CROATIA

Dotted with thousands of gleaming Islands along the Adriatic coast this is a country steeped in history and rich in culture. Unique in its beauty and a popular Mediterranean destination.

Getting around

The most common form of transport is by bus, car and taxi. There is a very comprehensive coach and rail network throughout the country and car hire is possible in the larger cities.

Eating and Drinking

The Adriatic is well known for having a wide variety of fresh and delicious seafood. 'Brodet' a local and traditional fish stew is very popular with locals and 'prsut' Croatian smoked ham should also be tried. Regional wines are also very good as well as the Italian espresso.

Local interest and culture

Having a mixture of the old and new with monuments such as the Sipun Cave, the Baroque Parish church and domed Mausoleum.

The words of George Bernard Shaw: "Those who seek paradise non Earth should come to Dubrovnik and see Dubrovnik" seems today to be true more than ever, with this beautifully preserved medieval fortified city, now gaining UNESCO world heritage status. Within the walls, Dubrovnik is a sea of roofs faded into a pastel patchwork, punctured now and then by a sculpted dome or tower. Roman, Gothic and Baroque facades can be found on numerous churches, palaces villas and public buildings. Of the various towers and bastions that punctuate the walls, the 1455 Minceta fortress is by far the most imposing.

Dubrovnik is an astonishing, almost fairytale sight. Catch a boat from the old city jetty to the wooded island of Lokrum crisscrossed by shady paths and extensive rocky beaches.

Beaches

Croatia has a beautiful and diverse coastline scattered with thousands of tiny islands. Most of the mainland beaches are shingle or gravel. More secluded, rocky and sandy beaches can be found on the islands of the Sibernik archipelago - Murter, Zlarin and Privic.

Blue flag beaches are recognised as having high environmental, sanitary and safety standards. 61 beaches in Croatia received the Blue Flag award in 2003. For more details refer to www.blueflag.org.

Fun for the children

Explore the national park of 'Plitvice' and the rugged beaches and coastline. Check for boat excursions that explore the country's islands.

Highlights

Five must sees:

Visit the 12th century monastery on the island of Mijet
The birthplace of Marco Polo on the island of Korcula
The historic town to Dubrovnik
The Baroque parish church and domed Mausoleum of Cavat
Zagreb the capital of Croatia

Great Views: Croatia's stunning and rugged landscape and the views across the Dalmation coast.

Memorable Moments:Walking amongst the walled Medieval city of Dubrovnik.

Destination treasures: The charming beauty of the Adriatic coast.

Fast Facts

Practicalities

Currency and money: The national currency is the Kuna

Croatian National Tourist Board:
2 Lanchesters, 162-164 Fulham Palace Road, London W6 9ER.
Tel: 0208 563 7979
Website: www.croatia.hr

Events

1 May international Labour day
30 May Independence day
5 August Homeland Gratitude day

Activities

Being set along the coast and a number of waterways activities often take the form of water sports and sailing. Other activities such as walking and horse riding are also available.

Recommended Reading

Croatia: The Bradt Travel Guide by Piers Letcher

Dorling Kindersley Travel Guide: Croatia by Leandro Zoppe

Croatia resorts

Please click for further information on the following Croatia resorts:

Dubrovnik
Plat