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Croatia

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Dubrovnik, Croatia

Introducing Croatia

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Despite the hype, Croatia’s pleasures are more timeless than trendy. Along its 1778km coastline, a glistening sea winds around rocky coves, lapping at pine-fringed beaches. Istrian ports bustle with fishermen while children dive into the sparkling water. In Dalmatia, cities throb with nightlife amid ancient Roman ruins.

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Yachts glide up the coast, movie stars discreetly arrange to buy one of Croatia’s 1185 islands and no Mediterranean cruise is complete without a stop in Dubrovnik. The interior landscape is as beguiling, even though less visited. Soak in a thermal spa at Istarske Toplice in Istria. Hike through pristine forests watered by mountain streams in the west. Let the waterfalls of Plitvice moisten your face. And then there's the culture. The country that endured Roman, Venetian, Italian and Austro-Hungarian rule has a unique and slightly schizoid identity. You’ll find a strong central European flavour in the baroque architecture of Zagreb, and Italian devotion to the good life percolates up from the coast, permeating Croatian food and style. During holidays and festivals the country’s Slavic soul emerges, as colourfully costumed dancers whirl about to traditional folk melodies.

Croatians retain a strong attachment to the land and traditions that nourished the dream of independence for so long. Even as a tide of speculators and developers wash ashore, there is a real commitment to preserving the extraordinary beauty of the coast. Whether the country can hold out against the lure of easy money is an excruciating test of its character. But, so far the signs are promising.

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Last updated: Jan 18, 2012

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Thorn Tree forum discussion

Recent posts

  1. flumy avatar
    Re: help: From Venice to Croatia in june

    by flumy 27 May 2012

    +Hello+ +I will be travelling in june and I need some advice. I will be arriving in Venice on June 6. and I would like to stay in croatia…
  2. everbrite avatar
    RE: help: From Venice to Croatia in june

    by everbrite 27 May 2012

    1. Bus is probably the cheapest way to get from Venice to Croatia. Try searching the TT as there are tons of 7-10 day itineraries taking…
  3. Tryfan avatar
    RE: help: From Venice to Croatia in june

    by Tryfan 27 May 2012

    You can get the ferry from Ancona - Split. Train from Venice to Ancona is €38 advance, then the ferry is €44 for a seat. So €82 tota…

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Top cities in Croatia

  1. Dubrovnik
  2. Zagreb
  3. Split
  4. Zadar
  5. Rijeka
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