Every country is renown for their own takes on culture and society, and food plays just as an important role in that as everything else. So when travelling around Europe, what are the definite foods you really need to try out to get a real taste of the country you’re in? Continue reading European street food: The definite guide
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The Most Heart-shaped Island in the World
Intro
The world is full of famous Islands which are visited by thousands and thousands of tourist every year, especially during summer holidays. Many people choose Islands over cities because they want to get away from all the city life and just enjoy nature as it is suposed to be. But not all Islands are equal. Some of them are great sailing spots, some are peaceful and relaxation and others are real party paradises. A lot of honeymooners choose Islands as a romantic getaway destination as well and what could be better then visiting the most heart-shaped Island in the world.
What’s so special about the rocky, hard to access island without any facilities? There’s no fancy hotels, bars, no sunshade, no sun beds, not even drinkable water or toilet. Nor the beaches are the nicest. However, from 2009. the popularity of Galesnjak increases every year thanks to eagle-eyed Google Earth. Every bigger news channel broadcasted that Croatia has the heart shaped island, Galesnjak island.
About the Island
Since then, romantic couples who visit Croatia want to share the most romantic moments at the most romantic place in the world, even to have a wedding ceremony in the shrubs and rocks. Many people who spend their sailing holidays in Croatia decide to visit this small but fascinating Island. The first record of its shape was not by Google Earth; in early 19th century Napoleon’s cartographer recorded in the Maps of Dalmatia the shape of” the Island of Love”. Island is privately owned, any visitor has to ask owner for permission to come. It is possible to camp, but is necessary to take everything with you; water, food, tent..
Where it can be found
It is located in Pasman channel, between island of Pasman and small town Turanj near Zadar on mainland. The only way to visit Galesnjak is to rent a boat or to take a short tour with tourist boat as a stopover place. If you’re taking the small boat and want to camp there take all facilities with you. The most comfort way to visit Galesnjak is to rent a sailing boat or motor yacht. Then you can spend a whole day on the island, but have a good bed, kitchen and toilet. So, if you head to sailing in Zadar area with your partner, be sure to anchor the boat in this special place. Galesnjak may be missing a lot of things to be the perfect holiday destination, but it`s like they say – sometimes all you need is love, which can be found on the Island of Love!
How to reach it
Best time to visit Galesnjak is during summer, when the weather is great and the sailing conditions are really good so even sailors with less experience can safely reach it. Since there are no ferries to Galesnjak, you will need to visit it with your own boat, a chartered one of with a water taxi.
Berlin: Europe’s Greatest City?
Berlin has been a popular tourist destination for years and attracts people of all ages – for both the vast historical relevance and abundance of important museums to its culture and vibrant streets. Continue reading Berlin: Europe’s Greatest City?
Rijeka – A Beautiful Croatian City At Night
Are you wondering what tourist destination to visit in Europe? Consider Rijeka, a vibrant city nestled in the heart of Croatia. Let’s examine Rijeka’s vast offering in more intricate detail.
About Rijeka
Rijeka is an interesting prospect for anyone interested in a sightseeing tour of the city’s rich history. Its port-city status aside, you can schedule a tour of the surrounding area, where you can interact with the city’s people and learn about the city’s tag of an industrial hub. Guides are always on hand to walk you through the city’s vast alleyways, where you can get an in-depth understating of the rise and fall of industrial activities, the local culture, and the hope the city’s people hold. That way, you will get an up-close dose of Croatian hospitality.
For anyone relishing a dip, you can take a scuba dive where interestingly, you can enjoy a boat ride on your way to a dive at sea, or even start your dive from the shore. The latter alternative would be a more ideal explorative approach to scuba diving in Rijeka. The diving centers are resplendent; professionally managed by personable staff who are also well-versed in different languages. For the adventuresome who have never tried diving, this would be the ideal opportunity to learn easily. The area is teeming with sea life and what better way to see the microorganisms, or even to photograph them than on a dive?
Why choose Rijeka?
Besides, a visit to Rijeka would not be complete without a trip to the city’s museums. For instance, the historical museums such as the Governors Palace attest to Croatia’s heritage and leadership. Its proximity to a large park means you can thereafter take a stroll and wind down, as you reflect on your tour. The city’s art museums provide an intriguing collection of curated artifacts that are “a must see” for art loves. Moreover, the city’s landmarks such as Trsat castle, historical sites, and ancient ruins are a major draw to Rijeka.
Getting Around
With all these sites in mind, the lingering question on any tourist’s mind would be how to navigate your way around Rijeka. Your choice of transport can largely influence the number of sites you can visit, as well as your overall experience.
Since the prices are low and simillar to public transportation, many tourist decide to rent a car in Rijeka. Rijeka is a vast city, with lots of attractions. A car rental service would rid you off the hassle and inconvenience of having to wait on a bus or tram. This would ensure that you make the most of your time on your trip, and even visit more attractions thereby leading to a more enjoyable experience.
Moreover, buses may also not access the specific areas you intend to visit. A bus service may also run at an inconvenient time. Rather than cutting your trip short and getting cranky, or contending with a long walk to a tourist site, simple hire a car. It will rid you of the unease, while getting you around at your convenience.
Hiring a car is not only reliable, but is also pocket friendly. As compared to public transportation, it is not a steep option, pricewise. Some car hire service may only be marginally expensive, but hey, a couple of Euros more for a reliable service are well-worth it. Renting a car means you can engage in the activities that drew you to Rijeka- sightseeing, the sumptuous delicacies, the people, historical artifacts, a boat ride etc.
Final words
Ultimately, your visit to Rijeka is bound to be a standout experience. If you’ve ever wondered what top-rated destinations to visit in Europe, Rijeka should be on your list. Give it a shot, and you will realize the jewel that the city really is.
28 countries, 28 dishes – Europe’s top food picks [Infographic]
Europe is renown for its cultural and exquisite food providing those unique tastes that you can only find abroad – so what happens if you were given the opportunity to try only one diverse dish from each of the European countries?
The following infographic from countries-28-dishes Hotels4U poses that such scenario and helps decide for us which one dish we should be trying. Some of them will be well-known, such as paella from Spain, whilst others you may never knew existed. The handy guide even provides some helpful insights into the sort of calories and ingredients you would typically expect from each of the dishes too, which are super useful for anyone concerned about travelling with allergies or trying to watch their figure.
Which of the mentioned dishes have you already tried and which are you most looking forward to trying out?
28 countries, 28 dishes – Europe’s top food picks!
Essential Travel Tips For Enjoying Croatia On A Budget
Gone are the days when vacations were a reserve of the well off. Nowadays, most people including young teenagers can afford to save for a vacation at least once a year. This is probably due to the fact that most people around the world have embraced tourism prompting the hospitality and travel industry to lower their costs a little. Though, this doesn’t mean that anything you do during your vacation is cheap. In fact, without proper planning, you could spend a fortune that you will never recover and you’ll regret using forever. Below are useful hacks that will let you enjoy your Croatian vacation on a budget.
1. Arrange for private accommodation
Accommodation is usually the most challenging part of any vacation. Finding a perfect place to stay usually takes a very long time especially for first time visitors and those without social connections. As a matter of fact, if you are not careful enough, you could spend an unnecessarily huge amount on this. Apparently, Croatia has quite a number of very affordable accommodation plans with private accommodation topping the list. Renting a room or home from a family will be of great help to you in terms of saving on the money that you would have incurred in expensive hotels. Ironically, you will not be limited in terms of space and you can as well choose to make your own meals here.
2. Make your vacation a little longer
Rather than taking two different vacations to enjoy Croatia fully, turning them into one long vacation is a genius idea. Most owners of hotels and private accommodation in Croatia usually drop the price of accommodation the longer you stay. This is due to the fact that the cost of maintenance and repairs is usually reduced when you stay longer. Staying for at least 4 days is advisable for anyone who wants to enjoy each bit of this gifted land on a tight budget. This also applies to boat yacht agencies in that if you hire a boat or yacht for longer, your costs will be discounted.
3. Travel off season
Just like any other business venture, the tourism and travel industry tend to depend so much on demand. When a lot of tourists are visiting this region, everything from air tickets, accommodation to food and drinks tend to become more expensive. Traveling off-peak is one of the best ways of enjoying your vacation even during the recession. In Croatia, the peak season for tourism is between July and August. Most of Croatia’s tourism attractions are natural and though it is greatest in spring and autumn, you will definitely enjoy your visit even during the winter.
4. Find an all-inclusive hotel
Checking into a hotel where you pay only for your accommodation and nothing else could be too expensive for someone on a budget. It will also be hard to estimate your expected cost of stay. Finding a resort whose payment is inclusive of your meals, gym and other activities will help save so much money especially when visiting as a family. In case you plan to have your meals outside the hotel, you can make use of smaller restaurants and hotels that are cheaper yet their food is more original and delicious.
5. Consider a travel package organized by your hotel
Croatia is a vast land with tourist attractions from North to South and East to West. Some hotels offer travel packages especially for flights, cruises and traveling by road. These packages are usually cheaper than traveling all alone as fuel costs are greatly reduced. Though, for sailing through the Adriatic, you can choose to rent a boat, yacht or gulet from a sailing charter in Croatia for unlimited fun and privacy. Alternatively, you could use public transport as it is comfortable, cheaper, more flexible and faster.
For your vacation in Croatia to be perfect, you do not need to sleep in the presidential suite or eat a 12-star meal. You can still enjoy your tour on a budget by trying to be a little creative and different. Croatia is home to an infinite number of tourist attractions, some of which haven’t been unearthed yet. Wouldn’t you love to be the first to visit a wonder no one else has ever seen? Apparently, this will save you a considerable amount of money as you will not be required to pay for your entrance. Places such as Karlovac, Paklenica National Park, Cres Island, Pag Island, Kopacki Rit Nature Park, Dugi Otok, the Sibenik Archipelago and Vis Island will offer you most of what famous and most visited areas cannot, in fact, at a lower cost. In addition to this, these areas are more peaceful due to the lesser tourists visiting these areas. Renting a boat or yacht from a boat yacht rental agency so as to tour the Adriatic islands will definitely make the whole experience even sweeter. Try using the above travel tips to enjoy Croatia on a budget.
Getting Around Split – The Residence of a Retired Roman Emperor
There are a number of international flights to Split airport from around Europe. Many people come to experience the varied wonders of Split, and Croatia as a whole each year, and it is no wonder, with the many sunshine hours, mild temperatures, picturesque scenery and fascinating historic and cultural sights on offer. Split Airport is second only to Zagreb airport in Croatia and sees many people flow through it, especially in the summer, when the number of visitors increases dramatically. In summer, charter flights from around Europe swell the number of scheduled flights to the country.
Getting to Split from Split Airport
The Airport is actually about 25 km west of the city itself, close to the town of Trogir. Fortunately, it is very easy to get to and from Split airport with taxi transfer, a popular option among tourists and there are public transport options like buses also available. Airport buses run from the terminal to Split city centre – they stop at the east end of ‘Riva’ and the fare is around 30 kn. Local buses also run from the public road just outside the airport and are a cheaper option, though you must change buses to get all the way to the historic centre and they can be a little hit and miss, so it is almost certainly not worth it for the casual tourist.
Transportation options
A taxi from the airport to the ferry port or Diocletian’s Palace in the centre of old Split will take around 30 minutes and should cost around 270 kn, though drivers will often agree to 220 kn if you agree a price up front. Pre-booking a taxi is often a good idea as you will often get a better price doing it this way. A Split airport taxi transfer will also ensure that you are able to meet your return flight, if you are not happy to rely on public transport, or if your plane leaves in the middle of the night, when buses do not run.
Diocletian’s palace
It is easy to get around the historic centre on foot, and this is indeed the best way to see it. Walk around the harbour area, Diocletian’s palace and the old town’s maze of streets. It is also a good move to rent a bike and use that to transport yourself up Marjan’s hill, along the Riva (waterfront of Split) and even out on the ferries onto the islands in the Adriatic if you so wish. Buses will take you from Split’s historic centre to any of the more modern outlying districts that you may wish to visit.
Excursions from Split
Outlying attractions can easily be visited by bus or car. Be sure to take the opportunity during your stay to visit the castle villages of Kastela, and the Roman city of Salona, both of which can be reached by bus, taxi or under your own steam if you choose to hire a car. It is worth noting that if you buy your bus ticket from a kiosk rather than from the driver on the bus, then it is a little cheaper. If you are going to spend more than just a few days in Split, it is recommended to take a short bus trip to the vibrant and relaxing Vodice, where you can enjoy the famous Blue Beach and party in the evening.
So, as you can see, getting to and from Split Airport and transport in and near the city is easy and trouble free. So book your flight today, and come and explore this sublime city.
Vodice – Vibrant and Relaxing in Equal Measure
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Island of Krk – Discover the Hidden Paradise
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Adriatic Paradise – The Coast Which Has It All
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.