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Croatia

Croatia is an Eastern European country with a long coastline on the Adriatic Sea, more than 1,000 islands crossed by the Dinaric Alps. Have borders with Bosnia-Herzegovina, Slovenia , Hungary , Serbia and Montenegro . Its capital Zagreb is known for the Gornji Grad (upper town) neighborhood and its various museums. The main coastal city, Dubrovnik, has massive walls dating back to the 16th century, surrounding an ancient city with Gothic and Renaissance buildings. After the war that devastated the country, Croatia has rebuilt its infrastructure, revitalizing its image as a Mediterranean country with crystal clear waters, medieval cities that mix western and eastern architecture, respect for the environment and traditions with the arrival of tourism developing a type of tourism based on sustainability, in which culture, gastronomy and nature coexist with the visitor.

Getting to and around Croatia

Airplane: Zagreb , Split , pulla , Rijeka , Dubrovnik , osijek , Zadar , Losinj and Brac , are the 9 airports, seven of them international. Croatia Airlines It has regular domestic flights between Zagreb and Dubrovnik, Pula and Split. The air connection does not present any problem. The world's leading airlines fly to Zagreb and other major Croatian cities (Dubrovnik, Split, etc.).

Trains: The Croatian railway network has suffered a lot of damage. The connections between the main stations are slow and poor. Ambitious projects to repair and modernize the lines, as well as the trains, are currently under way. It is possible to travel to Croatia with the interrail pass a more economical way for those who want to see the country from another perspective.

Bus: There are regular services to destinations throughout Croatia. The bus timetable can be obtained at the Zagreb Central Bus Station (website: www.akz.hr).

Boat and ferries: the main port is Rijeka with a traffic of more than 18 million tons per year, followed by Sibenik, Split, Zadar, Pual, Ploce and Dubrovnik.

Cars: the road network consists of 27,400 km, of which 4,715 km are primary roads and 287 are classified as motorways.

Taxis and other transport: taxis can only be taken at stops, hotels or by asking them by phone. The alternative means of transport are the frequent service trams.

What to see in Croatia

Zagreb

It is located in the northwest of the country, between the sava river and the southern slope of the mountain Medvednica , between the Adriatic coast and central Europe, The area on which it sits has been inhabited since the Roman Empire . The oldest site that has been located is the Roman city of Andautonia, located 10 km from the current capital. It houses the headquarters of central government , public administrations and almost all ministries. Economic activity concentrates the majority of industry, business headquarters and research centers, with a system specialized in information technology and in the service sector . It contains no less than one million inhabitants, although it still retains the charm of the cities of the Middle Ages, given that it was the result of the union of two medieval cities. It is characterized by its Austro-Hungarian architecture from the 18th and 19th centuries. At its center, in the Upper Town, is the Gothic Zagreb Cathedral, with two identical spiers, and the 13th-century St. Mark's Church, with a colorful roof. Nearby is the Tkalčićeva pedestrian street, lined with outdoor cafes. Lower Town has a main square, Ban Jelačić, along with shops, museums, and parks.

dollar market

Located in the Kaptol area of Zagreb, it is a traditional open-air market that takes place in the morning. It is undoubtedly a colorful place, surrounded by restaurants, bars and shops, and visited not only by its inhabitants, but also by visitors. thousands of tourists visiting the Croatian capital. Divided into two floors, on the top with all kinds of fresh fish, cheese. honey, aromatic plants, and on the lower floor meats, sausages and products such as bread and cakes. Best of all, it is not a market that has been affected by tourism, so you can enjoy a great atmosphere.

Sveti Marko Church

Located in the district of Gradec, Zagreb, a very central area, in Saint Mark's Square it has a magical touch with a spectacular roof with small round colored tiles. Monumental is also the Stone Gate, the entrance to the city in earlier times, next to it, a chapel with the image of the Virgin guards the entrance. Built in Romanesque style in the 13th century, it was later renovated in late Gothic. On the facade of the southern area you can see a portal with up to 15 figures in the Gothic style. But without a doubt what is most picturesque and peculiar is its roof, which is very different from any roof we have seen before. On the roof of the church there are two coats of arms, that of Zagreb and that of the kingdoms of Croatia, Dalmatia and Slovenia.

Cable car

It was built in 1891, when it was one of the most innovative transports of the time, the journey is only 60 meters but it is enough space to move to the lower city or Gornji Grad, we change scenery and appear in a neighborhood with a medieval air, festive , jovial, very attractive for the tourist that will undoubtedly captivate us. What this funicular does is unite the neighborhood of Gradec and the lower city. Although the tour could perfectly be done on foot, it is always a fun experience to get on one of these transports. By the way you can enjoy the views of the city from the top.

Zagreb Cathedral

Built in neo-Gothic style, it is located in the Kaptol neighborhood. The most relevant are its two slender Gothic towers that rise into the sky and stand out from many points in the city. The original temple that stood in this area was from the 11th century, but it was reformed successively until reaching the one that exists today. Inside you can see a sarcophagus with a plastic doll that is an imitation of Alojzije Stepinac .

Sljeme Sky Center

It is situated in the Medvednica Nature Park, about ten kilometers from the center of Zagreb. One of the factors that most attracts skiers is the beauty of the surroundings of Medvendnica, a fairytale place with beautiful hotels and resorts. Sljeme's ski slopes are over 4,000 meters in length, and can be accessed by all types of skiers, as the ski center has multi-level slopes, white and green slopes for beginners, and blue and white slopes. red for the most daring.

Krka National Park

Located in central Dalmatia it is a protected area with spectacular natural landscapes, wildlife and historical sites. Located along the Krka River in Sibinik-Knin, it is best known for its many waterfalls where natural pools with clear blue-green waters. Known for its succession of seven waterfalls, it is located in the southern part of Croatia and spans the Krka river basin. To the south is the Skradinski Buk waterfall, flanked by traditional water mills. To the north is a nature trail through Roški Slap, another impressive waterfall, as well as the Krka monastery, built on ancient Roman catacombs.

Korčula

Dubrovnik-Neretva county Adriatic island. It is located about 20 km. from the coast, between Makarska and Ploce and 50 km from Croatia. ., With a extension of 279 km2. It is easily accessible if we do it from Split or Dubrovnik by ferry. It is home to lush green forests, vineyards, olive groves, sandy beaches and charming villages. The island's main town, Korucla Town, is a historic, walled town with Venetian Renaissance architecture, colorful markets and plenty of tourist facilities. It is known as the presumed birthplace of the famous traveling merchant, Marco Polo who is supposed to have been born on this island in 1254, into a Venetian family of merchants established here.

Pula

Located at the southern tip of the Istrian peninsula on the Adriatic Sea it is a very popular tourist destination, famous for its sheltered harbour, coastline lined with beaches and Roman ruins where fans flocked to watch the fights of gladiators.. the Pula amphitheater built between the 27th century BC and 68 AD. Has a capacity of almost 23,000 people which makes it the 6th largest in the world. Another place you can visit in Pula is the famous Hercules gate, the arch of the Sergios that contains innumerable details with Corinthian style built in the century 27 BC in memory of most of the members of the Serbian families who used this arch to enter the city in the 19th century. Another place to visit is the Temple of Augustus founded in the 1st century. built to venerate the goddess Roma and the Emperor Augustus. The Romans, the Ostrogoths and the Venetians, in addition to the Allied forces in World War II, have administered the city.

Zadar

Located in the north of the Dalmatian Coast and With more than three thousand years of history, it is located on a beautiful coast, rich in history known for the Roman and Venetian ruins in its peninsular Old City. In the heart of the city is its old town which offers fantastic tourist attractions including Roman ruins, medieval architecture and numerous ancient churches. There are several Venetian gates in the city walls. Surrounding the Roman-era forum is the 11th-century Convent of Santa María, with religious art dating from the 8th century. There is also the great Cathedral of Santa Anastasia, from the 12th century, and the Church of San Donato, from the 9th century, circular in shape in pre-Romanesque style.

Rovinj

Located on the Istrian peninsula in the Adriatic Sea, it is an archipelago of 20 islands with its old town situated on a small peninsula. The narrow cobblestone streets, stairs, arches and its interesting architecture make this Old Town a sightseeing adventure. Some of the historical gems of the old town which sits on a promontory and is packed with closely packed houses reaching down to the sea shore include the seven medieval town gates, the 12th century town clock and the basilica of St. Eufemia, an imposing baroque church filled with many impressive works of art. A tangle of cobbled streets leads to the church of Santa Eufemia, which sits atop a hill and whose tall bell tower dominates the skyline. South of Hull is Lone Bay, one of the area's pebbly beaches.

Split

Nicknamed the "Flower of the Mediterranean", it is the second largest city in Croatia, located on a peninsula on the Dalmatian coast. The city's main attraction is its historic center with its beautiful Gothic and Renaissance architecture of which Diocletian's Palace is the jewel in the Croatian crown. Built between 298 and 305 AD, this palace complex . Erected by the Roman emperor in the 4th century, it is like a small city with a labyrinth of marble corridors and buildings containing shops, cafes and bars. Its ruins spread across the city include more than 200 buildings, once numbering in the thousands. Inside with white stone walls and under its courtyards, you will find a cathedral and a variety of shops, cafes, bars, hotels and houses.

Plitvice Lakes National Park

This forest reserve of 295 square km located in central Croatia is one of the most beautiful natural wonders of Croatia and all of Europe. It is made up of several impressive lakes, waterfalls and lush forest whose most notable feature is the 16 interconnected lakes that are divided into upper and lower groups with waterfalls spilling into a limestone canyon. Formed by natural travertine dams, the lakes vary in colors other than turquoise to blue, green and gray. Trails and hiking trails wind around the water through it and an electric boat links the 12 upper and 4 lower lakes. In the latter, is the Veliki Slap waterfall of 78 meters high.

Hvar

Island of the Dalmatian coast that, favored by its landscapes and spectacular beaches, lavender fields and vineyards, is one of the most popular tourist places. Hvar's main town, Hvar Town is a very attractive town with 13th century city walls, marble stone streets, gothic palaces, impressive churches, an imposing old hilltop fortress and a main square with the Renaissance Hvar Cathedral in its center. The island also has beaches, such as Dubovica, and lavender fields in the interior. There are tours that they arrive at the nearby Pakleni Islands, which have secluded beaches and coves.

Dubrovnik (Ragusa)

Nicknamed the “Pearl of the Adriatic”, the ancient city of Dubrovnik is one of the outstanding places to visit in the Mediterranean. Located at the southern tip of Croatia on the Adriatic Sea, it was founded in the 7th century for maritime trade. The historical center, the Old City offers many historical elements, surrounded by huge stone walls that were completed in the 16th century, cobbled streets, magnificent palaces, tourist places to visit and impressive churches. Its well-preserved buildings range from the Baroque-style Church of San Blas to the Renaissance-style Sponza Palace and the Gothic-style Rector's Palace, now a history museum. Paved with limestone, the Stradun (or Placa) pedestrian street is lined with shops and restaurants.

Beaches

It has more than 700 islands and an impressive coastline with more than 5000 kilometers, some of its beautiful beaches:

Omis

Long and wide expanses of golden sand, they are the main attraction of Omis. Located in the seaside town of Omni on the length of coastline known as the Riviera Omis, the beach is dotted with pine and tamarisk trees planted to form a natural promenade. The beaches of Omis owe their soft sand to the Cetina River, which replenishes the otherwise rocky shoreline with sand every year. The canyons cut by the river through the mountains of the region form a spectacular backdrop for this fantastic Beach.

Banja

It is the closest beach to the walled city of Dubrovnik and is located in front of its eastern entrance (Ploce). The beach has magnificent natural features and is particularly popular. The pebble beach is surrounded by some of the best hotels in Dubrovnik and is equipped with all the amenities luxury travelers expect, including lounge chairs, umbrellas, and rooms that come equipped with showers.

Dubovica

Located on the popular south coast of the hvar Island, It is the largest beach on the island and one of the sunniest places in Europe. Located just a short drive from the village of Milna, the pebbly beach shelters in an emerald green lagoon contrasted with a small cluster of historic stone houses nestled between hills. The calm, crystal clear water invites underwater exploration and diving is a very popular activity

Makarska

Located between the cities of Makarska and Split in an extension of 65 km this region of the Dalmatian Coast is known as the Makarska Riviera. Nestled between the foothills of the Biokovo mountain climb, the town of Makarska boasts a sheltered wing bay with pebble beaches. The city's main beach arches along a palm-shaded promenade and is lined with chic cafes, upscale restaurants, and shops. It is one of the best beaches in Croatia for families, too has boats and jet-ski rentals for adventure activities in the bright blue sea.

Stara Baska

Located on the southwest coast of the island of Krk, Stara Baska is a small Croatian town at the end of the main road on the island. Best known for its locally grown and milled wheat, Baska's big attraction is the pebbly beach located near the town. It is located in the protected cove of Oprna Baya, accessed on foot by a steep path. Although there is equipment from the Skrila campsite located above the beach, there is nothing more than a small bar on the beach itself, so visitors must bring their own supplies. It can also be reached by boat from Stara Baska.

Queen in Nin Croatia

Queen of the beach, or Kraljicina Plaza, is located in the city of Nin in the north of Dalmatia. The sandy beaches in croatia they are not common along the rocky coasts of the country, and those that stretch for miles are even rarer, which explains the enormous popularity of the beach of the Queen of Croatia. As well as the peloid mud found in the shallow areas of the Nin lagoon, which is prized as an effective treatment for joint and muscle pain. People come from all over Europe to slather themselves in the mud and relax in the sun.

Rajska Plaza

Located on the island of Rab in the seaside resort of Lopar, Rajska Plaza or Paradise Beach, is one of the most famous beaches of the Adriatic. He is known as the perfect place to spend a vacation family on the beach. Visitors can wade into the shallow, calm waters without getting their heads wet. It is also one of the few sandy beaches in Croatia.

Pakleni Islands

Pkleni Otoci is a group of 20 small islands and islets off the island of Hvar, just 20 minutes away by boat, an essential excursion if you visit this famous island known as the Croatian Ibiza. There are options for all tastes: visit the Marina Palmizana on the island of St.Klement, the nudist beach of Jerolim, its wonderful seabeds for diving, the famous carpe diem club to enjoy the night..

Island of Brac

Known for Zlatni Rat Beach, it is located on the south coast of the island to the west of the pretty picture-postcard town of Bol. The currents around the Hvar channel have shaped this unique beach, on a long, narrow piece of land that stretches about 450 meters into the clear blue sea. Bathers, on the narrow beach of white pebbles, enjoy the view of the sea on both sides. The views of the coast are equally impressive. Roman ruins peer out from the pine tree forests in contrast to the immense beauty of the Vidova Mountain, the highest peak of the Adriatic islands.

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Croatian cuisine

Its gastronomy is heterogeneous and therefore known as a cuisine of regions since each region of Croatia contains its own culinary traditions.

Kulen: very sausage popular whose outward appearance is similar to chorizo, but its flavor differs. It is made with the parts that contain more fat from the pig, garlic, salt and paprika.

Pasticada: stew prepared with beef (sometimes beef) vegetables, spices and wine, whose most common accompaniment is usually gnocchi.

Strukli: puff pastry that inside has cheese and a kind of sour cream made with milk.

Burek: muslim influenced It was a puff pastry with meat inside. In Croatia and especially in Zagreb It is filled with fresh cheese.

Sarma: meat, spices and rice, all wrapped in cabbage cooked for several hours. On the plate it is usually put together with the sauce with which it has been cooked.

Orehnjaca: it is a kind of puff pastry that has walnuts as a filling principal.

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