An Introduction to Croatia...the Mediterranean as it once was

Water-taxis often take the scenic route from town to town. Hillsides cloaked in forestry run right to the water's edge. Summer concerts draw the crowds to ancient amphitheatres, and along a thousand miles of shore a thousand tiny islands are sprinkled in a sapphire sea. In such a setting, relaxation is carried on the breeze ...

Washed by the clean, clear waters of the Adriatic, Croatia has more than a little of the southern Mediterranean character. Like Italy and Spain, the vast majority of its population is Roman Catholic, regular churchgoers are the norm, and family values form the fabric of the nation. As in most of the Mediterranean countries, an afternoon siesta is observed and balmy evenings begin with the traditional stroll on the seafront or in the city square. Croatia celebrates a host of national days and religious feasts.

Tradition, in this very new country, has evolved through a long history. An independent democracy since 1991, its national treasures include Roman relics, medieval walled cities, Byzantine basilicas, 13th century ramparts and 16th century palaces. Cobbled streets in its character-filled towns have chimed to the footsteps of countless generations, and bell towers in Baroque churches have rung the changes of a chequered past. So the keen or curious historian could sightsee for weeks and still leave plenty for next time, were it not for the fact that contemporary Croatia tempts you to a feast of alternative attractions...

On a coastline where sandy bays are few and far between, there's nothing to cloud the clarity of the surrounding seas, making them perfect for swimming, snorkelling and diving. With rocky beaches, pebble coves and man-made bathing platforms, it's easy to make the most of the water, and for those who would rather be on it than in it, there are island hopping ferries to many of the offshore islets and outcrops. Little fishing ports are liberally scattered along the shoreline - ensuring a fresh supply of seafood for delicious local dishes. Away from the coast, glorious rural scenery lines your route to timeless tiny villages. Here in the hills there's an almost tangible awareness that you're well off the beaten track of tourism. It's a rare and refreshing feeling.

Location

With the Danube forming much of its northern boundary, and the Adriatic marking its western reaches, the country shares its borders with Slovenia and Hungary to the north, while Bosnia & Herzegovina occupy the centre of Croatia's crescent shape. Italy's north-eastern coastline faces Croatia from the west.

124 Blue Flag Beaches!

Although sandy beaches are rare here, the majority of them being of fine shingle, in 2009 the prestigious Blue Flag was awarded to no fewer than 124 of Croatia's beaches; 25 of these are in the Istrian resort of Porec. The most famous beach is Zlatni Rat (Golden Horn) on the island of Brac - which points a 300m finger into the Adriatic. In 2009 this beach was voted "the best in Europe" by the Daily Telegraph and "one of the 10 best beaches in the World" by the Lonely Planet. The island of Brac has a smaller sandy cove near Postira, along with several pebble bays. A gently shelving sandy beach attracts families to little Lopud island, offshore from Dubrovnik, while the Makarska Riviera is a series of picturesque white pebble bays and water's edge promenades. The ragged and indented coastline of the Istrian Riviera creates a medley of sheltered coves and rocky outcrops. Korcula Island is hemmed by 195 beaches and coves that make excellent snorkelling grounds. The little visited (except in August) Island of Vis has secluded coves and a Blue Grotto, which can put Capri in the shade! To find your own Robinson Crusoe beach take a water taxi from the Island of Hvar to the myriad Pakleni Islands . Whichever Croatia beach you may choose, a pine clad promenade is likely to form a green ribbon backdrop to amazingly clear water.

Food & Wine

Served with fresh vegetables and cooked in olive oil, coastal Croatia's cuisine is based on a hugely varied range of seafood dishes. It's said that 400 species of fish thrive in local waters. Some which appear on mouth watering menus could include bream, cuttlefish and fresh sardines, swordfish-style dentex and orhan, prstaci shellfish, langoustines like mini lobsters, and squid -often deliciously prepared with rice in its own blue-black ink. Try the brodet - a mixed fish stew with rice. The Italian influence on Croatia extends to its inexpensive specialities with pizza and pasta dishes in many eateries. Local meat is usually produced from free-roaming outdoor reared animals. Specialities include prsut - a Parma ham equivalent, served as a starter with local cheese in oil, cevapcici - little rissoles of beef, onion and herbs, and raznjici - pork kebabs. Manistra od bobica - a dish from the inland area, is a vegetarian soup of beans and maize. Local wines include some from organic vineyards. Some of the best bottled wines are (reds) Dingac, Postup and Kastellet, (whites) Posip and Grk from Korcula island and Bogdanusa and Zlatan Otuk from Hvar.If you opt for carafe wines you'll find the reds are more reliably good than the whites.

Activities

With such famous sons as Goran Ivanisevic and Mario Ancic, it's no surprise that Croatians are keen on tennis. Wherever you are, there's sure to be a court nearby - along with a basketball court and / or football pitch, two other favourite sports. Sailing is a super way to enjoy the coastal seas, and boats and berths can be hired in many little ports. Waterskiing, windsurfing, and fun rides on 'donuts' and banana boats are widely available in high season months, and Croatia has several recognised dive schools for scuba enthusiasts.

Shopping

Lace, leather goods, embroidered table linens, wood-carvings and colourful ceramics all contribute to the variety of locally hand-crafted giftware. All the towns and even small villages have somewhere selling local crafts, from market stalls to curiosity shops. Brilliant browsing grounds include Dubrovnik's medieval streets and marble-paved squares, Cavtat's old town, the atmospheric centre of ancient Rovinj, and among the cobbled streets of Porec.

Entertainment

As you would expect, the variety of bars and nightclubs is more extensive in direct proportion to the size of the town and, though some stay open late into the night, it's fair to say that Croatia's nightlife is generally low key. Many of the larger hotels offer evening entertainment and the summer calendar includes a host of village festivals, carnivals and concerts - covering everything from folklore to classical and jazz. Atmospheric venues include churches and palaces, and al fresco events on Dubrovnik's ramparts and in Pula's Roman arena.

Getting Around

A superbly scenic coastal road runs from Dubrovnik north to Zadar, turning inland before returning to the sea to encircle the Istrian peninsula. A hire car would be a real bonus for discovery here. Good regular ferry services link the mainland ports to their outlying islands.

Essentials

Language

Croatian, although English is widely spoken in hotels and restaurants.

Money

The currency of Croatia is denominated in Kuna. There are approximately 8 Kuna to the British Pound although this will depend on the exchange rate at the time. Sterling, whether cash or travellers' cheques, is readily accepted and easily changed. Larger restaurants and many shops accept international credit cards. ATM cash points are available in most resorts.

Local costs

The cost of eating out, bar prices, taxi fares and other items can vary according to the resort. Please see the information shown under the individual resort areas of Dubrovnik, Makarska (for Baska Voda, Brela, Makarska & Tucepi), Island of Brac, Island of Hvar, Porec, Rovinj and Opatija

Excursions

A list of excursions available from each resort area with approximate costs is shown under the individual resort areas of Dubrovnik, Makarska, Islands of Brac & Hvar, Porec, Rovinj & Opatija

Vaccinations

None are compulsory.

Water

Safe to drink, but it may contain different minerals to those you may be used to. Bottled water is cheap and plentiful.

Visas

None required by holders of British or other EU passports, USA, Canadian, Australian or New Zealand passports.

Time difference

BST+1 / GMT+2  (GMT+1 in winter).

Electricity

220v.

Flight time

2hrs - 3hrs 15mins.

May we also suggest:

• Sail out of Dubrovnik harbour on the majestic galleon Tirena
• Try 2 of Croatia's top wines - Zlahtina white from the island of Krk and Dingac red from the Peljesac peninsula
• Find your own island for a day. Fix a price in advance with a small water taxi, take a picnic and let the ‘captain' decide - go in the morning and agree a time to collect you later in the day
• Buy a small bottle of lavender to take home for the bath. Produced on the island of Hvar, most of it is organic
• Try local fish caught in these waters: gavuni are delicious small fish, larger than whitebait and similar to sprats
• Climb to the church at the top of the town (most places have one) - you can usually access the bell tower for fantastic views
• See the fabulous mosaics in the Basilica of Euphrasius in Porec, the Dubrovnik ramparts & the Roman ruins at Solin