If to characterize Croatia in the dry language of official guidebooks, it is a small country in the south-east of Europe. It borders Slovenia in the northwest, Hungary in the north, Bosnia and Herzegovina in the southeast, Serbia and Montenegro in the east, and has a sea border with Italy. Its territory is 56,540 square kilometers. The population is 4.5 million people. Of them Croats – 78%, Bosnians – 12%, there are also Serbs, Hungarians and Slovenes. The language is Croatian.
The ancient beauty of Croatia. Mix of cultures
However, hardly anyone will be able to speak impartially about this wonderful, truly magical country for a long time. It is a fairytale land, captivating anyone with its incomparable, breathtaking beauty. They have attracted people of different nationalities and spheres of life since ancient times. The interests of Romans, Byzantines, Venetians, Turks, Hungarians, French and Germans crossed here at different times. Their stay, however brief, did not pass without a trace for the Croatian people and their land. It undoubtedly affected the appearance of cities, architectural monuments, literary works, even the way of life and habits of Croatians. The intertwining of many cultures is a distinctive feature of Croatia, which gives this country an unforgettable flavor that can charm even the experienced traveler. A large number of monuments from the Ancient Rome and later times have been preserved almost in pristine condition from the past centuries.
Solitude
When it comes to islands, there are 1185 (!!!) of them. They seem to be generously scattered along Croatia’s intricately rugged coastline and some of them are covered with luxuriant Mediterranean vegetation, while others are bare and deserted. Most of them are uninhabited. Croatian islands are particularly popular with tourists who dream of seclusion and quiet vacations. Robinsons are especially popular with lighthouse vacations.
Entertainment
However, in Croatia will not be bored and tourists who prefer noisy campaigns and merry feasts. They can find plenty to do in Opatija, Poreč, Dubrovnik, Split and Hvar, known for their top restaurants, bars, nightclubs and modern movie theaters. Party life boils here around the clock.
Croatia is a gourmet’s paradise
As for local restaurants, regardless of the location, you can always find fine wine, taste the freshest, freshly caught, extremely tasty fish of all varieties and try dishes from a variety of “sea creatures” – squid, mussels, shrimps, oysters, perfectly prepared by local skillful chefs.
Ecology and climate
Croatia is a country with impeccable ecology, so there is no need to doubt the quality of the food served on the table. The products here are always of natural origin, so they have excellent, rich flavor and in no case will bring nothing but good for your health. The air here is unpolluted, clear and fresh as spring water, clean beaches, pine forests and emerald azure sea. The waters of the Adriatic near the Croatian coast are transparent, as the mountain rivers do not carry silt and sand in them. In addition, nature has endowed Croatia with a beautiful sun, which shines 2600 hours a year and heats the air in the summer time to a minimum of +21 ° C. Here is a very pleasant fall and mild winter.
Vacation for every taste
In Croatia, everything disposes to a healthy and interesting vacation.
Some tourists prefer to just bask in the sun, sunbathe, swim in the turquoise sea waves, stroll through picturesque seaside towns and sit with a cup of flavored coffee in small cafes.
Seafarers can rent a yacht and explore nearby uninhabited islands, go diving, go sailing or water skiing on an unusual sea cable car.
For avid skiers there is an opportunity to ski down the slopes in the snowy mountains of Gorski Kotar, Velebit or in the vicinity of Zagreb (Zagreb). Croatian mountains are also very popular with mountain tourism fans.
Nature lovers can walk through the fairytale park in Plitvice, where turquoise water mirrors of lakes are connected by waterfalls and fringed by wooded hills. They will be interested in visiting Europe’s largest bird sanctuary or the Paklenica National Park with its rocks, cliffs, caves, dense pine forests and alpine meadows, as well as a unique botanical garden. It is not far from the town of Rovinj. Rovinj (Rovinj) you can admire the bay, like two drops of water similar to the Norwegian fjord (Gulf of Lima).
Fishing is excellent in Croatia – both at sea and in fresh waters. And if you have the appropriate permit, fishermen will not be left without a catch and will get a lot of pleasure from exciting and diverse fishing.
There is also something to do here for hunting enthusiasts. You can hunt wild boar, deer, partridge, even bear.
For tourists who want to improve their health, there are modern comfortable spa resorts, where you can not only have a great rest, but also get all kinds of health-improving procedures.
Those who can not stay in one place for a long time, can rent a car and drive along the coast, enjoying the wonderful nature, exploring local attractions, of which there are many.