Tag Archives: natural beauty

Kornati: Nautical Paradise in Croatia

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’?

Around Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic is a world famous destination that attracts more and more tourists every year, thanks to its sandy beaches and mild climate. This beautiful country is not only popular among tourists, but also among those, who are looking for a place to settle down. This country loves foreigners so much that in shops, there can find signs in English, French, Italian and Spanish. Dominicans are known for being very friendly towards tourists.

The country itself is the perfect destination for all lovers of natural beauty. Hundreds of kilometers long beaches, lush forests with beautiful waterfalls and lakes, unusual plants and animals…the Dominican Republic has it all. If you are spending a week in the Dominican Republic, you are most certainly going to enjoy every moment spent there.

Dominican Republic beach

The main tourist destination in the Dominican Republic is of course Punta Cana, located on the Costa Bavaro. Because of its beautiful and long sandy beaches, it is the ideal place for enjoying the warm weather and drinking cocktails under tropical trees. In addition to that, in Punta Cana, there are also numerous restaurants, bars, night clubs, casinos and various evening shows that guarantee an unforgettable experience.

Punta Cana

205 km further, we can find the capital of the Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo. This city was completely rebuilt in 1930, due to the hurricane, which largely destroyed it, however, the Dominicans still managed to preserve. There many buildings from the Spanish colonial era.

Another must see destination is Catalina, one of the most beautiful islands in the whole Caribbean. The island has over 100 different species of birds, dolphins and various species of fish, which are a delight for everyone, who decides to go diving there.

After visiting Catalina, you should definitely visit Saona, an island that is located inside the National Park of the East. It is an almost uninhabited island, except for a few fishermen’s villages.

Fishermen

It is not difficult to travel from one place in the country to another. There are several private transportation companies that offer comfortable, modern buses. The price of a ride on a distance up to 225 km at Metro Buses and Caribe Tours is less than ten dollars. You can also use the OMSA buses, which drive from 7.00 a.m. to 9 p.m. along the main streets of Santo Domingo and Santiago. The price of a ride is between RD $ 5 and RD $ 10, depending on whether the buses have or do not have air conditioning.

Several car rental companies, such as National, Alamo, Avis, Budget, Thrifty, Hertz and Dollar also offer their services in the Dominican Republic. To visit the destinations and the tourist attractions on the north coast or on the Samaná half-island, it is best to rent a vehicle. This also applies when you want to visit all the beaches in Punta Cana and La Romana.

Other options for transportation are small buses, called “Guaguas” that drive through the main streets and avenues, where they stop at the request of passengers. The price for longer distances never exceeds RD $ 25.

Crawfish

But tourists do not only visit the Dominican Republic for relaxation or sightseeing. The Dominican Republic has also the reputation for being a gourmet destination. The food there is tasty and versatile and, therefore, many different types of restaurants can be found all over the country. There are  refined and luxurious restaurants with gourmet menus, and also restaurants with Creole cuisine, the local touch and a casual atmosphere. You can find Oriental, Mexican, Mediterranean and Italian restaurants, as well as many pizzerias and snack bars.

The Dominican Republic has so much to offer – white beaches, turquoise waters, palm trees, rivers and spectacular waterfalls, forests, amazing islands like Catalina and Saona etc. The natural beauty of this astonishing country seems endless. During your week there, this extraordinary island will give you an experience of a lifetime for sure.