Croatian flag

The flag combines the colors of the flags of the Kingdom of Croatia (red and white), the Kingdom of Slavonia (white and blue) and the Kingdom of Dalmatia (red and blue). Those three kingdoms are the historic constituent states of the Croatian Kingdom. The red-white-blue tricolor has been used as the Croatian flag since 1848.The coat of arms of the Republic of Croatia (Croatian: Grb Republike Hrvatske) consists of one main shield and five smaller shields which form a crown over the main shield. The main coat of arms is a checkerboard that consists of 13 red and 12 silver (white) fields. It's also informally known in Croatian as ahovnica ("chessboard") The five smaller shields represent five different historical regions within Croatia.

Key facts Capital

- Zagreb

Official language

- Croatian

Population

- 4,284,889 (according to 2011 census

Ethnic groups

- 90.4% Croats 4.4% Serbs

5.2% others Currency

- Kuna (HRK) Time zone

- CET+1

Drives

- on the right

Patron Saint

- St Joseph

Map of Croatia

Traditions in CroatiaTraditional Croatian culture is characterised by exceptional diversity. Ecological conditions and the influences of the cultures with which the Croats have come into contact through history (Mediterranean, Central European, Ancient Balkan, Oriental, etc.), have resulted in the development of three specific regional cultures: Pannonian, Dinaric and Adriatic.

The Pannonian cultural zone has been characterised by the growing of grain, flax and hemp, and breeding larger domestic animals (horses, cattle). The people lived in single-storey houses made of wood or mud and wattle (in the west), or of compacted clay or unfired bricks (in the east), with straw roofs. Along the River Kupa and River Sava, two-storey houses were prevalent, the successors to pile-dwellings. Furniture was tall. Home crafts which were particularly developed included weaving on a horizontal loom and pottery using a foot-turned wheel. One particularly interesting form of artistic expression was the decoration of gourds. Clothes were made from densely smocked cloth with richly woven or embroidered decoration, and topped off with broadcloth or leather jerkins, wide broadcloth capes or sheepskin coats and broad soft-soled shoes (kapiari), or boots. Women wore necklaces made of coral or glass beads and, in Slavonia, of gold coins.

Gingerbread, a colourfully decorated confection traditionally produced in northern Croatia, usually in the shape of a heart. Gingerbread-makers also make mead and beeswax products. Their craft is inscribed in the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Annual processions of young people through the village on feast days, collecting gifts, were common (jurjai on St. Georges Day, kraljice or ljelje at Pentecost, ladarice on Midsummers Day, betlehemari on Christmas Eve, etc.), as were lavish wedding customs. Music and dance traditions also varied greatly. In Meimurje, there was a specific form of unison singing based on medieval scales (known as the Old Church style), and the instruments played were the bordun zither, cimbalom and violin, to which couples would dance (the influence of the Alpine zone). The most famous dance in northwest and central Croatia was the drme, danced in pairs or small reels to the music of a string ensemble known as guci. Reel dancing was characteristic in Slavonia and Baranja, accompanied by bagpipes which by the 20th century had been virtually replaced by the tambura (a stringed instrument something like a mandolin).

In the Dinaric cultural zone (highland Croatia and the Dalmatian hinterland), sheep and goat breeding was dominant. Shepherds spent the summers in the mountains with large flocks of sheep, and in winter, moved them to the coastal areas, using mobile pens and huts. In Alpine regions, families would move their flocks in spring from the villages in the valley to high dwellings, where they worked in the meadows and hayfields, then in the summer months to the mountain pastures. In the autumn, they would gather the meadow produce and return to the villages before winter set in. In highland Croatia, houses were mostly made of wood, often with a stone ground floor section, and the tall, steep roofs were covered in wooden slats. Furniture was low.

Lace, a netted, ornamental handicraft made from various fibres, used primarily to decorate clothes, and later as an ornament in itself. In Croatia, needle-lace is produce on the island of Pag, bobbin-lace in Lepoglava in Croatian Zagorje, and aloe lace on the island of Hvar. All have been inscribed in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List.

The musical tradition was characterised by a specific type of singing, ojkanje, which emerged as a refrain in various types of short song (rozgalice, gange, etc.). Longer narrative songs describing heroic deeds were performed by guslari, who accompanied their own singing on gusle, single-stringed instruments played with a bow. The typical dance was the nijemo kolo (Silent Reel also called the Vrlika, Lika or Sinj Reel), which was performed in large steps and leaps with no musical accompaniment.

In the Adriatic cultural zone, the population was engaged in fishing and cultivating olives, vines, figs and almonds and rearing sheep and goats. They grew vegetables and, to a lesser extent, grains on small terraced meadows. They also used wild plants such as broom (for yarn) and carob. Shipping and trade were also important. Their houses were made of stone, usually tall, narrow buildings roofed with cylindrical tiles or split limestone slates. They had open hearths equipped with range-hoods and typically Mediterranean utensils (gridirons, chains, bellows).

Klapa singing is considered to be a particular characteristic of Dalmatian folk music multi-part singing in small groups, klape, with no musical accompaniment. Rural dances (the lino and poskoica) were accompanied by lijerica, three-stringed bowed instruments, while in the towns, dances such as the oti and kvadrilja were accompanied by guitars or mandolins. The traditional music of Istria and the Croatian Primorje were characterised by chromatic scales (the best known is the Istrian Scale), upon which songs and music played on sopele, or roenice (woodwind instruments with piercing tones) were based. Often two such instruments were played, one large and one small, producing two-toned close intervals or unison sounds, and ending in octaves. The same two-toned effect was mirrored in singing performed by several singers. The balun and tanac were danced to the accompaniment of the sopela.

INCLUDEPICTURE "https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTtX5Tg6jAGbhxef_esW4P9miIxNH9khRIM94e7kzQKC6Tu1_Kq" \* MERGEFORMATINET In the early 20th century, 80% of the population of Croatia was rural, and to a great extent continued to live along traditional patterns. Although traditional culture began to disappear in the late 19th century, affected by modernisation and urbanisation, this process accelerated in the mid 20th century. Many elements of traditional culture today continue in changed forms and new contexts, and have gained new significance, while some have come to denote national, regional or local identity.

These include, for example, the Carnival procession of the bellmen (zvonari) in the Kastav area, performances of a military dance with swords (moreka) in the town of Korula, the custom called kumpanija in the villages of Korula, the annual Pentecost procession of the kraljice, or ljelje in Slavonia and Srijem, the knights tournament known as the Sinjska Alka, and many others. Traditional music, songs and dances are most often performed at folklore festivals or during various ceremonial events, when the performers usually dress in folk costumes. The best known such even is the Zagreb International Folklore Festival, then there is the Vinkovci Autumn Festival, the akovaki Vezovi (also folklore festivals), the Dalmatian Klapa Festival in Omi, and others. Along with many amateur folklore societies, the professional Lado Ensemble (founded in 1949) is particularly dedicated to nurturing the Croatian folk tradition and performs folk dances and songs.

Croatia has 13 cultural elements inscribed in the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage:

lacemaking

two-part singing and playing in the Istrian scale (Istria and Croatian Primorje)

the Festival of St. Blaise, patron saint of Dubrovnik (3 February)

the annual spring procession of the kraljice or ljelje from Gorjani

the annual Carnival procession of the Kastav bellmen

the Za Krien procession on the island of Hvar (Holy Week)

traditional manufacturing of childrens wooden toys in the region of Croatian Zagorje

the Sinjska Alka, a knights tournament in Sinj

the gingerbread craft in northern Croatia

Bearac singing and playing from Slavonia, Baranja and Srijem

the Nijemo Kolo (Silent Reel) of the Dalmatian hinterland

Klapa singing

Ojkanje singing.

Fun facts about Croatia1. The oldest communal theatre in Europe was built in Hvar in the year 1612.

2. The smallest cathedral in the world is said to be located in Nin, near Zadar.

3. First hydro power plant in the world was "Iskrice", made in the city of ibenik, on the river Krka, Croatia - 1895.

4. The city of Zadar is home to the world's first Sea Organ that creates its music only by the action of the wind and waves.

5. The Cathedral of St. Peter's in akovo "...is the most beautiful church between Venice and Constantinople", said the Pope John XXIII.

6. Dubrovnik, an independent state at the time, was the very first nation to formally recognize the United States as a nation, when it declared independence from Great Britain.

7. Although it has a population of only 23 people, Hum in Istria, Croatia is officially a town and the Guinness World Record holder for the smallest town in the world. 8. The largest truffle in the world was discovered by Giancarlo Zigante on November 2, 1999, near Buje, Croatia. It was 19.5cm long, 12.4 cm wide and 13.5 cm tall.

9. Croatians have their own alphabet or set of letters. It is called "Glagolitic" and emerged in the 9th century and was in daily use, along with the Latin alphabet, up to the 18th century.

10. Have you ever touched a sculpture older than 4,000 years? Come to Split and see the Sphinx of Egypt by the Roman Emperor Diocletian's palace in the center, brought out of Egypt.

11. The White House was built of Croatian stone, from the island of Bra, as well as the New Palace (Vienna, Austria), the Parliament building (in Vienna, Austria), the Parliament Building (Budapest, Hungary) and the palace of Roman emperor Diocletian (Split, Croatia).

12. Croatia is the homeland of the world renowned traveller Marco Polo. According to a local tradition, he was born on the island of Korula in 1254 to a family of merchants. The surname is still found on the island.

13. Kumrovec - the birth place of Tito. Its main attraction is the Ethnological museum Staro Selo (old village) Kumrovec with well preserved village houses from the end of 19th and beginning of 20th century. So far, some 40 houses and other commercial objects were renovated, which makes Staro Selo the most attractive place of such kind in Croatia. 14. The carnival in Rijeka is not only the biggest in Croatia but also one of the most attractive carnivals in Europe! Over 100,000 merrymakers witness the main parade, made up of around 150 colourfully costumed groups from different countries. The impressive appearance of Zvonari (the bellmen) covered in sheep skins and dancing to the deafening noise of the bells so as to scare away evil spirits of winter is a fascinating folk custom that makes for a first-rate tourist attraction.

15. The necktie, worn by businessmen around the world, was invented in Croatia and is locally known as cravat. To celebrate World Tie Day, a huge necktie was worn around the Arena in Pula, one of Istrias cities.

16. Agatha Christie spent her honeymoon in Dubrovnik.

17. The national park of Plitvice and Krka have been used as the locations for scenes in the films about the Indian Winnetou?

18. The parachute was invented and first trailed by the Croatian Faust Vrancic in the 17th century, who was also the designer of the first wind turbine.

19. Croatia has 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Old City of Dubrovnik (1979); Historical Complex of Split with the Palace of Diocletian (1979); Plitvice Lakes National Park (1979); Episcopal Complex of the Euphrasian Basilica in the Historic Center of Porec (1997); Historic City of Trogir (1997); The Cathedral of St. James in ibenik(2000); and Stari Grad (Hvar) Plain (2008).

20. The people from Bednja, a village in North Croatia cannot understand the fishermen from the farthest populated Croatian island Lastovo because they speak using completely different dialects of the Croatian language.

21. Nikola Tesla was born in Croatia in the village Smiljan. (And he refused to accept the Nobel prize because he had to share it with Edison?:D)

22. The most preserved Roman amphitheater is located in Pula which is the only one in the world with all 3 rows completely preserved.

National Parks in Croatia

Croatia has eight national parks: Brijuni, Kornati, Krka, Mljet, Paklenica, Plitvice Lakes, Risnjak and North Velebit. Their total area is 994 km; 759 km is land and 235 km is water.The most popular Croatian National Parks are Plitvice Lakes, followed by Krka, Brijuni and Paklenica.The Croatian law on the preservation of nature defines national parks as one of the eight types of protected areas of nature. Another notable category is a nature park, of which there are ten. Each of the national parks is maintained by a separate institution, overseen and funded by the government ministry of nature conservation and spatial development.BRIJUNI ISLANDS are attractive group of islands near Istria Peninsula, with the main islands Veli Brijun that is Croatia National Park and open to visitors. The fact that it was visited by the elite of Austrian, Hungarian and German aristocracy when Istria was part of the Austro-Hungarian monarchy speaks of its beauty and charm. In more recent history almost every major statesman visited the islands as Brijuni were residence of late President Tito of Yugoslavia.

The islands are rich in natural beauties, flora and fauna brought here from various parts of the world. On Brijuni there is an attractive archaeological site the Byzantine castrum and luxurious Roman villa, Ethnographic collection, Collection of frescoes, Archaeological Museum and Natural history exhibit.

The Brijuni archipelago is separated from the mainland by the two-miles-wide Fazana Channel to the northwest of Pula. The archipelago stretches over 736 hectares and forms a 30 miles long coast. It is a place where sumptuous wildlife (680 different local and exotic plants, 150 bird species, etc.) couples with a wealth of historical traces ranging from a Neolithic settlement and Illyrian ruins, to monuments dating from the Byzantine period and the Middle Ages, as well as from Austro-Hungarian architecture to a more recent time.

Brijuni Minor fortress, built in the late 19th century is the largest edifice in the defence system of the Austro-Hungarian central naval base of Pula. Stretching over 15.750 square meters, the edifice is 175 meters long and 90 meters large. KORNATI ISLANDS is a group of about 130 islands, islets and reefs sprinkled in the deep blue sea of the Adriatic covering an area of about 64 sq km. The Kornati archipelago is in Dalmatia, a coastal region of Croatia just across the cities of Zadar and Sibenik.

The largest island is Kornat from which the archipelago takes its name. Other larger islands are, Piskara, Kurba Vela, Zut, Sit , Vrgada and Levrnaka. Apart from a tiny area of cultivated land with fig trees, olives and vineyards, Kornati islands are rocky, covered with thin grass, rare trees and Mediterranean scrubs.

Over the time erosion has been caused by the sea, over grazing by sheep and fire.This erosion has deprived the islands of their primeval luxurious vegetation, and the people have moved to more hospitable islands. Some of the bigger islands were inhabited during the Neolithic age by Illyrians. A number of wealthy families from Zadar and later Venice have claimed possession of the larger islands.

The Kornati have no permanent inhabitants, although the present owners from nearby larger Dalmatian islands periodically visit Kornati to tend their vineyards and olive groves, bringing their sheep to graze. The sea around the islands is rich with fish and a variety of marine life.... The islands have no spring water, only rainwater collected in water holes. The unique feature of the islands lies in their rugged shores with many caves and coves. The landscape of chalk limestone is covered with bushes of rosemary, juniper, lavender, thyme, myrtle and sage. Pathways leading to steep and huge cliffs facing the open sea and others gently decline towards the sea, ending in a small bay with a jetty and one or two fishermen's cottages surrounded by pine, olives and fig trees....

NATIONAL PARK KRKA : The empire of Krka River, the magnificent karstic beauty traveling two thirds of its way to the sea through canyons, is a complete opposite of Kornati. On its green path, it has seven falls, the last one being Skradinski buk with an average flow of 55 cubic meters of water per second. National Park Krka is rich in flora and fauna. 222 bird species live there, making it one of the most valuable ornithological areas in Europe. You can visit it by boat, car or on foot. Make sure you visit the ethno museum on one of the old mills. National Park Krka also has the only hawk training center in Croatia where you can se presentations of hunting with hawks and hawk trainers skills.

Each of the islands within the ibenik archipelago, arranged across the vast area of the open sea, hides an interesting feature. Zlarin has the most famous coral divers, while Krapanja, a small town on the smallest island in the region of the same name, is known for its sea sponge divers.

The Sibenik region is one of the Mediterraneans quieter corners where there is still the space and time to make discoveries in a fascinating and varied landscape. The Krka National Park and the town of Sibenik are symbolic of the contrasts that are found in central Dalmatia. There are the rugged limestone mountains of the mainland set against the intricate archipelagos of the Adriatic Sea. And there is the diversity and natural beauty of the various parks and reserves in combination with the rich and well-preserved cultural heritage of the ancient coastal settlements.

It is a landscape that offers much to the interested visitor and which, thankfully, remains free from the concrete development of resorts. Mediterranean summers: Sibenik and the central Dalmatian coast enjoy a pleasant Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers coupled with cooling sea breezes and the temptations of the Adriatic. Inland, in the national park, the river and the waterfalls counteract the heat. In winter it is mild and wet, but note that much is likely to be closed.

THE ISLAND OF MLJET is situated couple of hours boat ride east from Island of Korcula towards Dubrovnik. A national park MLJET includes a western part of this green and tranquil island of the Adriatic Coast. The Park is characterized by two deep bays which are called lakes due to their narrow passages to the open sea (Veliko and Malo jezero/ the Great Lake and the Small Lake). Both lakes are surrounded by dense Mediterranean vegetation. There is a tiny island in one of the lakes, called Melita (Mljet) , with 12th century Benedictine monastery. There are a lot of legend connected with this island - one of them is that Mljet was holiday destination of greek hero Ulysses!The National Park Mljet was established in early sixties of last century. It covers about 30 square kilometers of area on the western bit of Island MLJET, which is about 1/3 of the Island. It consist of two natural salt lakes (Veliko and Malo jezero) that are interconnected by a narrow channel. Veliko jezero (Large Lake) covers the area of 1,5 square kilometers. Malo Jezero (Small Lake) is about 1/4 of square kilometers. The salinity of the water in the lakes is bit lower than in the sea, due to intake of fresh waters. The temperature of the Lakes is usually higher then open sea temperatures for about 4 degrees centigrade. Due to these details, Veliko and Malo Jezero are popular places for visitors to swim in. Both lakes are surrounded with dense old pine forest. In the middle of Veliko Jezero there is a little island called Melita where Benedictine monastery is located.

PAKLENICA is Croatian National park that cover the most attractive parts of southern Velebit, as well as its highest peaks, all located in Lika region. Paklenica is an area of unusual contact between the sea and the mountain, rich in natural forests of beech, black pine and mountain pine. This is a habitat for the endemic plant called pljeskarica in Croatian (Arenaria orbicularis) and other plant and animal rarities, filled with karstic forms. It is famous for some parts of Mala Paklenica and Velika Paklenica. National Park Paklenica covers an area of 96 km2.

The highest peaks is Sveto brdo (1753 m). The main attraction of the Paklenica Park are two impressive canyons of Velika and Mala Paklenica, vertically cut into the mountain from the sea to the Velebit's highest peaks. In this small area of the national park, there are several unusual carst forms, caves, and varied flora and fauna. There are various species of large mammals in the park. too. Throughout the park, one can see game species such as roe deer , red deer , chamois and wild boar. Large predator species include the brown bear, the wolf and the lynx - though there are not a lot of visitors who can claim seeing them.

Anica kuk - the steep rocks in Paklenica Park (see right photo) is popular spot for hikers and climbers. In the upper parts of the canyon there is a large woodland area.

Due to it's unique geographical position (similar as Biokovo Mountain) Paklenica National Park features several vegetation and climate zones - from warm Mediterranean to cold mountain climate. Velebit is a branch of Dinaric Alps structure, mountain chain that stretches from Slovenia, through Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina via Montenegro to Albania. Velebit Mountain, as well as Biokovo is the only part of Dinaric Alps that gets so close to the sea. PLITVIKA JEZERA (Plitvice Lakes) is Croatia's well known national park. Plitvice Lakes are also listed in UNESCO's Register of World Natural Heritage. Plitvice Lakes is a group of sixteen small lakes - Proscansko Jezero, Labudanovac Lake , Ciganovac Lake , Galovac Lake, Kozjak Lake... - mutually conected with numerous large and smaller waterfalls. Plitvice waterfalls are created by deposition of travertine -a kind of limestone that created this unique and attractive wonder of nature.

Plitvice National Park is the area surrounded by dense forests of beech, fir and spruce, watered by various springs of the Korana River. Plitvice National Park is decorated with several caves and flower meadows too. Brown bear found , among other animal species, their home in Plitvice Lakes too.

Area of Plitvice Lakes is paradise for walkers and hikers as well as nature lovers. Lakes are lovely and cool in summer, icy and calm in winter, yellow and ochre in autumn, green and fresh in spring - any time of the year it is a privilege to be around those lakes! Plitvice Park is conveniently located near the main road that connects Zagreb and Croatia Adriatic Coast. It is easily accessible by public transport as well as by bicycle, from Karlovac, Zagreb or Split. Due to it's popularity among Croatian as well as other visitors, there are various accommodations available in and around Plitvice Lakes including several nearby campsites. NATIONAL PARK RISNJAK is based in Crni Lug near Delnice has 6,400 hectares of forest areas. With over thirty specific plant communities, a 4.2-kilometers long trail, a mountain lodge, a restaurant and accommodation capacities, it represents a special attraction and value of Kvarner and Gorski Kotar - a wide, heavily forested, karst plateau rising to jagged peaks. Easily accessible, owing to the proximity of the main ZagrebRijeka road, the area is a popular destination with Croats for walking, climbing and mountaineering. Risnjak National Park is at the northern end of the plateau and covers over 30 sq km rising from the tableland at 620m to the main peak, Risnjak, at 1,528m.

The parks varied climatic influences the sea from the south-west, the Dinaric mountains from the south-east, the continent from the north-east and the Alps from the north-west have enabled over 4,000 plant species to prosper. Accompanying these are over a hundred brown bears, lynx (ris in Croatian and after which the park is named), wolves, wild cats, wild boar, deer and chamois, as well as 500 species of butterfly.

There are also notable sights outside of the park itself. Lokvarska is one of several caves open to visitors in the summer. Over 1,000m long and dropping 140m in depth, the cave features an impressive array of stalactites, stalagmites and calcifiedway through it to the 90m Zeleni vir waterfall at the far end. The Cicarija mountains are just to the west of Gorski Kotar. A 40km long barrier that blocks Istria off from the rest of Croatia, the chain peaks at Platnik (1,273m). Being nearer to the sea the climate is considerably milder than at Risnjak, although there is often still snow on the summits in May. NATIONAL PARK NOTH VELEBIT includes a diversity of karstic phenomena, flora and fauna, which is just a part of this natural world. The Park covers the surface of 109 km2, and inside there is the Hajduki & Roanski Ledges Strict Reserve, known for its geomorphological phenomena - the pits. There are more than 150 pits discovered, out of which the most famous is Luke's pit, discovered in 1992.

Velebit is an untamed mountainous ridge which looms as large in the Croatian mentality as it does on the ground. Lying adjacent to the Adriatic and occupying over 2,000 sq km in a belt 145km long and up to 30km wide, this limestone mass is a designated UNESCO biosphere reserve. Velebit is perfect for those wanting to explore a fascinating area in solitude. It is possible to hike the whole length of the ridge, following Premuzics path and staying in mountain hutsDespite its proximity to the coast and the pleasant climate of nearby island archipelagos, Velebits size ensures that only on the coastal slopes is it typically Mediterranean. On the top of the ridge the climate is consistently continental, with intense summers exacerbated by the scarcity of surface water and then followed by cold, harsh winters. The peaks of Velebit endure temperatures below 0C on 160 days in a year. July to September are thus the best months to visit.

Velebit combines sheer size with the jagged intricacies of karst landforms. From afar it has an impressive bulk, with the ridge being untouched by any major transverse passes. On both sides steep slopes sweep downwards, to sea level at the coast and inland to the Lika plateau. Thus, Velebit stands isolated and aloof as a long barrier separating the sea from the interior. The ridges limestone has been weathered over thousands of years to create a landscape of deep gorges, sheer cliffs, dark sinkholes, caves and subterranean drainage systems.

As with the climate, the flora of Velebit varies with altitude and location. The coastal slopes are rocky, with a thin covering of maquis and scrub. Inland there is considerably more variety, with broad, leafy woods developing into denser, wilder beech, juniper and pine forests towards the peaks. Just below the ridge, the flora becomes sub-alpine with meadows filled with wildflowers. Bears are the most famous residents of the reserve, but wolves, martens, wildcats, deer, snakes, golden eagles, griffon vultures and long-eared owls can also be found.

Nature parksBiokovo

This imposing mountain is by far the greatest sight of the Central Dalmatian coastline, and its only nature park. There are few places in the Mediterranean where peaks of over 1,500 metres high come so close to the sea and where mountains rise so steeply as they do here. It is the forbidding and inhospitable peaks of Biokovo that bestow an ever so welcome freshness during the heat of summer upon the coast, as well as proffering a whole range of natures gifts to its true lovers. Apart from fresh air and the atmosphere of unsullied nature, Biokovo has beautiful hiking and cycling trails, pleasant resting places and interesting historical remains dating from the times when many shepherds roamed this difficult terrain. Today, the nature park and its highest peak, the 1,758 metre high Sveti Jure, can be reached by road, either from the shores of the Makarska Riviera or from Dalmatian hinterland.

Kopaki rit

The greenest waters and forests in the whole of Slavonia are to be found in Kopaki rit Nature Park. The park covers the wetland area around the confluence of Drava and Danube rivers, near Osijek, covering a total of 238 hectares, and which, due to its inaccessibility, has remained in the intact state since the olden times. Kopaki rit is one of the largest natural wetlands in Europe and as such has been recommended for inclusion in the UNESCO List of Natural Heritage. Large herds of deer are practically a trade mark of Kopaki rit, despite the fact that herds of wild boar are just as large. There are other mammals in the park but far more numerous are birds, a total of 300 different species. The most important among them are the very rare and protected species: white tailed eagle and black stork. The park can be easily reached by car from nearby Osijek, the largest town in Slavonia, and visitors can abandon themselves to the primeval ambiances of the wetlands, forests and diluvial fields. The best way, however, to tour the park is on excursion boats which are able to reach even the shallow, swampy backwaters. The beauties of the park can also be enjoyed by the tourists sailing the Danube, the river which marks the eastern border of this truly magnificent nature park.

Lastovsko otoje

This remote group of islands is richly indented, full of greenery and boasts a unique folklore tradition. One of the reasons for such a high degree of preservation and the special atmosphere of peace and tranquillity is their remoteness: it takes more than a four hour journey from the mainland to reach them. The waters of Lastovo allow true lovers of maritime life to indulge themselves fully, and only experienced yachtsmen sail these distant islands. Lastovo is equally attractive when approached from the north towards the small port of Pasadur across the open sea and towards enchanting Hidden Port, or if simply sailed into any of the romantic coves that surround this magical island. Having sailed into the waters of Lastovo, the most experienced sailors will not miss out on the chance to visit one of the islands lighthouses, particularly Glavat located on a tiny island east of the main island of Lastovo, or Suac, sitting on a cliff far out into the open sea. Today, these lighthouses have been transformed into tourist facilities for those yearning for utter solitude and primeval romantic charm. Lonjsko polje

The largest nature park in Central Croatia is Lonjsko polje, located in the valley of the river Sava, east of Zagreb. Covering an area of 506 km2, it is one of the largest European preserved wetlands, protected by the Ramsar Convention as a wetland area of the world importance. The park provides an atmosphere of peace and tranquillity typical of wide wetland expanses. Growing alongside calm waters covered in water lilies are iconic oak forests, particularly beautiful at dusk. However, by far the greatest wealth of Lonjsko polje is in its 250 bird species. These include numerous small birds and different types of duck. The best known inhabitants of the park are storks, which habitually build their nests on the roofs of the lovely timber built village houses. One such village is igo, in 1994 declared to be the first European Village of Storks. Needless to say, the waters of Lonjsko polje attract other creatures such as snakes but we should point out that there are fewer poisonous snakes here than in the rocky south of Croatia.

Medvednica

Medvednica Mountain is covered with dense beech, oak, chestnut and fir forest and it certainly is favourite excursion destination for the Zagreb citizens and their guests. The mountain is criss-crossed by numerous paths and trails, less demanding ones that are fitted with benches and information boards and those more demanding suitable for mountaineers. For those visiting the mountain leisurely, there is a funicular which starts from the city and goes to the very top of the mountain. The ruins of the medieval town Medvedgrad, located on an elevation in dense forest, a mere half an hour walk from the last of the citys houses, are one of the most popular sites on Medvednica. Medvednica hides other attractions too: ravines, caves, waterfalls, old mine shafts and small picturesque churches. Most people visit its peak, Sljeme, which is dominated by a TV broadcasting tower. Located around the summit are numerous mountain lodges where visitors, hikers and climbers can rest and restore their energy with popular Sljeme specialties such as bean soup with sausages and apple or cottage-cheese strudel. Papuk

The features that visitors find most captivating are endless forests of Papuk, extending as far as the eye can see. These woods are mainly mountain beech, but there are also oak, fir and other types of trees. By far the most beautiful part of Papuk is Jankovan park-wood, one of Slavonias favourite excursion sites. In a magical valley up in the mountains there are several sparkling brooks surrounded by flowering meadows and dense beech woods. At the top of the mountains is the loveliest of all its adornments: the Jankovac waterfall. There is also a mountain lodge of the same name, regarded by many Croatian mountaineers as the most beautiful and the most comfortable of all of the Croatias mountain lodges. However beautiful the woods, brooks and waterfalls may be, what makes this mountain unique in Croatia is its geology. Here, one can see all the ages of rocks, from the Palaeozoic to the most recent Quaternary period. This is also the only Croatian mountain to have an abundance of volcanic rocks. Consequently, here near the picturesque village of Voin, is where the first Croatian geological park Rupnica, known for the unusual strata it contains was founded. Due to its exceptionally interesting and valuable geology, Papuk has been included in the list of world geological parks, the first such park in Croatia. Telaica

This deep bay is one of the most popular havens for yachtsmen in the Adriatic, providing a safe berth during the strongest storms. The rocky shores of the bay are low on the landward side while facing out to sea are imposing cliffs reaching in places the heights of 180 metres. Telaica is approachable by land and partly by road, but for the most part via hiking trails through picturesque Mediterranean landscapes. UkaAmongst the main attractions of Uka are the unique limestone formations in the area of Vrana and at the very top of Uka, where an old tower is erected. Mountaineers like to be photographed next to this tower. From the summit of the mountain there are unforgettable views of the nearby islands and Opatija Riviera. Opatija owes its refreshing evenings to the shelter afforded by the lush forests of Uka. Ukas peaks are frequently bathed in sunshine whilst its slopes are often blanketed in fog. This creates a special atmosphere. Walkers and mountaineers visiting Uka in mid-summer can enjoy it in all its beauty, whether through the refreshing wooded parts or along the mountains wind-swept ridge. Numerous other features of interest are found there, such as caves and chapels, which provide shelter in inclement weather. The most courageous visitors like to take advantage of the favourable air currents and use the top of Uka as a launch pad for paragliding.

Velebit

Velebit is the largest Croatian mountain and as such rich in natural phenomena. Protected as a nature park and extending over 2,000 km2 in area, it is by far the largest protected area in the country. Within the park there is a whole range of smaller protected areas, including two national parks: Northern Velebit in the Lika-Karlovac region and Paklenica in Dalmatia. Velebit mountain contains many natural sites which rank among the most precious in Croatia. Therefore, the entire mountain, in its full length of about 150 km, has been placed under UNESCO protection as a World Biosphere Reserve, presently the only one in Croatia listed as such. Velebit is not only significant for the total number of various species and its wealth of flora and fauna but for the significant number of endemic species as well. Vransko jezero (lake)For those preferring physically less demanding way of enjoying the world of nature, the Vrana Lake Nature Park is perfect. It consists of the largest lake in Croatia and its surrounding area. Located in the vicinity of the sea, the lake is home to exceptional number of bird species, to wild ducks and egrets in particular. Diversity of bird species and numerous observation posts make this park a paradise for the bird observers. Since the lakes water is a mixture of freshwater and saltwater, variety of different sea and river fish species live here and make the lake an attraction for fishermen. umberak

West of Zagreb is umberak Nature Park and Samobor Highlands. Their distinctive nature stems from the number of karstic phenomena atypical of the areas adjoining the Pannonia Plain: deep canyons, small, sparkling rivers bursting with numerous waterfalls and broad, flowering meadows. The special feature of umberak is its people, who live on the higher parts of the mountains, in villages clinging to the steep slopes. The majority of the population are descendants of the famous Croatian guardians of the sea - Uskoks from the town of Senj, located on the shores of Kvarner. As some of the people are Greek Catholics, the villages of umberak are dotted with numerous small, picturesque churches, including the highest peak of Mount umberak the 1202 metre high Sveta Gera. The foothills of umberak Samobor Hills are gentler, particularly the vineyards on the slopes of Pleivica. Grape vines blend nicely with the landscape, as do the numerous forts scattered across the surrounding hills, like the old town of Samobor.

There are 80 special reserves in Croatia:

37 forest vegetation reserves

22 ornithological reserves

9 botanical reserves

2 ichthyological reserves

2 ichthyological and ornithological reserves

2 zoological reserves

2 sea reserves

1 geological and paleontological reserve

1 paleontological reserve

1 geographical and botanical reserve

1 botanical and zoological reserve

Famous sites in CroatiaDubrovnikNicknamed Pearl of the Adriatic, Dubrovnik is one of the most prominent tourist attractions in Croatia and the Mediterranean. The walled city was built on maritime trade. In the Middle Ages it became the only city-state in the Adriatic to rival Venice and achieved a remarkable level of development during the 15th and 16th centuries. Dubrovnik is steeped in stunning architecture and sculptural detail, and boasts spectacular churches, monasteries, museums, fountains and the famous walls that surround the old city.

HvarIsland Hvar and especially Hvar town is one of the most popular attractions in Croatia. Olive groves, fruit orchards, and lavender fields make up a large part of the agricultural landscape. Hvar town, set in a picturesque natural bay, with the Pakleni island chain protecting it to the south, is a popular port for yachts sailing around the Adriatic, especially in the summer months. Starigrad, the oldest village on the island, and Jelsa, as well as a smattering of small villages, dotting the coast or nestled in the lush interior are also well worth a visit.

Rovinj

Rovinj is one of the most picturesque towns in the Mediterranean. With its pastel-colored houses clustered together on steep winding streets it is a great place to wonder around. Rovinj is still an active fishing port and visitors can take a boat to the lovely offshore islands. The area around Rovinj has been described as an outstanding scenic wonder because of the pristine beauty of the indented coastline and its forests.

KorulaThe sixth largest Croatian island, Korcula is separated from the mainland by a narrow strait. The islands capital is also called Korcula. NicknamedLittle Dubrovnik, this ancient city is among the most beautiful towns on the Croatian coast and is known for its unique architecture. One of the main attractions is the alleged house of birth of Marco Polo. The biggest and the most beautiful building of Korcula is the Cathedral of St. Marco, built in Gothic-Renaissance style and completed in the 15th century.

Pula Arena

The amphitheater in Pula is the sixth largest surviving Roman arena and one of the best preserved Roman monuments in Croatia. The Pula Arena was built around the 1st century AD and could seat over 26,000 spectators. In the 15th century many stones were taken from the amphitheater to build houses and other structures around Pula, but fortunately this practice was stopped before the whole structure was destroyed. Today it is a popular Croatia attraction and used to host a variety of festivals and performances during the summer months.

Diocletian's Palace

Diocletians Palace in Split was built by the Roman emperor Diocletian in preparation for his retirement. He lived out his retirement in his palace tending to his vegetable gardens. After the Romans abandoned the site, the Palace remained empty for several centuries. In the 7th century nearby residents fled to the walled palace to escape invading barbarians. Since then the palace has been occupied, with residents making their homes and businesses within the palace basement and directly in its walls. Today many restaurants and shops, and some homes, can still be found within the walls.

Euphrasian BasilicaThe 6th century Euphrasian Basilica is the top attraction of Pore, a 2,000 year old town in Istria. It is one of the best examples of early Byzantine architecture in the Mediterranean region and, for the most part, has retained its original shape, though accidents, fires and earthquakes have altered a few details. The present basilica was built on the site of an older basilica during the period of Bishop Euphrasius. The wall mosaics were executed by Byzantian masters and the floor mosaics by local experts.

Upper Town - ZagrebGornji Grad is the medieval core of Zagreb and translates as Upper Town. It developed as two separate towns, Kaptol, the seat of the Bishop, and Gradec, the free town where tradesmen and artisans lived. The towns merged in the 1770s to form the northern section of historic Zagreb. The focal point of Gornji Grad is the square around St. Marks Church, the parish church of Old Zagreb.

TvraTvra (Citadel) is the Old Town of the city of Osijek in Croatia. It is the best-preserved and largest ensemble of Baroque buildings in Croatia and consists of a Habsburg star fort built on the right bank of the River Drava. Tvra has been described by the World Monuments Fund as "a unique example of an eighteenth-century baroque military, administrative, and commercial urban center".

The star fort was constructed in the immediate vicinity of medieval Osijek after the defeat of the Ottoman forces in 1687, due to Osijek's strategic importance.