ADRIATIC COAST - C R O A T I A

ABOUT CROATIA

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GENERAL AND GEOGRAPHICAL DATA:

Surface: 56.542 km2
Surface of the territorial sea: 31.067 km2
Population: 4.381.352 inhabitants
Capital: Zagreb, 770.058 inhabitants
Coastline: 5.835 km, 4.058 km being the coastline of islands, cliffs and reefs
Number of islands, cliffs and reefs: 1.185; the largest islands are Krk and Cres; there are 67 inhabited islands
Highest peak: Dinara 1.831 m above the sea-level
Climate:

* in the interior: moderate continental climate with hot and dry summers and cold and humid winters
* mountainous regions: fresh summer and sharp winters with a large amount of snow
* coastal regions: Mediterranean climate with hot and very dry summers, and mild but humid winters
* average temperature in January:
the interior -1 to 3° C; mountains -5 to 0° C; coast 5 to 10°C
* average temperature in August:
the interior 22 to 26° C; mountains 15 to 20°C; coast 26 to 30°C

Composition of population: the majority of the population are Croats; national minorities are Serbs, Slovenes, Hungarians, Bosniaks, Italians, Czechs and others
Religions: the majority of the population are Roman Catholics, and in addition there are a number of those of Orthodox faith, as well as Muslims and Christians of other denominations
Official language and alphabet: Croatian language and Latin alphabet

BASIC HISTORICAL DATA:

around 400 BC - the first Greek colonies are founded on Adriatic islands
around 100 BC - Romans rule over the east coast of the Adriatic
305. - Roman emperor Diokletian starts to live in his palace in present-day Split
around 600. - Croats start moving to what is today's Croatia
852. - Duke Trpimir issues the charter in which the name Croatia is mentioned in official documents for the first time
925. - Tomislav, the first Croatian king, is mentioned, unifier of Pannonian and Dalmatian Croatia
1102. - after the death of Petar Svacic, the last Croatian king, Croatia enters into a union with Hungary
1527. - because of the danger of the breakthrough of Turks, by the decision of the Croatian Parliament, the Habsburg dynasty ascends to the Croatian throne
1699. - Croatia is largely liberated of Turkish rule
1815. - after the short-term rule of the French, almost all of today's Croatia is included within the Habsburg monarchy
1847. - Croatian becomes the official language of Croatia
1848. - Ban (Vice-Roy) Josip Jelacic defends Croatia against attempts of Hungarian occupation and unites all Croatian provinces ban Josip Jelacic
1918. - after the downfall of the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy in World War I, Croatia becomes a part of the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenians, later proclaimed Yugoslavia
1941. - German and Italian forces occupy Yugoslavia; the Partisan resistance, which was put up by Croatian antifascists within Yugoslavia, started to be organized
1945. - the Federative Socialist Republic of Yugoslavia is proclaimed, and within this, today's Croatia is a federative republic
1990. - the first multi-party elections after World War II are organized in Croatia
1991. - Croatian declared independence; after which the Serbian rebellion supported by the Yugoslavian People's Army started from Belgrade
1992. - the Republic of Croatia becomes a member of the United Nations
1995. - the Croatian army quenched the separatist rebellion
2001. - Croatia signed the Stabilization and Association Agreement with the European Union

CULTURAL AND HISTORICAL INHERITANCE:

Croatia abounds with cultural-historical monuments from all periods, thanks to stormy historical events and the intertwining of influences of different cultures. Influences of the Mediterranean culture, numerous monuments from Antiquity, the Roman period and early Middle Ages, Romanesque sacral heritage, and a series of preserved Mediterranean urban complexes characterize its seaside. Continental Croatia is part of the middle European cultural circle and its prominent because of numerous prehistoric finds of world importance, old towns, fortress and castles of the Middle Ages and cultural monuments and architecture of the baroque period.

BELEC - the church of St. Mary of the Snow, from 17th and 18th centuries, with valuable baroque artifacts
DUBROVNIK - one of the best-preserved medieval fortified cities on the Mediterranean; built mainly from the 13th to the 16th century; completely preserved city walls with towers, Rector's palace, the Cathedral, Sponza Palace, the Franciscan Monastery and Lovrijenac fortress; the old town is the part of UNESCO's World Heritage List
DJAKOVO - monumental cathedral of the bishop J. J. Strossmayer from the 19th century
HLEBINE - village near Koprivnica, a cradle of Croatian naive art
HVAR - preserved historical complex from the 15th century, encircled by walls; Hvar Theater from 1612. is the oldest city theatre in Europe
KNIN - medieval fortress above the city; surroundings are the richest architectural finds of the early Middle Ages in Croatia
KRAPINA - paleontological site, Husnjakovo, one of the most significant finds of Neanderthal Man in the world
LEPOGLAVA - the spacious Paulist monastery complex with the Church of St Mary, where the first college in Croatia was founded
MARIJA BISTRICA - the main Croatian pilgrimage center with the votive Church of St Mary
MOTOVUN - picturesque medieval town-museum on top of the hill
NIN - old Croatian churches of St Kriz and St Nikola from the 11th century
OSIJEK - historical urban center, Tvrdja, with a series of valuable buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries
OSOR on island of Cres- historical little town where there are many buildings from the classic and medieval period and well preserved medieval walls
OTAVICE near Drnis, town in the region of Dalmatinska zagora (Dalmatian Hinterland) - mausoleum of the Mestrovic family
PAG - well-preserved urban complex of a planned city, built in the15th century
POREC - historical urban complex; Euphrasius' Basilica from the 6th century, one of the most important early Byzantium monuments on the Mediterranean, inscribed into the UNESCO World Heritage List
PULA - Roman amphitheatre from the 1st century, the third largest in the world; the Roman Golden Gate
RIJEKA - a castle on Trsat and the sanctuary of St Mary of Loretta
ROVINJ - historical urban complex with the Cathedral of St Euphemia from the18th century
SOLIN - archeological area with remains of the large roman town of Salona and a number of early Christian monuments
SPLIT - historical city center with the Antique Diokletian's Palace, one of the most important preserved late Roman historical monuments and a part of UNESCO's World Heritage List; the Cathedral of Saint Dujmo, the old Croatian church of St Trinity and other significant locations
SIBENIK - historical urban complex with the famed Renaissance Cathedral of St Jacob, the work of famous sculptors Juraj Dalmatinac and Nikola Fiorentinac, and a number of palaces and churches, a part of UNESCO's World Heritage
TRAKOSCAN - a Romanesque castle above the Trakoscan Lake
TROGIR - historical town on a small island; a Cathedral from the 13th century, with the famous portal of the master Radovan; the town is inscribe into the UNESCO World Heritage List
VARAZDIN - well preserved baroque urban complex; a number of valuable palaces, churches and monasteries; monumental Old town; city cemetery from the 19th century with its unique horticulture
VELIKI TABOR in Hrvatsko zagorje - the best preserved Renaissance fortress in Croatia from the 16th century
VUKOVAR - prehistoric archeological find, Vucedol, one of the most significant Neolithic finds in Europe; Eltz castle was hardly damaged during Serbian aggression on Vukovar in 1991.
ZADAR - historical urban complex with well-preserved walls; several antique and early medieval monuments, including a Roman forum and the unique pre-Romanesque circular church of St Donat from the 9th century
ZAGREB - historical urban complex of the medieval Upper Town and Kaptol; planned Lower Town from the second half of the 19th century, with a series of parks in the shape of horseshoe; the Zagreb Cathedral is the most prominent in the country

THE MOST IMPORTANT MUSEUMS:

DUBROVNIK - Archaeological Museum, Ethnographic Museum, Museum of Contemporary Art, Maritime Museum, Treasury of the Cathedral, Marin Drzic House
CAKOVEC - Medjimurje Country Museum
GOSPIC - Country Museum of Lika, in the nearby Smiljan is the biographical collection of Nikola Tesla in his birthplace
HLEBINE - Gallery of Naive Art, Museum Collection of Ivan Generalic
KARLOVAC - Karlovac Country Museum
KLANJEC - Gallery of the sculptor Antun Augustincic
KRAPINA - Museum of Evolution located next to the site of Neanderthal Man; the birthplace of Ljudevit Gaj
KUMROVEC - The Old Village - the unique Ethno-museum with original village houses including the native house of Josip Broz-Tito
MAKARSKA - Malacological Museum (collection of shells)
OSIJEK - Museum of Slavonia, Gallery of Art
PAZIN - Ethnographical Museum of Istria, Pazin Country Museum
PULA - Archeological Museum of Istria, Historical Museum of Istria
SPLIT - Museum of Old Croatian Archeological Monuments, Archeological Museum of Split, Gallery of the sculptor Ivan Mestrovic
TRAKOSCAN - Castle-Museum Trakoscan where with a huge collection of old weapons
VARAZDIN - Town Museum in the Old Town- Historical Section and Entomological Section (collection of insects)
ZADAR - Archeological Museum, National Museum, Maritime Museum, the Permanent Exhibition of Sacral Art
ZAGREB - Archeological Museum, Ethnographic Museum, Croatian Museum of Naive Art, Modern Gallery, Museum of the City of Zagreb, Mimara Museum, Museum for Arts and Crafts, Natural History Museum, Museum of Contemporary Art, Strossmayer's Gallery of Old Masters, Technical Museum

IMPORTANT CULTURAL EVENTS:

DUBROVNIK - Dubrovnik Summer Festival - theatrical and musical performances (July-August)
DJAKOVO - Djakovo Embroideries - festival of Slavonian folklore (July)
GROZNJAN - in central Istria - Groznjan Music Evenings (July-August)
DJURDJEVAC - Picokijada - folklore festival (June)
KRK - Krk Summer Festival - concerts of classical musicians (July-August)
OSOR - island of Cres, Osor Music Evenings (July-August)
SINJ - Sinjska Alka (Sinj Tilting at the Ring) competitions of chivalry (August)
SPLIT - Split Summer - theatrical and musical performances (July-August)
SIBENIK - International Children's Festival (June-July)
VARAZDIN - Varazdin Baroque Evenings (September-October)
VINKOVCI - Vinkovci Autumn Festival (September)
ZAGREB - Zagreb Summer Festival (July-August), International Festival of Experimental Theatres (June-July), International Folklore Festival (July), Biennial Festival of Contemporary Music (April), International Puppet Festival (August-September), World Festival of Animated Films (June)
CRIKVENICA, DUBROVNIK, LASTOVO, NOVI VINODOLSKI, RIJEKA, SAMOBOR, SENJ - Carnival (January-February; Novi Vinodolski and Senj, also in July and August)

NATIONAL PARKS:

BRIJUNI - a group of two larger and 12 smaller islands along the west coast of Istria; preserved Mediterranean vegetation, zoo in the nature, cultural heritage of Antiquity. Due to its extraordinary beauty, the Brioni Islands have been, for over a hundred years now, a favorite tourist destination of world statesmen.
KORNATI - the most indented archipelago on the Mediterranean with 140 uninhabited islands, islets and cliffs- it looks like a labyrinth of rocks and the sea. The Kornati islands are known for their varied unusual forms and extraordinary relief structure, and especially the high cliffs. It is also a very popular destination among the sailors, there is a marina Piskera in the national park and eight other marinas nearby.
KRKA - the most beautiful karstic river in Croatia, occupies the area between Knin and Skradin; deep canyons are carved in limestone plateaus; among many waterfalls, the most famous are Skradinski Buk and Roski Slap; between these two wonderful waterfalls is located Visovac Lake and the Franciscan monastery, which is located in the point where river enter the lake.
MLJET - an island of the Southwest of Dubrovnik; the west part of the island is a national park characterized by two deep bays which are called lakes due to their very narrow passages to the open sea; lush and diversified Mediterranean vegetation, valuable monuments from classical period and Benedictine monastery from the 12th century on islet in the midst of the lake.
PAKLENICA - a national park on the southern side of Velebit, the largest mountain massif of Croatia. Two impressive canyons of Velika and Mala Paklenica, vertically cut into the mountain from the sea to the peaks are the main attraction of the park; there are several unusual carstic forms, several caves, and extremely rich and varied flora and fauna; monumental steep rock Anica kuk is the most popular destination for Croatian alpinists training
THE PLITVICE LAKES (PLITVICKA JEZERA) - the most beautiful and the most popular Croatian national park, part of the UNESCO's World Heritage, situated at the main road from Zagreb to Dalmatia; 16 little lakes interconnected with waterfalls created by deposition of travertine, dense forests of beech and fir, partly in the form of primeval virgin forest, many animal species (including the brown bear); there is a special vehicle for transporting visitors (panoramic trains and electric boats).
RISNJAK - a wooded mountain massif to the north of Rijeka; due to its position at the junction between the Alps and the Dinarides, almost all types of forests, as well as many plant and animal species are gathered here, in a relatively small area, including brown bear, lynxes, leaps, dears, eagles; the beauty of the forest, carst phenomena, beautiful springs and magnificent views attract many hikers.
NORTH VELEBIT (SJEVERNI VELEBIT)- due to its natural beauty is the most valuable and the most attractive peak part of Velebit. It includes nature reserves Hajducki and Rozanski kukovi with attractive Karst forms and Luka's cave, one of the deepest in the world and the famous Velebit Botanical garden.

PARKS OF NATURE:

Nature parks are wide natural or cultivated areas with high esthetical, ecological, educational, cultural-historical and tourist-recreation values.

BIOKOVO - a grandiose mountain above Makarska Riviera; various flora and fauna, beautiful sights
KOPACKI RIT - an extensive wetland area located at the confluence of the Rivers Drava and Danube; rich in plants and animals, particularly wading birds, deer and wild boars
LONJSKO POLJE - one of the largest swamps of Europe, located by the river of Sava, east from Sisak; huge oak forests, rich bird fauna, particularly storks
MEDVEDNICA - a mountain massif above Zagreb; recreational area where there are beech and fir-tree forest, attractive caves and deep stream valleys
TELASCICA - a spacious narrow bay on the island of Dugi otok, near the National Park Kornati; a navigators' destination; a small lake next to the sea and the biggest croatian cliffs (up to 800 m)
VELEBIT - the biggest and the most beautiful Croatian mountain; due to its unique relief and its plants and animals, it's declared the World reserve of Biosphere; the greatest protected area in the country, it includes both National parks North Velebit and Paklenica
ZUMBERAK-SAMOBOR MOUNTAINS - north of Zagreb; spacious meadows, picturesque villages with well-indented relief and deep canyons
PAPUK - the largest mountains in Slavonia; significant due to its forest cover and partly eruptive relief
UCKA - a mountain on the east of Istria, above the Kvarner Riviera; interesting relief and flora, magnificent sights
LAKE OF VRANA - the largest lake of Croatia, near Zadar; due to its vicinity to the sea, there are both sea and freshwater fish in it and itis also famous for variety of birds

OTHER PROTECTED AREAS:

* two strict reserve
* 73 special reserve (botanical, geomorphologic, hydrological, ichthyologic, ornithological, maritime, zoological), 27 park-forests, 28 significant landscapes, 75 natural phenomenon (geological, geomorphologic, hydrological, paleontological, rare trees examples) and 120 horticultural locations (arboretum, botanic gardens, parks, trees and groves)
* a total surface of protected areas is 4.585 km, or 8 per cent of the Croatian surface; 380 animal species and 44 plants are protected

Other natural sights to visit:
RIVER DRAVA - one of the largest rivers of Europe a significant part of which is in its natural condition; proposed as a World Biosphere Reserve
RIVER DOBRA - at Karlovac; known because of its cleanliness, richness of fishes and attractive canyons and rapids; it's a perfect place to go rafting, kayaking or canoeing
RIVER MREZNICA - at Karlovac, with a series of waterfalls on gypsum barriers; attractive canyons and favorite bathing sports
WHITE ROCKS (BIJELE STIJENE) AND SAMARSKE ROCKS (SAMARSKE STIJENE) - on Bjelolasica mountain in region of Gorski Kotar; a multitude of bizarre karstic forms in the wild and wooded landscape; strictly protected nature reserve
DEVIL'S PASSAGE (VRAZJI PROLAZ) - at Skrad, a small town in the central part of Gorski Kotar; a picturesque narrow canyon with a scary footpath in the rock passing through it; at the entrance of the canyon is the attractive waterfall Zeleni vir
LIM GULF (LIMSKI ZALJEV) - the picturesque deep sea bay at the west coast of Istria; it's very narrow and sharp, so it looks like a Norwegian Fjord
RIVER GACKA - in Otocac, town in region of Lika; with series of picturesque springs and old water mills, known as one of the most significant fishing sports for trout in Europe
GOLDEN CAPE (ZLATNI RAT) at BOL, a town on island of BRAC - it's probably the most beautiful beach on Adriatic; it's a pebble cape, surrounded with pine forest; the cape changes the form according to the direction of waves
BLUE LAKE and RED LAKE - lakes at Imotski, town in region of Dalmatinska zagora (Dalmatian Hinterland); the unique deep karstic phenomenon of two exceptionally deep holes (Red lake is 500 m deep)
BLUE CAVE - a famous cave on island of Bisevo, near the island of Vis; prominent because of its blue color; according to many, much nicer than the similar but better known cave on Capri
DELTA OF NERETVA - in the south of the country, the unique swampy area with specific vegetation of reed, famous for its gathering of a large variety of birds

SPORTS, RECREATION, FUN:

Sports grounds: next to most hotels and campgrounds on the Adriatic are numerous grounds for tennis, basketball, beach volleyball and other sports. Tennis is especially popular, and Umag in Istria and Zagreb host the ATP tournament and Bol on Brac hosts the WTA tournament.
Water sports: in bigger tourist centers, it's possible to rent boats, fishing and diving equipment, and there are numerous scuba diving schools and schools for wind-surfing. Rafting is organized on rivers Cetina and Dobra. You can experience a wild kayak or canoe riding on rivers Kupa, Korana, Mreznica, Cetina and Una.
Climbing: marked mountain trails, mountains hut and shelters are on all larger mountains, and especially in Gorski Kotar, Velebit, Ucka, Mosor, Biokovo, Medvednica, Zumberak, Ivancica and Papuk.
Stadiums: for Olympic sports and large sports hall are found in Split and Zagreb, where Students World Championship (Universiade) and Mediterranean Games were held. Large stadiums and sports halls are also found in other major towns.
Entertainment: most highly rated hotels have casinos and nightclubs, especially in Zagreb, Opatija, Umag, Porec, Rovinj, Pula and Dubrovnik.
All larger cities and major tourist resorts on the Adriatic have disco clubs, while in summer, dancing evenings under the open sky and various entertainment events are regularly organized

Visit Croatia - When?

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The time period from April to October is consideredthe best time to visit Croatia.
Summer temperatures can reach up to 38°C, whilesurface water temperatures go up to a pleasant 26°C. July and August areconsidered the most frequently visited period due to various entertainmentfacilities and events for young people, while for those looking for differentand more peaceful ways of spending their holiday Croatia also has a lot tooffer. Spring is characterized by pleasant and mild weather accompanied by rare,short showers, while early autumn is ideal for those looking for a tranquilholiday. Out of high season, the beaches are not crowded with bathers andaccommodation prices are significantly lower, while the weather remains stable.

We recommend traveling along the Croatian coast throughout the entire year.Winter is characterized by somewhat colder weather. Due to the Mediterraneanclimate, winds are known to be quite strong and unpleasant, although temperaturesrarely drop below zero.

Materials used: Generalturist

Islands of Croatia

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The Croatian coast and islands lie in an area with the Adriatic type of Mediterranean climate. Summers are hot and dry, winters are mild and moist, and insolation is significant. Special climate characteristics differ, though, from one island to the next, depending on position, altitude or exposure to winds. The main factor influencing the island climate and flora is the Adriatic , which is considered a warm sea. Surface sea temperatures usually do not drop below 10C in winter and do not exceed 25C in summer. Apart from larger ports, the waters surrounding the islands are clean, as is the entire part of the Adriatic belonging to Croatia .

The Croatian islands encompass almost all of the islands on the eastern Adriatic coast and its middle area, forming the second largest archipelago in the Mediterranean . There are 1185 of them, geographically divided into 718 islands, 389 cliffs and 78 reefs.

The accommodation offer on Croatian islands is diverse you can choose among hotel accommodation, private accommodation in apartments or holiday houses, while accommodation in rural households (rural tourism) is especially attractive.

You can book accommodation in old authentic stone houses, as well as in lighthouses.

In recent years, summer holidays in lighthouses are, thanks to their originality and the specific experience and ambience, an absolute hit within Croatia s tourist offer. Sometimes in the tourism industry, this kind of holiday is also categorized as "Robinson Crusoe Tourism". Due to high interest, we recommend early booking of the desired time period.

Croatia s islands can be reached by regular and additional ferry lines from Split , Rijeka (June September) or as part of interesting cruise itineraries on the Croatian Adriatic.

A hundred years ago, some 20 000 people lived on these islands; the decline in the number inhabitants is still continuing. Although the islands take up some 3 300 km2, that is 5,8% of the Croatian mainland, they define the territorial sea, which makes up almost 37% of the entire Croatian territory (without the islands the territorial sea would be two-thirds smaller). The largest island is Krk (410 km2), 77 of them are over 1 km2, and only 20 of them are over 20 km2. Being well indented, the coast of Croatia s islands is longer than that of the mainland. Croatia 's entire seacoast amounts to 5 835 km, with the coasts of islands making up 4 057 km (69,5%). All inhabited islands in the eastern and central parts of the Adriatic belong to Croatia . There are fifty of them and they take up an area of 3 000 km2. Some 15 islands, which are inhabited temporarily (during the season), could also be added to this total.

Materials used: Generalturist and www.hr

Beaches in Croatia

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Croatia has 1777 km of indented coastline, including 1185 islands, islets andcliffs, of which 47 are inhabited.
The coastline and beaches are mostly coveredin rocks, sand and pebbles with numerous inlets and capes. The vegetation is mostly coniferous (pine, larch, cypress...), whereas, in some areas of Istria and Kvarner,shade will, besides conifers, also be provided by Sessille oaks. High and lowtide have relatively small amplitudes of about 0,5 m. Besides the crystal clear and clean sea, the main characteristic of Croatia’scoast are its diverse beaches, where everybody can find something to suit theirtaste: shallow sandy or pebble beaches for families with children, romantic andsecluded bays or cliffs, well known and famous beaches with entertainment facilities,nightlife and sports offer, windy bays and channels for windsurfers, quiet baysand cliffs for diving enthusiasts...
The majority of beaches in Croatia are rockyor pebble beaches, while you can also find a small number of sandy beaches.

Beaches you must visit

Berulija Beach and Punta Rata - Brela, Zlatni Rat - Bol (island of Brac), Banje Beach and Lokrum - Dubrovnik, Vela Plaza Beach - Baska (island of Krk), Rajska plaza Beach - Lopar (island of Rab), Crveni Otok - Rovinj, Zrce Beach - Novalja(island of Pag), Suncana uvala - Mali Losinj (island of Losinj), Milna and Dubovica - island of Hvar, Pinija Beach - Petrcane, Raduca Beach - Primosten, Makarska, Zelena Punta, Kukljica - island of Ugljan, Drazica Beach - Biogradna moru...

Sandy beaches in Croatia

Trincel - island of Pag, Lumbarda - island of Korcula, Lopar - island of Rab, Sabusa, Jelenica and Kostanj - island of Ugljan, Lapad - Dubrovnik, Trstenica - Orebić, Slanica - Murter, Bayof Saplunara - island of Mljet...

Beaches for entertainment and fun

Zrce Beach - Novalja (island of Pag), Porec, Pudarica - Barbat (island of Rab), Banje - Dubrovnik, Saharun Beach - Dugi otok, Zlatni rat - Bol (island of Brac), Vodice, Bacvice Beach - Split, Slanica - Murter, Jelsa - island of Hvar, Girandella Beach - Rabac...

Beachesfor families with children

Bay of Klimno - island of Krk, Brela, Crikvenica, Jelsa, Medena - Trogir, Zaton - Zadar, Korcula - island of Korcula, Vela Plaza Beach - Baska, Makarska, Rajska plaza Beach - Lopar, Rovinj, Dugi Rat - Omis...
The best windsurfing destinations
Zlatni Rat - Bol (island of Brac), Punat - island of Krk, Viganj, Orebic - Peljesac, Premantura - Medulin, Girandella/Ravni - Rabac, Jadrija - Vodice,Savudrija - Umag, Bayof Preluk - Opatija...

The best diving destinations

Island of Cres, island of Losin, Lucica Cave - island of Brac, Pakleni islands - Hvar, Elaphiti islands - Dubrovnik, island of Rab, Rovinj, Porec,...

Materials used: Generalturist

Roads in Croatia

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Main Roads in Croatia

A1 (E65/E61): Zagreb - Split (Karlovac-Gospic-Zadar-Sibenik) 380km
A2 (E59): Zagreb - Macelj (Krapina) 60 km
A4 (E71): Zagreb - Gorican (Varazdin-Cakovec) 97 km
A6 (E65): Zagreb - Rijeka (Karlovac) 144 km
A3 (E70): Bregana - Zagreb - Lipovac (Kutina-Nova Gradiska-Slavonski Brod- Zupanja) 270 km
A8 and A9 (E751, Istarski ipsilon): Umag-Kanfanar-Vodnjan 65 km; Rijeka- Kanfanar-Vodnjan 81 km
D1 (E71): Karlovac - Split (Plitvice Lakes National Park-Gracac-Knin-Sinj)
D8 (E65, Jadranska magistrala): Rijeka - Dubrovnik (Senj-Zadar-Sibenik- Split-Makarska-Ploce)

Toll

The toll is charged according to the length of motorway traveled and vehicle category. It can be paid in cash, by credit cards AMERICAN EXPRESS, DINERS, MASTER CARD, MAESTRO and VISA, by checks and by prepaid cards, as well as in foreign currencies according to the exchange rates of PBZ Bank on the day of payment.

Zagreb - Split: 157 HRK
Zagreb - Macelj (Krapina): 10 HRK
Zagreb - Gorican (Varazdin): 45 HRK
Zagreb - Rijeka: 56 HRK
Bregana - Zagreb: 5 HRK
Zagreb - Lipovac: 92 HRK
Ucka Tunnel (Rijeka - Pazin): 28 HRK
Krcki most Bridge: mainland - island of Krk: 30 HRK

Speed Limits

From the Law on Safety of Road Traffic:
- The speed limit in built-up areas is 50 km/h, that is, the limit defined by traffic signs set for the entire built-up area or its part(s).
- The speed limit outside built-up areas is defined by traffic signs, and amounts to a maximum of
1) 130 km/h on motorways
2) 110 km/h on roads intended solely for motor vehicle traffic and on fast roads
3) 90 km/h on other roads

Information on Road Conditions and Roadside Assistance

Road conditions and passability of roads:
- HAK - Croatian Automobile Club: +385 (0)1 4640 800
- Croatian Radio - II channel, 98,5 MHz,every hour from 6:30 till 20:30 (during the tourist season in English, German and Italian)
Roadside Assistance: Tel: 987

Petrol Prices in Croatia*

Lead free fuel - SUPER 95 ~1.06 €
Lead free fuel - EUROSUPER 95 ~ 1.08 €
Lead free fuel - SUPER PLUS 98 ~ 1.10 €
Diesel fuel - DIZEL~ 0.98 €
Diesel fuel - EURODIZEL~ 1.00 €
* variable and depend on oil prices on the world market

Important Road Border Crossings in Croatia

-from the direction of Venice - Trieste - Izola: Rupa - Jelsane, Plovanija - Secovje, Kastel - Dragonja, Pasjak - Starod
-from the direction of Munich - Salzburg - Ljubljana: Bregana - Obrezje, Rupa - Jelsane, Pasjak - Starod
-from the direction of Prague - Vienna - Graz: Macelj - Gruskovlje, Lupinjak - Dobovec, Dubrava Krizovljanska - Zavrc
-from the direction of Bratislava - Budapest: Gorican - Letenye, Mursko Sredisce - Petisovci
-other directions from Hungary: Terezino Polje - Barcs, Beli Manastir - Magjarbolye, Donji Miholjac - Dravaszabolsz, Koprivnica - Gyekenyes, Gola - Berzence
-from the direction of (Sofia), (Athens) - Belgrade: Bajakovo - Batrovci
-from Bosnia and Herzegovina: Zupanja - Orasje, Slavonski Samac - Bosanski Samac, Slavonski Brod - Bosanski Brod, Stara Gradiska - Bosanska Gradiska, Licko Petrovo Selo - Izacic, Maljevac - Velika Kladusa, Vinjani Donji - Gorica, Metkovic - Doljani
-from Montenegro: Karasovici - Sutorina

Materials used: Generalturist

Sailing in Croatia

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Croatia is indeed an ideal sailing destination.
With more than 1000 islands, one can truly enjoy swimming in crystal clear sea in the Kornati archipelago or in the hidden bays throughout the Adriatic coast.

You are about to experience unforgettable sailing holiday !

Croatia can offer many interesting sailing routes, we are suggesting the following:
1. South - Lastovo
2. South - Dubrovnik
3. South - Vis
4. North - NP Kornati

Due to mild Mediterranean climate, Dalmatia is a recommended sailing destination from March to November. It is possible to charter a yacht or a sailboat in winter months as well, but due to strong winds and rough seas, sailing is recommended in the warmer months only.

There are approximately 60 marinas on the Adriatic coast, while there are many bays well protected from the winds where one can spend the night throughout the entire coast.

Croatia is the most popular in July and August, it is difficult to get a good selection of sailboats if booking last minute, so we recommend booking a yacht or a sailboat in March or April for the summer months.

Materials used: Generalturist

Island of Cres

2007-10-05T15:26:00.000+02:00

The island of Cres, by size the first island in the Adriatic, is located in the northern part of the Bay of Kvarner. Its southern part, i.e. the town of Osor, is linked to the island of Lošinj by a trestle bridge. Cres is a hilly island, 66 km long and ranging in width from 2 to 12 km. The island's coastline , 248 km long, is indented; its western and southern part have a plenty of bays and pebbly beaches while the northern and eastern part are characterized with steep and rough rocks. The highest tops of the island - Gorice (648m) and Sis (638) - offer a unique view of the Bay of Kvarner which will not leave anyone indifferent. The fresh water lake of Vrana, which covers the area of 5. 75 square kilometres , deserves attention as an unusual natural phenomenon. The level of the lake is above the level of the surrounding sea, and its bottom is beneath the sea level only at the depth of 74 m. The landscape of Cres owes its attractivity to a sharp contrast between the northern sub mediterranean part covered with high and thick woods of oak medunac (Quercus lanuginosa) , hornbeam, elm, and chestnut trees, and the middle and southern parts which are covered with bare grazing lands and dense macchia. A great richness of the botanical and animal world, which boasts more than 1300 species and an exceptional number of endemic species, is a genuine challenge to all nature lovers. Cres is also one of the last habitats of a rare bird species - griffon vulture. The island of Cres was first inhabited in the New Stone Age. The continuity of life on the island has created an exceptionally rich cultural and historical heritage: from a number of Liburnian ruins, the remains of Antique towns, early Catholic churches scattered around the island, monasteries and remains of towns from the period of the Republic of Venice to the monuments of the contemporary period. The town of Cres is situated in the northeastern part of a large and well shielded bay which abounds in spacious and attractive bathing areas. The human activity, dating back to the Antique period, has left a whole range of monuments which help us to imagine how difficult life must have been on this island. The panorama of present day Cres is marked with the medieval harbour "mandrac", Gothic and Renaissance churches and monasteries, noble families' palaces and the remains of town walls. Until the end of the period of Venetian domination Cres remained confined within the town walls, two monasteries being the only buildings located outside the walls. It was a development of seafaring and shipbuilding in the middle of the 19th century that brought about great changes. The town started spreading to the south and west. At the turn of the 20th century Cres provided catering services for its guests in two hotels "Miramare" and "Excelsior". A more intense development of tourist industry started in the 60s and 70s of the previous century.

The most important cultural and historical monuments in Cres are:
1) Three town gates, Bragadina, Marcela and the gate of St Mikulo from the 16th century;
2) A round, corner tower in the northwestern part of the town;
3) The church of St Isidor from the 12th century;
4) A number of Gothic, late Gothic and Renaissance churches the most remarkable of them being the Church of Our Lady of Snow dating from the 16th century with a tower bell from the 18th century;
5) Municipal Loggia with a pillory;
6) A Franciscan monastery from approximately 1300 with the Church of St Francis from the 14th century and a tower bell from the 18th century;
7) A benedictine monastery from the 15th century;
8) The palace of the family Patris from the 15th century which houses a museum;
9) A number of Renaissance palaces of noble families from Cres

Novi Vinodolski

2007-10-05T14:46:00.000+02:00

Novi Vinodolski is the picturesque tourist center on the northern part of the Adriatic coast on the Riviera of Novi Vinodolski at the entrance of the Vinodol valley. In 1878, thanks to the evergreen vegetation and mild Mediterranean climate, clean sea and air it gained the position, after Opatija, of being tourist pioneer of the seaside region. Novi Vinodolski, along with its hotels and apartments, has many restaurants which serve wonderful seafood and traditional cuisine. The soul of the town is represented by the rests of the cultural heritage: walls of the Roman fortress "Lopsica", rests of the Paulist friars' monastery, Frankopan citadel with stronghold, cathedral, chapel of the Holy Trinity and St. Marin on the homonymous islet, the house of the brothers Mazuranic, reading club and library from 1845, homeland museum and gallery, the old core of the town as well as the preserved authentic folklore of this town. The traditional hospitality of the population, crystal-clear sea, town and surroundings without industrial pollution, circulating of mountain air from high forests in the nearby hinterland grant to Novi Vinodolski inestimable ecologic advantages especially for the development of the tourist and hospitality industry. Sports and recreation constructions, open air and indoor swimming pools with seawater, saunas and other facilities for tourists' personal needs have been built. The sea of the town port with moors for boats, petrol stations, a crane and a ramp for lifting up and floating the boats, parking grounds for cars, trailers and boats are intended for nautical tourists for whom the service of aid and rescue at sea is organized too. In history, Novi Vinodolski affirmed itself as political and cultural centre of the Principality of Vinodol ("Vinodol" - "Vallis vinearia") and with "The Vinodol Code" in 1288. It was the craddle of a pleiad of writers of the family Mazuranic. The medical and pharmaceutical services, TT services and telecommunications, banks, exchange offices, portmaster's office and other personal services satisfy the needs of tourists and the local population.

Opatija

2007-10-05T14:29:00.000+02:00

Opatija is tourist destination with the longest tradition on the Adriatic coast. Opatija is situated on the Kvarner bay coast, geographically on the east coast of the Istrian peninsula. With a long tourist tradition, it welcomes guests from all over the world. Opatija is first mentioned in the 15th century, and the name comes from the old abbey, San Giacomo della Priluca. The city tourist history begins in 1844 when Villa "Angiolina was built and it welcomed mostly Austrian and Croatian aristocracy. The first hotel named “Kvarner” was built in late 19th century and it was the first hotel on the east coast of the Adriatic. Opatija, as the center of the Opatija riviera, is again the elite destination on the Mediterranean. You can find many luxury hotels like hotel Admiral, hotel Palace Bellevue or Grand Hotel Adriatic as well as other hotels. Today Opatija is the destination of choice for congresses and convention tourism, as well as wellness programs. This, along with its moderate climate, makes Opatija an attractive destination all year long.

Island of Rab

2007-10-05T01:21:00.000+02:00

The island of Rab is situated in the Kvarner group of islands between 44º51' NN and 14º53'. It spreads in the NN-SI direction, 22 km long from cape Sorinj in NW to cape Glavina in SE. It biggest width is 11 m. The Velebit canal separates the island from the mainland. The closest gets to the mainland is on its SE end, 2 km. It is separated from the island of pag by the «Pasko tijesno» canal, in the west, towards Cres and Losinj, there is Kvarneric, and «Senjska Vrata» separates it from the island of Krk in the NW. There are lots of smaller islands around Rab: Goli, Grgur, Maman, Lagnj Veli, Laganj Mali, Dolfin Veli, Dolfin Mali, Trstenik, Dolin, Sv. Juraj… Other than the small town of Rab, there are 7 idyllic places on the island situated on different parts of the island: Barbat, Banjol, Palit, Kampor, Mundanije, Supetarska Draga and Lopar. The island of Rab has approximately 10000 inhabitants who are mostly occupied in agriculture, fishing and tourism. The tradition of organised tourism on the island is more than 100 years old and it started through the activities of the «Society for promotion of the island and its Surroundings». Which has founded in 1889. The reasons for the development of the tourism on the island, which are still current, are: attractive climate, the conditions on the island that have satisfying influence on the respiratory and cardiac problems. Such a long tradition of offering service of high quality is not just the result of skills, experience and hospitality of the people that is passed from one on to another, but also the result of the foundation of the catering and tourism school that s highly appreciated now days and of which we are proud. The traditional hospitality and polyglot skills of the inhabitants will make you become a part of their family and after some time you will feel like a «born» islander! Our tradition of organized tourism is more than 110 years old due to the formation of the "Society for improvement of the city and its surroundings" which was founded in 1889.The arguments for the development of tourism on the island were then and they are still today the following ones: pleasant climate, healing influence of the island air on the illnesses of respiratory system and heart diseases. Such along tradition of high quality services, which are offered to You, is not only result of skills, experience and hospitality of Your hosts, which inherited this knowledge from their ancestors and further enriched it, but also of formation of the "Tourist School" which is nowadays highly valued and we are all very proud of it. The island of Rab has a very pleasant Mediterranean Sea climate, with mild winters and pleasant moderate summers. For such climate Rab has to thank to Kamenjak, a mountain chain that protects it from the cold northern wind in winter and early spring. In autumn there is a hot and humid wind from the south normally followed by rain. During the summer the heath is tempered by pleasant breeze. Rab has approximately 91 completely sunny days a year and it is one of the sunniest parts of Europe. During the summer there are only 9 cloudy days. The number f sunny hours are around 2479 a year or 6 hour a day. In July the average is 12 sunny hours a day. The amount of rain is around 1042 mm a year. The sea temperature is relatively high. That helps the development of tourist because it is possible to enjoy it from May till the middle of October. The approximate sea temperature a year is 15,75 ºC. The approximate sea temperature from May till October is over 20ºC, during the winter 12 ºC. During the summer 26 ºC during the winter 8 ºC. What is characteristic and unusually beautiful in the relief of Rab is the rhythm of elevations, isthmuses and fields. The elevation that starts with peninsula Kalifront joins through the shallow and low Kampor field to bigger hills, spreading from northwest to southeast, from Gonar to Kaldana in Rab abd Banjol. It is the rhythm of hills and flat stretches that makes the relief of Rab so characteristic and unusually beautiful. The rise that starts on the peninsula of Kalifront is continued, after crossing the valley of Kampor. By somewhat higher hills stretching NW to ES, from Gonar to Kaldanac (town of Rab) and to Banjol. Between these hills and the major range, Kamenjak, which runs parallel to the Velebit range on the mainland, there is a valley, which starts, north, in Supetarska Draga and ends at Banjol. The highest range of the island, Kamenjak (408m), whose slopes drop steeply down to the Velebit Channel, represents a natural barrier that protects the island from the cold northern wind – the bura. The coast of the island is of varying indentedness, the northeastern part, at the foot of Kamenjak range, is hardly indented. Here, from cape Glavina to the peninsula of Lopar, the shore is uniform and steep. The peninsula Lopar abounds in shallow sandy beaches hidden in the many picturesque coves, which attract thousands of tourists in the summer months. The northwestern part of the island has two larger bays – Supetarska Draga and Kampor, and numerous smaller and larger coves. The western coast of the island is perhaps the most interesting. From the cape Kalifront to cape Frkanj there are many beautiful coves ideal for bathing and rest, the most outstanding being Sv. Mara, Kristofor, Cifnata, Gozinka and Matovica (off cape suha Punta). Further east lie the bays of Sv. Eufemija, the port of Rab, and the well-known Rab beaches – I, II and III Padova. The island is surrounded by many islets and rocky reefs, which also enhance its irresistible charm.

Island of Vis

2007-10-02T15:17:00.000+02:00

Vis is a island in the Adriatic Sea, the furthest Croatian inhabited island. Area is 90.26 km², population 3,617, the highest peak of Vis is called Hum, 587 m high.There are two towns and municipalities on the island, Vis (1,960 ) and Komiža (1,677), both located on the seacoast. There are smaller settlements on the island's interior: Podselje, Marinje zemlje, Podšpilje, and Podstražje. Vis was inhabited by the time of the Neolithic period. In the 4th century B.C., the tyrant of Siracuse, Dionisius the Older, founded the colony Issa on the island. Later, it became an independent city-state, and even minted its own money and founded its own colonies elsewhere. The vast Komiza Bay, with sandy bottom, is situated on the western coast of the island. The southern coast is characterized by several smaller inlets (Travna Vela, Travna Mala, Stiniva, Ruda, Teleska Vela, Ploce, etc.). The town and the port of Vis lie on the northern coast of the island with many cliffs, of which Gradac Cliff is most impressive (100 m). The islets of Ravnik, Budihovac, Parzanj and Greben are situated off the south-eastern shore.

The island of Vis is exposed to the north-westerly and south-easterly winds. The average air temperature in July is 24 °C, and in January 8.8 °C; the annual rainfall reaches 557 mm (only around 40 mm in the summer). The island has no fresh water sources, apart from several springs near Komiza. Water is supplied in the summer by ships and kept in cisterns. Limestone crests used to be covered with macchia. Fertile valleys, covered with red soils and interspersed with sand dunes, are cultivated with vines. The main settlements on the island, Vis and Komiza, are connected by a road and ship lines. Apart from viniculture (modern wine production plants) and vegetables (early vegetables), fishing (fish cannery in Komiza) is also important. The island has a palm-tree nursery. Tourism is increasingly gaining on importance. Good quality accommodation in hotels or apartments, unpolluted environment with the crystal clear sea and marine scenery as well as the local specialities - seafood from the cleanest part of the Adriatic, various sports and recreation opportunities, they all constitute the offer of Vis, an island which emerged from a long period of isolation (tourists from abroad have been allowed to visit the island since 1989). In the first century B.C., the island was held by the Illyrian tribe of Liburni. In 925, it was incorporated into the Medieval Croatian state under the crown of King Tomislav. Vis was mentioned in the De Administrando Imperio of the Byzantine Emperor Constantine VII Porphyrogenitos from around 950 as Ies, an island inhabited by the Neretvians. In the Middle Ages it often changed rulers, and then for a long time it was under Venice, which founded the main settlement, named Velo Selo. During Venetian domination, the island's name was Lissa. Later, the larger settlements developed also on the coast (Komiza and Luka of St. Juraj, the- present town of Vis). Administratively the island of Vis was for centuries bound to the island of Hvar. During World War II, Vis was at one point the main hideout of Josip Broz Tito, the leader of the Yugoslav resistance movement. After the war, the Yugoslav People's Army used the island as one of its main naval bases. After Croatia became independent, its navy did not reclaim most of the facilities, and the many abandoned buildings are being used for civilian purposes. VIS, a town and port in the eastern part of the northern coast of the island of Vis. Chief occupations are farming, wine production, fishing and tourism. The town of Vis is situated on the regional road. Ferry port, with ferry connections to Split. Situated in a deep bay, whose eastern coast abounds with large pebble beaches (Gusarica, Nova Posta, Velo Zalo), Komiza offers excellent visitor opportunities: quality accommodation facilities - hotel, apartments, and a number of cultural and historic sites - monastery, fortresses. It is famous for its fishermen (fishermen from Komiza are also known in San Pedro, California), so that fish and other seafood are traditionally served daily. Famous are also Komiza wines and carobs.
KOMIZA, a town and harbour at the foot of the Hum hill (587 m), on the western coast of the island of Vis. An average air temperature in January is 8.9 °C. Economy is based on farming, vine and vegetable growing, fishing and fish processing, seafaring and in recent times on tourism. On the eastern coast of the bay are large sand and pebble beaches (Gusarica, Nova Posta, Velo Zalo). Komiza has regular ferry connections with Split; the regional road connects Komiza with Vis. Main industries on the island are agriculture (mainly viticulture), fishing, fish refinement and tourism. Around 20% of arable land on the island is covered with vineyards. Autochthonous vine species cultivated on the island are Plavac Mali, Kurteloška and Vugava. The sea around Vis is rich with fish, especially blue fish (sardine, mackerel and anchovy). Komiža fishermen of the 17th century developed their own type of fishing boat, the Falkuša which was used even in the second half of the 20th century because of its excellent features.

Crikvenica

2007-10-02T01:39:00.000+02:00

Town on the Vinodol Riviera, 37 km southeast of Rijeka. The largest and best-known tourist destination in this area. Drubracine brook flows into the sea in the vicinity of the town. Crikvenica has a long tourist tradition. Tourists first began to show interest in the town in 1890, while the first hotel was opened in 1891. The area has beautiful pebble beaches, at certain places with sand, as well as clean sea. The economy is based on agriculture, vegetable growing, stock breeding, fishing and tourism. The tourist offer encompasses various types of accommodation facilities, an extensive offer of sports and recreational activities and cultural and entertainment events. It is an attractive destination for families with children, especially because beaches have excellent facilities for children. There is a health resort in Crikvenica. The beaches of Crikvenica have beneficial mud used in medical treatment. Well-developed health programs are primarily known for treatment of respiratory organs and rheumatism. Numerous tennis courts, ball games, water sports, rowing, sailing and windsurfing are part of the sports and recreational offer. Those interested in more challenging activities can take advantage of organized cycling . Furthermore, you can go mountain climbing or hunting. The surroundings of Crikvenica are suitable for such activities throughout the year. In the town, you can also find an aquarium with Adriatic flora and fauna, as well as tropical fish. The most famous cultural and entertainment events are Easter concerts and various festivals such as, Crikvenica Days in August, Fisherman’s Week in September and Days of Croatian Products from 05.07 to 12.07, an excellent opportunity for tourists to taste first class Croatian products. Diving enthusiasts can take diving courses in the diving clubs Crikvenica or Dive city. The hotel Omorika has a congress center.

The Brijuni Archipelago

2007-10-02T01:25:00.000+02:00

The Brijuni Archipelago extends in front of the west coast of Istria. Brijuni are a group of two larger and twelve smaller islets with the total area of only 7 km2. The Brijuni Archipelago is known for its preserved Mediterranean vegetation, which is partly landscape and partly a safari park. The archipelago is noted for its valuable cultural heritage from the Roman and Byzantine times. Due to its extraordinary beauty, the Brijuni Islands have been, for over a hundred years now, a favourite tourist destination of world statesmen and aristocracy. Visit the Byzantine castrum, safari park, archeological museum of the island, sv. German Gothic church and the ruins of a Roman villa.

Additional facilities:
Zoo, safari park, museums, sculptures, flower garden, tour of the island by electric train or bicycle, panoramic riding, golf, tennis, archery, volleyball, diving, excursions along dinosaur trails.

Umag

2007-10-02T01:08:00.000+02:00

Town and harbor on Istria’s northwestern coast, 13 km northwest of Buje. Tourism started to develop at the end of the 19th century. Istra, the first hotel, opened in 1896. Umag is nowadays a well-known tourist and sports center, especially known for tennis. Besides sports and holiday tourism, health, business and congress tourism are also well developed. Accommodation is available in hotels, apartments, bungalows and camping sites. There is also a marina for boaters. The economy includes agriculture, wine growing, fishing and tourism. The town is characterized by the town plan from the Middle Ages and well-indented shoreline surrounded by Mediterranean vegetation. Additional facilities: Those interested in diving courses can visit the diving clubs Bori Libra, Hidrobiro and Tiemme. Hotels Sol Koralj and Kristal have congress centers. Guests can also unwind in the casino. The sports and recreational activities include tennis, soccer, bowling, mini-golf, horseback riding, hunting ,cycling, sailing, windsurfing, water skiing, diving, swimming and underwater fishing. The most famous cultural and entertainment events include the celebration of sv. Pelegrin, patron saint of Umag ,held at the end of May, the celebration of Majka Bozja Gospa od snijega in Materada, held on August 5, classical music concerts in the parish church, Summer Concerts in July and August, and the ATP tournament Croatia Open in Stella Maris at the end of July. The marina is located in the northern part of the harbor.

Poreč

2007-10-01T20:29:00.000+02:00

Something about Poreč

In all different actions organized by the Croatian media and National Tourist Organization there is no one else but Porec when it comes to taking first place. So many rewards and certificates which no other Croatian tourist city has. This position is achieved through the mutual efforts of hotels and city authorities. In order to meet its guests properly, during the last few winter it is being prepared for the incoming season. The number of residents exceeds the number of tourists during summer months. Poreč tourism is more than sun, sea and perfect tourist image. The summer visitors know how to recognize the city that is still keeping its historical values, which can be seen in the historical city center. You can find museums, galleries in the most valuable city palaces, many of them are the homes for people as they have been centuries ago. Many of our guests probably do not know that they are walking on the streets, built during the Roman times. One part of the city ramparts and towers is still preserved, in the Pentagonal tower there is a restaurant and in the Round tower a pub. Besides Basilica, now it is possible to visit Euphrasius' bishopric, opened in the year 2000 as an architectural monument and the curch museum. The capital of the Croatian tourism has one more face - sports. Many individuals, teams and selections of different sports choose Poreč for traning. The sports offer satisfies even those most demanding tourist amateurs.
How to reach us? Istrian peninsula, terra magica, it's a region on the Coast of the Adriatic sea. On the west side of the peninsula its located for almost 2.000 year town with name Porec, the most tourist City in Istria and Croatia. The City region is a 142 km2 and it has about 18.900 residents. The hilly landscape is rich with Mediterranean vegetation. The scenery constantly changes; now you see plough lands, now vineyards and olive groves, oak trees and pine tree groves that often extend almost to the sea. The shore with the islands is 37 km long.
Climate and weather
Climate: mild, Mediterranean climate (warm and dry summers, mild and pleasant winters)
Average amount of sunshine: 2.388 hours. Owing to the day's length and plenty of clear days throughout the summer it has the longest insolation with a daily average of 10 hours in Istrian seaside resorts. Characteristic winds are "bura" (wind blowing from the north to the south, bringing clear weather), "jugo" (south, warm wind bringing rain) and "maestral" (summer breeze blowing from the land to the sea).
Vegetation: Istria is the largest green oasis of the North Adriatic. The coast and the islands are covered with pine woods and easily recognizable green macchia. The main specimens of macchia are holm oak and strawberry trees. 35% Istria is covered with forests.
Sea: the lowest sea temperature is in March ranging from 9.3 C up to 11.1 C and being the highest in August when it reaches 23.3 C and 24.1 C; salinity amounts approximately to 36 - 38 pro mille.
Geology data: Administratively, Porec, is the heart of the City of Porec, a local autonomous unit, in the district of Istria, the integral part of the Republic of Croatia. The city region is 142 km² large and it has about 17 000 residents. Besides Porec, with a population of 12 000 , there are other large towns such as Tar, Vabriga, Baderna, Zbandaj, Nova Vas, Fuskulin, Dracevac, Varvari, Cervar-Porat. Porestina is a somewhat wider region bordered by the Mirna River on the north and the Lim Channel on the south. Southwards of Porec, along the coast, are Funtana and Vrsar. Other nearby towns are Visnjan, Vizinada, St. Lovrec and Kastelir

Pula

2007-09-27T17:15:00.000+02:00

The History of Pula: LEGEND: The legend of the Argonauts describes the pursuit of the Colchidians after the ship Argo and the Golden Fleece. The subjects of the king of Colchis gave up further pursuit after the death of their king's son. Fearing that they would be punished for his death and the failure of the quest if they returned to Colchis, they decided to settle where the prince had died. Pula therefore became not only a harbor of refuge to the Colchidian fugitives, but also their place of exile. The most famous geographer of the antiquity - Strabo - claims that this is how Pula was founded and according to this legend, it was about three thousand years ago. ILLYRIAN PERIOD: In the Illyrian period, until the arrival of Roman legions, Pula was no more than the surroundings of nearby Nesactium, the political, administrative, military and religious center. As a result of intensive colonization, good trade routes, as well as the importance of its military position, Pula took over the leading position. Numerous trades developed in that period: stone cutting for the many buildings in Pula and its surroundings, agriculture, viticulture, olive-growing, fishing and pottery for the transport of olive-oil, wine, wheat and fish. ROMAN PERIOD: In the Roman Imperial period (1st - 3rd centuries) the greatest classical monuments in Croatia were built in Pula. The most magnificent and surely central classical monument is the Amphitheater popularly called the Arena. This Amphitheater, used for fights and battles of men and animals, was built in the 1st century AD, during the rule of Emperor Vespasian. The ground plan is elliptical, its size being about 130 m x 105 m, and 32 m high, which ranks it as the sixth largest Roman amphitheater existing today. The Arena could once hold up to 23,000 spectators, whereas today it can seat some 5,000 people.Classical Pula was supplied with all major achievements of Roman civilization, it had its water supply and sewage systems, Forum, which was the administrative, commercial and religious center, capitolium with temples (in the Forum), two theaters, large city cemetery (mentioned by Dante in his “Divine Comedy”), houses richly ornamented with mosaics and marble. The city was fortified by walls and was entered through some ten gates. The greater part was destroyed in the beginning of the 19th century, so that only some of the gates have been preserved until today. The Triumphal Arch of the Sergi is situated at the end of the street (Via Sergia) leading eastwards from the Forum. This triumphal arch leaned against the city gate (Porta Aurea) so that only its western, visible side was richly decorated. This monument was erected at the end of the 1st century BC by Salvia Postuma Sergi with her own money in honor of three members of her family who held important positions in Pula at that time. According to the inscription on the arch, the monument was constructed between 29 and 27 BC. For centuries this impressive Roman monument has attracted the attention of famous artists, especially Italian ones, such as the great Michelangelo. Heading north there are two other remaining city gates: the Gate of Hercules and the Twin Gates. Outside the city gates lay the cemeteries called necropolises. Fragments from monuments found at these burial areas are today kept in the Archaeological Museum of Istria. Not far from the Twin Gates are the remains of a sepulchral structure, octagonal Mausoleum dating from the 1st – 2nd centuries AD. The Forum, the central city square of ancient and medieval Pula, was on three sides surrounded by arcades with statues and reliefs and on the northern side by temples. The Temple of Augustus, built between 2 BC and AD 14, has been completely preserved to the present day. On the eastern slopes of the central hill of the city, present-day Kaštel, are remains of the Small Roman Theater with its scene, semi-circular orchestra and tiered section for the audience. The Large Roman Theater, situated outside the city, was completely destroyed; only a fragment of its relief on the exterior wall is kept in the Archaeological Museum of Istria. Close to the Small Roman Theater is the Archaeological Museum of Istria which today houses numerous monuments from the prehistoric, Roman and early medieval periods found in the area of Pula and Istria. PULA BEFORE THE 5TH CENTURY: Owing to its geographical isolation Pula avoided migrations, plundering and invasions of the barbarians until the 5th century when it was conquered by the Visigoths and then Ostrogoths. Under the Eastern Roman Empire the town prospered and was given military importance in the conflicts between the Byzantine army and the Goths. PERIOD OF FEUDALISM: In the second half of the 6th century the Slavs began their invasion of the Istrian peninsula, and after dreadful fights the population declined while trade and manufacture came to a standstill. The new rulers of Istria, the Franks, brought with them the new feudal system which enabled the settling of Slav, Croatian farmers, but brought about the resistance of Istrian towns. With the development of feudalism and the establishment of city-states on its territory, Istria faced the arrival of Venice. In 1150 Pula swore allegiance to the Republic of Venice and accepted all the obligations towards it - to pay tribute, to build and equip galleys, to support it in wars, etc. TO THE PRESENT DAY: Pula was thus bound to Venetian economical and political aims, which defined its development for the next few centuries. During the 14th, 15th and 16th centuries Pula was attacked and conquered by Genoese, Croatian-Hungarian and Habsburg armies, causing the devastation of numerous medieval settlements and villages. Besides the war calamity, the population of Pula and Istria was decimated by numerous epidemics of plague, malaria, typhoid and small-pox. As a result of the dilapidation of monumental buildings, ruined economy and decimated population Pula fell into disrepute. Nevertheless, due to its geographical position and the importance of its harbor for trade routes, Pula simply could not disappear. The town was saved by organized Croatian and South-Slav settling. After the revolutionary year 1848, the Austro-Hungarian Empire realized the importance of Pula's harbor and started an intensive development of a huge naval port and shipyard. This resulted in the gradual settlement of Pula and within 50 years the population increased from 1,126 people to about 40,000. Pula was still described as a village cut off from the rest of the world, but later on vast sums were invested in the sewage system and infrastructure. Eventually the investments transformed rural Pula into a prosperous town. With the new railway Pula gradually took over the role of Trieste and Rijeka as the main port for Dalmatia. This enabled Pula to develop two functions at the same time - the military and trading one. Under the protectorate of Vienna the official language in Pula was German, but Italian remained the everyday language in use among numerous social classes, while the use of Croatian very soon completely disappeared. Such was the situation during World War II under the fascist rule, when Pula, as an antifascist town, organized its battle for the future under bomb raids and devastation, as well as reprisals over the historically defeated side. After the War and German occupation Pula came under the Anglo-American administration. In 1947 Pula finally turned to its natural hinterland - Croatia (according to the 1943 Resolution that defined Istria as a part of Croatia), and therefore Yugoslavia. This caused still another exodus of the malcontent domiciliary Italian citizens. It marked the beginning of a new period in the history of Pula that lasted until Croatia gained independence.

Monument:
Amphitheater: The most famous and important monument, the starting and ending point of every sightseeing tour is the Amphitheater, popularly called the Arena of Pula, which was once the site of gladiator fights. It was built in the 1st century AD during the reign of Emperor Vespasian, at the same time as the magnificent Colosseum in Rome. The ground plan is elliptical, the longer axis measuring about 130 m and the shorter one about 100 m. Gladiator fights took place in the central flat area called the arena, while the spectators could sit on the stone tiers or stand in the gallery. It is believed that the Amphitheater could seat about 20,000 spectators. Local limestone was used for its construction. In the Middle Ages it was the site of knights tournaments and fairs. Today it is the venue for summer performances - the Film Festival, Opera Season, Equestrian Festival, concerts, ... which can seat about 5,000 spectators. The underground passages, once used by the gladiators, nowadays host a regular exhibition of viticulture and olive growing in Istria in ancient times. The exhibits include reconstructions of machines once used for the production of olive oil and wine (mills, presses, vessels) and amphorae used for storing and transporting olive oil and wine. The Amphitheater is situated outside the old city walls because of its size and geographical configuration. The road that leads to the center was constructed during Emperor Vespasian, after whom it was named - Via Flavia. Even today it represents one of the main city roads.
Triumphal Arch of the Sergi – Golden Gate: The “Golden Gate” was erected between the years 29 and 27 BC by the Sergi family, in honor of three members of the family who held important positions in Pula at that time. This triumphal arch leaned against the city gate Porta Aurea thus called because of its richly ornamented arch or gilded elements. The gate and wall were pulled down in the beginning of the 19th century as a result of the city expansion outside the city walls. The Arch was constructed in Corinthian style with strong Hellenistic and Asia Minor influences both in the method and ornaments. As the eastern side was not visible it has remained for the most part uncarved, while the western, town side is richly decorated. Today numerous cultural performances, theatrical and musical, are held on the square next to the Arch. The adjacent street is a shopping area.
Temple of Augustus: The Temple, situated in the Forum, is dedicated to goddess Roma and Emperor Augustus. It was constructed between the year 2 BC and AD 14 when the Emperor died. According to its shape it follows the typical pattern of temples. The function of the Temple changed through the years: with the ending of the pagan ancient era its original pagan function ceased and the temple was afterwards used as a church, granary, and in the beginning of the 19th century it was a museum for stone monuments. In 1944 it was hit by a bomb and completely destroyed. It was reconstructed between the years 1945 and 1947 and nowadays it houses a collection of ancient stone and bronze sculptures. The other twin temple, of which only the back wall is preserved, is believed to have been constructed at the same time and in the same style and was called the Temple of Diana.

and many many others!

Welcome to Pula!

Istria - Green Mediterranean

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White, grey and red, Istria is a land whose diversity is almost unique in the Mediterranean. This heart-shaped piece of land deeply immersed into the blue waters of the Adriatic, is a secluded garden of nature and extraordinary beauty. In the north, the undulating peninsula mildly comes down to the sea with is white calcareous hills, in its center it reveals its grey plateaus rich in water; on the south west its low-lying valley flames in the heart of its characteristic red soil. Istrian landscapes are unique! The climate here is as unique as its flora. Everywhere you look the Mediterranean melts with mainland. Istrian small towns look as if they have just descended from painting. Some Istrian towns have been preserved, while others, ravaged by the time and misfortune are nothing more then romantic ruins. Towns on the coast proudly display their true belonging to the Mediterranean, being the typical coastal Roman municipalities with ports, jovial ships and seething streets. On the other hand, medieval towns blooming on the hillocks the hinterland are true small mid-European forts exuding the calmness of the mainland. If you want to truly experience Istria in all its diversity, start from Pula, Rovinj or Porec, then go to Svetvicenat and finally to Motovun and Hum, the smallest town in the world. In Rovinj you will recognize the contours and heritage of Venice, in Pazin the spirit of Austria. If you meet someone, feel free to stop that person and ask whatever comes to your mind. People here are gentle and kind, and will be glad to tell you the story - a piece of land where the greatest diversities exist side by side in the harmony. Why Istria is also so special? To begin with, let us recall the myth of the Argonauts. Chasing Jason and the golden fleece, the Colchians sailed to the cost of Istria. Once they arrived, they never wished to return home again. There is something in its magic, like nowhere else in the Mediterranean. Here you will find a town that, like Rome, lies on seven hills and boasts about its famous Arena. This is a truly land of wonders, thought Jules Werne as he wrote about subterranean Pazin Pit in his novel "Matthias Sandorf". Be sure to look into the churches of Istria, enjoy the lively medieval frescos and the world of the amazing Glagolitic alphabet. Discover the window from which James Joyce dreamed about the career of a tenor. And then you might see why Istria is so special. Anyone who taste even a small part of its joy will get the urge to visit it again. So, do not hesitate - enter this hidden garden of nature and meet its wonderful, intact landscape. Arriving in Istria: By plane: If you are arriving with regular or charter flights to Pula, you will land at the Pula airport, the biggest international airport in Istria. The Pula airport is only 10km away from the city centre, so you can easily get there by taxi, bus or organized transport. By train: Coming by train, you can arrive in Istria very quickly using the following lines: Ljubljana - Divaca - Buzet - Pula or Zagreb - Rijeka - Pazin - Pula. By boat: When you decide to visit Istria by sea, you can use fixed or seasonal ferry lines. If you arriving by your own boat, you will be cordially welcomed in many Istrian marinas. The sea borders in Istria are located in harbours of following Istrain towns: Umag, Novigrad, Porec, Rovinj, Pula and Rabac. By car: For your pleasant journey through Istria, you have at your disposal the semi highway "Istrian Y", taking you to central Istria and to the southern parts of the peninsula, only 100km away from the border. Arriving to "Istrian Y" from the eastern direction, using the Croatian highways from Zagreb or Split to Rijeka, after crossing the Ucka tunnel, you will quickly rich your final destination.

Rijeka

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Whichever part of the world you come from, you have arrived at the heart of Europe. Rijeka, the visitor-friendly city filled with the scent of the sea, awaits you. Wake up to the magnificent view of Kvarner Bay. Enjoy the mild Mediterranean climate. Take a stroll along Korzo and experience the heart of the city loved by both younger and older generations. Lounge in one of the cafes and read the history of the town from the facades of buildings.

The past: The town of an uncommon, rather entangled past, past which could be compared with the olive tree, evelasting, bended, fruit bitter to taste but of good quality. PREHISTORIC: Traces of prehistoric settlements can be found in the region. Long time ago Celtic tribe lived here, therefore name Trsat may come from Celtic word "tarsa", meaning hill above the river. Settlements of Illyrian tribe "Liburni" sailors, pirats and shipbuilders. In the ancient time town's name is Tarsattica, Roman municipality (the fortress); traces of that period almost disappeared. VII century: Croats in war against the Frances, count, Erich, Charles the Great favourite dies on the Trsat hill, year 799. For the longer period of time there are no informations. St. Vito's Reka (Rijeka) XIIIth century - new settlement called Reka (Rijeka) sv. Vida (St. Vito on river Rjecina; St. Veit am Pflaum), twon with its entrances, towers, streets, squares. Change rulers; Devin dynasty, Frankopans-Princes of Krk, Counts of Walsea. XIIIth/XIVth century under the rule of Devin dynasty GOTHIC RIJEKA is built. Yapod fort and later on Roman observation post situated on the left river bank becomes very important during the time of the Frankopans. The Habsburgs: Since 1466 till 1918 Rijeka is under Habsburg rule. XVIIth century; town flourishes economically and artistically. In 1627 Jesuitical Gymnasium, third in Croatia but first in Adriatic is bu ilt (still working). Baroque buildings are built. XVIIIth century; Emperor Charles VI proclaimed Rijeka a free port in 1719. Industry, shipping and handicraft develops. First road built connecting Rijeka and Vienna in 1725 (Carolina). XIXth century - Rijeka is eight biggest port in Europe. 2400 workers are employed in the biggest tobacco factory in the Empire where first steam machine in south-east Europe is installed. More than 20 big birms and shipyards are registered. Croatian, Italian, German, Hungarian, Slovenian, French, English and even Swedish and Flamish languages are spoken. The only Navy Academy in the Empire is founded (today the main hospital situated in the very building). Museum Nugent in Trsat castle is opened (first in Croatia). The Academic Theatre (later demolished) with 1600 seats opened.Two women hold special place in the XIXth century in Rijeka: Karolina Rijecka (Carolina Rijeka) saved the town during the Napoleon wars using her charms while negotiating with English admiral. Ida de Kiss, Governor's wife, by keeping company with the European elite (e.g. Franz Liszt) brought Viennese touch to Rijeka. Hungarian period 1870: Hungarian government takes over the administration in Rijeka. From 1872 to 1896 the mayor of Rijeka Giovanni Ciotta turns Rijeka into genuine European centre. Since 1873 Rijeka is trough railway connected via Ljubljana and Zagreb with Vienna and Budapest and next year with Triest. First rafinery in this part of the world is built, many steamship companies and banks are founded (Riječka banka in 1871), population is doubled, electric tram connects all parts of the city, 22 Consulate General are assigned, 20 hotels and 9 cinemas. Well known architects from Triest, Vienna, Leipzig and Budapest together with local skilled workmen built palaces all over Rijeka. The biggest in residential part for Emperor Frank Joseph's I brother Joseph. Between two World Wars: In 1924 Rijeka is annexed to the Kingdom of Italy, while Sušak to the Kingdom of SHS. Rijeka is intesively Talianized and economically decays becoming a provincial town. Town architecture of that time is enriched with two sky-scrapers, those of Rijeka and SuŠak. End of World War II opens the "Rijeka question" once again - 1947 once and for all Rijeka returned to Croatia. After the World War II Rijeka becomes transit, tourist, administrative, economical, industrial, cultural and university center. Since 1970 Rijeka is connected by air; "Airport Rijeka" on the island Krk (25 km from Rijeka). Reconstruction of the old city quarters begins in 1960 by the original concept of local architect Igor Emili. Trsat castle becomes a center of cultural events after renovation in the 1960. Rijeka became university center in 1975 with its headquarters in the old municipal building in Sušak.

Zadar

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The City of Zadar has beautiful and practical location. Zadar is an easily reached destination by land, sea and air. It is directly connected to the other bigger cities of the Republic of Croatia: Zagreb, Rijeka, Split, Dubrovnik etc Good infrastructure is accompanied with extraordinary accommodation and contemporary service of numerous marinas. Whichever way you want to reach Zadar, the natural beauty of the landscape will touch you. Highway is brand new and magistral coastal road is just going through last days of serious repairs and improvements.The ferry port as well as the new tourist port for cruisers are located on the peninsula itself (old part of the city that used to be an island) Entering Zadar on a ferry or boat gives you a magnificent view of the whole city, making your arrival in Zadar a unique experience. Air transport, even though the airport /Zemunik/ is a small it is contemporary and connects Zadar with bigger Croatian cities and some European capitals. During the summer season it is busy place and one would be surprised with abundance and diversity of flights. Other destinations are accessible with changes in Zagreb and/or Split and in the network of international air traffic. Situated in the hart of the Adriatic, Zadar is the urban center of northern Dalmatia .It is administrative, economic, cultural and political center of the region with almost 100 000 inhabitants. The coast is particularly indented. Island are forming parallel strings with the coastal line creating Dalmatian specificum with triple or quadruple settings of the islands. Nature is untouched and allures many boaters and sailing fans to this region. The archipelago counts 24 bigger and about 300 smaller islets and rocks, 3 nature parks (Telascica, Sjeverni Velebit and Vransko Jezero) and 5 National parks (Paklenica, Plitvice, Kornati, Krka and Velebit) Zadar and its surroundings are at the the very top of the Croatian tourist offer . Thanks for its geographical position Zadar is distinguished by its gentle Mediterranean climate ( warm and dry summers , mild and rainy winters) On average temperature of the air in summer is 25 degrease C, in winter 7 degrease C, while the summer average temperature of the sea is 23 degrease C.

Rovinj

2007-09-23T20:47:00.000+02:00

Tourism, as a social-economic phenomenon developed as the political situation in the second half of 19th century calmed down after Napoleon wars and, also, due to modernization of traffic that made journeys specially long, railroad ones easier. Expending tourism and its mass character, makes rivieras, summer and winter resorts and specially spa and climate-health resorts well known. Istra was quite popular for clients from the very beginning of modern tourism because of mild and healthy climate and interesting history. After installing regular trip-liners Triest-Rijeka by Austrian Lloyd in 1844, ships regularly stopped in Piran, Novigrad, Poreč, Rovinj and Pula. With building of railroad Divača-Pula with an extension Kanfanar-Rovinj (1876), Rovinj tourism developed more, although those were only individual visits without organized groups. We take 1888 as the official beginning of tourism in Rovinj, when sea spa Mana Theresia Seehospiz for poor children with scrofula and rachitis was opened. Children came mostly from Austrian-Hungarian monarchy, but also from Germany, Russia and other countries. The first meteorological measurements of air temperatures began here and results were compared with those from Vienna. In 1890 four islands : St. Andrew, Maškin, Šturag and St. John were bought by knight Georg Hutterodt, an entrepreneur from Trieste. In following years he bought several private properties south of Rovinj in Punta Corrente, Montauro, Škarabe, Monvia and Monte Mulini. Almost 90 ha of meadow, vineyards and olive plantation were forested with carefully chosen Mediterranean and exotic plants creating a true natural park. The Old Town rises up on a peninsula and is a witness to times gone by and the valuable accomplishments of its past artisans. The limited space led to the construction of narrow buildings, streets and small town squares. Of particular interest in this town centre are the characteristically designed chimneys. The town itself was declared a cultural monument in 1963. By the seventh century AD, Rovinj was already surrounded by town walls, and later strengthened by the construction of towers. The old town had seven gates, while three still exist today: the Saint Benedict Gate, the Portico and the Holy Cross Gate. A baroque archway called "Balbijev luk", which today serves as the entrance into the old town, was built on the site of the former outer gate in the seventeenth century. The church of Saint Euphemia is a most imposing structure which bears the name of the patron saint of the town. It dominates the whole old town centre. It was built in the eighteenth century, while its façade in Venetian-baroque style was added in the middle of the last century. At the top of the sixty-metre-high bell tower stands the copper statue of St. Euphemia, which shows the direction of the wind by turning on a spindle. The baptismal font of the Holy Spirit has been constructed in a heptagonal shape and is the oldest relic situated in the Lokva Square. The thirteenth century Romanesque church which houses the font is also interesting because of the detailed carvings of the transenna depicting scenes of Golgotha. The Franciscan Monastery and church were built at the beginning of the eighteenth century. This interesting building built entirely in the Baroque style, contains a rich library and a fascinating museum of sacral artifacts. It is situated in De Amicis street. The castle on the island of St. Andrija was originally a Benedictine Monastery established in the sixth century AD. In the fifteenth century the Franciscan order added extensions and it was again refurbished at the end of the nineteenth century by Baron Hutterodt. The castle has now been converterd into a hotel.

Split

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Without hiding their pride, the people of Split will tell you that their city is "the most beautiful one in the world and beyond". You´d better not discuss this with them for well spirited Split will convince you in this as soon as you discover it! This for ever young city with the population of about 200,000 that give it its warm Mediterranean temper, has lived its urban rhythm for as long as 1700 years, with its heart in the Diocletian´s Palace and its soul widespread to embrace you. Ever since the life of the city protected by the UNESCO and entered into the register of the World Cultural Heritage has been writing the history of this unique capital of Dalmatia. The city of Split is situated in the warmest region of the northern Mediterranean coast, in the very centre of the Adriatic eastern coast and in the immediate vicinity of the rivers Jadro and Žrnovnica that have been watering it for 1700 years. Its mild climate, with 2700 sunny hours per year, makes it an oasis where, sheltered from the wind, one can enjoy the sun even in wintertime. The industrial, university, and business centre of the region nourishes its "green soul" on the hill Marjan situated in the westernmost part of the peninsula. Its forested park infringed by the city and the sea offers pleasant walks away from the city noise under the pines by the sea. The city at the foot of Marjan can be reached by The Adriatic Coastal Road, winding by the sea or by hinterland roads connected to Split. It will take you 5 hours to get to Zagreb and 4 hours to get to Dubrovnik in your car. You can also reach Split if you get on a coast ferry liner from Rijeka or Dubrovnik, from all central Dalmatian islands. There are excellent fast and regular ferry lines from Ancona and Pescara, Italy. From the Airport Split flights connect the city with Zagreb several times a day, as well as with European capitals. There are also trains from Split to the north of the country and further on to Europe. You can transport your car by train, as well.

The Town of Korcula

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The historical centre of the island is built on a small peninsula which narrows the passage between the island and the mainland to bare 1270 metres. The very possibility of the control of navigation of galleys and sailing boats along the eastern coast of the Adriatic at this place was the cause of the foundation of the small town-fortress, which issued this important service to various masters. In its present form it develops rapidly from the 13th century, the century of the proclamation of the Statute, coming of the dukes from the Venetian family Zorzi, the century of Marko Polo. The town walls and towers, from that time on, are ever higher and stronger, and houses and churches are ever higher and more comfortable. The town is at the peak of its might in the 16th century when it could "receive 6.000 inhabitants". The building is quite concentrated; "the whole city enclosed by walls does not surpass by its surface one modern football stadium"; some experts compare the Middle Age Korcula and its narrow streets with Manhattan. The town impressed many medieval writers and travel writers, and it deterred, by its fortification, many invaders. The reasons of defence dictated the enclosing of its citizens in secure city walls, the space in the suburbs is forbidden for any building, and two monasteries outside the town. Dominican monastery of St. Nicola, 500 metres west from the town, and the Franciscan monastery on the island of Badija, are an often target of brigands and enemies. The first workshops outside the town are built in the 17th century only, and the first dwelling houses outside the city walls ar built in the 18th century. The parts of the town, Sveti Nikola (west of the town) and Borak (south and east of the town) are built in the 19th century. Between 1921 and 1941, the building of the hotels and villas in the bay Luka - east of the town - begins; and also in the bay of Strecica, west of the town; an intensive building lasts on the locations around the bay Luka: Zagradac, Ekonomija, Sveti Antun, Domince and Soline. By the main town street - the Street of the Korcula Statute from 1214 - we arrive to the elevation of the Cathedral Square. The biggest and the most beautiful building of Korcula - the Cathedral of St. Marco - is on the top of the town. South from it, there is the Bishop's Palace (1342;1653/1860) where the Abbatial Treasury of St. Marco is placed today with a rich collection of Croatian and Italian Renaissance artists, a collection of manuscripts and books and a collection of the ceremonial clothes. North from the Cathedral, there is a small church of St. Peter - probably the oldest preserved church in the town from the 11th century/1388 - in which the Renaissance portal of the master Bonino da Milano and the wooden statues of the apostles are situated - the work of the Venetian sculptors from the 18th century. On the western side of the square, there is Crkva Gospojina (Church of Our Lady) from 1483, the Renaissance work of the local builders, where the tombs of the historical Korcula families are situated as well as the tomb of the defender from Turkish assault, the priest Rozanovic. There are also beautifully decorated gravestones, and a big mosaic of the Dutch artist Louis Schrikkela on the altar, from 1964-67. There is a flag column on the square next to the Crkva Gospojina from 1515. From the Crkva Gospojina towards the north, there are palaces Arneri and Gabrielis. The Town Museum is situated in the palace Gabrielis, one of the most beautiful Korcula palaces, in the Renaissance style from the 16th century. From the palace Gabrielis towards the sea, there is the palace Ismaelis from the 16th century with beautiful courtyard. The neighbouring palace Arneri, which is being renovated from 1988-1996, will be the home to the gallery of one of the greatest Croatian sculptors, Frano Krsinic, born in Lumbarda (1897-1982). Beside the artistically valuable courtyard of the palace Arneri, the windows and the wall of the same palace in the south street are decorated with excellent building and sculpturing details. We descend from the Cathedral Square to the north town tower Zakrjan. In the first right street, there is the family house of the traveller Marko Polo. Together with several inscriptions and exhibits which remind of the great traveller and explorer, there is an interesting view from the family tower-observation post. The greatest traveller and explorer of all times, Marko Polo, was born here (Korcula 1254-Venice 1324). Left from the tower Zakrjan, in the street above the hotel "Korcula", there is the native house of the poet Kanavelic (the present restaurant) with the small church of Annonciation, further on, there is the house of the noble family Spanic with attractive courtyard, and the church of St. Barbara from 1407, which is an Orthodox church from 1928. Continuing further towards south by the street above the city wall and the public cistern "Trepoca", we arrive to the Square of Arms, where the arms were distributed to the citizens in case of the enemy attack. One went before to the theatre from this square, but it was destroyed in one of the bombardments in the Second World War. The street at the south side of the square - Ulica od fonda (Street of Granary) - leads along the then town granary towards the square in front of the Town Hall, and further on towards the eastern city wall and the church of All Saints - the first Korcula cathedral - and the house of the oldest brotherhood. The walking around the town begins with Punat - bridge - by which one enters the town. West from the Land Door, there is a preserved part of the south town wall and today's summer stage. Prison Tower from 1445 is built in the wall of the management house of the Mediteranska plovidba (Shipping Line). Two towers continue from the management house: higher and slimmer one is Prince's Small Palace from 1130/1449, and lower and wider one is Prine's Big Palace from 1483. There are plaques with the dates memorising the Second World War on it. From these towers towards the north, there extends the reconstructed town wall with deep arcades behind which are situated various port offices (port captain, customs, administration of the port...). Further on, there is a part of the wall with the oldest town cistern of drinkable water "Trepoca" (Tre pozi) from 1437. The Tower of Sea Door from 1265/1448 lost its function when the town "surrendered" in front of the tourists, by the decision of the Town Council from 1907, when the part of the old wall was removed and a new splendid neoclassical staircase was built. On the tower there are court of arms and the inscription to the honour of the Trojan hero Antenor, who, according to the medieval legend, founded Korcula. There are today two obelisks (from 1589 and 1680) devoted to the town princes Alviseo Polani and Pellegrin Pasqualigo. North from the entrance staircase, there is "Loza" (Loggia) from 1548. It was for centuries the only building outside the town walls, and it had various assignments - from the police and customs control station to the travellers' waiting room. The adjoining hotel "Korcula" was built as a cafe in 1871 already, in the time when the city walls and towers were pulled down. Namely, the Ministry of war from Vienna informs the town authorities in 1863 that it turns back to the town the towers and city walls as unnecessary, and that it would not pay the expenses of the maintenance any more. The Town Council responded with the pulling down of the greatest part of the city walls except of the south part, and by pulling down of three towers. In 1912, the then Hotel de la ville became the first Korcula modern hotel when the first floor with rooms was built. A special attraction of the hotel "Korcula" is its terrace from which one can enjoy the sunsets, especially in the early summer when the sun sets in the middle of the channel. The northwest part of the town is protected by the tower Bokar (Barbarigo) from 1485, and the tower Zakrjan (Kerjan) from 1481 is on the north. Between the tower Zakrjan and Rampada (the modern name for the remnants of the Tower All Saints from 1493) there were another two towers pulled down in the 19th century: the tower Parilo and the Tower of the New Gate. The walls and the foundations of an older tower - Small Tower of All Saints, pulled down in 1879 - are visible today on the very Rampada. From Rampada towards the Land Gate, there is Arsenal from 1572, built in the time when the importance of Korcula for the Venetian Republic was growing. Venice had the winter anchoring of its war fleet in Korcula in the 18th century. The space between the Arsenal and the Tower of the Land Gate was supervised by the tower Revelin from 1485. It is built in the present dwelling house. Leaving the medieval town we descend across Punat (Bridge) towards Plokata of 19th April 1921. Here, we can find, on the modern main square, the memorial fountain memorising the date of June 13 1986 when water from the aqueduct from the river Neretva began to flow liberating thus the Korculans from the centuries long nightmare of the lack of drinkable water. A few steps from the memorial fountain, we find ourselves in front of the church St. Justina. There was a church on that place to the honour of St. Sergius and St. Bakh which was destroyed and damaged several times during the attacks on the town. The present church of St. Justina was being built from 1860 until 1897. The paintings from the previous church of St. Vlaho are kept there. The statue of the resurrected Christ on the dome of the church is the work of the sculptor Radica. Towards the west, on the place of the old "skver" (small shipyard) Sessa, there is today the monument to the Korculans fallen in the Second World War. The whole complex is the work of Bernardo Bernardi, Croatian architect from Korcula. Four reliefs depicting the traditional crafts and professions are the work of another respected Korcula artist, the sculptor Vinko Fabris. Walking along the seaside we come to the Cap of St. Nicola and the beautiful private villa of the Croatian sculptor Maksimilijan Vanka (1889-1963) amidst the fenced garden at the historical point of the windmill (Cap of the Scaffoldings). Here is also the Dominican monastery of St. Nicola with the church which was built in 1505, and extended with the eastern aisle in 1665. The altar of the western aisle is decorated by the valuable copy of Tizian's painting "Torturing of Saint Peter". The original was damaged in the meantime and the copy remained, made in the master's school. The monastery possesses, Beside this painting and the painting by the painter Poncun "Miracle of St. Dominic in Surian", numerous other works of art, and a rich library. The building of the monastery is partly fortified because it experienced several attacks during its history. There is a very picturesque "mandrac" - a small port for the monastery boats - nearby. We come, by the street of Bernardo Bernardi, above the town to the top of the hill where "Forteca" - the English tower Fort Wellington - is situated. It was built in 1813 on the place of the Venetian fortification of the open type from 1616, and the French fortification of the "redoute" type from 1803-1813. The remnants of these defence walls can be seen still, and the church of St. Vlaho was pulled down during the building of the English tower. From this hill and the very tower, which today serves as the telecommunication station, a wonderful view extends to the Korcula archipelago and the island of Mljet on the east, to the interiour of the island on the south, to the Peljesac Channel and the island of Hvar on the west, and to the old town and the mountain St. Elias on the north. Walking away from the town towards the hotels, one passes by the semi-circled "piazetta" which was erected by the order of the British commander of the town, officer Peter Lowen. The inscription on the columns of the "piazetta" mentions his name. The way leads further towards the town par "Hober" where there is the chapel of Our Lady of Lourdes from 1908, and the monument to the soldiers from Korcula community fallen in the First World War. The town park "Hober" is i the state register of protected parks-woods. Between the park "Hober" and the sea there are several beautiful villas from the period 1930-1940, built by the famous Croatian architects. Some of them lost much of its artistic impression by the recent alterations in building. On the top of the hill there is a big public cistern of drinkable raining water built in 1950, "Naplov" with a huge flat surface as a catchment area. This cistern is not in use at the present time. The way leads us further towards Glavica Svetoga Antuna (St. Anton's Small Head). This part of the town was named by it: Sveti Antun. On the top of Glavica, towards which 102 steps lead between the avenue of cypresses, there is the church of St. Anthony and a hermit's dwelling from 1420. Bishop had the avenue and the staircase arranged at the end of the 17th century, and he was buried in the church in 1707.

Makarska

2007-09-16T02:05:00.000+02:00

Makarska has always been the center of the surrounding region known as Makarska Riviera, both in an administrative, political and economic sense, as well as a center of culture, education, and since the mid twentieth century, tourism. Today, it is a city of more than 15 thousand inhabitants that encompasses picturesque villages at the foot of the Biokovo Mountain, including Veliko Brdo, Puharici, Kotisina and Makar (which is where the name of Makarska comes from). Makarska is one of the most famous tourist destinations on the Croatian coast, attractive for its nature and good climate, rich in tourist attractions and full of hospitable hosts. To this day, Makarska is known for its sandy beach, which is almost 2 kilometers long. The walkways are lined with pine trees and surrounded by luxury hotels, tourist facilities, and gastronomical havens, and there is plenty of fun for both adults and children. Makarska is located below the mountain of Biokovo (1762 m), which protects it from the harsh continental climate and is responsible for its rich Mediterranean vegetation, mild winters, long, warm summers cooled by a refreshing breeze called maestral. Makarska has more than 2750 hours of sun each year and the air temperature above 20°C from July to September. During these same months, the crystal-clear sea also averages a temperature of above 20°C. The city of Makarska grew around a natural harbor protected by a picturesque peninsula of Sveti Petar (St. Peter) and the cape Osejava. It is the only harbor of this kind between the mouth of the Cetina and Neretva rivers. In the past it provided protection and safe harbor during stormy weather to sailors, pirates and merchants, and nowadays it does the same for yachts, sailing boats and tourist ships. This contributed to its development into a trading port, especially during the Ottoman and Venetian occupation. Today, there is a ferry line which runs a few times a day from Makarska to Sumartin on the island Braè. During the summer months the harbor fills up with yachts and tourist ships, while young people crowd the main Kaèiæ square enjoying entertain¬ment and cultural performances. As the night goes on, Makarska be¬comes livelier and livelier, and its ca¬fes, restaurants and discotheques fill up. The best way to become familiar with the history of this city is by visit¬ing the Franciscan monastery which recently celebrated its 500th anniversa¬ry. The monastery boasts a picture gallery, library, one-of-a-kind Malaco-logical museum (dedicated to the study and preservation of mollusks) and the Institute of Mountains and Sea. The church of St. Marko is located on the Kacic square. On its north side are: the Gojak gallery, located in the old school building, public library, the school of music, and the headquarters of the Makarska Riviera radio. The city museum can be found on the waterfront, as well as the church of St. Filip. The renovated church of St. Petar is located in the St. Petar park, a spot with a beautiful view of the city, magnificent Mount Biokovo and the open sea. Makarska's geographical position is 44° 17' 38" latitude and 17° 1' 20" longitude, which places it approxi¬mately in the center of north-western half of the Makarska coast.

The Town of Hvar

2007-09-13T04:13:00.000+02:00

The name of the island is without doubt Greek in origin, from Pharos (lighthouse). From it the Romans derived the name Pharia. The Dalmatian Romans then derived from this Fara, and the newly settled Croats in the early Middle Ages changed this to Hvar, as the old Slavonic consonant f was subsumed by the consonant group hv. The Dalmatian Romans, under the influence of Croatian pronunciation in the medieval documents spelt the name as Quara or Quarra. At the end of the 11th century the Italians called it Lesina, or in Venetian dialect Liesena or Liesna. This was derived from an old Croatian adjective meaning "forest", which actually corresponded to the appearance of the island at the time of the Neretljani. The eastern part of the island, Plame, has the shape of a cutting edge which gets narrower towards "the top of Hvar" and corresponds well to the medieval Venetian name Liesna which means "awl". This is what it looked like to the Venetian seamen who sailed past the island on their way to the Neretva Channel, near the massif of Krajina where threatening pirates were waiting in their lairs.A number of other island place-names describe its original wooded appearance. For example, Velo and Malo Grablje are derived from the word "grab" (hornbeam); Gin (a name identical to that of the Polish port of Gymea) also indicates a wooded place; Vrbanj and Vrboska are derived from "vrba" (willow), and Vrisnik from "vrijes" (heather). In the 3rd century BC the Hellenistic poet Apollonius of Rhodes introduced the name "Piteyeia", which is probably de rived from "pitys" Greek for spruce, or even from an old Illyrian name for the village of Pitve. The inscription recording the victory of the inhabitants of Pharos over the Jadasini and their allies, one of the oldest known inscriptions in Croatia, 4th C BC. Hvar belongs to the central island group of the Adriatic and lies in an east-west direction at right angles to the coast. These islands together are called "The Hvar Group". The eastern promontory of Hvar is only 4.5 km away from the mainland, while the western one faces the open sea. It is the longest of the Adriatic islands. "Lower Hvar", the western part, is called the "head of the island", as its main area. Plume - the eastern part - gets narrower towards "the top". Hvar (68 km long), is also the fourth largest in area (300 sq. m). The longitudinal road which links the town of Hvar with Sućurje at the eastern end of the island is 84 km long. The high plateau between St. Nicholas hill (626 m) and Hum (603 m) which extends from Sv. Nedjelja to Jelsa and is partly under pine woods and partly under arable land is marked by distinctive beauty and a fresh climate. The flat part of the island between Stari Grad, Vrboska and Jelsa is under vineyards which produce up to 50,000 hectoliters of wine per year.

The early signs of tourism on the Island reach far back into history, as far as ancient history and the Middle Ages, which is best seen by the remains of rustic villas (farm buildings and country houses) all over Hvar's Agar (valley). During the Middle Ages the Island was visited by many adventurers, naturalists, ethnologists and archaeologists that came to study plants, minerals and ancient monuments. Organized tourism began in 1868 with the establishment of The Hygienic Society of Hvar headed by Bishop Juraj Duboković. The first hotel with 13 single rooms and a restaurant was opened in Samohod-Dubokovićs' house. The first arrival of foreign guests is considered as being the beginning of modern and organized tourism on the Island. Apart from tourism and wine-growing, which are the main branches of the island's economy, the inhabitants are concerned with the rearing of livestock (famous Hvar lamb), the growing of aromatic plants (lavender, rosemary), olives and figs, and fishing which, due to the rich fishing grounds, has always been an important local industry. However, Hvar as a whole owes its prosperity to shipping. Although restricted in tonnage until the fall of the Venetian Republic, the island's small fleet provided a living for a large number of its urban and rural population. The first large oceangoing vessel to appear in Hvar after the fall of the Venetian Republic was used for the transport of wheat from Black Sea ports and the export of local products, primarily salted fish. Thus despite its well developed agriculture the island of Hvar owed its living and prosperity to shipping, which also provided the basis for the island's cultural development. Before the second half of the 19th century Hvar had no regular land or sea communications, people relying on the occasional small vessel. In the interior of the island there existed only the old Illyrian, Greek and Roman roads recorded in the statute of 1331, for the island had derived no benefit from the road construction projects of the Napoleonic era. Hvar obtained its first regular shipping link with the mainland in the 1850s, and its first regular daily service at the beginning of the 20th century. After the liberation at the end of the Second World War the island began to develop at a rapid rate. Sućuraj in the east, Stari Grad in the centre, and the town of Hvar are connected with the mainland by regular ferry-boat services. Apart from the fast motor ships which link Hvar with all major centers along the Adriatic coast the towns of Hvar and Jelsa are linked with Split by local shipping services.

The island is characterised by gentle winters, warm summers and many hours of sunshine, Gentle and moist winters (January Hvar has an average temperature of 8.4° C) have many advantages, long other things enabling winter tourism in Hvar. Maximum temperatures are never too high to render agriculture impossible (the highest recorded temperature of 37°C was reached in 1935). The average annual air temperature is around 16.5° C, while autumns are warmer than springs, which prolongs the growing period. Hvar has an annual average of 7.7 hours sunshine per day and 3.8 hours of cloud. (By comparison Dubrovnik has 7.0 hours of sun shine and 4.4 hours of cloud; Nice /South of France/ 7.2 and 4.2 respectively). A general belief in the health-giving effects of sunny regions led to the discovery of this "Adriatic Madeira" as early as the 19th century. It has the most hours of sunshine on the Adriatic coast, with as much as 2715 per year, and only small variations in temperature. "The Hygienic Society" was founded in 1868, and the first health hotel was opened in 1889, while The Centre for Allergies of the Croatian Academy of Arts and Sciences was founded in 1965. Due to its climate, Hvar has a long tradition iin health tourism and tourism in general.

2007-09-13T02:56:00.001+02:00

Dubrovnik

Down in the deep south in Croatia, Dubrovnik becomes an open stage where the rich, the famous, the wannabees mingle together during Dubrovnik Festival and where joy and laughter can be heard at every street corner. What is more, the life in the Old Town never ceases to stop. The hordes of night birds are replaced by ever excited tourists from the visiting cruisers. Mesmerizing looks on their faces are truly justifying Bernard Shaw's famous sentence comparing Dubrovnik to paradise. City wall walk is on a must to do list of every cruiser tourist. Do not forget to take some water with you as the heat can get the better of you. Also, remember that you can safely withdraw local currency (kunas) from ATMs and what is more you can use your card safely at POS terminals. What I would like to add is that you can enrich your experience by booking Srdj Hill panoramic viewing of the Old Town and perhaps you can treat yourself with a trip to Cavtat. This town is an ideal for a spot of lunch or just for soaking up the local way of life. Try to book these in advance. They are run by small travel tours companies which go an extra mile of providing a service with an individual approach which allows you to stop at any given place at any given moment to enjoy a view or whatever else catches your attention. A friendly piece of advice for those wishing to take Dubrovnik Panorama by taxi. Make sure your driver speaks good English and also note that a few of these drivers are proud owners of mini-buses and passenger vans. It pays off to make these queries in order too get a value for money price and I am sure that asking some of your fellow cruisers to join you, providing the cost is split equally, is a welcoming gesture.