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Press 2011
Croatian National Tourist Board
PREFERRED DESTINATION OF THE YEAR 2011/2012
Iblerov trg 10/IV
10 000 Zagreb, Croatia
Phone + 385 (1) 4699 333
Fax + 385 (1) 4557 827
E-mail [email protected]
Web www.croatia.hr
PRESS 2011
are brought to us by boaters which is more than 10 percent of the
total tourism revenue. We will therefore continue to strive, as much as
possible, to meet their needs when it comes to infrastructure and the
construction of a marina for mega-yachts, as well as raise the quality of
service and safety at sea.
Croatia is among the most desirable destinations for camping in Europe. As
we are aware of the fact that camping is a lifestyle and a trend in tourism,
next year we will strive to increase the number and quality of the campsites
and their facilities. Indeed, campers are guests who are most concerned
about preserving nature, which, in modern terms of climate change and
pollution, is very important to maintain competitiveness.
READY FOR NEW CHALLENGES
Although the Adriatic is ‘a major media star’, our country is so diverse that
we can surprise the world with many more trumps.
Despite the crisis in the global market, Croatia’s tourist season 2010 finished
with impressive results, increasing the number of nights as well as the total
number of guests who visited our country. We are aware that this trend can
only continue with new investments in better quality of accommodation
and additional facilities as well as friendly, professional people who are the
‘key to success’ in tourism. Croatia will therefore in 2011 continue to be a
contender for a high quality lifestyle destination with a special emphasis
on environmental preservation. All of the above will help it retain its status
as one of the leading tourist countries in the Mediterranean, which will
almost certainly contribute to Croatia entering the European Union.
From season to season, the continental part of Croatia, the hinterland
of the coastal regions and the interior of the islands enrich the tourist
facilities with their original offer - from the cultural, historical and natural
heritage to the indigenous foods and beverages that are the foundation
of a successful eco-ethno tourism.
Among the biggest benefits of Croatian tourist destinations is the fact
that we are almost the last unharmed, beautiful part of the European
Mediterranean, which has long been in the tourism industry, and has
managed to preserve authenticity, ambience and lifestyle. In addition,
among the main ‘advantages’ are, without a doubt, a good enological and
gastronomic offer and extremely valuable cultural and natural heritage.
Visitors to Croatia are especially attracted to warmth, spontaneity and
hospitality of their hosts and the fact that tourists in our country do not
reside in specially designated areas, but together with the local population.
Next year we plan to attract even more visitors eager for a rich cultural and
natural heritage, which in Croatia is best illustrated by charming, urban
centers and picturesque and authentic villages, great variety of landscapes
and natural beauty. Moreover, there is still a large number of unknown
places and attractions that have yet to be discovered in our country.
Great advantage of Croatian tourism are its strategic position and good
road infrastructure, which allow one to drive by car from most European
countries up to Croatian destinations. This is supported by the size of Croatia
which is ideal for a weeklong tour - the average length of stay of foreign
tourists in our country. However, there are also a mild and pleasant climate
and diverse cultural and eno-gastronomic program for touring throughout
most of the year. Thanks to these advantages and with our innovative and
creative approach we aim to get into the five top European destinations of
cultural tourism.
Another advantage of Croatia are its numerous islands, of which there
are more than a thousand and which are widely recognized as ‘nautical
paradise’. This confirms the fact that around 800 million Euros a year
Thanks to the abundance of thermal and medicinal springs and a long
tradition of medical tourism, which are associated with the beginnings
of tourism in Croatia, we continue to enrich the offer with various forms
of medical, preventive and wellness programs in inland and coastal parts
of the country.The potentials of Croatian wellness are aromatherapy,
authentic essential oils, extracts of indigenous medicinal plants, mineral
water and mud as well as the organic healthy food combined with unique
wellness therapies, inspired by Mediterranean and exotic cultures.
However, despite excellent results, we are ready to welcome the new
tourism year and be competitive on the market as we are among the first
countries that adopted the ‘Action Plan’ for 2011.
In addition to general advertising, in 2011 we will implement an even
more extensive program of joint advertising, based on public-private
partnership. The advertising of Croatian tourism will be implemented
through 12 models of advertising through promotional campaigns,
and /or through promotional sales channels of organisers of tours (tour
operators and travel agencies) and air carriers, giving an advantage to
advertising the programs which include organized air, coach and railway
transport in the pre and postseason.
Special advertising models are defined for domestic tourism, particularly
the promotion of non-traditional tourism in touristically undeveloped
continental and other areas.
Also, among the plans are the establishing of a central online search
engine for the Croatian tourist offer and the continued policy of liberalization of visa regimes with the countries which express the demand
for travel to Croatia.
Minister of Tourism and President of Croatian Tourist Board
Damir Bajs
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PRESS 2011
I. CROATIA IN THE TOURIST SEASON 2010..............................................................................................................................................3
II. CROATIAN TREASURES ......................................................................................................................................................................4
III. CROATIA ON THE MAP..................................................................................................................................................................... 6
IV. PEOPLE, TRADITIONS AND ATTRIBUTES: What Others Say About Us................................................................................................... 10
V. GASTRONOMY AND ENOLOGY.......................................................................................................................................................... 13
VI. NATURAL AND CULTURALLY-HISTORICAL SITES.................................................................................................................................. 15
VII. TOURIST OFFER............................................................................................................................................................................25
SPORT, ENTERTAINMENT AND RECREATION (golf…)..............................................................................................................25
NAUTICAL TOURISM...........................................................................................................................................................26
CONGRESS TOURISM..........................................................................................................................................................28
CULTURAL TOURISM...........................................................................................................................................................28
ADVENTURE TOURISM........................................................................................................................................................32
WELLNESS AND HEALTH TOURISM.......................................................................................................................................38
NATURISM.........................................................................................................................................................................39
RELIGIOUS TOURISM......................................................................................................................................................... 40
RURAL AND ECO TOURISM.................................................................................................................................................. 41
VIII. ACCOMMODATION CAPACITIES.....................................................................................................................................................44
HOTELS AND SMALL FAMILY HOTELS ....................................................................................................................................44
PRIVATE ACCOMMODATION............................................................................................................................................... 46
CAMPS............................................................................................................................................................................. 46
IX. INVESTMENTS.............................................................................................................................................................................. 48
X. A MAGNET FOR CELEBRITIES............................................................................................................................................................57
XI. INTRODUCING CROATIA THROUGH REGIONS – THE MUST-SEE PLACES (a list of the best that each region has to offer)..........................58
ZAGREB ............................................................................................................................................................................58
CENTRAL CROATIA............................................................................................................................................................. 60
SLAVONIJA.........................................................................................................................................................................62
LIKA – KARLOVAC............................................................................................................................................................... 64
KVARNER.......................................................................................................................................................................... 66
ISTRIA.............................................................................................................................................................................. 68
DALMATIA – ZADAR............................................................................................................................................................70
DALMATIA – ŠIBENIK...........................................................................................................................................................72
DALMATIA – SPLIT.............................................................................................................................................................. 74
DALMATIA – DUBROVNIK....................................................................................................................................................76
XII. TOURISM STATISTICS.....................................................................................................................................................................79
XIII. List of offices.......................................................................................................................................................................... 86
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PRESS 2011
I. CROATIA IN THE TOURIST SEASON 2010
Croatian tourist indicators of 2010, a year marked by the global
recession, have surpassed all expectations and the good results
are best described by the fact that every 50th European tourist is a
tourist of Croatia.
Data of the World Economic Forum shows that in the past three years
Croatia has moved up four places on the tourism competitiveness
list, from 38th to 34th place out of 133 countries in total, surpassing
two countries in the region – Hungary and Slovakia, but also its
competitors in the Mediterranean – Israel, Tunisia.
Furthermore, the latest information from the World Tourism
Organisation, according to the results for the third quarter, shows
that Europe has achieved a rate of growth of 2.6 percent, the
Mediterranean of 2.1 percent and Croatia of 4.5 percent.
By doing so, Croatia has achieved its goal for 2010 and kept an
increased market share on the European market. Congruent to
this, Croatian results are almost three quarters better than the
European average and two times better than the results of other
countries on the Mediterranean. For the third year running we have
surpassed our competitor countries and achieved top results with
total numbers of tourist arrivals and overnight stays.
the number of arrivals from cruise ships, but also of the so called
“avio” guests. Along with that, there was also a 6 percent increase
in organized tour trips to our country.
An indicator that Croatia will carry on achieving good results is
the fact that in 2011, 239 552 million kunas from the country’s
budget will go towards the tourism industry, which is 5.7 percent
more than in 2010. The largest part of this money will be aimed
at promotion where 132 million kunas will be invested, which is 7
percent more than in 2010.
In 2011, Croatia will work on keeping the aquired positions on the
international market, with a special accent on promotion on the
western markets and the strengthening of its position in the area of
the so called “New Europe”, but also on positioning itself on some
new European and outer European markets. The hard work of the
Croatian Tourist Board’s Tokyo office has paid off and this is proven
by the fact that more Japanese tourists visited Croatia in 2010, than
Portugal and Greece together. The mentioned office received an
award for being the best foreign representative office in Japan.
This year once again, the largest numbers of tourists on our coast
were German, Slovenian, Italian, Austrian, Czech and Polish, from
which a decrease in the number of arrivals was only noted in Italian
tourists, which was to be expected considering the economic
situation, while other markets noted increases in arrivals and
overnight stays.
Good results were achieved by almost all the coastal counties,
especially the Dubrovnik-Neretva County, where 8 percent more
arrivals and 12 percent more overnight stays were noted in the first
ten months of 2010. Apart from this there was also an increase in
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PRESS 2011
II. CROATIAN TREASURES
Croatia is a country of rich cultural and historical heritage and
natural beauty, whose national and natural treasures are not only
shown through numerous museums, galleries, churches, national
and nature parks, which are monuments of the highest category
and examples of exceptional beauty that make an important
chapter in the UNESCO list of world heritage, but our historical
and natural goods are visible almost every step of the way. If you
follow the entangled white stone streets and ‘kaletas’ (tiny, narrow
streets), sail through the exceptional sea archipelago and lively
ports of the coastal towns of Istria, Kvarner and Dalmatia or climb
the green hairpin-bends of Central Croatia to the fairytail forts and
castles, every step of the way is guaranteed to bring another new
experience.
The uniqueness of our country is the fact that its teritory is a gracious
intersection of as many as four cultural circles which complement each
other – the spirit of Eastern and Western Europe, Central Europe and
the Mediterranean. Croatia is a country of urban culture that counts
more towns than any other part of the Mediterranean. Speaking of
the centuries old history are hundreds of medieval churches with
characteristic frescos and fascinating wattle reliefs. With nine of its
cultural phenomena Croatia has become the country with the most
protected non-material herritage in Europe, while in the world, the only
countires with a longer list are China, Japan and Korea. Listed on the
UNESCO list of non-material heritage are: lace making in Croatia; the
two-part narrow interval singing of Istria and the Croatian coastal area;
Festa of St. Vlaho, the patron saint of Dubrovnik; the annual spring
procession of the queen Ljelja from Gorjani; the annual procession of
the bell ringers from the area of Kastavština; the procession of the cross
on the island of Hvar; the skill of making traditional wooden children’s
toys from the area of Croatian Zagorje; Sinjska Alka – the knight’s
tournament in Sinj; the skill of making licitars (decorative souvenirs)
form the area of northern Croatia.
New Tendencies and the Preserved
Cultural Tradition
Besides nurturing and preserving its traditional culture, Croatia
keeps pace with new trends in music, film, theater and other arts
through many events and festivals. Year after year, hundreds of festivals throughout the Croatian coast and inland attract more and
more fans from home and abroad with their extensive and imaginative programs which take place in beautiful natural surroundings
or in the centuries-old, historical palaces. Reviewers of reputable
global media and tourist guides have in recent years printed much
praise of the ‘open-air culture’ in Croatia, starting with the Dubrovnik Summer Festival within the walls of the Old Town and Split
Summer Festival in Diocletian’s Palace which have both been taking place for the last fifty years, through to the Motovun Film Festival set on the hill of this Medieval town and the Pula Film Festival
in the beautiful Arena, as well as the critically acclaimed festivals of
electronic and pop-rock music. Numerous other cultural events that
take place before or after the summer season have also recieved
praise and international recognition.
Because of its high cultural potential and in order to succeed in its
quest to become one of the top 5 cultural destinations in Europe,
Croatia has compiled an Ordinance granting quality labels in cultural
tourism called ‘Doživi Hrvatsku - Experience Croatia’. The mentioned
grade will be awarded in four categories: cultural destinations,
cultural facilities, cultural events and cultural itineraries.
The offer of cultural tourism is enriched and highly contributed
to our valuable gastronomic and ethnological offer. The Croatian
village, as a keeper of tradition, plays an important role here.
Croatian rural areas have noted visible development in special forms
of tourism – the production of indigenous and traditional products,
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PRESS 2011
the protection and preservation of natural and cultural heritage,
traditional costumes and folk traditions as well as gastronomic
specialities made from organic ingredients and wine cellars with
indigenous wine sorts. In the past few years rural tourism has raised
the quality and comfort of accommodation in traditional houses
and came up with numerous content: from museums with ethno
collections through to the possibility of recreation and relaxation.
Bio-diversity and Sustainable Development
Because it is located on the crossroads of several bio-geographic
regions, Croatia is an area of above average diversity of land, sea
and underground habitats; this is a rare European landscape, which
on such a small space boasts as many as 8 national parks and 11
nature parks. The untouched natural landcape and the rich flora
and fauna represent a great itinerary for ecologic tourism.
Along with the rich cultural history, the diversity of landscape from
plains to high mountains and sea, Croatia represents an ideal place
for adventure lovers. Unique landscape of the sea side, beautiful
well-indented coast, bays, pine wood beaches, picturesque towns
scattered along the coast and a thousand islands simply mesmerize
with their uniqueness. The Croatian coast and the depths of the
blue sea rich with flora and fauna uncover the miraculous world of
centuries gone by, from ancient amphorae to sunken gallies and
ships wrecked in the winds of the two world wars. This makes it a
true haven for sailors and divers.
Rest and Relaxation: Something for Everybody
Because of the beautiful beaches, where everyone can find a bathing
spot to suit their taste – whether looking for good time, romance or
a quiet family vacation – the Croatian coast has been listed as a top
destination in the past few years by the world’s media.
Naturism is a way of life that nurtures the body, and sport and a
healthy lifestyle play an important role in taday’s life. Croatia had
already recognized the imporatance of naturism in 1953, when this
was a brave step to take considering the moral norms of that time.
It is estimated that 15 percent of all visitors to Croatia are naturists.
Croatia is the third nation in Europe by its capacities in naturist
camps, while the Istrian Koversada is the first commercial naturist
camp in Europe. Around ten Croatian camps are distinguished by
their attractive and exceptionally preserved natural locations, usually
on the sea front itself. Besides the beautiful and peaceful ambience,
the thing that all Croatian naturist camps have in common is security
and high standards. They boast a rich gastronomic and shopping
offer and have many different sports and recreation facilities.
Modern day Robinson Crusoes can, in Croatia, enjoy the pleasant
solitude or company of friends, surrounded by the blue sea. Many
of some fifty lighthouses perched on rocky outcrops and dangerous
promontories have been abandoned, but some have been
granted new life when they were converted into unique places for
vacation. Twelve of them are currently on offer, ranging from those
‘conventional’ ones situated in tourist centres to the ‘Robinson’
ones found on the most remote islands and inaccessible locations.
The lighthouses erected in hard to reach places are in direct contact
with elementary nature: deep sea, hard rock, sparse vegetation. All
are finely carved and monumentally designed so that they appear
like temples to ancient gods.
Altough Croatia is foremost mentioned as the country of a thousand
islands, it is also a country of a thousand castles. Among them we
can count the medieval feudal fortified castles, castles and manors
of northern Croatia which were built after the Turkish wars, from the
beginning of the 17th century, and Renaissance summer houses and
castles in southern Dalmatia, especially in the area of Dubrovnik.
Croatian Zagorje is often attributed the biggest concentration of
castles and manor houses in Europe. A large number of Zagorje
castles date from the Baroque period and are reminiscent of the
high level of architectural art in this area over the past centuries.
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PRESS 2011
III. CROATIA ON THE MAP
Croatia is located in south-east Europe, between Central Europe
and the Mediterranean. By its geographic position it is a Central
European and Mediterranean or a Pannonian-Adriatic country.
Croatia stretches in the shape of an arch from the river Danube in
the north-east to Boka Kotarska in the far south and is divided into
three large geographic regions: coastal, mountain and pannonian.
The coastal region is made up of islands, coast and plain hinterland.
The mountain area is the least inhabited and is made up of Lika
and Gorski Kotar and characterized by a high karst belt with karst
fields and river valleys. The Pannonian region is the largest and
most densly inhabited, making it the most important agricultural
part of Croatia.
advisable to get information about the situation on the roads and
ferry traffic from the Croatian Auto Club (HAK), the information
centre of HAK can be reached on: +385 1 4640 800; or through
Croatian radio 2 – on the frequency 98.5 FM.
How to Reach Croatia?
The motorway Zagreb – Split is 380 kilometers long and represents
the main artery of Croatia because it connects the south of Croatia
to the continent and vica-versa. After the two new tunnel pipes
of the tunnels Mala Kapela and Sv. Rok were made available for
traffic in June 2009, a car ride from Zagreb to Split should not
take more than 4 hours and 15 minutes, even during the summer
months. Mala Kapela is the longest tunnel on the Zagreb-Split
motorway, the right tunnel being 5780 and the left tunnel 5821
meters long. The left tunnel of Sv. Rok is 5679 meters in length
and the right one measures 5670 meters. In 2010, as part of the
international program of tunnel safety testing EuroTAP (European
Tunnel Assesment Program), the tunnel Sv. Rok came in at excellent
third place among strong competition of 26 tested tunnels from 13
European countries. Contributing to the high grade of the tunnel
Sv. Rok, whose other pipe was open in 2009, was the well trained
tunnel staff, on call 24 hours a day. We can point out that the tunnel
Brinje, which is also on the A1 motorway, was proclaimed the best
tunnel in Europe in 2007.
Croatia borders with Slovenia, Hungary, Serbia, Bosnia and
Herzegovina and Montenegro, while the Adtiatic Sea separates it
from Italy. Thanks to its favourable geographic position Croatia is a
very popular destination for many European tourists.
Croatia by Car
www.hak.hr
www.hac.hr
www.bina-istra.hr
When travelling to Croatia by car, during the summer months it
is not unusual to come across traffic jams on borders, especially
at weekends when tourists enter and leave our country in large
numbers, so this has to be taken into consideration while planning
a trip. To avoid the prolonged travelling and waiting in line it is
Croatia has intensively worked on road development in the past
ten years and the main Croatian cities are now connected with a
network of motorways. At pay tolls it is possible to use the domestic
currency – kunas, euros or credit cards as a means of paying. The
two main traffic directions which connect the inland to the coast are
Zagreb – Rijeka (A6) and Zagreb – Split (A1).
The newley built motorway network enables visitors to travel easily
and comfortably throughout Croatia and experience the beauty of
its diversity.
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PRESS 2011
Due to the unfavourable conditions of the financial crisis the
construction of ‘Dalmatina’ (A1) on the section Vrgorac-Ploče was
slown down. It is expected that the A1 motorway will be connected
to the town and port of Ploče by the end of 2011.
closed system of charging. The user will in this case pay only for the
length of the motorway he has travelled on.
The motorway Rijeka-Zagreb is part of the European direction E65
and part of the pan-European traffic corridor 5b. It is extremely
important for the development of tourism and economy, and based
on the frequency of traffic, the most profitable Croatian motorway.
In March 2010, the Hungarian part of the 5c corridor almost reached
the Hungarian-Croatian border, with only around 20 kilometers
missing.This has significantly shortened the travel time for a part
of Hungarian tourists, so thanks to the excellent road infrastructure
Rijeka can be reached from Budapest by car in less than five hours.
Croatia by Coach
The last section of the motorway Ljubljana-Bregana was made
available for traffic from 30 June 2010. After many years of planning,
this will finally put an end to jams and queues on the border crossing
between Slovenia and Croatia. It is important to remember that
Slovenia has implemented seven day vignettes at a price of 15 euros.
www.akz.hr
A very large network of bus lines connects all parts of the country.
There are regular international bus lines that connect Croatia with all
the neighbouring countries as well as Switzerland, France, Germany
and Slovakia. From the bus terminal in Trieste there are daily bus lines
for Croatia throughout the year (Pula, Rijeka, Zadar, Šibenik, Split,
Dubrovnik). There is also a year round weekly bus line from Prag to
Zagreb and the line Prag- Zadar-Šibenik-Split every 14 days.
Bus connections between larger cities are pretty frequent, as are
the regional lines.The most frequent bus terminal in Croatia in the
Bus Station in Zagreb.
Air Transport
The Istrian Y
The construction works of the connecting road on the Istrian Y from
Peličetij to Pomer, which is to be 8 kilometres in length, with an
investment value of around 170 million kunas, have started in September 2010. The estimated time of construction is 13 months. To
establish a better traffic flow towards the entrance to Pula, before
the tourist season, the first, 5 km long section, from Pula to the
crossing with the road to Medulin, will be opened before 1 June
2011.The road has three functions: it serves as an access road towards the south part of Istria; as a circulating road around the
town of Pula which is frequently jammed with traffic and finally it
serves as a “privileged itinerary” for tourist traffic moving towards
Premantura, Medulin and Ližnjan. There is no doubt that this road
will disencumber the entrance to Pula and significantly lessen traffic jams that occur during the season at entrances to the city.
A part of the full profile of the 2A section of the Istrian Y phase was
opened on 20 June 2010, 19 months before schedule. This is the
motorway from Pula to Kanfanar, 28 kilometers in length. It is a
section that has three intersections: Vodnjan-north, Vodnjan-south
and Pula and 27 underpasses or overpasses. The investment value
of this Istrian Y section is 86 million euros, while the whole Second
A phase, which along with the sections Pula-Kanfanar and UmagKanfanar (49.2 km) and Kanfanar-Rogovići (18 km) amounts to
320 million euros.
The contractor has announced that another 50km of the Istrian Y
motorway will be put into traffic by 2011 tourist season and by the
end of the year, another 18km of motorway. A new rating system
will be implemented after the full construction of the motorway – a
www.airport-dubrovnik.hr
www.split-airport.hr
www.zadar-airport.hr
www.osijek-airport.hr
www.airport-pula.hr
www.zagreb-airport.hr
www.airport-rijeka.hr
Croatia can be reached by air from almost every part of the world.
International airports in Croatia are in Zagreb, Split, Dubrovnik,
Osijek, Zadar, Rijeka, and Pula, and in Brač and Lošinj only during
the summer season.
Sport airports in Croatia are in Zagreb, Čakovec, Slavonski Brod, Rijeka, Vrsar, Mali Lošinj, Sinj, Otočac, Čepin, Ivanić Grad, Koprivnica,
Brač, Pula and Varaždin.
Croatia Airlines, the Croatian national airline connects Croatia with
numerous European cities. Along with Croatia Airlines, air connection to Croatia is maintained by over thirty airliners such as British
Airways, Lufthansa, SkyService Airline, Iberia, STERLING, SAS, Delta,
TAP Portugal, Austrian Airlines, Spain Air, Alitalia, Turkish Airlines,
Malev, Air France, Aeroflot and CZA.
During the spring, summer and autumn there are 16 low budget
airlines flying towards Croatia, which connect Croatian cities with
around eighty European destinations. Some of them that stand out
are: Germanwings, Happag Lloyd Express, Clickair, Norwegian Air
Shutlle, Wizz Air, Flyglobespan, Flybe, Thomsonfly, Easyjet, Ryanair
and EstonianAir. Germanwings has the largest number of flights to
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PRESS 2011
Croatia, followed by the German TUIfly, the Hungarian Wizz Air, NorwegianAir, the British easyJet and the Irish Ryanair.
Apart from this, Croatia is connectd to many cities of the world by
numerous charter flights. The Ministry of Tourism and the Croatian
Tourist Board are placing special emphasis on a program intended
for airliners ‘Wings of Croatia’, which is designed to encourage the
inclusion of Croatian destinations in organized air transport during
the main season as well as off season.
All Croatian airports have noted an increased trade, some as much
as 60-70 percent. Split Airport had the most flights in the summer
season of 2010, when it was connected to 35 European cities. It
was followed by Dubrovnik Airport where the airlines connected 29
destinations. The airport in Zadar does not fall behind Split and Dubrovnik and has been achieving better results from year to year after its post war renovation. When we talk about low budget ailines,
we have to mention Ryanair, which has been the number one airliner at Zadar airport with its 11 destinations in 2010.
The announcments of airliners for the season of 2011 are good:
Thomas Cook UK is returning to Istria and Dalmatia with flights to
Pula and Split respectively. EasyJet will start flying to Zagreb from
February, and British Airways flies daily to Dubrovnik from April.
From the summer of 2011 Blue1 will have flights to Pula. The first
guests from Finland will be arriving to Pula with this airliner from
the 28 May, and regular flights will be connecting Pula and Helsinki
until the 3 September 2011.
Germany from the beginning of the summer season in May 2011.
Last year, around 7000 passengers arrived on 50 Ryanair flights to
the airport in Osijek, between the beginning of May and the end
of October. A somewhat larger number of passengers flew in the
opposite direction, making an increase of around nine percent in
comparison to the previous year.
From summer 2011, Dubrovnik, one of the most attractive Croatian
tourist destinations, should be linked to Venice and Athens by Croatia Airlines flights. Two flights per week are planned for Venice and
as many as three flights per week for Athens.
Croatia by Train
www.hznet.hr
A railway connects all the larger Croatian cities, apart from Dubrovnik. There are direct lines for Slovenia, Hungary, Italy, Greece,
Austria, Switzerland, Germany, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and
Montenegro. There are also lines to most other European countries
but they are not direct.
A train trip from Munish to Rijeka will, for example, last 9 hours
while Vienna to Rijeka will take about 5 hours.
The types of trains operating in Croatia are: Eurocity (EC), InterCity
(IC), express (Ex), fast (B) and local trains.
Europe’s leading low fares airline easyJet has added Zagreb to its
network of destinations in November 2010. Since early November
flights have been scheduled four times a week from the capital
of Croatia to Paris Charles de Gaulle airport, and it has been announced that there will be five flights a week connecting Zagreb to
London Gatwick airport starting in mid February 2011. EasyJet has
been flying to Split and Dubrovnik for some time now.
In August of 2010 Croatia, Serbia and Slovenia signed a declaration
in Belgrade, in which they support the founding of a joint railway
company which will enable competitiveness on the market for the
railways of the three countries. On the relation Ljubljana - Zagreb
- Belgrade - Dimitrovgrad – Istanbul there are currently 700 trains,
while on the corridor number 4, which runs through Hungary, there
are seven thousand trains. The joint railway company aims to improve the organization of transport.
Osijek airport has recently announced that the Irish low budget
airline Ryanair will continue to connect Osijek and Frankfurt in
In August of 2010 Croatia, Serbia and Slovenia signed a declaration
in Belgrade, in which they support the founding of a joint railway
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PRESS 2011
company which will enable competitiveness on the market for the
railways of the three countries. On the relation Ljubljana - Zagreb
- Belgrade - Dimitrovgrad – Istanbul there are currently 700 trains,
while on the corridor number 4, which runs through Hungary,
there are seven thousand trains. The joint railway company aims to
improve the organization of transport.
All information about train time tables can be obtained by contacting
the free number 060 333 444 or via the Internet site of the Croatian Railways:
www.hznet.hr.
Eurocity, Intercity and Euronight trains:
EC ‘Mimara’: Zagreb – Villach – Frankfurt – Zagreb
EC ‘Croatia’: Zagreb – Vienna – Zagreb (through Slovenia)
EN ‘Venezia’: Venice – Zagreb – Budapest
(Moscow, Kiev, Bukurest) – Venice
IC ‘Zagreb’: Zagreb – Vienna (through Hungary) – Zagreb
IC ‘Sava’: Belgrade – Zagreb – Villach – München – Belgrade
IC ‘Kvarner’: Zagreb - Budapest – Zagreb
IC ‘Drava’: Budapest – Osijek – Sarajevo – Budapest
Fast trains:
‘Lisinski’: Zagreb – München – Zagreb (night train)
‘Maestral’: Zagreb – Budapest – Zagreb
(Moscow, Kiev, St. Petersburg)
Zagreb – Villach - Zagreb
Belgrade – Zagreb – Zürich – Belgrade
‘Nikola Tesla’: Zagreb – Belgrade – Zagreb
Vinkovci – Banja Luka - Vinkovci
Zagreb – Sarajevo – Ploče – Zagreb
Zagreb – Sarajevo – Zagreb (night train)
Ploče – Sarajevo – Ploče
Villach – Zagreb – Belgrade – Villach (night train)
‘Opatija’: Rijeka – Ljubljana – Rijeka (München, Vienna)
‘Ljubljana’: Rijeka - Ljubljana (Vienna) – Rijeka
Seasonal trains:
Ljubljana – Pula – Ljubljana
Budapest – Zagreb – Split – Budapest (night train)
Special trains:
Belgrade – Rijeka – Belgrade
(June-September, week-ends, night train)
Belgrade – Knin – Split – Belgrade
(June-September, week-ends, night train)
Prague – Split – Prague
Tel: +385 (0)1 4573 208
E-mail: [email protected]
Information: 060 333 444
By Boat or Ferry
www.jadrolinija.hr
www.splittours.hr
www.blueline-ferries.com
www.snav.it
www.venezialines.com
www.emiliaromagnalines.it
www.azzurraline.com
Periodic travel and ferry lines operate between Italian (Venice, Trieste,
Ancona, Oescara and Bari) and Croatian ports.
From late May to late September the coastal ferry line connects Rijeka
and Dubrovnik to the docks in Split, Stari Grad on the island of Hvar and
Sobra on Mljet. From 2011 instead of ‘Jadrolinija’s’ ferry ‘Marco Polo’ will
be replaced by ‘Liburnija’ feribot. The cruise from Rijeka to the southern
part of the coast is a good solution for drivers who wish to avoid a beautiful but tiring drive along the coast. If you have driven from afar, the
ferry is the ideal place to relax before reaching your destination.
All the ports, including the ones on the fifty inhabited islands, are reachable by regular ferry and boat connections. The frequency of all ferry
connectiond increases during the summer season.
The main Croatian shipping company, Jadrolinija, operates all the ferry
and boat lines in Croatia and throughout the year sails from Zadar and
Split to Ancona as well as from Dubrovnik to Bari. The ferries sail from
three to seven days a week depending on the season.
Blue Line agency holds concessions for some ferry crossings in Croatia.
From 2010 the Blue Line fleet is richer for ‘Regina Della Pace’, a ferry which
sails throughout the year, minimum three times a week between Split
and Ancona and maintains the seasonal lines between Ancona and Hvar.
Sailing into Croatian harbours in the summer period are Italian ship owners such as SNAV, Venezia Lines, Emilia Romagna Lines and Azzurra Lines.
All the information about seasonal shipping lines can be found on
the website of the Agency for coastal line sea traffic:
www.agencija-zolpp.hr
9
PRESS 2011
IV. PEOPLE, TRADITIONS AND ATRIBUTTES: What others
say about us
Ever since the prestige world tourist guide Lonely Planet
proclaimed Croatia the most popular destination a few years
ago, it has become a favourite tourist site of all the world media
which portray it as an untouched natural pearl and top lifestyle
destination of rich cultural heritage.
Different to the first articles and promotions which only praised
the most famous coastal destinations, in the past few years the
beautiful Croatian inland has been mentioned more and more. It is
especially gratifying that the documentary with the most beautiful
shots of the whole of Croatia, under the title ‘Wow Croatia’ was
awarded with the prestigious American Emmy award.
During 2010, three Croatian national parks found themselves on
the list of the 100 most beautiful in the world, according to the
website TimelessEarth.net. Along Plitvice Lakes, whose beauty and
value was recognized by UNESCO which incuded them on the list of
protected world heritage in 1979, we also have Brijuni and Mljet.
Plitvice lakes found themselves on the list of the top ten most
beautiful lakes in the world according to the magazine Budget
Travel, which thinks that the 16 blue-green lakes of Plitvice, with
hundreds of waterfalls and dense vegetation, could serve as a
shooting location of the sequal of the Hollywood hit Jurassic Park.
Even the Croatian capital Zagreb was characerized as an ideal
weekend destination and an artistic centre of the region in the
reports of the daily French newspaper ’Le Figaro’, primarily thanks
to its new Museum of Modern Art. Zagreb is described as a
perfectly preserved city which balances skilfully between Slavic and
Mediterranean influences.
Zagreb was described as a city of good vibrations, hospitality,
warm atmpsphere and Mediterranean feel by EuropeanCityCards.
com, the website of the well known European association
European City Marketing.
The Australian Sun-Herald has also praised Zagreb, especially the
luxury hotel Esplanade which it called the triumph of art deco.
Top Hotels
The British Sunday Times has included four Croatian hotels among
the top one hundred European hotels. On the list of the most
desirable small hotels in Europe, which stand out with charm, style
and an unusual character, the individual approach to their guests
and beautifully designed interiors, were four Dalmatian pearls –
Vestibul Palace in Split, Riva in Hvar, Lešić Dimitri Palace in Korčula
and Bellevue in Dubrovnik.
On their list of the most beautiful and desirable villas on the
Mediterranean, the same newspaper included five Croatian holiday
houses. These are the Dubrovnik Poet’s House, the villas Maruka
and Dol on Brač, Kapetanova Kuća in Viganj on Pelješac and
Kamena villa above Podgora.
Furthermore, the Poreč all-inclusive hotels Valamar Club Tamaris
and Valamar Tamaris Residence are this year’s laureates of TUI
Holly 2010, the most prestige prize awarded by one of the world’s
largest tour operators TUI.
The members of the world’s largest travel portal Trip Advisor (10
Best Travel Secrets) included the Poreč Valamar Club Tamaris among
the ten best hotels in the world that are not yet familiar to world
travellers and that should certainly be visited and experienced.
10
PRESS 2011
The Beautiful Coast and Islands
Korea Times proclaimed Dubrovnik as ‘A jewel of the Adriatic Sea’
and the whole of Croatia - the Mediterranean Miss World and one
of the safest countries in Europe where tourists can freely walk
around, without any danger at any time of night and day.
The editor of the prestige Financial Times, Alec Russell, compared
today’s Dubrovnik to its hardest moments during war occupation
and concluded that its beauties have not been destroyed by the
aggressor or the large numbers of tourists who visit.
The British monthly travel and lifestyle magazine ‘Conde Nast
Traveller’ published a five page report about Dubrovnik under
the title “Croatian treasure: Visit the beautiful Dubrovnik – a city
by the sea” with the conclusion that “Dubrovnik is once again a
chic destination”.
villages, virgin bays, old ruins, olive groves and finest vineyards in
Dalmatia, Vis is predetermined to become the next ‘hot spot’ for
fun and entertainment on the Adriatic’, says Yahoo Traveller.
In the British magazine Travel Weekly, Zadar was described as
a place for sailing enthusiasts as well as everyone in search of a
good holiday, especially lovers of good music. At the same time,
according to the European on-line magazine for electronic music
Resident Advisor, Zadar hosts the best summer festivals among
which the most famous one is the Garden Festival.
Under the title ‘Croatia – A Water Heaven’, the most famous and
biggest weekley magazine in Taiwan ‘Yi Zhou Kan Magazine’
(English transl. ‘Next Magazine’) has recently published a report
about Croatia with the largest part dedicated to Šibenik, spread
over five richly illustrated pages.
The British Guardian has, on its internet edition, positioned
Dubrovnik at the fourth place among the top ten destinations
for a holiday in September, in the first days of the post season
period of 2010.
The epitaph of a prestige destination was recently awarded to the
island of Rab in the Spanish Gijon. Rab is the only coastal destination
in Croatia and this part of Europe that has received this award for
excellence. Several important segments of the destinations quality
were graded.
The beauties of Dubrovnik but also its top accommodation and
facilities have been praised by the Belgian magazine ’Travel 2’,
while the British Daily Telegraph, in its magazine Ultra Travel
especially praises Dubrovnik’s architecture, which it describes as
’inspiration for the soul’.
At the prestige international competition Rebrand 2010 Global
Awards the branding of the city of Pula was pointed out as one
of the best world transformations of an existing brand, while the
island of Rab was given the international ‘QualityCoast’ award for
best coastal destination.
The magazine CIT (Conference & Incentive Travel) presents Dubrovnik as a ’hot spot’ for congresses and business meetings and
gives an overview of a string of hotels that successfully organize all
types of business meetings and gatherings.
The Spanish ‘Hispanic Meeting & Travel’ published a postcard of
Dubrovnik on its cover with the title ‘Going Global’. According to
this magazine Croatia is one of the most beautiful destinations of
Central Europe with over a thousand islands.
Dubrovnik has also found itself on the list of the respectable tourist
guide Frommer’s among the top ten best cities for strolling.
In 2010, The Mirror, one of the most popular British tabloids,
dedicated a whole article to the Croatian coast in its ‘Travel’ section,
which reads enthusiastically about the warm sea, the beautiful
towns of Split, Zadar and Trogir, and all this ’less than three hours
from Gatwick’, one of London’s airports.
The list created by world travellers and published on the website
travelandleisure.com points out Hvar as the favourite destination of
the British jet-setters. This island was simoultaneously listed at fifth
place among the ten best islands of the world, while the American
magazine ‘Islands’ included the Croatian island Brač among the top
ten most desirable islands to live on in the world.
The Central Dalmatian island Vis, was included by Yahoo Traveller
on the list of ten undiscovered dream islands. ’With its medieval
Top Sailing
In its sailing programme called ‘Mansail’ the American TV station
CNN described the Dalmatian coast as ‘Cote d’Azur of the east and
the hidden jewel of the Mediterranean’, whilst recommending
sailing lovers to visit it in the autumn, when tourist crowds subside
and the weather is still warm.
Hollywood stars Sean Connery, Gwyneth Paltrow and Pierce
Brosnan have publically expressed their love of the Dalmatian
coast, while Clint Eastwood and Sharon Stone searched for an
island to buy, states CNN.
The Spanish specialized ‘Cruises News Media Group’ has proclaimed
Croatia along with Turkey the best cruise ship destinations in 2009
and awarded them an ‘Excellence Cruise Award’.
On Frommer’s website Dubrovnik is recommended as one of the
five most beautiful Mediterranean cruiser harbours.
Beaches
The beach Zlatni Rat on the island of Brač is one of the top five
European beaches according to the British Daily Teleraph which
11
PRESS 2011
points out this sandy beach as one of the pearls of the Adriatic
Sea. Along with Zlatni Rat, British reporters were impressed by
several other Croatian beaches such as Usamljena Plaža (the Lonely
Beach) in the vicinity of Rovinj, beach Medveja in Lovran, described
as an ideal modern gathering place for a ‘family with style’ and
Kraljičina Plaža (the Queen’s Beach) next to Nin with an almost
three kilometre long sandy beach, which they recommended to
their readers. Also on the list is Šunj Beach (on the island of Lopud)
which makes an ideal hideout for all those who want to enjoy the
sun and the sea without any disturbances.
Zlatni Rat and the beach in Rovinj were praised by the inernet
magazine Wild Junket, while the Bonj Beach in Hvar found itself
in the elite company of the 20 most beautiful European beaches,
according to the British intenet portal Timesonline.co.uk. This
beauty of Hvar was described as a ‘supercool beach club’ on the
trendiest Croatian island from which a beautiful view stretches
onto the nearby Pakleni Otoci. The respected Irish magazine
The Irish Times included the sandy beach in Porat bay in Buševo,
among the top seven most beautiful beaches in the world, in a
centrefold report.
Good Forecasts for the Future
Proving that the world media will not get bored of Croatia any time
soon are the claims of the Loney Planet, which emphasises that
Croatia is more popular than ever with numerous show business
personalities coming to visit.
This leading tourist brochure publisher mentioned Croatia in its first
recommendations for 2011, pointing out Istria as a romantic region
which has to be visited.
The British Times included Croatia on the list of top ten world
destinations for a getaway from everyday life in the new decade
and the low budget airline Jet2.com among its top destinations as
a country that offers a combination of sun, sea and cultural events.
Gastro
American global TV station CNN has included Croatia among the four
most exciting world gastronomy destinations. Here, Dalmatia founf
itself in the company of the most interesting tourist destinations
which also offer top quality culinary specialties – together with
Andalusia in Spain, Burgundy in France and Patagonia in Chile.
The Marunada (Chestnut festival) held in Lovran was recently
included by the British Guardian among the best European
gastro festivals for autumn 2010, while Croatian gastronomy was
celebrated at the world’s professional chef competition ‘Istanbul
Gastronomy Festival’, where the Croats won 12 medals.
12
PRESS 2011
V. GASTRONOMY AND ENOLOGY
A rich diversity of Croatia is guessed at by many who are guided
by sophisticated flavours of its multitude of specialities. Indeed,
while sitting at a table that serves dishes which contain the names
of certain Croatian regions: Paški sir (Pag cheese), Slavonski
kulen (Slavonian dry pork sausage), Drniški pršut (Drniš dry ham),
Istarska supa (spiced, warm wine with baked torn bread), Cres
lamb, Goranski želudac (stuffing made of bread, ham, bacon,
onion and eggs), Kvarner scampi, Zagorje strudel, Ston oysters,
Viška or Komiška pogača (pie stuffed with tomatoes, onions and
salty sardines), međimurska gibanica (Medimurje pie)... The flavors
of these dishes are very different but with a clear link – they are all
Croatian and all perfection.
Croatian cuisine is heterogeneous, and is known as the cuisine of
the many regions. Its modern roots date back to Proto-Slavic and
ancient times. Differences in the choice of foods and ways of cooking
are most notable when we compare the mainland and coastal
regions. The continental cuisine was influenced by the earlier,
Proto-Slavic roots and recent contacts with the well-known culinary
schools - Hungarian, Viennese and Turkish. Meat products, freshwater fish and vegetables dominate this cuisine. Coastal region is
characterized by the influence of the Greeks, Romans and Illyrians,
and more recently Italian and French Mediterranean cuisine. It is
characterized by a multitude of sea food prepared in various ways
(fish, squid, cuttlefish, octopus, shrimp, lobster ...), olive oil, ham,
various vegetables and well-known wines.
A Wide Palette of Quality Wines
www.vinistra.com
www.zagorskevinskeceste.net
www.udruga-dingac.hr
www.klaster-srijem.com
www.vinum-croatica.hr
www.udruga-brenta.hr
www.kutjevacki-vinari.hr
www.vinski-klub.hr
As grape-vine breeding has been nurtured in this area since the
ancient times, Croatia is rightly proud of its wide palette of wines.
More than a thousand different wine labels are on offer, from which
900 are with the protection and control of geographical origin.
There are five viticulture zones in the world determined by the
number of hours of sunshine and temperature. Croatia has each of
them and the world’s first vine-growing nation France has four. The
result of this diversity is a sumptuous wine mosaic from fresh, airy,
fragrant and aromatic wines in the north, to strong, sweet and full
boddied wines in the south.
Viticulturally Croatia is separated into the continental and coastal
regions, which are then separated into 12 sub-regions. The area
of the coastal region stretches through Istria, along the Adriatic
coast and the Dalmatian hinterland. The whole region is separated
into four wine growing sub-regions: Istria and Croatian Primorje,
Northern, Central and Southern Dalmatia and Dalmatian Zagora.
There are a number of sub-regions in continental Croatia: in the
northwest part there is Zagorje-Međimurje, Prigorje – Bilogora,
Plešivica, Pokuplje and Moslavina, and in the northeast there is
Slavonija and Podunavlje.
Most widespread white variety in continental Croatia is Graševina
(most similar to Reisling), largely grown indigenous varieties are
Škrlet (Scarlett) and Kraljevina, and excellent wines are produced
from various world-wide varieties such as Pinot Blanc, Riesling,
Traminer, Chardonnay and Sauvignon.
13
PRESS 2011
Red continental varieties are Pinot Noir, Portugizac and Frankovka,
as well as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The two latter varieties
are more appreciated in coastal wine growing regions where the
most famous indigenous variety is Dalmatian Plavac Mali. The most
famous Croatian wine variety is indeed Plavac and its different types
are named after the places where they grow like Dingač, Postup,
Ivan Dolac and the like.
One of the most famous Croatian olive groves is located in the
area of Luna on the island of Pag, where about 80 000 indigenous
wild olive trees, separated into allotments by old stone walls, are
grown on 400 acres of land. The oldest olive trees there are over a
thousand years old. Lovers of this area are working on a proposal
for inclusion of this site in the register of UNESCO cultural heritage
sites.
Interestingly, recent research has shown that the Californian
Zinfandel and Italian Primitivo have come from an old sort of
Dalmatian Plavac, also known as Crljenak. The noticed white
coastal sorts are Istrian Malvazija, Žlahtina, Pošip, Rukatac and
Vugava from Vis.
To present our rich gastronomy and enology at its best on the
world market, the Ministry of Tourism, The Croatian Culinary
Association and the Croatian Chamber of Commerce have
launched a project of branding the Croatian eno-gastronomy
offer. Their first assignment in realizing this intention is gathering
recipes for a cook book with indigenous Croatian dishes, which
have their own culinary story and visual identity.
Every Croatian tourist region has its wine aces, offered through the
project “Wine roads” as a special form of selling of agricultural
products of each wine growing area on which agricultural estates
and other participants offer their products and other original
specialities, especially wine. Apart from the tourist and hospitality
offer, a major part of the wine roads tour are the beautiful natural
surroundings through which the roads pass, as well as the historical
and cultural sites.
Croatian Olive Oil
www.azrri.hr
www.dalmatinsko.com
Croatian olive growers have preserved their grandparents’ olive
groves as they strive to preserve the tradition of olive cultivation
and respect for nature and organic production. Along with the
superior flavor and taste they aim to offer a guarantee of safety
of the product. The processing of oil takes place in Croatian oil
refineries, where modern equipment for cold processing is used,
thus preserving the original flavor and aroma as well as the richness
of antioxidants and vitamins.
14
PRESS 2011
VI. NATURAL AND CULTURALLY-HISTORICAL SITES
Rich Cultural and Natural Heritage
The centre of city life is the church on the central square.
www.kultura.hr
www.min-kulture.hr
www.cromaps.com
www.dzzp.hr
www.zastita-prirode.hr
Croatia can be proud of seven culturally-historical and natural beauties included on the UNESCO list of world monumental heritage.
These are: the Palace of Dioklecian in Split, the Basilica of Eufrazije
in Poreč, Plitvice Lakes, the Romanesque town of Trogir, the Old Town
of Dubrovnik, the Šibenik Cathedral and Starogradsko Polje on Hvar.
Croatia is a country which holds many monuments of culture and natural beauties and whichever place you visit or choose for your vacation
you will always find yourself close to some of the numerous natural
beauties or architectural sites of world importance, cathedrals, historical
squares and many forts and castles which are scattered on Croatian soil.
At the same time Festa of St. Vlaho, lacemaking of Lepoglava, Hvar
and Pag, the bell ringers of Kastav, the procession of the cross, twopart singing and playing of the Istrian scale, the spring procession of
the queen Ljelja, the traditional production of wooden toys from Croatian zagorje, the knight’s game Sinjska Alka and the craft of licitar –
making of cakes and souvenirs among which the most famous is the
licitar heart, are the nine cultural phenomena on the UNESCO list of
protected non-material heritage. Thanks to them we have become a
country with the most protected non-material goods in Europe, while
in the world the only countries that have a longer list are China, Japan and Korea. Sinjska Alka and the licitar craft were included on the
UNESCO list on the 16 October 2010. Also, on the same day, put on the
list was ‘ojkanje’, the remnant of ancient Ilirian and pre Ilirian singing
from the area of ancient Dalmatia (today’s Dalmatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro), which the Croats adopted and nurtured.
Croatia is full of historical cities, cities of centuries’ old traditions,
many of which hold historical legends about their originating, such
as Zagreb, Rovinj, Pula, Zadar, Nin, Šibenik, Trogir, Split, Hvar, Korčula,
Dubrovnik and many others.
Ancient traces are visible from the grand monuments of Roman Pula
and the largest forum on the eastern side of the Adriatic in Zadar, all
the way to the divine Palace of Dioklecian in Split. A historical stroll will
bring us to Zadar’s pre-Romanesque St. Donat from the 9th century
and further into the world of the miraculous Romanesque monument
town Trogir or the islands of Krk and Rab. After a gothic chapter in
Zagreb, Pazin or Ston on Pelješac, we come to the Renaissance town
of Osor on the island of Cres, the Šibenik cathedral, the islands Hvar
and Korčula and in the end to the amazing and unique Dubrovnik.
The spirit of Baroque is felt in Varaždin, Bjelovar and Vukovar, while
19th century heritage is felt in Rijeka, Osijek and unforgettable Zagreb.
Holding an important place in culturally-historical inheritance
are the medieval towns of Istria located on hilltops which provide
natural protection. From the outside they look like a fort, while on
the inside the medieval town is netted with narrow, curvey streets.
The Republic of Croatia has also sent an application list of cultural and
natural goods to the World Heritage Centre. From cultural goods we
have the Episcopal complex in Zadar, the Croatian ‘limes’ in Varaždin
(border defence system of Ancient Rome), the Fort in Osijek, widening
of the Palace of Dioklecian and the historical core of Split, the town of
Lubenice on Cres, castle Veliki Tabor, the historically-urbanistic Ston
with Mali Ston, the town of Motovun, the desert Blaca, the vineyards
of Primošten and the town of Korčula. From natural goods also inlisted are North Velebit, the national parks Kornati and Telaščica, while
in the category of cultural and natural goods we have Lonjsko polje.
15
PRESS 2011
Culturally-Entertaining Manifestations
Making the Croatian cultural offer epecially attractive are the numerous
cultural and entertainment open-air manifestations, whether they are
theatre, film and music festivals or traditional knight games events
such as Sinjska Alka and Korčula’s Moreška. A unique street festival is
Špancirfest in Varaždin.
The town Đurđevac in Podravina and its legend about Picoki (chickens)
have been included in the tourist net of twenty European destinations
of excellence that nurture non-material cultural heritage. The legend
of Picoki speaks of the bravery and quick wit of the people of Đurđevac,
who after a long siege of the city outsmarted the Turkish army by
throwning their last cockrel at them, to make them think they have
more than enough food.
The town of Nin, in the Zadar County has been proclaimed a European
destination of excellence in 2010 because it has the most potential for
the development of eco and cultural tourism.
With the national parks Risnjak, Paklenica, Plitivce Lakes and North
Velebit in the mountain area and the islands Kornati, Mljet, Brijuni and
the waterfalls of the river Krka in the coastal area, Croatia is a real pearl
of natural beauty. With two arboretums in Trsteno near Dubrovnik, and
Opeka near Vinice, numerous historical parks and protected nature
parks, this country is full of endless greenery with 4300 plant, and as
many animal species.
From the 11 nature parks, some like Kopački Rit near Osijek, Lonjsko
Polje in Posavina and Vransko Lake near Pakoštane are carefully
preserved and watched over zoological and botanical reserves. Croatia
has many protected species of animals such as the bear in Kutarevo,
dolphins and Mediterranean she-bears in the waters of Kvarner, the
griffon vulture on the cliffs of Cres, the white storks in the village Čigoć
in Posavina, as well as the herds of wild horses who all find their last
free European refuge on the mentioned locations.
By the number of diverse species Croatia is among the countries
richest in flora in Europe. For example, at specific locations on Velebit
and the Kvarner islands there were counted almost 3000 species of
plants. The untouched green areas of Gorski kotar, Lika and Southern
Istria, represent a real treasury of numerous endemic species by their
ecological value and concentration of protected nature parks.
Recreation in Preserved Nature
Preserved nature is an ideal destination for everyone who likes walking,
hiking, camping and looking forward to relaxation and the return to
true nature. The inland is perfect for mountain biking, climbing, hiking,
adventure races, camping, riding, hunting, fishing, rafting and caving.
Caves and pits are one of the outstanding natural phenomena of
Croatia. Our country is famous in the world for its deep pits. From the
53 Croatian pits deeper than 250 meters, more than half of them (53
percent) are on the Velebit Mountain, while the other significant area
is Biokovo Mountain with 19 pits. From the 52 caves that are deeper
than 1000 meters most of them have been researched in Kordun, Lika,
Velebit and Dalmatia. Istria, Medvednica, Gorski Kotar and Žumberak
are also famous for their deep caves.
Lovers of adrenalin activities such as rafting, parachuting or paragliding,
will discover Croatia as a country of extreme challenges whether they
find themselves on the continental of coastal part.
For lovers of archeology, Croatia is a real discovery because of three
compulsory locations. The most important is definitely the rich
fossil site near Krapina in which the largest and richest collection
of the Neanderthal man, scientifically known as Homo Sapiens
Neanderthalensis, was discovered in 1899. Following that are the
Vučedol Neolitic culture near Vukovar as well as Salon, the biggest
complex of ancient monuments and the metropolis of the Roman
province of Dalmatia.
It is valuble to know that the first European calendar was found in
Croatia. It was drawn on a ceramic pot from Vučedol near Vukovar, made
between 3000 and 2400 BC, at the same time as the first cuneate scripts
appeared in Mesopotamia and the first hieroglyphics in Egypt.
The Croatian blue depths of the sea with rich flora and fauna and traces
of times gone by, from ancient amphoras to sunken galleys and ships
wrecked in the world wars are a real haven for sailing lovers and divers.
Those in search of relaxation in an authentic and unique ambience
wil be able to rest in one of the 12 attractive lighthouses located in
‘conventional’ tourist centres or at unreachable robinson locations
on the furthest islands. True lovers of the sea, nature and silence
will certainly find their place under the sun here. All the lighthouses
are architecturally monumental, raised in their solitude as the most
faithfull guardians of sailors and the sea.
Monuments Under UNESCO Protection
www.min-kulture.hr
www.unesco.org
The extreme value of natural and cultural beauty on Croatian soil
was recognized by UNESCO in 1979 when it included the Old Town of
Dubrovnik and Plitvice Lakes, which remain the most famous tourist
symbols of Croatia today, on the list of world heritage.
The walls of Old Dubrovnik encircle the exquisitely preserved complex
of sacral and secular buildings from each period since the founding of
the town in the 7th century. Along with the protective walls and towers
are the main street of the Old Town – Stradun, the headquarters of the
rulers of the Dubrovnik Republic -Knežev Dvor, the church of the patron
saint St. Vlaho, the Cathedral, three large monasteries, the customs
building and the Town hall. The Republic of Dubrovnik represented
a special political and territorial unit, proud of its culture, successful
16
PRESS 2011
trading and especially the freedom and independance they managed
to keep during turbulent centuries.
The natural pearl Plitvice Lakes, which are made up of 20 emerald green
lakes and pools that gradually flow over separated by dolomite barriers
composed of sedimented limestone made by the river Korana. Water
overflowing between the lakes at different levels creates a magnificent
architectural phenomenon of nature in motion. The lakes are surrounded
by dense beech, fir and juniper forests where there are bears, wolves and
rare birds such as the hazel-hen and the long-eared owl.
Along with these two jewels, in 1979 UNESCO also protected the palace
of the Roman emperor Diokletian around which Medieval Split was
created. The Palace of Diokletian is one of the most significant works
of late classicist architecture, not just because it has preserved some
original parts as well as the whole complex, but also by a number
of original architectural forms which represent new, early Christian,
Byzantium and early medieval art. As part of the palace and later the
medieval town, is also the Romanesque cathedral of St. Duje that was
created on the territory of the former emperial mausoleum and so
stands for the oldest ecclesiastic building in the world.
After the independence of Croatia in 1997, also included on the
UNESCO list was the Romanesque historical core of Trogir built on the
foundations of a Greek village from the 3rd century BC.
The midevial core of Trogir, surrounded by walls, encircles a well
preserved castle and tower, as well as numerous buildings and palaces
from the Romanesque, Gothic, Rainesscance and Baroque periods.
The most important building is the cathedral of Trogir with a portal
of the west gate, a masterpiece of the craftsman Radovan, the most
important example of Romanesque-Gothic art in Croatia.
Also in 1997, UNESCO protected the complex of Eufazije’s Basilica in
Poreč, one of the oldest and most beautiful early Christian monuments
from the 6th century, whose early Byzantine mosaics can compare only
to those in Italian Ravenna. The complex with the tripartite basilica got
its final shape in the 13th and 15th century, is made up from the bishop
residence, baptistery, atrium and a number of Romanesque and
Rainesscance buildings. It is possible to follow all phases of building,
adaptation and renovation through floor mosaics and signs as well as
reconstruct the life of the Christian community in Poreč.
From the year 2000, the cathedral of St. Jakov in Šibenik is also on
the UNECSO list. It was the most important construction project on
Croatian soil in the 15th and 16th century. This three part basilica has a
32 metre dome on the inside part. The construction of the cathedral
was began in the Venetian Gothic style but completed in the style of
Toscan Rainessance. Almost 15 decades had passed from when the
decision to build it was made in 1402 to its completion in 1555. It is
the only building in Europe in which the walls, arches and domes are
constructed by a unique method used in carpentery. The technique
of building that was first introduced by Juraj Dalmatinac and carried
on by Nikola Firentinac is best recognized in the gable of the main
fascade. The result is the harmony of the stoney unit, the method
of stone lying and the absolute harmony of the inside and outside
volume of the cathedral.
Starigradsko Polje (Starigrad field), whose plantations of grapevines
and olives have stayed ‘practically unchanged’ from the first
colonization of anciet Greeks, making them a unique testimony of
geometrical division of land system used in ancient times has been
on the UNESCO’s list since 2008.The largest agricultural land on the
Adriatic islands was colonized in 385 BC by about a hundred families
from the Grek town Paros. They started creating outbuildings and living
quarters on their estates. The luxurious ones date from the Roman
times and up until today, the remains of around 60 of them have
been recovered. Today Starigradsko Polje represents the best preserved
ancient Greek landscape on the Mediterranean.
Non-material Heritage on the UNESCO list
www.min-kulture.hr
www.unesco.org
Croatian heritage recived valuable recognition in 2009 when UNECSO
included seven of the 16 worldly cultural goods for which Croatia had
applied. A year later, Sinjska Alka and the craft of licitar were included
on the list of non-material heritage. These are religious manifestations,
traditional crafts, folk music and traditions that have been nurtured
and unchanged in this area for centuries. Throughout history many
traditions intertwined so their purpose and meaning changed, which
often gave the prehistoric or pagan traditions the character of Christian
religious celebrations.
For example, the pre-Christian custom of Zvončari iz Kastva (bell
ringers from Kastav) found its ‘new’, modern role during the carnival
time, particularly in the hinterland of Rijeka where groups of masked
men, dressed in sheepskin, horns and masks, visit different villages
on their kilometers long treck. Some wear masks, and others, various
headgear, while chanting for good harvest and fertility. All are dressed
in sheep skin turned inside out and carry bells which ring in different
ways as they move – a skill which requires specific physical endurance.
Specific foods are related to this custom as are the handicrafts of mask,
head gear and bell making as well as traditional dances.
Similar is the annual spring procession Ljelja iz Gorjana which, it
is believed, sources its tradition from the earliest Slavic customs.
Although ethnologists associate Ljelja with the supreme Slavic god
Perun, today it is linked to the Catholic feast of Pentecost. Girls from
Gorjani walk around the village in a procession and perform a ritual
made up of particular songs and dances with swords. They are
divided into queens and kings - kings carry swords and wear man’s
hats decorated with flowers, while queens, like brides, wear white
wreaths on their heads. They select songs from a broad repertoire
which are appropriate for families they visit; songs are usually sung
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to a young girl or man or a young bride. The Kings will then perform
a dance with swards, and Queens will comment dance movements
through their song. Finally, a folk dance accompanied by musicians is
performed and everyone can join in.
The Christian tradition of Dubrovnik has been preserved through a
procession in the honour of the patron saint St. Vlaho, who according
to the legend defended Dubrovnik from the Venetians in 971. The
oldest written document testifies that the Fiest of St. Vlaho has been
celebrated since the year 1190. Every year, on the 3rd of February,
bishops and priests carry the relics of St. Vlaho in the procession,
while worshipers in awe kiss their palms and gently touch this relic
in prayers for themselves and the city. After the procession the
flagbearers leave with their flags and go back to their villages where
thay pass on the blessings of their saint to the people who could not
go into town that day.
The unique rite of Christian piety is preserved in the central part of the
island of Hvar through the procession ‘Za Križen’ (Procession of the
Cross) which has been taking place on the night of Good Friday for
the last five centuries. The procession links six of the island’s villages:
Jelsa, Pitve, Vrisnik, Svirče, Vrbanj and Vrboska. Processions start at the
same time from the six parish churches (10pm) led by the cross bearer
who carries a cross (weighing up to 18 kilograms) as a sign of petition
or thanksgiving for his own or his familly’s covenant. He is followed
by a selected group (singers and candelstick bearers) wearing white
brotherhood tunics, as well as many worshipers and pilgrims, stopping
at churches, chapels and other places where they are welcomed by the
priests and then in the morning they return to their parish church. The
backbone of the procession is Gospin plač (weeping of Our Lady) an
octosyllabic Passion text from the 15th century, which is sung in the form
of musical dialogue by selected singers called kantaduri.
Musical heritage of Istria and the Croatian coast has been preserved
in the so-called two-part narrow intervals singing. This type of two
part singing is based on untempered tonal relationships and the
characteristic color of the tone which is in vocal music achieved
by powerful singing partly through the nose. Improvisation and
variation are common in both parts during the performance and
most of the tone sequences are assembled from four to six tones.
Metro-rhythmic formal structure and the structure of the text range
from simple to very complex forms, displaying a specific relationship
between music and text.
From traditional crafts UNESCO has recognized the value of Croatian
lace and the art of making traditional wooden toys in the Croatian
Zagorje. There are three main centers of lace making marking a
continued long tradition. These are Lepoglava in Hrvatsko Zagorje
where lace is made using small sticks – bobbins, Pag where lace is
made using needles and the town of Hvar with its agava lace.
Making wooden toys in Hrvatsko Zagorje developed in the
19tthcentury. The toys are specifically hand made by men and painted
by women. About fifty different types of toys are still produced ranging
from various instruments, tamburas, toys in the shape of animals to
functional objects.
Sinjska Alka is a Croatian knights’ game that is held every year on the
first Sunday of August in Sinj, on the anniversary of the thriumph over
Turkish conquerers on the 14 August 1715. On this day 700 Croatian
soldiers from Sinj managed to fight off the attack of Mehmed-pasha
Čolić’s Turkish army, which counted 60 000 soldiers. In the ‘alka’
competition, the horse rider has to pass the 160 meter racetrack in
full gallop – the time tolerated is up to 12 seconds- and try to hit the
centre of the small iron ring which is called alka, with his spear. The
alka is located 3.2 meters above the ground. The alka is made up of
two concentric rings, where the smaller ring in 3.54 cm and the bigger
one is 13.3 cm. The rings are connected by three shanks that separate
the outer ring into three equal fields. The aim of the game is to collect
as many points possible during three tries. The value of each field is
different – the top field above the small ring is worth two, while the
lower left and right field each bring one point. A direct hit into the small
ring (‘u sridu’) is worth three points. Every direct hit is celebrated by
the sounds of brass music and shots from ‘mačkul’ - old cannon. If the
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contestant just touches the alka with his spear, it is said he has shot
at nothing (‘uništa’) but if the alka stays untouched it is said that he
has missed (‘promašio’). During the alkar horse gallop none of the
knights equipment is allowed to fall off. If this happens and the knight
does not notice, he might get another chance to race but only with the
permission of the Alkar duke. If the knight does notice that he has lost
a part of his equipment he must race the track without shooting at the
alka and with his spear lowered.
The skill of making ‘licitars’ (honey dough decorations) - a colourful
cake made from honey dough – has from a long time ago been
preserved in the circles of families who are into honey making crafts
from central and lowland Croatia. The licitar is made from completely
edible ingredients, it is bright red in colour and produced in various
shapes and sizes. The smaller licitars are in the shapes of hearts, cherries,
babies, birds, mushrooms, horseshoes, small wreaths and small horses
and are all favourites in Croatian homes for the decoration of Christmas
trees. The larger ones are used mostly as gifts for special occasions like
Valentine’s day. The tradition of expressing love by a licitar heart has
been eternalized in the ballet of the same name, by Krešimir Baranović,
which has been preformed on stages across the world. The tradition
of licitar making started in the middle ages, indeed, in 16th and 17th
century, when in numerous European monestaries cakes were made
with the help of richly decorated wooden moulds. In the 18th and 19th
century in Zagreb, Karlovac, Koprivnica, Samobor, Varaždin and other
towns, licitar makers were respected craftsmen and their products were
a favourite among all the classes.
Along with Sinjska alka and the skill of licitar making, in 2010 UNESCO
recognized the value of ‘ojkanje’, which it included on the list of nonmaterial cultural heritage.
Ojkanje is the remnant of the ancient Ilirian and pre Ilirian singing
from the area of ancient Dalmatia (today’s Dalmatia, Bosnia and
Herzegovina and Montenegro) which the Croats adopted and nurtured.
It is characterized by voice shaking and still preformed from the area
of Karlovac all the way to Konavli. Ojkanje is still present and often
referred to as old fashioned singing. In Dalmatian zagora it is called
‘treskanje’, in the hinterland of Zadar it is called ‘orzenje’ while in the
Karlovac area they call it ‘rozganje’. Ojkanje from Zagora is much older
that the ‘ganga’or ‘rera’ (Imotski, Sinj, Herzegovina). Ojkanje is much
older than the medieval ‘dijafonija’, form which the classical polifony
later developed. Ojkanje also has characteristic texts and experts point
out how this is a case of perfect music forms. Ojkanje is preformed by
two or more singers using a unique voice shaking technique. The song
lasts for as long as the lead vocal can hold his breath.
The list of protected and endangered Croatian goods is quite long and
counts more than 80 of them, so the Ministry of Culture will aim to put
more of them, such as the Slavonian ‘bećarac’ dance and the silent
dance from Dinara on the UNESCO list.
Architectural Pearls of all Epochs
www.arhitekti-hkaig.com
info.hazu.hr
Croatia holds valuable artwork and architecture from every cultural
epoch – from pre-history up until today – but we are most proud of
the valuable heritage from the time of ancient Greek colonalization
and the later Roman urbanization that Croatian immigrants came
upon in the 7th century. However, the periods in which Croatian artistic
accomplishments became a part of the European cultural circle are preRomanesque, Rainessance and the 20th century. Croatian heritage is
a totally unique appearance in Europe because intertwined in history
of this area were all four points of the compass – the European east
and west, the central European north and the Mediterranean south.
This compound and mingling of cultures has resulted in numerous and
varied historical monuments.
Roman antiquity of the classical period left an indelible mark on the
city of Pula, where we continue to marvel at the magnificent Arena,
whose architectural shell is one of the best preserved in Europe.
Moreover there is Slavoluk Sergijevaca (the Triumphal Arch of Sergius),
or as the people of Pula call it the ‘Golden Gate’, and Augustov Hram
(Augustus Temple), dating from the first century. In the area of Split,
near Diocletian’s Palace of Late Antiquity (UNESCO heritage), lie the
remains of Salona, which was briefly the capital of the Roman province
of Dalmatia. The early Christian era has left huge archaeological
treasures in Salona without which the history of Christianity and Europe
would be unthinkable.
Pre-Romanesque period has left the Rotonda Svetog Trojstva (Rotunda
of Holy Trinity) in Church of Sv. Donat in Zadar, which is comparable
with the Chapel of Charlemagne in Aachen, from the same period - 9th
century. Rotonda is a unique building from the heritage of the early
Middle Ages, the temple in which the elements of the Byzantine and
Carolingian architecture intertwine. Romanesque period left large
churches and monasteries as well as magnificent palaces in Krk, Rab
and Trogir, difficult to find elsewhere in Europe.
Ston and Mali Ston were built during the Gothic period as two towns
connected by walls and towers that stretch several miles in length. The
result is one of the most extensive preserved 14th century fortifications,
used by the Dubrovnik Republic in order to defend the entire peninsula
of Pelješac. Also during the Gothic period, but this time in the north
of the country, the easternmost Catholic cathedral in Europe was built
in the 13th century Zagreb. Fort Medvedgrad with its octagonal chapel
situated on the mountain Medvednica also dates from this period.
The Renaissance period shaped the character of coastal and island
towns such as Osor, Pag, Šibenik, Hvar and Dubrovnik, while Baroque
left the deepest traces in the northern cities of Varaždin, Bjelovar,
Požega, Slavonski Brod and Vukovar. Impact of 19th century architecture
contributed to the development of Rijeka and Osijek into larger cities
with beautiful examples of Art Nouveau architecture. Art Nouveau
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had a strong influence in Zagreb and in particular the “Zagreb School”
of modern architecture between the two world wars, which brought
together Le Corbusier’s functionalism and Frank Lloyd Wright’s organic
approach to architecture.
the main facade (the form of a trefoil), one of the oldest in Europe,
as well as the only one that continues as a natural part of the threenave church plan in harmony with the shape and size of the arches.
Baroque sacral architecture is visible in the cathedral in Dubrovnik,
and historicistic examples are found in the cathedral in Djakovo (NeoRomanesque) and Osijek (Neo-Gothic).
Important Sacral Sites
Although rarely found in world textbooks, about one hundred churches
that date from the time of the Kingdom of Croatia (from the 9th to early
12th century) are very important for the world’s sacral art because of
their uniqueness and number. Their different forms of decorative stone
and relief motifs are very diverse and particular parts of them represent
some of the most famous examples in Europe at that time, such as the
stone plate from the Church of Sv. Nediljica from Zadar, which dates
from the early 11th century. Also highly preserved is the Romanesque
relief carved on the wooden doors of Split cathedral which through 28
reliefs depicts the life of Christ. It is the work of the artist Andrija Buvina
(1214). Here we also find the greatest work of Gothic goldsmiths’ art
- the sarcophagus of gilded silver from the shrine of Sveti Simon (St.
Simon) in Zadar from 1380, portraying numerous reliefs of modern life.
Cathedrals in Croatia vary according to many distinctive characteristics.
Cathedrals from the Roman period have been preserved in Pula and
Split (Cathedral of Sv. Duje was the mausoleum of Emperor Diocletian
before Christianisation), the Romanesque cathedrals are located
in Krk, Senj, Rab, Zadar and Trogir and Gothic examples are found
in Korčula and Zagreb. Šibenik Cathedral - a monument under the
protection of UNESCO - is the only building in Europe which did not
use the classic building methods and where walls, vaults and domes
were first constructed separately, as precisely cut stone units, which
were then assembled into the whole using methods of masonary
craft. The result is harmonious intertwining of the whole stone
structure, stacking methods, and the absolute unity of interior and
exterior volume of the cathedral. The construction technique which
was first introduced by Juraj Dalmatinac is best seen in the gable of
Contemporary Architecture
However, Croatian contemporary architecture is on the trail of the
dazzling times of its famous predecessors. Today’s architects regularly
win international awards for their achievements. For example, at the
World Architecture Festival 2009 in Barcelona, Croatian Architects won
two gold medals for two buildings. These are Zagreb Arena sports hall
and the building of medical emergency in Zagreb. It was concluded
that the Zagreb medical emergency building deserves the award
because it satisfies all the criteria of the importance of public sphere
for the benefit of the community. Or, as a member of the jury, architect
Aaron Betsky defined it, it is not ‘a machine to live, but to maintain
life’. The jury also decided that the Zagreb Arena deserved the award
because of the simplicity, elegance and efficient structural concept,
while the building transformed the area it is situated in, becoming a
catalyst for its development.
Modern icon of the city of Zadar – The Sea Organ, which is the first
natural organ in the world, was also recognized by European architects
and awarded the European Prize for Urban Public Space in 2006 at the
third Biennale in Barcelona.
Sea Organ is an architectural achievement which shows that urban
public space can be designed in an unusual way which is at the
same time simple, distinctive and original. As a subtle construction,
Sea Organ allows one to communicate with nature and thus, to the
greatest extent possible, promotes the harmony of architecture and
art with nature. The organ is located in the underwater part of the
city’s waterfront, where waves and currents pass through the musical
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pipes set under the sea, creating an incredible sound, the so-called ‘sea
music’, which fills up a wide area along the sea promenade.
At the very tip of the Zadar peninsula shines ‘The Greeting to Sun’ by
the same architect, Nikola Bašić. The Greeting to Sun consists of three
hundred multi-layered glass panels set flush with the stone-paved
promenade in a circle diameter of 22 meters. It is conceived as a spatial
installation in the form of an amphitheater surrounded by the blocks
of stone which will hold a stylish display of all the planets of the Solar
System and their orbits. According to Alfred Hitchock this is the precise
part of the Zadar promenade from which one can enjoy the most
beautiful sunset in the world.
Natural Beauties
www.zastita-prirode.hr
www.dzzp.hr
www.natura2000.hr
Did you know that by its drinking water Croatia is the richest European
country or that Croatian word for karst – ‘krš’ – has become accepted in
the world as a term for describing an area of prevailing rock and stone?
The clean waters of rivers and the sea, the various plant and animal
communities, the endemic nesting grounds and the untouched
landscapes guarantee an experience in clean and free nature. There is
nothing like a preserved environment and you will not need to make an
effort to enjoy it in Croatia.
The moderate continental and mild Mediterranean climates enable a
rich choice of activities at any time of the year. The number of sunny
hours in Croatia is by far above the European average – close to two
thousand sunny hours a year on the continent and around 500 more
on the coast and islands.
National Parks
Croatia has eight national parks, four in the coastal and four in the
mountainous region. These are Brijuni, Kornati, Mljet, River Krka,
Plitvice, Risnjak, Paklenica and Northern Velebit.
The archipelago of Brioni which consists of Veli and Mali Brijuni with 12
islands has been a retreat oasis since ancient times which apart from
its natural beauty offer interesting historical sites. The islands stretch
along the southwestern coast of the Istrian peninsula, from which
they are separated by about 3 kilometers wide Fažanski Kanal (Fažana
channell). Here, a memory is preserved of the Austrian industrialist,
former owner of the islands, Paul Kupelwieser, who made Brioni a
destination for the European elite, as well as the memory of former
President Josip Broz Tito, who received the world’s statesmen and
many famous personalities on the island.
The Kornati archipelago is the densest archipelago in the Mediterranean
and it consists of 152 islands, islets and rocks between the islands Dugi
Otok and Žirje. The national park consists of 89 of the islands. Only
about a quarter of the park area is land, while the remaining part is
the marine ecosystem. It abounds in natural and cultural peculiarities.
Vertical cliffs which face the open sea are the crowns of the Kornati
islands and the most popular phenomenon of this park as well as
being habitats for rare species. The sea-bed of Kornati reveals other
remarkable stories. It is worth knowing that the land part of the Kornati
Islands is privatly owned.
National Park on Mljet Island occupies the western, forested
part of the island with five types of forests and the remnants of
ancient forests which are the habitats of numerous songbirds and
the snake-eagle. Veliko Jezero (Great Lake) covering 145 hectares
and 46 meters deep and Malo Jezero (Small Lake) which covers 24
hectares and is 29 meters deep attract naturalists and other curious
lovers of nature. In the middle of Veliko Jezero there is an islet Sveta
Marija on which an ancient Benedictine monastery dating from
12th century is situated. Due to its exceptional esthetic ambience
and strong spiritual and cultural atmosphere, the islet became a
symbol of the whole island and the National Park of Mljet.
Virgin-pure, karst river Krka with its seven magical waterfalls originates
near Knin, and, in two thirds of its length, runs through canyons. It is
exceptionally rich in endemic flora and fauna, with 222 different species
of birds. Mills along the river and on top of waterfalls, ruins of defensive
fortifications overlooking the canyon and the picturesque estuary
of river Čikola above Skradinski Buk are all peculiarities of this river’s
landscape. Estuary of the river Krka – the 23.5 km long Lake Prukljansko
– streaches all the way to Skradinski Buk and is rich in shellfish as well
as fresh and salt water fish. A small island is situated on a 13 km long
Visovačko lake, between the Roški waterfall and Skradinski Buk – on
it, a Franciscan monastery is set in an idyllic park with a long cultural
history. Monastery Krka (Arhanđelovac) is situated in the wider part of
the canyon, in the area of Kistanje.
The most famous national park on the continent – Plitvice Lakesis a beautiful formation of forest landscapes situated between
the mountains Mala Kapela and Plješevica, a system of 16 lakes
connected with numerous waterfalls. Prošćansko and Kozjak lakes are
the biggest lakes with the highest altitude (on dolomitic rock), and
the lower lakes - in a limestone layer - end in a waterfall some 136
feet below, at the source of the river Korana. Ancient forest reserve
Čorkova Uvala (bay), with 120 species of birds and numerous caves,
complement this exclusive landscape. In the mountain climate, snow
and ice, between November and March, cover the hills, forests, lakes
and waterfalls, while in the summer months a perfect refuge from
the heat can be found.
National park Risnjak is situated in the western mountain range in the
area of Gorski Kotar, where the Alps meet the Dinaridi mountain range.
The park encompasses Veliki Risnjak (1528 m) and Snježnik (1506 m)
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and abounds with the features of the karst terrain - faults, chasms,
caves and pits. Large areas are covered with old coniferous forests and
mountain meadows as well as subalpine and alpine flora with many
endemic species. Bears, wolves, chamois, alpine deer, wild boar and
lynx are the largest representatives of wildlife. Mountain rivers and
streams are a habitat for trout and other salmonid fish.
North Velebit lies to the south-east of Risnjak. This, widest part of
Velebit streches from notch Vratnik (698 m) on the road Otočac-Senj to
Veliki Alan (1379 m) and it consists of the bare rock of Velebit Channel
on its sea-facing side and the forested lowlands on its continental side.
On peak Zavižan (1594 m) there are a mountain lodge and botanical
gardens, an excellent starting point for hiking and riding tours. Rocky
mountain trail Premužiceva Staza leads through the reserve Rožanski
Kukovi and offers beautiful views of the sea and the islands of Rab as
well as the strict nature reserve Hajdučki Kukovi.
On the south part of Velebit is Paklenica, whose impressive torrent
gorges open up the virgin wilderness, so close to the beaches of
the Adriatic. This is one of the most attractive natural areas in the
Mediterranean: the dense forests of black pine and beech, caves,
troughs and fresh-water springs are all nestling below the highest
peaks of Velebit. Velika Paklenica is the climber’s mecca, while visitors
of caves are attracted by the impressive Manita Peć. A stoney path leads
from the entrance to the park through a gorge to the mountaineer’s
hut. A few well-kept shelters are also located on the mountain.
Polje is the largest protected wetland not only in Croatia but in the
entire Danube basin.
The forests of Medvednica descend almost to the very center of Zagreb.
Besides the peace and greenery, this mountain is abundant in rich
diversity of wildlife.
The characteristics of Papuk represent an important segment of
biological and landscape values of the region of Slavonia. The diversity
of geological phenomena, well-preserved flora and vegetation and
habitats of a number of animal species, represent real wealth.
Bay Telašćica is characterized by three fundamental phenomena - it is
the largest and safest natural port in the Adriatic, its cliffs rise to 200
meters above sea level and descend to a depth of 90 meters and its
salt-water lake Mir has healing properties.
Nature Park Velebit is a major hub of endemic flora and continental
fauna in Croatia, while the Vransko Lake (Dalmatia) is the largest lake
in Croatia and one of the richest ornithological reserves.
Nature Park Učka is primarily characterized by an exceptional variety of
features in a relatively small area, and Lastovo archipelago comprises of
44 islands, islets, rocks and reefs which form a part of the municipality
of Lastovo. The largest in this group are Sušac and Lastovo. This area is
one of the best preserved marine areas in the Adriatic.
Nature Park Žumberak covers about 350 km², and its purpose is to
protect and promote the natural beauty of the area.
Eleven Nature Parks
Biokovo was declared a nature park because of the exceptional value
of its plant and animal species, geomorphological forms and natural
beauty covering an area of 19 550 hectares.
Kopački Rit is an area which significantly changes its appearance
during the year, depending on the intensity of flooding, mainly from
the Danube, and much less from the Drava River. Nature Park Lonjsko
A Nautical Paradise With a Thousand Islands
Croatia is a country of a thousand islands, 1244 to be precise, which
makes it one of the most beautiful indented coastlines in the world.
50 inhabited islands are situated on 6176 km of coastline and the
rest are small islands, reefs and rocks which all contribute to our
well-indented coast.
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Every island is different from the other and has its own story and
destiny. The first trip to the Adriatic coast and islands is a journey into
the unknown. Each next trip will be the return to the already familiar
beauty of this country, always different but equally fascinating.
Given the number of islands and reefs, as well as marinas that can
satisfy even the most demanding sailors, Croatian Adriatic coast can
rightfully be called a paradise for boaters. Although nautical season
lasts from late April to mid-autumn, the period from June to September
is ideal for boaters who, along with their passion for sailing, want to
enjoy the classic pleasures of the seaside holliday.
Sailors who do not own a boat can charter one in one of the 900
professional charter companies with approximately 3 500 high-quality
and well-equipped vessels. When you have decided whether you want
a sailing-boat, motor yacht or a catamaran, you are left with nothing to
do but cast off into the open sea, while the best route depends on the
port you chose as your starting point.
Istria
We begin the story about islands with Brijuni. These 14 islands are
located on a seven kilometre stretch between Pula and Rovinj. In this
area nature has created a real small paradise- a true harmony of plant
and animal life, historical monuments and comfortable hotels. For
example, golf is played on Brijuni on a unique golf course dating from
1922, which then held the flattering title as being one of the largest
and the most beautiful. Today, on this 18-hole course, golf is played in
the company of deer, mouflons, rabitts and peacocks.
Silba, an island of ship owners and captains, offers its harbours as a
haven for seafarers, away from the wild gushes of wind.It is also known
as an island without cars.
The island Ugljan is the ‘suburb’ and the garden of Zadar and it was
named after the mass production of oil. The nearby island Pašman has
grown into Ugljan. They seem like twins and the only difference is that
Pašman is a little more peacefull.
Iž is famous for its rich Mediterranean vegetation. The traditional
occupations of the locals, fishing and farming are a guarantee of the
good food that is offered on the island. On Dugi Otok you can rest in
the natural reserve on an area of 114 km².
The Šibenik area
According to the legend, Kornati, a labyrinth of sea passages and
islands had come from a large number of rocks that God had
leftover after the creation of the world. He threw them into the sea,
looked at them and came to a conclusion that nothing more needs
to be corrected.
The picturesque island of Murter stands out among the islands with its
surface of 18 square kilometres. Murter is an island of fishermen, olive
groves and ship builders.
The island Prvić is located near the tourist pearl Vodice, an oasis of
Mediterranean flora and fauna.
The island Zlarin is located south-west from Šibenik. In the fifteenth
century it was famous for extraction of corals and sea sponges.
Kvarner
The golden or green Krk both is, and is not an island. It is surely an
island by its idyllic nature and peaceful oasis away from everyday life,
but as it is well-connected to mainland by a bridge it also appears not
to be an island. Cres and Lošinj - one island or two? In ancient times
they were separated by a channel which was dug out by the Romans,
but are now connected by a bridge.
Among the 1185 islands and cliffs scattered along the Adriatic coast
which are mainly composed of hard, sharp rock and a handfull of soil,
Susak is one of the rare islands that nature has created from sand. 20
million cubic meters of sand is precisely what gives a distinctive flavor to
the wine produced on Susak. The next island in Kvarner is Rab. Due to
its rich Mediterranean vegetation and sandy beaches, the local council
declared it a bath and spa in 1889.
The Zadar aquatorium
Pag is an island full of mythical olive groves, rich in sea salt, famous for
its lace and cheese which is a world famous delicacy.
Žirje is the furthest inhabited island of the Šibenik archipelago with
fantastic fishing areas and many bays for sailing lovers.
The Islands of Split
The island Brač is the highest and third by its size island on the Adriatic,
whie its beach Zlatni rat is one of the most famous symbols of Croatian
tourism. On this island there is an unusual rocky desert – Blaca, which
was founded by Glagolitic priests in the 16th century when they were
running before Turkish conquerers. South of Brač is Hvar, the longest
island on the Adriatic. This is an island of vineyards, olive groves
and lavender. Hvar is, without any doubt, an exceptional island. It is
characterized by comfortable winter and summer resorts, moderate
climate and rich sub-tropical vegetation.
Pakleni otoci are a special and interesting group of islands with
pebbled and sandy, mostly nudist beaches and a rocky sea bed perfect
for underwater fishing. Far from the mainland and its worries is the
island of Vis, abundant in palm trees. The island Biševo stretches across
6 square kilometres with many caves chiselled into steep shores.
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PRESS 2011
The Dubrovnik Area
More Than 300 Regattas on the Adriatic
Although it is officially a peninsula, Pelješac seems like an island. A
narrow channel seperates it from Korčula. It is said that Korčula is an
island with the most legends and monuments, and along with Lokrum
and Mljet it is the most wooded island in Croatia. Far on the open sea
is the island Lastovo, with a surface of 50 square kilometres, with an
indented pebbled coast, sandy beaches and a number of islands on its
west and east side. Alongside Pelješac there is the green Mljet, which
covers 100 square kilometers.
The popularity of sailing on the Adriatic coast is confirmed by the fact
that more than 300 races are organized annually, mostly in central
Dalmatia. The most popular races are also held there: Mrduja, Vodice
Easter Regatta, Kornati Cup and Latinsko Jidro on Murter as well as
Vis and Komiža Regatta. The world’s best match-racing skipper, New
Zealander Adam Minoprio, took part in the finals of of last year’s ACI
Match Race in Split.
Due to its pine forests, karst caves, two picturesque lakes connected
with the sea, pebble and sandy beaches and fishing grounds abundant
in fish and lobsters, the western part of the island enjoys a national
park status.
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PRESS 2011
VII. THE TOURIST OFFER
SPORT, ENTERTAINMENT AND RECREATION (golf…)
www.crogolf.com
www.razvoj-golf.hr
www.igs.hr
www.marlera.hr
www.kempinski.com/en/istria
www.biskagolf.com
The program of golf development in Croatia forsees the building of
around thirty golf courses on the Adriatic coast and the continent. 18hole courses were opened in 2009 in the Golf and Country Club Zagreb
as well as in Crveni vrh in Savurdija as part of the Kempinski resort. A
9-hole golf course was opened in Sveti Martin on Mura. New courses
with all additional facilities are proof that this sport is becoming more
and more important.
Apart from the eight newely opened courses in Savurdija and Zagreb
there are two more 18- hole glof courses on Brijuni and Krašić, while
the others are 9-hole courses and smaller practice grounds. Numerous
investors have begun building their golf-projects. For example, the
famous former Croatian footballer Dražen Ladić has started the
construction of a golf course and resort on Marlera, close to Ližnjan.
The whole resort should be finished in two years time. His vision is that
Marlera Golf LD becomes the most beautiful golf course in Europe, with
27 holes, a five star hotel with 160 rooms, wellness and spa, casino and
additional accommodation units.
Predicted for spring 2011 is the beginning of the contruction of the
first phase of the Golf resort Biska Golf Isra in Fratarska šuma (Friar’s
forest), planned on 67 acres of land opposite the camp site Park Umag,
located next to Karigador in the Brtonigla county.
Almost 60 million euros is being invested in the first phase of building
– the construction of an 18-hole golf course and around eighty
villas, golfers’ houses and additional buildings with the relevant
infrastructure. The second phase forsees the building of a hotel with
additional fascillities.
Big ambitions are also harboured by the creators of the project
’Golf Park Dubrovnik’ which is planned to be constructed on the
north slopes of the mountain Srđ on a surface of around 350 acres.
According to the project idea, two high quality golf courses with 27
(18+9) holes and a practice ground are planned as part of ‘Golf Park
Dubrovnik’. Along with this there will also be a Golf academy led by
the world’s most famous golfer Greg Norman. Next to the courses and
the additional contents, predicted is the construction and renovation
of other sport and recreational fascilities, such as the horseriding club,
tennins courts, biking and jogging paths, wellness, fitness and similar.
The restaurant offer will be made up from the gastronomical tradition
and the specialities of the wider area of Dubrovnik, but also from other
parts of Croatia. Shopping will be made possible by a system of smaller
boutiques where indigenous Dubrovnik and Croatian souveniers will be
on offer as well as world known brands. Entertainment will be offered
through night clubs, discoteques, open air airamphitheatres, casinos
and social games such as Bridge and snooker.
The construction of two five and seven star hotels and the renovation
of tourist apartments and residential villas are also planned as part of
‘Golf Park Dubrovnik’. Together with the cable car which leads to Srđ,
the renovated fort ‘Imperial’ enriched with new facilities and numerous
active holiday possibilities, ‘Golf Park Dubrovnik’ will contribute to the
significant step forward and competitiveness of the whole Dubrovnik
offer on the evermore demanding international tourism market.
Just how popular golf is becoming is proven by the fact that this
sport has also arrived in Zmajevac, a place in Baranja famous for its
vineyards, wine roads and numerous wine cellars. There we have an
open golf practice course, golf school and golf club and plans are being
made for the construction of a smaller golf course and hotel.
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PRESS 2011
‘Extreme Contents’
Horeseback Riding
www.adria-velebitica.hr
www.rizvancity.com
www.paintball.hr
www.paintballcroatia.com
www.visit.hr
www.konjicki-savez.hr
www.terapijsko-jahanje.com
www.krila.hr
Almost all tourist resorts offer their guests conventional recreational
facilities such as aqua aerobics, tennis, table tennis, sand volleyball,
basketball, football. Those who are dreaming of recreation in the form
of action movies will be attracted by the offer of paintball playing
fields. Because the vast natural areas in the vicinity of towns and
tourist resorts are favourable for playing paintball, there are many
paintball grounds in Istrian towns and continental Croatia but also
more and more in Dalmatia and Lika. The adventure centre Rizvan
City, containing a paintball ground and a forest adventure park, unique
in Croatia is situated in the untouched wildness of Lika at the foot of
Velebit. Extreme sports are also on offer on the island of Vis. This island
offers its guests original ‘Military Tours’ where they can get to know
the secrets of the island whose main characteristic was the fact that
is was isolated from visitors for almost 50 years. The largest Adriatic
base of the former Yugoslav army is full of hidden labyrinths, tunnels,
passages and caves. It is estimated that there are 70 km of tunnels and
passages on Vis which the former army had been building for decades
and which form a real underground labyrinth. This is where weapons,
fuel, ammunition, underwater mines, rockets and torpedoes were kept
and some served as commanding places of the navy for the whole
Adriatic and as hiding places for ships and submarines. During the so
called ‘Military Tour’, there is also a tour of Tito’s cave, the highest peak
of Vis - Hum and the cross in honour of the fallen British soldiers. During
the break there is tasting of the famous flat cake from Vis, domestic
wine and shnapps.
Skydiving
www.vugrek-skydive-simulator.com
At the other end of Croatia in Novi Golubovec in Zagorje tourists are
offered the possibility of flying with the help of a Vertical air tunnel (free
fall simulator). This unusual, large device hides inside it a ship engine
with horsepower of 1000. When the captain presses the accelerator,
the propeller pushes air through the tunnel at the speed of 50 meters
per second. This is enough for you to fly several meters up into the air
in a moment. Modelled on similar devices in the world, the members
of the Vugrek family designed and constructed treir own air tunnel.
Experts claim that this kind of flying is not dangerous. If you do fall,
you will end up on mats or net, so you can experience the world from a
birdseye perspective without any worries.
Horseback riding is an ideal form of recreation which enables you to
successfully de-stress and raises your level of psycho-phisycal abilities.
The beauty of the horse, its warmth and rhythm of movement
represent a combination with a unique therapeutic effect. Riding is
relaxing and useful to overall well being, raising the level of psychophisycal abilities, while eliminating stresses so a person becomes
content with themselves and their body. Therapeutic riding, apart from
recreational and sports riding, includes an educational and medicinal
component. The most famous riding centres in Croatia are located in:
Slavonia, Istria and Dalmatia.
From small family farms on country estates and the modern horsecentres with riding schools, expert training and the evermore
popular therapeutic riding, all the way to the most famous
traditional horsing competition – the great Sinjska Alka, Croatia
has a rich offer for riders. In Đakovo – Slavonija, you can find the
State Horse farm of the magnificent Lipicaner breed, which has
been bred here since the 13th century.
NAUTICAL TOURISM
www.aci-club.hr
www.hjs.hr
During the first nine months of 2010, the Ministry of Sea, Transport
and Infrastructure and harbour headquarters issued 2.11 percent
more vignettes to foreign sailors than in the whole of 2009, which
was a record year by the number of issued vignettes. The domestic
charter fleet counts around 4000 vessels and in 2010 more than 302
thousand sailors sailed through charters, which is a rise of 3.28 percent
in comparison to the year before.
This year again, most of them were Germans, followed by Austrians,
Slovenians, Italians and Poles. Thanks to the good organisation of
security measures and sea rescue searches in our sea, there was not a
single fatal accident noted in the season of 2010. However, this took a
great deal of work to achieve and the National Centre for Search and
Rescue participated in 319 action rescues in which 783 people were
saved by the end of September. Apart from this, 6.5 thousand vessel
inspections were carried out and fines of a total of 2 million kunas were
issued, mostly for high speeding too close to the shore.
By the end of 2010, test trials of the VTS system for supervision of sea
traffic are planned to be carried out, with a view of finalizing the full
version by the second half of 2011. This will be a radar system with 17
base stations for automatic identification that will enable the visibility
of every object larger than three cubic meters on the sea. Operators will
26
PRESS 2011
be able to supervise sea traffic in our part of the Adriatic 24 hours a day,
with an accent on ships that carry dangerous cargo.
Croatia has 21 020 berths, which is 2.6 nautical berths per kilometre, in
97 nautical tourism ports. Considered under nautical tourism ports are
anchorage-grounds, moors, dry marinas and marinas. When we add
the number of berths in harbours open for public traffic and sports’
harbours, the number of berths rises to 35 thousand.
The construction of 15 thousand new berths for sail boats is a part of
the Government’s strategy ‘three times fifteen’ by which it is planned
that by the year 2018 fifteen thousand new berths at fifteen prestigious
destinations across the Adriatic will be constructed in order to reach an
annual profit of 15 billion kunas from nautical tourism.
the world’s mega yachts. The nautical centre Prgin and its Turkish
partner Dogus Group, will in this way put Šibenik neck to neck with
modern nautical centres such as Monaco, Cannes, Palma de Mallorca
and Portofino. Mega yacht marines differ from other marines by
the possibility to accommodate vessels longer than 25 meters. An
important role in this is held by the pallet of services offered in such
marinas and tourist destinations like boat maintenance, shopping
and historical sites.
More and More River Sailors
www.port-osijek.hr
www.luka-vukovar.hr
Developing in the shadow of nautical tourism is river sailing. In Europe
this brings good profits, which is yet to be achieved in our country.
A significant Increase of Charter Fleet Capacities
More than 900 highly professional, modern and expertly organized
charter companies with around 3 500 quality and highly equipped
vessels, intended for professional sailors as well as recreationalists,
are active in Croatia. In their offer charter companies have sail
boats, motor boats, catamarans and smaller boats as well as speed
boats. In Croatian charter around 75 percent of vessels are sail
boats, while the rest are motor yachts and other types of vessels.
Apart from cruisers, there are more and more river sailors who sail into
Drava and make a stop at Zimska Luka (Winter Harbour) in Osijek. River
tourism is highly developed in Europe and the most attractive route
leads from Vienna to the Black Sea. Zimska Luka in Osijek has in the
past few years, with its renovated berths, lighting and video surveillance
been the best equipped in this part of Europe and is slowly becoming a
favourite docking place on nautical charts. This nautical season already
counts around twenty dockings, while help and nautical services are
free of charge. Along with 420 berths, on the club’s waiting list there
are fifty sailors with their vessels. In the words of the Drava and Danube
sailors, once you get to feel the shores of the river and get to know its
peace and wildness, you become the river’s captive forever.
The Construction of the First Marina
for Mega-yachts
CRUISES
www.ncp.hr
www.portdubrovnik.hr
By the middle of 2011 Šibenik should be getting a new marina worth
17 million euros which will be ready to accommodate the largest of
In the period from January to September 2010, 673 foreign cruises
were realised in Croatia. On these ships were 872 994 passengers,
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PRESS 2011
who spent 1439 days in Croatia in total, which is 2 days on
average per cruise. The most foreign cruise ships which sailed
into Croatian sea territory for the first time were noted in the
Dubrovnik-Neretva County (75.6 percent) and the Split-Dalmatia
County (15.2 percent), which is 90.8 percent all together. The
other 9.2 percent of foreign cruise ships evidented their first
arrival on Croatian territory in the other four coastal counties.
In relation to the same period in 2009 the number of trips is 10
percent higher, and the number of passengers entering Croatia in
such a way is 7.3 percent higher. The total number of days which
these passengers spent in Croatia is 8.7 percent higher.
It is estimated that the total profit from cruise trips in Croatia is
around 32 million euros and that in the next ten years the total
direct and indirect income from international cruises could go up
to 200 million euros.
CONGRESS TOURISM
business.croatia.hr/hr-HR/Kongresni-i-insentiv-ured
www.poslovniturizam.com
Although only a few hotels in Croatia are officially registered as congress
hotels, this branch of tourism has been given more and more attention
on the coast as well as the continental part of the country, which is
not surprising since it is a known fact that a guest visiting as part of
a congress, expert gathering, seminar or similar business program,
spends up to three times more than an ‘ordinary’ tourist.
More than half a billion euros has been invested in the past few years
in the construction of congress halls and additional facilities, so now
Croatia has 148 venues with a congress offer. Dominating among them
are hotels, 134 of them to be precise. Visitors who come on business
can choose between 22 five star hotels, 74 four star hotels and 38 three
star hotels. Croatia also offers 14 independent venues which offer the
possibility of organizing conferences, seminars, workshops and similar
business meetings.
The largest convention centers are in Zagreb, Opatija, Dubrovnik,
Pula, Rovinj, Cavtat, Poreč, Umag, Savudrija, Rijeka, Mali Lošinj, Novi
Vinodolski, Split, Hvar, Brač and Plitvice Lakes.
Kvarner, as the leader in this area has 27 hotels and three separate
buildings with a total of 94 rooms for conferences and meetings
with a capacity of 14 000 seats, while the ‘Grand Hotel Adriatic’
has the longest tradition in congress tourism on the Adriatic coast,
with 200 conventions held to date. Meeting the needs of congress
tourism in Dubrovnik there are 26 hotels and two independent
venues with a total of 116 congress halls. In Istria, however, the
conference facilities are available in 23 hotels and one independent
venue which together have 78 halls.
As part of the project of establishing conference centers as an integral
part of the tourist infrastructure in Croatia, which has so far been
neglected, the Ministry of Tourism plans to build three new businessconvention complexes in Split, Opatija and Dubrovnik.
The building of a convention centre in Split, with a capacity of about
1500 seats, is planned at the site of the former military barracks in
Dračevac donated to Split by the government. Dubrovnik decided to
build a convention center in the vicinity of the hotel complex near Babin
Kuk, while Opatija made the biggest step and in early 2009 began to
prepare the tender for the construction of its congress complex.
CULTURAL TOURISM
www.cromaps.com
www.kultura.hr
www.culturenet.hr
Croatia is unique, not only because of its crystal clear blue sea, but also
because its real treasure lies in the diversity of layers of rich cultural
heritage. This is also supported by the fact that more than 20 percent
of tourists are primarily motivated by culture.
From prehistoric times until today, the whole country has been dotted
with numerous types of monuments, each of which has bestowed its
historic trail.
With architectural jewels of all eras, especially those protected by
UNESCO, Croatia has in recent years positioned itself as the promised
land on the cultural map of the world for visitors to cultural festivals.
From Festival to Festival
Rich festival activities for virtually all ages and tastes - from Šibenik
Children Festival, through a variety of music, film and theatre festivals,
folklore, new circus and contemporary dance as well as the Festival of
Science - attract more and more tourists from home and abroad.
Cultural and entertainment open air facilities are a real treat for lovers
of theatre, film, and almost all musical genres. Genuine cultural
connoisseurs will find it hard to resist the staging of Shakespeare’s
Hamlet in the night atmosphere of beautiful Dubrovnik fortress
Lovrijenac or King Lear on Mali Brijuni, the island within the national
park Brijuni. Even Verdi’s masterpiece “Otello” sounds more spectacular
on the magical Prokurative in Split. In the Arena of Pula many famous
musicians performed, such as the tenor Placido Domingo, flamenco
guitarist Paco de Lucia and funky jazz performer Jamiroquai. In
addition to musical events, the amphitheater stages film and theatrical
performances. The most famous film event in the Arena is the Pula Film
Festival, which is the oldest and most famous film festival in Croatia,
and the fifth largest in Europe. The Motovun Film Festival also has
fans from the country and abroad, and this year it entered its second
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decade. Special charm to the Motovun festival along with its excellent
program is also given by the setting - the medieval town of Motovun is
situated on a romantic hilltop in the Istrian inland.
Movie enthusiasts can visit some thirty film festivals and about a dozen
film shows in Croatia. The most important and recognized abroad
are: the Zagreb Film Festival, Documentary Film Festival Zagreb Dox,
Mediterranean Film Festival in Split, Rovinj Ethno Film Festival, Film
Festival Vukovar, the Croatian Festival of Animated Film in Zagreb,
Subersive Film Festival, Short Film Festival in Tabor, Libertas Film Festival,
Human Rights Film Festival, International Festival of Experimental Film
and Video as well as the Festival of Zagreb Jewish Film.
Open Air Culture
Dubrovnik Summer Festival (Dubrovačke ljetne igre) is among the
longest running and the most familiar of the musical theatre festivals
with an international reputation which is in the Association of European
Festivals, and which this year celebrated its 61st successful edition. As
part of the summer festival, lasting over a month and a half, more than
2000 artists from all over the world participate in more than 70 theatre
performances, music, dance, art and opera performances staged on a
dozen scenic and environmental sites. Split Summer Festival (Splitsko
ljeto), also internationally renowned, is five years younger than
Dubrovnik Summer Festival. Split Summer Festival, however, focuses
mainly on opera productions from around the world. Famous singers
step out in front of the audience, inspired by the ancient ambience of
the old town, palace and streets which are the perfect audio backdrop.
Alongside opera, throughout the course of a month the Split Summer
Festival offers its visitors a number of plays, ballet productions and
exhibitions, and in recent years jazz concerts and film screenings as well
as street theatre and performances.
Rijeka Summer Nights is another event which offers its guests an
attractive and exciting art program. For twenty-six days this summer,
Rijeka and its guests can enjoy the 28 programs in ten locations.
This year’s event was concluded on swimming pools Kantrida with a
spectacular Water Ball.
For those eternal seekers of new experiences that break down the
boundaries between music and adventure, the music festival of
world class electronic music performers Hartera (held in June) is the
right place. Wandering through the halls of the former paper factory
in Rijeka, after which the festival was named, they will find just that
- dance music in the mystical atmosphere of the factory architecture
refreshed by contemporary artists. Hartera is building an independent
image among European festivals and welcomes anyone who is looking
for a good time.
A real lure for domestic and foreign guests in Rijeka is the Rijeka
Carnival. Six centuries of carnival traditions of this region and the
influence of Venetian and Austrian carnivals are the foundations on
which the renewed Rijeka Carnival began to build its own distinctive
identity in 1982. Starting with only three local carnival groups and about
a hundred participants it has grown into an international event, which
today has over ten thousand participants from ten countries around
the world. Carnival madness begins by a ritual of choosing the Carnival
Queen and the surrendering of the keys of the city to the master of
the carnival. Concerts, exhibitions, performances and festivities fill
the days in anticipation of the crown of the carnival festivities - a large
carnival masquerade. Competition in imagination, wit and originality,
fireworks of colors and shapes, result in a parade of allegorical wagons,
thousands of masks and an immeasurable number of viewers.
Among the long-running events, there is one event for the youngest
participants - International Children’s Festival in Šibenik, which
celebrated its fiftieth birthday this year. The citizens of Šibenik are
especially proud of this festival, because, as they say, it contributes
to the ‘children’s spirit’ in town, which during the two weeks of the
festival becomes an open and playful stage. Another ideal destination
for children is the town of Ogulin in the north-western part of Croatia
at the foot of the magnificent mountain Klek, when it hosts a festival
of fairy tales in June. All those who want to experience the fairy tale
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can do so, along with enjoying the many natural beauties and culturaleducational facilities for at least a couple of days. This unique project in
Croatia was inspired by the creativity of Ivana Brlić Mažuranić (Croatian
writer of fairy-tales 1874-1938) for whom the area of Ogulin has been
an inexhaustible inspiration for her work - a unique combination of
natural beauty and numerous myths and legends.
Many more towns and tourist resorts are a stage for numerous
cultural and art performances, concerts, knights’ games and other
entertainment. We will mention Musical Evenings in St. Donat, Pula
Summer Festival, Opatija Summer Festival, Ulysses Theatre in Brijuni,
Festival of Dalmatian Songs and Pirates’ Battles in Omiš, Festival
of Dalmatian Chanson in Šibenik, Liburnia Jazz Festival, Sinj Alka,
Rapska Fiera (Rab Faire), boat marathon in the Neretva valley and
many others.
A very attractive event is held in Zadar called the ‘Night of the full
moon’, when public lighting is extinguished and people enjoy food,
song and dance under the auspices of the moon, torches and lanterns.
Near Zadar in Petrčane, on a beautiful beach with pine trees the festival
of electronic music Garden has been held for the past five years and
during that time gained a worldwide audience and reputation which
has made both Zadar and Croatia an inevitable and absolutely ‘in’
destinations. Europe’s leading on-line magazine for electronic music
Resident Advisor has put Garden at high, second place among the top
summer festivals. Almost everyone who was at the first festival comes
back every year and brings their friends, so during the season 15-20
thousand people come to seven different events. In addition to Britts,
Germans, Spaniards and Italians the Garden festival is mostly visited by
Australians, New Zealanders, Brazilians and even Japanese.
Another music festival gained worldwide fame and audience. This
is the Zagreb T-Mobile INmusic Festival on Lake Jarun in Zagreb due
to which the respected BBC journalists declared Croatia a promised
land for European festival goers. Top international musicians such as
Massive Attack, The Flaming Lips, Morcheeba and others, attracted
not only the domestic guests but also those from Austria, Germany,
Czech Republic, Hungary, Great Britain, America, Canada, Russia, New
Zealand, Macedonian, Italy, Poland, Slovenia, Bosnia and Serbia.
Also boasting an international audience is a very different music
festival – the Baroque Evenings in Varaždin. The program of Baroque
evenings is aimed at exploring and performing European and Croatian
baroque music, and also introducing the artistic, literary and culinary
treasures of the Baroque era during the time of grape picking in this
wine-growing region.
Ethno music festival ‘Ethnoambient Salon’ has been taking place on the
ruins of ancient Salona within the Gradina fortress for the last decade,
bringing together enthusiasts in love with the sounds of traditional
heritage from all over the world. UNESCO, as well as the audiences,
recognized the value of this event and it included Ethnoambient in its
program of International Year for the Rapprochement of Cultures.
Attractive Contents of Continental Croatia Continental tourist regions are also trying to compete with those by
the sea, and along with spring and autumn festivals they are devising
programs to attract visitors to their area during the summer. For
example, young artists and creative people from around the world
were this summer attracted to Baranja village to an unusual festival
which aimed to create artistic sculptures out of straw. On the last
day of the festival the artists joined forces and made a 10 meter high
tower which they burned down evoking the archetypal images from
16th Great Arcana card of the Tarot and recalling the biblical Tower
of Babilon, and a similar story from the Indian epic Ramayana. An
unusual event, called the Celtic Night takes place in early September
in the town of Sisak, on rafts floating down the river Kupa. Only during
that one magical night can you be in the company of fairies, Celts,
Romans, Druids and sorceresses, but also the historical characters of
Sisak. Ten historic sailing rafts which carry pictures and memories of
glory days and events from the rich history of Sisak are carried by a river
current during the Celtic Night. Sisak has historically been determined
by its rivers Kupa, Sava, and Odra as well as Celts and Romans, the
conquerors and soldiers, heroes and generals. Enjoying a historical reenactment, visitors can refresh themselves with a magic potion offered
as a gift by druids and sorceresses on the promenade along the river.
During the time of music and dance festivals in Central Croatia the
whole area becomes a cultural event like no other. For example, fans of
the rural atmosphere will never fail to attend Vinkovci Autumns so the
people of Vinkovci often say: ‘Once you experience the atmosphere of
Vinkovci Autumns, you have to come back!’ Indeed, it is hard to resist
the charms of those dozen autumn days when the hosts are trying to
please you in every way. The whole town and its visitors are carried
by song and dance. Vinkovci Autumn is a folklore festival, which not
only nourishes the Slavonian tradition but the customs from all over
Croatia, in order to thus mark the time of year when nature rewards
our perennial work.
Museums as Points of Entertainment
www.mdc.hr
www.hrmt.hr
www.mhz.hr
www.msu.hr
www.split-guide.info/museums_hr.htm
www.noc-kazalista.com
www.hrmud.hr
The idea of how to make museums attractive to masses was thought
of a few years ago by employees of the Museum of Arts and Crafts
in Zagreb who came up with the ‘Museum Night’ concept, which
starts at 6 pm and runs until 1 am. Admission is free. The first ‘Night
of Museums’ was held on 15 December 2005 when six museums,
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mostly in Zagreb, participated .On the 29th January 2010 joining in the
event were eighty museums from all over Croatia. The first time many
museums just left their doors open until one o’clock in the morning,
but by next year they began to introduce new content. Exhibition halls
were entered by acrobats and magicians, belly dances were performed
among Egyptian exhibits, unusual exhibitions of vintage underwear
and shoes were held, forgotten traditional dishes were prepared,
crossbow firing competitions were organized, children were taught the
basic art techniques in playrooms, wine was mulled, hot cakes from
nearby bakeries were served and there were fireworks.
Most institutions used this unique opportunity to advertise their
own holdings through organized guided tours and distribution of
free museum publications and souvenirs. Other institutions also
started joining in with the scheme, and even the local bars and cafes
adjusted their opening hours to the museums’, which is probably an
unprecedented case. In cooperation with the Ministry of Economy,
Labour and Entrepreneurship, the Faculty of Economics in Zagreb, the
Croatian Chamber of Commerce, the National Competitiveness Council
and the American Chamber of Commerce in Croatia, the Association for
Network Development and creativity declared ‘Museum Night 2008’
the best innovative and creative project of that year. Two years later
record attendance was achieved: museums throughout the country
were visited by 278 000 people on that night, out of which 160 000
were from Zagreb. The record holder is the Museum of Contemporary
Art with 33 000 visitors.
Along with this extremely successful concept on the Croatian museum
scene a series of good projects had also developed. These are primarily
the opening of the Museum of Contemporary Art in Zagreb and
the Museum of the Krapina Neanderthals, then the opening of the
Archaeological Museum in Vid near Metković, the renovation of the
existing palace and interpolation of contemporary architecture at the
Museum of Ancient Glass in Zadar.
Hight-tech Neanderthals
The museum of Krapina has all the features of a world-class museum
and will certainly be one of the most important cultural and scientific
institutions in Croatia. The most attractive part that depicts the life of
Neanderthals was designed and built by Parisian sculptor Elisabeth
Daynes, one of the most famous experts for hyper-realistic, dermoplastic sculptures. In accordance with new scientific knowledge, the
Neanderthals are portrayed as social beings that take care of the sick
and helpless and have funeral rituals. The exhibition space between
two hills – Hušnjakovo and Josipovac has a surface of 1200 square
meters and is divided on two floors. A tour of the museum begins by a
screening of a 16-minute film about the life of Krapina Neanderthals.
Popularization of the museum scene was certainly helped by the
brilliant idea of two former lovers to open the Museum of Failed Love.
The idea blossomed into a Croatian touring exhibition consisting of
items donated by ordinary people in memory of their past or tragic love.
With its unusual exhibits the Museum of Failed Love visited Malaysia,
Ireland, Philippines, South Africa, USA, Slovenia, Slovakia, Macedonia,
Canada and Portugal in the last three years. After successful tours this
unusual museum recently got its permanent exhibition space at the
Zagreb’s Upper Town.
‘Visia Dubrovnik5D museum’, is a new tourist attraction which has from
the beginning of June 2010 been available to visitors of this Croatian
tourist pearl in the south of the country. This is a museum where by an
inventive method, elements of amusement parks like Disneyland and
Gardaland are combined with elements of modern museums. Located
in a renovated part of the Monastery of St. Klara at the entrance to
the old town, the museum will be using high-5D and Virtual Reality
technology to offer visitors a very exciting and unique way through the
history and cultural characteristics of Dubrovnik and Croatia.
Thanks to the HERITECH project funded by the Belgian government,
Biograd na Moru will become the first city in Croatia to have its cultural
heritage stored and presented in digital format on the internet. The
HERITECH project, worth 139 000 euros, is dedicated to preservation
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and promotion of cultural heritage in the 21st century, based on
modern technology. In the beginning, the database will contain about
70 monuments from the list of protected cultural heritage, and will be
upgraded through time.
Night of the Theatre
Following in the footsteps of successful ‘Museum Night’ is its theatrical
counterpart. The event ‘Night of the Theatre ‘, in fact, has taken on
European proportions. The program took place not only in Croatia but
in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Slovakia, from 10 am on
the 20 November, until 3 am on the 21 November 2010. Lovers of the
theater did not only enjoy theatre performances but also exhibitions,
workshops, concerts, installations, performances, interviews with
actors, touring dressing rooms, trapdoors, tailoring rooms... 56
institutions from 25 Croatian cities participated in this event and
almost 50 000 people rushed to the theatre which surpassed the
figure from 2009 by almost two times when there were 30 000
occupied theater chairs. Passing through the 26 theaters in Slovakia
were up to 10 000 people and in Bosnia and Herzegovina, some 15
000 people visited the 33 theaters in 17 cities. Although Montenegro
subsequently joined, about 1000 visitors watched performances in
the Montenegrin National Theatre in Podgorica. Effort and great
commitment of each theater paid off because putting a smile on
every visitors face young or old, is priceless.
ADVENTURE TOURISM
Diving
www.submania.hr
www.ronjenjehrvatska.com
www.diving-hrs.hr
It is said that the Adriatic coast is one of the most beautiful in the
world, but to really get to know it one must look below the sea
surface.
Thanks to the exceptional clarity and richness of the underwater
caves, potholes and reefs, diving tourism in Croatia is experiencing
real expansion. The Croatian Adriatic is among the richest in the
world by wrecked ships in the sea. Otherwise, it is assumed that there
are at least 1500 underwater caves and holes still undiscovered in the
Adriatic. At its sea bottom there are fifteen thousand sunken ships stranded ships, submarines, aircraft and torpedo ships. Encounters
with the wrecks are a unique experience. Each ship carries an
interesting story; each story is a monument to an individual courage
and tragedy. In the past ten years, diving tourism increased by 15
to 20 percent. The number of professional diving centres which
have been set up in the most attractive locations on the Adriatic is
simultaneously growing.
The Istrian seabed is particularly popular because of its shallowness,
and the biggest attraction is the wreck of the Austro-Hungarian ship
Baron Gautsch near Rovinj. Along the coast of the peninsula many
other local, Italian and British ship wrecks can be found.
For divers who prefer to explore the underwater reefs and walls the
most attractive will be the northernmost islands of Kvarner, while
in central Adriatic the most popular diving destination is Kornati,
where you can always find a quiet location sheltered from waves
and wind. The large islands of central Dalmatia are well covered
by diving centers, especially in the areas of the most interesting
locations around Čiovo, the southern coast of Šolta, Brač, Hvar,
Pag and Dugi otok. A special place in this area belongs to the island
Vis, rich in attractive diving sites and ship wrecks, and caves such as
those on Biševo.
Cycling
www.hbs.hr
www.bicikl.hr
www.pedala.hr
Two-wheel enthusiasts progress more slowly, but get to experience
the Croatian environment, especially the smell of meadows and the
freshness of waterfalls, birds singing or the wonderful taste of spring
water, with all their senses. Village roads, forest tracks and paths
through fields and vineyards lead to locations which are not in the
usual tourist routes. Circular bicycle paths are marked and described
in national and nature parks. The Plitvice Lakes National Park has
the most beautiful trails for cyclists that can be found in Europe. All
areas are open for cycling tours. They do not require too much effort
and offer an incredible diversity of landscape-mountains and valleys
of sunny Istria, trails through the forests of Gorski Kotar, green hills of
Hrvatsko Zagorje, Slavonia and Turopolje plains. You can cycle to the
islands, which are less green in the summer, but they are surrounded
by breathtaking blueness.
The most ambitious cycling project in Croatia is the Drava Route – an
international cycling trail. The first marked trail along the Croatian
coast of the Drava River was opened from Legrad to Pitomača in
2002. The project is expanding to the east and should be completed
as soon as Croatian bike paths fully connect with those in Slovenia
and Hungary.
Wherever you reach a hill or mountain in Croatia, you will find
excellent terrain for mountain biking. For more serious ascends and
adrenaline filled descents the good choices are Učka, mountains of
Gorski Kotar, Žumberak or paths through Vinodol on to Velika Kapela,
from Lika to Velebit, mountain areas between Dalmatian rivers and
on the landward side of Biokovo.
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Kayaking
www.croatiatraveller.com
www.kajak.hr
www.rekreacija.hr
Clear and warm, green waters of the Croatian rivers, interesting to
all lovers of kayaking, have sources in the mountain foothills and run
through canyons, flowing through limestone barriers in the sparkling
curtain of waterfalls. They captivate with their beauty, not danger. High
spring water levels allow an exhilarating experience, while summer
tours are ideal for beginners. All major tourist centers organize daily
kayaking excursions down the rivers Kupa, Gacka and Zrmanja. Paddling
in a kayak you will discover the sites that many locals have never seen.
Even though kayaking in Croatia has a long tradition and the rivers are
beautiful it is not a mass sport. Spring and early summer are an ideal
time for kayaking adventures on the rivers Dobra, Mrežnica, Una, Kupa,
Korana, Cetina, Krupa and Zrmanja.
Rafting
www.dalmatiarafting.com
www.foris.hr
www.raft.hr
www.adventure-sport.net
Rafting has a long tradition in Croatia as a mode of water transport.
However, true, modern adventure-rafting began on the wild waters of
the Croatian rivers only in the late eighties, when the amazing beauty of
Croatian rivers, known to only a few adventurers, enthusiastic kayakers
and fishermen, were discovered. The first pioneers of commercial river
trips and experts on Croatian waters did not anticipate the popularity of
rafting on rivers which have very few strong rapids and rare big waves.
Thanks to them, thousands of people have had close encounters with
the unforgettable magic of rivers, green river banks, steep canyons and
clear depths. All the rivers are green and clear to the bottom and whilst
those on the continent are surrounded by thick forests and mountains,
the ones near the sea have green banks and deep rocky canyons.
The rivers on which rafting is organized are: Cetin, Una, Korana,
Mrežnica, Krka, Zrmanja and its tributary Krupa.
Speleology
www.speleo.hr
www.speleologija.hr
Croatia as a real karst area is abundant in caves. More than 11 500
caves and pits have been discovered on the mainland, the islands,
under the sea, along rivers and in the mountains. There are still
many areas where systematic speleological research has not yet been
done. Speleology associations, clubs and societies and caving groups
in mountaineering associations also bring amateurs along on their
caving expedition trips. The most famous and most charming are
Modra Špilja (Blue Cave) on Biševo and Zmajeva Špilja (the Dragon’s
Cave) on the island of Brač and the cave ‘altars’ near the desert
Blaca. The caves of Papuk and regions of Kordun, Lika, Dalmatia and
Zagora are open to visitors without experience for enjoying various
forms of stalactites and stalagmites. The most attractive caves are
located in Istria, Gorski Kotar and Medvednica, and for true fans of
the underground we recommend Veternica near Zagreb, Cerovac
caves near Gračac and Lukina Jama (Luka’s pit) on Velebit, where you
can meet the olm, while in Šandalji located near Pula, you can find
the oldest remains of prehistoric man - Homo erectus.
Some caves in addition to their beauty also hold interesting tourist
attractions. For example, in cave Veternica one can find traces of the
remains of the extinct cave bear and sometimes you can see examples
of fossils and bats; in Đurovića cave, under the Dubrovnik airport,
authentic Konavle wines are exibited, while natural lighting effects
(blue reflex in sea water) are abundant in Plava Spilja (Blue Cave)
on Biševo. Baredine pit, the only pit renovated for tourists in Croatia,
displays the olm in its natural environment.
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Near the end of 2010 after 103 years, the cave ’Strašna Peć’ on Dugi
otok, which was visited in 1904 by the Austrian Emperor Franz Joseph,
the English prince Edward VIII and Miss Wallis Simpson, was once
again opened to the public. Archaeological finds confirmed that the
prehistoric man lived here during the Neolithic period. In the belly of
the cave there are many cave decorations, pillars, magnificent halls,
bat colonies, numerous speleothems and other attractions.
Mounteneering and Mountain Climbing
www.plsavez.hr
www.planinarenje.com
www.planinarenje.net
Even though Croatian mountains are not very high, since there is no
peak above 2000 m, they are still very interesting to mountaineers.
The Dinaric range, most of which is located in Croatia, is known in the
world as a typical karst region. The main feature of karst terrain both
above and below the rich earth’s surface is what makes climbing in
Croatia so special. Climbing in the karst terrain actually has much
in common with climbing in the high mountains. The sharp karst
rock formations, domination of bare karst, scarcity of water, poor
vegetation, harsh climate and sparse population require the same
amount of effort from hikers and climbers as would a much higher
mountain. However, the Dinaric Range offers a lot of diversity. The
northern mountains, such as Gorski Kotar, are lower and milder,
while those in the south, especially the Dalmatian mountains, are
higher and more deserted. The mountains between Sava and Drava
rivers are quite different. They have a much older composition, milder
shapes, are relatively low as well as rich in water and vegetation and
as such are ideal for walks in the hills and gentle hiking.
Adventure racing
www.adventurerace.hr
www.pp-ucka.hr
www.adnatura.hr
Adventure races in Croatia are organized a dozen times a year and
are of different duration and severity, from mild and transient to
very demanding, multi-day competitions. Athletes and recreation
enthusiasts, ready for extreme feats, while doing so, discover the
wilderness and the beauty of mountain and forest areas, rivers, islands
and the sea. The diversity and richness of the landscape and terrain
provide the organizers of the races with inexhaustible possibilities in
planning of adventure racing routes.
LIGHTHOUSES
www.plovput.hr
www.alh.hr
Many lighthouses erected in dangerous capes and cliffs of the Adriatic
coast were granted new life when they were renovated as unique places
for vacationing. Offered at the moment are 12 attractive lighthouses,
from ones in ‘conventional’ tourist centers to inaccessible ‘Robinson’
locations on the most remote islands on which true lovers of the sea,
nature and silence will find their place under the sun.
The Shores of Istria
The oldest lighthouse on the Adriatic was built in 1818 in Savudrija, the
northernmost point of the Croatian coast. As the lighthouse is situated
next to a hotel resort it is an excellent choice for those who are not
inclined to remote locations and ‘robinson tourism’ (term used in
Croatia for holidaying in isolated locations).
Devoted to the same type of guest is the Rt Zub lighthouse, built in
1872 on the Lanterna peninsula, between Poreč and Novigrad.
Skydiving, Air-gliding or Balloon Flights
www.padobranstvo.hr
www.adventure-sport.net
www.baloni.hr
Parachuting, gliding or ballooning over the diverse landscapes in the
favorable climate conditions attract more and more fliers to Croatia.
The sun and mountains along the coast, like Učka and Biokovo,
create first class flight conditions which can also be experienced on
the islands. Those who come to enjoy the flying are not tied to only
one location. Mountains which follow the coast are perfect for cross
country flights - many hours in the air overlooking the coast, sea and
islands - a real travel adventure with the help of the wind!
A more authentic experience of the solitary lives of lighthouse keepers
can be found on Porer – an 80m wide cliff situated 2.5 km away from
mainland and Istrian town Premantura.
The lighthouse Sv. Ivan (St. John) was built in 1853 on the most distant
islet of a small archipelago in front of Rovinj. Beautiful underwater
landscapes with a wealth of fish species make this an attractive
destination for lovers of solitude, fishing and diving.
Central Dalmatia
Veli Rat on Dugi Otok (Long Island) is considered one of the most
beautiful lighthouses on the Adriatic coast. It was named the ‘off-
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shore gate-keeper of Dalmatia’ probably due to magnificent views
that surround it and is one of the few lighthouses which can be
reached by car.
Another lighthouse which can be reached by car, is Sv. Petar (St. Peter),
built in 1884 on the peninsula of the same name at the entrance to
Makarska, only a 20 minute walk from the city.
Islet Prišnjak is situated only three hundred meters from the west coast
of the island of Murter. The surrounding waters are rich in fish and the
lighthouse is only 15 meters away from the beach.
The Robinson South
Palagruža lighthouse was built in 1875 on the island bearing the same
name in the middle of the Adriatic Sea. This is the farthest Croatian
island of exceptional beauty and rich history.
The Island of Sušac is situated 23 nautical miles south of Hvar and
13 nautical miles west of Lastovo, and is surrounded by the views of
the vast open sea which give one the impression of being separated
from the world.
In the middle of the south side of the island of Lastovo, at the entrance
to the bay Skrivena Luka (Hidden cove) lies the cape Struga. Because
of its distance from the shore the lighthouse stands remote and alone
and it seems that it is emerging from the blue sea and sky.
The newly renovated lighthouse Pločica is located on the island with
the same name situated between Korčula, Hvar and Pelješac. This
spacious lighthouse, built in 1887, can accommodate a larger number
of guests and is ideal for a big group of ‘Robinson-tourism’ followers.
Different to the ‘Robinson’ lighthouses of the south and a novelty in the
offer is the lighthouse Grebeni, built in 1872 and situated on the island
of the same name located about three hundred meters away from the
Dubrovnik tourist complex Babin Kuk.
CROATIAN BEACHES
www.lijepa-nasa.hr
www.croatia-beaches.com
www.blueflag.org
www.crobeaches.com
www.visinfo.org
www.picigin.org
www.zrce.hr
www.holidays-in-komiza.com
The Croatian coast was described by the world media as a top
destination in the summer of 2010. The reason was not only good
value for money, but also the beautiful beaches where everyone can
find a place to swim to their liking - whether they are seeking fun,
romance or a peaceful family vacation.
Good reviews in the foreign media this year, are mainly down to
high-quality entertainment content, and, in the opinion of the
British Guardian, Croatia is listed as an excellent replacement for
Ibiza. However, on more than 1700 kilometers of coastline, with hot
entertainment, there are more and more great beaches equipped with
extensive facilities for children or a spot for building sand castles like
Zlatni Rat on Brač, which, according to the Daily Telegraph, is the most
beautiful beach in Europe.
Sandy Oasis
While there are not many sandy beaches in Croatia, along with the
already mentioned Zlatni Rat - the only beach perpendicular to the coast,
which often changes its shape under the influence of different currents one of the most popular is Lumbarda on Korčula. On the nearby island
of Mljet, the beach Saplunara situated on the southeast side of the
island’s national park is a magnificent sandy lagoon. A mile long bay is
surrounded by pine trees, and consists of two beautiful sandy beaches
called Velika and Mala Saplunara (Big and Small Salpunara).
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Less than a kilometer from the village Lopud, situated on the island of
the same name is the beach Šunj. The path to Šunj beach runs through
the very heart of the island, past the cemetery and church on the slopes
of the beach. The famous beach Saharun lies in central Adriatic. Fine
white sand gives a unique turquoise colour to the sea at this beach
situated on the north western side of Dugi Otok, not far from the town
of Božava, with a small pine wood nearby from which you can watch
the open sea.
synonymous with unruly summer fun and the reason why Croatian
summers are being compared to those of Ibiza, Petrčani is another
location which was, due to its Garden and Soundwave Festivals in
July and Electric Elephant in late August, a centre of music events on
the coast. The main location for fun and parties is the beach, which
is surrounded by the sea on three sides, as well as on board the ship
Argonaut which sails from Petrčani to the Garden Club in Zadar during
the festival.
Beaches for the Whole Family
Kamenice beach, nesting under a steep cliff about ten minutes walk
from the town center of Komiža on the island of Vis, was until a couple
of years ago a quiet retreat for locals in search of solitude. However, a
nightclub that has opened right next to the sea has become a magnet
for musicians and guests from around the world.
The largest and most photographed sandy-pebble beach after Zlatni
Rat on Brač is Rajska Plaža (Paradise Beach) in Lopar on Rab. This
beach is ideal for children and those who are not skilled swimmers due
to 500 meters of shallow water through which one needs to walk to
get to the deep water. It is about 1500 meters long and located in the
centre of Lopar with a hotel and campsite in the vicinity. Crveni Otok
is another famous location, well-known for its sandy beach which is
situated a 10-minute boat ride away from the town of Rovinj. On the
Makarska Riviera, in Brela, a pebble beach Punta Rata, has for years
been regarded as the best kept beach in Croatia and possibly Europe.
Due to the shallow sandy bays children particularly enjoy Sabunike
near Nin, an attractive tourist destination also known for its curative
mud suitable for rheumatic and skin disorders.
Wilderness or Luxury
One of the particularities of the Croatian coast is a series of little hidden
places that can only be reached by a difficult descend down a steep
cliff or by boat. These are mostly beaches on situated on islands like
Stinive, Stončica, Milne and Srebrna on the island of Vis. It is similar
with beaches on the Kornati islands, where without much effort you
can find a place in which you will literally be left alone with the sea.
On the way to distant islands, people who know their way about will
never miss the beach Biševo (Porat, Mezoporat) or Skrivena luka on
the island of Lastovo, and lovers of Pakleni otoci - the bay Palmižana.
The most elite beach on the Adriatic is Bonj in Hvar, whose stone cabins
offer a private place to relax or nap. Guests can enjoy refreshing drinks
on the terrace bar at the top floor or a delicious meal in the bar by the
sea. It is similar at Dubrovnik’s beach Banje, known for its unique view
of the city walls. Also at the top is the beach of the exclusive hotel Lav in
Split, which has a diving school, water sports center, sports activities on
sand, yoga classes and similar.
Entertainment and an Active Holiday
Along with Zrće (island of Pag), which has in recent years become
Cult Split beach, Bačvice, is best known for ‘picigin’ (an amateur sport,
type of valley-ball played in shallow water of a sandy beach), a sport
that was invented here, as well as for fun. The gathering spot of the
entertainment-hungry people of Split, in the summer months also
becomes a great location for their guests.
Kite Surfing and Windsurfing
www.smsportnet.com
www.avantura-teambuilding.hr
www.adventuredalmatia.com
Surfmania Center, which organizes courses for kite surfing and
windsurfing opened in Nin, on the longest sandy beach in Croatia.
Courses are held on this long and sandy beach in the Zadar area,
specifically in the lagoon near Nin where conditions for learning
are among the most favorable on the Adriatic. Kite surfing (kite
boarding) is an extreme water sport that combines surfing and
hang gliding (windsurfing). Kite boarding is considered to be
more free style, while kite surfing is more focused on techniques
of mastering the waves. A kite surfer stands on a kite board with his
feet in bindings and uses the power of a large kite high in the air to
pull himself along the water surface. Kite surfing also allows you to
perform various stunts.
Besides the lagoon in Nin the best places on the Adriatic for kite
surfing and windsurfing are: the canal between Korčula and
Pelješac peninsula; Viganj - a small town near Orebić; the mouth
of Neretva; Povlja and Bol on the island of Brač (in Bol there is a
special beach for kite surfing as well as kite surfing schools and a
Rescue Service ), Hvar (Island Hvar); Žnjan beach in Split, the bay
and beache Pantana in Trogir, Jadrija (a large resort and beach
of Šibenik) and a beach in Biograd. On the island of Krk there is:
Punat and Klimno - a shallow, enclosed bay and sandy beach;
Premantura near Pula, and a large sandy beach inside the camp
Kažela in Medulin.
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Hunting and Fishing
www.hls.com.hr
www.lovacki-portal.com
www.ribolovni-savez.hr
In Croatia there are 1060 hunting grounds which spread across 5500
square kilometers, and some of them are genuine pearls of the offer.
The Croatian Hunting Association has been looking after the hunting
grounds for as long as 85 years. It counts 55 000 members and 10 000
other hunters. Annually, around 10 000 foreign hunters visit Croatia
and in order to increase this number the Croatian Hunting Association
is quickly renewing its hunting facilities of high category.
Croatia has a wealth of preserved and particularly diverse nature. It has
ratified all international conventions on nature protection, and various
forms of protection cover 18 percent of the territory as well as many plant
and animal species. About 48 percent of Croatian land area is covered
by forests which are among the healthiest and best preserved in Europe.
An insight into the Croatian national hunting culture and natural
heritage of wildlife associated with Croatian territory can be best
obtained in the Museum of Hunting in Zagreb. As the ultimate hunting
trophies may not be taken abroad, the Museum of Hunting keeps all
those that were bought by the state. Here you can see a collection of
more than 400 trophy game, an osteological collection of more than
200 exhibits of fossils, a collection of more than a thousand bird eggs,
about 350 stuffed mammals and birds, 52 pieces of hunting weapons,
nearly 200 exhibits of hunting supplies and ammunition and a
collection of more than 400 exhibits of hunting badges and medals.
The richest hunting ground in Croatia is certainly Kopački Rit which
inhabits five to seven thousand deer. It is also a place where the best
trophy deer in Europe were shot.
Fishing lovers can choose from the many continental freshwater rivers
or the sea which is accessible on every part of the Croatian coast, with
the exception of national parks.
From different marine species like sea bass, dentex, gilthead and tuna
to freshwater specimens, such as trout or catfish, Croatia is certainly a
top destination for sports fishermen.
Croatia has a rich tradition in underwater fishing as the first gun
for spear fishing arrived to Croatia early last century, while the first
world championship in underwater fishing was held in Mali Lošinj
as early as 1957.
The best fishermen in the world gather every year in September in
Jezera, a small fishing village on the central Dalmatian island of
Murter, in order to compete in the hunt for ‘big fish’ or in ‘Big Game
Fishing’. Hunting, combating, mastering and drawing out fish that can
be as heavy as several hundred kilograms, among which, apart from
the blue tuna, there are luca, swordfish and albacore tuna, is extremely
demanding, and requires great strength, patience and knowledge of
the fishermen . It is an adrenaline sport, uncertain and unpredictable
until the very end, which reveals new challenges where team work
skills and competitive spirits are concerned.
For the place of the freshwater champion from year to year fishermen
compete on the banks of the Drava, Sava and Danube with their
tributaries, and the champion in 2010, a fisherman from Koprivnica
pulled out a 33 pound carp. It should be noted that in the waters of the
four rivers of Karlovac, Kupa, Korana, Mrežnica and Dobra the largest
carp caught up to that moment weighed 25 pounds.
On all of the continental rivers lovers of pike and catfish, and the best
white fish such as perch or sturgeon will definitely be content. Widely
known is the trout from the karst rivers, particularly Lika’s beauty
Gacka, where brown trout grows five times faster than in other areas.
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Health and Wellness Tourism
www.cromedicalnetwork.com
www.croatiamedicine.com
www.umt.hr
Croatia, where tourism is the economic artery, has a lot to offer to
tourists interested in health services. Even though the share of this
branch is only one percent in domestic tourist traffic, the percentage
could significantly increase very soon.
In development so far, as well as in the estimates of the future
development of health tourism, the main potential and support is the
diversity of natural resources, environmental quality of the Croatian
territory, highly developed medical standards as well as the medical
education system and kinesiology, healing waters, the sea, beneficial
climate and healthy foods, which are all comparative advantages that
have developed a new Croatian product - health and wellness tourism.
Polyclinics for Services of Health Tourism
The development of health tourism is noticeable in Istria, Kvarner
and Dalmatia, but also increasingly in Zagreb because of its good
geographical position and rich choice of services. There are twenty
private clinics with good working conditions, and these include, for
example, the department of plastic reconstructive and aesthetic
surgery in the hospital in Dubrava and the departments of plastic
surgery in hospitals in Zagreb, Rijeka and Split, and smaller units in
Osijek, Varaždin and Dubrovnik.
Dentists on the Adriatic are increasingly combining the offer of
accommodation and dental services, so tourists from Italy, spend their
annual holiday in the apartment of their dentist and at the same time
have prosthetic service performed. Such practice is most developed
in Kvarner and Istria, and lately Dalmatia too. Dental tourists come
to Croatia primarily because of reasonable prices and the quality of
service. Lately, foreigners have been coming to Croatia for orthopedic
surgery and physical therapy services. An interest for medical services
in Croatia has been increasingly shown by clients from Great Britain,
Russia, USA, and other countries.
The Association for the development of medical tourism was founded
in 2009, with a particular aim to develop medical tourism and enrich
the Croatian tourist product, which brings together existing providers
in the medical tourism industry and those who will soon become the
same. The association promotes offers in medical tourism and connects
all of the providers involved, from agents and hoteliers to airliners.
Wellness tourism was recognized in Croatia, through the growing
offer of wellness services as part of a hotel or individual wellness
centers. All five star hotels and most four star ones have wellness
included in their offer.
The Richness of Healing Water Sources
The Croatian Chamber of Economy has launched the protection of the
brand ‘Croatian Wellness’ in order to affirm all the special features
and advantages that Croatia has to offer in the field of aromatherapy,
medicinal herbs and clear sea. For example, the island of Lošinj marks
one hundred and twenty five years of medical tourism this year. This
is a unique island which boasts well preserved natural environment in
which the purity of the sea and air, mild climate, vegetation, aromatic
scents, along with relaxation and rest, have a beneficial effect on the
human body and make people healthier and happier.
On the Lošinj archipelago health tourism has been developing since
the Austro-Hungarian times, and Veli and Mali Lošinj were proclaimed
a climate health resorts back in 1892 because of their rich vegetation,
quality of air and marine aerosols. Scientists, however, found two
hundred and sixty-two species of benthonic algae, in the seas around
Lošinj, of which a large number have beneficial effects on human
health through different kinds of application.
According to the bio-climate analysis of the last thirty years, Lošinj has
over 2600 hours of sunshine a year, which is on average about seven
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hours a day, and that ranks it among the sunniest places in Croatia. It
has moderate daily fluctuations, which helps reduce stress.
In addition to aromatherapy Croatia is rich in mineral water springs, of
which - according to the data from the Committee for Health Tourism there are 222 in total. In central Croatia these are: Tuhelj spa, Krapina
spa, Stubičke spa, Varaždin spa, Ivanić Grad (Naftalan), Terme Jezerčica,
Daruvar, Spa St. Martin and Topusko. In Slavonia there are Lipik and
Bizovac, and in Istria and the Adriatic: the Istrian thermal springs, Vela
Luka, Šibenik, Lovran and Duga Uvala. Thalassotherapy clinics operate
in Opatija, Crikvenica, Veli Lošinj, Hvar and Makarska.
Existing wellness offer seeks to complement medical services, because
it significantly affects the extension of the tourist season and the arrival
and longer stay of elderly tourists.
An excellent example of the application of medical tourism in practice is
the Special Hospital for Medical Rehabilitation - Biokovka in Makarska,
which operates commercially 365 days a year and with their offer
enables nearby hotels to fulfill their capacity. Interestingly, it attracts a
large number of guests from Norway.
Also on the right track is Opatija’s Special Hospital for Medical
Rehabilitation and treatment of diseases of the heart, lungs and
rheumatism Thalassotherapia, which is based on centuries-old
tradition of Liburnian spa tourism. Today it is a leading center for
cardiac rehabilitation in this region and one of the largest laboratories
for functional non-invasive cardiac diagnosis. Their Thalasso Wellness
Center offers medical wellness, disease prevention and health
maintenance.
Their orientation towards health tourism was brilliantly demonstrated
by hotel Minerva in the Istrian town of Medulin, which focuses on guests
with respiratory problems - asthma, bronchitis and allergic diseases
where health problems are caused by factors within their environment.
Offered to guests are also various different facilities, from schools of
breathing and exercising in the sea air to numerous programs under
the supervision of specialist doctors, physical therapists, pulmonologists
and pulmonary physiotherapists. The infrastructure of the hotel is
also fully adapted to the aforementioned type of guests so during its
construction, refurbishing and equipping only the natural and ‘healthy
materials’ that were not treated with any chemicals were used.
During the two decades of its existence, Terme Selce has developed
its own protocols in rehabilitation of injuries that have enabled a quick
and successful return to the activities to a number of top athletes, world
and Olympic champions, but also the continuation of normal life for
people of all ages and different professions. Indeed, Terme Selce was
among the first to develop medical wellness. The clients of Terme Selce
are mostly domestic guests, but its services are also used by about 30
percent of foreigners from around fifty countries worldwide.
The Wellness Tourism Trend
Krapina Spa and thermal springs, which has a long tradition of healing
with medicinal thermal water sources, got its first exclusive hotel
with suites - Villa Magdalena in June 2009. This is a four- star hotel
and offers nine luxurious accommodation units. The building of the
largest complex of indoor pools and wellness facilities in Croatia is also
planned on the site in the near future.
Lovran is proud of its first SPA Wellness Academy in Croatia, where
personnel are trained for this segment of the tourism product.
From hotels in Croatia which carry the title of a wellness oasis we
recommend Wellness Otok (Wellness island) part of hotel Istria, which
stretches over 1650 square meters on the island of St. Andrew, which is
just a ten minute boat ride from Rovinj. Wellness Island is designed with
a Mediterranean theme in mind and offers relaxation in an authentic
Mediterranean garden featuring very comfortable and natural settings
with modern interior and equipment. The idea of Wellness island is
based on the benefits of Mediterranean plants, substances of the sea
and the mild microclimate of Rovinj by which Rovinj is a destination
known throughout the world.
Also interesting is the Novi Vinodolski Spa Hotels & Resort - the largest
wellness / spa center in Europe. More than 10 000 square meters
inside and 4000 square meters of outdoor space hide a multitude of
unique massages, treatments and programs. The offer is completed by
a cosmetic surgery clinic, dental services and medical check ups.
NATURISM
www.camping.hr
www.dnh.hr
As we have already pointed out, Croatia was the first country which
opened its doors to naturists way back in 1953 and almost twenty years
before that, in 1936, the King of Britain, Edward VIII took a nude dip in
the sea on the beach Kandarola on Rab.
Since then, naturism has developed in other Mediterranean countries
which attract tourists with specialized naturist centers, hotels and even
‘naked’ cruises. Croatia is now the third nation in Europe by the capacity
offered in nudist camps. Because naturists respect the balance between
man and nature, and prefer to stay outdoors, enjoy sports and healthy
food, the specialized nudist camps which put Croatia at the very top
of Europe are especially popular among naturists. Croatian Naturist
camps are noted for their attractive and extremely well preserved
natural locations, usually near the sea. Along with the beautiful and
peaceful environment the thing that all Croatian nudist camps have
in common is security, high standards and a rich gastronomic and
shopping offer but also various sports and recreational facilities.
Of the 11 that are currently open, six of them are in Istria. Among them
is Koversada near Vrsar, the largest naturist resort in Europe, situated
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on 120 acres, with more than five thousand meters of coastline. The
peak of the season is certainly the traditional Miss Nudism pageant
which is organized every August on the sandy beach of the camp.
According to the Association of Naturists, the best campsites are
Valalta near Rovinj, which deserves the highest marks because of the
numerous events it has to offer, Solaris which is 12 kilometers from
Poreč and Kanegra in Umag.
Other specialized nudist camps are Ulika in Poreč, Istra in Funtana,
Bunculuka, Politin and Konobe on the island of Krk, Savinje in Tkon on
Pašman and Nudist in Vrboska on Hvar.
According to data from the Croatian Camping Association, these camps
showed a trend in the increase of about three percent in the number
of guests. In addition to the camps in Istria, there are several wellknown nudist beaches near Rovinj, Poreč and Medulin, and there is
also a rich offer on the Kvarner islands. Along with Kandarola in Rab
and the beaches Ciganka and Sahara in Lopar, also well-known are the
beaches Baldarin and Kovačine on Cres and Sunčana Uvala in Lošinj.
On Pag naturists can enjoy the special parts of the camps Šimuni and
Straško and a part of the beach in Zrće, and in the Zadar area they can
swim on the beach Punta Skala on the peninsula near Petrčane. There
is also Crvena Luka and Sveta Katarina near Biograd, the nudist beach
near the resort Kozarica near Pakoštane and famous Sabusa beach
near Kukljica on Ugljan.
The Šibenik region is known for its beaches at camps Kosirina, Slanica,
Čigrađa and Jazina in Murter, its bays on the island Smokvica near
Primosten and Plitka Punta in Vodice.
Hvar is the first naturist destination out of central Dalmatian
islands. Accessible by a boat from Jelsa is a beach on the island
Zečevo, and from the centre of Hvar, almost throughout the
whole day you can get to the beaches Jerolim, Stipanska, Mlin
or Palmižana which is slightly further away. Famous beaches on
Brač are Paklina near Bol, Mutnik and Punta, and on Vis the best
known are those in Komiža and Rude close to Rukavac.
On Korčula clothing is not welcome at nudist beaches FKK, part of
beach Badija, then Prozid in Vela Luka, Velika and Mala Stipa and
Langa. Near Makarska the famous beaches are Vrulja (between Pisak
and Brela), Dračevac between Tučepi and Podgora, but also a part of
the beach Sveti Petar, on a peninsula within the city. The most popular
and beautiful beach Nugal is located near the town of Makarska.
The Pelješac peninsula is known to naturists by the beaches Ostupa in
Orebić, Pričuvac in Lovište, Prapratno in Ston and Grdni Do in Žuljana.
The Dubrovnik area - apart from the well known beaches in Lapad in
the Babin Kuk area and on Lokrum - is famous for naturist resorts on
the nearby Elafiti which include the part of the beach Šunj on Lopud,
on the north side of Koločep near Donje Čelo or Župa Dubrovačka close
to the places Plat and Mlini.
RELIGIOUS TOURISM
www.svetiste-mbb.hr
www.vepric.net
www.trsat-svetiste.com
www.svetiste-ludbreg.hr
www.katolici.org
www.sveti-josip.hr
www.svetiste-aljmas.hr
www.gospa-sinjska.hr
www.pozeska-biskupija.hr
dubrovnik.hbk.hr
www.biskupija-hvar.com
www.vodnjan.hr
Every year more than 300 million pilgrims across the world visit a
number of shrines, among which there are a handful in Croatia.
One of the most famous and most visited Croatian shrines is located in
Marija Bistrica, with around 800 000 pilgrims visiting every year. There
have been pilgrimages to this beautiful and quiet place in Zagorje for
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314 years. One of the certain motivators for coming to Marija Bistrica
is a wooden statue of Our Lady to which magical powers have been
attributed. Church documents say that between 1688 and 1786, 1109
miraculous events were noted and were subsequently recognized after
careful research. Also impressive is the Bistrica Calvary, the 15 stations
of the Cross, each of which is a valuable piece of art.
Around Marija Bistrica - which opened the top hotel ‘Kaj’, as part of
the Bluesun Group – there is a marked 8km long cycling trail and a
15km long walking path ‘for body and soul’, while the Sculpture Park is
a result of perennial colonies of wood carvers.
The Karlovac area has been the home to the shrine of St. Joseph on
Dubovac since 1987. The most important pilgrimage is on the 19 March,
the day of St. Joseph. Also well known is the traditional pilgrimage on
the Feast of the Assumption to the Church of Sv. Marija Snježna in
Kamensko, located four kilometers from Karlovac.
The Ludbreg shrine of the Precious Blood of Jesus reveals the legend
that still attracts visitors today. According to tradition, in 1411 a priest
noticed blood in the chalice after saying words of conversion. It is still
kept today in a special reliquary in the parish church, and the main
pilgrimage is on the first Sunday in September.
The Feast of the Assumption in Sinj has been celebrated since 1715,
when 700 people of the Cetina Krajina carrying a picture of the Virgin
Mary, fled before the Turkish attackers. They found refuge in the town
fortified above today’s Sinj and when they were about to be conquered,
according to the legend, the Turks saw a white female image,
illuminated with bright light after which they started to run away.
Sailors and pilgrims visit the Marian shrine of Our Lady of Trsat.
There are 561 steps leading to the shrine, and what Marija Bistrica
and Sinj are in their areas, Trsat is in Kvarner and its surroundings.
Also, residents of Croatian Primorje (Senj and its surroundings) and
Lika, hold a traditional pilgrimage on the Feast of the Assumption to
the Shrine of Our Lady of Krasno on Velebit, which is renowned for
miraculous healings.
In October of 1998 Pope John Paul II visited the shrine in Solin where
the first church was built in the 10th century, and for the Nativity of Mary
on the 8 September, many pilgrims visit the shrine Vepric in Makarska,
dedicated to the Birth of the Virgin Mary.
Many cities devoted their streets and squares to John Paul II who
has visited Croatia twice, and a visit to Croatia by his successor Pope
Benedict XVI was announced for June 2011.
Famous Croatian religious (Marian) centers are also: the Diocese of
Knin, the Shrine of Our Lady of Sanctuary in Aljmaš, Shrine of Our
Lady in Voćin, the Shrine of Our Lady of the water in Ilača, the Shrine
of Our Lady of tears in Pleternica - in which the image of Our Lady of
Syracuse is revered.
Our Lady of the Stone Gate is the patron of the city of Zagreb and the
feast of Our Lady of the Stone Gate, which is celebrated on the 31 May,
is also the Day of Zagreb. Stone Gate is best known as a votive chapel
with an image of Our Lady of the Stone Gate.
Patron Saints’ holidays traditionally attract thousands of visitors to
places of worship in other cities. Two such places are Dubrovnik for the
festa of St. Vlaho and Split for the holiday of St. Dujmo.
The decision of UNESCO to include Croatian religious manifestations
on the list of the world’s intangible cultural heritage such as the Easter
‘procession of the Cross’ on Hvar, could be used for tourism purposes in
order to extend the tourist season to the pre-Easter period.
Every year thousands of visitors make pilgrimages to the church of
St. Blaž in Vodnjan which contains a collection of relics and the so
called mummies of saints. The three non-decayed and almost entirely
preserved human bodies have not been embalmed so their existence is
actually a scientific enigma. In fact, behind the great altar of the Vodnjan
church, in the stifled and artificial light of the crystal sarcophagus,
lay the mummified bodies of Saint Leon Bembo, Giovanni Olini and
Nicolose Bursa, and parts of the body of St. Sebastian and St. Barbara.
Stored in the Vodnjan cathedral are 370 relics or earthly remains of 250
saints from the period spanning over fifteenth centuries, from all areas
of the former Roman Empire. Along with the best preserved European
mummies, this church holds a thorn from the crown of Jesus, pieces
of the cross which was used for his crucifixion, a fraction of the Virgin
Mary’s veil and the cloth in which the holy prophet Simeon held baby
Jesus when he was forty days old.
RURAL AND ECO TOURISM
www.ruralis.hr
www.azrri.hr
www.selo.hr
www.ekoetno.hr
www.hotel-balatura.hr
www.seoski-turizam.net
www.ziva-zemlja.hr
www.dzzp.hr
www.lastovo.org
www.darkskyparks.org
www.turizam-smz.hr
www.kuterevo-medvjedi.hr
www.eko-mavrovic.hr
From year to year rural households in Croatia are increasingly turning
to tourism activities - the so-called rural tourism, which is primarily
based on residing in a healthy environment and eating organic food.
The infrastructural amenities of Croatia give this type of tourism a
special charm. The offer is very diverse because of the variety in climate,
hydrology, relief and history of the different areas, which can provide a
specific offer on the country estates. Accordingly, each spatial entity Slavonia, Baranja and Srijem, Croatian Zagorje, Prigorje, Međimurje
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and Podravina, Posavina, Pokuplje, Moslavina, Gorski Kotar and
Žumberak, Kordun and Lika, Istria, Croatian Primorje and Dalmatiaoffers a genuine tourist experience. Whether it is the gastronomic
specialties made from organic natural foods and wine or the preserved
natural and cultural heritage, which includes folk customs, art and
traditional crafts. In recent years, rural tourism has improved the
quality and comfort of accommodation in traditional houses and
designed numerous facilities for recreation and relaxation. Also on
offer there is sightseeing in a balloon, carriage rides, horse riding,
various sports, hiking through the woods to vineyards or old wine
houses, visiting wine cellars and farms, visiting native ethno-collections
and demonstrations of how a mill operates as well as folk-music events
and similar activities. For example, in the Dalmatian hinterland guests
are attracted by bull-fights, Farm Olympics and the Miss Dalmatinska
Zagora (Dalmatian hinterland) pageant in national costumes during
the so called ‘Midsummer Night’.
Incentives for Creativity
The development of this type of tourism is supported by the government
in cooperation with commercial banks’ credit programs, most notably
‘The development of tourism in the country side’. Specifically, in
Croatia there are currently 360 rural tourism households, and the goal
of this program is to at least double this figure.
When talking about the comfortable ambience and accommodation
it should be noted that ethno hotel ‘Balatura’ opened in 2009 with
the help of incentives from the program “Under the Ancient Roofs’.
It is situated in the quiet valley Vinodol in the hinterland of Crikvenica,
6 kilometers from the Adriatic Sea, surrounded by rugged hills and
forests. A three hundred year old family farm, consisting of four
connected stone houses, was turned into a comfortable guesthouse,
giving the importance to the detailed reconstruction of the historical
building, which was supervised by conservators. This is a facility which
because of the preserving of the architectural heritage of Vinodol has
the status of common cultural heritage for tourism purposes.
Ministry of Tourism has recognized the importance of the project for
the revitalization of the Slavonian village Stara Kapela, located on the
border of Požega, Slavonski Brod and Nova Gradiška. It is, in fact, the
first Croatian ‘anti-stress village’ which was created five years ago by
a group of enthusiasts gathered in the association Eko-Etno Village
Stara Kapela. Members of the association (which today has 50-odd
members) no longer wanted to witness the extinction of the village
and the deterioration of Slavonian heritage so they decided to restore
the damaged and abandoned old farms. Up until now, four properties
have been entirely restored, five are in the process of opening to tourists
and three are being finalized.
The Leading Role of Istria
Although Istria has played a leading role in Croatian rural tourism for a
long time, more and more households in the so-called Zagreb ring, the
Croatian Zagorje, Moslavina, Posavina, Slavonia and the Dalmatian
hinterland have started this type of tourism, with eco-ethnic villages
mushrooming all around.
The unique profile and organizational diversities of different
households emerged through the development of tourist services in
rural households of Istria. These specifics depend on resource basis,
occasional or permanent residence of the household owner at the
service site, structure of services, organizational models and agricultural
production. Starting from these factors the following types of rural
households were profiled in Istria: agricultural tourism, rural holiday
houses, rural B &Bs, rural family hotels and rest houses on a wine route
road. Continental Istria, with its inns and luxury villas with swimming
pools, and with agricultural tourism farms has in recent years been a
hit and a must see destination on the European and world tourist map.
Old Istrian estates renovated in the spirit of original Istrian architecture
are today the best example of preservation of traditional heritage,
by which we give our confirmation to the reconstruction of our most
attractive resources but also support families by renting houses or
selling their products and services.
Ecological Agriculture
Environmental activities, primarily organically grown foods, are closely
connected to rural tourism. At the end of 2009 there were 817 organic
farms, businesses and cooperatives involved in this kind of production
in Croatia. Organic production has now reached around 15 000 acres.
It is estimated that in early 2011 the number of organic farmers in
Croatia could reach 1000, or cover 20,000 acres of eco-surfaces.
The largest number of organic producers is in the Osijek-Baranja
County - 166, where there is the largest organic production surface
of approximately 4000 acres and the largest number of cattle,
approximately 1500 of a total of 2300 for the whole of Croatia. BrodPosavina County is in second place with 1329 acres, while the PožegaSlavonia County is in third place with 1240 acres. 44 percent of the
Croatian ecological agriculture area is in these three counties and
23.6 per cent of farms have organic produce. Istrian producers in turn
formed the association ‘Istrian Eco Product’ consisting of only organic
producers - olive growers, livestock producers, honey, vegetable, fruit,
wine and other producers.
The best producer in the area of Požega and Slavonia and one of the
greatest Croatian organic producers is the famous boxer Željko Mavrović.
He was recognized by several reputable international foundations,
led by Bill Gates’ foundation, as the only European manufacturer
with a vision of community development. In a special publication
(www.communityfoodenterprise.org) of the reputable international
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foundation headed by Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (www.
gatesfoundation.org) Mavrović’s eco-estate in Sloboština near
Požega was listed among the 24 eco-ethno -projects in the whole
world that represent examples of successful food production.
Biological Diversity and Natural Preservation
Along with organic farming Croatia is also working on the
preservation of its diverse plant and animal wealth. In addition to
protecting the natural heritage of national and nature parks, we
are trying to maintain and preserve the bio diversity of our country
through an ecological network which is, according to the rules of
the European project Natura 2000, divided into internationally
important areas for birds and other wildlife. The Croatian Ecological
network covers 47 percent of land and 39 percent of marine territory
and migration corridors: the migration corridor for birds Palagruža
- Lastovo - Pelješac and a corridor for sea turtles, a coastal belt of
up to 50 metres in depth. European Natura 2000 locations are
brilliant natural heritages of this continent, and our Gorski Kotar,
as the most important habitat for large carnivores (wolves, bears
and foxes) is a candidate for becoming a NATURA area. The state
institute for nature protection in the framework of PHARE project
aims to - in cooperation with the local community - introduce
a management plan for the area in order to protect this unique
habitat. One of the tasks is the forming of the Center for visitors
in Gorski Kotar, where eco-tourists can learn all about these great
beasts. Important habitats of large carnivores - in this case, wolves,
bears and lynxes – are also Primorje and northern Lika. Another
Croatian candidate for becoming a NATURA area is Vransko Lake and
the border area Jasen, which are the most important grounds for
birds in Croatia.
A famous habitat of white storks is the village Čigoč, which has
since 1994 been carrying the title ‘European Stork Village’, and
has established itself as an eco-destination. Specifically, in 2010
Čigoč hosted between 8000 and 10 000 tourists, mostly European,
particularly French and Scandinavian, but also those from the far
away United States of America and Australia. Volunteers come from
many countries to Kutarevo village at the foot of Velebit where there
is an asylum for bears, so they can take care of these animals.
Lastovo holds a place on the ecological map of Croatia - our most
prominent inhabited island, which with its archipelago of 46 islands
and reefs has the status of a nature park. The value and beauty of
this 195 square kilometer archipelago was included among the
‘ten heavenly gardens of the Mediterranean, whose preserved and
untouched beauty is key to identifying the overall biodiversity of
the Mediterranean’ by the World Organization for Environmental
Protection (WWF). Lastovo is, moreover, also known as the place with
the least light pollution in Europe. For several years, in conjunction
with the ‘Dark Sky of Slovenia, ‘Dark Sky Camp’ has been organized in
Lastovo, where astronomers from all over the world come to observe
the stars (especially the Milky Way and Saturn).
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VIII. ACOMMODATION CAPACITIES
www.upuhh.hr, www.hoteli.com.hr
HOTELS AND SMALL FAMILY HOTELS
Luxury Hotel Accommodation
In the last four years 25 billon Kunas were invested into new hotel
capacities and the modernization of existing ones. Due to the
economic crisis and the recession, the investment momentum
has slowed down and according to the plans of the government a
much needed financial injection to tourism should be received by
the sales of former military facilities to interested local and foreign
investors. Specifically, the state currently owns 45 former military
properties that are spread over an incredible 22.7 million square
meters along the Adriatic coast, from Savurdija to Čilipi including
the islands. None of these properties are located more than five
kilometers from the sea coast.
In the network of top hotels there are 150 four-star hotels and about
30 five-star hotels on offer. The largest number of five-star hotels,
thirteen of them, is in the Dubrovnik area. In the last two and a half
years the number of four-star hotels has increased because this is a
required and appreciated category on foreign markets.
The conversion of former military buildings in attractive
tourist locations would significantly increase the number of
accommodation facilities which, according to the Central Bureau
of Statistics amounted to 969 726 registered permanent beds on
31 August 2009. It is estimated that the accommodation capacity
in Croatia in 2010 amounted to about one million beds. Within the
total accommodation capacity of Croatia, 12 percent of beds are
found in hotels. About 250 small, family-run hotels, with
16 000 beds, create 15 percent of the total hotel capacity in Croatia.
Thanks to the infrastructural investments made before the crisis
started in 2009 and 2010, about 30 percent of Croatian hotel
capacities are made up of four and five star hotels.
According to data from the Ministry of Tourism from July 2010, the
Croatian hotel network had a total of 581 hotels. Most of them, some
313, are three-star hotels.
In Dubrovnik, which is an exclusive destination, guests are offered
the following highest category hotels: Ariston, Bellevue, Dubrovnik
Palace, Excelsior, Hilton Imperial, Kazbek, More, Rixos Libertas, The
Pucić Palace and the Grand Villa Argentina, which consists of five sections: Villa Argentina, Villa Orsula, Villa Glavić, Villa Sheherezade and
Hotel Argentina. Also on offer in Dubrovnik is the luxury Villa Agave
which hosted the Hollywood actor and Oscar winner Kevin Spacey
among its first guests. This villa, formerly the residence of the famous
archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans (from 1875 to 1882), is situated in an
exclusive location close to Hotel Excelsior, on a cliff above the blue
sea, with a view of the Old Town, situated only 850 m away, and overlooking the mystical island of Lokrum. From June 2010, Dubrovnik’s
offer has become richer by another exclusive accommodation unit,
the lighthouse Grebeni, located on the island of the same name,
about three hundred meters away from Dubrovnik’s tourist resort
Babin Kuk. Even though it is in Dubrovnik, visitors are offered isolation
which is almost unthinkable at other locations in the city. Other hotels situated nearby Dubrovnik are Admiral Hotel in Slano, Dubrovnik
Sun Gardens in Orašac and Hotel Croatia in Cavtat.
Guests of Dubrovnik eager for superior comfort and luxury are also
offered the beautiful Villa Elita, which was built in the nineteen thirties using the same white stone that was used for the construction of
villas for the aristocracy of the Dubrovnik Republic. Villa Elita is com-
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pletely renovated, so along with Villa Sheherezade and Hotel Kazbek
it now forms one of the most luxurious accommodation facilities
in southern Croatia and beyond. Villa Elita can be rented only as a
whole - it is not possible to rent just a room or an apartment.
Villa Dubrovnik - a brand new hotel with luxury rooms and suites is
situated on one of the most desirable locations in Dubrovnik, near
the sea in Sveti Jakov. From each of the rooms stretches a ‘million dollar’ view, which made this Dubrovnik hotel world famous. A unique
accommodation set aside from traffic jams as well as a fascinating
view of Lokrum and the historical old town are just a few characteristics of Villa Dubrovnik which earned it the inclusion among the 50
best hotels in the world selected by a reputable magazine Conde Nast
in 1999. New Villa Dubrovnik is an elite ‘leisure and spa resort’ with
wellness facilities and the maximum comfort and privacy. Apart from
the rooms and suites in the main building guests can enjoy the apartments in a separate villa located in the hotel gardens. All rooms have
a balcony overlooking the sea and the guests can be transfered to the
Center City by a boat.
Located on the island of Korčula is the magnificent Lešić Dimitri Palace which is a perfect blend of rich historical heritage and modern
comfort and design.
In the Kvarner region there are four five-star hotels, three of them located in Opatija: Ambasador, Millennium, WA Mozart and the fourth
one, The View, which is part of the Novi Spa Hotel & Resorts in Novi
Vinodolski. Zagreb’s five-star hotels are the Sheraton Hotel, The Regent Esplanade Hotel and The Westin. In the area of Istria the three
luxury hotels are Monte Mulini on Rovinj’s Crveni otok, Sol Coral in
Umag and the Kempinski Hotel Adriatic in Savudrija, which is also
the first Croatian five-star Golf & Spa Resort. In the Dalmatian area of
Split the five-star hotels are Atrium Hotel in Split, Le Meridien Lav in
nearby Podstrana and President in neighboring Solin. The opening of
yet another exclusive hotel in Split is planned in 2011. This will be the
hotel Marjan, which became part of the Hilton hotel chain in 2009.
All the hotels are located in elite locations and offer their guest a
spectacular panoramic view of the historical center or the sea and in
some cases both. Rooms are functional and equipped with designer
furniture and carefully selected materials. The hotels offer exclusive
restaurants, spa and wellness centers and various sports and other
activities.
For guests who want a comfortable home in the quiet of the countryside there are exclusive villas on offer that are decorated and furnished
to the highest standards with beautiful gardens and swimming pools
and all the amenities necessary to meet their expectations and the
achievement of perfect relaxation on the Adriatic coast from Istria
to Dubrovnik, including of course the islands. In these exceptional
homes guests will feel the beauty of summer house living and enjoy
their holiday, which will be further complemented by the use of their
own private swimming pools, cultural events, gastronomic exploring,
active tourism possibilities and other attractions.
In July 2010 in Petrčane near Zadar, a unique project was competed - the
luxury resort Punta Skala IMMO Exclusive Petrčane, which offers the elite
clients the purchase of fifty detached residences - nine of which are luxury
family villas in the first row next to the sea and 41 are villas with three or
four apartments (a total of 147 dwellings). The properties are ready to be
moved into. Prices of apartments range from 2500 to 3500 Euros per
square meter, while the price of a fully furnished luxury villa, which includes the garden and grounds with swimming pool and garage, is from
one to two million Euros. Punta Skala IMMO Exclusive Petrčane is located
11 kilometers northwest of Zadar, on the peninsula of Punta Skala. The
opening of a luxury hotel of the highest category Falkensteiner Hotel
& Spa Iadera which boasts a wellness center of 6000 square meters is
planned on the same peninsula in May 2011.
Boutique hotels and small, family run hotels which cater for specific arrangements, and offer rich gastronomy and wine as well as more intimate interiors and an individual approach to each guest are all on offer
for those eternally seeking something new and different. Superior service
and interiors are also offered in luxurious apartments.
SMALL AND FAMILY HOTELS
www.omh.hr
Small hotels are a recognizable tourist product that Croatia can
offer and sell. It is precisely these hotels that have a major role in
highlighting the quality, uniqueness and diversity of our tourism
offer. Almost all the family hotels are open all year round. Owners of
small family-run hotels ‘compete’ in who will come up with a better
and richer offer and a more diverse content, from excursion tours,
sports activities, meetings, discussions and participation in activities
with the local population, to ordering rent-a-cars, reserving airline
flights and more. Another great value in the offer of small hotels is
that guests are cooked meals exclusively made from domestic foods
and products of local manufacturers. Specifically, authentic cuisine
based on local foods, on one side raises the value of such a hotel and
on the other, helps local manufacturers, forming the foundation of
responsible and sustainable tourism.
From season to season, family hotels are gradually becoming one of
the most popular tourism products in Croatia. Therefore, it is planned
that by 2018 the number of small hotels should grow to 1000, with at
least 70 000 beds. Plans are being made about the transformation
of around 2000 current, high-quality buildings, mostly apartments,
into small, family-run hotels. Most new buildings will be of a four
star category. This clearly demonstrates that Croatia has caught
the rhythm in this niche, especially because in the light of the so
called humane tourism, the imperative is set that along with superb
food and accommodation, the guest is the priority and has the full
attention of the host.
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PRIVATE ACCOMMODATION
Landlords offering private rooms and apartments dispose of about
500 000 beds. Approximately another one million beds are located
within the 250 000 holiday houses on our coast. Since The Istrian
Tourist Board launched a project for standardized quality of private
accommodation - “Domus Bonus” in 2006, this region has stood
out with a rich offer and high quality of this type of accommodation.
Facilities that meet the prescribed standards receive the certificate
“Domus Bonus”, as a guarantee of quality accommodation. A kind of
counterpart to the Istrian ‘good home’ is the ‘Kvarner Family’ project,
which includes the branding of about three thousand private rooms
and apartments of high quality renters in the Kvarner region. The aim
is to include a third of the 11 000 landlords from the area of PrimorjeGoranska County into this system in the next three years.
CAMPS
www.camping.hr
www.topcamping.hr
www.camping-croatia.com
Campers say that the reasons for a growing number of tourist arrivals in Croatia are the natural beauty and hospitality, but also a high
degree of quality in Croatian camp sites. This is probably the reason
why campers stay in Croatia on average twice as long as in other
European destinations, where they remain for two or three days.
Croatia, due to its location on the Mediterranean, is the top destination for campers. Campers are always returning to Croatia, and with
good promotion and more events, even more campers are certain
to come. In the next few years, work will be done on increasing the
number of camp sites, as well as improving the quality of existing
ones, because it is the campers themselves who are most concerned
about the preservation of nature, which in modern terms of climate
change and pollution is very important for maintaining competitiveness. Although the camping season of 2009 was declared to be a
record one, even better results were achieved in 2010. In the first
eight months, our 235 camp sites achieved 1.9 million arrivals and
12.7 million overnight stays, with the largest increase in the ŠibenikKnin County and the Dubrovnik-Neretva County.
Camp sites represent 25 percent of the total accommodation capacities in Croatia. The most developed regions in terms of the number
of camp sites, their capacity and service quality are Istria and Kvarner
with islands, while Dalmatia is the most attractive part of Croatia because of the nature, the beautiful coastline and numerous islands.
Most camp sites are situated along the coast near the beach.
In addition to choosing the natural environment, guests can choose
whether to camp in large, dynamic caravan parks or in smaller ones,
where the emphasis is on individuality and privacy. Moreover, in recent years, the Croatian camping offer is tailored to the demands of
the market, which seeks mobile homes as well as furnished bungalows and apartments within the camp sites. Also on offer we have a
few real ‘holiday villages’ like for example, Zaton in Nin or Bi-Village
in Fažana. Considerable attention is given to raising the level of hospitality and shopping services in the camp sites, as well as the safety
of guests. It should be noted that the quality of Croatian camp sites
generally corresponds to European criteria, while the prices of camping are among the more favorable on the Mediterranean. However,
one should bear in mind that camping outside the camping sites is
prohibited by law. As far as camping facilities are concerned - campers can often enjoy swimming pools, wellness centers, sports fields,
riding, sailing, windsurfing, water skiing, scuba diving, hiking schools
as well as some entertainment and cultural amenities. For example,
the camp site Paklenica will organize Winnetou Week in April of 2011
at which the guest of honor will be Marie Versini – the celebrated actress from the movies about Winnetou. Located in the National Park
Paklenica are some of the most beautiful film locations where movies about the legendary Indian chief were made. Outside the camp
site, campers can enjoy many excursions and tours of natural and
cultural beauty.
As in previous years, Croatian camp sites have received prestigious
international awards from foreign camping associations like the one
from the Italian Federcampeggio as well as auto clubs, such as the
German ADAC and the Dutch ANWB.
The German ADAC, in its ‘Camping Caravaning Fuehrer 2010’ guide,
stressed that Croatian camp sites are located in beautiful natural surroundings and that there is an ongoing visible improvement in their
quality, especially in sanitary facilities. In their guide for 2010, similar
to 2009, they listed 103 camp sites, 19 of which are marked with a
symbol of substantial improvement of quality.
In 2010, ADAC again awarded a yellow sign to the same camp sites
as in 2009 - Zaton in Zadar, Kanegra, Stella Maris, Park Umag and
Finida in Umag, Lanterna and Solaris in Poreč, Poljana on Mali Lošinj,
Vir on Hvar and Nevio in Orebić. Zaton and Park Umag received the
prestigious ADAC red sign, which means ‘Superplatz’, and is awarded
only to camp sites which by the rating of ADAC inspectors achieved
remarkable results in the past season. This label was received by only
80 camp sites in Europe in 2010.
In the guide ‘Campinggids 2, 2010’ of the Dutch ANWB we can find
82 Croatian camp sites, of which six got the recommendation of
this auto club: Kovačine (Cres), Konobe and Pila (Punat), Adriatic
(Šibenik) and Rio and Zaton (Zadar). The best average ratings were
received by camp sites Lanterna, Solaris and Ulika in Poreč and
Orsera in Vrsar.
The award of the Italian Association of campers Federcampeggio
is given to the camp sites chosen by the readers of ‘Il Campeggio
Italiano’. According to the criterion of ‘likability and ecology’ the
chosen camp sites were Alan Paklenica, Stobreč-Split and Zablaće
Baška on the island of Krk. While based on the ‘likability and quality’
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PRESS 2011
Italian campers were most impressed by camp sites Kovačine on
Cres, Park Soline in Biograd and Poljana in Mali Lošinj. A special
award was given to camp site ‘Zaton Holiday Village’ in Nin near
Zadar, as one of the best camp sites of Europe, because it invests
a lot in environmental development and the quality of service. A
special award was also received by camp site ‘Park Umag’.
The portal www.zoover.com paid a tribute to the camp sites Sirena
(Novigrad) Jasenovo (Žaborić - Brodarica), Paklenica and the Oaza
Mira (Drage, near Zadar) for being the best camp sites in Croatia,
according to the recommendations of readers. The award is even
more important when we know that Zoover is one of the leading
websites for sharing experiences and recommendations of tourists
from all over the world.
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PRESS 2011
IX. INVESTMENTS
www.mint.hr, www.hbor.hr
The Croatian Ministry of Tourism should have 239 552 million Kunas
from the budget at its disposal in 2011, or 5.7 percent more than in
2010 when it had 226 million Kunas. The largest portion of that money will be directed to the promotion of tourism, for which 132 million
is planned, or 7 percent more than in 2010, while 107 million will be
spent on the development of the tourism sector through a variety of
items. In 2011 2,1 million Kunas will be spent on incentives to develop
rural tourism, while 8 million will be allocated for the reconstruction
of cultural and natural heritage as a tourism product. SMEs in tourism will be given incentives through the development and export
bank of the Republic of Croatia, the Croatian bank for reconstruction
and development, through the program ‘Incentives for Success’. They
will be allocated around 44 million kunas (7 percent more than in
2010). Funds for the training of personnel in tourism and hospitality
have been increased by 30 percent to 2.9 million. Almost twice as
high will also be resources for infrastructure that will in 2011 amount
to 3 million compared to 1.8 million in 2010.
Investments in Croatian tourism in 2010, although slowed and reduced, continued despite the crisis. Below we bring an overview of
the most important, but also some very ambitious ones.
Longevity Will be Researched in Istria
www.istra-istria.hr
Istrian County Prefect Ivan Jakovčić and the world-renowned molecular geneticist Miroslav Radman, Director of the Mediterranean Institute for Life Sciences in Split (MedILS) signed an Agreement on the
developing of a project of the Maditerranean Referal Centre for measuring antioxidant potential of Mediterranean foods, in the second
half of November 2010. Project implementation requires the opening of a laboratory for measuring the impact that consuming Istrian
products has on the body. The first measurements will involve fruits,
vegetables, olive oil and red wine. It is estimated that by the end of
2011 the laboratory could operate independently. About 600 thousand Kunas will be allocated from the budget of the Istrian County for
this ‘gastro-scientific’ project.
The Renovated Hotel Korkyra
www.hotel-korkyra.com
The luxury hotel Korkyra in Vela Luka on the island of Korčula opened
its doors before the start of the tourist season of 2010. 7 million Euros were invested in the renovation of this four-star hotel, while its
owners tried to make it the perfect combination of tradition, original architecture and spirit of the old town of Korčula Island with contemporary designed, luxury rooms that offer all the benefits of high
class hotels. The hotel has 58 modern accommodation units in three
categories – double rooms, double deluxe rooms and junior suites.
Guests have access to a fitness center, pools, saunas, excellent ambient lighting and audio-video systems. Also, for its visitors, hotel staff
have created several packages, which include picking olives with a
visit to the local olive growers and the traditional preparation of virgin olive oil or transportation to the island Prozid for a romantic dinner by candlelight, which is according to the New York Times, one of
the 12 most beautiful excursions in the world.
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PRESS 2011
Valamar Riviera and Valamar Rabac
www.valamar.com
Open in June 2010 was the newly renovated four-star hotel Valamar
Riviera in Poreč. 50 million Kunas were invested in the renovation.
The hotel has 105 rooms decorated in a nautical style and eight
premium residence luxury suites. It is one of a few yacht hotels in
Istria, situated in the old town center of Poreč. The hotel offers a
skipper bar, Parentino wine bar, à la carte restaurant Spinnaker with
a variety of local and international dishes but also a show-cooking
restaurant with rich Mediterranean and traditional cuisine, which
offers the possibility of food and drinks delivery to yachts moored in
the marina. Riviera Valamar offers a free trip to Venice to the guests
who decide to stay for six nights.
Valamar - Rabac d.d. will invest five million Kunas in the renovation
of the accommodation units and horticulture as well as improving
the marketing position through the development of family room
offers and access trails to the hotel in the tourist resort Girandella
for the period 2010/2011. Planned for the period 2011/2012 is the
continuation of capital investments into the hotel Valamar Sanifor
and apartments Lanterna amounting to more than 38 million Kunas.
Heritage Hotel Marinska kula
www.raafourty.com
Opened in mid-July of 2010 in Marina, near Trogir, was the four-star
Heritage hotel Marinska Kula, located in a beautiful building of a
tower, which has been recording the history of this picturesque village
for over 500 years. The hotel has 16 air-conditioned rooms with a sea
view, which bear the names of the Mediterranean herbs and all have
internet access. The interior of the hotel and rooms is dominated
by hand-made furniture from solid olive wood, and located on the
ground floor is the restaurant ‘MarinaDA’, which serves dishes baked
under the ‘peka’ (the dish is covered by a metal dome covered in
hot ashes and baked in a clay oven), even though it does not have a
chimney. The gastronomy offer is based on the freshest ingredients
which are supplied by domestic and local producers, while the
exquisite wine list was created in collaboration with the best Croatian
wineries.
Butique Hotel Kukuriku
www.kukuriku.hr
The famous slow food restaurant Kukuriku was the beginning of what
came to life in full light in June of 2010 – the boutique hotel Kukuriku
in Kastav above Rijeka. The four-star hotel is located in a castle built
in the 15th century, which was the centre of the Kastav ‘kapitans’ who
governed Kastav in the name of the master of the City. Moreover,
one of the first schools in the wider area of the northern Adriatic
region was opened in the former castle in 1770. Kukuriku Hotel has
15 luxurious rooms of original and carefully designed interiors. The
ground floor has a bar from which a special tunnel leads into the
former ‘water supply tank’ which is located below the town’s main
square Lokvin. In two attractive, luxuriously furnished and almost
seven meters high rooms, wine experts and wine lovers will be able
to enjoy an exclusive offer of the world’s finest wines. In one of the
rooms there will be a wine shop, while the other is designed for wine
tasting and more intimate dinners for twenty or so people. A beautycenter with a sauna as well as a massage and relaxation parlor can
be found in the posterior part of the first floor. Lovers of good food
will enjoy a variety of dishes in the restaurant Kukuriku which is
widely known beyond Croatia and which has now been moved onto
the hotel premises. The hotel, in which around two million euros has
been invested, has a multifunctional hall for meetings.
Lighthouse-hotel Grebeni Receives its First Guests
www.alh.hr
Located on the island of Grebeni, about three hundred meters away
from Dubrovnik’s tourist resort Babin Kuk is the lighthouse hotel of
the same name which received its first guests in June 2010. At the
lighthouse, which has been welcoming ships since 1872, guests have
a resting house at their disposal which together with the lighthouse
stretches on over 140 square meters. There are three double bedrooms,
one single bedroom, bathrooms, a kitchen, a hallway and two spacious
terraces with almost 350 square meters of space with set chairs and
parasols. If they desire to, guests can use the services of the Hotel
Dubrovnik Palace at any time, which is like the lighthouse, a part of the
Adriatic Luxury Hotels group. Additionally offered are the services of a
butler and a top chef, as well as an express service enabling telephone
communication with the hotel for ordering household services. As a
special attraction, guests can take an underwater trip to visit the Italian
ship Taranto which sank a mere twenty meters from the lighthouse in
1943. According to the legend, parts of the ship ‘Taranto’ scattered on
the sea bed are waiting for someone to assemble them so the ship can
rise to the coast and finally find its purpose.
Villas Poli of Saint Anton
www.istria-villas.info
Villas Poli of Saint Anton in Gračišće in Istria opened their doors in
the tourist season of 2010. This is a complex of three villas, Villa
Melkior, Villa Gašpar and Villa Baltazar, on more than 380 square
meters of accommodation, where guests are offered top quality
equipment and comfort, in the warmth of an old Istrian fireplace in
the traditional atmosphere of rural Istria.
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PRESS 2011
The renovated traditional Istrian houses, surrounded by stone walls
bear four stars, and are located in the old town core of Gračišće next to
the chapel which bears the name of the mentioned saint. Renovation
of the old abandoned houses from the 18th century took two years.
The villas have been renovated in a unique blend of traditional and
modern. They are furnished with renovated old furniture, and as the
aim of the owners is to operate the facilities throughout the year, each
room is equipped with under floor heating, while they are also air
conditioned. Each villa has satellite television, a washing machine and
outdoor shared barbecue, and in due time the complex should get an
outdoor pool with sun lounges and an outdoor shower and gallery.
Guests also have access to bicycles and table tennis equipment. There
is also a rustic wine cellar which can host 25 to 30 people. The wine
cellar is located on the ground floor of Villa Baltazar, the largest among
the three two-storey houses, where the total floor area is 200 square
meters and it can accommodate 8 persons. Villa Melchior is half the
size of Villa Baltazar with the capacity to host 4 to 6 people and the
smallest is Villa Gašpar, with the capacity to host 2 to 4 people. The
complex is suitable for team building and pets are also welcome.
The Building of a Golf Resort Has Begun
www.marlera.hr
The construction of a golf course and resort on Marlera near Ližnjan
has begun and it is expected that the entire resort will be built in two
years. The project was created by the famous former Croatian football
player Dražen Ladić.
Marlera will become the second professional golf course in Istria,
after the golf course on Crveni Vrh near Savudrija as part of the
Adriatic Kempinski Hotel. In addition to golf, the project encompasses
the building of a five-star hotel, 80 apartments and 27 villas on 16
acres, while the green surfaces will spread across 14 acres. This is
a project worth 150 million euros which is being built in a fishingfarming village in the southeast of Istria that overlooks the Kvarner
bay and the islands of Cres and Lošinj. This hidden corner of blue
sea and indented coastline which plunges into it with rocks and
gravel, will give each visitor the chance to discover the beauty of this
30-kilometer long undeveloped coast. In addition to golf, the lovers
of active holidays in Ližnjan are offered the center for equestrian
sports Libora, and those with a passion for hunting can enjoy a large
hunting ground which, in its dense oak forests, hides wild rabbits,
partridges, pheasants, deer and wild boar. Ližnjan and its waters are
marked on the maps of many windsurfers and divers who consider it
to be one of the best and most beautiful locations for their passion.
Coastal cycling routes with landscapes of outstanding beauty also
make it a unique destination.
The Building of a Marina for Mega-yachts
Has Begun
www.ncp.hr
The construction of the first mega-yacht marina on the Adriatic has
begun in the nautical center ‘Prgin’ (NCP) in Mandalina near Šibenik.
The marina, worth seventeen million euros, with 79 modern berths
for mega yachts up to one hundred meters in length, should be
completed by June 2011, and fully ready for the reception of sailors.
It will be the first marina in this part of the Mediterranean able to
service mega-yachts owned by, for example, Roman Abramovich, Bill
Gates and other wealthy men of the world and will enable them to
visit Šibenik more often.
The investor of this marina for mega yachts project is the Turkish Dogus
Group, which along with the NCP on Mandalina plans to build a hotel
- nautical complex worth at least one hundred million Euros. Building
plans are being made for several five-star hotels, twenty luxury villas
with swimming pools, a marina and other nautical activities.
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PRESS 2011
New Accommodation Capacities in Split
www.gollybossy.com
www.hotelpresident.hr
www.hotel-marjan.com
www.hotel-bellevue-split.hr
www.radissonblu.com/resort-split
www.hotelluxesplit.com
‘Golly & Bossy’ is a new hostel in Split, which received its first
guests in 2010. This design hostel with an unusual, witty and autoironic name (naked and barefoot) is located in a neo-Classicist
building which used to be a department store, in the centre of the
city on Morpurgova poljana. The hostel is abundant with modern
and interesting design solutions and is fully equipped technically.
There are 28 rooms with a total of 138 beds. On the first and
second floors are rooms with four and six beds, while the third
floor is of a hotel type with twin beds in the rooms. Each room
is equipped with a shower, toilet and free internet. The balcony
provides an attractive view of the historic center of Split, and in
front of the facility is a large terrace.
Room numbers are unusual and each number represents an
important year in the history of Split. For example, in front of
room 1221 it says on the floor that this was the year in which Split
was attacked by pirates, while room number 2010 indicates the
year the hotel opened its doors.
Besides the new hostel in the centre of Split, a few smaller
family hotels were opened and it is expected that the projects
Marjan Hilton, hotel Central and Villa Matić will be completed
in 2011. Renovation of the hotels Bellevue and Ambasador is
being planned, as is the building of a new hotel not far from
the famous beach Bačvice in Split. In mid-August of 2010 the
renewed hotel Radisson Blu Resort Split (former hotel Split) also
began working. This four-star hotel is situated just a few steps
away from a beautiful beach and overlooks the islands of Šolta
and Brač. Guests have access to 240 modern rooms, 9 meeting
rooms, 4 restaurants and a spa center. Split`s accommodation
offer became richer by 30 rooms and 56 beds at the hotel ‘Luxe’
(four stars) in the season of 2010, which opened at the site of
an old steam dye-house near the city harbor. The contemporary
design of the hotel attracts attention with interesting avant-garde
lighting which looks particularly wonderful from the street, while
there is a unique view of the city centre stretching from the rooms.
Moreover, the five star hotel President, which offers 94 luxurious
double rooms and four residential apartments, has four conference
rooms (one of which can accommodate 600 participants) and a
wellness center opened its doors in 2010 in Solin. The hotel is
situated in a quiet corner of Solin, near Gospin otok.
Zagreb’s Hotel Palace in a Partnership
With Worldhotels
www.palace.hr
Zagreb has recently made a partnership with the hotel corporation
Worldhotels, which does not include ownership rights, but services
of sales, marketing, distribution, technological support, PR, global
branding, management of revenue and internet selling.
Palace is the first hotel in the region which became part of the
group Worldhotels, and plans of this corporation are to expand
cooperation onto other hotels in other Croatian cities, such as Split
and Dubrovnik.
Worldhotels is the fourth largest hotel group in the world after the
Hilton, Marriott and Sheraton. Established in 1970 it collaborates
with 450 hotels at 250 destinations in 65 countries. To gain access
to the group Worldhotels, a hotel has to fill about 300 quality
standards. Quality control is carried out by ‘mystery customers’ who
with the help of around 1500 criteria control the quality of service.
Hotel Palace, one of the oldest hotels in Zagreb, opened back in 1907.
The Renovation of Tower Ćipiko
www.kastela-info.hr
The upgrading and renovation of the protected cultural monument
tower Ćipiko in Kaštel Novi has begun. The aim is to reconstruct and
restore the tower and return it to its original condition as it was in
the 15th century as well as open a four-star hotel. The hotel will have
some 50 rooms, business facilities and exclusive apartments in the
tower. It is an investment worth 75 million Kunas.
The tower Ćipiko is a fortified mansion with inclined ground floor
walls which was built in 1512 by a nobleman from Trogir called
Pavao-Antun Cippico, together with a fortified settlement for
village farmers built next to it. The castle gives the impression of a
powerful fortress, but the decorated balconies and windows point
to its residential-summer house purposes. It is the monumental
tower Ćipiko, which houses the town museum that is the symbol of
Kaštel Novi, the town located 17 kilometers from Split.
Valuable ancient Croatian findings from the sites Bijaći and Radun
as well as Hellenistic pottery from the area of Resnik are preserved
within the archaeological collections of the Museum of Kaštel. Rich
heritage and history are preserved and nurtured at the Museum of
Kaštel among the stone walls of the tower Ćipiko. A walk through
the typical coastal narrow streets of Kaštel Novi, next to the stone
porches and arches leads to the wine cellars of Kaštel’s wine makers
in which they keep exquisite wines, the fruits of their vineyards
nurtured with love and knowledge.
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PRESS 2011
Umag’s Hotel Meliá Receives Five Stars
‘Princeza Jadrana’ – A Chain of Nautical Centres
www.istraturist.com
www.visitdubrovnik.hr
The Istraturist hotel Coral in Umag has officially become a five-star
hotel thanks to its re-branding by one of the biggest hotel brands in
the world, Meliá Hotel & Resorts.
The project ‘Princess of the Adriatic’, worth 180 million euros, was
introduced in the spring of 2010 in Dubrovnik, and it predicts the
construction of seven nautical centers on Adriatic islands in the next
seven years.
Istraturist has retained ownership of the facility whilst the partner
company, Sol Meliá, is responsible for marketing, sales and
operations. Among other changes in the Meliá Coral brand, the
biggest one relates to providing the highest level of service that
meets luxury standards.
The Meliá hotel brand focuses on creating a unique experience for its
guests, and this is achieved by the combination of elements such as
making guests feel welcome immediately upon entering the hotel,
then forming the sense of connection to the brand enabled by high
quality service of the specially trained hotel staff who strive to predict
the guests desires, as well as an element of surprise that will surely
surpass all expectations, says Coral.
Hotel Meliá Coral, along with creative entertainment programs for
children and adults, is ideal for a joyful family vacation or a romantic
getaway for couples. A wellness center covering an area of 1200 square
meters and fully equipped conference rooms that are ideal for any
business meeting form a part of the hotel Meliá Coral. The hotel offers
244 rooms and 6 luxury suites, one of which is presidential, and it is
located three kilometers from the center of Umag, in the settlement
Katoro. The hotel is situated on the promontory next to the sea.
Besides being an ideal summer residence, the hotel is an excellent
choice for all types of business meetings, promotions and socializing.
The offer is perfectly rounded off with top quality wines in the Tapas
Bar and a large selection of delicacies in the tavern Mediteran as well
as relaxing treatments in the Wellness Center Coral Fusion Spa and
a modern conference hall. The novelties at the hotel are the newly
opened Automat Club Elite as well as the Beach Club on the beach,
ideal for relaxing in the shade of a canopy with a refreshing drink.
Investors are interested in building maritime centers in Luka Šipanska,
in Polače within the National Park in Mljet; in Jurjeva Luka or bay
Kremen on Lastovo; at the shipyard Inkobrod; on the islet Badija in
Korčula; and Olib, Vrgada and Kaprije.
The nautical centers would encompass marinas of smaller capacity
up to 200 berths, and a range of additional facilities. In cooperation
with airports in Zadar, Split and Dubrovnik they plan to be directly
connected by air with the use of hydro-planes. This would not be a
classic type of marina, but a nautical center of a developing character,
whose mission would not be to serve as a ‘shopping center’ for sailors
but to keep the guests at a destination island for longer, with the help
of its offer.
Soon a Richer Offer of Lighthouses
www.plovput.hr
The Croatian tourist offer should be richer for another 15 lighthouses.
This is the plan of the company Plovput, which cares about all the
48 lighthouses on this side of the Adriatic, of which 11 can be rented
to tourists. The aim of the company is to put a large number of
lighthouses in the function of tourism as soon as possible, and this
should be accomplished by leasing of the lighthouses. Since all of the
lighthouses, which are monuments of culture and date mainly from
the 19th century, are in very poor condition as they have not been
invested in or maintained as well as because of their age, Plovput
intends to lease them to interested investors who would renovate
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them, rent them out to tourists, and later return them to Plovput.
They would be leased out for ten years and those selected lighthouses
needing less work, for five years. Currently, the 11 lighthouses with
21 apartments have provoked great interest in both domestic and
foreign tourists.
Soon an Aqua Park in Lika
www.lickosenjska.com
A 60 million Kuna project was introduced in 2010 in the town of
Gospić situated in the centre of Lika - an ecological aqua park in
Široka Kula, a village on the Ljubovska plateau, which would stretch
over 75 000 square meters.
The project envisages the construction of an authentic village with
120 houses adapted to the area of Lika, then an aquatic center, sports
hall, zoo park, hotel and shopping facilities.
Following is geo-hydrological research, testing the possibility of using
sources of electricity and gas and making studies on their impact on
the environment.
Little Venice in Zablaće
www.sibenikregion.com
French entrepreneur Bernard Lamy presented a project in Šibenik,
consisting of the building of a large settlement on more than three
square kilometers on the plateau of Zableće. The project envisions
the construction of golf courses, sports fields, parks and beaches, and
the entire complex would stretch from the fortress of St. Nikola, over
existing Soline, adjacent to Solaris.
The existing salt lakes (Soline) would be additionally attractive with
an entire network of existing and new artificial canals and lakes,
which would have drawbridges in several places. In this way, the salt
lakes would remind of Venice and its attractive canals. In addition to
the apartments and a large number of luxury villas, the building of a
number of small hotels as well as marinas which would be adjacent
to the first row of houses is also planned.
Terra Istriana
www.terraistriana.hr
’Terra Istriana’ is the name of the future tourist resort that should be
built on the site of the former cement factory in Umag. The project
worth about 200 million Euros will be built on an area of 118 acres
in the southern part of Umag. The plan envisages the construction of
villas, hotels with 80-odd rooms and a marina with 200 berths. The
main feature of the resorts which will make ‘Terra Istriana’ differ from
others is the lake and agriculture as an integral part of the complex.
It will consist of architecture inspired by the Adriatic and have a strong
link with the lake and sandy beaches.
Lake Fiandara will be a location designed for sports activities. Here
there will be a viewpoint with two to three islands, and all necessary
facilities for sporting activities. Also planned is the construction of
various shopping centers and fishing villages. In the organic farming
zone, there will be a botanical garden. Another attraction should be
a Roman amphitheater, where open-air meetings and performances
will be held and watched from anchored boats or from the auditorium
built around it.
The rural village with villas called Jezersko Selo will stretch over ten
acres. Also envisioned is an animal park with deer, mouflon, sheep
and donkeys.
Maistra d.d.
www.maistra.hr
Maistra d.d. invested 210 million Kunas in the prestigious five-star
hotel Monte Mulini in Rovinj, with 119 rooms. Currently on-going is
the construction of the Hotel Lona, another five-star hotel in Rovinj,
worth 40 million Euros, with which Maistra will encircle the first
part of its comprehensive development plan. This is the biggest
investment in Croatian tourism in 2010.
Hotel Lone will be the first Croatian hotel in the prestigious Design
Hotels collection, which received this world-famous brand even
before the scheduled opening of the hotel in 2011. The hotel should
be finished by the middle of the tourist season of 2011.
The New Terminal at Zagreb Airport
www.zagreb-airport.hr
The government has urged foreign investors to come forward to the
tender for the construction of a new terminal at Zagreb airport, which
will be built on the model of ‘build, operate, transfer’, or BOT.
The construction of the terminal is scheduled to begin in 2011
and would be done in three phases. The first to be built will be the
passenger terminal of 40,000 square meters, enough for three to four
million passengers, with three air- bridges through which passengers
will enter the aircraft, which will be a cost of 150 million Euros. In the
second phase, when the number of passengers reaches five million,
the terminal would be expanded with air-bridges on the west side of
the building and this investment would cost 72 million Euros, while
in the third phase, which would cost an additional 44 million Euros,
air bridges would be added on the east side terminal, which would
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expand the terminal by 30,000 square meters. The building will
be upgraded in line with the growth of passenger numbers and
ultimately be an investment of 266 million Euros.
According to the BOT model, the project leader would be a company
that invests money in the construction of the terminal, but also with
the greatest interest in attracting new passengers to the Zagreb
Airport. This private partner would manage the airport for 20-30
years and then return the control rights to their owners (the State,
the City of Zagreb, Zagreb County and the City of Velika Gorica).
A Hotel as a Part of Rebro Hospital
www.hotelpartner.hr
The ‘Hotel Partner’ company has achieved the right to lease the
business and hotel complex in the hospital Rebro for twenty years
and will soon open a three-star hotel, nine shops and business
premises, which will include a pharmacy, supermarket, restaurant,
news stand, drug stores and similar facilities. The hotel will have
a capacity of 60 double rooms, which will be offered to the public
at a price of around 500 Kunas.
cafes and an underground garage is worth more than 100 million
euros. It is a project that will fundamentally change the vision of
the heart of the city.
Centre Supernova
www.supernova.hr
Currently being built in Buzin is the shopping mall Supernova
on 262 000 square meters, and the opening is expected before
Christmas 2011. Spreading over three levels of the shopping
center (ground plus two floors) will be about two hundred shops,
restaurants, children’s playroom, a casino, bowling alley, a
multiplex cinema with six screens...
71 000 square meters are planned for shops, 5000 for restaurants, 6300 for business premises and 8000 for six cinemas halls.
Along with the shopping center there will be a nine floor office
building which will also include a hotel. The center will have parking spaces for as many as 3500 vehicles.
A Shopping Centre of the Fourth Generation
Arena Centre
www.arenacentar.hr
Situated next to the multi-purpose sports hall Arena Zagreb on
Lanište is a new shopping, business and entertainment complex
Arena Centre which opened in November 2010 and which extends
over as many as 175 000 square meters. This is the place to
experience the classic combination of shopping, entertainment
and culinary moments. As part of the Arena Centre, there are
10 large and 200 small and medium-sized shops of domestic
and foreign occupiers, a hypermarket on 10 000 square meters,
Cinestar multiplex cinema with 9 screens and a garage with 3000
parking spaces.
It is important to point out that the Arena Center in fully adapted
for persons with special needs. It was designed in collaboration
with the Croatian Association for the training of guide dogs and
mobility and the Croatian Association of the deaf and blind ‘Dodir’.
Cvjetni Prolaz
(The life style centre on Zagreb’s flower square)
www.spillerfarmer.hr
Project ‘Cvjetni Prolaz’ (Flower Passage) will be completed during
2011. The luxury lifestyle center with exclusive homes, shops,
www.phoenixplaza.com.hr
A regional shopping centre Phoenix Plaza is planned to open
in the spring of 2011 and will unite a shopping center with
rich entertainment facilities, business center Phoenix Gallery,
conference facilities, a modern wellness center and innovative
housing residences. The investor in this project is Phoenix Group
which has chosen this location for a future shopping center with
the help of hired leading European consultants. The location of
Phoenix Plaza will be close to the main road that connects the
center of Zagreb with the ring road of Zagreb and motorways
A3, A4 and A12, 300 meters from the fast urban railway and 15
minutes drive from Zagreb airport. 200 000 potential customers
pass through these roads on the daily basis. The future shopping
center will be of the fourth generation, i.e. a center where people
can spend all day with various entertainment, educational and
cultural facilities. The biggest attraction will be the largest tropical
aquarium in Europe, with the volume of 1500 cubic meters of
seawater, with over 80 different fish species and over 20 000
living organisms. The entrance to the aquarium will be located
at the highest level and will take visitors by a panoramic elevator
to its bottom into the replica of a Dubrovnik merchant ship. From
there, through an acrylic tunnel, they will be able to enter into
a souvenir shop, 300 square meters in size where they will be
able to buy products with an aquarium theme. Phoenix Plaza
will have the most modern multiplex cinema with six screens
and over a thousand comfortable seats. Movie enthusiasts will
be able to see the latest movie hits from all over the world and
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attend themed projections by genre and national cinematography.
In addition, visitors will be able to enjoy modern playrooms with
games and interactive 3D simulations. The playrooms will be on
1800 square meters, and the entertainment facilities should make
Phoenix Plaza a regional center for entertainment.
A Casino in the Hotel Croatia
Agrokor is Investing 30 Million Euros Into the
Belje Winery and Hotel
www.belje.hr
Mega-firm Agrokor, which owns Belje Cellars, announced it is going
to invest 30 million Euros in the new winery. A luxury hotel will be
built on the premises of the current winery next to the 450 year old
cellar in Kenževi Vinogradi.
www.hotelcroatia.hr
Hotel Croatia in Cavtat, one of the most famous 5 star hotels on
the Adriatic coast and the Dubrovnik Riviera, is opening a new
casino and enriching its offer. Hotel Croatia has been a known
congress tourism and holiday destination on the Croatian and
foreign market for many years.
Thermal Springs Tuhelj are Building a Hotel
With a Convention Centre
The Exclusive Falkensteiner Hotel & Spa Iadera
The new accommodation will include 130 double rooms (12 of which
will be suites) and a modern multi-purpose conference center for the
reception of about 450 people. The project will expand an existing
wellness center through the construction of additional saunas.
Construction should be completed by the beginning of 2012.
www.falkensteiner.com/en/hotel/iadera
The opening of the first 5 star hotel in North Dalmatia is planned
in May 2011. This will be the Hotel and Spa Iadera located in the
resort Falkensteiner Hotels & Residences Punta Skala, along with
the family hotel Diadora, and 187 luxury apartments Senia.
The value of all investments in Punta Skala is around 160 million
Euros and 43 million Euros alone have so far been invested into
the hotel and spa Iadera. The spa Iadera will have 210 rooms
with breathtaking views of the sea and Velebit and available to
guests throughout the year will be the most modern conference
facilities, excellent cuisine and the impressive Acquapura SPA
Centre on 6000 square meters.
www.terme-tuhelj.hr
The thermal springs spa in Tuhelj will in 2011 invest 12 million Euros
in building a new four-star hotel and the refurbishing of the existing
hotel and reception.
Doli – ‘Hrvatski san’ (The Croatian dream)
In the south of Croatia, in Sestrice Coves situated in the town Doli
near Dubrovnik, a top tourist complex that will rival the world’s elite
destinations such as Abu Dhabi or Monte Carlo should be completed
by 2015. It is a project that bears the name of “Croatian Dream”
worth 1.5 billion Euros in its first phase and by completion as many
as five billion Euros.
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The total size of all the space on which the various activities are
planned is 5000 hectares, of which one part is in Bosnia and
Herzegovina. The building plans for this area include 13 of the most
famous hotel chains in the world, 56 five to seven star rating luxury
private villas, mega-yacht marina with 400 berths, commercial
airport, golf course, 350 suites, a stadium, promenade, shopping
centre, streets and plazas with luxury shops, galleries, museums,
restaurants, bars, clubs, market centre, multipurpose hall for concerts
and sports events and even a film studio. All this will be interwoven
with olive groves, lavender fields and vineyards. The hotels and villas
on Sestrice Coves will have a total of 3500 beds, and next to the
hotels there will be impressive villas of 2000 square meters.
The authors of the project envisaged the growing and production of
healthy food for the tourist complex on the nearby Popovo Polje, and
there is also an idea to build a village in Bosnia in which the employees
of “Croatian Dream’’ will live. Building of the most luxurious tourist
resort on the Adriatic coast in an idyllic unspoilt nature of Sestrice
Cove, situated 27 kilometres northwest of Dubrovnik, opposite Elafitis
Islands, should begin during the course of 2011.
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X. A MAGNET FOR CELEBRITIES
Croatian natural and cultural beauty and tourist potential has
been recognized by many world-famous stars that have been
regular guests of Croatia in recent years.
Some of them did not hide their delight, like for example one
of the richest people in the world Bill Gates, who recommended
Croatia as an ideal holiday destination in his interview for the
prominent Forbes magazine. The summer of 2010 was marked by
the images of a Hollywood actress Eva Longoria dancing while on
holiday in Croatia and one of the best tennis players of all time,
John McEnroe, walking on the streets of Dubrovnik. The famous
‘desperate housewife’ Eva Longoria praised Croatia as a beautiful
country and said that she had a wonderful time there, during her
appearance in the talk show with Ellen DeGeneres.
The second ranked tennis player in the world, Novak Djokovic was
having fun in Split and the French handball player of Croatian
origin Nikola Karabatic decided to vacation in Croatia after seven
years. He visited relatives in Poljice near Trogir, visited Dubrovnik
and went to a concert in Primošten.
Adriatic cities and towns are a favorite destination for celebrities
but the most popular is still Dubrovnik. In 2010, the famous
American actor Morgan Freeman was the guest of honor of
Dubrovnik Film Meeting Festival, which has for the several last
years been organized in cooperation with the Sarajevo Film
Festival. After he visited Croatia in 2009 for the first time Kevin
Spacey returned to Dubrovnik in order to celebrate his birthday
in 2010.
Other celebrities that could be seen on the streets of Dubrovnik
this season were the world’s most famous flamenco guitarist
Paco de Lucia, crime series star Dennis Franz, former German
Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder, Hollywood acting couple Goldie
Hawn and Kurt Russell and actress Gabourey Sidibe, nominated
for an Oscar for her very first role in the film Precious.
In recent years Dubrovnik’s guests included Gillian Anderson,
Mickey Rourke, Steve Buscemi, and many others. Beautiful
Croatian beaches, many hidden coves and excellent cuisine have
already been discovered by stars such as Steven Spielberg, Andre
Agassi, Gwyneth Paltrow, Robert De Niro, Clint Eastwood, Sharon
Stone, Tom Cruise, Bono Vox, Beyonce and Jay-Z as well as many
others from the world of celebrity.
Some of the musical greats did not come to Croatia only for leisure
but also to perform whether in solo concerts or performances
on festivals. Here are just a few familiar names to mention:
Seal, Natalie Cole, Metallica, Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen, Eros
Ramazzotti, Massive Attack, Cesaria Evora, Limp Bizkit, Artic
Monkeys, Elton John, Moby, Kraftwerk, Lily Allen, Santana, Patti
Smith, David Byrne, Jose Carreras, Pet Shop Boys, The Flaming
Lips, Billy Idol and Morcheeba.
The rich concert season of 2010 concluded with the mega popular
Lady Gaga and her spectacular concert in Zagreb Arena on 5th
November 2010 and Sting who was accompanied by the Royal
Philharmonic Orchestra, presenting his old hits in a new light.
Excellent concert offerings in Croatia will continue in the future.
Famous American rock band Bon Jovi has announced a concert on
the 8 June 2011 at the Maksimir stadium in Zagreb. Their concerts
have so far been seen by more than 34 million people in the world
and as part of their world tour ‘The Circle Tour’ they will hold a
concert in Zagreb for the first time. As the band has never played
in the region, their concert will surely attract audiences from
neighboring countries as well.
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XI. INTRODUCING CROATIA THROUGH REGIONS – THE MUST-SEE PLACES
(a list of the best that each region has to offer)
ZAGREB
www.zagreb-touristinfo.hr
www.zagreb.hr
www.galerijaklovic.hr
www.msu.hr
Zagreb is an old medieval town at the intersection of important
routes between the Adriatic coast and Central Europe which offers
a baroque atmosphere of the Upper Town, picturesque open-air
markets, a handful of shops, restaurants and bars. Also contributing
to the characteristic atmosphere of Zagreb are the many green
parks and walkways.
A walk through Zagreb is an interesting and enjoyable journey
through history and the present. The longest street in Zagreb, Ilica,
divides the old and romantic Upper Town from the younger and
always hectic Lower Town. The oldest parts, Gradec and Kaptol from
which Zagreb has grown, are among the best preserved Secession
town cores in Europe. The Upper and Lower town are linked by the
Stone Gate, another distinctive image of Zagreb associated with
legends and beliefs, faith and peace.
What You Must See
In the center of town is the park Zrinjevac, one of the most romantic
promenades and destinations of Zagreb for art lovers. This is the first
in a series of eight connected parks in Zagreb within the so-called
Lenuci horseshoe. Because of the art galleries and museums that
surround it and the busts of Croatian historical figures displayed in it,
the square is perhaps the most beautiful Zagreb’s pathway into the
history of Croatia. At the heart of Zrinjevac is the musical pavilion in
which summer promenade concerts have been held since the end of
19th century.
Among the sights of Zagreb is the Mirogoj cemetery which opened
in 1876. Because of the monumental neo-Renaissance arcades, the
graves of prominent figures of Croatian political and cultural life
and a large number of gravestones - the works of famous authors,
Mirogoj is the inevitable destination of many guests of the city.
The Zagreb Cathedral is the most impressive Croatian religious
building, built in neo-Gothic style. From the outside it is 77 meters
long and 48.20 meters wide. The towers are 108 meters high. The
internal area is 1617 square meters and can accommodate more than
5000 people. The cathedral is located within a medieval fortress.
The western part was destroyed so in front of the cathedral stretches
Kaptol square. The Archbishop’s Palace was built into the fort from
the south and east side, and in the north there are the remains of the
fortress, well-preserved towers and ramparts.
Located on the central square in Zagreb is a monument to Ban Josip
Jelačić, after whom the square was named. The monument was
built in 1866 by Antun Dominik Fernkorn, and even though it was the
first large public sculpture in Zagreb it was removed for ideological
reasons in 1947. It was again placed on the square in 1990.
Zagreb – A City of Culture
The Croatian capital is often called the ‘city of museums’, because
it has more museums per square meter than any other city in the
world, a place rich in culture and urban life.
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The town has around fifty museum, gallery spaces and private
collections and 20 theatre and music venues. The oldest is the
Croatian National Theatre whose neo-baroque building was opened
by Emperor Franz Joseph I in 1895.
Museums and art collections have exhibits from all over the world,
with a remarkable historical and artistic value. A special rarity is the
Zagreb mummy with the longest Etruscan text in the world and the
remains of the Krapina Neanderthal (Homo Krapinensis).
With the opening of the Museum of Contemporary Art in 2009
Zagreb and Croatia received the largest and most modern museum
institution. The museum contains several collections - paintings,
sculptures, drawings, prints, posters and works on paper, photography,
film and video and media art. Along with a number of important
works of Croatian and foreign names who spread the boundaries of
art and changed its course, two site-specific project were designed
for the museum: Carsten Holler’s Double Slide and The Eyes of
Purification by Miroslav Balka. The gallery Klovićevi Dvori in Zagreb
has for years been organizing exhibitions by outstanding national
and international artists for the public.
Zagreb offers a year-round wide variety of events of both mainstream
and alternative culture. The theatre and concert season lasts all
year and the city is abundant in theatres, concert halls and other
entertainment venues. From spring to autumn, many of the events
and exhibitions, which account for the unique atmosphere of the city,
are held in the open air and are a real attraction for visitors.
Every year the streets of Zagreb are colored by various costumes of
participants of the International Folklore Festival. During the summer,
citizens and visitors to the city like to go to the Upper Town, where in
the atriums of the Museum space at the Jesuit Square, St. Catherine’s
Church and the Church of St. Mark, concerts of classical and modern
music are held.
Street entertainers, performers, actors and various alternative theatre
artists from more than 30 world countries have entertained Zagreb
audiences for more than a decade at a street festival ‘Cest is d’Best’
(‘cesta’ means street). The city offers several open-air festivals, which
attract audiences eager for the latest music trends and world-class
stars. The best known among them is the praised ‘Inmusic’ festival
which takes place in the beautiful nature of Jarun Lake.
International multicultural meetings are brought together under the
title ‘Autumn in Zagreb’: World Theatre Festival, Zagreb Film Festival,
Queer Zagreb and the Festival of New Circus as well as some major
exhibition projects.
Along with the Zagreb Film Festival and Animafest - World Festival of
Animated Film, with a tradition of more than thirty years - the lovers
of the seventh art are also attracted to ZagrebDox which has become
the largest international festival of documentaries in the region.
As well as through its celebreted film festivals, Zagreb is marked on
the cultural map by its superb Eurokaz - International Festival of New
Theatre, which is considered a major theatrical event in this part of
Europe. Eurokaz encompasses theater, dance, performance and other
related arts. The program emphasizes the concept of innovation and
creates new theatrical languages. From 2010 Zagreb will be hosting
the Festival of New Theatre ‘Nu:Write Theatre Festival’.
Zagreb is also known as a city with a rich contemporary dance scene,
and it is therefore not surprising that The Week of Contemporary
Dance is the largest international dance festival in the region.
In recent decades it has profiled itself as a European jazz centre, so
it has been visited year after year by the most famous names of this
musical direction.
In the winter months attracting with its program is the Concert hall
Vatroslav Lisinski, as well as concerts at the newly built Arena in Zagreb.
Thanks to the efforts of enthusiasts Zagreb was chosen as the
organizer of Eurocon, Europe’s biggest gathering of fans of science
fiction and related genres. A small but selected team, led by members
of the SFera Association, managed to, through long experience in
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organizing SFeraKon, the largest such gathering in Croatia, and one
of the largest in Europe, obtain the pan-European Convention 2012.
Eurocon was held in Zagreb 1986 and was extremely successful, and
should have been held and 1992 but was prevented by the war.
Central Croatia encompasses the area from Zagreb to the northern
towns of Krapina, Varaždin and Medjimurje, Podravina area around
Koprivnica and Đurđevac and eastern areas around Sisak and Bjelovar.
Although not seen as a typical tourist region this is a very interesting
area which offers great opportunities for recreation, cultural tourism,
sightseeing of interesting towns, castles and natural attractions.
Sport and Recreation
A hilly area rich in vineyards, covered by forests and intersected by rivers,
with many Baroque churches, monasteries, castles, forts and museums
is open to tourists who will find year-round attractions there.
In addition to the culture, Zagreb is also known as the city of greenery,
recreation and sport. Along with the horseshoe of seven squares that
frame the city centre there is the Forest Park Maksimir with the zoo,
recreation centers Jarun, Bundek and Sljeme, the highest peak of
the mountain Medvednica. Located not far from Jarun is the Golf &
Country Club Zagreb. In the vicinity of the Sava River is the Sports
Park Mladost, at whose pools the World Cup in waterpolo was held in
2010. The athletic tournament ‘Hanžek’ is held every year at Mladost
and is visited by the biggest names from the world of athletics.
CENTRAL CROATIA
www.tzzz.hr
www.tzbbz.hr
www.tz-koprivnicko-krizevacka.hr
www.tz-zagorje.hr
www.tzm.hr
www.turizam-smz.hr
www.turizam-vzz.hr
www.sisakturist.com
www.pp-medvednica.hr
www.pp-zumberak-samoborsko-gorje.hr
www.mhz.hr/kumrovec
www.pp-lonjsko-polje.hr
www.vbv.hr
www.spancirfest.com
Accordingly, central Croatia is profiled as a ‘short holiday region’
characterized by Baroque, spas and castles.
The rich history of this region is presented to visitors by a number
of historic festivals that remind of important events and traditions
of the past.
For example, in the first days of September, on the promenade
along the River Kupa, the ancient city of Sisak remembers its former
citizens during the ‘Celtic Night’. Along with the fires of druids and
Celtic priestesses, who share their ‘magic potion’ with passers-by,
everyone participates in a mystical ritual of invocations of ancient
warriors, beauties, bishops and their pursuers, warrior conquerors
and defenders of life and liberty.
Each June, in honor of all the Croatian knights this town celebrates
the Sisak Knight’s Tournament under the walls of the fortress from
the 16th century where the famous battle of Sisak took place - a
milestone that marked the halt of Turkish penetration into Europe.
In the lights of fireworks, with fanfare, drums, the cheers of the
audience, the Knight champion takes the prize for his efforts and
bravery, the Golden Sword of the Mayor of Sisak.
Reminding of the time of the wars with the Turks is Picokijada in the
Podravina town of Djurdjevac, which was because of this included
in the network of 20 European destinations of excellence that
nurture intangible cultural heritage. Picokijada was held for the
42nd time in 2010, recalling the legend of courage and ingenuity
of the people of Đurđevac, who came to the idea to fire their last
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cockerel from a cannon after a long siege of the city and in this way
discourage the hungry Turkish army.
The historical epic event entitled ‘Renaissance Festival’ is organized
at the ramparts of the old town of Koprivnica. The knights hone their
swords under the tents before the duels, hunting falcons circle in
the air executing orders of their masters, merchants and craftsmen
attract customers with a loud voice to their booths full of crafts and
products typical of the distant past.
What You Must See
The Croatian Zagorje is characteristic by the largest concentration
of castles and manor houses in Europe. Even if this statement is not
entirely accurate it is certain that this area has the most castles in
Croatia. A large number of Zagorje castles date from the Baroque
period and are reminiscent of the high level of architectural art in
this area over the past centuries. The most commercial castle in
Croatia, which is annually toured by more than 60,000 visitors and
is one of the best revitalized is Trakošćan. The castle grounds have
characteristic features of a Romanesque castle, later converted into
a luxurious residence. Examples of successfully restored heritage are
also the castle Oršić in which The Museum of the Peasant Uprising
was open in 1973 and Veliki Tabor, where in 2007 a pentagonal
tower was renovated and further works are in progress. The Zrinski
Fortresses in Čakovec and Varaždin in the northwest of Croatia are
also well-preserved and are today one of the main attractions of
these interesting tourist cities.
Because of its preserved Baroque city centre, museums, parks and
numerous events such as the traditional international festival of
Baroque music, Varaždin is a favourite destination for many tourists.
The City Fort, the central part of town often compared to Baroque
Vienna, numerous museums, galleries and art collections as well as
the Varaždin cemetery, protected as a horticultural monument, are
the main tourist destinations. Contributing to the number of visitors
in recent years is also the street festival - Špancirfest. The organisers
describe this city festival held in late August as a ‘whirlwind of
music, dance and laughter and an exciting stroll’.
Near Krapina is the most famous site of Neanderthals in this part
of Europe, which Dragutin Gorjanović - Kramberger discovered in
1899 in a cave on Mount Hušnjakovo. The Museum of Krapina
Neanderthals was opened in February 2010. The museum in
Krapina has all the features of a world class museum and will
certainly be one of the most important cultural and scientific
institutions in Croatia. The most attractive part which depicts the
life of Neanderthals was designed and built by a Parisian sculptor
Elisabeth Daynes, one of the biggest experts in hyperrealistic
and dermoplastic sculpture. In accordance with new scientific
knowledge, the Neanderthals are portrayed as social beings
who take care of their sick and weak and have funeral rites. The
exhibition space between two hills - Hušnjakovo and Josipovac - has
1200 square meters and is divided into two floors whilst the tour of
the museum begins by a screening of a 16-minute film about the
life of the Krapina Neanderthals.
Thermal Spring Spas and Recreation
This region is characterized by the thermal springs which are in line
with modern trends in the planning and construction of thermal areas
and have become an ideal place for rest and recreation, health and
beauty programs. Biking and hiking trails, wine routes, the old crafts
and traditions and a rich gastronomic offer are an ideal combination
for a weekend trip or an active holiday.
Croatian Zagorje, Prigorje and the Zagreb ring are proud of a rich
cultural and historical heritage as well as many sports and recreational
events throughout the year. The nature Park Medvednica has been
protected since 1981 and the Nature Park Žumberak in Samoborskogorje since 1999. It is an interesting fact that in the area of the park a
habitat of as many as 30 species of orchids was discovered!
Lonjsko polje, near Sisak, is a protected habitat for endangered
plant and animal species such as storks, herons, white-tailed eagles,
otters, beavers and wild cats. In the surrounding villages of distinctive
wooden architecture the unique Posavina horses are bred.
If you visit Međimurje at any time of the year you will be amazed by its
preserved cultivated hilly landscapes, picturesque landscapes of the
Mura River, natural and recreational areas of the Drava River and the
rich plains. Constructed along the Drava River is the most ambitious
cycling project in Croatia – the Drava Route – an international cycling
path whose construction was launched by representatives of Italy,
Austria and Slovenia.
Protected Ethnic Heritage
The Museum ‘Staro Selo’ (Eco-Village Kumrovec) situated in
the western part of the Krapina-Zagorje County in the village of
Kumrovec, is a unique open-air museum, with preserved original
rural homes from the turn of the 20th century. The history of ‘Staro
Selo’ (Old Village) began by the setting of the monument in front
of the birth house of Josip Broz Tito in 1948. The birthplace of a
former Yugoslav president and one of the most famous leaders on
the world’s political scene in the second half of the 20th century,
today holds a museum with historical and ethnological collections.
About 40 residential, commercial and auxiliary facilities were
subsequently arranged in the village.
The tradition of naive painting - an indigenous Croatian style that
features rural life in harmony with nature and all its beauty is
nourished in Podravina. It portrays the life of Podravina villages,
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vast fields, forests and meadows. This is the main reason why in the
first weekend of July Koprivnica turns into a huge exhibition space
dedicated exclusively to naive art.
The Central Croatian area is also known for its crafts tradition, so
its no wonder that the art of making traditional wooden toys in the
Croatian Zagorje, the making of lace in Lepoglava and traditional
honey cakes called ‘licitars’ in northern Croatia are all registered on
the UNESCO list of protected intangible heritage.
SLAVONIJA
www.tzbpz.hr
www.tzosbarzup.hr
www.tzzps.hr
www.tzvsz.hr
www.tzvpz.hr
www.kopacki-rit.hr
www.ergela-djakovo.hr
www.tzosijek.hr
www.tzgsb.hr
www.pozega-tz.hr
www.zlatovez.com
Slavonia is rich in cultural and historical heritage, unique continental
architecture, churches, fortresses and castles. However, the region
bases its tourist image on gastronomy, nature, peace and rural
environments - in brief, a primordial joy of living. Contributing to
this are quality spas and health resorts on the basis of thermomineral water.
In recent years, this eastern Croatian region has, along with agriculture,
given tourism the leading role in its economic development strategy.
Much was invested in the renovation of existing and construction of
new, mostly small family hotels, health and recreational complexes,
transport infrastructure and environmental protection.
The lowland eastern part of Croatia, bordered by the rivers Drava,
Danube, Sava and Ilova, therefore, has become an oasis for tourists
who want to replace the bustle of the city for at least a short while
with the serenity of greenery and relaxation by staying in real nature.
Approached with special care was the protection of local gastronomic
delights so the Ministry of Culture has enlisted the Slavonian ‘kulen’
sausage as ‘protected intangible cultural property’. Kulen is a specialty
of selected pork meat, a premium sausage, which offers the ultimate
gourmet experience.
As an additional content to visitors of Slavonia there are also diverse
forms of active tourism. A number of cycling lanes have been
constructed and marked and an offer of adventure tourism was also
designed.
In addition to fishing on the waters of Slavonia there is also a rich
tradition of hunting, particularly the big game. On open hunting
grounds there are trophy wild animals such as deer, wild boar and roe
deer, while bred in fenced hunting grounds are deer and mouflon.
What You Must See
The deer with the most trophies in Europe have been found in the
forests of Kopački Rit, the most attractive tourist destination which
is also a protected nature park. This is a large floodplain on the vast
right side hinterland of the Danube in the confluence of Drava and
Danube. More than 2000 biological species reside here, many of
which are rare and endangered on the world and European level.
Visitors can tour Kopački Rit in specially constructed tourist boats
and accompanied by expert guides. It is advisable to visit the Tikveš
castles located within the Nature Park in the centuries-old oak
forest, a favorite gathering place of many statesmen and celebrities
in the past times.
From whichever side you approach Đakovo, the first thing you will
see is the glow of the two brick towers and the dome of the most
beautiful cathedral in the area from Venice to Istanbul. Although
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Đakovo is not a county center and is by its size only the sixth city of
eastern Croatia, it is precisely Đakovo that is the seat of ecclesiastical
authority in Slavonia, and during a significant time of Croatian history
even the Catholic Church in Bosnia was governed from it.
Therefore, located in Đakovo is the most impressive and most important
sacred building of Slavonia and Baranja – the Cathedral of St. Petar.
Located next to the cathedral is a museum dedicated to the man
responsible for its construction and one of the greatest historical figures
in Croatia, Bishop Josip Juraj Strossmayer, which further increases the
importance of this site. Because of its importance the cathedral far
exceeds the size of the city of Đakovo. The tradition of breeding horses
can be experienced in a stable, located on the eastern edge of the
town. The Đakovo stables are visited not only by horse lovers but also
by ‘ordinary’ tourists, and because of its great importance should also
be taken into consideration as a special attraction.
In its heritage Slavonia also holds two very valuable baroque
fortresses situated in Osijek and Slavonski Brod.
Osijek Fort is a successful combination of military, secular and sacral
architecture. Its central square is dominated by the building of the
Main Barracks from 1726 with the most luxurious baroque stone
portal in Croatia and Kužni Pil (a votive monument built to warn
off plague), which is along with the one in Požega the only such
monument in Croatia. Brod Fortress, built during the Hapsburg
Empire and now restored still exists in its original form. It was the
largest fort of its time with an impressive Cavalier (fortification
constructed in the interior of the fort), whose defence system at the
border of the Ottoman Empire ensured steady peace for Slavonia for
as long as two and a half centuries.
Slavonian Wines
In the 19th century Slavonian wines were drank at European courts,
particularly at the Habsburg court, and this is the region which has
recently become the birthplace of Croatian private wine making. In
this tourist area there are two wine regions - Slavonia and Podunavlje
and twelve wine growing hills.
The oldest preserved cellar in Slavonia and one of the oldest in Croatia
is located in Kutjevo, the center of Slavonian winemaking, famous for
its Graševina. The basement, which is now owned by Kutjevo winery
was built in 1232 by Cistercian monks, and is today used for archival
storage, mainly of predicate wines and old oak barrels.
The subject of attention of wine connoisseurs and tourists from
Croatia and the world are the cellars of Ilok, which annually attract
more than 20 000 visitors. Delivered from these cellars were 11 000
bottles for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.
The winery in nearby Erdut is known for the largest wooden barrel
in the world which holds 75 000 liters, while the Merlot from the
Belje cellars from 2008 triumphed at London’s Decanter World Wine
Awards 2010, first winning a gold medal, and then a trophy for the
wine elected among the gold-winning wines.
Across Slavonia much attention is invested in wine roads, and the
Baranja and Erdut wine growing hills were the first in Croatia to
become a part of Vintours or wine roads of the European Union.
Keepsakes of the Rich Past
Stored in the castle of the Eltz family in Vukovar, are the museum
treasures of this region, especially the archaeological remains of
Vučedol culture with the well-known Vučedol dove. The Vučedol
archaeological site is located along the Danube near Vukovar, and
is one of the most important archaeological sites in Croatia. Because
of the value of its findings it gave the name to an entire Eneolithic
culture, and is also its origin. Vučedol was a village of farmers,
herders, hunters and processors of copper, which experienced its
‘golden’ era from 3000 to 2200 BC.
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In 2010, after years of preparation, the construction of a unique Vučedol
project began. The project will consist of two parts. The scientific and
archaeological units will include archaeological excavations, the museum
of Vučedol culture, archaeological park and school and experimental
archeology as well as art and educational workshops. Tourist and
sports-recreation unit will be formed by a motel, restaurant, bungalows,
sports facilities, water sports, fishing, tourist ports, cycling paths, a riding
club, a zoo and an aquarium. All this will be complemented by a rich
gastronomic offer and tourist events.
It is said that Slavonia is the cradle of tambura (member of a family of
long-necked lutes) music. The first tambura orchestra was founded in
Osijek in 1847 and since then Osijek has become not only the Croatian
tambura centre, but also the centre of the entire Slavic south.
One of the highest achievements of our folk art and probably the
greatest achievement in the activities of women from Slavonia and
Baranja is golden embroidery. Made by this technique are the richest
Slavonian costumes which are now again made in their original form,
as well as items that adorn our homes and enrich our tourism offer.
LIKA – KARLOVAC
www.tzkz.hr,
www.lickosenjska.com
www.speleologija.hr
www.np-sjeverni-velebit.hr
www.np-plitvicka-jezera.hr
www.kuterevo-medvjedi.hr
www.mcnikolatesla.hr
www.ogfb.hr
www.bjelolasica.hr
The green heart of Croatia is the best name for the place where the
coast and the particularly well-preserved continent meet and where
plains and mountainous parts merge. It is an area of preserved
nature, clean rivers, and further south in Lika, the most valuable
karst national parks in Europe. The Karlovac and the Lika-Senj
counties are destinations for true lovers of natural beauty and
almost untouched wilderness, to which, due to the excellent
transport links, this region is closer than ever.
National Parks in Lika, the beauty of Karlovac rivers Kupa, Korana,
Mrežnica and Dobra, forested hills of Velika and Mala Kapela, the
greenery of Lika’s and Kordun’s karst have marked the tourist offer
of this area with activities like hiking, swimming in clear waters,
paddling and rafting, fishing on lakes, rivers and their mountan
tributaries, adventure rafting and canoeing. There is also hunting
in the forests of Draganić to Klek and Modruš as well as winter
sports like skiing on the slopes of Bjelolasica. Mountain roads and
trails, bicycle paths, karst caves, thermal spas and many other
natural treasures of this area offer endless opportunities for rest
and recreation.
Healthy air and untouched nature, quality of water and rich hunting
grounds, provide excellent opportunities for a pleasant respite from
the daily bustle and the reason for coming back. Lika, dominated
by the impressive Velebit massif, delights with its karst fields, river
valleys, sinkholes and caves. An unmatched natural phenomenon
is the river Gacka, a habitat of many interesting and rare flora and
fauna. Perfection by the sea and an unforgettable experience of
the intensity of nature is also the most beautiful lobby of the finest
art that nature has created by playing with water and stone four
thousand years ago.
Administratively, this region also includes some Mediterranean
areas like the so-called Podgorje with the cities of Senj and Karlobag
and part of the island Pag. Zrće, a long pebbled beach on the island
of Pag is a synonym for crazy summer fun and is affectionately
known as the Croatian Ibiza. In the area of Luna on Pag is one of
the most famous Croatian olive groves stretching over 400 acres
with about 80 000 indigenous wild olive trees, fenced with stone
walls of which the oldest is more than a thousand years old. Lovers
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of this area are making a proposal for inclusion of this site onto the
register of cultural heritage of UNESCO.
What You Must See
Karst National Parks Plitvice Lakes and North Velebit are the
inevitable destinations for all nature lovers. Plitvice Lakes are a
forested mountain area in which there are 16 smaller and larger
lakes of crystal blue-green color fed by numerous rivers and streams,
and connected to each other by foaming cascades and thundering
waterfalls. Vast areas of forest, exceptional natural beauty of lakes
and waterfalls, rich flora and fauna, mountain air, contrasting
colors of autumn, forest trails and wooden bridges and much more
are all part of a unique composition, which UNESCO has proclaimed
to be world heritage.
North Velebit is a part of the mountain, which UNESCO proclaimed
to be a World Biosphere Reserve. Inside the park there is a strict
nature reserve Hajdučki and Rožanski Kukovi, one of the deepest
pits in the world (discovered in 1999) Lukina Jama, the botanical
reserve ‘Visibaba’ together with a site of endemic Croatian sibiraea
(Sibiraea altaiensis ssp. croatica), the botanical reserve Zavižan Balinovac – Velika Kosa and the famous Velebit Botanical Garden.
The park is intersected by numerous hiking trails, of which the most
famous is Premuzićeva Trail.
Due to its geographic location along the densely populated area
of bear habitats of North Velebit, the first shelter for young bears
in Croatia was founded in Kutarevo. The sanctuary ‘Velebit Bear’
is run by a team of nature lovers made up of experts in the field
of biology and ecology, but also volunteers, whose motivation is
their great love of bears. All of them put a lot of effort into selflessly
caring for the resident bears of Kutarevo, in order to ensure not
only a safer future for the cubs, but also the living conditions that
are closest to nature. The Velebit young bear sanctury in Kuterevo
will serve as part of a visitor center and an attractive point for the
promotion of the Nature Park Velebit.
In the village of Smiljan, six kilometers from Gospić, there is a
Memorial centre ‘Nikola Tesla’ (www.mcnikolatesla.hr) situated in
the birth home of one of the most famous scientist and inventors of
the 20th century. The Memorial Center combines science, art and
tourism and presents Tesla`s inventions which changed the course
of world history. Among other things the centre exhibits Tesla`s test
stations from Colorado Springs, turbines of remote control boats
and a multimedia educational center.
The Wealth of Water and a Caving Paradise
Central Lika is characterized by many underground facilities, and is
rightly called a caving paradise. One fourth of the total number of
caves protected as geomorphologic nature monuments in Croatia
is located in this area. From the specific cave areas the one which
particularly stands out is the cave park Grabovača with Samogradska
Cave near Perušić. The Karlovac area is also a real mecca for cavers.
The experts claim that in the Karlovac County there are some of the
most beautiful caves in Croatia. Here are four of the five longest
cave systems in Croatia, led by Đulin Ponor – Medvedica near Ogulin
with over 16 kilometers of excavated channels. Numerous caves hide
clear lakes and streams, but also peculiar fauna like the human fish
(olm). Vrlovka cave near Kamanja, whose entrance is right next to
the Kupa River, has 330 meters of the canal which can be toured.
Increasingly popular destinations for caving tourists are some of
the unadapted and less accessible caves, which can be visited in the
company of experienced cavers. Such is the Vražić cave in Barilović,
Gvozdenica on Skradska gora, Vodena jama and others. The region of
Karlovac- Lika stands out with an abundance of fresh water. The bays
of Lika, Gacka and Krbava between Velebit, Kapela and Plješivica, are
a natural reservoir of particularly high-quality drinking water. The
depths of its karst underground are a source for a number of larger
and smaller springs. These karst springs are the sources of surface
streams which enhance the landscape of this unique mountain area
with their calmness. Water in karst areas is more than a symbol of
life. Here is where man, stone and water intertwined their paths and
left distinctive traces in time and space. Therefore, the karst waters
are not just monuments of nature, but also significant cultural and
historical sites. The most prominent such site in the continental part
of the County of Lika is the springs of Gacka, on the southeastern edge
of the Gacko field. Here the karst basal expires into nine wells, three
of which are larger – Veliko and Malo, Tonković Spring and Majerovo
Spring. Water resources of the area are complement by the beauty
of the four rivers of Karlovac: Kupa, Korana, Mrežnica and Dobra on
whose green, seductive waters fishing is an indescribable pleasure.
Mythical Mountains
A special place in the spiritual landscape of this area belongs to
Velebit Mountain, the ‘holy mountain’ decorated with ‘bells under
the stars’ and symbolic names for places from the famous shrine
of Our Lady of Krasno (17th century) on northern Velebit, to the
prominent hill top Sveto Brdo (1751 m) in the southern part of the
mountain range. All paths, from Primorje, Gacka and Lika, lead to
the shrine dedicated to nature, a special place for meditation and
meeting with our own being.
Klek has been an inspiration to people’s imagination for centuries:
according to the legend, during stormy nights, witches, fairies and
elves from around the world gather around midnight, and their
dancing and screaming is heard all the way to Ogulin. In order
to provide tourists with a unique experience, during the time of
operation of the eco-tourist train Karlek in Ogulin, visitors can meet
costumed witches from Klek.
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KVARNER
www.kvarner.hr
www.pp-ucka.hr
www.supovi.hr
www.risnjak.hr
www.ri-karneval.com.hr
www.gorskikotar.hr
www.tz-rijeka.hr
www.blue-world.org
www.hnk-zajc.hr
The diversity and richness of natural and cultural-historical heritage
together with numerous facilities based on health and relaxation
give this region the image of the Adriatic lifestyle destination. Special
values of Kvarner are recognized in the sophisticated experience as
well as rejuvenating and joyful atmosphere, which, in combination
with tourist segments adapted to all types of guests, make Kvarner
an extremely attractive destination.
The coast, the islands and the highlands are three different natural
areas at a relatively short distance from each other, which make the
Kvarner tourist offer extremely varied. The Kvarner tourist region
includes the islands of Rab, Krk, Cres and Lošinj, the Opatija riviera
and the Crikvenica-Vinodol riviera and then the town of Rijeka, the
ring of Rijeka and Gorski Kotar.
Thanks to the mild climate and proximity to Zagreb and Central
Europe, this region is the cradle of Croatian tourism, so no wonder that
located in Opatija is the Croatian Museum of Tourism, a specialized
museum that deals with the history and heritage of tourism.
The meeting of the sea and the mounts enable Kvarner to also
provide guests with a typical winter tourist offer. Hotels with a wide
range of year-round content on the coast, and snow, twenty to thirty
kilometers away in Gorski Kotar, are the specificity of this offer.
Adding to this are also natural beauties, led by the National Park
Risnjak based in Crni Lug near Delnice which has 6400 acres of
woodlands and the mountain massif Učka, a protected nature park
between Istria and Kvarner.
As well as a summer, winter, recreational and wellness destination,
Kvarner is one of the leading conference destinations in Croatia, with
almost 15 000 seats in 140 rooms within 50 venues.
The Kvarner region has the largest number of ports for nautical
tourism, 32 of them, of which 16 are marinas with more than three
thousand berths in the water and almost two thousand on land. The
marinas are spatially deployed in the northern coastal part of Kvarner
(Ičići, Opatija) and on each of the Kvarner islands.
Bašćanaka Ploča (Baška tablet), one of the oldest monuments of
the Croatian language, written in old Croatian Glagolitic script was
discovered in this area, specifically in Baška on the island of Krk
around 1100.
What You Must See
Rijeka, the biggest Croatian harbour and a city of lavish architecture,
museums, theatres and art is the host of one of the finest and most
recognizable carnivals in Europe. Located in Rijeka is the building of
the Croatian National Theatre Ivan pl. Zajc, a protected monument
and a masterpiece of architecture of its time, created by renowned
architects Hermann Gottlieb Helmer and Ferdinand Fellner, who have
designed the most beautiful theatres in Europe. The main front of
the Rijeka theatre is adorned with statues by the famous Venetian
sculptor Augusto Benvenuti, which are rated among his best works,
while in the hall, the ceilings are painted by the famous Gustav Klimt.
Rijeka’s carnival is a distinctive blend of European carnivals, primarily
Venetian and Austrian, with elements of folklore and mythology
of ancient Slavs. Starting with only three local carnival groups and
a hundred participants in 1982, the Rijeka carnival has grown into
an international event that brings together over ten thousand
participants from ten countries around the world. Steeped in
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centuries-old tradition, the International Carnival has over the years
given the city of Rijeka, the region and Croatia a distinctive and
impressive manifestation which is attended by numerous organized
carnival groups, individual participants, spectators and media as
well as many guests from home and abroad. Testifying to the rich
tradition of Rijeka’s carnival are Kastav’s Halubaj bell-ringers, who
were included on the UNESCO list of intangible heritage in 2009.
Rijeka is also known for one of the oldest shrines in the world, the
famous Franciscan monastery in Trsat with a precious art collection
and a gallery with a chapel of votive gifts.
Coastal and island towns – the cities and towns of Kvarner make
a unique string of urban gems. In some of them, from the very
first moment, you feel the aristocratic spirit, while others reflect
their medieval roots and folk way of life. Some, like Opatija,
Crikvenica, Lovran and Mali Lošinj are dominated by elegant
villas and gardens, which bring a breath of Central Europe to the
Mediterranean, while the others show that they have developed
around old fishing ports or ascended to nearby elevations like
Volosko, Moščenićka Draga, Opatija, Mošćenice, Veprinac,
Valun, Baška, Kastav and Vrbnik. These places represent the
Mediterranean in the best sense of the word.
Griffon vultures and dolphins are trademarks of the Cres-Lošinj
archipelago, which had a common name Apsyrtides, during the
ancient times, after the Greek hero Apsyrtus, famous from the
stories about Argonauts who went wandering around the world
and visited our islands. The griffon vulture is one of four types
of scavengers which still live in Europe, and they maintain their
habitat on the island of Cres. It nests on steep cliffs above the
sea, sometimes at a height of only 10 meters, where they can be
easily seen. As they are an endangered species, scientists from
the environmental center mark the young birds so that they
could identify them later. The Eco Centre has a special role in
saving young vultures that fall into the sea, or which are found
sick and wounded. Therefore, a recovery center was built, where
injured vultures are looked after until their release back into
nature. Coastal waters of Cres and Lošinj are a protected habitat
for dolphins, which can be ‘adopted’ by guests and visitors. This
directly encourages their protection which has been the main aim
since 1987. Launched at that time was the project for researching
and monitoring of dolphins as well as the sea in general for
the protection of all endangered species. Special attraction of
this marine area is the Mediterranean or sea monk seal, which
has been again increasingly seen in the Adriatic Sea. From a
gastronomic aspect there are the famous Kvarner scampi.
Wellness and recreation
Kvarner offers a variety of wellness facilities including indoor and
outdoor pools, saunas, bio saunas, steam baths and a number of
massage parlors and cosmetic treatments, as well as locations with
healing sea mud. Adding to this value are two hospitals for medical
rehabilitation – Crikvenica’s and Opatija’s Thalassotherapia. Acting in
Lovran is the first Spa Wellness Academy in Croatia, where personnel
are educated for this particular segment of the tourism offer. Special
wellness programs, vital programs, massages, natural aromatherapy,
the picking of medicinal plants and nature walks are good for the
body and soul of every guest. Olympic and world champions and
Croatian sports’ stars have found the Kvarner ‘health and wellness’ to
be a place for their rehabilitation after sporting exertions.
Kvarner has also become known for its bicycle paths and treks, which
are increasing and include larger and larger areas. This is clearly
seen in the names of these bicycle paths - Through the Old Towns
of Liburnia, The Bell Ringer Paths, Mountain Tours of the Opatija
Riviera, Kastav, Around the Source of Riječina, The Hinterland of the
Crikvenica Riviera, Vinodolski, Frankopan Castles, Lošinj and Cres, In
the Realm of the Griffon Vulture, The Paths of Krk’s Shepherds and
Farmers, Lopar and Kalifront on Rab, Great Tour of Gorski Kotar, Gorski
Kotar Lakes, Intimate Track, etc.
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Top quality food and chosen wines
Differences within the Kvarner region and tourist tradition significantly
influenced the development and quality of gastronomy, which is
interwoven with specialties of coastal, island and mountain region –
from the best kind of fish, shellfish and crab, through to the highland
hunting specialties. However, the Kvarner cuisine excellently catches
up with the times, which is best described in the fact that some of
the best Croatian restaurants that foster global trends such as slow
food or molecular gastronomy are found in this region. Kvarner wine
growers still cherish the indigenous varieties like Vrbnička Žlahtina,
Trojišćina and Istrian Malvasia.
ISTRIA
www.istra.hr
www.labin.hr
www.kamenjak.hr
www.to-porec.com
www.histrica.com
www.istria-gourmet.com
www.azrri.hr
www.vinistra.com
Istria is mild and self-effacing, warm and welcoming, green and
blue and always at the crossroads of European historical and
regional events. It is a region of dinosaurs, legends of giants,
legionnaires and gladiators, sailors and admirals, writers and
charismatic world leaders, who often tailored the fate of mankind
in this environment. Stemming from the turbulent history and rich
culture of Istria is openness and tolerance of its population, which
has for centuries, through life in harmony with other nations, learnt
to respect diversity.
Aware of this diversity and fast development Istrians are
exceptionally devoted to sustainable development. Staying in
Istria is pleasant all year, because there is a lot that lures one into
this ‘green Mediterranean haven’. Istrian tourist attractions are
authentic towns and villages, romantic and relaxing holidays and
excellent gastronomy and wines.
Scattered along the banks and hills, among vineyards and olive
groves, the Istrian towns are just like people, some preserved and
honorable while others, damaged by time and adversity remain only
as romantic ruins and abandoned scenery. While the ones on the
coast exalt with their full-blooded belonging to the Mediterranean
as typical coastal ancient municipal towns with their ports, boats
and cheerful gushing streets, the other ones - medieval towns,
blooming in the Istrian hinterland hills, are real Central European
burghs that exude the spirit and peace of the continent.
Istria is full of archaeological and cultural-historical monuments,
as evidenced by proof of life of prehistoric people of the Paleolithic
in Istrian caves, more than 400 forts from the Bronze and Iron
Age, the fascinating monuments of urbanization by the Romans
and Eufrazijeva Basilica, one of the most beautiful early Byzantine
churches in Europe as a striking symbol of the rule of Byzantium
in Istra.
The Amphitheater or Arena in Pula is one of the six largest Roman
amphitheaters in the world. Erected in the first century during the
reign of Emperor Vespasian, it was used primarily for the gladiator
fights in front of 20 000 spectators.
In Beram near Pazin, lies one of the most valuable achievements
of Istrian medieval painting - a late Gothic fresco in the church of
St. Mary on Škriljinah by Vincent of Kastav. These are more than
40 Biblical scenes portrayed within a typical Istrian context, which
generally speak of the life of Mary, and less about the life of Christ.
Three mummies of saints are kept in the church of St. Blaise in
Vodnjan and it has been established that their internal organs have
also been preserved. This is a true miracle, given that the bodies are
not embalmed or adequately conserved.
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Blue and Green
Besides being abundant in untouched green oases and romantic
coves by the sea, Istria hides many undiscovered corners. Stretching
along the sea are grassy, sandy, rocky and stone paved beaches,
while the inland is impressive with remarkable river tributaries,
lakes, waterfalls, caves, rich forests, hills and mountain slopes.
Animal life is also diverse on land and in the sea.
The unavoidable National Park Brijuni in the south of Istria is for
its various flora and fauna and cultural and historical heritage
one of the most beautiful Mediterranean archipelagos. Brijuni
are made up of two large and 12 smaller islands. The Nature
Park Učka also has lush vegetation, diverse wildlife, caves and
mountain paths, boarding houses and restaurants. The Palud
swamp is an ornithological reserve near Rovinj, where there are
more than 200 bird species. Because of its attractive 11-kilometerlong inlet, the Lim Canal is one of the most beautiful protected
Istrian landscapes. Also impressive is the Pazin Pit, with its caves,
lakes and a hundred meter high cliffs, which was described in a
novel by the great Jules Verne.
What You Must See
The protected landscape Rt (cape) Kamenjak, the southernmost
cape of Istria, is interesting not only because it is inhabited by
nearly 500 plant species, but also because of the beautiful bay,
‘wild’ beaches, clean sea and attractive underwater world. Because
of endemic plants and very specific habitat for some species of
birds, the landscape has been legally protected since 1996. The
very specific and valuable landscape of Kamenjak is made up of a
combination of lawns, bushes and underbrush. On the grasslands
of Kamenjak grow numerous species of orchids, including the
endemic Istrian serapias. The coastal belt is the only habitat of
several rare plant species in Croatia. Kamenjak’s beauty can be
explored by bicycle as the cycling trail passes along the entire cape.
Due to the colliding of the strong sea currents diving is permitted
only for professionals, but the winds are suitable for surfing,
although it is previously necessary to check the weather-forecast,
because the changes in weather conditions are sudden. For visitors
who need refreshment or a snack there is the ‘Safari Bar’ which will
certainly delight anyone by its original appearance and interesting
hosts.
Among the Istrian sights which should most certainly be seen is
the Euphrasian Basilica in Poreč as it is the most valuable cultural
monument of the city, and has been placed under UNESCO protection
since 1997. Built on the foundations of the earlier aisled basilica
in the middle of the 6th century in the time of bishop Euphrasius,
after whom it was named, the basilica is one of the oldest and
finest early Christian monuments, whose early Byzantine mosaics
can be compared only with those in Ravenna, Italy. Along with the
basilica, which was given its final shape in the 13th and 15th century,
the complex is made up of the Bishop’s Palace, baptistery, atrium
and a series of Romanesque and Renaissance buildings. From the
floor mosaics and from preserved inscriptions it is possible to follow
all the phases of construction, refurbishment and restoration, and
also to reconstruct the life of the Christian community in Poreč.
In the eastern part of Istria, only three kilometers from the sea,
lies the picturesque medieval town of Labin, full of antiquities
and beauty. Located on a 320 meter high hill, it was apparently
inhabited 2000 years BC. It is the birthplace of Matija Vlačić, the
reformer and collaborator of Martin Luther, and a city of many
galleries and artists. Credit for the artistic flair of the city can be
given to the project Labin Art Republic, which revived the historic
and cultural heritage of the city. In July and August at outdoor and
indoor venues of the Labin old town there are music performances,
theater, visual arts and other programs involving local and foreign
performers. Located next to Labin is Dubrova, a rustic complex
of buildings on landholdings of the Labin’s patrician Franković
family from the 17th century. Located within the rectangular, walled
estates, which were once farm buildings, is the Sculpture Park,
one of 270 best in the world and among the top 10 in Europe.
The International Sculptors’ Symposium has been held in the Park
every August and September, since1970, where artists work on the
enrichment of park collections. It is planned for the Sculpture Park
Dubrova to grow into a museum of modern sculpture.
A similar sculpture park is located in the western Istrian town of Vrsar.
This is a sculpture park of Croatian and European contemporary
sculptor Dušan Džamonja, whose sculptures are exhibited in the
most eminent museums of the world. The park was created in 1970
as a private gallery of the artist’s sculptures, graffiti and drawings.
Istrian Wine and Delicaces
The largest Croatian peninsula is one of the best wine-growing areas
in Central Europe due to favourable agricultural conditions. Istrians
are especially proud of the quality of Istrian Malvasia, Teran and
Momjan Muscat. Thanks to the label ‘IQ’ (Istrian quality) premium
wines from many world famous grape varieties are also produced
in Istria. Most Istrian vineyards and cellars are situated on the hills
in the northwest part of the peninsula. The centres of winemaking
in this part are the towns of Brtonigla, Momjan, Buje and Buzet,
while in the southern part wine cellars are mostly located in Kaštelir,
Vižinada, Višnjan and Motovun. Istria currently has seven wine
roads (Buje / Brtonigla / Umag / Novigrad, Poreč, Vrsar / Funtana,
Rovinj, Vodnjan/ Pula, Labin / Rabac and central Istria) with 110
wine itineraries. Istrian winemakers have been awarded with many
prestigious international awards and their quality is recognized by the
world’s leading wine magazine Decanter.
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Istria has achieved great success in the production of olive oil, which
has for years won awards at international olive competitions. Istrian
cuisine is known for its long tradition of taste and smell created in
domestic kitchens. Homemade dishes, which should undoubtedly
be tried are based on pasta, meat or fish, and with them come
the desserts, round fritters, crispy ‘kroštule’ (traditional crispy fried
pastry) and ‘cukerančići’ (dry pastry with sugar). Dishes such as
‘boškarin’ (Istrian cattle which was almost extinct) can be found on
the menus for the last several years. Thanks to the project ‘Istrian
cattle from breeding to the table’ there is enough boškarin for
gastronomic delights. The wine and gastronomy guide through
Istria, ‘Istra Gourmet’, has for many years been advising lovers of
domestic Istrian dishes and wines about the best Istrian restaurants,
taverns and farm houses.
DALMATIA – ZADAR
www.zadar.hr
www.tzzadar.hr
www.nin.hr
www.paklenica.hr
www.pag-tourism.hr
www.velebit.hr
www.telascica.hr
www.vransko-jezero.hr
www.tzg-biograd.hr
The region of Zadar, on the northern part of the Dalmatian coast
with the largest urban center in Zadar which is three thousand years
old, is called the ‘door to national parks’. Its unique geographical
location literally opens the door to five national parks - Paklenica,
Waterfalls of Krka, Plitvice Lakes, Kornati and North Velebit each of
which provide breathtaking beauty.
Natural Phenomena
What makes the Zadar region special are the islands - over three
hundred of them constitute one of the densest island groups on
the Adriatic.
Favorites of the Zadar region are the canyons of Velika and Mala
Paklenica, with a series of hiking trails and cliffs ideal for rock
climbing located just a few kilometers from the coastline. On the
southeastern part of Dugi Otok is the Nature Park Telašćica, one of
the safest natural harbors for boaters on the Adriatic coast with an
intriguing natural phenomenon of the salt lake Mir, whose water is
warmer than the sea! Famous for ‘crowns’ or cliffs facing the open
sea, Kornati are situated between Zadar and Šibenik, about 15
nautical miles from them, because of which they are divided among
these two regions.
The Mediterranean vegetation in the picturesque karst areas of this
region is a habitat for mouflon, but also a place for rest and hunting
since Roman times. Additional charm is given by the ornithological
reserve on Vransko Lake, which is the largest natural lake in Croatia
and the only habitat of herons in the Croatian littoral.
What You Must See
Zadar has for centuries been the capital of Dalmatia, and its rich
cultural heritage is visible everywhere on the cobbled streets of the
peninsula, the old city center adorned by the stone church of Sv.
Donat from the 9th century, the most explored Roman forum on this
side of the Adriatic and the Romanesque pearls - the church of St.
Stošija from the 13th and St. Krševan from the 12th century. Then the
church of St. Šime, where there is a gold-plated silver chest of St.
Šime from 1380. This is a masterpiece of medieval goldsmith craft
of Zadar, where the saint’s relics and many other values are stored.
The oldest university on Croatian soil was founded in Zadar, in 1396,
ranking it among the oldest university cities in Europe.
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The Sea Organ has become the modern icon of the city, a unique
architectural wonder on the city’s waterfront. This is where waves,
by vibrating and passing through the musical tubes create ‘sea
music’ which fills a wide area along the sea promenade. At the
top of the Zadar Peninsula shines the Greeting to the Sun of the
same architect Nikola Bašić. ‘Greeting to the Sun’ consists of three
hundred multi-layered glass panels set at the same level as the
stone-paved promenade in a circle diameter of 22 meters. It was
conceived as a spatial installation in the form of an amphitheatre
surrounded by the blocks of stone with a stylish display of all Solar
System planets and their orbits. It is from this part of the waterfront
that you can see, in the words of the famous Alfred Hitchock, the
most beautiful sunsets in the world. Among the many Zadar
favourites is the Museum of Ancient Glass which holds the largest
collection in this part of Europe. The Zadar square situated in the
enclosed space Arsenal, is a monument of the highest category,
built in the 18th century during the Venetian rule as a storehouse
for military fleets. In recent years, it has become one of the city’s
centres of publics cultural and entertainment life, rich with events.
Today, due to its special atmosphere and rich life, Zadar is one
of the most popular Croatian tourist destinations. The London
Times declared it ‘the entertainment centre of the Adriatic’, and
the Guardian ‘a new Croatian capital of cool’. Many of the world’s
media wrote about the festival of electronic music Garden, which
has been held since 2005 in Zadar and Petrčani nearby, and is
included among the best festivals in Europe.
Royal cities – located less than 20 kilometers from Zadar is Nin,
the oldest Croatian royal town. For 12 centuries Nin has preserved
the old church of the Holy Cross, the smallest cathedral in the
world. Only 36 steps long, the church in Nin was built according
to the position that the sun takes during the year and serves as a
clock and a calendar, but also a place for prayer. The treasury of
the parish church ‘The gold and silver of Nin’, is located on the
historical island along with the parish church of St. Anselmo. It
holds the oldest and most valuable relics from Croatian church
history. Exposed in the Museum of Antiquities of Nin are the
partly reconstructed ‘serilije’ boats, from the first century which
were used by Liburns and Histrians. The remains of two serilija,
discovered in the ancient port of Zaton, are the best preserved
ships with sewn construction in the Mediterranean. In addition to
discovering its history, visitors can see the natural way of producing
sea salt in Nin. The salt factory in Nin produces special floral salt
which is a natural source of magnesium and calcium. Nin is the
national winner of the European Destination of Excellence 2010
and the largest site of therapeutic mud in Croatia. The site of the
healing mud is located along the famous Queen’s beach.
Biograd na Moru stood out as a Croatian city from 10th to 12th
century when the first Hungarian-Croatian king Koloman was
crowned there. Today it is a typical tourist town, which has,
thanks to its excellent location in the middle of the Pašman
canal, evolved into an important nautical destination. The city
has four collections: Archaeological, Ethnographic, a collection of
paintings and a history department. The most interesting exhibit
is the cargo of a ship from the 16th century, which belongs to a
unique collection in the Adriatic. It contains over 10 000 unique
objects of inestimable value.
National Park Paklenica covers only a part of the Velebit Nature
Park, the largest Croatian mountain which UNESCO proclaimed a
World Biosphere Reserve. Paklenica is an unusual area between
the sea and the mountains, rich in natural forests of beech, black
pine and mountain pine. This is the habitat of the endemic plants
of the Croatian name ‘pjeskarica’ (Arenaria orbicularis) and other
animal and plant rarities, full of karst formations. It is widely
known by the canyons of Mala and Velika Paklenica. The National
Park Paklenica covers an area of 96 km². Vaganski peak is the
highest (1757 m). Held in the Park is a unique event called BIG
WALL SPEED CLIMBING, a traditional Labour Day hikers meeting
which includes the international competition in speed climbing
on big rocks. Paklenica was one of the locations where movies
about the famous Indian chief Winnetou were filmed. Today there
is a tour called ‘Trails of Winnetou’ which along with Paklenica
includes excursions to national parks Krka and Plitvice Lakes,
Velebit Nature Park and the canyon of river Zrmanja.
An Enchanting Archipelago
The Zadar region has the most populated islands of all Croatian tourist
regions. With as many islands as there are days in a year, many straits,
channels and sheltered bays, with a safe anchorage in eight marinas, it
lures sailors, but also those wishing to enjoy the solitude and unspoiled
coastline and crystal clear waters. Along with the uninhabited Kornati
islands, the larger islands such as Dugi Otok, Ugljan, Pašman and Pag
also provide hidden places, bays, beaches, peace, silence and solitude.
On the external side of the island the sea is often deeper than 50
meters and visibility is always excellent and so has diverse marine
life. Numerous fish species and lush forests of purple, red or yellow
gorgonians fascinate all diving enthusiasts.
Many of Zadar’s islands hold valuable historical heritage, such as
monasteries, forts, towers and lighthouses. But the islands’ most
valuable cultural heritage is located on the island of Pag, the island of
salt, cheese and lace, which is connected to the mainland by a bridge.
The city core of Pag from the 15th century is known for its gridded streets,
which are the result of planning by the famous Croatian architect
Juraj Dalmatiac. In its center there is a church of the Assumption of
the Blessed Virgin Mary from the same period. The lace making in
Pag has been protected as UNESCO’s intangible heritage since 2009.
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DALMATIA - ŠIBENIK
www.sibenikregion.com
www.sibenik-tourism.hr
www.otokprvic.info
www.npkrka.hr
www.kornati.hr
www.shipyard-betina.com
www.marina-betina.hr
www.tzo-murter.hr
www.dalmati.com
www.jurlinovidvori.org
www.tz-primosten.hr
www.vodice.hr
www.vransko-jezero.hr
www.latinskoidro.hr
Šibenik, the most protected natural harbor of the middle Adriatic not
far from the mouth of the river Krka into the sea, is the center of the
tourist region with the two national parks and green hinterland that
naturally blends with the coast, rich in historical and cultural heritage
and territorial waters with three hundred islands, islets and reefs.
Out of 249 islands only six are inhabited: Žirje, Zlarin, Prvić, Kaprije,
Krapanj and Murter.
Islands as Guardians
of Mediterranean Tradition
Because of its indented coast, the Šibenik part of Dalmatia is also
called the ‘crown of the Adriatic’, and it is described as a ‘nautical
paradise’. Available to sailors are 12 marinas and 7 anchorage
locations, with a total capacity of 3480 berths in the sea and 1320
berths on land. The main advantages of this area are the picturesque
islands and preserved and authentic locations. The archipelago of
the Kornati National Park is a real magnet for boaters and Skradin,
located in the Šibenik hinterland near the National park Krka is
nautically important because it is the marina within closest proximity
to the waterfalls of the river Krka.
Unspoiled nature of the protected area, flora and fauna, caves
and pits in the forested mountains of Dinara and on its slopes are
fundamentally incompatible with the view that stretches from these
heights onto the laced network of islands in the Kornati National
Park, which extend through the Zadar and Šibenik-Knin County. Each
of the islands scattered along the open sea of the Šibenik archipelago
hides something interesting.
Zlarin has the most famous coral pickers on the Adriatic; Krapanj is
a place on the lowest and least populated Croatian island, known by
sea sponge ‘hunters’. Island Prvić next to Vodice hides two places of
protected cultural heritage - Prvić Luka and Prvić Šepurine, and is
known for Faust Vrančić, the inventor of the first usable parachute in
history. His family’s summer house can still be seen in Prvić Šepurina,
and according to his own wishes he was buried in the church of Our
Lady of Mercy in Prvić Luka. A memorial park dedicated to him is
currently being built there and there is a temporary exhibition of 50
models showing his inventions situated nearby. Murter is connected
to the mainland by a bridge. It is a fishing village where the town
of Betina which has a long tradition of building wooden boats is
situated. As a reminder of the strong connection of the people of
Murter and Betina each year on the occasion of the feast of St. Mihovil
they hold the regatta called the ‘Latin Sail’. Only the ‘triangle’ Latin
sail is used on the traditional sail boats arranged in three categories:
leut, gajeta and kaić.
What You Must See
While the other Croatian cities began their life as settlements of the
ancient Illyrians, Greek colonies or Roman urban agglomerations,
the origin of Šibenik is connected with the arrival of Croats to the
Adriatic area around the 9th century. Many fought for the possession
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of the city, from Byzantines to the Venetians, Ottomans and Austria.
For four hundred long years it was an independent commune under
Venetian rule and during this time the most significant landmarks
were created. Today one of them is a symbol of the city and a
monument under the protection of UNESCO, the cathedral of St.
Jakov - a masterpiece of Juraj Dalmatinac from the 15th century. It
was built during a period of 105 years solely from stone from the
islands of Brač, Rab and Korčula and represents the only building in
Europe built by a principle of sloted in stone plates with no connective
material between them. The Cathedral is unique among Renaissance
churches because of the facade in the shape of a trefoil and a series
of 71 realistic portraits on the apses.
The famous architect Juraj Dalmatinac also supervised the
construction of the well known Šibenik wells that are today the stage
for various cultural and entertainment events. Šibenik also boasts
the richness of religious buildings, as there were 24 churches and six
monasteries built in the tenth century. Today, only half are still in use,
while others have been converted into museums, galleries, art and
living spaces. On the central Square of the Republic of Croatia are
valuable historical buildings - the City Hall and the Rector’s Palace.
Among the important buildings in the heart of the city is the Šibenik
Theatre, built in 1870.
In the vicinity of Šibenik are Vodice, a town well known for its lively
tourist attractions, entertainment and friendly locals, who welcome
guests as dear friends. Although known as a destination for guests
looking for fun, the natural peace of the beaches in Vodice and quiet
coves provide each guest with a well-deserved vacation.
The Kornati archipelago spreads over an area of about 320 km² and
includes about 150 small and large islands and reefs, of which 89
are a part of the National Park Kornati. Here the sea is especially
blue, and the vertical cliffs dive headlong into its depths from a few
hundred meters. The charm of secluded bays leaves every lover of
the sea breathless. The archipelago was named after the largest
island Kornat. The center of life on this island used to be around the
field Tarac, dominated by the fortress Tureta, built in the 6th century.
Located there is the Church of Our Lady of Tarac, the Queen of the Sea
built on the ruins of an early Christian church from the 16th century.
Believers from the island of Murter each year, on the first Sunday in July,
have a pilgrimage to Our Lady of Tarac, and the covenant procession of
boats is one of the most beautiful religious events in Croatia. Although
the Kornati archipelago is not permanently inhabited, a few laborer’s
and fisherman’s houses are scattered around the picturesque bays
of Žut, Sita and Kornati and the islands reflect the presence of their
respective owners. Today, these houses are converted into restaurants
and accommodation for ‘Robinson’ tourism and have become a favorite
destination for boaters and tourists.
The National Park Krka, the realm of the wondrous karst beauty River Krka, which passes through canyons two thirds of its way to the
sea, represents the complete opposite to Kornati. On this green path
it spills over seven waterfalls one of which the last one is Skradinski
Buk. The park is inhabited by 222 species of birds which puts it among
the most valuable bird areas in Europe. It can be visited by boat, car
or on foot. Also unavoidable is the ethno-museum in one of the
old mills. In the area of the National Park Krka is the only falconry
center in Croatia, where during the tour you can see presentations
of hunting with falcons and demonstrations of falcon skills. The Krka
National Park hides in its bosom two distinct historical and cultural
pearls – the Orthodox Monastery of St. Archangel Krk and the
fairytale monastery Visovac where Franciscans have kept valuables,
old paintings and art, since 1400. The area around Krka is rich in ruins
of antique settlements and prehistoric sites, as well as the remains of
a Roman aqueduct, which is a protected monument.
Cultural and Natural Richness
Cultural and historical monuments still bear witness to the long
settlement and architectural capabilities of the population of the
region. In this area there are as many as 12 medieval fortresses, 230
monuments and 600 archaeological sites. Particularly interesting are
the ancient sites of Bribirska glavica, the Roman Skardona and four
fortifications of Šibenik - St. Mihovil, St.Ivan, Šubićevac and St. Nikola.
Also of great importance for tourism is the fortress of Knin, which was
occasionally the seat of Croatian kings.
Bribirska glavica was named the Croatian Troy with good reason
because of the mystical combination of nature and ancient structures.
Due to its strategic position for a full six thousand years it was the
central town of the entire region. All civilizations recognized the
importance of this old Liburnian settlement, the Roman municipality
of Varvaria, by which Bribir was named. The mythical Bribir was the
seat of the powerful Croatian feudal ruler Ban Pavao Šubic Bribir.
Primošten has the richest and most picturesque vineyards in the
entire region that speak of human diligence and struggle in this
sparse area. In 2009 they were introduced as the UNESCO candidate
for the list of protected world cultural heritage, and their image is
permanently placed in the main United Nations building in New
York, representing the sorrows of human labor through the centuries
and the struggle of people with Dalmatian stone. Produced from the
grapes from the vineyards of Primošten is the famous wine Babić,
one of the best Croatian red wines. Another gastronomic souvenir
of the Šibenik area is the Drniš ‘pršut’ (dried ham) whose quality is
recognized throughout the world. Among the Šibenik sights we can
set aside the Nature Park Vransko Lake, which is a unique swamp
terrain in our coastal areas. This area is of international importance
as a resting and feeding place for migratory birds. As many as 140
bird species from Central, Northern and Eastern Europe use this area
as part of their migration route.
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DALMATIA – SPLIT
www.dalmatia.hr
www.visitsplit.com
www.alka.hr
www.tztrogir.hr
www.tzhvar.hr
www.otok-brac.info
www.braconline.com.hr
www.solta.hr
www.tz-vis.hr
www.solin-info.com
www.biokovo.com
Central Dalmatia with its cultural heritage, natural beauty and style
of life is an unavoidable area for entertainment, relaxation and
enjoyment with a tradition older than 2000 years!
Only in Central Dalmatia can you find within a range of only 30
kilometers two cities with their heritage protected by UNESCO. This
is the Diocletian Palace in Split and the historical center of Trogir
between which is located the largest archaeological site on the east
coast of the Adriatic - Salona, once the seat of the Roman province of
Dalmatia. The town of Hvar, on the island of the same name, is also
a place of exceptional cultural and historical heritage. A city which is
surrounded by seven centuries old walls is dominated by the town
square, the largest one in Dalmatia, surrounded by Renaissance
and Baroque palaces. On the island there is also a UNESCO World
Heritage monument – Starogradsko Polje. It is the largest and most
productive field on the Adriatic islands, which stretches 6 miles east
to Vrboska, bordered by the picturesque villages of Dol and Vrbanj on
the southern slopes. This landscape, shaped by millennia of human
activities, has retained a system of routes and major plots since the
time of the Greek city of Pharos (fourth century BC) and is the best
preserved ancient subdivision (HORA, AGER) in the world.
Works that the inspired artists created in stone, marble and wood
on the soil of central Dalmatia from ancient times to the present day
have not only remained in the churches and museums, but are still
on the houses, facades and within historical cores of the cities, mostly
in the Romanesque and Gothic style.
The variety of Dalmatian spirit can also be seen in the intangible
heritage, through religious, traditional, folk-music and chivalrous
events passed on from generation to generation. Because of its
uniqueness, the Hvar Easter Procession of the Cross and Sinjska
Alka, the Knights Tournament, which takes place every first Sunday
in August, are included on the UNESCO list of intangible heritage.
The art of lacemaking by the women of Hvar is also an intangible
protected world asset.
What You Must See
Split, the largest city in Dalmatia, and the second largest in Croatia,
grew out of the palace built by the Roman emperor Diocletian 1700
years ago in order for him to spend the last years of his life there.
An industrial, academic and economic center of the region keeps its
‘green soul’ on the hill Marjan situated in the western part of the
peninsula, where a forest park near the city offers pleasant walks
away from the city noise under the pines by the sea. An interesting
legend is associated with an impressive monument to Bishop Grgur
of Nin, the work of the famous sculptor Ivan Meštrovic. The statue is
located near the northern entrance to the Palace of Diocletian, and
the legend says that if you touch his bronze toe, your wishes will come
true.
Diocletian’s Palace, heritage under UNESCO protection, is one of
the best preserved Roman monuments in the world. The Emperor’s
palace was built as an interpolation of luxury summer house - villa
with the floor plan of a Roman military camp (castrum), divided
into four parts by two main streets. The southern part of the palace
was in the scheme designed for the emperor, his apartment and
the corresponding state and religious ceremonies rooms, while the
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northern part was intended for the Imperial Guard - the army, servants,
storage and related ancillary facilities. Within the palace there is a
cathedral, which was built in the 7th century on the mausoleum of
Emperor Diocletian, and it was named after the patron saint of Split,
St. Duje. Taking place in the basements of the preserved part of the
palace are various events such as Diocletian’s dinner and evenings of
local music. The musical and theatre program of the Split Summer
Festival takes place on Prokurative and Peristil.
In the Romanesque town of Trogir each stone is a monument.
With an old town, whose coastal parts are surrounded by the sea
from each side, Trogir was included on the UNESCO list of protected
world cultural heritage in 1997. Trogir’s medieval core comprises of
a preserved castle and tower and many buildings and palaces from
the Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque periods. Trogir’s
grandest building is the cathedral with its portal of the western door,
a masterpiece by Radovan and the most significant example of
Romanesque-Gothic style in the country.
Located in Solin are the remains of the ancient city of Salona, which
is thought to have originated in the fourth century BC. Salona was
a port of the Illyrian Dalmatians, in which the Greeks and Romans
also lived. Julius Caesar proclaimed Salona the center of the Roman
province of Dalmatia in 48 BC. The town core was a trapezoidal
shape surrounded by walls and towers which contained a complex
of urban basilicas, the subsequently erected monumental cathedral
with a baptistery and thermal baths. The peristil (the central square)
of the thermal baths with the area for baths with heating stoves
and changing rooms is recognizable even today, as are the early
Christian buildings next to the basilicas related to the activities of St.
Dujmo. In the southern part are the remains of a forum, a temple
and a theatre from the first century. The most magnificent building
is the amphitheatre which could accommodate nearly 19 000
spectators and was built in the second half of the second century
in the far northwestern part of town. Antique Salona is the largest
archaeological site on the eastern Adriatic coast and has to this day
remained in ruins and only partially explored, but what was found
says enough about its size and importance.
A region of Contrast
Central Dalmatia represents a harmony of urban spaces, in the
remarkably preserved environment of the populated coast with the
longest natural sandy beaches and Dalmatian pines on the coast
as well as a series of green-covered islands. The Central Dalmatian
islands of Brač, Hvar, Šolta, Vis and some other islets are favorite
destinations that attract tourists with a combination of natural
beauty, cultural and historical heritage, cuisine, luscious wines and
entertainment.
Islands for Everyone to Enjoy
Brač, the largest island of the Split archipelago, is slowly turning
into a suburb of Split. It is well connected with fast boat lines with
the center of the region and is the place of the most famous white
stone masonry tradition which is still ‘harvested’ in local quarries.
The Parliament and the New Palace in Vienna, the Parliament in
Budapest, but also Diocletian’s Palace and the cathedrals in Trogir
and Šibenik were all built with high quality stone from Brač. The town
of Bol on the island of Brač is symbolized widely by the famous beach
Zlatni Rat, whose appearance changes depending on the direction
of the wind and waves. Also located on Brač is the fascinating hermit
monastery Pustinja Blaca, which was built by Glagolitic monks fleeing
from the Turks in 1550. With its telescope and concert piano shipped
from Vienna the monastery still bears witness to the culturally rich life
on the medieval island.
The sunny island of Hvar also stands for one of the world’s most
beautiful islands. It is not known whether it attracts more with the
harmony of history and art or the beauty of nature and the seductive
scent of lavender. It is worth walking through the stone streets worn
out by centuries and the largest island square on both sides of the
Adriatic as well as visiting Arsenal and touring the first municipal
theater in Europe, built in 1612. Entertainment and fun almost never
stop on the island of Hvar, as they start on the beaches and then
continue at the after beach parties which are organized in local cafes,
and then, after a short break and dinner, entertainment continues
until the small hours and culminates in an open-air disco. It is not
unusual to encounter a world of celebrity on the island of Hvar.
A number of beautiful coves for swimming and gastronomy on the
island of Šolta are ideal for a family vacation. Vis is the furthest
inhabited island from the mainland, and according to a World
Environment Organization (WWF) is one of the ten best-preserved
islands of the Mediterranean. The main towns of this island are Vis and
Komiža. The town Vis is the oldest urban settlement on the Adriatic
coast - situated away from busy civilization; it is an unavoidable
destination for those who like to vacation in the quiet and authentic
seaside atmosphere. Vis is famous for its gourmet cuisine and relaxed
lifestyle. Near the island of Vis is the island Biševo, known for its Blue
Cave, one of the most beautiful natural phenomena on the Adriatic.
It is only 17 meters wide and 31 meters long and is entered by boat
through the narrow strait between the rocks. Sunlight penetrates
through the submarine opening, lightening up the sea and visitors in
silvery-blue colours. Nearby is the only known habitat of the sea-bear.
The Tourist Coast and the Mysterious Zagora
Besides the islands, the aces of Central Dalmatia are also the small fishing
towns known for their numerous beautiful pebble and sandy beaches
and small secluded coves where you can enjoy the peace and solitude.
75
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The chain of mountains, among which is one of the highest in
Croatia, separate the continental hinterland characteristics of
Zagora from the Mediterranean beaches. The massif of the
Nature park Biokovo rises directly above the beaches, and it is
said that its ‘feet are in the sea, and its forehead in the lightning’.
On a sunny day its peak St. Jure, at 1762 meters above sea level,
offers a view that stretches to the furthest islands of the Adriatic.
Biokovo is a habitat of a number of endemic plant and animal
species and caves. Wandering on its sparse meadows still today
are chamois, mouflon, eagles, wild boars, wolves and other
animals. It is well known by the phenomenon of the spectacular
sunrise on a summer morning, and the unique view that shoots
onto the Central Dalmatian islands of the Adriatic as well as the
Dalmatian hinterland. The best examples of specific hydrography
and morphology of Dalmatian karst are Crveno and Modro Lake
near Imotski. Both lakes are characterized by a specific shape,
dimensions and colors, and they are the so-called cave lakes,
which means that they were formed by the collapsing of ceilings
of large caves.
Among the outstanding examples of karst natural beauty is also
the Cetina Canyon, eight miles long from its mouth in Omiš and
upstream to the Radman mills. It is a protected geomorphologic
phenomenon that was created by the Cetina River on its way to
the sea. Cetina has in its lower flow deeply cut into the limestone
surface between Mosor and Dinara, forming the canyon up to
300 meters in height, which is a special challenge for all those
craving adrenaline.
DALMATIA - DUBROVNIK
www.tzdubrovnik.hr
www.lastovo.org
www.np-mljet.hr
www.visitdubrovnik.hr
www.visitkorcula.com
www.mljet.hr
www.tzcavtat-konavle.hr
www.visitpeljesac.com
Dubrovnik as a regional center in the far south of the Croatian coast
deservedly bears the title the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’. The harmony of
ancient buildings and walls, by which it is surrounded, imposes
itself as a surreal scene from a fairy tale. The Dubrovnik area is like
a kaleidoscope made up of its history in which the flag of ‘Libertas’
(freedom) has been flying for centuries and its modern Riviera, with
a number of picturesque places on the coastline, mystical islands
and the green and fertile valley of Neretva.
This area exudes with beauty of buildings and gorgeous artwork that
has been left behind by well-known sculptors, painters and builders
equally in the small towns like Ston on the Pelješac penninsula,
Konavle or Trsten as in the cities of Korčula and Dubrovnik. By
building villas and summer houses, the human hand and nature
seem to have walked amicably hand in hand with each other. The
result of this happy relationship is an elegant tourist destination of
culture and heritage.
Located in Cavtat is the birth place of Vlaho Bukovac, one of the
most famous Croatian painters and fathers of Croatian modern
painting. The monumental features of the Bukovac house are
not only its architecture and garden space, but the legacy of the
Bukovac name, his art and family legacy.
Also pointed out in the cultural and historical mosaic of the
Dubrovnik region should be the Ston Walls from the 14th century the longest fortification system in Europe, as well as the remains of
the ancient city of Narona in the Neretva area of Vid. This is one of
the most important cities of antiquity on the Eastern Adriatc coast
with more than 30 Roman monuments.
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What You Must see
The old city of Dubrovnik, is called the pearl of the Adriatic mainly
because of its rich cultural and historical heritage. The famous
George Bernard Shaw wrote that ‘those who seek paradise on
earth must come to Dubrovnik’. Every historical story and legend
has left its traces and is recorded on the stone facades of the historic
center and the stone slabs of Stradun and the surrounding streets,
the church of the patron saint St. Vlaho and fortresses including
Lovrijenac situated on a steep cliff 37 meters high. However, the
most recognizable historical determinant of this UNESCO protected
city are its intact city walls, which surround the city in an unbroken
series of 1940 meters. Dubrovnik’s city walls are full of forts,
bastions, towers and separate fortresses, and are one of the most
beautiful and strongest fortification systems in the Mediterranean.
Walk along them gives a true picture of the stone beauty of the
city dominated by the most famous street in Dubrovnik - Stradun
- a place of great events among which are the Dubrovnik Summer
Festival and the religious feast of St. Vlaho which has been on
UNESCO’s list of intangible heritage since 2009.
The stunning view of the beauty of Dubrovnik and the island of
Lokrum can be enjoyed from the nearby mountain Srđ. Every half
an hour, above the roofs of the city and the slopes above the main
motorway, you can get to and from Srđ by the renewed Dubrovnik
cablecar. In 4 minutes, which is how long the ride takes, the travelers
find themselves at an altitude of 405 meters. Visitors can enjoy Srđ
on two panoramic terraces, in the gift shop and the snack bar with
a varied selection of drinks and meals.
In recent years, sailing across the waters of Dubrovnik have been the
newly built ‘karakas’, replicas of wooden passenger and merchant
ships from the times of the Dubrovnik Republic. The late 16th century
Dubrovnik karaka counted among the largest ships in the world, and
now transports visitors on tours of hidden bays and islands around
Dubrovnik as well as along the ‘pirate route’ of the Adriatic coast.
The town of Korčula - the historical and tourist center of the island
of Korčula is known as the birthplace of the famous traveler Marco
Polo. Since the time when the famous explorer left his native island,
the medieval town of Korčula has been completely preserved to
the present day, developing into a kind of urban stone sculpture
of regular lines. What makes it special is the architecture whose
creators wanted the city streets to be based on a ‘fishbone’ model,
which are at all times, bathed in the morning and afternoon
sunlight, but not during the highest midday heat. And while the
works of Korčula`s stonecutters impress with their persistence,
vitality to the streets of Korčula is brought by ‘Moreška’, one of the
three knights’ dances (the other two are kumpanija and moštra) in
original costumes from the 16th century that can only be seen on
this beautiful island. The International Festival of wine and song is
still held every July in honor of the famous sailor Marco Polo and
bearing his name, as is the staging of the sailing of Marco Polo into
the harbor of Korčula each May.
The National Park Mljet occupies the northwestern part of the
island of Mljet and covers an area of 5375 acres of protected land
and surrounding sea. The island is 3 km wide and 37 km long. 90
percent of the park area is covered by forests. The renowned Lakes of
Mljet are known worldwide. Veliko and Malo Jezero (Big and Small
Lakes) are connected by a narrow canal through which sea water is
interchanged under the influence of the tides. Above the canal is
a stone bridge called Mali most. In the middle of Veliko Lake is the
island of Santa Maria on which stand the Benedictine monastery
and church from the 12th century. The Veliko Lake stretches across 145
hectares and has a maximum depth of 46 meters and the Malo Lake
across an area of 24 hectares with a maximum depth of 29 m. It
attracts naturalists and other lovers of nature with its secrets. Today
on the island of Mljet, there are five types of forests. Along with the
forests, particularly important biologically are some other habitats:
coastal sand dunes, steep and high cliffs as well as those in the
interior of the islands and plants of coastal reefs.
Natural Heritage
Natural features of the Dubrovnik region are characterized by a mild
and warm Mediterranean climate, so there is rich Mediterranean
and subtropical flora with attractive orchards of lemons, oranges,
palms and agave. The coastal area is relatively narrow and varies
a lot - from the rocky and steep coastline and deep bays to sandy
beaches, fertile valleys and high hills that descend to the sea. The
undersea in turn opens a magical world of beautiful red corals to the
lucky few. Located in Trsteno are the oldest renovated Renaissance
park in Dalmatia (1502) and the only arboretum on the whole of
the Croatian coast. It is rich in exotic plants such as eucalyptus and
camphor. Two giant plane trees older than 400 years are unique
specimens of their kind in Europe. The park itself boasts a lovely
Baroque fountain with figures of Neptune and nymphs.
The islands of Mljet, Lastovo and the group of Elaphite islands Šipan,
Lopud and Koločep attract many tourists and lovers of untouched
nature with their beautiful landscapes and beaches. The island of
Lastovo, due to its huge distance from the coast appears lonely, so it
seems to be plunging into the blue sea and sky. The Romans called
it the Emperor’s island because of the numerous fields, lush forests,
a beautiful wreath of islets and rocks which surround it, countless
bays and abundance of fish. The Lastovo archipelago, made up of
46 islands and rocks, is a protected nature park. Lastovo is one of
the darkest places in Europe, and all who visit the island can enjoy
the charms of stars, planets and the Milky Way as they were before
the explosion of artificial light over Europe.
Gifts of Nature
The mighty river Neretva, which comes from neighbouring Bosnia
and Herzegovina, flows into the sea through a fertile delta near
77
PRESS 2011
the towns of Ploče, Opuzen and Metković, creating an area of very
fertile agricultural land covered with forests of tangerine and melon
fields. It is itself a widely known habitat of river eels and mullets
since this is the area where fresh water mixes with the sea. On the
Neretva safari, traditional Neretva boats called ‘trupice’ are used
to sail through. The peculiar peace of the area is only occasionally
violated by the voting of birds above the swamp. Near the villages
of Vid, Prud and Orepak are ornithological reserves where birds
come during the winter, while the south-eastern part of the Neretva
delta is a hatchery for a number of fish species.
The Mali Ston Bay is another fruitful area, which is, due to the
natural flow of nutrient salts from land, a known mussel farm.
Especially famous are the Ston oysters, which are served at the
nearby restaurants and are shipped to major urban centres. The
Pelješac Peninsula is famous for its excellent wines. Glory to the
wines of Pelješac was brought by PZ Dingač whose wine of the same
name became the first internationally protected wine in the area of
former Yugoslavia in 1961. Proving Pelješac to be a great wine site
was confirmed six years later by Postup, which has also received
international protection of geographic origin. Wine opportunities
on Pelješac have in recent years attracted many foreign investors.
78
PRESS 2011
XII. TOURISM STATISTICS
OVERNIGHTS AND ARRIVALS OF REGISTERED TOURISTS PER COUNTRY OF RESIDENCE, I-XII 2009 / I-XII 2010
Arrivals
Overnights
Index
Index
I.–XII. 2010.
I.–XII. 2010. I.–XII. 2010.
I.–XII. 2009.
I.–XII. 2009. I.–XII. 2010.
I.–XII. 2009.
I.–XII. 2010.
Average
I.–XII. 2009. Structure of number of
overnights, overnights
upon
%
arrival
Total
10 270 490
10 604 116
103,2
54 988 432
56 416 379
102,6
100,0
5,3
Domestic tourists
1 576 694
1 493 374
94,7
5 758 924
5 424 058
94,2
9,6
3,6
Foreign tourists
8 693 796
9 110 742
104,8
49 229 508
50 992 321
103,6
90,4
5,6
Austria
776 450
810 340
104,4
4 258 338
4 420 058
103,8
8,7
5,5
Belgium
93 913
103 341
110,0
509 980
545 342
106,9
1,1
5,3
Belarus
3 547
2 605
73,4
20 001
17 986
89,9
0,0
6,9
212 505
217 051
102,1
1 077 624
1 047 909
97,2
2,1
4,8
34 678
29 586
85,3
70 899
58 791
82,9
0,1
2,0
1 194
1 292
108,2
3 692
3 738
101,2
0,0
2,9
Bosnia and
Herzegovina
Bulgaria
Cyprus
Montenegro
9 089
9 798
107,8
31 960
29 917
93,6
0,1
3,1
Czech Republic
578 517
605 732
104,7
3 961 828
4 170 084
105,3
8,2
6,9
Denmark
76 068
77 412
101,8
562 683
567 053
100,8
1,1
7,3
7 352
5 464
74,3
24 159
19 860
82,2
0,0
3,6
Estonia
Finland
24 612
27 145
110,3
95 110
108 557
114,1
0,2
4,0
France
393 192
388 320
98,8
1 510 894
1 464 114
96,9
2,9
3,8
Greece
18 570
32 567
175,4
42 522
70 697
166,3
0,1
2,2
Ireland
29 252
28 933
98,9
126 881
124 131
97,8
0,2
4,3
Iceland
1 638
1 562
95,4
5 245
4 825
92,0
0,0
3,1
1 057 893
1 018 375
96,3
4 925 252
4 731 832
96,1
9,3
4,6
Italy
Latvia
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Hungary
Macedonia
Malta
The Netherlands
Norway
Germany
Poland
7 658
7 142
93,3
24 460
23 749
97,1
0,0
3,3
23 514
20 029
85,2
82 665
70 692
85,5
0,1
3,5
3 745
4 152
110,9
15 630
17 345
111,0
0,0
4,2
298 359
297 667
99,8
1 594 794
1 604 753
100,6
3,1
5,4
30 421
23 376
76,8
139 427
98 967
71,0
0,2
4,2
1 485
1 265
85,2
6 490
5 544
85,4
0,0
4,4
296 086
285 257
96,3
2 424 071
2 244 521
92,6
4,4
7,9
66 269
85 135
128,5
387 475
489 923
126,4
1,0
5,8
1 463 281
1 525 133
104,2
11 166 827
11 476 383
102,8
22,5
7,5
417 849
454 445
108,8
2 685 037
2 895 162
107,8
5,7
6,4
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PRESS 2011
OVERNIGHTS AND ARRIVALS OF REGISTERED TOURISTS PER COUNTRY OF RESIDENCE, I-XII 2009 / I-XII 2010
Arrivals
Overnights
Index
Index
I.–XII. 2010.
I.–XII. 2010. I.–XII. 2010.
I.–XII. 2009.
Portugal
Romania
Russia
Slovakia
Slovenia
Serbia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey
United Kingdom
Ukraine
Other European
countries
South Africa
Other African
countries
Canada
USA
Other North
American countries
Brazil
Other South and
Central American
countries
Israel
Japan
China
Korea, Republic
Other Asian
countries
Australia
New Zealand
Other Oceania
countries
I.–XII. 2009. I.–XII. 2010.
26 087
28 171
64 536
57 761
121 971
164 999
292 450
310 031
962 604
1 016 572
85 211
86 797
180 013
211 094
112 613
118 682
129 737
149 176
20 594
37 590
229 068
241 217
35 720
50 258
108,0
89,5
135,3
106,0
105,6
101,9
117,3
105,4
115,0
182,5
105,3
140,7
I.–XII. 2009.
58 214
294 486
1 051 991
1 974 402
5 512 808
433 445
360 003
628 127
550 120
61 206
1 191 571
246 630
I.–XII. 2010.
70 060
253 556
1 375 981
2 084 013
5 885 315
419 553
423 468
637 408
613 441
115 659
1 172 720
346 005
Average
I.–XII. 2009. Structure of number of
overnights, overnights
upon
%
arrival
120,3
0,1
2,5
86,1
0,5
4,4
130,8
2,7
8,3
105,6
4,1
6,7
106,8
11,5
5,8
96,8
0,8
4,8
117,6
0,8
2,0
101,5
1,3
5,4
111,5
1,2
4,1
189,0
0,2
3,1
98,4
2,3
4,9
140,3
0,7
6,9
16 978
24 114
142,0
53 763
73 143
136,0
0,1
3,0
4 790
5 578
116,5
13 938
14 056
100,8
0,0
2,5
5 114
5 715
111,8
22 816
23 285
102,1
0,0
4,1
34 763
118 996
41 483
132 751
119,3
111,6
98 933
314 442
114 692
341 398
115,9
108,6
0,2
0,7
2,8
2,6
1 419
2 380
167,7
4 095
7 841
191,5
0,0
3,3
9 836
14 015
142,5
25 323
35 740
141,1
0,1
2,6
14 671
17 788
121,2
38 014
45 691
120,2
0,1
2,6
28 421
163 173
7 534
10 407
32 657
147 119
13 195
18 483
114,9
90,2
175,1
177,6
66 167
221 002
15 479
14 824
80 293
204 422
23 143
25 786
121,3
92,5
149,5
173,9
0,2
0,4
0,0
0,1
2,5
1,4
1,8
1,4
24 906
39 916
160,3
61 726
99 967
162,0
0,2
2,5
51 452
10 685
64 526
12 164
125,4
113,8
128 472
27 406
157 872
28 533
122,9
104,1
0,3
0,1
2,4
2,3
2 910
3 386
116,4
6 161
7 347
119,3
0,0
2,2
Source: Central Bureau of Statistics
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How to Reach Croatia?
A Wide Palette of Quality Wines
www.prometna-zona.com
http://vinistra.com/
www.zagorskevinskeceste.net
www.udruga-dingac.hr
http://klaster-srijem.com
www.vinum-croatica.hr
www.udruga-brenta.hr
www.kutjevacki-vianari.hr
www.vinski-klub.hr
www.hrvatska-vina.com
Croatia by Car
www.hak.hr
www.hac.hr
www.bina-istra.hr
Croatia by Coach
www.akz.hr
www.ak-split.hr
www.autobusni-kolodvor.com/kolodvor.aspx
Croatian Olive Oil
www.azrri.hr
http://dalmatinsko.com/
Air Transport
www.airport-dubrovnik.hr
www.split-airport.hr
www.zadar-airport.hr
www.osijek-airport.hr
www.airport-pula.hr
www.zagreb-airport.hr
www.airport-rijeka.hr
NATURAL AND CULTURALLY-HISTORICAL SITES
Rich Cultural and Natural Heritage
Croatia by Train
Monuments and Non-material Heritage
under UNESCO protection
www.hznet.hr
www.vlakovi.com
By Boat or Ferry
www.jadrolinija.hr
www.splittours.hr
www.blueline-ferries.com
www.snav.it
www.venezialines.com
www.emiliaromagnalines.it
www.azzurraline.com
www.agencija-zolpp.hr
GASTRONOMY AND ENOLOGY
Gastro
www.kultura.hr
www.min-kulture.hr
www.cromaps.comwww.dzzp.hr
www.zastita-prirode.hr
www.min-kulture.hr
www.unesco.org
www.kultura.hr
www.tzdubrovnik.hr
www.visitsplit.com
www.np-plitvicka-jezera.hr
www.to-porec.com
www.tztrogir.hr
www.tzhvar.hr
www.sibenik-tourism.hr
www.mhz.hr
www.alka.h
www.halubajski-zvoncari.com
www.licitar.hr
www.gorjani.net
www.pag-tourism.hr
www.lepoglava-info.hr
www.gastronaut.hr/gastro_regije.htm
www.kuhar.hr
www.istria-gourmet.com
http://www.tastedalmatia.com/gastronomy.php?jezik=HR
www.gastro.hr
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PRESS 2011
Natural Beauties
Horeseback Riding
www.zastita-prirode.hr
www.dzzp.hr
www.natura2000.hr
www.konjicki-savez.hr
www.terapijsko-jahanje.com
www.krila.hr
National Parks
NAUTICAL TOURISM
www.np-sjeverni-velebit.hr
www.brijuni.hr
www.np-plitvicka-jezera.hr
www.paklenica.hr
www.npkrka.hr
www.np-mljet.hr
www.kornati.hr
http://risnjak.hr
www.aci-club.hr
www.hjs.hr
www.ncp.hr
www.port-osijek.hr
www.luka-vukovar.hr
www.portdubrovnik.hr
Nature Parks
www.pp-ucka.hr
www.pp-velebit.hr
www.kopacki-rit.com
www.pp-medvednica.hr
www.telascica.hr
www.pp-papuk.hr
www.biokovo.com
www.pp-lonjsko-polje.hr
www.park-zumberak.hr
www.vransko-jezero.hr
www.lastovo.org
GOLF AND RECREATION
www.crogolf.com
http://razvoj-golf.hr/
www.igs.hr
www.marlera.hr
www.kempinski.com/en/istria
www.biskagolf.com
‘Extreme Contents’
www.adria-velebitica.hr
www.rizvancity.com
www.paintball.hr
www.paintballcroatia.com
www.visit.hr
Skydiving
www.vugrek-skydive-simulator.com
CONGRESS TOURISM
http://business.croatia.hr/hr-HR/Kongresni-i-insentiv-ured
www.poslovniturizam.com
CULTURAL TOURISM
www.cromaps.com
www.kultura.hr
www.culturenet.hr
www.kulturni-turizam.com
www.croatia.hr
Museums as Points of Entertainment
www.mdc.hr
www.hrmt.hr
www.mhz.hr
www.msu.hr
www.split-guide.info/museums_hr.htm
www.noc-kazalista.com;
www.hrmud.hr
ADVENTURE TOURISM
Diving
www.submania.hr
www.ronjenjehrvatska.com
www.diving-hrs.hr
Cycling
www.hbs.hr
www.bicikl.hr
www.pedala.hr
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Kayaking
Kite Surfing and Windsurfing
www.croatiatraveller.com
www.kajak.hr
www.rekreacija.hr
www.smsportnet.com
www.avantura-teambuilding.hr
www.adventuredalmatia.com
Rafting
Hunting and Fishing
www.dalmatiarafting.com
http://foris.hr
www.raft.hr
www.adventure-sport.net
www.hls.com.hr
www.lovacki-portal.com
www.ribolovni-savez.hr
Speleology
WELLNESS AND HEALTH TOURISM
www.speleo.hr
www.speleologija.hr
www.adventurerace.hr
www.pp-ucka.hr
www.adnatura.hr
www.cromedicalnetwork.com
www.croatiamedicine.com
www.umt.hr
www.wellness.hr
www.spa-wellness.com.hr
www.toplicesvetimartin.hr
www.terme-tuhelj.hr
www.bizovacke-toplice.hr
www.tuheljsketoplice.com
www.stubicketoplice.net
www.daruvarske-toplice.hr
www.istarske-toplice.hr
www.minerva.hr
www.krapinsketoplice.com
www.thalassotherapia-opatija.hr
www.thalasso-ck.hr
www.biokovka.hr
www.kalos.hr
www.toplice-lesce.com
www.ljeciliste-topusko.hr
http://visitcroatia.net/hrvatska/wellness
LIGHTHOUSES
NATURISM
www.plovput.hr
www.alh.hr
www.camping.hr
www.dnh.hr
Mounteneering and Mountain Climbing
www.plsavez.hr
www.planinarenje.com
www.planinarenje.net
Skydiving, Air-gliding or Balloon Flights
www.padobranstvo.hr
www.adventure-sport.net
www.baloni.hr
www.paragliding.hr
Adventure racing
CROATIAN BEACHES
www.lijepa-nasa.hr
www.croatia-beaches.com
www.blueflag.org
www.crobeaches.com
www.visinfo.org
www.picigin.org
www.zrce.hr
www.holidays-in-komiza.com
RELIGIOUS TOURISM
www.svetiste-mbb.hr
www.vepric.net
www.trsat-svetiste.com
www.svetiste-ludbreg.hr
www.katolici.org
www.sveti-josip.hr
www.svetiste-aljmas.hr
www.gospa-sinjska.hr
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www.pozeska-biskupija.hr
http://dubrovnik.hbk.hr
http://www.biskupija-hvar.com
www.vodnjan.hr
RURAL AND ECO TOURISM
www.ruralis.hr
www.azrri.hr
www.selo.hr
www.ekoetno.hr
www.hotel-balatura.hr
www.seoski-turizam.net
www.ziva-zemlja.hr; www.dzzp.hr
www.lastovo.org
www.darkskyparks.org
www.turizam-smz.hr
www.kuterevo-medvjedi.hr
www.eko-mavrovic.hr; www.dalmati.com
www.kezele-vino.hr
http://visitcroatia.net/hrvatska/seoski-turizam
www.agroturizam.com
CENTRAL CROATIA
www.tzzz.hr
www.tzbbz.hr
www.tz-koprivnicko-krizevacka.hr
www.tz-zagorje.hr
www.tzm.hr
www.turizam-smz.hr
www.turizam-vzz.hr
www.sisakturist.com
www.pp-medvednica.hr
www.pp-zumberak-samoborsko-gorje.hr
www.mhz.hr/kumrovec/
www.pp-lonjsko-polje.hr
www.vbv.hr
www.spancirfest.com
SLAVONIJA
www.upuhh.hr
www.hoteli.com.hr
www.omh.hr
http://visitcroatia.net/
www.tzbpz.hr
www.tzosbarzup.hr
www.tzzps.hr
www.tzvsz.hr
www.tzvpz.hr
www.kopacki-rit.hr
www.ergela-djakovo.hr
www.tzosijek.hr
www.tzgsb.hr
www.pozega-tz.hr
www.zlatovez.com
CAMP SITES
ISTRIA
www.camping.hr
www.topcamping.hr
www.camping-croatia.com
www.istra.hr
www.labin.hr
www.kamenjak.hr
www.to-porec.com
www.histrica.com
www.istria-gourmet.com
www.azrri.hr
http://vinistra.com
www.tzgrovinj.hr
www.tz-umag.hr
www.pulainfo.hr
www.tz-motovun.hr
www.tz-groznjan.hr
www.infofazana.hr
www.brijuni.hr
www.pp-ucka.hr
ACOMMODATION CAPACITIES
INVESTMENTS
www.mint.hr
www.hbor.hr
www.istra-istria.hr
Tourist regions
ZAGREB
www.zagreb-touristinfo.hr
www.zagreb.hr
www.galerijaklovic.hr
www.msu.hr
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Lika – Karlovac
DALMATIA – ŠIBENIK
www.tzkz.hr
www.lickosenjska.com
www.speleologija.hr
www.np-sjeverni-velebit.hr
www.np-plitvicka-jezera.hr
www.kuterevo-medvjedi.hr
www.mcnikolatesla.hr
www.ogfb.hr
www.bjelolasica.hr
www.tz-senj.hr
www.karlovac-touristinfo.hr
www.tz-grada-ogulina.hr
www.novalja.info
www.sibenikregion.com
www.sibenik-tourism.hr
www.otokprvic.info
www.npkrka.hr
www.kornati.hr
www.shipyard-betina.com
www.marina-betina.hr
www.tzo-murter.hr
www.dalmati.com
www.jurlinovidvori.org
www.tz-primosten.hr
www.vodice.hr
http://vransko-jezero.hr
www.latinskoidro.hr
KVARNER BUCHT
www.kvarner.hr
www.tz-rijeka.hr
www.pp-ucka.hr
www.supovi.hr
www.risnjak.hr
www.ri-karneval.com.hr
www.gorskikotar.hr
www.tz-rijeka.hr
www.blue-world.org
www.hnk-zajc.hr
www.tz-vinodol.hr
www.tzg-crikvenice.hr
www.tz-krk.hr
www.tzg-cres.hr
www.tz-malilosinj.hr
DALMATIA – ZADAR
www.zadar.hr
www.tzzadar.hr;
www.nin.hr
www.paklenica.hr
www.pag-tourism.hr
www.velebit.hr
www.telascica.hr
www.vransko-jezero.hr
www.tzg-biograd.hr
www.kornati.hr
DALMATIA – SPLIT
www.dalmatia.hr
www.visitsplit.com
www.alka.hr
http://tztrogir.hr
www.tzhvar.hr
www.otok-brac.info
www.braconline.com.hr
www.solta.hr
www.tz-vis.hr
http://solin-info.com
www.biokovo.com
www.makarska-info.hr
www.tz-omis.hr
www.brela.hr
DALMATIA – DUBROVNIK
www.tzdubrovnik.hr
www.lastovo.org
www.np-mljet.hr
www.visitdubrovnik.hr
www.visitkorcula.com
http://mljet.hr
www.tzcavtat-konavle.hr
www.visitpeljesac.com
www.lastovo.hr
www.dubrovackoprimorje.hr
www.neretva.info
www.tzston.hr
www.dubrovnik-riviera.hr
www.a-m-narona.hr
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XIII. List of offices
Kroatische Zentrale fur Tourismus
Rumfordstr. 7, 804x69 MUNCHEN, DEUTSCHLAND
tel: +49 89 22 33 44
fax: +49 89 22 33 77
e-mail: [email protected]
Kroatische Zentrale fur Tourismus
Hochstr., 43, 60311 FRANKFURT, DEUTSCHLAND
tel: +49 69 238 5350
fax: +49 69 2385 3520
e-mail: [email protected]
Ente Nazionale Croato per il Turismo
Piazzetta Pattari 1/3, 20122 MILANO, ITALIA
tel: +39 02 86 45 44 97
fax: +39 02 86 45 45 74
e-mail: [email protected]
Ente Nazionale Croato per il Turismo
Via Dell’Oca 48, 00186 ROMA, ITALIA
tel: +39 06 32 11 0396
fax: +39 06 32 11 1462
e-mail: [email protected]
Chorvatske turisticke sdruženi
Krakovska 25, 110 00 PRAHA 1, ČESKA REPUBLIKA
tel: +420 2 2221 1812
fax: +420 2 2221 0793
e-mail: [email protected]; [email protected]
Office National Croate de Tourisme
48, Avenue Victor Hugo, 75116 PARIS, FRANCE
tel: +33 1 45 00 99 55
fax: +33 1 45 00 99 56
e-mail: [email protected]
Office National Croate du Tourisme
Vieille Halle aux Bles 38, 1000 BRUXELLES, BELGIUM
tel: +32 255 018 88
fax: +32 251 381 60
e-mail: [email protected]
Oficina de Turismo de Croacia
Calle Claudio Coello 22, esc. B, 1°C,
28001 MADRID, ESPANA
tel.: +34 91 781 5514
fax.: +34 91 431 8443
e-mail: [email protected]
Horvat Idegenforgalmi Kozosseg
Magyar u. 36, 1053 BUDAPEST, MAGYARORSZAG
tel/fax: +36 1 266 65 05; +36 1 266 65 33
e-mail: [email protected]
Kroatische Zentrale fur Tourismus
Am Hof 13, 1010 WIEN, OSTERREICH
tel: +43 1 585 38 84
fax: +43 1 585 38 84 20
e-mail: [email protected]
Chorvatske turisticke združenie
Trenčianska 5, 821 09 BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA
tel: +421 2 55 562 054
fax: +421 2 55 422 619
e-mail: [email protected]
Croatian National Tourist Office
350 Fifth Avenue, Suite 4003, NEW YORK 10118, U.S.A.
tel: +1 212 279 8672
fax: +1 212 279 8683
e-mail: [email protected]
Croatian National Tourist Office
2 Lanchesters, 162-164 Fulham Palace Road
LONDON W6 9ER, UNITED KINGDOM
tel: +44 208 563 79 79
fax: +44 208 563 26 16
e-mail: [email protected]
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Narodowy Ośrodek Informacji Turystycznej
Republiki Chorwacji
IPC Business Center, ul. Koszykowa 54,
00-675 WARSZAWA, POLSKA
tel: +48 22 828 51 93
fax: +48 22 828 51 90
e-mail: [email protected]
Kroatiska Turistbyran
Kungsgatan 24, 11135 STOCKHOLM, SVERIGE
tel: +46 853 482 080
fax: +46 820 24 60
e-mail: [email protected]
Kroatisch Nationaal Bureau Voor Toerisme
Nijenburg 2F, 1081 GG AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS
tel: +31 20 661 64 22
fax: +31 20 661 64 27
e-mail: [email protected]
Hrvaška turistična skupnost
Gosposvetska 2, 1000 LJUBLJANA, SLOVENIJA
tel: +386 1 23 07 400
fax: +386 1 230 74 04
e-mail: [email protected]
Kroatische Zentrale fur Tourismus
Badenerstrasse 332, 8004 ZURICH, SWITZERLAND
tel: +41 43 336 20 30
fax: +41 43 336 20 39
e-mail: [email protected]
Croatian National Tourist Board Japan
Ark Hills Executive Tower N613
Akasaka 1-14-5, Minato-ku
Tokyo 107-0052
tel: 0081 03 6234 0711
fax: 0081 03 6234 0712
e-mail: [email protected]
Хорвaтckoe туристическое соовщество
Краснопресненская наб. 12, подъезд 6, офис 1502 123610
МОСКВА, POCC ИЯ
ТЕЛ: +7 495 258 15 07
ФАКС: +7 495 258 15 08
e-mail: [email protected]
The Authors of Photograpies:
Milan Babić, Marijo Bandić, Mario Brzić, Andrija Carli, Đani Celija, Damir Fabijanić, Ljubo Gamulin, Sergio Gobbo, Ivan Hreljanović,
Damil Kalogjera, Braslav Karlić, Juraj Kopač, Renco Kosinožić, Boris Kragić, Nino Marccuti, Damir Martinović, Dragutin Olvitz, Ivo Pervan,
Saša Pjanić, Mario Romulić & Dražen Stojčić, Zlatko Ramničer, Nenad Reberšak, Zvonimir Tanocki.
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