About Croatia

CROATIA IS A FAIRLY NEW EU COUNTRY AT THE CROSSROADS OF CENTRAL EUROPE, MEDITERRANEAN AND THE BALKANS.

Where to start when describing Croatia? A rather difficult question when you have to pick between Croatia’s 1000+ islands, UNESCO’s historic towns, 8 breath taking National Parks, 17000+ vineyards, olive oil so good it makes you cry and the hospitality you will never forget.

But let’s start with the clear blue waters of the Adriatic Sea. We travel a lot around the globe but hardly anything can match the beauty of the Croatian Adriatic. Once you experience intimately the clear waters and picturesque islands of Dalmatia combined with pristine local culture, you a very short step away from the Big Blue Shangri-La. Step on board of a sailing boat, paddle the sea-kayak or go for a hike and bike ride on the islands and you will get to enjoy one of the most beautiful marine landscapes in the world.

Dalmatia, the southern most region of Croatia, with the most beautiful coastline and numerous islands boasts with towns like Dubrovnik, Split, Hvar, Korcula, Trogir… This is where you embark on a journey taking you back in time of Venetians, Ottomans, pirates and adventurous sailors. You simply should not miss visiting the Diocletian palace in Split and the old town of Dubrovnik, dubbed “the Pearl of the Adriatic” and once an independent state, the super chic town of Hvar and Marco Polo’s Korcula island.

LET’S HAVE SOME MORE FACTS ABOUT CROATIA

Croatia was once part of the Habsburg monarchy and later formed part Federative Republic of Yugoslavia. It got its independence in the turbulent early 90’s and has been a member of European Union since July 2013. It borders Slovenia, Hungary, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro. Croatia’s official currency is Croatian Kuna. There are plenty of ATM’s and banks around and credit cards are accepted almost everywhere. English is widely spoken among the younger generation and country is very safe to travel.

Croatia’s capital is a vibrant city of Zagreb, only 6 hours drive to Munich and 4 hours drive to Vienna. From Venice, it takes only 2 hours driving along the coast to reach the beautiful peninsula of Istria situated in the Western most part of Croatia.

Istria was voted as one of the top 10 regions of the world to travel to by Lonely planet.

Many people consider Istria as a new Tuscany. And it’s easy to understand why. The Blue Istria offers beautiful coastline with charming historic towns of Rovinj and Porec dating back to the time of Venetians. A perfect contrast to the blue sea is the hilly inland of the peninsula, called the Green Istria. There are many medieval villages scattered on those hills introducing you to some of the best dining in the country. This is the place to find Croatia’s most exclusive olive oil and wine producers. Food enthusiasts will definitely enjoy the supreme delicacy of the region – the so-called “black & white gold” found in the oak forests surrounding the hilltop medieval town of Motovun, the capital of truffles. We enjoy watching this transition of young generation progressive chefs taking over the culinary podium, yet following the gourmet rules of their ancestors. It’s a vibrant revival of old traditions with organic farm-to-table cuisine!

WHAT WE LIKE TO DO MOST

bike the Green Istria,

sail the archipelago of Kornati islands National Park,

enjoy following this new wave of top young culinary chefs emerging in Istria,

taste the olive oil in Istria, on the islands of Hvar and Brac and in the fabulous UJE oil bar in Split,

explore the old part of Dubrovnik and Split (Diocletian palace) just before sunset,

hike the Velebit national park and Mt Ilija on Peljesac (best views in whole of Dalmatia),

paddle the sea-kayak in the archipelago of small islands overlooking Korcula island or archipelago of Pakleni islands overlooking Hvar island,

for more adventurous one, seeking the true paradise, explore with us the islands of Cres and Losinj,

sense the mysterious island of Vis with its secluded beaches and rich history taking you back to WWII time of Yugoslavian partisans,

have a glass of red wine in one of the wine bars in Rovinj,

hike in the splendid National Park of Mljet island rich with fresh water lakes,

stop by to sample some of the tastiest mandarins and dry figs at the fruit stalls on Neretva plain, dubbed “Croatian California”, near Bosnian border,

walk the longest fortified wall in Europe protecting the historic town and salt pans of Ston,

enjoy a chic dinner on island of Hvar, probably Croatia’s most interesting island. Yes, Hollywood celebrities also know about it, but who could blame them, the place is just beautiful,

cycle on peninsula of Peljesac, the home of Dingac, Croatia’s most famous red wine, and authentic local restaurants called Konoba,

visit Croatia in late spring and in the end of summer for superb walking holidays, taking you from the inland National Park of Plitvice, to the Velebit mountain range and great hiking trails on the islands,

sail, sail and once again sail. This is far the best way to experience Croatian islands.

And if you crave for more, consider a trip extension to a fine Alpine experience in Slovenia or make an exotic adventure to Montenegro.