Posts Tagged ‘Croatia’

It?s Time to Camp Croatia

Croatia is one of the most popular camping destinations. With over one thousand islands with varying sizes and population, Croatia offers campers a lot of alternatives to choose from. Moreover, Croatia is known to have a mixture of climates. Along the cost it is Mediterranean, continental in the north and east and the south-central region has a semi-highland and highland climate. So, if you are looking forward to take some time out of your busy schedule and enjoy the outdoors, camping in Croatia can just be the right option.

The beauty of the coastline in Croatia can be attributed to the beauty of its islands. Some of these islands have become great camping sites in Croatia. The largest islands are Cres and Krk, both located in the Adriatic Sea. Krk is believed to be the largest island of the two, covering approximately 157 square miles. It is also one of the most populated. Good infrastructure has made Krk a busy place for the tourists. Cres, on the other hand, is not as visited as Krk. It can be reached both from the mainland and the other nearby islands.

Other popular campsites in Croatia are Camp Kalac, Camp Adriana, Island Hvar, Lastovo camp Skriveni, Losinj island, Brijuni islands, Pag island, Istria and Kvarner. Among these, camp Kalac is possibly the largest camp site with an area of 1000 square meters. Istria, on the other hand is the most developed tourist region. Losinj is known for its lush green vegetation. Susak, a nearby island from Losinj is strange in its own way. With a population of below 200, people of Susak speak their own language and dress in colorful costumes. Pag is considered the second longest island within the Adriatic. The island has little vegetation due to the presence of strong winds. Pag is known for its lace making and paski sir. Hvar, ranks as the fourth largest island covering an area of 182 square miles. It is sunnier and gets enough rain. The island is well vegetated and maintains beautiful fields of lavender, sage, rosemary and marjoram. Lavender oil is a major export of this island and a must buy for any camper out there.

The choice of the campsite in Croatia depends upon how a camper wants spend his holiday. The best thing about camping in Croatia is that it offers a great variety of campsites to choose from. So if you are looking forward to have a good vacation, its time to go <a rel=”nofollow” onclick=”javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackPageview', '/outgoing/article_exit_link']);” href=”http://www.campingsplit.com/”>camp Croatia</a>. 

Croatia Istria Umag – Campsite Stella Maris ****

Located under centuries-old pine trees and on green meadows next to a pebble lagoon, this is a modern campsite for families and individuals who enjoy active holidays and nature. Next to the resort bearing the same name which hosts the internationally recognized ATP tour tournament with worlds tennis stars. A beautiful seafront promenade takes you to the historical town centre of Umag Completely renovated in 2005.

Yachting in Croatia

Croatia is one of the countries well-known as nautical paradises. The nature is still untouched and the coast remained unpolluted and free of huge building and houses. Alongside its 5800 km long coast there are thousand islands which are very tempting for ones who want to explore. Numerous small bays and crystal clear sea are one of the reasons why passionate yachtsmen often visit Adriatic. The Croatian coats is relatively near the Middle-European cities ( a flight from London lasts for 2hrs , from Munich for just one hour ).

The ancient towns that origin from Roman Empire as well as many archeological sites and cultural heritage prove that the Croatian coast was interesting to many even at that time. Therefore, these sites should be found in every yachtsman’s itinerary. The ancient times left a trace even in a traditional Croatian cuisine. All of the specialties ( mostly based on fish and Mediterranean spices ) can be tasted in many restaurants and small taverns spread all over the coast.

The weather is ideal for sailors. Because of numerous islands alongside the coast the navigation between them is very pleasant. There are no huge waves which would cause problems to inexperienced, as well as to experienced yachtsmen. Thanks to the number of islands the long voyages is almost impossible without being nearby one of the islands where you can anchor and enjoy. Numerous bays also provides a shelter, so the threat of sudden bad weather is very low. Of course, that does not mean that the yachtsmen do not have to regularly pay attention to weather forecast and plan their navigation accordingly. For the sailboat fans , it is necessary to note that there is always North-West wind during the summer alongside the coast -”maestral”. That wind gives you a refreshment in summer heat. It starts at noon and become weaker in the evening.

Along the Croatian coast there are about 50 marinas most of which belonging to a famous marina chain ACI. The prices for berth in marina are shown at ACI – Adriatic Club International web site www.aci-club.hr . If you are visiting Croatia with you own boat , please note that you have to own a season vignette. A crew list can be changed only for limited number of times during the season. For yachtsmen who do not have their own vessel the prices for charter of almost every charter company are listed at Yacht Charter Croatia , Charter yachts – Croatia , Yacht charter & rent-a-boat .

According to Croatian law the vessels which are in charter in Croatia must sail under Croatian flag . That law was issued recently – just a couple of years ago. Boat leaders must possess a boat leader’s license. Until recently, beside its own , Croatia had recognized all the licenses issued by foreign state institution. Meaning that various diplomas of some local sailing clubs or associations were not accepted. Recently Croatia stated that it would acknowledge only boat leader’s licenses issued by the countries with which the mutual contract has been signed. The matter of fact is that this contract was signed with only 2-3 countries, so it is considered that Croatia would stick to the rule “if the license is valid in your country, it is valid in Croatia as well”.

However, Croatia has been recognized as a top nautical destination by numerous nautical magazines from all over the world.

Croatia Istria Umag – Campsite Park Umag ****

Campsite Park Umag is one of the largest Mediterranean campsites. Its attractive animation and facilities for children make it ideal for family vacation. Luxury swimming pools with waterfalls, castles and a pirates ship fit into the green loans and autochthonous vegetation in the peaceful, picturesque bay. Impressive ecological landscaping makes this campsite a real little nature park. A beautiful seafront promenade takes you to the historical town centre of Umag Completely renovated in 2005.

Holiday In Croatia

Magical adventures in Croatia with hundreds of sparkling waterfalls and more than a thousand islands set amid the blue of the sea, green mountain rivers and streams, virgin canyons, wild karst and mellow plains.

Nestling between the Alps and the Adriatic Sea, in the south-eastern part of the European continent, Croatia jealously protects eight national parks, ten nature parks and a whole range of special reserves, including plant life, animals, geological formations, hydrological phenomena, all within a small but rich area that can be travelled by car from one end to another in a single day.

Many paths run between rivers, mountain peaks, tiny island ports and beaches, leading to Illyrian hill forts, to Roman ruins, to towns and cities that are themselves monuments, to ethno-entities of popular architecture.

Countless footpaths and trekking trails beckon you to venture into beauty and discover the magic of nature – in the mountains, river valleys and canyons, through karstic plains and dense forests, to rock-bound islands and lush green hills. Within this most diverse of reliefs walkers and hikers can reach even the most mysterious areas strewn between sea level and the highest peak on Dinara (1831 m): in nature parks, nature reserves, national parks and other areas with particular attractions from the aspect of adventure – in Slavonic and Baranja, Northern Croatia (Hrvatsko zagorje, Medimurje, Podravina), Gorski kotar, Istria, Dalmatia and Zagorje, on hundreds of isles and islands, and down the length of the Dinara range extending along the coastline. Then there are Ucka, Velebit, Mosor, Biokovo, Snijeznica in the far south – oil offering a wealth of challenges.

Sailing It is easy to capture favourable winds among such a number of islands as exist in Croatian territorial waters – whether blowing from the land or the sea. The strength of wind and waves is not unusually excessive, but should you have had enough just sail for the nearest sheltered bay. Fully equipped sailboats of various categories (with or without a skipper) can be hired from any one of the dozens of marinas situated up and down the coast and on the islands. Yachting clubs and marinas are numerous and well equipped. We are recommending sailing regio at Zadar, Sibenik und Dubrovnik.

Alpinists and freestyle climbers will find the right climbing environment in both the continental and littoral regions, with some climbing sites being located quite close to towns and popular Croatia holiday resorts (Zagreb, Ogulin, Rovinj, Paiin, Split, Ornls…]. Routes ranging from several meters long for beginners, to several hundred meters for specialists, are open to climbing enthusiasts on the rocks of Paklenica, Velebit, Ucka, in the Dinara range (including Dinara-Ornis), Mosor, Biokovo and others, and on the islands (Brac, Vis, Mljet). The best known climbing destinations in the continental parts of the country are on the mountains of Klek, Papuk, Kalnik, on Samarske stijene and Bijele stijene

Well, I think yell get a perfect Croatia holidays!

The Magic of Croatia

Magical adventures in Croatia with hundreds of sparkling waterfalls and more than a thousand islands set amid the blue of the sea, green mountain rivers and streams, virgin canyons, wild karst and mellow plains.

Nestling between the Alps and the Adriatic Sea, in the south-eastern part of the European continent, Croatia jealously protects eight national parks, ten nature parks and a whole range of special reserves, including plant life, animals, geological formations, hydrological phenomena, all within a small but rich area that can be travelled by car from one end to another in a single day.

Many paths run between rivers, mountain peaks, tiny island ports and beaches, leading to Illyrian hill forts, to Roman ruins, to towns and cities that are themselves monuments, to ethno-entities of popular architecture.

Countless footpaths and trekking trails beckon you to venture into beauty and discover the magic of nature – in the mountains, river valleys and canyons, through karstic plains and dense forests, to rock-bound islands and lush green hills. Within this most diverse of reliefs walkers and hikers can reach even the most mysterious areas strewn between sea level and the highest peak on Dinara (1831 m): in nature parks, nature reserves, national parks and other areas with particular attractions from the aspect of adventure – in Slavonic and Baranja, Northern Croatia (Hrvatsko zagorje, Medimurje, Podravina), Gorski kotar, Istria, Dalmatia and Zagorje, on hundreds of isles and islands, and down the length of the Dinara range extending along the coastline. Then there are Ucka, Velebit, Mosor, Biokovo, Snijeznica in the far south – oil offering a wealth of challenges.

Sailing It is easy to capture favourable winds among such a number of islands as exist in Croatian territorial waters – whether blowing from the land or the sea. The strength of wind and waves is not unusually excessive, but should you have had enough just sail for the nearest sheltered bay. Fully equipped sailboats of various categories (with or without a skipper) can be hired from any one of the dozens of marinas situated up and down the coast and on the islands. Yachting clubs and marinas are numerous and well equipped. We are recommending sailing regio at Zadar, Sibenik und Dubrovnik.

Alpinists and freestyle climbers will find the right climbing environment in both the continental and littoral regions, with some climbing sites being located quite close to towns and popular Croatia holiday resorts (Zagreb, Ogulin, Rovinj, Paiin, Split, Ornls…]. Routes ranging from several meters long for beginners, to several hundred meters for specialists, are open to climbing enthusiasts on the rocks of Paklenica, Velebit, Ucka, in the Dinara range (including Dinara-Ornis), Mosor, Biokovo and others, and on the islands (Brac, Vis, Mljet). The best known climbing destinations in the continental parts of the country are on the mountains of Klek, Papuk, Kalnik, on Samarske stijene and Bijele stijene

Well, I think yell get a perfect Croatia holidays!

Yacht Charter in Croatia

Croatia is situated on the Adriatic Sea, opposite Italy, in the Northern Mediterranean. With a history going back over a thousand years, it first appeared on the political map of Europe in 1992, following the break up of Yugoslavia after a bloody civil war.

Weather – The climate is typical of the Mediterranean and provides for pleasant holidays throughout the year. The best season for sailing in Croatia is early summer with good winds in May and June mainly from the S/SE. Mornings tend to be calm with the wind increasing later in the afternoon to around 15 – 20 knots. The months of July and August see calmer conditions which is OK for those who don’t mind motoring. Summer temperatures average between 26 to 30°C and the sea temperature in summer is about 25ºC.

Sailing Area – Starting in the north

The Brioni Islands – Formally the summer residence of President Tito, these islands were closed to the general public. Today they are open but the facilities are a bit rundown, as little money was spent on their upkeep following the death of the President. The group of islands consists of 2 larger ones and 12 smaller ones. They were given National Park status in 1983. The largest island is Veli Brijun, just is 2km from the coast. It is very green being covered with vegetation.

Cres & Losinj islands – Covering nearly 400 square km, Cres is the second largest island in the Adriatic. It is grouped with Losinj and another 28 smaller islands. The harbour of Mali Losinj is said to be the most beautiful in the entire Adriatic. Cikat bay, which is well known for its beach and good windsurfing, is the tourist centre. While the town of Veli Losinj is much quieter. Cres Town is also popular and is reminiscent of an Italian village due to the fact that for several centuries it was ruled by Venice. The island of Susak is well worth a visit. The population speak their own dialect, which is not easily understood by other Croats. And the women often dress in a colourful costume, a short, multicoloured dress, red leggings and a white blouse.

Krk is the largest island in the Adriatic, covering 405.78 square km, and is also one of the most populous islands.. It is very busy with tourists being by bridge to the mainland. It is not the most beautiful or the greenest of the islands. The main towns are Baska, Krk town itself, Malinska, Omisalj, Punat and Vrbnik. Krk Town is famous for the Cathedral of St. Mary.

Rab island is one of the greenest islands in the Adriatic and probably one of the most magical. It is has beautiful sandy beaches and is covered with pine forests. Rab Town, the main resort, is full of medieval buildings, built under Venetian rule in the 13th century. The old town walls are still visible in some places.

Pag is the second longest island in the Adriatic. It has little in the way of vegetation due to strong wind of Bora. In spite of this Pag has a lot of charm. It is well known for its lace making and the Pag Town is beautifully preserved.

Primosten, on the coast, is one of the most popular resorts on the Adriatic coast and boasts the best of Croatia from yesterday, stroll the narrow, cobbled streets of the old town centre set on a small, hilly peninsula and today, the Hacienda all night disco is just a 10 minute taxi away.

The Kornati islands – 140 islands make up this archipelago and it covers an area 300 square km. The majority of the area is a National Park, designated so because of it’s numerous coves and crystal clear blue waters. It was described by astronauts as having the bluest water on earth seen from space .It is truly beautiful. George Bernard Shaw said of the island group “On the last day of Creation God desired to crown His work, and thus created the Kornati islands out of tears, stars and breath.” Most of the area belongs to the people of Murter island who come to look after the olive groves, vineyards and orchards. They in stay cottages during the agricultural season but there is no permanent population. Hramina is a private marina on Murter Island with good facilities including a choice of restaurants.

Dugi Otok is home to the large, beautiful bay at Telescica. The small fishing town of Sali here is famous for summer events celebrating local folklore with a fun donkey race and a procession of illuminated boats. Brbinj higher up on Dugi Otok is a quiet, sheltered stop surrounded by pine woods and olive groves.

The city of Split is a UNESCO world heritage site famous for the Palace of the Emperor Diocletian.

Visit Skradin on the mainland and venture up-river to the famous waterfalls at Krka.

Brac is the largest island in Central Dalmatia and the third largest in the Adriatic. It is also one of the sunniest with 2,700 hours per year. Brac is renowned for its agricultural products, figs, olive oil, nectarines, wine and other fruits. However the main export is the famous Brac stone from which many buildings in the world have been constructed, including the home to the presidents of the United States of America, The White House in Washington DC Bol is said to have the most beautiful beach in the Adriatic. Other resorts include the Golden Horn (Zlatni Rat), Milna, Sumartin, Supetar and Sutivan.

Hvar is the fourth largest island in the Adriatic and is even sunnier than Brac. There is however enough rain to keep the island green and to maintain the beautiful fields of lavender, marjoram, rosemary, sage and thyme together with the vineyards. In the spring Hvar smells like a herbalist shop. The lavender oil is the island’s major export. The main resorts are Hvar Town, Jelsa, Stari Grad, Sucuraj and Vrboska. Hvar boasts the country’s oldest public theatre dating from 1612.

Vis – At 24 miles from the mainland this is the most westerly of the larger Croatian islands. Vis is the oldest established town in Dalmatia founded in 397 BC. The island was major base for British troops during World War II. After 1945 it was closed to the public the Yugoslav military and reopened in 1990. Some of Croatia’s finest wines are produced there, such as Plavac and Vugava. The two main towns are Vis Town and Komiza. Vis is especially peaceful and relaxing.

Bisevo is home to the famous Blue Caves and this is the perfect snorkelling spot

Korcula is known for its dense forest. Marco Polo, the famous adventurer, was born on Korcula, and his house still there. Korcula known as “Little Dubrovnik”, Vela Luka and Lumbarda are the main resorts.

On the mainland, Ston, is one of the most beautiful fortified towns you are ever likely to see. It is famous for its many cultural monuments and impressive defensive walls. The local restaurants serve delicious dishes of oyster and other fresh seafood. Spend the afternoon on it’s sandy beach lined with olive trees.

Mljet is 23 miles west of Dubrovnik and is the southern most of the larger islands. The western half of the island is a National Park and over two-thirds of the island is forested with. According to legend, Odysseus fell in love with the island and stayed there for seven years. You will find numerous good anchorages and sandy beaches on the southern coast, the best of which is Saplunara

The Elafit islands – Kolocep, Lopud and Sipan – In ancient times these islands were home to a large deer population and take their name from the Greek word elafos, meaning deer. There are in fact six islands in the group and it is reputed the most skilful mariners came from here. Once again the islands are very beautiful and are a must visit. Lopud is little more than two hills which are connected by a beautiful valley. Follow the footpath through to the bay called Sunj, a round white sand beach perfect for a swim.

Dubrovnik is an immaculately preserved 13th century fortified city. Ancient walls surround the old town enclosing a fascinating mix of Renaissance, Gothic and Baroque architecture. Tall ramparts and towering spires rise dramatically from splendid squares packed with colourful bars, markets and restaurants. The whole city is a UNESCO world heritage site.

Food and Wine – Croatian cooking is typically Mediterranean with fish, shellfish, fresh vegetables and olive oil taking centre stage. Varieties of fish include dog’s tooth, gilthead, grouper, mackerel, sardines and sea bass. You will find cuttlefish, octopus and squid, lobsters, mussels, oysters and shrimps. These are presented grilled or in stews and risottos. The local smoked ham is very good. Lamb is also highly regarded, especially baked on an open fire. There are some interesting local dishes, some found on individual islands, to be sought out or avoided. Take Vitalec as an example – lamb’s offal wrapped in lamb gut and spike-roasted, not everbodys idea of culinary heaven. Regions with a plentiful supply of fresh water, the Neretva valley, Trilj and the Cetina basin, are well for their frog, eel and river crab dishes. Pag and Dubrovnik produce high quality sheep’s cheese. Pag’s is known as Paski-Sir, a hard, distinctively flavoured cheese. The unique flavour comes from the method of rubbing the cheese with olive oil and ash before leaving it to mature; in addition, the sheep eat a diet that includes many wild herbs such as sage. Dalmatian desserts are good too. The most usual ingredients include almonds, eggs, honey, local fruit, dried figs and raisins. Try Orehnjaca, a sweet bread with walnuts or poppy seeds. Palacinke are pancakes usually served with jam or chocolate. Dalmatian wines have been regarded highly since ancient times. Famous wines include Babic from Primosten, Dingac and Postup from the Peljesac Peninsula and Plancic from the island of Hvar. There are also good local brandies and liqueurs