Tag Archives: Adriatic

Destinations, Europe, Travel Tips

Kornati: Nautical Paradise in Croatia

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Set amid jewel blue sea, the 89 islands, reefs and islets of the Kornati National Park create a true nautical paradise. If you want to take in all of these islands then your slalom sailing skills will be well and truly put to the test.

About the Kornati National Park

The idea for creating a National Park in Kornati was first mooted in 1965. From the very beginning, the aim with this national park was to preserve a region of unspoiled natural beauty. Sheep farming and wine making used to be the main pursuits on these islands, however now restaurants, tourist guest houses and welcoming bays are the main attractions in Kornati – alongside the gorgeous scenery of the Adriatic coast.

kornati croatia

Amazing natural beauty

The Kornati National Park is home to some wonderful biodiversity. Species of particular interest that you will find in this area include the Eagle Owl and the Yellow Legged Gull. There are no less than eighteen different butterfly species spread out amongst the islands and plenty of mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish and beautiful plants. Whether you want to explore some caves or stroll on a sunny beach, take a dip in the inviting waters of the sea or go bird watching amid wildflowers on a grassy plain, this National Park will have plenty for you. This national park is also home to some very intriguing geological features, and so geologists come from far and wide throughout the year to unearth fossils, crystals and exciting rock strata.

A rich palimpsest of history

These islands are steeped in history. Before the Croats arrived around a century ago, there were Neolithic and Paleolithic populations, for instance, and the ways in which the various cultures have interacted over the years have resulted in a wonderfully diverse cultural atmosphere. Make sure to take a look at the traditional houses and pastures when you visit these islands, and to try a traditional dish or two at once of the delectable restaurants on the larger islands (there are over 20 restaurants to choose from so you will not go hungry!). There is so much to explore here!

kornati islands

A nautical paradise

As you can tell from the above, the Kornati National Park most certainly lives up to the epithet of ‘a nautical paradise‘. Combining natural beauty with biodiversity, and ample opportunities for sailing and water sports with a relaxed and culturally rich way of life, this National Park is a very desirable holiday destination. So why not pay a visit to the islands for your next holiday? You can either rent a yacht in Croatia and go exploring on your own or book a guided boat tour. Remember to bear in mind that an island pass will be needed in order to visit any and all of the islands that comprise this marine park.

Everyone who comes to Kornati discovers something new, whether that is a butterfly or a flower, a great spot for swimming or having a picnic or a wonderful geological feature. What will you discover when you decide to take a boat trip around the gorgeous islands of Croatia’s most famous ‘nautical paradise’?

Destinations, Europe

What to Expect When Visiting Islands on The Adriatic

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Visitors to islands on the Adriatic Sea can expect to find delightful islands and top tourist destinations for those looking for holidays with an incredible mix of adventure, sun, and sea. There are many wonderful and scenic places for you to visit, from sun-soaked islands to their pristine hill towns, and the region boasts a wide array of landscapes. The good thing about these islands is that they’re easily accessible and you can have an incredible time exploring.

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There are over a thousand islands dotting the Adriatic Sea, and the most popular islands to visit include Mljet, Vis, Hvar, Brac, and Pag. The following is what you can expect when you visit these locations.

Warm and sunny weather

The weather in this region is warm and sunny and these islands enjoy a pleasantly mild Mediterranean climate with a high number of dry, sunny days. Since this is a coastal region, you can expect warm and dry summers while the winters are wet and rarely chilly.

sunny-day-hvar

The coast region receives a lot of sunshine, especially the remote islands of Hvar and Korcula, which also happen to be the most arid. The best time to visit the region is between June and September when temperatures hover around 30 degrees Celsius.

Gorgeous and versatile nature

In general, these islands along the coast of Croatia are characterized by a special clarity and vivid colors, which contribute to the unique landscapes, along with a picturesque shoreline.

adriatic-islands-nature

Here you can enjoy fishing, and the water is also rich in various kinds of crustaceans. There’s natural beauty and stunning scenery all around and here you can find over 500 species of green, brown and red algae. Here you can enjoy watching bottlenose dolphins, sea turtles, and monk seals, and for passionate divers, there’s incredible world of colorful sea creatures and forms they can explore beneath the crystal-clear water.

Kind and friendly people

When you visit these islands, you will meet warm and friendly people and you will feel very welcome everywhere you go. You can relax and explore these islands while chilling out with awesome people in some of the most stunning surroundings ever. You can also discover the rich local culture and heritage, and a trip to one of the many unspoiled villages in the area can be an unforgettable experience.

villa-brac-island

Accommodation for every budget

When it comes to accommodation, you can book your dream holiday and stay at a luxury Croatian villa that will cater to your budget. You can choose a villa based on the number of bedrooms or the average rental price. Cheap accommodation is available as well; you can even find a single room if you like but luxurious suites and villas offer world-class amenities, including air conditioning, internet, Wi-Fi, sprawling gardens, parking, private pools and grilling space.

Great food and entertainment

Tourists can enjoy delicious cuisine and the freshest seafood in picturesque towns.

seafood-delicious-shrimps

For entertainment purposes, there are many joints where visitors can enjoy an awesome night out. Cheap beer is available and you can find cafés and nightclubs full of young people partying the night away. You can also enjoy festivals and beach parties, and you will soon discover why these islands have risen to become the hottest party destinations in Europe.

Cultural and Historical Heritage, Destinations, Europe, Travel Tips

Trogir: The Hidden Gem of Croatia

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Trogir is a harbor town in Split-Dalmatian County, Croatia. The town is also a World Heritage Site since the year 1997. As of the year 2011, the official population of this town stood at 10,818 people. The town lies 27 kilometers west of the county’s main administrative city, Split.

History and Culture

This city has a checkered history. It was founded by the Greeks in 3 BC and evolved as a major port. From the tenth century towards the nineteenth century, Trogir was greatly influenced by the Italian city-states of Genoa and Venice enjoying both commercial and cultural ties with both cities. It was not until the year 1797 that these Italian ties were severed on account of the conquest of Europe by the Hapsburg Empire. The city was reckoned as a unit of the Hapsburg Empire until the end of World War One.

historical building trogir

After 1918, this city linked up with the states of Croats, Serbs and Slovenes to form the Kingdom of Yugoslavia. Later conquests by Italy during the Second World War, annexed this town to be a district of Dalmatia, Italy. After Marshall Tito’s army occupation from 1944, it was recognized as a territory of Yugoslavia and from 1991 as part of Croatia.

The city has a rich culture with an abundance of Renaissance works and architecture. Its most iconic building is the Church of St.Lawrence that embodies the influence of the Romanesque period in Croatia. In the same vein, it is in Trogir that some major work of Roman literature-Dinner of Trimalchio was discovered in this ancient town.

Accommodation and Getting around

Trogir has an excess of more than 20,000 beds stretched out over hotels, private villas, and apartments. Reservations and contact with private home owners are the modes of securing your accommodation whilst in this haven. One can shuttle by a regular bus service that serves this town or elects to lease a car or a taxi. The public transport system in this metropolis is excellent.

trogir croatiaa

Local food and wine

The local cuisine is oriented to seafood: mussels, shrimp, and roast fish. There are also meat specialties like sour marinated beef, beef cooked in sauce(tomato), ham, sheep cheese, salty sardines, roasted lamb, and sauteed greens and potatoes complete this rich motif of the local cuisine. To top up all this is the rich wine which is a product of the rich Dalmatian soil. The wine is produced by both individual families and private enterprises and follows traditions that are strictly passed on from one subsequent generation to the next.

local food wine

Things to do in Trogir

To fully appreciate the riches on offer in this ancient city, try out the following activities:
* Visit the Duke’s palace;
* Visit the Cathedral that has the works of Master Radovan, one of Croatia’s greatest artists;
* Go visit the city core that has ten churches and marvelous architectural sites that mark major epochs in architectural history
* Rent a boat or yacht from a Croatia charter and visit the nearby islands like Ciovo, Solta and Drvenik Veli.

These are some of the sights and sounds that you can expect to feast your eyes on when you visit this historic city, enjoy!

sailing trogir

Editor's Picks, Europe

Top 5 Croatian Islands You Should Visit

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Croatia is a country of a thousand islands; known for their beautiful landscapes, unspoiled nature, pebble beaches and olive groves, these gems of nature are visited every year by tens of thousands of tourists. But, since there are so many of them, which one to visit, you might ask yourself. To help you with that dilemma, we offer you a list of the five Croatian islands we consider the most interesting.

And here are the top 5 Croatian islands you should visit:

1. Vis

Once a Yugoslav military naval base, Vis is now a perfect oasis of peace and quiet for those seeking to escape the urban frenzy and crowds often present in larger Croatian tourist towns. Besides being a place of exquisite natural beauty and clean rocky beaches, Vis will enchant you with its warm locals (who’ll be happy to teach you catch and prepare fish), taverns (the island is known for its winemaking tradition and seafood delicacies) and fauna, as the island is covered with vineyards, palm, pine, olive and oleander trees. It’s also a perfect destination for couples who want to enjoy the intimacy of long romantic walks and hidden bays.

Viz
Viz

2. Pag

The island of Pag is the center of Croatian tourist nightlife as it is dotted with beach bars and nightclubs with 24-hour licenses, meaning that the party – literally – never ends. The beach parties at Papaya, Aquarius, Kalypso and other Pag clubs often host well-known international DJs and the island became the place-to-be for teenage and generally younger, party-eager visitors. But even if you don’t consider yourself a party animal, Pag will amaze you with its barren interior (often compared to the surface of the Moon!), famous sheep cheese and lamb delicacies as well as the traditional folklore songs and costumes.

Pag
Pag

3. Losinj

Located in Kvarner, the northern region of the Adriatic, Losinj belongs to an archipelago that consists of more than 30 islands and islets and is considered to be one of the most visually attractive archipelagos in the Mediterranean. It’s almost a classic-Caribbean type of scenery; the sky is sunny and cloudless, the sea is deep and green and the island is heavily forested, an attribute in which the people of Losinj take great pride. In fact, there are even tours such as the Aromatic Island Garden designed to show visitors the richness of the island’s flora and fauna. As all the settlements are small towns with a blend of Venetian and Greek influences, Losinj is an ideal place for a rejuvenating, heart-soothing holiday.

Losinj
Losinj

4. Hvar

The island of Hvar is located between Korcula, Brac, and Vis; it is unique because of its large fertile coastal plain, fresh water springs and many pine forests, vineyards, and olive groves. The island has been inhabited for thousands of years and has always been in the center of sailing routes of the Adriatic Sea, which turned it into an important focal point of naval trade in the past. The ancient Greeks founded a colony at the island, somewhere around 4th century BC. The site is today known as Stari Grad and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Today, it’s a famous tourist island attracting a large number of people every summer, but historically it was a place of culture and arts, and, curiously, the place of one the first public theaters in Europe.

Hvar
Hvar

5. Korcula

Korcula lies near the Dalmatian coast in the south Adriatic and, with over sixteen thousand inhabitants, is the second most populous island in the Adriatic. The main settlements are the tourist towns of Korcula, Blato and Vela Luka, with several smaller villages. The island owes its tourist popularity to the warm and clean Adriatic and the mild Mediterranean climate and is mostly covered with pine forests. It’s the alleged birthplace of the famous adventurer Marco Polo and, according to legend, the first settlement on the island was founded by the Trojan hero, Atenor in the 12th century BC. Ferries connect the island with the cities on the Croatian coast, but there are direct ferries to Italian ports as well.

Korcula
Korcula
Editor's Picks, Europe, Travel Tips

Vodice – Vibrant and Relaxing in Equal Measure

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Vodice is favoured by the balmy mediterranean climate experienced by all the towns and cities on the the Croatian coastline. It is a hopping tourist hotspot, surrounded by gorgeous beaches and natural wonders – no wonder then that so many, young and old, choose to visit or move permanently to this terrific town.

Whether you live for the hustle bustle of the summer season, with beaches to luxuriate on, the yacht-filled marina to meander through and taverns, cafes and clubs galore, or prefer the more sedate side of life, with cultural sites, Roman ruins, National parks and fascinating wildlife of land and sea, visit Vodice to find exactly what you are looking for.

vodice

Perfect place for sunseekers

In summer, Vodice is vibrant and fun-filled. Many fulfil their fantasy of the perfect party-hard vacation in Vodice. During the day, the beaches are filled with sun-seekers and swimmers, and the warm nights are long and filled with music. Tourists go for excellent seafood meals at Vodice’s many fine restaurants, and drink in a relaxed tavern or busy bar before adjourning to a club to dance until the wee hours in a hedonistic bacchanalia that, while wild, retains a relaxed and happy vibe.

vodice beach

Nights full of music and dancing

If you are looking for excitement and adventure, then Vodice can offer it in abundance. Vodice has more to offer than sunbathing. People play on the beaches, and recreate on and under the sun-sparkled Adriatic sea. Why not play tennis or volleyball to burn off those extra holiday pounds? Swim from the beaches, or try diving beneath the blue waters to see the submarine world, teeming with life, or go fishing, sailing, jet-skiing or banana boating above the waves.

Surfing is also popular, and kayaking can be a good way to see the town from a seaward perspective. Or why not venture away from the coast a take a tour inland – bicycling is popular in this varied region. Pick up a biking map from any tourist office in Vodice and you will see the wide variety of tracks available nearby for a range of abilities and fitness levels.

vodice nightlife

Property hotspot for retirement

If you are considering looking for a retirement property, then Vodice could be a very good choice. In the summer, you can enjoy the maelstrom of the tourist invasion and make the most of the fun in the sun, blessed beaches and vibrant lifestyle, while when the tourist season is over, you can enjoy the quieter and more relaxed side of this terrific town.

Vodice has plentiful and varied real estate on offer. Whether you are looking for a larger new build property, a stone town centre villa, or a seaside apartment, there are many exciting deals to be had. So consider Vodice when searching for property in Croatia, and come and experience vibrant and yet relaxing Vodice for yourself.

vodice croatia

The beaches stretch along the whole town of Vodice, and varies along its length. Some of the beaches are pebbly, some rocky, some enjoying sun-drenched terraces on which to spread your towel. One of the most popular stretches is Plava plaza, a Blue flag beach and the recipient of an international ecological award. Another popular stretch is Hangar beach. Both beaches have a range of facilities including bars, restaurants and you can easily access anything you might require as you relax and soak up the sun.

Rich history and culture

If you are a fan of history and culture then you will enjoy the attractions of the town itself – the old parish churches, 17th Century Coric Tower, and the wells on the water springs round which settlement in the area was centred. Near Vodice you can see several more pretty historic churches, and stone field cottages, for example those at Raso’s bunja. Many amazing archaeological sites are to be found near Vodice, including remarkable Roman ruins.

vodice culture

From Vodice you can also visit some of the most spectacular natural sights in Croatia at the Kornati and Krka National Parks. Sail to the beautiful Kornati Islands, or experience the scenic splendour of the waterfalls and lush greenery of Krka National Park inland. Wildlife enthusiasts will also enjoy the Falcon centre in the pine forest of Dubrava.

Destinations, Europe, Travel Tips

Island of Krk – Discover the Hidden Paradise

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Golden Island, as it was called since ancient times, Krk represents one of the largest island on the Adriatic Coast and the one with the most developed economy. Since 1980 the island is linked to mainland via a sustainable bridge. Island’s landscape is highly diverse – the north is almost a pitch of desert due to its strong winds, while the southern part abounds in green vegetation and creeks. Relief favors the cultivation of grapes as well as the creation of the famous “Vrbnicka Zlahtina” wine, which is exported to several regions in the country.

island of krk

Tourist facilities include modern resorts such as huge Omisalj, Njivice and Malinska on the northwest coast and historic towns which preserve plenty of medieval features on the east coast, such as Krk and Baska. If you cannot travel to the island during summer, then you should know that spring and autumn are also ideal seasons – if the weather is on your side you can do plenty of sea swimming in June, September and October. On the island there are several marked trails that will take you through forests as well as seashore paths. It is also worth exploring the underwater world as there are several diving-licensed clubs in Krk, Croatia.

The main administrative center is the city of Krk Island, a city founded before the Romans have settled on the island. Main attractions of the city include the Cathedral of the Assumption in XIII-XVI, Romanesque church of Sv Kvirin (XII century), a fortified castle and a Franciscan monastery. If you are staying longer than one day you can find various accommodation options that will suit your needs. In case you are looking for a longer stay or even thinking about living on this beautiful Island, Krk has some real estate agencies which can help you out.

Baska

Baska is the best resort on the island of Krk, the largest island in Adriatic. Its position assures continued prosperity so Baska is
among the top 10 destinations in the Adriatic. The resort is located inside a smooth valley, in a bay surrounded by olive trees and vineyards. In the background anyone can observe the Velebit mountain, which is ideal for climbing, hiking and mountaineering. Beach is presumed to be only 2 km away from the city, being just one of the 30 beautiful Adriatic beaches which are available to visitors and locals.

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Vel a Plaza, the main beach, is located inside the city center and is surrounded by bars, restaurants, cafes and hotels. Natural beach made of pebble is ideal for children and those who cannot swim. One can rent pedal boats, umbrellas and sunbeds.

In Baska there are several museums, cultural and sports facilities. They originate from one of the oldest and most impressive cultures in Europe. Baska was originally a Romanian place, being located on the area where it is found today. Much of the original town was destroyed by Venetians. In the early sixteenth century the new town Baska developed on the site, greeting visitors with plenty of attractions. There are a few houses from the sixteenth century in there which are still in very good condition and nowadays are used as shops. Not far from the town lies the church of Sv Lucija, where the famous inscription was discovered.

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Malinska

Malinska is a tourist resort located on the western side of the island. Its name was derived from “Mlin” which means windmill. Beach resort consists mostly of gravel. For entertainment there are available various nightclubs, including the popular Crossroad. Promenade Rajska Cesta expands on a distance of several miles and enables visitors to rejoice from beautiful feet walks or bike trips.

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KRK Island also offers few interesting places for those interested in scuba diving, such as:

  • Peltasis (1968)
  • Punta Silo – for beginners but also for experienced divers (3-35 m)
  • St. Marak – 18-22 m – includes fishes and octopus.
  • Vrbnik cave – the cave entrance lies at 15 m depth
  • Tenki reef – maximum depth is of 40 m
  • Kamenjak – two rocks found at a distance of 25 m; diving is possible up to 35 m deep.
  • Glavina – a beautiful location found at 25 m depth

Most certainly, Krk island in Croatia is a beautiful place worth exploring. Furthermore, it is perfectly suitable for those who want to escape city’s conglomeration and move in a tranquil place where plenty of entertainment and relaxation options are available.

Destinations, Europe, Travel Tips

Adriatic Paradise – The Coast Which Has It All

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Have you ever visited a place so magical and other worldly that it robbed you of your breath every time you rounded a bend and took in a new sight? No, I am not talking of a fairy tale wonderland but the irrepressibly beautiful Mediterranean country of Croatia with its long and undulating Adriatic Sea coastline speckled by a thousand islands of all shapes and sizes. If there ever was a sailing paradise anywhere on the world, then this coast wins that designation hands down.

Adriatic Sea

What Makes Croatia’s Adriatic Coast so Special for Sailing?

There is no one reason why sailing off the coast of Croatia comes at the very top of the list of many adventure and thrill seekers. It has the sights, the history, clear blue waters and its central location in Europe makes travel easy and convenient for travelers from all around the world. In short, the following is a running summary of the major reasons why sailing around this enchanting coast should be at the top of your holiday plans.

1. Dalmatian Island Hopping

If Croatia had nothing else to offer the discerning visitor other than its embarrassingly rich collection of islands, it would still command worldwide respect as one of top travel destinations on the globe. Sailing from one end of what is more popularly known as the Dalmatian coastline to the other you will be treated to an unbelievable cornucopia of islands, some of them large and densely populated, others teeming with untamed verdant vegetation and yet others dry and rocky, bereft of all forms of life. The one common denominator is that they are all beautiful to behold with the surrounding azure waters making them stand out in their majesty.

island hopping

The most popular of Croatia’s islands are Brac, Korcula, Hvar, Mljet and Vis. Each of them has its own unique flavors which draw visitors by the droves every year. Sailing from one to the other, popularly known as Dalmatian Island Hopping, is an enduring passion for adventurers who never tire of exploring the region year after year. Almost every one of these islands is ringed by beautiful sandy or pebble beaches. While the major islands are interlinked by a regular ferry service, the bet way to explore the region is aboard a chartered boat. You can charter your own boat from the myriad boat charter agencies in Croatia’s cities such as Dubrovnik or Split.

2. Tour Croatia’s Magical Cities

The historical and cultural heritage of Croatia is quite unprecedented in terms of scale and variety too. Indeed, Croatia has more UNESCO protected cultural heritage sites than such established and ancient European nations as Germany, Italy or France. The most significant of these are walled cities pristinely preserved since their heyday back in the middle ages. If you want a trip back to antiquity and travel back wholly amazed, just book the next flight to Croatia and you are in for one hell of a ride.

magical cities

3. Savor the Tastiest Mediterranean Fare fresh From the Sea and Vineyard

Croatia has an enduring seafood culinary culture as intriguing as the best of Greek Islands or the Mediterranean coast of Italy. The best of seafood dishes are tempered with even more delightful influences from Croatia’s interior offering everything from game meat, vegetables and dairy products as well.

delicious cuisine

If you are passionate about sailing and adventure in general, you will love the great experience of touring Croatia, a country located conveniently at the meeting points of Central Europe, Southern Europe and the Mediterranean region. With its unequaled landscapes, scintillating culture and a historical heritage quite unmatched by any other destination in Europe, there is every reason to go on tour to Croatia if you have never been there and also to make a return visit if you have tasted its delights in the past.