Facts

Although it endured a cessation of its then strong tourist industry during the conflicts that crippled the region in the 1990s, Croatia has come back into its own. Tourism is growing stronger once again and many international visitors find plenty to enjoy in the various island and coastal resorts just off of the Adriatic Sea. It's reputation as a amazing and beautiful region of eastern Europe precedes it and the quality of its vacation resorts lets people from around the world see it for themselves.

Best Time To Visit Croatia

The weather in Croatia is at its best from May to September. The Adriatic coast can be fairly busy during July and August so it may be better to wait until September, as the crowds tend to thin out at that point. Other advantages of September trips include reduced, off-season prices on food and accommodations. For fresh fruit lovers, it is a time to enjoy the fine figs and grapes that are available in abundance. Sometimes, the weather in April and October is too cool for camping, but the weather along the coast is usually nice and there are plenty of private rooms and other accommodations available at reasonable rates. In mid- June you can usually swim in the sea, from mid-June until late September.

Facts About Croatia

• Full name:Republic of Croatia
• Capital City: Zagreb
• Area:156,542 sq km/21,831 sq miles
• Population: 4,500,000
• Time Zone: GMT/UTC +1 ()
• Language: Croatian (official) Serbian (other) Italian (other) Slovenian (other) Hungarian (other)
• Religion:Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Islam
• Currency:Kuna (HRK)
• Electric Plug Details: European plug with two circular metal pins
• Country Dialing Code:385
• Visas: Those who are residents of the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa are it required to obtain a visa if they plan to stay in the United Kingdom for up to six months. They are not allowed to work in the country unless they obtain clearance to do so. The guidelines are slightly different when European Union residents are concerned. Not only do they not need a visa, but also are allowed to live and work inside the UK.
• Money and Costs:
  • Meals
    Budget: US$4-8
    Mid-range:US$8-20
    High: US$20+
  • Lodging
    Budget: US$12-20
    Mid-range: US$20-50
    High: US$50+

Events

Events in Croatia Croatia has two major jazz music festivals including Zagreb’s Spring Time Jazz Fever held in the city from Mar 21st through April 4th. Later on in the year in mid-October, the city has its second jazz festival the International Days Of Jazz. Zagreb host big summertime events like the Split Summer Festival, held between mid-July and mid-August. Classic Croatian composers, as well as current composer and dramatic performers, are honored by the Zagreb Summer Festival which overlaps with Split Summer festivities. The town of Omis has a local festival to honor acapella singers that include a symbolic gesture involving the tossing of a tambura from a window.

 

The International Festival of Animation and the International Folklore Festival is held at Zagreb in July as well as EUROKAZ, a European theater festival held in June. The International Child's Festival is held the first week of July in Sibenik.

Attractions

Attractions in Croatia

Zagreb – The capital of Croatia has been located the medieval-era city of Zagreb since 1557. Today, visitors can still view remnants of the original city structure. The city sustained damage from rocket attacks in 1995, but Zagreb recovered quickly and little evidence remains when you visit the thriving economic centers or wander about the streets.

Though it was originally consecrated as St. Stephen's Cathedral in the Middle Ages, with the addition of twin neo-Gothic spires in 1899, it was renamed the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Prominent features include 13th century frescos, Renaissance pews, a baroque pulpit, and marble altars. Lotrscak Tower, located just northwest city center. Those who wish to can climb the tower for an incredible 360-degree view of the Zagreb. There is also the Galerija Klovicevi Dvori, an incredible venue for local art exhibitions. Nearby, St. Mark's Church, sports a colorful painted-tile roof as well as various sculptures by Ivan Mestrovic. The city has three impressive museums including the City Museum, the Natural History Museum, and the Historical Museum of Croatia, all of which are located in a former convent.

Zagreb’s Lower Town district has numerous museums, although some have been closed for uncertain reasons. The Art Pavilion is a popular venue for temporary art exhibitions showcasing various modern works. Paintings by the old masters are kept at the Strossmayer Gallery. The Archaeological Museum has exhibitions of prehistoric and medieval artifacts, along with an Egyptian mummies and a Roman sculpture garden.

The Museum Mimara, situated in west of Zagreb, is one of the finest art galleries in Europe. The gallery was mad possible through the generous patronage of Ante Topic Mimara who donated his private collection of thousands of priceless objects to the city. Among it exhibits are displays of glassware, sculpture, and Oriental art. Italian and Dutch paintings by renowned masters are considered the pinnacle of the collection.

Dubrovnik – The city of Dubrovnik was founded in the 8th century A.D. Much of the city’s popular attractions lie within the old town district of Stari Grad. Here you can stroll through marble-paved squares, climb steep cobbled streets that run past everything from convents, churches, and palaces to fine residences, ornate fountains, and museums. The town has an agreeable climate and lush vegetation and the city walls restrict automobile traffic.

While Dubrovnik suffered heavily artillery shelling in 1991, the city has been largely reconstructed in the aftermath. In fact, the difference in the overall appearance before and after the war has been marked by many visitors who fine the new construction more attractive.

The city has a pedestrian promenade called the Stradun that runs from the city bus stop outside of Pile Gate to the other end of town near the clock tower. The Franciscan Monastery located in close proximity to the Pile Gate has points of interest like a pharmacy that has been operating since 1391. St Blaise's Church, constructed in the Italian baroque style, is situated at the opposite end of Stradun. The 15th century Gothic Rector's Palace is another big sight that attracts travelers to the city. Furnished rooms, baroque paintings and historical exhibits have turned the palace into a beautiful museum. A thriving morning market carries on across from the museum.

Dubrovnik’s city walls, which were constructed between the 13th and 16th centuries, are still intact in the present city and are known around the world for their fine construction. The walls span a distance of 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) long and 25 meters (82 feet) high with sixteen towers located at intervals along the length.

Rovinj – The town of Rovinj is rests on the heart-shaped peninsula of Istria located in the northwestern region of Croatia. It is a quaint town of cobbled streets. Surrounded by beautiful forested hills, the city has many fine low-rise hotels. There are also the thirteen islands of the Rovinj archipelago that have impressive views that commonly attract visitors to the area. It is also a functioning fishing port that is a short sailing distance from the Italian city Trieste—a fact that accounts for the community’s Italian population.

Rising 57 meters (118 feet) high, the baroque Cathedral of St Euphemia is the most prominent structure in Rovinj. The church is the famous resting place of Euphemia who died in Constantinople and whose remains were transferred to the town in 800 A.D. For five centuries, the martyred saint has been honored every September 16th by pilgrims who come to play homage at her tomb.

For over a century, the Rovinj Aquarium has provided the people of Rovinj with an impressive selection of the marine life common to the region including brilliantly colored anemones as well as deadly scorpion fish.

Split – Split is a popular destination in the province of Dalmatia. It is located 150 kilometers (95 miles) from Dubrovnik, and is the largest city in Croatia along the Adriatic coast. During the 4th century, Roman Emperor Diocletian constructed a palace for his retirement years in Split; in fact, the palace ruins attract many tourists to the region. Split served as refugees from the nearby colony of Salona (or modern Solin) who were fleeing from barbarian invaders during the 7th century. It is Split's wealth of attractions and sights that makes it one of the most interesting cities in Europe, in particular those found within the old town section.

The ruins of Diocletian's Palace are known around the world for their impressive features. The walls of the building were 215 meters (705 feet) by 180 meters (590 feet) contained the imperial residence, various temples, and a mausoleum. Notable points of interest include the vestibule of the original palace, the colonnaded square of the fortress, the Temple of Jupiter, and the remains of Diocletian's mausoleum, which were incorporated into a cathedral. There are various medieval buildings, including the 15th century town hall just beyond the palace walls.

Other Destinations in Croatia

Korcula – Vineyards and olive trees can be found all across this fertile island. In the south are secluded coves and small beautiful beaches are common. Korcula is a medieval town situated in the province of Dalmatia that share some common characteristics with other towns of similar age such as its red-roofed houses and round defensive towers. A Venetian influence is visible in the town's Cathedral Square, with another St Mark's Cathedral housing a small number of works by the artist Tintoretto. Other attractions include the 14th century Abbey Palace, which is home Korcula's town treasury, as well as 16th century Gabriellis Palace, home to the local museum that has a fine collection of Roman ceramics, Greek pottery, and ancient home furnishings. It is an interesting historic fact that explorer Marco Polo was born in Korcula and visitors can actually tour his home.

Those visiting Korcula may also want to make the short trip to nearby Lumbarda, another picturesque town located on the southeastern end of Korcula Island. The town has a few nice stretches of beach and it is known for being a producer of white wines, taking from the surrounding vineyards. Shuttle boat services provide trips back and forth between Korcula to the neighboring island of Badija. The centerpiece of this island is the hotel resort housed in a converted 15th century monastery.

Mljet – Mljet Island is a designated national park that has plenty to interest the day-trip tourist looking for a fun-filled retreat. In the park, you can take advantage of the boating and swimming opportunities. There are two saltwater lakes that are surrounded by forests of rich pine blanketing the hills. On one of the lakes, there is a small island resting in the middle where an old 12th century Benedictine monastery (now used as a local hotel) where visitors can enjoy a relaxing and contemplative lunchtime. Cyclists can take advantage of great trails that wind around the park. The island is located just off Croatia's southern Adriatic coast about 15 kilometers (9 miles) from there and midway between Korcula and Dubrovnik, with Dubrovnik accessible by ferry.

Rab – Though it is part of a small island chain called the Kvarner, the island of Rab has made a name for itself locally in the Adriatic. Rab and the other islands lie off the northwestern Croatia. It is an island of both rugged coasts and thick green pine forests. The Medieval town of Rab is situated on a narrow strip of peninsula in the midst of the most attractive region on the island. There are harbor stone buildings that rise up from the harbor all the way to the cliffs above. The island has seen both Venetian and Austrian rulers in its history.

Rab's churches are easy to find with their large towers when you see the abundance of small red-roofed houses gathered about them. In 1675, the Monastery of St Anthony was built. The Romanesque Cathedral of St Mary the Great offers an impressive sea view from its well-kept stone terrace. The St Justine Church is a small religious museum. The bell tower and the foundation is all that remains of Rab's oldest church St John's. Rab's city wall is a great place for a pleasant stroll and offers some lovely views of the town.

Solin - The ruins of the ancient city of Salona (presently known as Solin), located northeast of Split and situated among vineyards, are one of the most intriguing archaeological sites in Croatia. Originally, Salona was the capital of the Roman province of Dalmatia, and remained so from the rule of Julius Caesar until well after the fall of the empire. By 614 A.D., Salona was invaded by the barbarians.

Manastirine, located outside Solin, was where many early Christian martyrs were entombed during the eras of imperial persecutions before Christianity was declared legal. Visitors can gaze upon the 5th century church known as the Krapjine Basilica and view excavated graves. An archeological museum located just above the cemetery. On Salona's western side, there are the ruins of a massive 2nd century amphitheater that was eventually destroyed during a battle between Venetians and Turks during the 17th century. Nearby Trogir, a medieval wall town has a fine waterfront promenade that encloses a warren of tangled narrow streets.

History

History of Croatia

Croatia’s original inhabitants, the Illyrians, were displaced from their lands by the invading Roman army in 229 B.C. From that point on, the territory remained under imperial control for the subsequent six centuries. Of special interest to Croatian history, in 285 A.D. then Emperor Diocletian, built a fortified palace in what is now present day Split, a significant Roman ruin even today. By the 5th century, the empire had collapsed and in 625 A.D. Slavic tribes entered the former Roman provinces of Pannonian Croatia and Dalmatian Croatia from Poland and settled there. Three hundred years, later the provinces would be united into a single kingdom, which remained secure until a Tatar invasion destabilized Croatia in 1242.

Later, in the 16th century, Turkish forces were poised to seize the Balkans, which caused northern Croatia to react by aid from the Austrian Habsburgs. This arrangement established a link between the two peoples that remained well into the modern era and Habsburg influence held fast until 1918.

As for part of the country like Dalmatian coast, a succession of conquers starting with the Venetians in the early 15th century who ruled until the end of the 17th century. They were later pushed out by the French forces of Napoleon. France incorporated Croatia into its so-called Illyrian provinces that also included Slovenia and Istria.

In 1835, a revival of Croatian culture and political life when the serfs were liberated and Hungary took control of northern Croatia. The Hungarians permitted the Croatians a certain amount of internal autonomy to govern many of their social affairs.

World War I spelled the end of the Austro-Hungarian empire and resulted in Croatia being merged, yet again, into a political amalgamation known initially as the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and the Slovenes. By 1929, the kingdom was known simply as Yugoslavia. Internal strife began to make itself known, particularly after the city of Belgrade was determined to be the capitol city of the country. This action ultimately led to the assassination of King Alexander in 1934, which was orchestrated by Croatian nationalists aided by Macedonian elements.

Yugoslavia was invaded by Germany in 1941 and subsequently Croatia was governed by a fascist regime known as the Ustashe. Attempts to force Serbs out of Croatia by the government were quickly replaced by more violent means once it was clear that the tactics were not working. This was the beginning of systematic ethnic cleansing or more simply, genocide. Well over 350,000 people including Roma, Jews, and Serbs were exterminated. The Ustashe policy wasn't supported by all of the Croats and many joined the communist partisans to overthrow them. The war that followed added over a million casualties from both Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina.

After the war, the Yugoslav Federation governed by communist Marshal Tito granted Croatia that status of a republic. Croatia prospered economically and it developed more rapidly than many of the southern republics. This internal strength led the local leaders to demand even more autonomy over their affairs. By the 1970s, Marshal Tito’s regime was compelled to remind Croatia who ruled and the residents were subjected to oppressive treatment and many elements of local government were removed. Once Tito died in 1980, things went from bad to worse in Yugoslavia when those who remained in control of the government instituted a weak and flawed political system. This system had the presidency rotating the presidency between the republics. A major result of this instability was the destruction of Croatia's economy.

Throughout the 1980s, Albanians in Serbia's Kosovo province were being repressed by the government. This activity incited worry and fear that Serbia was seeking to grab for greater power and authority over the rest of the Yugoslav republics. The downfall of communist government across Europe during the 1980s and 90s energized the Croatian movement for greater autonomy and the removal of communist government with their borders. Franjo Tudjman of the Croatian Democratic Union won the election in 1990. In the wake of a new constitution, the status of Serbs led to loss of Serbian rights and as well as economic and professional protections in the work place.

The following year in 1991, Croatia declared its independence from the Federation and the Serbian enclave of Krajina declared independence from Croatia. This was beginning of civil conflicts that engulfed the Yugoslav federation. Since Croatia was moving against the Serbs of Krajina, the Yugoslav People's Army, ruled by Serbian communists, can to the defense of their brothers in the enclave.

The military presence forced the Croatians to halt their declaration of independence for a period of three months. Yet, this did not halt the fighting in the country. In fact, the battles raged on until a quarter of Croatia fell to the Serbian militias and federal army. The federal army approached the city of Dubrovnik in October 1991. The presidential palace in Zagreb was also bombed. Finally the European Union acted by placing sanctions against Serbia. The war had a death toll numbering over 10,000 in a period of six months. Hundreds of thousands fled the war zones and many were left homeless.

When diplomatic approaches like the negotiation of cease-fires failed to achieve results, the United Nations sent a protection force into Serbian-held Croatia in late 1991. This act led to the withdrawal of the Serb-led federal army. A few months later in May of 1992, Croatia was admitted to the UN after the government amended its constitution to protect minority groups and human rights. Nevertheless, this was not the end the violence. Paramilitary groups in Krajina were still causing trouble in the republic well into 1993. This led to action by the Croatian who attacked the region. Krajina reacted by proclaim itself an independent republic and turning out is Croat population, by all most a hundred percent. By March of 1994, Krajina agreed to a ceasefire. Yet, just over a year later, violence returned to the troubled country. Croatian forces pushed their way into the region and 150,000 Serbs fled their ancestral lands.

Finally, by the enactment of the Dayton Agreement in 1995, the country managed to achieve a measure of real stability so Croatia could recover from the war and begin rebuilding its infrastructure. Despite major changes in political regimes, Croatia has remained committed to economic and social development and expansion.

Culture

Culture in Croatia

Ivan Mestrovic, the 20th century sculptor, is well respected and cherished as an icon of the Croatian art culture. The town squares throughout the country show his work. In Zagreb, he designed several impressive buildings, including the Croatian History Museum. Literary personalities in Croatian history include 16th century playwright Marin Drzic and 20th century novelist, playwright, and poet Miroslav Krleza, whose multi-volume work, Banners depicts the Croatian life in the early 20th century.

A variety of styles is blended masterfully in Croatian folk music .A lively Slavic round dance called the kolo is accompanied by Roma- Style violinists or the tambura, and sometimes even a mandolin is added to the mix. Dalmatian guitarist and accordion bands provide a bit of Italian influence to Croatian music.

Cuisine in Croatia includes foods that are regional specific. For example, visitors to the city of Zagreb will likely have the opportunity to sample its distinctive piroska, a cheese donut, or, of course, there are also the layered pies called burek that are made with meat or cheese. The Adriatic provinces, not surprisingly, specialize in fine seafood dishes like scampi and Dalmatian brodet, a mixed fish stewed typically served with rice. Moving away from coastal regions, visitors may try delicacies like manista od bobica, which is a beans and fresh maize soup, or struki, a baked cheese dumpling. Each region produces a selection of fine wines.

Environment

Environment in Croatia

The country of Croatia is situated on the northern and eastern edge of the Adriatic Sea and is bordered by Slovenia, Hungary, Yugoslavia, and Bosnia-Herzegovina. The territory of Croatia is laid out in a sharp, crescent shape that wraps around Bosnia-Herzegovina. At its narrowest point, the country is squeeze between the aforementioned country and Slovenia. On the rugged Adriatic coast, you have the Istrian Peninsula and far-flung city of Dubrovnik separated from the rest of the country by Bosnian territory.

The largest tourist attraction in Croatia is undoubtedly its superb beaches and gorgeous coastline. There is 1,778 kilometers (1,103 miles) of coastline and if you count those of the various islands, you get a figure of 5,790 kilometers (3,590 miles) total. Many make the comparison between Croatia's offshore islands and those of Greece for beauty and wealth of interesting sights. Of the 1,185 islands, only 66 are regularly inhabited.

Brijuni, near Pula, is one of Croatia's seven national parks and includes carefully cultivated and preserved forests of Mediterranean holm oaks. The Risnjak National Park is very mountainous and is the home of the lynx. Paklenica National Park has dense forest growths that make a perfect home for everything from insects and reptiles to various species of birds, such as the griffon vulture. Plitvice Lakes National Park is known for its bears, deer, and wolves.

From the Mediterranean along the Adriatic coast to the continental inland, the climate may to considerable degree depending upon the season. The coastal areas are hot with dry summers and mild rainy winters. The country's coastal mountain ranges hinder the frigid northerly winds enough to bring about an early spring and late autumn season. The average temperature in Zagreb is 27°C (80°F) in July and drop to 2°C (35°F) in January.

Travel in and to Croatia

There And Back Again

Zagreb is connected to many European cities by the nearby international airport located about 17 kilometers (11 miles) southwest of the city. Keep in mind that like many other European countries, Croatia includes a departure tax in their ticket prices. Zagreb buses run to several cities in Hungary and Germany, as well as to Amsterdam and Brussels. Zagreb has rail services that run to Italy, Germany, Austria, Hungary, and Croatia. You can enter Croatia by automobile using one of four numbered border crossings that link Slovenia, Bosnia- Herzegovina, and Yugoslavia with Croatia.

Local Transportation

Zagreb has regular flights by Croatia Airlines to Brac, Dubrovnik, Pula, Split, and Zadar. The bus network is provides ample coverage and it is reasonably priced. Trains are more comfortable transportation option than buses, yet they are often slower. The tradeoff is that they are less expensive. Split and Zagreb are serviced by common car rental franchises. The Adriatic highway has incredible views and runs from Italy to Albania, and along steep slopes of Croatia's coastal range. There are various ferry services operating along the Adriatic coast providing transport back and forth between the Croatian islands like Pula, Mali Losinj and Zadar, as well as most of the larger islands.