Croatia ( Republika Hrvatska ). A voyage to Croatia, Europe - Zagreb, Dubrovnik, Split, Dalmatia...

 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.

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? Our recommended tours make it easy:

• Go on an island hopping cycle adventure along Croatia's magical Dalmatian coast
• Explore Croatie from Split to Dubrovnik
• Kayak along the magnificent Dubrovnik city walls

Want more? Browse through all our Croatia tours
Show in Lonely Planet

More about Croatia

• Places in Croatia
• When to go & weather
• Getting there & around
• Practical information
• History
• Tips & articles
• Hotels

Make it happen

• Shop for travel guides
• Search hotels
• Cheap flights
• Travel insurance

You have read this articleCroatia / Europe with the title Croatia ( Republika Hrvatska ). A voyage to Croatia, Europe - Zagreb, Dubrovnik, Split, Dalmatia.... You can bookmark this page URL http://oinsweden.blogspot.com/2012/01/croatia-republika-hrvatska-voyage-to.html. Thanks!

Write by: AN - Tuesday, January 31, 2012