Introducing Croatia
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.
Ready to go? These recommended tours make it easy:
- take an island hopping cycle adventure along Croatia’s magical Dalmatian coast
- explore Croatia starting in Dubrovnik
- see Montenegro, on a day trip from Dubrovnik
- Want more? Choose from a wide selection of similar trips in Croatia
Last updated: Oct 23, 2009
Tips & articles
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26 July 2010
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22 July 2010
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The flavours of the Croatian coast
20 July 2010
If thoughts of Croatian cuisine conjure up images of greasy steaks with a side of boiled potatoes and...
Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
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Traveling Balcãs by car
by nando1143 1 reply, last post 31 July 2010
Hello I'm traveling in a rented car, from Italy to Croatia, Montenegro, Bosnia, Serbia and Slovenia, but there is a little problem: I…
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easyJet not so easy
by madjackdean 6 replies, last post 31 July 2010
My new wife and I recently travelled to Europe to enjoy a stress free honeymoon ...or so we though!! A week of sightseeing in Croatia…
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Seasonal Travelling
by rockcriedout 3 replies, last post 31 July 2010
Hi guys! My husband and I are going to travel Eastern Europe (Turkey, Croatia, Poland, Greece, Czech Republic) in 2011, starting in July.…
Croatia
Our Top Picks For Croatia
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1 Varaždin
Admire the scrupulously maintained baroque architecture of Croatia's one-time capital
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2 Zagreb
Meander the medieval streets of the Upper Town, taking in the galleries, museums and nightlife
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3 Samobor
Refresh yourself in this fetching town with its stream and covered bridges
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4 Pula
Ponder the Roman ruins or take in a concert at immense amphitheatre
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5 Plitvice Lakes National Park
Cool off in this watery wonderland of lakes and cascades
Fast Facts about Croatia
- Area
56, 538 sq km
- Inflation
3.2%
- Unemployment rate
18.3%
- GDP growth rate
4.8%
- Population
4.5 million
- Population growth rate
-0.03%
- Life expectancy
male 71, female 78.5
- Primary trading partner
- Head of state
President Ivo Josipovic
- Average net monthly salary
4128KN
Related Groups
Our favourite Croatia Blogs (beta)
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Travelling in Turkey – More Greek and Roman Ruins than Italy and Greece!
Blog: Vagobond.com - 29 July 2010
Again, not a lot of time to write, but we are having a wonderful time in Turkey. From cruising the Bosporus to marveling at the Iskander Kebap in Bursa, this trip has been filed with adventures stretching across the Black Sea, the Marmara Sea, and soon the Aegean Sea, and of course a bit of [...]
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The Most Popular Europe Summer Holiday Spots In 2010
Blog: As We Travel - 20 July 2010
Europe – The Most Popular And Cheap Summer Holiday Spots For You To Visit In 2010 Hey everyone! I hope you’re having a great summer. Holiday time is here in Europe, people are escaping the cities and heading out to find the best summer spots – but where is the best place to go?
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Highlights of Dalmatia
Blog: everthenomad - 1 July 2010
Another week of fruitful research and intense travel went by. My head is bursting with impression and information but thought I'd share some of the highlights of my ten days in Dalmatia.
