Tourism is a major industry in Croatia. In 2012, Croatia had 11.8 million tourist visitors, and in 2015 it had over 12 million tourists and 90 million nights. Croatia aims to double these numbers by 2020 with national strategy to bring in 17.5 million foreign tourist and revenue from tourism exceeding $17 billion.
Tourism in Croatia is concentrated in the areas along the Adriatic coast and is strongly seasonal, peaking in July and August.
Eight areas in the country have been designated national parks, and the landscape in these areas is afforded extra protection from development. Several companies run flotillas of yachts along different stretches of the coastline, which is also popular with divers.
Croatia is a country in southeastern Europe spanning 56,542 total sq km, including land and water.[1] It borders Bosnia and Herzegovina, Hungary, Serbia, Montenegro, and Slovenia to its north, east, and south.[1] To the west and southwest it borders the Adriatic Sea.[1] Though Croatia is a fairly small country, it has a diverse landscape.[1] The north is fertile and relatively flat plains, while the south Dalmatian coast or tail of Croatia has low mountains and highlands.[1] Croatia’s coast and many of its nearby islands are characterized by hilly, rocky, and steep land.[1] The Dinaric Alps go through the middle of Croatia creating the rocky, mountainous south.[1]
Croatia has many natural water sources, like Lake Vrana and the Plitvice lakes, sixteen lakes connected by waterfalls.[1] The Danube River serves as Croatia’s northeastern border with Serbia. The Drava, Krka, and Save rivers are also found in Croatia.[1]
Croatia has a mediterranean climate along its coast and continental climate in its more inland area.[1] The coast experiences mild winter and dry summers, while the inland area has hotter summers and colder winters.[1]
Ancient Croatians farmed using stone, bronze, and then iron tools. Around these 400-200 BC the coastal areas of Europe, like Croatia, were overtaken by Greek and Roman control.[2] It was the Romans who divided Croatia into provinces, some of which are still used today, like Dalmatia for the coastal region. The people adapted to Roman living, building towns and roads.[2]
In the 5th century, Roman control of Croatia territory fell, and in the Middle Ages was when the Croat people migrated to the area. The Croats were a Slavic group who settled much of what is known today as Croatia, with one group settling the coastal area and another group settling the inland area.[2] This led to two separate states for a time. Inland Croats were later subject to the Franks in the 800s, and both Croatian states converted to Christianity around this time, becoming part of the Western Roman Catholic Church.[2]
In the 11th century, King Petar Kresimir united the two Croatian states, but this was soon followed by the conquest of Croatia by a Hungarian king in the next century.[2] Venetians also conquered parts of Croatia during the 13th century until the Hungarian king took back the territory in the 14th century.[2] A few decades later, Dubrovnik won its independence and remained its own state for centuries, separate from Hungary’s control. Control of the coveted Dalmatia region (minus Dubrovnik) was tossed between Hungarian, Venetian, and Turkish hands for the next few centuries.[2] In 1716, at the Battle of Petervaradino, Croatia was liberated from the Turks and was under Venice.[2]
In the 1800s, Croatia was influenced by the French Revolution. Venice had given its Croatia territory over to the Austrian Empire, and Austria also won the long independent Dubrovnik. But with the French Revolution in mind, Croatia fostered nationalism, making Croatian the official language, encouraging Croatian literature and culture, and prohibiting feudalism.[2] The Austrian Empire soon split into two, Austria and Hungary, and Croatia was also split between Austria and Hungary control. The Croat nationalists, however, were also divided. Some wish for an independent Croatia. Others wanted to united with other nearby Slavic states.[2]
Map of the location of former Yugoslavia.
In the 20th century, Croatia underwent the chaos of WWI, the creation of the Yugoslav state, and WWII. Croatia was a fascist puppet state for a time during WWII. Nationalism was still present, but quiet until the 60s when it grew again. However, the communist Yugoslav leader Tito silenced those demands.[2] In 1989, as communism fell in Eastern Europe, Croatian desire to become independent rose again. Soon elections were held, a vote for independence was taken, and the EU recognized Croatia as independent in 1992.[2] But there was also an ongoing war with remaining Yugoslav forces until 1995.[2]
In 2009, Croatia became a NATO member. In 2013, it became a member of the EU. Croatia is currently under consideration to join the Schengen area, projected to join as soon as 2019.[3] It also plans to become part of the Eurozone in coming years.[4]
The current population of Croatia is nearly 4,201,000.[5] There is a fairly even proportion of males and females.[5]Natural increase and net population growth is typically negative most recent years in Croatia, with more deaths than births and migrants leaving the country.[5] The population is 99.35% literate and the life expectancy is about 76 years of age. 68% of the population is between 15 and 64 years old.[5]
Croatia is 90.4% Croat, 4.4% Serbs, and 5.9% other minority groups (such as Bosniaks, Hungarians, Italians, etc.).[6]
The official government name of Croatia is the Republic of Croatia and it functions as a parliamentary republic.[7] The government is made up of executive, judicial, and legislative branches. The prime minister is the head of the executive branch, and is distinct from the President or Chief of State of Croatia.[7] The legislative branch is made up of the parliament (sabor), which is re elected every four years. The judiciary is independent of the other branches and members must retire by age 70. The highest court of appeals is the supreme court.[7]
The Constitution of Croatia was adopted in 1990. Croatia is part of the EU (but not the Schengen Area or Eurozone).[7]
Croatia is considered to be lagging economically behind some of its European neighbors, but has made improvements in recent years by simplifying the tax code and encouraging more foreign investment.[8] Its overall economic freedom score has increased by 1.6 recently, despite concerns about corruption, poor property right protection, and unemployment.[8]
The banking sector is relatively well-developed in Croatia, and the privatization of the financial sector is also progressing.[8]
Croatia’s official language is Croatian.[9] According to Croatia’s census, nearly 96% of Croatia citizens speak Croatian,[10] with the remainder minority languages being Czech, Hungarian, Italian, Ruthenian, Serbian, and Slovak.[11]
There are three main dialects of Croatian. The standard Croatian is known as Shtokavian. The Chakavian and Kajkavian dialects vary in syntax and phonology from the standard.[12]
Over three-fourths of Croatians claim to know a second language, and 50% of Croatians speak English for their second language.[13] Other popular second languages for Croatians are German and Italian.[13]
Croatia has no official state religion. Most Croatians are Roman Catholic (85%) and Serbian Orthodox Christian is the largest majority (6%).[14] Various other religions, including different Christian sects, Islam, and Judaism, make up the remainder of the population.[14]
Though there is no state religion, concordats between the Vatican and the Croatian government means Croatia receives financial and other support from the Vatican.[14] The Croatian government also has agreements with various other religious communities to define privileges in a legal framework. These agreements allow for marriages conducted in various religious communities to be officially recognized and eliminate the need to register those marriages in a civil registry office, among other things.[14]
Between breakfast and lunch is the Croatian meal known as marenda. Marenda is typically between 9 and 11 am.[15] This meal typically consists of sliced meat and cheese.[15]
Croatians have the typical breakfast, lunch, and dinner meals (plus marenda). Lunch on the weekends is traditionally meant to be prepared, at home, for the whole family, usually between 12 and 2 pm.[15]
Made from cuttlefish and often served with grated cheese and parsley, black risotto is a typical lunch dish.[15]
Black Risotto
Peka
A cooking style where any kind of meat is coupled with potatoes and cooked with extreme heat from a terracotta lid. This method is often known as “under the bell.”[15]
Fuzi
Influenced by Italian cooking, fuzi is frequently found in the Istria region. It is a handmade pasta served with white truffle or game sauce.[15]
Croats are typically very open and straightforward in conversation. Humor is also often used in communication. However, though Croatians appreciate directness, it is advisable to not discuss war, economic status, comparisons between Serbians and Croatians, and politics until a trusting relationship has been formed.[16] Loud voices and animated expressions are normal and does not normally indicate anger.[17] Personal space is important, especially when just meeting, about an arms length apart. Direct eye contact is also expected as a respectful courtesy.[18]
A middle finger is considered rude and potentially threatening, as is waving an index finger or pointing.[19] In some areas of Croatia, pointing the pinky and index fingers with the middle and ring fingers bent can convey a threat as well.[19] Finally, raising thumb, index, and middle fingers all at one time is associated with Serbian nationalism and should thus be avoided while in Croatia (this is a mistake commonly done when numbering three of something).[19]
Initial meetings are typically formal in Croatia: direct eye contact with a handshake and a greeting such as “Good morning” or “Good evening.”[20]
Honorific titles (Mr., Mrs., Miss) with a surname (if known) are typical. Do not address by first names unless you are family, close friends, or asked to.[20]
Close friends sometimes greet with an embrace or kiss on the cheek.[21]
If invited to a Croatian’s house, it is custom to bring flowers for the hostess and wine for the host.[22] Do not bring chrysanthemums for flowers since those are associated with funerals and gravestones.[22] Croatians also especially appreciate gifts from your home country.[22]
When receiving a gift, it is typical to open it immediately.[22]
When dining formally, it is impolite to eat before the other members of your group begin. Wait for the signal of the host.[22]
Croatians typically do not debone meals with meat. A small plate is often provided to store bones as you eat through the meal.[22] Eating with fingers for typical finger foods is the norm (i.e. drumsticks).[22]
Easter—including Good Friday, Holy Saturday, Easter Sunday, and Easter Monday—are all celebrated in Croatia with various traditions.[24] Easter Sunday and Monday are public holidays.[23]
Anti-Fascist Resistance Day is celebrated to memorialize and mark the uprisings in Croatia against fascist rule in 1941.[25]
June 25
Statehood Day
Statehood Day is a holiday to celebrate the day Croatia declared independence in 1991 from Yugoslavia.[26]
August 5
Victory and Homeland Thanksgiving Day
This day is celebrated to commemorate military action, known as Operation Storm, that led to firmer independence fro Croatia in 1995. In the interim between the 1991’s declaration and 1995’s military victory, there were various military conflicts sporadically mixed with multiple ceasefires. This time of conflict is associated with both the Croatian War of Independence and Bosnian War, which involved Croatia, Serbia, the UN, the Yugoslav People’s Army, and other former Yugoslavia lands. Operation Storm declared victory for Croatia in 1995.[27]
Though Croatia declared independence on June 25 of 1991, there was a moratorium and talks across Europe attempting to address Yugoslavia’s future that ultimately ended in failure. This meant Croatia wasn’t formally free to be independent until October 8 of that year. Festivals are held throughout the country on this day.[28]
Croatia celebrates Christmas on December 25, and each region has its own particular traditions during that time.[29] December 26 is also a public holiday for Christmas.[23]
To enter Croatia, you need a valid passport.[30] Croatia stipulates that you have three months validity on your passport before entering.[30] You may be able to get in with a personal identity card alone if you are from an EU state, but it is recommended to still have a valid passport too.[31]
Map of Schengen Area and related states in Europe.
Since Croatia is not part of Europe’s Schengen area, you should have at least six months validity on your passport if entering from en route a Schengen country.[30]
If visiting Croatia for tourism or business, and for less than 90 days within a 180-day period, you do not need a visa (if you have the valid passport).[30]
Visitors should register at a local Croatian police station within three days of arriving in Croatia. If you are staying at hotel or other recognized vacation location, this is typically done for you by the property manager. [30]
Longer stays or residencies in Croatia should check the latest stipulations as put forth by the Embassy of Croatia.[30]
Croatia uses the Croatian Kuna (HRK, kn) for currency.[32] The conversion rates (as of January 2018) for the Croatian Kuna with other dominant currencies are listed below:[32]
Currency
Conversion to Kuna
Conversion from Kuna
USD
1 USD = 6 Kuna
1 Kuna = .17 USD
Canadian Dollar
1 Canadian Dollar = 4.87 Kuna
1 Kuna = .21 Canadian Dollar
Euro
1 Euro = 7.43 Kuna
1 Kuna = .13 Euro
British Pound
1 British Pound = 8.49 Kuna
1 Kuna = .12 British Pound
Chinese Yuan
1 Chinese Yuan = .95 Kuna
1 Kuna = 1.05 Chinese Yuan
Croatia is not yet part of the Eurozone (though it plans to be).[33]
Croatia is not yet widely known for any particular tourism niche markets, though there are various reports of developing niche markets.[34] Some travel experts and marketers claim Croatia is prime to be a new gourmet tourism destination, due to Croatia’s wine and cheese offerings, authentic food experiences, and other recent developments like SplitB2B.[35][36] Others have noted Croatia’s potential to be part of the warfare tourism market.[37]
Tourism is fairly well-developed in Croatia, but has room to develop further. Tourism accounts for 18% of the country’s GDP. Only 15% of the coast—the main tourist attraction in Crotia—is urbanized, and many plans and goals are in progress to develop Croatia’s tourism sector more.[38] The Croatian Tourism Development Strategy has a goal to make Croatia a globally recognized tourist destination for all seasons, and is working towards that goal by making more luxury accommodations, including hotels and tourist services, or renovating older ones.[38]
There are five international airports in Croatia: Dubrovnik, Rijeka, Split, Zadar, and Zagreb. Zagreb Airport, or Pleso Aiport, is the busiest hub. The Zagreb airport is 17km away from the center of Zagreb.[39]
For transportation within Croatia, there are rail and bus options. The rail is clean, typically punctual, and has a major east-west line connecting Dobova to Tovarnik with stops in between, including at Zagreb.[39] However, rail is considered slow and not very efficient by some. Dalmatia, or south Croatia, does not have a well-developed system of rail stops.[39]
Buses are frequently used by both visitors and residents of Croatia. Intercity buses are regarded as the faster, more efficient way to travel throughout Croatia.[39] Zagreb is home to the main bus hub, the Central Bus Station. The Central Bus Station is also located right next to a tourist office which offers timetables, contact info, and more in English.[39] There are also coach travel options throughout Croatia.[39]
Ferries cater to bringing commuters and visitors both between the mainland and Croatia’s various offshore islands in the Mediterranean. Several of these are international car ferries to help you and your vehicle get in or out of Croatia.[39] Jadrolinija is the national ferry line that operates along the entire Croatia coast.[39]
Foreign driving permits will be acceptable unless you are in Croatia longer than six months.[39]
Croatian highways are recognized by signs with a white A on top of a green background, standing for autocesta.[39] The highways in Croatia are numbered 1 to 11. Highways in Croatia have tolls, so visitors should be prepared to pay with cash (kuna) or international credit cards.[39]
Example of Croatia highway sign.
Croatian expressways do not have tolls or fees.[39]
Tourist Regions (section taken from existing page)
The west coast of the peninsula of Istria has several historical towns dating from Roman times, such as the city of Umag, which hosts the yearly Croatia OpenATPtennis tournament on clay courts.
The city of Poreč is known for the UNESCO-protected Euphrasian Basilica, which includes 6th century mosaics depicting Byzantine art. The city plan still shows the ancient RomanCastrum structure with main streets Decumanus and Cardo Maximus still preserved in their original forms. Marafor is a Roman square with two temples attached. One of them, erected in the 1st century, is dedicated to the Roman godNeptune. Originally a Gothic Franciscan church built in the 13th century, the 'Dieta Istriana' hall was remodeled in the Baroque style in the 18th century.
The town of Rovinj contains well-indented coastal areas with a number of small bays hidden within dense vegetation, open to naturists. Although the beaches are not specified as naturist, naturists frequent them.
The interior is green and wooded, with small stone towns on hills, such as Motovun. The river Mirna flows below the hill. On the other side of the river lies Motovun forest, an area of about 10 square kilometres in the valley of the river Mirna, of which 280 hectares (2.8 km2) is specially protected. This area differs not only from the nearby forests, but also from those of the entire surrounding karst region because of its wildlife, moist soil, and truffles (Tuber magnatum) that grow there. Since 1999, Motovun has hosted the international Motovun Film Festival for independent films from the U.S. and Europe. Groznjan, another hill town, hosts a three-week jazz festival every July.
One of the most varying regions, the entire Kvarner gulf provides striking scenery, with tall mountains overlooking large islands in the sea. Opatija is the oldest tourist resort in Croatia, its tradition of tourism ranging from the 19th century.
The former Venetian island towns of Rab and Lošinj are popular tourist destinations. The island of Rab is rich in cultural heritage and cultural-historical monuments. Rab is also known as a pioneer of naturism after the visit of King Edward VIIIand Mrs Wallis Simpson. The island offers nature, beaches, heritage, and events such as the Rab arbalest tournament and the Rab Medieval festival - Rapska Fjera. With around 2600 hours of sunshine a year, the island of Lošinj is a tourist destination for Slovenians, Italians, and Germans in the summer months. Average air humidity is 70%, and the average summer temperature is 24 °C (75 °F) and 7 °C (45 °F) during the winter.
The interior regions Gorski kotar, Velebit and Lika have mountain peaks, forests and fields, many animal species including bears, and the national parks of Risnjakand Plitvice Lakes. The Plitvice Lakes National Park lies in the Plitvice plateau which is surrounded by three mountains part of the Dinaric Alps: Plješevica mountain (Gornja Plješevica peak 1,640 m), Mala Kapela mountain (Seliški Vrh peak at 1,280 m), and Medveđak (884 m). The national Park is underlain by karstic rock, mainly dolomite and limestone with associated lakes and caves, this has given rise to the most distinctive feature of its lakes. The lakes are separated by natural dams of travertine, which is deposited by the action of moss, algae, and bacteria. The encrusted plants and bacteria accumulate on top of each other, forming travertine barriers which grow at the rate of about 1 cm per year. The sixteen lakes are separated into an upper and lower cluster formed by runoff from the mountains, descending from an altitude of 636 to 503 m (2,087 to 1,650 ft) over a distance of some eight km, aligned in a south-north direction.
The lakes collectively cover an area of about two square kilometers, with the water exiting from the lowest lake to form the Korana River. The lakes are divided into the 12 Upper Lakes (Gornja jezera) and the four Lower Lakes (Donja jezera):Under the travertine waterfalls Cratoneuron moss sometimes grows, the moss gets encrusted with travertine and fresh moss grows further out, first a crag is formed but later a cave roof forms under the crag. If the water continues flowing the cave becomes progressively bigger. Limestone caves are present as well. The area is also home to an extremely wide variety of animal and bird species. Rare fauna such as the European brown bear, wolf, eagle, owl, lynx, wild cat, and capercaillie can be found there, along with many more common species. At least 126 species of birds have been recorded there, of which 70 have been recorded as breeding.
This region caters to yachting and leisure travel. The Kornati National Park has hundreds of mostly uninhabited islands. Kornat, the biggest of the islands with a total area of 32,525,315 m2 (350,099,577 sq ft), comprises two-thirds of the park's land area. Although the island is 25.2 km long, it is no wider than 2.5 km. The park is managed from the town of Murter, on the island of Murter, and is connected to the mainland by a drawbridge.
Zadar, the largest city in the region, gained its urban structure in Roman times; during the time of Julius Caesar and Emperor Augustus, the town was fortified and the city walls with towers and gates were built. On the western side of the town were the forum, the basilica and the temple, while outside the town were the amphitheatre and cemeteries. The aqueduct which supplied the town with water is partially preserved. Inside the ancient town, a medieval town had developed with a series of churches and monasteries being built.
The interior has mixed plains and mountains, with the Paklenica canyon as the main attraction. Paklenica National Park is the most visited climbing site in Croatia, and the largest in Southeast Europe. The close proximity of seawater allows tourists to combine climbing, hiking and water sports. There are over 360 equipped and improved routes of various difficulty levels and lengths within Paklenica’s climbing sites. The main climbing season begins in spring and ends in late autumn. The Park area contains 150–200 km of trails and paths intended either for tourists or mountaineers. The trails in the Park are marked with boards and mountaineering signs.
The island of Pag has one of the biggest party zones in Europe in the town of Novalja and Zrće. These beaches have all-hours discotheques and beach bars operating during summer months.
Zadar is connected by land with two exits from the main highway, and by sea with regular line with Ancona, Italy, and by Air mostly with Ryanair, Germanwings and Croatia Airlines. Many tourist agencies and tourist service providers such as Croatica.eu offer group plans. Most tours are offered by local private owners and small local companies.
This is another yachting region, dotted with islands, and centered on Šibenik and the Cathedral of St. James, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Several fortresses, remnants of the Renaissance era (which includes St. Nicholas Fortress) surround the city.
The interior has the Krka National Park with waterfalls and religious monasteries. Skradinski Buk has attractions and facilities available among various footpaths, sightseeing tours and presentations, boat trips, restaurants and a museum. Roški Slap, located near Miljevci, is the second most popular attraction of the Krka National Park in terms of numbers of visitors, and whose cascades can be visited throughout the year. Roški Slap may be reached by excursion boat operated by the Krka National Park, although the falls can also be reached with a public road. Inside the park is the island of Visovac which was founded during the reign of Louis I of Hungary, home to the Roman CatholicVisovac Monasteryfounded by the Franciscans in 1445 near Miljevci village. The island can be visited by a boat tour from Skradinski Buk. The park also includes the Serbian OrthodoxMonastery Krka founded in 1345.
The area around the city of Knin has medieval fortresses and archeological remains. The recently discovered Roman town Burnum is 18 km far from Knin in direction of Kistanje, which has the ruins of the biggest amphitheater in Dalmatia built in 77 AD, which held 8,000 people, during the rule of Vespasian. The nearby villages Biskupija and Kapitul are archaeological sites from the 10th century where remains of medieval Croatian culture are found including churches, graves, decorations, and epigraphs.
The coastal city of Split is also the second largest city in Croatia, and is known for its unique Roman heritage which includes UNESCO-protected Diocletian's Palace. The city was built around the well-preserved palace, which is one of the most complete architectural and cultural features on the Croatian Adriatic coast. The Split Cathedral stems from the palace.
The large islands of this region, include the town of Hvar, known for its fishing and tourism industries. Hvar has a mild Mediterranean climate and Mediterranean vegetation. The island promotes itself as "the sunniest spot in Europe", with over 2715 hours of sunlight in an average year. Cultural and artistic events within the Hvar Summer Festival take place throughout the summer, from late June to late September. These events include classical music concerts performed by national and international artists, and performances by amateur groups from Hvar. The Gallery of Modern Art in Hvar is located in the Arsenal building, in the lobby of the historic Theatre of Hvar. The permanent display contains paintings, sculptures, and prints from the collection, and temporary exhibitions are organised within the Museum project Summer of Fine Arts in Hvar.
The Cathedral of St. Stephen and the Bishop's Palace have a Renaissance-baroque style, and a façade with three-cornered gable and a Renaissance Bell Tower in Romanesque style from the 16th century, created by Venetian artists.
Other notable islands in the region include Brač, Čiovo, Šolta, and Vis.
The old city of Trogir is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and contains a mixture of influence from the Hellenistic period, Romans, and Venetians with its Greek architecture, Romanesque churches, Renaissance and Baroque buildings.Trogir is the best-preserved Romanesque-Gothic complex in Central Europe. Trogir's medieval core, surrounded by walls, comprises a preserved castle and tower and a series of dwellings and palaces from the Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque periods. Trogir's grandest building is the Cathedral of St. Lawrence, whose main west portal is a masterpiece by Radovan, and the most significant work of the Romanesque-Gothic style in Croatia. Another notable attraction is the Fortress Kamerlengo.
One of the best-known Croatian tourist sites is the fortified city of Dubrovnik with its Renaissance culture. The highlight is the Sponza Palace which dates from the 16th century and is currently used to house the National Archives. The Rector's Palace is a Gothic-Renaissance structure that now houses a museum. Its façade is depicted on the reverseof the Croatian 50 kuna banknote, issued in 1993 and 2002.
The St. Saviour Church is another remnant of the Renaissance period, next to the Franciscan Monastery. The Franciscan monastery's library possesses 30,000 volumes, 22 incunabula, 1,500 valuable handwritten documents. Exhibits include a 15th-century silver-gilt cross and silver thurible, an 18th-century crucifix from Jerusalem, a martyrology (1541) by Bemardin Gucetic and illuminated Psalters. Dubrovnik's most famous church is St Blaise's church, built in the 18th century in honor of Dubrovnik's patron saint. Dubrovnik's baroque Cathedral houses relics of Saint Blaise. The city's Dominican Monastery resembles a fortress on the outside but the interior contains an art museum and a Gothic-Romanesque church. A special treasure of the Dominican monastery is its library with over 220 incunabula, numerous illustrated manuscripts, a rich archive with precious manuscripts and documents and an extensive art collection. The main feature of Dubrovnik is its walls that run 2 km around the city. The walls run from four to six metres thick on the landward side but are thinner on the seaward side. The system of turrets and towers were intended to protect the city.
Just off the coast of Dubrovnik is the forested island of Lokrum. The small island has a castle, a thousand-year-old Benedictine monastery, and a botanical gardeninitially started by archduke Maximilian in the 19th century. Peacocks and peahens still roam the isle, descended from the original peafowls brought over by Maximilian.
The nearby islands include the historical island of Korčula. The Catholicinhabitants of Korčula keep alive old folk church ceremonies and a weapon dance, the Moreška, which dates back to the middle ages. Originally danced only on special occasions, in modern times there are performances twice a week for tourists. The main town's historic sites include the central Romanesque-GothicCathedral of St Mark (built from 1301 to 1806), the 15th-century Franciscan monastery with Venetian Gothiccloister, the civic council chambers, the palace of the former Venetian governors, grand 15th and 16th-century palaces of the local merchant nobles, and the city fortifications.
Further along the Adriatic are the forests of Mljet island. Over 72% of the island of 98.01 square kilometres (37.84 sq mi) is forest. Its geological structure consists of limestone and dolomite forming ridges, crests and slopes. A few depressions on the island of Mljet are below sea level and are known as blatine ("mud-lakes") or slatine ("salt-lakes"). During the rain seasons all blatine are filled with water and turn to brackish during dry seasons.
Varaždin, with its monuments and artistic heritage, represents the best preserved and richest urban complex in continental Croatia. The Varaždin Old Town (fortress) is a medieval defensive building. Construction began in the 14th century, and in the following century the rounded towers, typical of Gothic architecture in Croatia, were added. Varaždin's Cathedral, a former Jesuit church, was built in 1647, has a baroque entrance, 18th-century altar, and paintings. Among festivals, the annual Špancir Fest begins at the end of August and ends in September (lasts for 10 days). At this time the city welcomes artists, street performers, musicians and vendors for what is called 'the street walking festival'. Varaždin is also the host of the "Radar festival", which hosts concerts at the end of summer. It has already hosted musical stars such as Bob Dylan, Carlos Santana, The Animals, Manic Street Preachers, Solomon Burke among others.
The Marian shrine of Marija Bistrica is the country's largest pilgrimage spot. Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims visit the site every year where the 14th-century church has stood. The church is known for the statue known as the "Black Madonna with Child," dating to the Turkish invasion in the 16th century when the statue was hidden in the church and then lost for decades until its discovery. Behind the church is the process of "The Way of the Cross", in which pilgrims begin the trek that leads to Calvary Hill. Pope John Paul II visited the site in 1998 in his second tour of Croatia.
Central Croatia has some natural highlights, such as the nature park Lonjsko polje. The southwest area is known for its forests and wilderness. Baroque churches are found throughout the area, along with other cultural architecture.
Tourism in this region is just developing, mostly with spas. The area of Baranja has the national park of Kopački rit, a large swamp with a variety of fauna and birds. It is one of the largest and most attractive preserved intact wetlands in Europe, hosting about 260 various bird species such as (wild geese and ducks, great white egret, white stork, black stork, white-tailed eagle, crows, coots, gulls, terns, kingfishers, and European green woodpecker. Guided tourist visits by panoramic ships, boats, team of horses or on foot are available, with some packages offering the possibility of photographing or video-recording animals and birds.
The cultural center is the historical city of Osijek, with its baroque style buildings, such as the Church of St. Peter and Paul, a neo-Gothic structure with the second highest tower in Croatia after the Zagreb Cathedral.
There are three major yearly events celebrating folklore in Slavonia and Baranja: Đakovački vezovi, Vinkovačke jeseni and Brodsko kolo. They present traditional folk costumes, folklore dancing and singing groups, customs, with a parade of horses and wedding wagons as a special part of the program. During the Đakovački vezovi, the Đakovo Cathedral hosts choirs, opera artists, and art exhibitions are organized in the exhibition salon, and during the sports program, pure-bred white Lipizzaner horses can be seen on the racecourse. Ilok and the war-torn city of Vukovar are also points of interest in the area.
Like Prague or Budapest, Zagreb has a Central European feel to it, with a large and well-preserved old town on the hill and a 19th-century city center. The Croatian capital is also the country's largest cultural center, with many museums and galleries.
The historical part of the city to the north of Ban Jelačić Square is composed of the Gornji Grad and Kaptol, a medieval urban complex of churches, palaces, museums, galleries and government buildings that are popular with tourists on sightseeing tours. The historic district can be reached on foot, starting from Jelačić Square, the center of Zagreb, or by a funicular on nearby Tomićeva Street.
Around thirty collections in museums and galleries comprise more than 3.6 million various exhibits, excluding church and private collections. The Archaeological Museum consists of nearly 400,000 varied artifacts and monuments, have been gathered over the years from many different sources. The most famous are the Egyptian collection, the Zagreb mummyand bandages with the oldest Etruscan inscription in the world (Liber Linteus Zagrabiensis), as well as the numismatic collection. The Croatian Natural History Museum holds one of the world's most important collection of Neanderthal remains found at one site. These are the remains, stone weapons and tools of prehistoric Krapina man. The holdings of the Croatian Natural History Museum comprise more than 250,000 specimens distributed among various different collections.
There are about 20 permanent or seasonal theaters and stages. The Croatian National Theater in Zagreb was built in 1895 and opened by emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria. The most renowned concert hall is named "Vatroslav Lisinski", after the composer of the first Croatian opera was built in 1973. Animafest, the World Festival of Animated Films, takes place every even-numbered year, and the Music Bienniale, the international festival of avant-garde music, every odd-numbered year. It also hosts the annual ZagrebDoxdocumentary film festival. The Festival of the Zagreb Philharmonicand the flowers exhibition Floraart (end of May or beginning of June), the Old-timer Rally annual events. In the summer, theater performances and concerts, mostly in the Upper Town, are organized either indoors or outdoors. The stage on Opatovina hosts the Zagreb Histrionic Summer theater events. Zagreb is also the host of Zagrebfest, the oldest Croatian pop-musicfestival, as well as of several traditional international sports events and tournaments. The Day of the City of Zagreb on November 16 is celebrated every year with special festivities, especially on the Jarun lake near the southwestern part of the city.
There are a number of attractions in Croatia, ranging from sites of historic architectural and religious significance to famed ecological points of interest and museums. The sites listed below are just a sample of many tourist sites visited in Croatia.[40]
Trakošćan Castle is a castle built in the 13th century atop a hill in Trakošćan. Also known for exhibiting historic furniture, weapons, and paintings.[41]
Pula ArenaPula Arena is a Roman amphitheater in the city of Pula known for being one of the most well preserved Roman amphitheaters.[50]
Euphrasian Basilica is a cathedral in Poreč combining classical and Byzantine features in a complex structure that retains is atrium, baptistery, and episcopal palace.[51]
Diocletian’s Palace is a ruin from Roman emperor Diocletian located in the city of Split. The remains of the palace and its grounds make up the old town of Split today, housing shops, restaurants, and streets.[54]
Cathedral of Saint Domnius is a Catholic cathedral in Split built from a Roman mausoleum and with a bell tower. It is the current seat of the archdiocese of Split-Makarska.[55]
Lovrijienac is a 16th century fortress and theater along the Walls of Dubrovnik.[56]
Rector’s Palace is a palace built in the Gothic style in Dubrovnik. It also has Renaissance and Baroque elements.[57]
War Photo Limited is a gallery in Dubrovnik dedicated to pictures depicting war and conflict taken by renowned photojournalists.[58]
Dubrovnik Cathedral is a Catholic cathedral. It is the seat of the diocese of Dubrovnik.[59]
Dominican Monastery is a religious complex, Gothic style church, and museum founded in 1225 in Dubrovnik.[60]
Trsteno Arboretum is a 15th century arboretum in Trstneo featuring several exotic plants.[61]
Zlatni Rat is a spit of land near the city of Bol known as a top European beach destination.
Blue Grotto is a water logged sea cave known as a show cave for its glowing blue light that appears at certain day times.[62]
Telašćica is a nature park on the Dugi Took island known for wildlife.[63]
Church of St. Donatus is a church in Zadar constructed in the 9th century known for its Byzantine architecture.[64]
Šibenik Cathedral is a Catholic cathedral in Šibenik known for its Renaissance architecture.[65]
UNESCO World Heritage Sites (taken from existing page)
The cathedral is a triple-nave basilica with three apses and a dome (32 m high inside) and is also one of the most important Renaissance architectural monuments in the eastern Adriatic.
The episcopal complex, with its striking mosaics dating back to the 6th century, is one of the best examples of early Byzantine art and architecture in the Mediterranean region and the world. It includes the basilica itself, a sacristy, a baptistery and the bell tower of the nearby archbishop's palace.
Trogir's rich culture was created under the influence of old Greeks, Romans, and Venetians. It is the best-preserved Romanesque-Gothic complex not only in the Adriatic, but in all of Central Europe. Trogir's medieval core, surrounded by walls, comprises a preserved castle and tower and a series of dwellings and palaces from the Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque periods.
The palace was built by the Roman emperorDiocletian at the turn of the fourth century AD, and later served as the basis of the city of Split. A cathedral was built in the Middle Ages inside the ancient mausoleum, along with churches, fortifications, Gothic and Renaissance palaces. The Baroque style makes up the rest of the area.
Dubrovnik became a prosperous Maritime Republic during the Middle Ages, it became the only eastern Adriatic city-state to rival Venice. Supported by its wealth and skilled diplomacy, the city achieved a remarkable level of development, particularly during the 15th and 16th centuries.
Over time, water has flown over the natural limestone and chalk, creating natural dams which in turn have created a series of connecting lakes, waterfalls and caves. The nearby forests are home to bears, wolves and many rare bird species.
This transboundary extension of the World Heritage site of the Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and the Ancient Beech Forests of Germany (Germany, Slovakia, Ukraine) stretches over 12 countries. This successful expansion is related to the tree’s flexibility and tolerance of different climatic, geographical and physical conditions.
The Stari Grad Plain is an agricultural landscape that was set up by the ancient Greek colonists in the 4th century BC, and remains in use today. The plain is generally still in its original form. The ancient layout has been preserved by careful maintenance of the stone walls over 24 centuries.
Stećak or the medieval tombstones are the monolith stone monuments found in the regions of the present Bosnia and Herzegovina, parts of Croatia, Serbia and Montenegro. The elementary tombstone groups are the laid and the upright stone monoliths.
This property consists of 15 components of defence works in Italy, Croatia and Montenegro, spanning more than 1,000 kilometres between the Lombard region of Italy and the eastern Adriatic Coast. The introduction of gunpowder led to significant shifts in military techniques and architecture.
May, June, September, and October are considered ideal months to visit Croatia.[66] Weather during those months is typically pleasantly sunny without too much heat.[66] July and August are peak tourist season and temperatures can get uncomfortably hot.[66] The cooler months from November to April experience unreliable weather, and some tourist facilities just down for the cold season.[66]
The northern lowlands of Croatia experience cold winters and hot summers, whereas the central, mountainous region has an alpine climate.[66] Coastal Croatia has a Mediterranean climate. Though rainfall is not extensive along the coast during the summer travel months, it’s recommended that tourists come prepared with light rainwear.[66]
Crime is relatively low in Croatia, and violent crime is infrequent.[67] In well-known tourist areas, pickpocketing can happen.[67] It is advised to avoid carrying too much cash and leaving valuable possessions unattended.[67]
Tourists visiting gentlemen’s clubs in Croatia have been known to be overcharged, up to thousands of Euros, and there have been incidents where the tourists are threatened with violence for not paying.[67]
Croatia has problems with air pollution, deforestation, and coastal water damage.[68] However, access to safe drinking water is easily available in Croatia, and decentralized environmental protection agencies are paving the way for better environmental practices.[68]
Croatia also has one of the UNWTO's Sustainable Tourism Observatories, part of the organization's International Network of Sustainable Tourism Observatories (INSTO). The observatory is considered a commitment to monitoring and building sustainable tourism.[69]
For the most part, Croatians appreciate a direct approach in conversation. However, mentioning Serbia, past conflicts among Yugoslavia states and ethnicities, politics, or economic status is not acceptable unless between people with a very close relationship.[16]
For electronics, American travelers should bring a power plug adapter and voltage converter in order to use Croatian outlets.[70]
Nudity is not uncommon in Croatia beaches. There are several nude beaches all along Croatia’s coast and not far from town centers.[71]
In Croatia, tips are custom at restaurants, hairdressers, tour guides, and spas. These tips range from 10-20%, though there are not strict rules about exactly how much so long as you leave something to express gratitude to those serving you.[72] Tipping is not obligatory but locals often round up a bill or give a small tip to express appreciation with taxi drivers, hotel staff, bars, and cafes.[72]
While traveling in Croatia, most general emergencies can be handled by going to an embassy.[73] Additionally, there are Croatian emergency numbers. 112 is the general emergency number for EU and other states.[73] All other numbers listed below are preceded by (+385) if calling from a foreign mobile phone.[73]
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