Monster from Croatia by car. How to go to Croatia yourself, a detailed plan. Our “rakes” that may be useful to you

Capital: Zagreb

Currency: Kuna

Time: UTC+02:00

Thousands of magical emotions – your holiday in Croatia

Croatia is a cozy world where stunning forests, hills and mountains coexist with the most modern beaches. Croatia has a special, poetic name -

“The country of a thousand islands,” although it actually has about 1,185 islands. Each island is a bright piece of the natural mosaic of Croatia, which has been admired not only by tourists, but also by world-famous artists for many years.

The poetic charm of Croatia cannot be denied. Agatha Christie, the detective legend, once spent her honeymoon here. Kings and emperors have enjoyed their holidays here from century to century. Croatia was sung by Lord Byron, Jack London, Yesenin, Chekhov and other masters of words.

Contemporary art has also not bypassed Croatia: not so long ago, the picturesque city of Dubrovnik became the prototype for King's Landing in Game of Thrones, one of the most popular TV series of our days.

Trips to Croatia will give you thousands of magical emotions and thousands of truly beautiful photographs! Prepare your cameras, photo albums and plenty of free space on your computer - there will be a lot of unforgettable impressions. As well as new desktop screensavers;)

Enjoying the pictures of sea voyages

A beach holiday in Croatia seems somewhat unusual at first glance. Of course, here you can simply walk to the seashore, enjoy the salty freshness of the air and raise fountains of sparkling spray. But beach trips in Croatia are primarily about contemplating and enjoying exquisite nature.

Poetic relaxation and an endless series of delights are combined with an excellent opportunity to get the most chocolate tan in the world. From May to October, pleasant Mediterranean weather reigns in Croatia: the air temperature is around 30 degrees, and the water temperature is 25-28.

At the very end of summer, the long-awaited velvet season begins here - a magical time of calm. The popularity of tours to Croatia is simply off the charts, and this is understandable: at the height of the “velvet”, the summer heat subsides, and young people return home to prepare for everyday work and school.

We advise you to start your trip from Dubrovnik! This ancient fortress has retained the mystery and charm of magical antiquity. Adriatic waves crashing against high walls, bright roofs of toy houses, the light of magnificent street lamps in romantic bays... A holiday here will be a romantic gift for couples in love and an interesting adventure for both young people and older people.

Porec is another urban wonder of Croatia, attracting not only tourists, but also artists. All kinds of creative festivals are constantly held here, and on the streets you can often hear inspired music or poetry readings. The green beaches of Porec are no less elegant and picturesque than the city itself.

You will find many other beaches on the island of Istria, as well as in Southern and Central Dalmatia. Some beaches are rocky, some are pebbly. Sandy places are not so common in Croatia, but each of them is a real work of art. Just look at the famous beaches on the islands - Korcula, Moru, Zadar... We highly recommend visiting the resort of Split, which is famous throughout Europe for its clean sea.

Yachtsmen and water sports enthusiasts come to Croatia every year. The conditions for all kinds of sea activities are simply excellent! There are thousands of ports to visit in this region, many of which are well equipped for all types of boating tourism.

While traveling along the beaches, don’t forget to check out the Croatian restaurants and taverns, which are called “Konobe” in the local language. There you will discover the enchanting tastes of Adriatic cuisine: delicious stewed cabbage, Juha soup, sheep cheese, fish baked in various ways, shrimp, shells and other seafood. Don't forget to try prosciutto - charcoal-smoked ham, dried in the sea wind.

Finish your meal in sweet tones: try Croatian cakes and pastries, chestnuts, zucchini, cookies and even local brushwood. Various wines go well with these treats, especially red ones - they often arrive on the counters and tables straight from the heat of Istria.

The obvious and the incredible: interesting holiday ideas in Croatia

For lovers of everything unusual, mysterious and inspiring, Croatia has many sightseeing wonders in store. And one of the most exciting is a trip to Plitvice Lakes! This is a real natural masterpiece that has long graced the pages of hundreds of geographical magazines. The national park covers an area of ​​217 hectares and includes 16 different lakes and a huge number of waterfalls. With its mesmerizing atmosphere, this place is somewhat reminiscent of Iguazu Falls on the border of Argentina.

In the capital of Croatia, Zagreb, a very unusual discovery awaits you - the Museum of Failed Relationships. Sometimes it is also called the “Museum of Divorce” or “Museum of Broken Hearts.” Zagreb also has a technical museum and an extensive

a zoo full of “worldwide” flora and fauna.

And a little more amazing! Do you want to see... walking fish? Yes, yes, fish on real legs! Go to Porec and look into the Baredine cave - there, at a depth of 60 meters, there is a special type of fish that has legs (they are very reminiscent of lizards). Interestingly, the skin of these fish is almost the same color as that of humans. Excursions to “human” fish are in high demand in this place.

If you like the romance of the road, be sure to rent a car and drive around Croatia like a breeze! Driving along the road and looking at the magnificent landscapes is a special, very “Croatian” pleasure. Just look at the picturesque road from Split to Cavtat! Just be careful: driving with such beautiful views

and you can stop forever.

TUI – your reliable tour operator in Croatia

Have you decided to visit Croatia? Do you want to enjoy your holiday without worries and worries? Contact us! We will be happy to select exactly the tour that will meet your expectations and capabilities. All you need is the desire to plunge into fabulous nature and recharge with its unique energy.

Holidays with TUI are 100% reliable! We are a European leader in tourism, and we place high quality services at the forefront. When traveling with us, you can be sure that your money will not be lost or “burnt” for any reason.

Holidays in Croatia are suitable for all categories of tourists:

• For families with children, there are family rooms, mini clubs, children's pools, special children's menus and hotel equipment.
• Young people and all lovers of noisy parties will enjoy the large selection of hotels near bars and discos.
• For those who just want to relax and forget about the bustle of the city, hotels with SPA centers are perfect.
• For tourists who prefer a relaxing holiday, we can easily select quiet hotels with interesting but unobtrusive animation.
• There are also hotels for those on a budget that offer excellent value for money.

Geographical location

The Republic of Croatia is located in Central Europe, bordering on Slovenia in the north, Hungary and Serbia in the east, Bosnia and Herzegovina in the southeast, Montenegro in the south, and the Adriatic Sea in the west. According to natural and climatic conditions, the country is divided into four regions: Istria, Kvarner, Gorski Kotar and Lika in the north-west; Dalmatia in the central and southern part of the Adriatic coast, the Northwestern region in the central continental part, as well as Slavonia, Baranja and Srijem in the east.

Religion

Religion: 87.8% - Catholics, 4.42% - Orthodox, 1.2% - Muslims, 0.19% - Protestants.

Climate

Two types of climate can be distinguished on the territory of Croatia: within the country - moderate continental, with cold winters and moderately warm summers, and on the Adriatic coast - Mediterranean with warm, wet winters (+9..+15°C) and hot, dry summers (+ 25..+29°C).

Currency

The official currency of Croatia is the kuna (1 kuna = 100 lipa).

Foreign currency can be exchanged at a bank, exchange office, post office, travel agencies, hotels and campsites.

Credit cards (Mastercard, Visa, American Express and Diners) are accepted at almost all hotels, marinas, restaurants and shops, as well as at ATMs.

1 US dollar ~ 6.5 kn
1 euro € ~ 7.5 kn.

Language

The official language is Croatian, in Istria the second language is Italian.

The shops

Shops are open from 08.00 to 20.00, and in high season from 06.00 to 12.00 and from 17.00 to 22.00. From two o'clock in the afternoon until five, when the sun is especially hot, many shops close altogether: it's time for a midday rest - a siesta.

Time

Kitchen

In addition to the usual European cuisine, guests in Croatia are offered national dishes. Traditional Croatian snacks include: Dalmatian or Istrian “pršut” (a type of raw smoked ham), Pash (from the island of Pag) or lichka (from the Lika region) cheese, sheep cheese, Slavonian “kulen” (a type of spicy salami), the famous Samobor or Zagorsk “cheshnevki” (savory sausages), fresh homemade cottage cheese with homemade sour cream, etc. In Dalmatia, Primorye, on the islands and on the Istrian peninsula, the main dishes are prepared from fish and seafood, and among meat dishes, the most popular is “paštitsada” (a savory dish from beef) and boiled young lamb. Continental Croatia has a rich selection of meat dishes, with specialties such as turkey with “mlinci” (a type of pasta), baked lamb and suckling pig, and boiled or baked “štrukli” (cottage cheese pies) occupying a special place on the menu. ).

Croatia has a rich winemaking tradition, both in the continental part of the country and in the Littoral region and Dalmatia. Among the strong alcoholic drinks, the most famous are various varieties of rakia: slivovitz (from plums), travaritsa (from herbs) and lozovača and biska (from grapes), and from dessert wines - prošek and maraschino.

Population

about 4,250,000 people, 90% - Croats, 4% - Serbs, 0.17% - Bosnians, 0.3% - Hungarians, 0.4% - Italians, 0.25% - Slovenes, Czechs and Albanians also live , Gypsies, Montenegrins and Macedonians

Tips

In hotels, restaurants and taxis, if the service charge is not included in the bill, the tip is 10%. If the cost of service is included in the bill, then the tourist is not required to pay a tip. It is also customary to leave a tip to guides and bartenders.

Souvenirs and shopping

edible souvenirs from Croatia- wine, cheese, prosciutto (smoked pork ham), butter.
office souvenirs from Croatia. These are ties, neckerchiefs and fountain pens.
cute souvenirs from Croatia. Such souvenirs are usually brought to women. Among such pleasant gifts are unique lace from the islands of Croatia, homemade figured candles, and aromatic oils.

Transport

The most common form of public transport in Croatia is the bus. A dense network of bus routes covers the entire country, with buses running in all directions every hour. Bus fares are low, they are comfortable and equipped with air conditioning. International bus service is also well developed. Bus routes run to Croatia from many European countries.

In addition to buses in large cities (Zagreb and Osijek) there is also a network of tram lines. Tickets for travel are usually sold inside the bus or tram or at newsstands.

Bicycles are also popular in Croatia (especially in Istria, where there are many cycling routes).

The railway network connects all major Croatian cities except Dubrovnik (you can take a train to Split and then a ferry to Dubrovnik).

To rent a car in Croatia, you must be at least 21 years old, have at least 3 years of driving experience, a credit card (or deposit), a passport and a driver's license.

Safety

Security is another attractive aspect of Croatia. Today there are not many corners on earth where you can feel completely safe.

Croatia is one of the safest countries. Here you can forget your wallet on a table in a cafe and return an hour later to find it in the same place, safe and sound. They don't steal here. But do not forget that during the tourist season there are a lot of visitors here, and do not try such experiments, so as not to accidentally spoil your stay in the country.

Beach

All beaches in Croatia are free. Only rental of sunbeds and umbrellas is paid. Most beaches are pebble or artificial (in the form of a concrete platform). The swimming season lasts from late May to mid-September.

Do you know that…

Croats are very inventive people. The natives of this country are responsible for the creation of a modern torpedo, the discovery of alternating current, the invention of the mechanical pen, fountain pen, tie and parachute, the beginning of naturalism and the birth of fingerprinting. Here is a one-of-a-kind beach that changes its shape depending on the direction of the wind. It is called Golden Cape and is located on the island. Brac. By the way, it was on this island that marble was mined for the construction of the White House in Washington. Another “miracle of nature” can be observed in the national reserve on the island. Mljet. More precisely, on one of its salt lakes, which has its own island - St. Mary's Island. This phenomenon is also called “an island within an island.” Finally, on the Istrian peninsula, Završe has its own Leaning Tower of Pisa. Its height is 22 m, while it deviates by 44 cm.

Resorts

The Istrian peninsula is the most popular tourist region in Croatia due to its rich history, many architectural monuments, beautiful old towns in the Venetian style, clear sea, magnificent beaches and excellent opportunities for a comfortable holiday. The beaches on the peninsula are mainly artificial concrete platforms, natural rocks and plateaus. From Istria you can visit 2 of Croatia's 7 national parks - Plitvice Lakes and the Brijuni Archipelago. The road to the south leads to Dalmatia. This fairly large region is divided into northern, middle (central) and southern parts. The coast of Central Dalmatia is one of the most beautiful in the entire Adriatic. The main resorts of Central Dalmatia are Split, Trogir, Sibenik, Makarska. Each city is unique and has only its own characteristics. It is generally accepted that the most picturesque part of Central Dalmatia is the “Makarska Riviera”, where the best beaches in Croatia are located.
Southern Dalmatia is a land of mountains and islands. Here, on the Peljesac peninsula, the best oysters in Dalmatia are grown and the most famous wines of Croatia are produced - Dingač, Postup and Malvasia. One of the most popular resorts in Southern Dalmatia is Dubrovnik. Dubrovnik is, as they say, a “must see” for all tourists who value cultural attractions: Dubrovnik is included by UNESCO in the top three most beautiful cities - monuments of Renaissance Europe. The other two cities are Venice and Amsterdam.
The main natural attraction of Southern Dalmatia is its islands. The largest of them are Korcula, Mljet and the Kornati archipelago.

Amazing landscapes and turbulent unruly rivers, a clear sea with colorful inhabitants and pristine white sand beaches, a long swimming season and a mild climate, over 1000 stunning islands and azure lakes - this is what this region is proud of. Holidays in Croatia allow you to get acquainted with ancient monuments, enjoy unsurpassed Mediterranean cuisine and taste tart aromatic wines.

On tours to Croatia you will not find all-inclusive meals, noisy entertainment and annoying animators - this is a true paradise for everyone who craves unity with nature and peace. Tens of meters of transparent turquoise sea, pristine beaches where slender pine trees rise instead of umbrellas, and about four thousand kilometers of coastline decorated with bays and cliffs will forever remain in your heart.

The state's national parks amaze with deep lakes, majestic waterfalls, and almost tropical fauna and flora. The famous Croatian caves, decorated with sparkling stalactites, are like the scenery for a science fiction film. And ancient Roman buildings, bright tiled roofs, medieval monasteries and narrow streets of the cities of Split, Rovinj, Zagreb and Porec will give you the feeling of time standing still.

The beaches of Kvarner Bay and the Istrian Peninsula attract energetic young people with the fiery atmosphere of evening discos and show programs. Croatia invites fans to the spacious beaches of Southern and Central Dalmatia, where nothing will interfere with a relaxing time away from the hustle and bustle. For those who are used to spending their holidays actively, the first-class ski resorts of Sljeme and Platak are open all winter. Tours to the thermal resorts of Zagreb will help restore vitality, improve health and even get rid of chronic ailments.

Seasonality and climate. When is the best time to go on holiday to Croatia?

The tourist season in the country lasts from May to October; an additional influx of tourists to the beaches of the Adriatic is observed in July and August, when the water warms up to a maximum of +26ºС. This period is also characterized by excellent conditions for diving, spearfishing and yachting, which is extremely popular in the country. A less popular time for tours to Croatia is the off-season. This is an ideal time for educational excursions, exploring the natural and historical beauties of the country and recovery at local resorts, and hotel prices are noticeably reduced.

Ski resorts in Croatia welcome guests from December to March. Even in the case of a warm winter, stable snow cover is ensured by modern snowmaking systems. And those who need to improve their health go on vacation to local treatment centers and sanatoriums in the spring and early summer, as well as in the fall.

Prices for tours to Croatia

The enormous popularity of Croatia among tourists is explained not only by its amazing natural resources, but also by a large selection of leisure opportunities. During their holidays, tourists will find snow-white beaches stretching for many kilometers, the vibrant underwater world of the Adriatic, rich fauna and flora of national parks, romantic cities with unique historical monuments, mysterious caves and snow-capped mountain ranges, thermal springs and delicious national cuisine.

Being a European country, Croatia sets fairly high prices for accommodation, food and entertainment. However, it is possible to have a wonderful vacation, relaxing at the best resorts in the country, and at reasonable costs.

At the height of the 2019 swimming season, the cost of a tour to the prestigious resort of Istria ranges from 73 to 113 thousand rubles for two with departure from Moscow. The beaches in the Kvarner Bay area are also popular, where prices are almost the same. In this regard, the resorts of Split and Northern Dalmatia are not inferior - in July, a 7-day tour will cost at least 83 thousand rubles.

If you choose the less prestigious regions of Southern and Central Dalmatia, you can save a lot. Tours here are more affordable - prices start from 63 thousand rubles for two with accommodation in a 3* hotel. Advantageous trips to Croatia are offered in the off-season, when demand is not yet so great. If you have already decided on the dates of your trip, early booking will allow you to save a lot in 2019, with discounts of up to 30% when purchasing a tour 4-6 months before departure.

Types of recreation. What to do in Croatia?

Beautiful Croatia offers many holiday options, among which everyone will find something interesting, exciting and memorable. Fans of extreme sports and connoisseurs of a relaxing pastime, couples with children and newlyweds who want to improve their health and ski on snowy slopes, and everyone who is looking for first-class entertainment at reasonable prices come here.

Beach holiday

Quaint rocky shores, picturesque islets, spacious white sand beaches and cozy bays offer excellent conditions for swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling and diving. In the areas of Central and Southern Dalmatia, in addition to standard beach entertainment, vibrant evening programs are held. Fans of active pastime will appreciate excellent diving sites near the cities of Rovinj and Dubrovnik, near the resort of Istria and the Brioni Islands. You can diversify your beach holiday by visiting the ancient romantic cities of Porec, Split, Pula, Sibenik and Zagreb.

Health tours

The country's health resorts are famous for their excellent opportunities for maintaining health and relieving fatigue. The most famous of them is Naftalan, which has hot mineral springs and a source of medicinal oil. The resort of Tuchelske Toplice offers baths in thermal radon waters and treatments with therapeutic mud, which will give you a boost of energy for many months.

Leisure

Tours to Croatia are an opportunity to get a dose of adrenaline for fans of extreme tourism. They can enjoy canoe and kayak rafting on the Cetina River, as well as speleological expeditions into the mysterious winding caves of the Biokovo mountain range. Ski resorts are equipped with excellent slopes of all difficulty levels. In Platak there is a snow park with jumps for professionals, and in the warm season the mountain ranges are open for cycling and mountaineering.

Sights of Croatia

It is not for nothing that Croatia is called the “pearl of the Adriatic” - on its land historical values ​​of world significance coexist with fantastically beautiful natural attractions.

National parks

Almost all tours to Croatia include a trip to the famous Plitvice Lakes, surrounded by a lush natural park with an area of ​​30 thousand hectares. Emerald forests with tropical vegetation, breathtaking cascades of waterfalls, the sonorous trills of exotic birds - all this amazes with the beauty created by nature itself. Plitvice Lakes are protected by UNESCO and are considered the most beautiful in the world. The Krka National Park is not inferior to them in terms of natural resources. The Kornati archipelago is an interesting place to visit - a natural labyrinth consisting only of sea and stones.

Adriatic Islands

The numerous islands of Croatia, like pearls, scattered along its Adriatic coast are the calling card of the country. The magnificent Brione Islands attract travelers not only with stunning views, but also with excellent diving opportunities: a real Venetian fleet rests off the coast of the archipelago. When going on holiday, don't miss Hvar, known for its healing climate and fragrant lavender fields. The island of Korcula is covered with pine forests and is completely cut by bays and coves, and its beautiful underwater world keeps many secrets. Fans of a carefree beach holiday will be delighted by the fantastic landscape of Istria, and on the island of Mljet you can look into Odysseus’ Cave.

What you need to know when coming to Croatia for the first time:

In Croatia:

1. I believe it will not be useful to everyone, but first of all, relax, feel the friendly rhythm and keep up with it. If you are used to getting yours with character and pretension, it is better not to go to Croatia, you will not relax and skim off all the cream of hospitality, you will not see natural and human beauty around you, but only the sea - this is an incomplete impression;)

2. Slavic, an accessible and completely understandable language, you can even start speaking in a few days.

3. Mostly holidays in private apartments. Hotels have European stars, and so do the prices. Their territories are small with rare exceptions, often the territories are open, there are not many all-inclusive options and there is no eastern abundance. The apartments do not provide meals; there are equipped kitchens everywhere.

4. There are no private beaches; in some places there are beaches rented by hotels.

5. There are very few sandy beaches and on such beaches there is a rather shallow entry into the sea.

6. Partially concreted beaches with slopes into the sea, unknown to anyone, this is the most comfortable and requested by gourmets, lovers of “everything for me” ... and views, and the beach, and the sea.

7. There are no jellyfish in the sea and almost no algae. The Adriatic Sea of ​​Croatia is one of the cleanest in the world.

8. The swimming season starts earlier and ends later in Dalmatia, from Sibenik and further south to Dubrovnik, simply because it is further south and the mountains and islands create a certain climate.

9. Seasonal prices for accommodation, for car rental and even in cafes... during the peak season (July and August) are more expensive than in June and September, and in the off-season you can rent apartments with a monthly price.

10. It is better to book holidays in the region of August 1-15 in advance, even better before the New Year, because... This time is also vacation time for Italians, who also like to vacation in Croatia.

11. There are very few single-family houses in Croatia, there are even fewer of them near the sea in civilized places with markets, shops, pharmacies, restaurants and this, of course, is more expensive than apartments. Another category is villas, which are of appropriate quality, if there is territory, then with swimming pools and a barbecue area, and even a few kilometers from the sea, they usually cost from 200-300 euros per day (400-700 euros July-August) and above.

12. Holidays in camping houses are often more expensive than holidays in apartments.

13. There are only 1.5-2% of Russian tourists in Croatia at the moment, so excursions in Russian can sometimes be provided only by hotels and only those that work with Russia.

14. Recreation on yachts and other watercraft. is no less popular than land means, we can say that the forces are equal :)

15. When booking a holiday in an apartment in May or later, it is recommended NOT to buy tickets in advance, but to first find accommodation and adjust to it.

16. IMPORTANT! Children are also people who are also considered for accommodation and are also registered, with the exception of infants up to a maximum of 2 years old. The apartments are all categorized for a certain number of people (this is how taxes are paid) and any other number is fraught with a fine, and inspections are quite common. Those. “The child is 5 years old, he is small, he will sleep in the bed with us” in Croatia it is better not to mean. Yes, cribs for babies are provided in the apartments, not like those at home, wooden ones, but mobile playpens-beds, pay attention to this!

17. In Istria and Kvarner there are more hotel holidays, in Dalmatia holidays in apartments.

18. Driving cars is possible with a Russian license. Fines for traffic and parking violations are quite high.

19. Bank cards are used almost everywhere, with the exception of newsstands, souvenir shops, markets, most coffee shops and payment for transport not at train stations. Rubles are not accepted anywhere.

20. Prices in shops and restaurants on the islands, if they are not connected by a bridge to the mainland, are usually more expensive.

21. High quality products, pay attention to the labels “domaće”, “hrvatski proizvod”, “hrvatska kvaliteta”, “mlijeko hrvatskih farmi”, “meso hrvatskih farmi”.

22. People often ask about sanatoriums for the treatment of the respiratory tract... Sanatoriums in Croatia can be counted on the fingers of one hand and they are not all at sea. There are places on the coast where nature heals, so come and breathe the sea, pine trees, it is important to change the altitude above sea level, and this means the presence of mountains is important. Asthmatic diseases are also treated over time.

23. If you expect to travel by car from island to island or to the mainland quite often, consider the cost of ferries - quite expensive.

24. Croatia, although small on the map, has a coastline of more than a thousand kilometers, not counting the islands, so count on your strength, thinking over a route every day in a new place - it’s very tiring.

25. If you have insurance with Schengen coverage in Croatia, you will NOT be served, because Croatia is not yet in Schengen.

26. There is a very low crime rate, but during the season, like everywhere else, there are “guest performers,” so keep your purses, documents and phones with you, be careful!

27. Croatia is a very hospitable country; private accommodation services here have been polished in their quality for decades and you can always be sure that you are welcome guests. They will always help you solve problems during your stay, as well as brighten up your holiday with their attention and courtesy. Those who do not need extra attention are recommended to stay in hotels.

28. You can’t even imagine how much there is to see in this small country with a thousand islands.

From personal experience of requests :) I definitely missed something, I feel... I’ll add it later :) The author of the text is Yulia Shevaleva.

Croatia is a country in the western Balkan Peninsula. Most of Croatia was under the rule of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, so the architecture and culture of this country is very different from neighboring Serbia. Despite its small territory (for example, Belarus is four times larger), you can find a lot of interesting things in Croatia: beaches and islands, cities that were lovingly built by Roman emperors, national parks with forests and caves, delicious food... We tell you all the details about what to do in Croatia.

Walk around the cities

Croatia is a very heterogeneous country. In different parts you can see the legacy of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and the coast (Istria and Dalmatia) is the patrimony of Italian and even Mediterranean culture.

For the Austro-Hungarian heritage, feel free to go to the north of the country. First of all, pay attention to the capital - , nee Agram. In some of its angles it strongly resembles Lviv. Read more about what to do in the city.

Another interesting city - Varazdin. The original Baroque architecture is best preserved there. Majestic palaces, impressive cathedrals - not bad for a city with a population of just over 40 thousand people. Be sure to visit the Varaždin cemetery. It was founded in 1773 and until the beginning of the 20th century it did not stand out as anything special. But in 1905, the cemetery got a new manager who decided to turn the cemetery into a garden. This is how it acquired an unusual appearance.

There is an ancient city on the shores of the Adriatic Sea Split. The Roman Emperor Diocletian, who was known as a great opponent of Christianity, was born here. The city preserves Diocletian's Palace - it is considered the best preserved palace from the Roman Empire. By the way, if you love “Game of Thrones” and closely follow Daenerys’ line, then the walls of the palace will seem familiar to you. It was in the palace that scenes in the free city of Meereen were filmed.

Dubrovnik repeatedly passed into the hands of the Italians, the Croats, the French, and the Austrians. Each of the new owners left their mark on the city's architecture. The old city is located within the fortress walls - by the way, you can walk along them. There you can clearly see the traces of the Italians - the old city was built up in the 17th century. The new city is mainly houses of the 19th – early 20th centuries, the period of domination of Austria-Hungary. Game of Thrones is also filmed in Dubrovnik - the city depicts King's Landing. In 1991, during the Balkan Wars, about 65% of the historical city center was destroyed, but most of the buildings were soon restored. And so now it’s difficult to say that just 25 years ago the city was in ruins.

Explore the beaches

For the inexperienced tourist, Croatia is, first of all, the gentle Adriatic Sea and wonderful beaches. The main tourist regions of Croatia are Dalmatia and Istria. Istria is the largest peninsula in the Adriatic Sea, shared by Croatia, Slovenia and Italy. If you're here, don't forget to recharge your phone or camera: the region is famous for its very picturesque coastline with many beautiful and cozy bays and harbours, cliffs, and pine forests.

Istria

Istria is the most forested region of Croatia, with about a third of the peninsula covered in forests. The main city of the region is Pula. It was founded by the ancient Greeks, but the city reached its peak under Ancient Rome. As evidence there are many well-preserved ancient Roman monuments. The largest of them is the ancient Roman amphitheater. It was built back in the 1st century AD, but it has survived to this day in excellent condition. Fierce battles are also taking place here now: the last matches of the current FIFA World Cup, triumphant for Croatia, were broadcast in the amphitheater.

Be sure to come to the city Hum– it is considered the smallest city in the world. Only 11 people live here! Within the city walls, tourists can stroll along two streets. And near Khum there is an alley of the Glagolitic alphabet - the oldest Slavic alphabet. 14 kilometers of Glagolitic letters connect Hum with the neighboring town.

Besides the beaches, Istria has a lot of amazing nature. The Motovun Forest, for example, is home to some of the best truffles in the world. The forest itself is now a nature reserve, one of the few untouched floodplain forests in the Mediterranean.

After a hot day, the best way to cool off is to go underground into the caves. One of the biggest Marble (Štancija Drušković 20, Brtonigla) . Here you will see giant 13-meter stalactites. Another famous cave – Festino royalty(Feštini bb, Žminj). This cave contains many stalactites of bizarre shapes: bat wings, a hat, a Babel tower.

They also make delicious wine in Istria. They say it is in no way inferior to Italian. And, of course, the sea. Here it is beautiful, and many beaches are marked with the highest quality mark - the blue flag.

Dalmatia

Dalmatia is another popular resort region in Croatia. Dalmatia was once a colony of the Venetian Republic, so the towns here look as if they were part of Italy. Geographically, the region is divided into three parts: Northern(Zadar), Average(Split) and Southern(Dubrovnik). Unlike Istria, you won't find any forest here. But in Dalmatia there are many bays, sandy and pebble beaches - great for lying on the sand. Or go windsurfing and diving.

Almost every city is responsible for the cultural program in Dalmatia. A tourist must visit is, of course, the aforementioned Dubrovnik and Trogir. Trogir is a “museum city”; its entire historical center with a huge number of palaces, manors and winding streets is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

To a small village Radosic Thousands of tourists come to Split every year. They are attracted to Bikiyada(Bikijada) – legal bullfights. More than 20 bulls take part in this fight to the death. But not only bulls show their prowess: people can compete too. For example, in throwing boulders or arm wrestling. Getting there is not so easy - after all, the show was intended for its own people. Bikiyada usually takes place at the end of May, so keep a close eye on the posters.

Travel around the islands

There are approximately 1,145 islands along the coast of Croatia. True, only 47 of them are inhabited. Most of the islands have long become famous tourist destinations - their prices are very high and have almost caught up with the Cote d'Azur. But such beauty is absolutely worth it!

The most beautiful island in Croatia – Hvar. You can get there by ferry from Split ($4-9), you will have to spend about an hour on the road. This is the sunniest island in all of Croatia and it is one of the few places on earth where lavender grows. It is also an island of olives, grapes and underground springs. If you want to immerse yourself in Croatian island life, go deep into the island. Tourists haven't made it there (yet).

The most party island in Croatia - Brac. It is located next to Hvar and is famous for its beach near the village of Bol. Its name translates from Croatian as “pain,” but the beauty of the beach and the beautiful sea rather reminds us that this place is heaven on earth. The best way to get there is also from Split by ferry.

The largest island in Croatia is Krk. Unlike most other islands, it is connected to the mainland by a bridge, so it can be easily reached by car from the city of Rijeka. This is an ideal place for a summer holiday, with beaches, soft seas and a gastronomic attraction - Zhlakhta wine. It is produced only from grapes grown on Krka. This is a dry white wine, and its name means “important.” At the end of June, a festival of Zhlakhta wine takes place near the village of Vrbnik.

Mljet Island– wooded and completely unglamorous, with amazing nature. On the island of Mljet there is a national park of the same name with two salt lakes. They are called quite original: Big and Small lakes. In the center of Small Lake you will see the former building of a 12th-century Benedictine monastery, which can be reached by boat.

Island of Vis It is considered the most mysterious, because there was a Yugoslav military base here. Why go here? First, wander through the caves. Secondly, for delicious fish (the locals know a lot about this!) and wine. And there are practically no tourists here. After all, little is known about it and it’s not easy to get here. The only option is either a water taxi from other islands, or, a more budget option, a ferry from Split.

Try religious tourism

This point may seem strange, but religious tourism is developed in Croatia. This is one of the most religious countries in Europe - about 86% of the country consider themselves Catholics. The town is considered the center of religious tourism here Maria Bistrita near Zagreb. It is notable in itself for its attractive Austrian architecture, but that is not why half a million pilgrims come here every year.

The first pilgrimages to Maria Bistrina began in the 17th century, when a statue of Maria Bistrina was found here, which, according to popular belief, has miraculous powers. According to legend, a local priest buried the statue in the 17th century away from Turkish invasions. Afterwards he died, and no one could find the statue. But chance helped: a mysterious glow appeared over the place where the statue was buried. The sculpture was dug up, and after that several cases of miraculous healing of seriously ill people were recorded. A sanctuary was erected especially for the statue, but soon it had to be rebuilt - it did not accommodate everyone who wanted to touch the shrine. And now tourists go to Maria Bistrica all year round. In 1998, John Paul II visited the town and canonized the local cardinal, who was sentenced to 15 years for criticizing the Tito regime.

In addition to pilgrimages, it is not difficult to come across religious festivals in Croatia. For example, almost every village has its own patron, in whose honor the locals organize a fun festival, with a market and live music.

Taste local cuisine

It has probably already become clear that Croatia is a diverse country. The kitchen is no exception. It can be divided into two main parts: continental and coastal. Continental (and this is Zagreb and the Slavonia region) cuisine is famous for its “meatiness”: as elsewhere in the country, meat is held in special esteem in this part of Croatia.

Be sure to try the traditional one prosciutto(a distant relative of Italian jamon) is dried pork meat that goes great with a glass of local moonshine.

Another very meaty dish - pendant. This is a minced pork sausage, but with paprika and spices.

Don't forget to try turkey with mlintz– baked dough that resembles pasta. All this is served with unleavened bread.

Traditional Balkan cutlet pljeskavica prepared from a mixture of beef and grilled pork. The side dish can be cereal - buckwheat, millet or barley.

For dessert, try a typical Croatian dish Štrukli. They resemble dumplings, only as if they were first boiled and then baked in the oven. They are served directly in the frying pan along with cream or sour cream.

In coastal Croatia, the cuisine is slightly different. People here eat a lot more seafood compared to mainland Croatia. And several centuries of Italian rule are making themselves felt. Therefore, pizza somewhere around Zadar can be as good as pizza in Milan.

Pashsky cheese It is considered one of the main delicacies of the Croatian sea coast. It is produced only on the island of Pag. This is a hard sheep's cheese with a little added butter. Local sheep graze on salty and very fragrant terrain, which is why their milk has a distinct herbal flavor. It takes at least 5 months to prepare Pash cheese, and you can taste it only on small private farms.

Not far from Split, it is considered the national dish partner. This is a thin pie with onions, spinach and garlic baked between two layers of dough. Soparnik was once considered the food of the poor, but now it is almost the main specialty of the region.

Tsrni rizhot, or translated from Croatian, black risotto, a Dalmatian tourist classic. This is the usual classic risotto, but the rice is colored with cuttlefish ink.

Croatia is not only rich in food - you can also drink well here. The main local alcoholic drink is slivovitz. This is homemade moonshine based on (surprise, surprise!) plums. The strength is from 45 to 75 degrees, but due to the pleasant taste it is almost not felt. This can play a cruel joke on you: you knock over, knock over the glasses - and bam, half the bottle is gone. In addition to slivovitz from moonshine in Croatia, we recommend trying travaritsa and kruskovac. And in the vicinity of Zadar, maraschino was invented - a wonderful fruit liqueur.

I present a detailed review of our independent travel around Croatia by car. We managed to perfectly combine relaxation and visit the most popular attractions of Istria and Dalmatia. And even get to very remote places, which guides are unlikely to tell (let alone show) ordinary tourists about.

Are you ready to relax in Croatia with us? Let me start with the description...

Finally, we are ready to go on vacation. This happened, as always, spontaneously, so they began to look for some European visa-free country.

The choice was made on Croatia. Before the trip, to my shame, I knew very little about this country. Therefore, the names of the cities in which hotels were offered did not mean anything to me. We were looking for price, beautiful natural surroundings, and, of course, the sea being nearby.

As a result, we took a last-minute ticket to the Plavi hotel (“Blue” - translated from Croatian), Porec district, Istrian peninsula. We received confirmation on Thursday, and had to fly out early on Saturday morning.

Porec, Croatia. Flight and first impressions

The flight itself went normally, but the Croatian Pula airport greeted us with autumn coolness and dark leaden clouds. We were very surprised. Let’s remember what day and month it is today. That's right: June 19, the height of the hot Croatian summer... it should be.

Well... We try not to get upset, so we enthusiastically deal with pressing problems: we change the clock to local time, find out the exchange rate at the airport. ...

Hotel Plavi (Porec, Croatia) and its surroundings

Our hotel "Plavi" is located in a wonderful location on the very shore of the Adriatic Sea, in a place called Green Lagoon.

Immediately upon exiting the hotel there is a cozy beach, which is located in a small bay.

But the hotel itself gave us conflicting impressions. The poor and tiny rooms were compensated by the richness and variety of food. However, read more about this.

Walk around Porec. Prices for excursions

Despite the cloudy and rainy weather, we had to somehow create a festive holiday mood for ourselves.

Therefore, on the 2nd day we decided to go to the nearest Croatian town, which was located not far from our hotel.

It turned out that walking around Porec is wonderful in any weather. The provincial spirit of the ancient fortress city amazed and enchanted us. And the prices for excursions and car rentals amazed us even more. Read more about everything.

Walking to Porec. We are looking for Wi-Fi and car rental

And for today we have planned a feat. Probably, the rain and cold of Croatia in June allowed us to take such a decisive action.

We thought about it and went to the city of Porec on foot, along the sea and coastal hotels. This hiking trip will be remembered for a long time. After all, instead of the promised 5 kilometers of travel, we had to overcome much more. But the impressions from the walk (except for fatigue) were most enthusiastic.

Read about what we saw along the way and how we made another attempt to rent a car.

Green Lagoon on a sunny day

It was only on the 4th day of our stay in Croatia that we finally learned that in this southern country it is summer in June! 🙂

After several rainy days, the sun came out this morning. And it became so nice and beautiful outside! The sea became a special bright blue color, the flowers and trees were especially green, and the smell of pine trees and blooming lavender was even stronger.

We enjoyed walking around the area near our hotel in Green Lagoon again. And finally, we found a person with whom we could agree on renting a car. Will it work? This is described in more detail.

By car to the Lima Canal or in Croatia there is also a fjord

What can you see near Porec? It turns out that there are several national parks on the Istrian peninsula. One of them is completely unique.

Here is a real fjord or even a canal about 10 kilometers long. It is also called the bay. But to understand everything, we decide to go there ourselves in a rented car. We did not expect to see such beauty. Details.

City of Rovinj or Venice in Croatia

After an amazing trip on a private boat along the Gulf of Lima, we were ready for new exploits.

On the map, the town of Rovinj was very close. Why not go?

And now we park our rented car and head along the stone embankment into the city. And we immediately find ourselves in a mysterious labyrinth of streets, passages, steps. There are various houses, windows, doors, flowers around.

In order to somehow understand where we ended up, we decide to look at Rovinj from the highest point. Read more about this.

The magnificent island of Brijuni

Impressed by yesterday's trip to the Lima Canal, we decide to visit another national Croatian nature reserve: the island of Brijuni (Brjuni). This is where the residence of the former President of Croatia was located. And as you know, important bosses choose special places to live.

It is not clear why islands always attract people? We also asked ourselves this question during the excursion. You can read the detailed answer.

Učka tunnel and amazing Opatija

We are gradually getting used to the car we rented, and now we want to drive a little further. Why not see what is on the opposite coast of our Istrian peninsula? You need to see what color the Adriatic Sea is and “taste it.”

It's decided! We are driving through the Uchka mountain range. A 5-kilometer tunnel is built through it. And after it is the aristocratic town of Opatija. Read more details.

Mount Učka - a natural park in Croatia where you can fly

Island of three letters: Krk

We have already traveled a little around the Istrian peninsula in a rented car. And now we have planned to go to the mainland, to the mainland. Oh! How many different attractions there are and how many wonderful cities there are!

Therefore, we decide not to rush, but to examine everything at a calm pace. Therefore, we are leaving our Istrian peninsula for 3 days.

And the first point in our program is a strange island consisting only of consonants: KRK. Well, it’s still difficult to pronounce, but a word with 5 consonants and one vowel doesn’t work out the first time.

Well, we will have time to practice when we cross the Krsky Bridge. 🙂 Read more about the island of Krk.

Skradin. Where to spend the night in the Croatian hinterland?

Today we have covered more than 500 km. By evening we reached the quiet Croatian town of Skradin.

It was decided to stop for the night here, since according to the schedule, a motor ship departs from here from a small pier, which can take you to the national one.

But this trip awaits us tomorrow morning, but for now we are leisurely strolling through the Croatian countryside after a very unusual dinner at a local restaurant. All the details .

Krka National Park. Waterfall extravaganza!

It is fantastic. This is a delight! This is something incredible! Only such admiring phrases can be uttered after visiting the Krka Waterfalls Natural Park.

Cascades of waterfalls, splashes of water shimmering in the sun, the mesmerizing sound of water, lush vegetation around...

It is very difficult to describe everything you saw in words, it is necessary.

Plitvice lakes. We go on our own to the waterfalls

After yesterday's park with waterfalls, it seemed that nothing could surprise us. What could be more grandiose than it was the day before?

How wonderful it is that we were wrong!

Plitvice and Krka – these two natural Croatian parks cannot be compared. Each of them is a separate and such a wonderful story.

Motovun or the conquest of the fortified city

So quickly the last day of our stay in Croatia came. Tomorrow we will need to return our rented car, which we have become so accustomed to these days.

Where else would you like to go close to home? It turns out that in the center of the Istrian peninsula there is a unique fortress city, which is located on a high hill.

So why not go to a town with such a consonant name: Motovun. Read more details.

Baredine Cave - a kingdom underground

After walking along the top of the hill on which the town of Motovun stands, we decide to go underground into a unique cave, which is located very close to here, near the town of Novo Vas.

Oh, these underground riches! Stalactites and stalagmites, underground rivers and lakes! There are also “unknown animals” here. Read about it all.

The way home. Summing up the trip to Croatia

That's all. Last night at the hotel, last swim at dawn. Packing for the trip, visiting duty-free at the Croatian airport.

And on the plane, all that remains is to share our impressions of what we experienced during these short 12 days and sum up the results of our trip.

I wonder how much our busy holiday in Croatia cost? Read.

These are the places on the map that we managed to visit on our independent trip to Croatia.