:: Travel News for Your next Holiday & Vacation in Croatia | Croatia Blog ::

Croatia is a country located in Southern Europe, although most people would classify it as being part of Eastern Europe. It is located on the eastern shores of the Adriatic Sea, which puts it right across that sea from Italy. Additionally, Croatia also borders countries in Eastern and Southern Europe such as Slovenia, Montenegro, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Hungary.

The population of Croatia is around 4.5 million people, making it one of the smaller countries within Europe. The vast majority of the people that live within Croatia are people that are Croatian in terms of their nationality, with over 95% of the population being made up of such people. The vast majority of immigrants to the country are from bordering countries and nearby areas, which means that you are not likely to see that many visible minorities when you are within the country.

Croatia is home to five different regions, all of which have a number of interesting tourist attractions for you to see. When considering where you should go in Croatia, it is useful to think of things in terms of the regions they are located in. To get you started, here is a brief rundown of all of the different regions within Croatia. 
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Novi Vinodolski is an attractive tourist town, far known for its beautiful sandy and rocky beaches, a one hundred year old park, rich vegetation, country villas and luxury apartments and hotels which are visited by tourists from all over the world.

It is located in the middle part of the northen Croatian coast, and has developed from an old Frankish fort called Novigrad and spread along the coast.

Novi Vinodolski is characterized by the coastal architecture of white fronts and red rooftops that rise above the old city core, from sea level to the church and tower on the hill, high above the city's conture.

Because of its beauty, closeness and extremely good infrastructure, this city attracts more tourists from year to year. The Adriatic tourist road connects Novi Vinodolski across Rijeka with central Europe and is located at the end of a road that leads through an area of high black forests of Kapela, the shortest route across Ogulin that connects continental Croatia with the sea.

This is a city of exceptional history, populated since the ancient times, with many monuments of culture from that period, among which are the walls of the Roman fort Lopsica, then the remains of the Pauline monestary, the Frankish castle with a tower, the church of the Holy Trinity and St. Marina on the island of the same name, the house of the Mažuranić brothers, the Heritage museum and the gallery, and the old city centre.

In the city centre there is a Frankish castle with a square tower which houses a modernly decorated National library founded in 1845.

The Korzo in Novalja is one of the most beautiful coastal streets which with its futuristic and unusual wavey look especially intrigues visitors and tourists. Throughout the whole year the Korzo is a sort of a «living room» to the people of Novalja and many tourists. It has many cafe's with terraces and small shops, and the walking area is decorated with trees and flowers. Apartments Novalja

Thanks to the evergreen vegetation and mild conditions of the mediterranean area, clean sea and air, Novi Vinodolski was in 1878., after Opatija, included on the list of tourism pioneers of the coastal area.

The city has a mild and healthy mediterranean climate with mild and pleasant warm and sunny summers, with the daily temperature moderated by the light winds coming from the sea. Even though the days of the swimming seasons are mostly sunny, high temperatures can be endured because the mild winds that blow through the Vinodolski canal, ease the summer heat.

The hospitality of the population, the crystal blue sea, the city and its surroundings without industrial pollution, the mountain air from the high forest of the hinterland are all suitable for hunting tourism and are priceless advantages in the development of tourism in this area.

In Pavlomir, not far from Novi Vinodolski, 25 acres of vineyards have been planted, so the people of Novalja are proud of their quality wines.

Classic hotels, modern tourist resorts, camps, bungalows, apartments and rooms in private houses offer acommodation capacities to over 10.000 tourists a day. Built as part of the hotel resorts or close to them are sporting grounds, inner and outter swimming pools with sea water, saunas and similar facilities.

In Novi Vinodolski one of the most beautiful and most luxurious resorts in Croatia has been built – Novi Spa Hotels & Resort, which can acommodate around 1500 gueats in its apartments. At the resort there are nine swimming pools, restaurants, children's city, a garage with 500 parking spaces and the largest wellness centre in this part of Eaurope, that stretches 10.000 square meters.

During the summer months Novi Vinodolski offers its guests a number of interesting cultural and fun events.

The waters of the city port with vessel berths, gas stations, a crane for lifting and lowering vessels, a parking lot, are all intended for nautical tourists, for whom an emergency service and sea rescue has also been organized.

With the Adriatic tourist road, the railway station Rijeka, the airport Krk-Rijeka, and especially the sea routes, this city is connected to Europe and the Medinerranean. Novi Vinodolski can also be reached by motorway by a 20km route.

Povile
A small coastal village with only about 200 inhabitants is located only 2 km from Novi Vinodolski. It is located near the Adriatic motorway and stretches across two bays, where tourist resorts and three autocamps have been built. The sea is very clear and especially suitable for sports fishing and underwater activities. This place is suitable for guests who seek to find a quiet Mediterranean atmosphere. Catering services can be found in the tourist resorts or the private restaurants that offer a rich choice of fish and other national delicacies.

Klenovica – Krmpote
Klenovica is mentioned in the 17. st. as a settlement of Krmpoćan's. It is located on the far southeast side part of Novi Vinodolski. Here live about 400 people of which many are outstanding fishermen. The part of Klenovice – Krmpota is a direct contrast of the grey, mountain massive and the mild Mediterranean climate. Along the coast stretch natural beaches and bushes and just a few kilometers to the northUz morsku obalu protežu se prirodne plaže i šumarci, a samo nekoliko kilometara sjevernije stretch the forest slopes of Kapela and Velebita. Klenovica offers around 500 beds in family houses, 50 beds in the apartments of the Vila Lostura and about 2000 places in autocamps. Also here are a few very good sea food restaurants that offer a rich choice of fish specialities. It has a good port, a post office, a gas station and shops. West of Klenovica is the bay Žrnovnica with a rich supply of good drinking water, from which the whole county is supplied with water.

Smokvica – Sibinj
Has good acommodation capacity in private housing and a camp in Sibinj. Stands out with extremely beautiful beaches.

Ledenice
Ledenice were for centuries the watchtower at the entry to the Vinodolska valley. Located 8km southeast of Novi Vinodolski it lays on a grassy plateau. In the 16th century the fort and its walls were very important for the coastal area in their defense from the Turks. At the beginning of the 18th century the old Ledenice city lost its importance and became deserted, and beneath the fort sprouted todays village. Today Ledenice with the surrounding places; D. Zagon, Bater and Brezam is an interesting resort which offers good conditions for hunting tourism, cycling and mountain walks.  Recommendations for hotels Kvarner.
Source: Croatia.hr

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Dugi otok
Dugi otok is a place of peculiarity and contrast, attractive tourist destinations and natural beauties, special views and beautiful hidden bays and beaches. The island is about 45 km long, about 1 km wide at its narrowest point, and 4km wide at its widest point. On it are 12 villages connected by a road.

Dugi otok is rich in sacral heritage. There is the church of St. John from the 5th -6th century in Sali, the cultural and administrative centre of the island, then the church of St. Victor on Stivanja gora from the 8th-9th century and St. Pelegrin, a monument of the highest category in the village Savar.

Sali is known for its rich, thousand year old fishing tradition. Parks and olive gardens over a thousand years old are an attraction for many tourists who also enjoy the unforgettable donkey races as part of the Cultural summer of Sali, a traditional summer folk manifestation. Zaglav is located at the entrance to the Kornati islands,which makes it especially attractive to sailors and tourists are attracted by the beautiful beaches.

On the northwest part of the island is the small port Božava. The crystal blue sea and the many bays surrounded by pine trees make Božava an ideal place for a real holiday and relaxation.

On the northwestern cape of Dugi otok, the lighthouse Veli rat or Punta Bjanka was built in 1849. It is 42 meters high, which makes it the highest lighthouse on the Adriatic. As a part of the lightouse are decorated tourist apartments.

Dugi otok is first mentioned in the middle of the 10th century by the Byzantine Emperor Constantin Porfirogenet, who in his piece De administrando imperio ,calls it Pizuh. Found on the island were archeological excavations dating from the stone ages, which proves that the island was populated very early on.

Island Pašman
Island Pašman, in the Zadar archipelago, is set apart from the coast by the Pašman canal that has dozens of little islands.

From the place of the same name Pašman, there stretches an unforgettable view of the many uninhibited islands which are best discovered by boat or sailboat. This place was first mentioned by King Petar Krešimir IV., under the name Postimana.

The village Ždrelac was formed around the church of St. Luke and extended onto a few bays and hills. It was named after the narrow passage at which end it is located, with which Pašman is separated from the island Ugljan. Ždrelac is an attractive destination for sailors and lovers of water sports and the beautiful beaches make it very attractive vacation spot.

Island Ugljan
Because of its location and other characteristics, island Ugljan has the most sunny days in the waters around Zadar. On the island are 7 villages, of which the largest one is Ugljan in the northwest part. This place has a long tourism tradition. Smaller yachts can dock in the little port, while the bigger ones can dock in the souteast part. Swimmers will be delighted by the sandy beaches and the most beautiful ones are in the bays Ćinta, Mostir and Luka.

Preko (across) is – as its name explains – a village across Zadar. Typical Dalmatian architecture, many country houses and paths next to the sea give it a real mediterranean atmosphere, while the view of the Zadar canal and the mediterranean vegetation are an additional attraction for tourists. Located on the island is a little place called Kali, known for its strong fishing fleet.

Island Silba
Silba is an island without cars or motorbikes; on it the transportation of goods is done by hand carts on two wheels, tractors and trailors. On the island there are no hotels, but comfortable acommodation can be found in private houses and apartments, in which the pleasant hosts will make every visitor of Silba leave happy and satisfied with their stay. The island is well known for not having poisonous plants or animals.

Island Olib
Located east of Silba this island was populated even in Roman times, and in the 10th century it was mentioned under the name Aloep. It is one of the lowest in the Zadar archipelago. Rich vegetation and spacious grassland are characteristic for this island, on which the inhabitants live from manufacturing olive oil, cheese and wine, tourism and fishing.

Island Premuda
9 km long and 1 km wide, covered in holm oak, low vegetation and olives, Premuda is an attractive destination for sailors and divers. Among the most famous diving locations is the popular «katedrala», a cave system that will fascinate every underwater visitor.

Island Iž
Located in the central canal between Ugljan and Dugi otok, Iž attracts with its exquisite charm. On the island are two villages; Veli and Mali Iž. This is the only Dalmatian island whose population engaged in pottery, and in the past few years it has become a real paradise for tourists wishing to experience a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere.
Source: Croatia.hr

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Orahovica is a town of tourism and wine. Located at the foot of Krndija and Papuk because of its untouched nature, mountain streams and clean air, it has been called the «Slavonian Switzerland». With its location, cultural-historical heritage and preserved nature, Orahovica is made for tourism. This was realized a long time ago by the people living in this area, who in 1905. founded an association for the beautification of Orahovica.

The city has a rich monumental heritage. It is dominated by a baroque church Discovery of the Holy Cross, from 1756. A few kilometers south of the city, hidden among hills is a monestary with the church of St. Nicholas, an exquisite example of sacral architecture from the 16th century. In the nearby village Crkvari is the unique church of St. Lawrence from the 13th century.

The most famous cultural-historical monument of the Orahovica area is Ružica grad, one of the best preserved medieval manor forts in Croatia. It was built at the end of the 14th and the beginning of the 15th century, 5 kilometers southeast of the city. This is a monument of the highest category, with a particular sacral, urban and fortification value, to which many legends are connected to.

At the foot of Ružica grad, 1,5 km from the centre of Orahovica is an artificial lake with a surface of 1,7 ha. Surrounded by a tame forest, it was created in 1961. by an artificial dam that was built. During hot summer days it is an ideal place for cooling down.
Source: Croatia.hr

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Kopački rit is a nature park that stretches across 23.230 acres and is located only a few kilometers from Osijek. This is a unique area in Europe because in it is the biggest natural fish hatchery, habitat of roe deer, well know capital deers and does, beavers, otters, wild boars and feathered game, a real orinthological paradise. In Kopački rit there are 293 species of birds, that make up 78 percent of Croatia's orinthofauna. Here we also have 44 types of fish and more than 2000 different biological species of which many are rare and endangered at a world level. Especially interesting are the birds that nest in colonies and in the park a large number of endangered species such as the black stork or the White-tailed Eagle can be seen.

Kopački rit is a natural «laboratory» which is invaluable and which attracts year after year, more and more visitors, that can have long walks on miles long educational paths which have along them information stands with basic info on important plant and animal species. It is an extremely valuable, natural swamp area, one of the rarest in Europe that represents an extraordinary example of creation and evolution of swamp eco systems and flooded areas. Because of its preserved eco system , biological diversity and extraordinary scientific and biological value, Kopački rit was in 1967. protected with a status of a natural reserve. Nine years later a smaller area of the reserve, 7700 acres, got the status of a special zoo reserve, while the other part was proclaimed a nature park. The international value of Kopački rit was confirmed in 1989. by its inclusion in the ornithologically significant areas and in 1993. got the status of an internationally significant swamp area.

In the heart of the Park is the interesting castle Tikveš, where rooms can be rented.
Source: Croatia.hr

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The all-inclusive hotels of Poreč, Valamar Club Tamaris and Valamar Tamaris Residence are this year's laureates of TUI Holly 2010., the most prestigious award that is awarded by one of the world's largest tourist operators TUI. With this the Valamar hotels are now included in the top 100 best hotels in the world, in which TUI guests stay at. TUI established the award in1994. and rewards it exclusively on the grounds of expressed satisfaction of its guests in the period of one year. This year competing were 905 world hotels, who to qualify, had to summon at least 35 positive grades given by guests upon arriving home from their holiday. TUI is one of the world's biggest tourist and transport companies with its headquarters in Hannover, Germany. Recommendations for hotels Porec.  Apartments Porec
Source: Croatia.hr

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The promotional film «Advent in Zagreb» made by the Tourist Board of Zagreb, has recieved its first award in the category for best tourism video, at the 46th International festival of tourism films in the Italian city Lecce, in the province Apulia.

300 films from 60 countries from every continent competed in ten categories. Croatia participated in every category with 14 films, and the prize was only won by Zagreb.

Tourfilm festival was founded in 1962., and its founder and president (now honorary) to this day is the respected journalist Antonio Conte from Rome. The festival is held in the organization of the European federation of tourism journalists and European tourism club of the province and city Lecce, under the sponsorship of ENIT, the National Tourist Organisation of Italy.
Source: Croatia.hr

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Varaždin has been famous throughout its history for being one of the central points of cultural life in Croatia. However, the 18th century was the turning point for the city's cultural life. In this period the city intensly progressed and from 1755-76. it was the capital city of Croatia, under the influence of all the richness of baroque and the aristocrat elite that were fascinated by it, it became the centre of unbridled balls and the luxury aristocrat life. To honor baroque and its richness, that has greatly marked this city and earned it the name «little Vienna», in Varaždin, every year there is a traditional festival of baroque music.

Varaždin baroque nights, every September and October turn back time to a period when in the rich city palaces you could hear indescribable musical creativity and witness the gracefull dances and cultural events.

The festival was founded in 1970., and through the years it has become a recognizable cultural manifestation, well known in Croatia and Europe. It has become an irreplacable part of the Varaždin tourist offer, promoting the city's history, not only through music but also through the unique architecture. The baroque churches and palaces and the Old Town are a part of Varaždin that give it its identity.

This festival of music brings every year many world famous artists, soloists, orchestra's and ansambles. It is an experience that cannot be described but has to be experienced first hand. The concerts take the audience a few centuries back in time, to a period when music was a highly aesthetic art. Many concerts of Croatian and foreign ansambles create a romantic atmosphere of a baroque town, but are also very important from a music point because in their program they sometimes preform just discovered or never before played pieces. Also, with the introduction of modern interpretations of already famous pieces , the Baroque festival achieves remarkable results in the professional approach to baroque music.
Source: Croatia.hr

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The best fishermen of the world gather each September in Jezera, a small fishing village on the island Murter in central Dalmatia, as to compete in catching the «big fish» – Big Game Fishing. Drawing out large specimens of fish can take hours, and this kind of fishing can also get rather unpredictable . The catch, the fight, the overcoming and the drawing the fish, which can sometimes weigh a few hundred kilos, out, among which are ,apart from the blue tuna; luca, igluna and albacore tuna, requires from fishermen extreme strength, patience and knowledge. This is an adrenaline sport, uncertain and unpredictable to the very end, which reveals new challenges that bring out team work and a competitive spirit. It is the biggest European competition that is organized at the end of summer, which is the best time for catching tuna and other big sea fish. It is held in the rich fishing areas of Blitvenica, Žirje and Kornati, and this 12th year begins on the 19th September.

Big Game Fishing has become a prestige event at which all the big names of the big game fishing world like to be seen at. Thanks to this competition the small fishing village Jezera has become famous in the sports fishing world. Jezera is located on the southeast side of the island Murter, the biggest archipelago of Šibenik. The island is interesting because of its closeness to land which it is connected to by a 30 metre long bridge. Surrounded by hills, Jezera is drawn into the horseshoe shaped bay. Because of its position it is not exposed to strong winds and its cove is perfect for docking and mooring. In its proximity are two national parks: Kornati and Krka.

Although the first document of Jezera dates back to 1298., it is probably much older, because not far from it, in the bay Podjasenovac, two graves of the Ilyrian tribe Liburni were dicovered, from a pre ancient period, in 1938. The people of Jezera are very proud of their traditional costumes, customs, songs and dances, which can get to be known by tourists in the summer months through the many cultural, sporting and fun events, that are held under the name 'Days of the sea'. During the time of Big Game Fishing visitors will not be «spared» of the many other interesting manifestations.
Source: Croatia.hr

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