the largest and longest in Europe. Ston is known for its salt lakes and salt production in traditional way since 14.st. up to day.
Peninsula of Pelješac – is well known to wine lovers as the kingdom of Dingač the most highly regarded Croatian wine. The town of Orebić- renowned centre of maritime affairs in the 18th century – full of beautiful stone palaces and villas, whose facades reflect the wealth and life of luxury led by the families of seafaring men, and particularly striking for its magnificent gardens containing the most exotic plants that mariners brought from all corners of the world.
Island of Korčula Knight’s place and the birthplace of Marco Polo is known for its medieval knight game called Moreška which annually takes place on the street of the city. Korčula is easily recognizable by its streets arranged in the shape of a fishbone and the preserved Gothic and Renaissance buildings. To the visitors of Korčula the most interesting place is the house of the Polo family, because Korčula’s most famous son and world adventurer Marco Polo comes from here. Vela Luka and Blato, the two largest towns also have valuable heritage.
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ZAGREB – Croatia’s capital and the largest city in the country. One of the European metropolises with a spirit of past time and also urban and modern in the same time attracts guests of all profiles. The most interested places for tourists are Kaptol and Gradec (Upper town).
In the centre of Kaptol is the Zagreb neo-gothic cathedral of the Assumption of Mary from 11th century, standing at 100 m in height. It is highest ecclesiastical building in Croatia. Almost all the main cultural interests are located in the middle part and the Lower and Upper towns and majority of visitors to Zagreb can experience its cultural heritage on Foot. From the Ban Jelačić square, to Dolac –open air market, to Opatovina, to Kaptol, Stone Gate (Kamenita vrata) to St Mark’s Church from 14th century known for its roof decorated with the coats of arms of Croatia and Zagreb. For visitors who do not like short walk and those wishing to visit other parts of the city, there is the Zagreb tram. It has been the main form of public transport and has had a tradition since the 19th CENTURY. Also available to public is the old funicular railway between Upper and the Lower town and the cable car that leads up to the top of Medvednica nature park, whose highest peak Sljeme has hosted the FIS Snow Queen Trophy skiing competitions since 2005.
Zagreb has many recreational areas and green oasis. The main one is around Jarun Lake. Zagreb has many charming coffee houses, fine restaurants, garden restaurants and lovingly tended parks. It has around 20 theatres, 30 museums, 14 galleries and a great ZOO. In the gentle landscape of Hrvatsko Zagorje near Zagreb there are hundreds of castles, sacral buildings, and recreational sports areas, hunting and fishing areas, sanatoriums, thermal baths and archeological finds.
Croatia has long tradition in gastronomy and each region has its own specialties worth to try
In Istria do not forget to try:
Truffles, prosciutto of Istria , fish and frutti di mare specialties, meat and fish dishes prepared under a „peka“, omelet with asparagus, „fuži“ (home- made pasta), with game goulash, „biska“ brandy, Istrian soup, indigenous wines Teran, Refošk, Istrian Malmsey.
In Kvarner do not forget to try:
Kvarner prawn, „šurlice“- homemade pasta, specialties made from cherries, asparagus and sweet chestnuts (Lovran), indigenous wines: Vrbnička Žlahtina (Krk) Island of Rab cake, plum and pear brandies.
In Dalmatia:
In Zadar region do not forget to try: Pag cheese and lamb, prosciutto from Posedarje, „Ninski šokul“,, Maraschino liqueur – has been produced since 16th century, Rose of Benkovac.
In Sibenik region do not forget to try: Drniš prosciutto, Babić red wine (Primošten), Skradin cake.
In Split region do not forget to try: Dalmatian “pašticada”, flat-bread of Vis, “luganige” sausages, and pepper cookies from Hvar, Vugava and Plančić wines (island of Hvar).
In Dubrovnik region do not forget to try: Lamb and veal done under “peka”, eel or frog brodetto (the Neretva valley), salt, oysters and mussels of Ston, “kontonjata”, “mantala” and “arancina” cakes (Konavle), tangerines and lemons, Dingač and Postup red wines (Pelješac), Pošip and Grk white wines (Korčula), Malmsey of Dubrovnik (Konavle).
In Zagreb region do not forget to try:Roast turkey with “mlinci”, Štrukli, Špek fileki (bacon-tripe stew), homemade pasta with cabbage, fresh cottage cheese with Smetana, doughnuts.
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Croatian coastline offers excellent facilities for all kinds of water sports and diving, from Istria in the North to Dubrovnik in the South. Rich underwater world with many caves, crystal clear waters and archeological remains will take your breath away! Even if you are an experienced diver you need to obtain diving permit. Please find everything about on www.diving.hr
Two main sites for windsurfing are at Bol on the island of Brač and Viganj on the peninsula of Pelješac.
For rafting you can choose Cetina river Canyon near Omiš and down the river Krka near Šibenik.
Sea kayaking you can do around Dubrovnik, Brač and Hvar.
Hiking, climbing, and cycling in National Parks and nature parks.
f you like bungee jumping you can do it on Šibenik Bridge.
Tennis – most popular is Tennis Camp in Umag with 500 tennis courts and is home place to ATP tennis event each summer.
Croatia in not a country for a skiing holiday as Italy or Austria, but you can ski during winter season on Bjelolasica and mountain Sljeme.
Croatia coast is ideal holiday destination for sailing and to get an amazing experience exploring among over 1000 islands. You can take a boat in charter with or without skipper. You need to have sailing license which is valid in Croatia if you would like to sail on your own.
Please find useful info on www.aci-club.hr and www.mppi.hr
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All videos are taken from www.croatia.hr
