Expatriates Forums in Croatia

Tour Croatia and its Neighbors On Line (Video + Stills)

IntrepidBerkeleyExplorer — Thu May 28, 2009 6:53 pm

Author: IntrepidBerkeleyExplorer

Posted: Thu May 28, 2009 6:53 pm

My recent film “Draculas Neighborhood” presents Balkan highlights from Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Bosnia, Croatia, and Slovenia.

It includes dictator Ceausescu’s massive palace, fortified churches and the legend of Dracula, Orthodox Church artistic splendor, a Thracian tomb, folk dancing, Belgrade’s citadel, the destruction of Yugoslavia by Milosevic, Sarajevo’s recovery from civil war, and its splendid old town, Mostar’s landmark bridge, the walled city of Dubrovnik, Roman Emperor Diocletian’s Palace, the Postojna Cave, and scenic Lake Bled.

“Draculas Neighborhood” can be seen on the web, if you a high speed internet connection. This is a free, non-commercial, streaming video on the Windows Media Player. No ads and no strings attached. I sell absolutely nothing.

My video site is:

http://www.geocities.com/intrepidberkeleyexplorer/Video.html

The still photo gallery of all six Balkan countries can be viewed with any modem at:

http://www.geocities.com/intrepidberkeleyexplorer/Page30.html

There are over 30 of my other amateur travel videos on-line covering all seven continents. Visit Italy, England, China, Antarctica, Peru, Hawaii, South East Asia, Russia, Mayan Pyramids, American National Parks, Greece, or Turkey; see buffalo, penguins, or polar bears.

The planet is yours, including my Home Page giant galaxy of still pictures at:

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The Intrepid Berkeley Explorer

accommodations in Croatia

jelena — Fri Jul 20, 2007 1:43 pm

Author: jelena

Posted: Fri Jul 20, 2007 1:43 pm

Hey people, if you`re wondering which town to choose during your Croatia vacation I would recommend you to visit Croatia luxury hotel Bluesun Afrodita in Tučepi, great service. In front of this hotel are pebbly beaches were you can drink cold cocktails under a beach umbrella. And the sunset view over the sea is impossible to describe with the words. I really had an unforgettable Croatia vacation and the food in a hotel was so tasteful that you have to try it. I`m sure that I`ll be back there next year…

Croatia travel guide for mobile phones

jelena — Fri Jul 20, 2007 1:41 pm

Author: jelena

Posted: Fri Jul 20, 2007 1:41 pm

Hey, if you`re looking for some information about Croatia accommodation, nightlife, restaurants,etc. I would recommend you an innovative travel guide for mobile phones known as mobiEXPLORE Croatia. You can find information for more than 100 cities in English or Croatian, and also you can see photos and interactive maps of Croatian cities. It`s a travel guide for mobile phones that you can download from web site of mobiexplore for free or you can get it by calling call centar, any way it`s avaible as a freeware. I hope that you`ll see for yourself just how good this travel guide is.

DIPLOMATIC MISSIONS IN CROATIA / EMBASSIES IN CROATIA

Croatia Info — Thu May 17, 2007 7:19 am

Author: Croatia Info

Posted: Thu May 17, 2007 7:19 am

DIPLOMATIC MISSIONS IN CROATIA

ALBANIA
Embassy of Albania
Jurisicea 2A, II kat,
Zagreb
Tel: (+385 1) 481-0679/ 80
Fax: (+385 1) 481-0682
Email: ambasada.shqiptare@inet.hr

AUSTRALIA
Embassy of Australia
Kaptol Centar, 3rd Floor,
Nova Ves 11,
Zagreb
Tel: (+385 1) 489-1200
Fax: (+385 1) 489-1216
Website: www.auembassy.hr

AUSTRIA
Embassy of Austria
Jabukovac 39,
Zagreb
Tel: (+385 1) 488-1050/ 1/ 5
Fax: (+385 1) 483-4461
Email: agram-ob@bmaa.gv.at

BELGIUM
Embassy of Belgium
Pantovchak, 125 B1,
Zagreb
Tel: (+385 1) 457-8901/ 3
Fax: (+385 1) 457-8902
Email: ambabel@zg.htnet.hr , zagreb@diplobel.org
Website: www.diplomatie.be/en

BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA
Embassy of Bosnia & Herzegovina
Torbarova 9,
Zagreb
Tel: (+385 1) 468-3761/ 5
Fax: (+385 1) 468-3764

BULGARIA
Embassy of Bulgaria
Novi Goljak, 25,
Zagreb
Tel: (+385 1) 482-3336/ 7
Fax: (+385-1) 482-3338
Email: veleposlanstvo.republike.bugarske@zg.t-com.hr

CANADA
Embassy of Canada
Prilaz Gjure Dezelica 4,
Zagreb
Tel: (+385 1) 488-1200
Fax: (+385-1) 4881230
Email: zagreb@international.gc.ca
Website: www.canadaeurope.gc.ca/croatia

CHINA
Embassy of China
Mlinovi 132,
Zagreb
Tel: (+385 1) 463-7011
Fax: (+385 1) 463-7012
Email: chnemb@zg.tel.hr

CZECH REPUBLIC
Embassy of the Czech Republic
Savska cesta 41/VIII,
Zagreb
Tel: (+385 1) 617-7246/ 612-1558
Fax: (+385-1) 617-6630
Email: zagreb@embassy.mzv.cz , czech.embassy@inet.hr
Website: www.mzv.cz/zagreb

DENMARK
Royal Embassy of Denmark
Ulica A. Hebranga 33/I,
Zagreb
Tel: (+385 1) 485-5299/ 4995
Fax: (+385 1) 485-4345
Email: office@dtczagreb.hr

EGYPT
Embassy of Egypt
Petrova 51B,
Zagreb
Tel: (+385 1) 231-0781/ 98
Fax: (+385-1) 231-0619
Email: veleposlanstvo.a.r.egipat@zg.htnet.hr

FINLAND
Embassy of Finland
Berislaviceva 2/I,
Zagreb
Tel: (+385-1) 481-1662
Fax: (+385-1) 481-9946
Email: embassy@finland.htnet.hr

FRANCE
Embassy of France
Hebrangova 2,
Zagreb
Tel: (+385 1) 489-3600
Fax: (+385-1) 489-3660
Email: presse@ambafrance.hr , diplo@ambafrance.hr
Website: www.ambafrance.hr

GERMANY
Embassy of Germany
Ulica Grada Vukovara 64,
Zagreb
Tel: (+385 1) 630-0100/ 4
Fax: (+385-1) 615-5536/ 8103
Email: deutsche.botschaft.zagreb@inet.hr
Website: www.deutschebotschaft-zagreb.hr

GREECE
Embassy of Greece
Opaticka 12,
Zagreb
Tel: (+385 1) 481-0444/ 37/ 16
Fax: (+385 1) 481-0419
Email: greece-embassy@grembassy.hr
Website: www.grembassy.hr

HUNGARY
Embassy of Hungary
Pantovcak 255-257,
Zagreb
Tel: (+385-1) 489-0900
Fax: (+385-1) 457-9301
Email: secretary@hungemb.hr
Website: www.hungemb.hr

INDIA
Embassy of India
Boskoviceva 7A,
Zagreb
Tel: (+385 1) 487-3240/ 1
Fax: (+385-1) 4817907
Email: embassy.India@zg.tel.hr
Website: www.ring.net/indija

ITALY
Embassy of Italy
Meduliceva Ulica, 22,
Zagreb
Tel: (+385-1) 484-6386
Fax: (+385-1) 484-6384
Email: ambitalia@zg.hinet.hr , amb.zagabria@esteri.it
Website: www.ambitalia.hr

JAPAN
Embassy of Japan
Boscoviceva 2,
Zagreb
Tel: (+385 1) 487-0650
Fax: (+385 1) 466-7334

MACEDONIA (FYROM)
Embassy of Macedonia (FYROM)
Petrinjska 29/1,
Zagreb
Tel: (+385 1) 492-2902/ 3
Fax: (+385 1) 492-2903
Email: amb.makedonije.zgb@zg.htnet.hr , amb.makedonije.zgb@zg.tel.hr

MALAYSIA
Embassy of Malaysia
Slavujevac 4A,
Zagreb
Tel: (+385 1) 483-4346/ 7
Fax: (+385 1) 483-4348
Email: mw.zagreb@zg.htnet.hr

NETHERLANDS
Royal Embassy of the Netherlands
Medvescak 56,
Zagreb
Tel: (+385 1) 468-4880
Fax: (+385 1) 468-4582
Email: nlgovzag@zg.htnet.hr
Website: www.netherlandsembassy.hr

NORWAY
Royal Embassy of Norway
Petrinjska 9/I,
Zagreb
Tel: (+385 1) 492-2831
Fax: (+385 1) 492-2832
Email: emb.zagreb@mfa.no
Website: www.norwegianembassy.hr

POLAND
Embassy of Poland
Ulica Krlezin Gvozd 3,
Zagreb
Tel: (+385 1) 489-9444
Fax: (+385 1) 483-4577
Email: ambasada-polska@zg.htnet.hr

PORTUGAL
Embassy of Portugal
Trg Bana Jelacica 5/II kat,
Zagreb
Tel: (+385 1) 488-2210/ 1
Fax: (+385 1) 492-0663
Email: emb.port.zagreb@zg.htnet.hr

ROMANIA
Embassy of Romania
Ulica Mlinarska 43,
Zagreb
Tel: (+385 1) 467-7550/ 7856/ 7660/ 7330
Fax: (+385 1) 467-7854
Email: veleposlanstvo.rumunjske@zg.htnet.hr , roamb.cro@zg.tel.hr

RUSSIA
Embassy of Russia
Ulica Bosanska 44,
Zagreb
Tel: (+385 1) 375-5038/ 9
Fax: (+385 1) 375-5040
Email: veleposlanstvo-ruske-federacije@zg.htnet.hr

SLOVAKIA
Embassy of Slovakia
Prilaz Gjure Deželica br. 10,
Zagreb
Tel: (+385 1) 487-7070/ 484-8941/ 4
Fax: (+385 1) 487-7078/ 484-8942
Email: slovak.emb@zg.hinet.hr

SLOVENIA
Embassy of Slovenia
Savska cesta 41/anex/II,
Zagreb
Tel: (+385 1) 631-1000
Fax: (+385 1) 617-7236
Email: vzg@mzz-dkp.gov.si

SPAIN
Embassy of Spain
Tuskanac, 21A,
Zagreb
Tel: (+385 1) 484-8950/ 483-4365
Fax: (+385 1) 484-8711
Email: embajada.de.espana@zg.htnet.hr

SWEDEN
Royal Embassy of Sweden
Frankopanska 22,
Zagreb
Tel: (+385 1) 492-5100
Fax: (+385 1) 492-5125
Email: swedish.embassy@zg.htnet.hr , ambassaden.zagreb@foreign.ministry.se
Website: www.swedenabroad.com/zagreb

SWITZERLAND
Embassy of Switzerland
Bogoviceva 3,
Zagreb
Tel: (+385 1) 487-8800
Fax: (+385 1) 481-0890
Email: vertretung@zag.rep.admin.ch

TURKEY
Embassy of Turkey
Masarykova 3/II,
Zagreb
Tel: (+385 1) 485-5200
Fax: (+385 1) 485-5606
Email: turembzag@zg.htnet.hr

UKRAINE
Embassy of Ukraine
Vocharska cesta 52,
Zagreb
Tel: (+385 1) 461-6296
Fax: (+385 1) 455-3824/ 6128
Email: emb_hr@mfa.gov.ua , ukremb@zg.tel.hr
Website: www.ukrembassy.hinet.hr

UK
British Embassy
Ivana Lucica 4,
Zagreb
Tel: (+385 1) 600-9100/ 22
Fax: (+385 1) 600-9111/ 9298/ 9297
Email: british.embassyzagreb@fco.gov.uk , commercial.section@zg.htnet.hr
Website: www.britishembassy.gov.uk/croatia

USA
Embassy of the United States
2 Thomas Jefferson Street,
Zagreb
Tel: (+385 1) 661-2200
Fax: (+385) 1 661-2373
Website: www.usembassy.hr

GETTING AROUND IN CROATIA / CROATIA TRANSPORTATION GUIDE

Croatia Info — Thu May 17, 2007 6:11 am

Author: Croatia Info

Posted: Thu May 17, 2007 6:11 am

GETTING AROUND IN CROATIA

BY AIR

Croatia Air has a near monopoly on flights that travel among Croatia's seven airports (Zagreb, Split, Dubrovnik, Rijeka, Pula, Zadar, and Brac), and unless one of these is your final destination, you'll have to transfer to some other mode of transportation to finish your trip. Domestic flights booked on Croatia Air from outside the country cost nearly twice as much as flights booked at a Croatia Air office in the country unless they are part of a multi-city international ticket.

Due to the comparatively short distances and relatively high hassle of air travel - especially when you travel with luggage - domestic air travel is used mostly for getting to end points - e.g., Zagreb to Dubrovnik and vice-versa.

BY SEA

Ferries and catamarans are a way of life on Croatia's coast. There is no other way to get to the islands (except Pag and Krk, which are linked to the mainland via bridges). For some, ferries are the transport of choice between some mainland cities like Rijeka and Dubrovnik. Croatia's ferries vary in size and type: Some are huge ships that carry people, cargo and vehicles. Others are small taxi boats, and yet others are speedy catamarans. Jadrolinija, Semmarina, and SNAV are the major operators. In summer, ferry schedules are beefed up to handle increased traffic, but in winter some lines cancel certain runs altogether and reduce their schedules.

BY RAIL

The network connects all major cities except Dubrovnik. However, it is often quicker to travel by bus. If you want to visit Dubrovnik, you will have to travel by train to Split, and then go on the bus for Dubrovnik.

Rail is still the cheapest connection between inland and coast. As of 2004 you can ride on the new 160kph “tilting trains” that connect Zagreb with Split and other major cities in Croatia such as Rijeka and Osijek. If you make a reservation early enough you can get a substantial discount.

Croatian trains are not part of the Eurail system, and international travel usually requires train changes because the rail gauge in Croatia is different from that used on Eurail track.

BY ROAD

Unexploded ordinance may remain in Eastern Slavonia and the former Krajina; motorists should avoid these areas. A toll is payable on motorways. Unleaded petrol is available. Traffic drives on the right. Speed limits are 130kph (81mph) on motorways, 100kph (62mph) on dual carriageways, 50kph (31mph) in built-up areas and 80kph (50mph) outside built-up areas. Heavy fines are imposed for speeding.

Bus

There are regular services to destinations all over Croatia. Timetable information is available from Zagreb Central Bus Station (website: www.akz.hr; see links from tourist board website: www.croatia.hr). The most frequent bus terminal in Croatia is Bus Terminal Zagreb (in Croatian "Autobusni kolodvor Zagreb").

Car Rental

There are numerous car rental companies in Croatia, and almost all have offices at the airports and major cities. Budget (tel. 800/472-3325; www.budget.com) has outlets at the Split, Dubrovnik, Pula, and Zagreb airports, and in other major population centers. Hertz (tel. 800/654-3131; www.hertz.com) has branches at all of Croatia's airports, including Pula, Rijeka, and Zadar, as well as rental outlets on Hvar and Mali Losinj. Uni rent (tel. 021/317-297; www.uni-rent.net) is a local independent vendor that has an office in Split near the Hotel Marjan. All offer a broad spectrum of auto choices, ranging from small economy models such as the Opel Corsa to luxury rides like the Volvo S80 to SUV 4X4s.

Documentation: National or International Driving Permit. All motorists should also carry a valid passport as proof of identity at all times. A Green Card should be carried by visitors (except EU nationals) taking their own car into Croatia. Without it, insurance cover is limited to the minimum legal cover; the Green Card augments this to the level of cover provided by the car owner’s domestic policy. National registration in country of origin is required for all foreign vehicles.

URBAN TRANSPORTATION IN ZAGREB

Zagreb's electric tram system is quick, efficient, and reliable, and it runs 24/7 with reduced runs in the wee hours. Tram routes cover central Zagreb and connect to buses that run to outlying areas and suburbs. Most lines go to the main train station, Trg Ban Jelacica, or both.

Tickets for both can be purchased at Tisak news kiosks for 7kn (US$1.20) or on board for 9kn (US$1.55). Tickets are good for 90 minutes each way and must be validated with a time stamp at the orange machines on board. There are no conductors checking tickets, but there are random control checks. If you are caught without a ticket or with an unvalidated ticket, the fine is 150kn (US$26) on the spot, more if you don't have the money immediately.

There are maps of all tram and bus routes at stops and on most city maps, but if you aren't familiar with the city or the language, it can be difficult to figure out whether a given vehicle goes to your destination because only the final destination and a stop or two are listed on the tram or bus itself. Keep a map of the tram routes and one of Zagreb with you whenever using the system so you can locate the routes' end streets and determine if the tram is going in your direction. Almost none of the tram operators speak English.

Taxis are expensive in Zagreb, even for short distances. Taxis charge a 25kn (US$4.50) flat fee plus 7kn (US$1) for every 3/5 of a mile. A 20% surcharge is added to that on Sunday and at night, which makes taxis a very expensive way to travel. However, if you must use a cab, you can call one at tel. (01) 668-25-05. It's a good idea to try to negotiate a price for your trip before you hop in. You can call a taxi at tel. (01) 668-25-05.

HOTELS DIRECTORY IN CROATIA / CROATIA HOTEL GUIDE

Croatia Info — Thu May 17, 2007 4:17 am

Author: Croatia Info

Posted: Thu May 17, 2007 4:17 am

HOTELS DIRECTORY IN CROATIA

ZAGREB

Arcotel Allegra
Branimirova 29,
Zagreb
Tel: (+385 1) 469-6000
Fax: (+385 1) 469-6027
Email: allegra@arcotel.at
Website: www.arcotel.at/allegra

Best Western Hotel Astoria
Petrinjska 71,
Zagreb
Tel: (+385 1) 480-8900
Fax: (+385 1) 480-8908
Email: sales@hotelastoria.hr
Website: www.bestwestern.com

Four Points by Sheraton Panorama Hotel Zagreb
Trg sportova 9,
Zagreb
Tel: (+385 1) 365-8333/ 8431
Fax: (+385 1) 309-2657
Email: fourpointsres.zagreb@fourpoints.com
Website: www.fourpoints.com/zagreb

Hotel Antunović
Ljubljanska avenija 100a,
Zagreb
Tel: (+385 1) 204-1111
Fax: (+385 1) 204-1119
Email: rezervacije@hotelantunovic.com
Website: www.hotelantunovic.com

Hotel Aristos
Cebini 33,
Buzin,
Zagreb
Tel: (+385 1) 669-5900
Fax: (+385 1) 669-5902
Email: aristos@hotel-aristos.hr
Website: www.hotel-aristos.hr

Hotel As
Zelengaj 2a,
Zagreb
Tel: (+385 1) 460-9111
Fax: (+385 1) 460-9303
Email: as@hotel-as.hr
Website: www.hotel-as.hr

Hotel Dubrovnik
Ljudevita Gaja 1,
Zagreb
Tel: (+385 1) 486-3555/ 00
Fax: (+385 1) 486-3506
Email: reservations@hotel-dubrovnik.hr
Website: www.hotel-dubrovnik.hr

Hotel International Zagreb
Miramarska 24,
Zagreb
Tel: (+385 1) 610-8100
Fax: (+385 1) 610-8700
Email: hotel@hotel-international.hr
Website: www.hotel-international.hr

Sheraton Zagreb Hotel
Kneza Borne 2,
Zagreb
Tel: (+385 1) 455-3535
Fax: (+385 1) 455-3035
Email: sheratonres.zagreb@sheraton.com
Website: www.sheraton.com/zagreb

The Westin Zagreb
Kršnjavoga 1,
Zagreb
Tel: (+385 1) 489-2000
Fax: (+385 1) 489-2001
Email: westinres.zagreb@westin.com
Website: www.westin.com/zagreb

CROATIA TOURISM GUIDE / TOURISM IN CROATIA

Croatia Info — Thu May 17, 2007 3:45 am

Author: Croatia Info

Posted: Thu May 17, 2007 3:45 am

CROATIA TOURISM GUIDE

GENERAL

With 1778km (1111 miles) of mainland coast, emerald-blue waters, secluded pebble beaches and countless unspoilt islands, Croatia is an ideal destination for lovers of sea and sunshine who want to avoid the crowds. For ease of reference, the country has been divided into the following regions: Istria, Kvarner, Northern Dalmatia, Central Dalmatia, Southern Dalmatia and Inland Croatia. In addition, the cities of Zagreb, Dubrovnik and Split are each given a brief description.

MAIN CITIES

Zagreb

Croatia’s economic, cultural and administrative heart sits on the north bank of the river Sava. Its historic nuclei, Gradec and Kaptol, in Gornji Grad (Upper Town), were founded in the Middle Ages. Here, a labyrinth of peaceful cobbled streets links the city’s oldest and finest monuments: the Cathedral, St Mark’s Church (noted for its red, white and blue tiled roof) and the Sabor (seat of the Croatian Parliament). At the foot of the Upper Town lie Trg Bana Jelacic, the main square, and Dolac, the colourful open-air market. The main square links the Upper Town to Donji Grad (Lower Town), the commercial centre of modern-day Zagreb, with theatres, shops, cinemas, museums and cafes. A number of important 19th-century public buildings are located here, including Glavni Kolodvor (main train station), the imposing neo-Baroque Croatian National Theatre and the Academy of Arts and Sciences. The Museum of Arts and Crafts traces Croatian craftsmanship from the Renaissance up to the present day, while the Mimara Museum presents a rich collection of painting, sculpture and ceramics from abroad. Also worth visiting are the Museum of Zagreb, the Archaeological Museum and the Gallery of Naïve Art. The city boasts one of Europe’s very first planned parks: Maksimir, a magnificent feat of landscaping, with lakes, pavilions and sculptures, dating back to 1794.

Dubrovnik

Unanimously considered the jewel of Croatia, Dubrovnik is best known for its well-preserved historic centre contained within 13th-century city walls, its terracotta rooftops, and a stunning location overlooking the Adriatic. Today a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city was a wealthy independent republic up until 1808. The finest monuments date back to those golden years: the 16th-century Rector’s Palace, the Franciscan Monastery (home to Europe’s oldest pharmacy), and a number of delightful baroque churches, including the Cathedral, St Blaise’s Church and the Jesuit Church. Also worth visiting is the Maritime Museum, which highlights Dubrovnik’s former importance as a world naval power. Each summer, from mid-July to late August, the city hosts the Dubrovnik Summer Festival, featuring various cultural events plus open-air evening performances of theatre, jazz and classical music.

Split

The city of Split was founded in the third century AD by the Roman Emperor Diocletian. Today, the traffic-free historic centre lies within the imposing walls of Diocletian’s Palace, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A vibrant cafe scene focuses on the Roman Peristil, presided over by the majestic Cathedral with its 13th-century Romanesque bell tower. The Museum of Croatian Archaeological Monuments displays early Croatian religious art, while the Meštrovic Gallery celebrates the country’s best-known 20th-century sculptor. On the hill above town, Marjan, an extensive nature reserve planted with pine woods and fragrant Mediterranean shrubs, affords stunning views over the Adriatic. During the Split Summer Festival, held annually from mid-July to mid-August, the city becomes an open-air stage with night time opera and concerts.

THE COAST

Istria

Istria is the largest peninsula on the Croatian coast and, thanks to its easy transport links with nearby Italy and Austria, has also become the country’s major tourist destination. The region’s administrative centre and chief port, Pula, was founded by the Romans in the fifth century BC. Several interesting buildings remain from this period, notably the Arena, a well-preserved amphitheatre, which hosts summer concerts and the annual film festival. The city is a good starting point for excursions to Brijuni National Park, an archipelago of 14 unspoilt islands. It is possible to stay overnight on the largest island, Veli Brijun, where a range of tourist facilities is available. On the west coast of Istria lies Croatia’s most visited resort, Porec. Fortunately, the large hotel complexes of Plava Laguna and Zelena Laguna are situated out of town, a little way along the coast, leaving the historic centre intact. Built on a small peninsular, Porec dates back to Roman times, and its star attraction is the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Euphrasius Basilica, decorated with stunning sixth-century Byzantine mosaics. Istria’s second most popular resort, Rovinj, was originally built on a small island, though the narrow strait that separated it from the mainland was filled in during the 18th century. Just out of town lies Zlatni Rt, a blissful park affording access to several secluded coves for bathing. Also by the sea, midway between Porec and Rovinj, lies Vrsar, home to Koversada, Europe’s largest nudist resort. Inland Istria, with romantic hill towns such as Motovun and Groznjan, makes an ideal day trip from the coast.

Kvarner

The economic and administrative centre of this popular and busy island region is Rijeka, Croatia’s largest port. Other than Trsat Castle, built on a hilltop commanding splendid views out to sea, Rijeka has little architectural interest, its main claim to fame being the exuberant celebrations it puts on each year in February for Carnival. The main tourist centres of the Kvarner region are Opatija, Crikvenica and Novi Vinodolski (sometimes referred to as the ‘three rivieras’), all of which have extensive pebble beaches complemented by good accommodation and recreational facilities. Opatija, Croatia’s oldest tourist resort, was popular with the Austro-Hungarian nobility and some of its former fin-de-siècle elegance remains. Of the many islands scattered throughout the Kvarner Bay, Krk, connected to the mainland by a road bridge, is the most developed as well as the largest, with clean beaches and extensive tourist facilities. Further out lie Rab, home to the delightful medieval Rab Town with a number of elegant Romanesque bell towers; Cres, which contains the Vransko Lake and is popular with nature lovers; and Lošinj, which has pine woods and numerous bays with beaches. Inland from Rijeka, the Risnjak National Park is located in the mountains of Gorski Kotar and rises to 1528m (510ft) above sea level, making it a popular destination for hiking and climbing.

Northern Dalmatia

The chief city and port in the region is Zadar, the historic centre of which is made up of narrow cobbled streets, some Roman remains and several interesting churches, notably the 12th-century Romanesque Cathedral. However, the region’s main attraction is the Kornati National Park, an archipelago consisting of over 90 islands scattered over an area of 300 sq km. Virtually uninhabited, the islands display a harsh, rocky landscape practically devoid of vegetation. Most visitors arrive on organised day trips by boat, though several renovated stone cottages provide ‘Robinson Crusoe’-type holiday accommodation. Inland from Zadar, on the southern slopes of the Velebit Massif, lies Paklenica National Park, a popular destination for hiking and climbing. The region’s second city is Sibenik, worth seeing for its 15th-century UNESCO-listed Cathedral, and a good base for visiting Krka National Park. Here, the river Krka has sculpted a picturesque canyon, famed for its spectacular Skradinski buk (Skradin Waterfalls) and the islet of Visovac, home to a Franciscan Monastery, which can be visited by boat.

Central Dalmatia

Croatia’s second-largest city, Split is also the economic and cultural capital of Central Dalmatia. Nearby, the tiny medieval city of Trogir, founded by the Greeks in the third century BC, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site noted for its beautiful Venetian Gothic stone buildings. The resorts of the Makarska Riviera, centred around the pretty town of Makarska, boast long stretches of pebble beaches and are able to accommodate large numbers of holidaymakers. However, the highlight of Central Dalmatia has to be its islands, which are less exploited than those in the north of the country. Taking Split as a base, the closest island, Brac, is best known for its magnificent beach, Zlatni Rat (Golden Cape), close to the well-equipped but unspoilt resort of Bol. Hvar, possibly Dalmatia’s most beautiful island, is renowned for its rugged coastline, excellent wines and lavender fields. The largest settlement, Hvar Town, is built around a picturesque harbour presided over by a hilltop fortress. Chic cafes and restaurants focus on the main square, lined with elegant 15th-century ‘palaces’ and the much-photographed Renaissance Cathedral. Hvar Town claims to have more hours of sunshine than any other resort on the Adriatic, and hotels offer free accommodation in the unlikely event of a snowfall. Slightly less sophisticated, but equally well equipped with hotels and bathing areas, is the friendly town of Jelsa. Vis, Croatia’s most remote inhabited island, is wild and unspoilt. Due to its former status as a Yugoslav military base, it was closed to foreigners until 1989 and therefore has very limited tourist facilities.

Southern Dalmatia

The chief centre of the southernmost region of Croatia is Dubrovnik. Nearby, a group of tiny traffic-free islands, known as the Elaphites, offer secluded beaches and basic tourist amenities. Further up the coast, the island of Korcula is reigned over by the beautifully preserved Korcula Town, a marvel of medieval urban planning which has charmed foreign visitors since the first tourists arrived in the 1920s. During summer, regular performances of the colorful Moreška sword dance are staged here. Nearby, the village of Lumbarda is home to one of Croatia’s few sand beaches. On the island of Mljet, the green and unspoilt Mljet National Park boasts dense indigenous forests and two interconnected saltwater lakes – Veliko Jezero and Malo Jezero. In the centre of the larger lake sits the exquisite St Mary’s Island, crowned by a Benedictine Monastery. A series of paths, perfect for mountain biking or hiking, runs round the lakes and through the woods. Lastovo, like Vis, is a remote island and former home to a Yugoslav military base, hence the lack of tourist facilities. Back on the mainland, south of Dubrovnik, Cavtat is a pretty holiday resort with numerous hotels and pebble beaches. South from here lies the border with Montenegro.

INLAND CROATIA

While the vast majority of tourists head straight for the coast, inland Croatia also holds several places of interest, notably the capital, Zagreb. North of Zagreb lies Zagorje, a rural area of undulating hills and vineyards with several castles open to the public, the most visited being Veliki Tabor and Trakocšan. East of Zagreb lies the flat fertile region of Slavonia, the major city of which, Osijek, makes an ideal base for visiting Kopacki Rit Nature Park, a vast expanse of wetland popular with birdwatchers. South of Zagreb, on the edge of the Dalmatian hinterland, lies one of Croatia’s biggest tourist attractions, the UNESCO-listed Plitvice Lakes National Park. Situated in a densely forested valley, the park features 16 beautiful blue-green lakes joined together by a succession of spectacular waterfalls. There are numerous hotels, motels and campsites in the area, although tourism development has thankfully been combined with strict environmental preservation policies.

CROATIA TRAVEL INFORMATION / CROATIA TRAVEL GUIDE

Croatia Info — Thu May 17, 2007 3:25 am

Author: Croatia Info

Posted: Thu May 17, 2007 3:25 am

CROATIA TRAVEL INFORMATION

Full Name

Republic of Croatia

Capital City

Zagreb

Area

56,542 sq km
21,831 sq miles

Population

4,500,000

Time Zone

GMT/UTC +1

Languages

Croatian (official)

A southern variant within the Slavonic language family

Serbian (other)

Italian (other)

Slovenian (other)

Hungarian (other)

Religion

Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Islam

Currency

Kuna (HRK)

Electric Plug Details

European plug with two circular metal pins

Country Dialing Code

385