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Discuss this article (0 Comments)Captivating Croatia
by This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it on Sunday, 07 September 2008
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Island hopping around the coast of a former soviet republic may not sound luxurious but Claire Ferris-Lay proves it takes a lot to beat Croatia’s unspoiled Dalmatian Coast.
Croatia is all grown up. Almost a generation after its bitter war, Croatia is redefining itself by re-gentrifying former Soviet buildings with chic luxury hotels, traditional restaurants and sleek boutiques, all set against a stunning coastline backdrop and old-fashioned Croatian charm.
In the near two decades since Croatia gained its independence, the country has demonstrated great determination to move on, and not just by revitalising its tourism industry.
Croatia has refreshingly maintained a strong determination not to let tourism wreak havoc as it has in so many other tourist hot spots. Its message: 'the Mediterranean as it once was'.
The country has joined the UN Security Council, abolished compulsory military service and hopes in the future to gain both NATO and EU membership.
With its exquisite coastlines, dramatic beaches and traditional values, it's no surprise Croatia's tourism has grown alongside its independence. Tourism accounted for more than 5 percent of the country's GDP in 2007, but the figure is expected to increase in the coming years.
Croatia's Tourist Board's message is simple, "The Mediterranean as it once was."
So unlike the Mediterranean's hasty entrance into the heady world of cheap package holidays and soaring concrete high rises, Croatia has refreshingly maintained a strong determination not to let tourism wreak havoc as demonstrated in so many other popular tourist hot spots.
As budget airlines have opened the country up to mass tourism, Croatia has ensured that Venetian style buildings are lovingly restored, national parks are perfectly preserved and the new breed of hotels are well-thought out and subtly integrated into existing scenery.
Boasting Mediterranean weather throughout the summer, Croatia's Dalmatian coast in the south of the country is home to three of its most popular islands Havr, Korcula and Brac.
CAPITAL INFO: Zagreb
Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, is a dazzling place. The city is divided into three parts: the thousand-year old Gornji grad (upper town) which contains the Presidential Palace, the historic church of St. Mark's, the Croatian parliament, and museums and galleries which are all set in cobbled streets lit by gas lamps; the 19th century Donji grad (lower town) with its shops, restaurants, cafes, theatres, parks; and the modern post-war (WWII) Novi Zagreb (new Zagreb).
Zagreb is called a city of museums as there are more of them per square foot than any other city in the world. But this doesn't mean that there is nothing else for you to do if you aren't a history buff.
One of the many pleasures that the Zagrebcani (the people of Zagreb) enjoy is sitting in one of the numerous cafes watching the world go by. In the evening, you can visit one of the many restaurants, sampling a delicious Croatian dish, and finish the day in the one of the myriad bars and clubs.
Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, is a dazzling place. The city is divided into three parts: the thousand-year old Gornji grad (upper town) which contains the Presidential Palace, the historic church of St. Mark's, the Croatian parliament, and museums and galleries which are all set in cobbled streets lit by gas lamps; the 19th century Donji grad (lower town) with its shops, restaurants, cafes, theatres, parks; and the modern post-war (WWII) Novi Zagreb (new Zagreb).
Zagreb is called a city of museums as there are more of them per square foot than any other city in the world. But this doesn't mean that there is nothing else for you to do if you aren't a history buff.
One of the many pleasures that the Zagrebcani (the people of Zagreb) enjoy is sitting in one of the numerous cafes watching the world go by. In the evening, you can visit one of the many restaurants, sampling a delicious Croatian dish, and finish the day in the one of the myriad bars and clubs.
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