Croatia – Pearl of the Adriatic
An amazing country
Croatia is truly a travelers delight. The astonishing diversity of its natural beauty – from its serene mountainous region to beautiful Adriatic coast – stuns travellers. The ancient archaeological ruins of seafaring Greeks and Romans bear the testimony of their occupation of this country and the legacies they left behind. Its salubrious climate – varying from the sunny Mediterranean to the comfortable cool in the inlands with occasional snow up in the mountains – dazzle visitors.
People love to romantasize about Croatia’s long history of kings, dukes and mighty warriors. Tourists flock to see the castles and palaces that still dot the country. Croatia’s long history of invasions and wars could not destroy the indomitable spirit of its people. Like Lazarus, it has also come back to life from the terrible conflicts it suffered in the 1990s. This ex-socialist country is now prosperous with a high-income market economy and multi-party system.
Come to this amazing country where Marco Polo was born and – many centuries later – Josip Broz Tito, another Croatian and the first from the Communist Block who dared to defy the dictatorship of Josef Stalin.
Popular tourist destination
Tourists generally visit Croatia to explore its long, jagged and superbly enchanting Adrian coastline dotted with amazing mideaval towns with Renaissance ambience. Don’t make the mistake of ignoring the present capital Zagreb, and the previous Baroque capital Verzdin.
There are more than one thousand islands, islets and reefs. Some of them are well preserved and perfect for sailing and tourism. Enterprising entrepreaneurs operate flotillas of yachts in different stretches along the coastline. Croatia’s tourism department is dertimed to sell their country as The Mediterranean as it once was.
Zagreb, the national capital
Zagred is vibrant and dazzling. The city is divided in three distinct parts. One is the older Upper Town that contains the Parliament, historic St Mark’s church, the Presidential Palace and museums and art galleries. All these are located along cobbled street and gas lamps are still the source of street lighting. The second part is the 19th century Lower Town with shops, restaurants, bars, cafes, theaters and parks. The final part is a post World War II creation with functional and drab high-rise buildings and can be simply ignored.
Best way to travel
Croatia has excellent network motorways and efficient public transport system. You can hire a car or bring your own. But the most enjoyable way to travel to inhabited islands with resorts is by boats and ferries that sail from major Adriatic ports. The most interesting sailing is a coastal route that connects Rueka and Dubrovnik with stops at four other places en route.
Adriatic Road connecting Rueka and Dobrovink is a picturesque motorway, comparable to the highway between San Francisco and Los Angeles.
Food and drinks
Croatia is a gastronomes dream tempting you to splurge varieties of culinary treats whether conventional meat based or seafood. Oysters from its Ston area are popular since Roman times.
Hotels
Hotels and restaurants abound in Croatia. Whether your preference is for luxurious or affordable places, you will get excellent services making your visit a satisfying and relaxing experience.
Croatia beckons you
In a 2006 article The New York Times chose the heading most appropriately: In Croatia, A New Riviera Beckons.
