| CROATIA'S REGIONS Croatia's coast is 5835 km long, has 1185 islands and islets, and extends from the north-west to the south-east. It is divided into the regions of Istria, Kvarner and Dalmatia. In order to help you choose your summer destination, we have prepared this feature about Croatia's regions. ISTRIA - CRYSTAL CLEAN SEA AND GREEN INTERIOR
Istria, placed on the peninsula of the same name, is the northernmost tourist region in Croatia and offers a beautiful coastline as well as a green interior. Visit Porec, Rovinj or Pula, tourist centers of rich cultural heritage with numerous hotels and restaurants to suit everyone's taste.
Should you choose Buje, Buzet, Motovun or Groznjan, you will enjoy the privacy and tranquility of these fortified medieval cities and learn more about traditional gastronomic specialties and wine production. There is something for everybody; first class service in 9 marinas on the Istrian coast for boaters, cycling and motocross trails, caves and tennis courts (the best are in Umag and Novigrad) for outdoor enthusiasts, and the Limski channel for nature lovers.
KVARNER - MOUNTAINS, COAST AND ISLANDS
The Kvarner region lies next to Istria, and consists of the Kvarner coastline with islands and the mountain range. Kvarner, thanks to its favorable climate, has a 150 year tradition in elite and health tourism. Places such as Opatija, Lovran and Icici are ideal for those looking for luxury and first class entertainment, while the carnival city of Rijeka and the surrounding places offer various types of entertainment throughout the entire year. Boaters are welcome to the 8 well-equipped marinas, while outdoor enthusiasts can choose among climbing, cycling, motocross, hunting and fishing.
DALMATIA - MEDITERRANEAN TEMPERAMENT
Dalmatia is Croatia's largest tourist region. There are three large cities: three thousand year old city of Zadar, Split - residence to the Roman Emperor Diocletian, and Dubrovnik to the far south, a UNESCO World Heritage List city. Choose between larger places such as Sibenik, Trogir and Makarska or the tranquil places on the Sibenik, Zadar and Makarska Rivieras. The Velebit and Biokovo mountain ranges, the Paklenica, Krka, Kornati and Mljet National Parks, wonderful speleological and diving locations, vineyards on the Peljesac peninsula and olive groves - all of this and much more can be found in sunny Dalmatia.
DALMATIA'S ISLANDS - BEAUTIES OF THE OPEN SEA
Croatia's coast with over 1100 islands is among the most indented on the Mediterranean, and is a favorite destination for tourists, especially boaters. The islands of Kornati and Dugi otok with its Telascica lake near the city of Zadar are particularly interesting, while the small islands near the city of Sibenik, such as Krapanj, are a great place for a tranquil holiday. The island of Hvar, home to the oldest theater in Europe and a summer festival, lies close to Split and has the most sunshine hours on the Adriatic.
The picturesque island of Solta with its bays far from the hustle and bustle of big cities is ideal for a quiet holiday. The island of Brac is known for its 200 m sandy beach "Zlatni rat", heaven for surfers. You can also try hang gliding or simply have a good time in the numerous night clubs, discos and restaurants. On the island of Vis, there are ruins of Roman thermae and an ancient theatre, as well as the breathtaking "Modra spilja" (Blue cave). If you are looking for a quiet holiday, Vis is the right destination due to the untouched nature and its few inhabitants. At the far south are the wooded island of Korcula, birthplace of Marco Polo and home to traditional knight dances, the island of Lastovo, known for its rich underwater, and the Elafiti islands close to Dubrovnik. |
