Croatia Holiday
All along Croatia's coast, turquoise waters rush to meet dramatic cliffs, pitted with coves that shelter smooth pebbled beaches. With towns that have lost none of their native charm, colorful harbors and lush tropical islands, it's no wonder that people are flooding to Croatia's charming resorts.
"With cool clear waters, secluded coves and enchanting towns, Croatia is perfect for a peaceful hideaway. Escape to the sunshine on one of Europe's prettiest coasts."
Croatia Holiday - Beaches
Croatia's coastline is riddled with secluded bays and small coves, where pebble and shingle shores are lapped by astonishingly clear waters. The smooth rocks ensure there's no sand in your suntan lotion, and many of the beaches have man-made bathing platforms. Not only are the crystal waves ideal for cooling you off from the sun, but they provide perfect conditions for swimming, snorkeling, sailing and windsurfing. Porec and Ronvinj have countless hidden bays, as does the Dalmatian Coast, looking out over Croatia's myriad of islands.
Shopping
Tempting souvenir shops and local crafts are in every resort. Look out for the intricate lace work and embroidered goods typical of Croatia. Many towns produce their own brandies that make a unique souvenir. Ronvinj's galleries sell local work and artists paint portraits along the promenades here and in Porec.
Nightlife
As the evening sets in, the cafés and bars become nighttime watering holes, serving ice creams and coffee as well as alcoholic drinks. The nightlife along the Croatian coast is mellow and informal, though in festival season, the streets are full of music and merriment. Porec and Ronvinj both host rowdy Night Festivals, while the Summer Festival in Dubrovnik sees classical concerts and theatrical performances laid on throughout the town - book tickets early. In the resorts, there are a smattering of bars and discos, and hotels provide entertainment. This is definitely the place to sit back, sip a drink and enjoy the evening air.
Close to the border with Slovenia, the idyllic Istrian Riviera overflows with wooded valleys that give way to green rolling hills crowned by Medieval towns and Venetian citadels. Small fishing villages look out over glittering waters to pine-swathed islands beyond, while the friendly resorts such as Porec, Rovinj and Umag bustle with pavement cafes and restaurants. In fact, these are some of Croatia's most developed resorts, though the influx of tourists has done little to detract from their native beauty. The Istrian Riviera's historical ties and close proximity to Italy have resulted in a fusion of cultures - Istrian cuisine and language closely resemble that of its Adriatic neighbour, Venice. In the south of Croatia lies the stunning Dubrovnik Riviera. This en vogue region on the Dalmatian Coast clings to one of the most dramatic coastlines in Europe. The sublime coastline includes the welcoming resorts of Lopud Island, Cavtat, Mlini and Plat. But without a doubt the ancient walled city of Dubrovnik is the area's crowning jewel. Its fortified old quarter juts out into the azure sea and its steep, cobbled streets buzz with colorful markets that open out into marble-paved squares Croatia's checkered history is still in evidence today, making it a fascinating nation, on the one hand as Mediterranean as Italy and Greece, and on the other strongly Central European. There are no end of discoveries to be made, sights to see, and places to visit. Whether you want to sit back on the beach in the balmy climate, ramble through the tranquil countryside or soak up centuries' worth of history, Croatia has a warm welcome for you.
Local Specialities
Take a pinch of Italian, a slice of Hungarian, a dash or two of Turkish and Vienesse and you have Croatia's cuisine, a delicious blend of the best of the Mediterranean and central European styles. Fresh fish and seafood popular along the coast and meat orientated meals dominate inland. Whichever resort you go to, you will find a pizzeria, but don't miss out on the local flavors! Sample smoked meats, cured hams and sausage, grilled or baked fish dishes or varieties of goulash. Maneora, minestrone like soup, is an Istrian specialty, while on the Dalamatian Coast, try pasticada, beef and bacon cooked in wine and vinegar. Desserts included ice creams and pancakes with coffee. Mealtimes are leisurely in Croatia, and pavement cafés and restaurants are plentiful. Croatian beer is light, and the crisp white and dark red wines grown in each region are consistently good and reasonably priced.