Introducing Croatia
‘Everything old is new again’ could be Croatia’s national anthem. Settled before the Romans ever set foot on the ‘Illyrian’ shores, Croatia has suddenly become the ‘new Greece’, the ‘new Spain’, the ‘new Riviera’ or the ‘new Tuscany’ to travellers eager to ‘do’ the latest destination. 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.
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. Dalmatian cities throb with nightlife amid ancient Roman ruins.
The interior landscape is as beguiling, even though less visited. Soak in a thermal spa in the rolling hills of the north. Hike through pristine forests watered by mountain streams in the west. Let the waterfalls of Plitvice moisten your face.
Croatian culture is as varied as the scenery. 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.
Last updated: Nov 6, 2008
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