Saturday, March 24, 2007
All you nead to know...
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Croatia is located in the heart of Europe on the beautiful Adriatic coast bordering Italy, Slovenia and Hungary.
Croatia is a country of more than 1,185 islands, islets and reefs, most uninhabited and preserved, perfect for eco-tourism. In 1999, Croatia won three international awards for the cleanest waters in the Mediterranean. Major cruise lines include Croatia in their itineraries. Among them are Costa, Cunard, Crystal, Hapagg Lloyd, Peter Deilmann, Princess, Radisson, Seabourn, Silversea, Swan Hellenic and Windstar.
Some of the best-known resort towns along the Dalmatian coast are Dubrovnik, Split, Porec and Trogir, all of them listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The Northern Adriatic resort of Opatija, known for its long tradition in hospitality, was a popular destination among European nobility. The Millennium, a 5-star hotel, was recently opened there. Almost 10 percent of the country is protected as part of a national park or preserve. The best known National Park in Croatia, Plitvice Lakes, is listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Beyond its natural beauty, Croatia has been a center of culture for thousands of years. Zagreb is the capital and a center of arts and culture with its numerous museums and galleries hosting world-renowned exhibits and festivals. The "Successful Meetings Magazine" listed Zagreb as one of the Top 10 international destinations for conventions and meetings, and Conde Nast Traveler also listed Zagreb as one of Europe's 10 "reborn cities". Besides its history and culture, Zagreb offers meeting and convention venues and accommodations in world-class hotels like the Sheraton, Opera, Esplanade, the Arcotel Allegra (set to open in June 2003) and others.
Getting to Croatia is simple, whether you travel by air, train, ship or car. All major US and European carriers connect with Croatia Airlines through European gateways. The Croatian ferry system connects the Adriatic islands to the mainland as well as to Italy. English is widely spoken. Numerous first-class and deluxe hotels as well as quaint bed and breakfast type accommodations are available. Some of the best places to stay are the new chic and exclusive "boutique" hotels opening up throughout Croatia. Various programs to Croatia include escorted tours, religious pilgrimages, eco-tourism packages, city and hotel packages, special-interest tours and adventure programs (hiking, biking, canoeing, ballooning, fishing, swimming).
Croatia is an ideal destination for lovers of sea and sunshine who want to avoid the crowds.
"Those who seek paradise on Earth should come to Dubrovnik and see Dubrovnik"
- Bernard Shaw -
Diaries at the ready ...
July - Croatia: movies in Motovun
Relax in cobbled squares and watch the films projected on to the walls of this sumptuous 15th-century Croatian hill town (think Cinema Paradiso). Now in its ninth year, the festival (motovunfilmfestival.com) is a cross between Glastonbury and Sundance, attracting 50,000 visitors each year. After a few days watching films, you can hit the Istrian beaches 12 miles away. Ryanair flies Tuesday/Thursday/Saturday to Pula from Stansted. Festivalgoers can camp under the stars, for free, at the Motovun Eco-Camp...
Guardian Unlimited, Saturday January 6 2007 Compiled by Tim Bryan
Never heard of Istria? Well, you will! If you're traveling from Italy, be sure to stop in this bordering Croatian gem
Driving south from Trieste, Italy, the first corner of Croatia you encounter is the triangular peninsula called Istria. On my last trip, I never made it any farther. Now being touted as the “new Tuscany,” Istria has in fact long been noted for its beautiful Adriatic coast, lush forests, olive groves, vineyards and offshore islands. By Charles Leocha, Travel columnist, Aug. 3, 2006
Instant weekend: Zagreb
The crowds haven’t invaded Croatia’s quirky capital yet — but it can only be a matter of time, says Richard Green
Why should I go? Because it’s a terrific little capital, with quirky sights, good food and a great outoorsy vibe. It feels like Budapest or Cracow did after they’d been spruced up, but before they were overrun by western brands and mass tourism. The crowds will surely come soon — direct flights have made it temptingly accessible — but go this year and you’ll have it to yourself"... The Sunday Times July 23, 2006
..."So if you missed the golden age of the French Riviera, you've got a second chance. The Croatian Riviera has arrived, complete with four-figure hotel rooms and the stars who stay in them. Instead of quaint fishing boats, Dubrovnik's marina now fills ups with yachts of the my-helicopter-is-bigger-than-yours variety"... by Evan Rail published: July 9, 2006, New York Times
The well-known American magazine National Geographic Adventure conducted a survey among its journalists and editors and proclaimed Croatia top destination in the world for 2006. On the list of destinations that "must be visited in the next year", the editors and journalists of the magazine voted Croatia and Kornati Archipelago in first place, in front of Patagonia in Argentina and the Gobi Desert in Mongolia.
After the war, tourism in Croatia started to develop intensively, said National Geographic Adventure. Centuries old cities such as Hvar, Korcula and Dubrovnik are packed with young and rich people, earning Croatia the right to be called the new Riviera. The famous American actor Tom Cruise visited Dubrovnik last year on his yacht. The Croatians are already used to celebrities visiting Croatia, such as the British Prince William and the American actor of Croatian origin John Malkovich. Nevertherless, Croatia offers much more than just sun and sea. "With Croatia back on the tourism map, a whole new range of travel options has sprung up, from cultural and culinary tours among the walled cities of the coast to climbing adventures on limestone sea cliffs, to specialized, clothing-free "naturist" excursions", emphasized Adventure. National Geographic Adventure: Croatia - Destination of the Year 2006
Croatia is awash with minute, barely populated islands but Lopud, one of the Elafiti islands, with its handful of bars, shops and restaurants and a couple of hotels, is one of the most charming. There are no cars on the island, hand-pulled wooden carts being the preferred form of transportation. Unusually for Croatia, Lopud has sandy beaches, the largest of which is Sunj,reached by boat or forest path. From The Observer, 19th February 2006
Croatia is hottest place in 2005: Lonely Planet, the travel book publisher, has picked Croatia as the hottest destination for 2005. Each year Lonely Planet employees around the world are asked to vote for the hot, as in ‘have to go there!,’ travel destinations. Croatia soared to the top of this year’s poll after a fourth-place finish last year. The Lonely Planet says the country’s appeal is its unique combination of culture, history, cuisine, accessibility and affordability. As one staffer wrote, “This is Croatia’s year. It appeals to a wide range of travelers with its rich diversity of attractions. It has not yet been over-touristed, but it has developed an excellent tourism infrastructure – so that it suits both adventurous travelers and those who need a degree of comfort in their planning.”
Lonely Planet declares Croatia as destination No. 1 in world.
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