Croatia Travel Guide
Located in the heart of Europe on the beautiful Adriatic coast bordering Italy, Slovenia and Hungary.
Croatia is a country of more than 1,185 islands, islets and reefs, most uninhabited and preserved, perfect for eco-tourism. In 1999, Croatia won three international awards for the cleanest waters in the Mediterranean. Major cruise lines include Croatia in their itineraries. Among them are Costa, Cunard, Crystal, Hapagg Lloyd, Peter Deilmann, Princess, Radisson, Seabourn, Silversea, Swan Hellenic and Windstar.
Some
of the best-known resort
towns along the Dalmatian coast are Dubrovnik, Split, Porec and Trogir, all of
them listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The Northern Adriatic resort of
Opatija, known for its long tradition in hospitality, was a popular destination
among European
nobility. The Millennium, a 5-star hotel, was recently opened there. Almost 10
percent of the country is protected as part of a national park or preserve. The
best known National Park in Croatia, Plitvice Lakes, is listed as a World Heritage
Site by UNESCO.
Beyond its natural beauty, Croatia has been a center of culture for thousands of years. Zagreb is the capital and a center of arts and culture with its numerous museums and galleries hosting world-renowned exhibits and festivals. The "Successful Meetings Magazine" listed Zagreb as one of the Top 10 international destinations for conventions and meetings, and Conde Nast Traveler also listed Zagreb as one of Europe's 10 "reborn cities". Besides its history and culture, Zagreb offers meeting and convention venues and accommodations in world-class hotels like the Sheraton, Opera, Esplanade, the Arcotel Allegra (set to open in June 2003) and others.
Getting to Croatia is simple, whether you travel by air, train, ship or car. All major US and European carriers connect with Croatia Airlines through European gateways. The Croatian ferry system connects the Adriatic islands to the mainland as well as to Italy. English is widely spoken. Numerous first-class and deluxe hotels as well as quaint bed and breakfast type accommodations are available. Some of the best places to stay are the new chic and exclusive "boutique" hotels opening up throughout Croatia. Various programs to Croatia include escorted tours, religious pilgrimages, eco-tourism packages, city and hotel packages, special-interest tours and adventure programs (hiking, biking, canoeing, ballooning, fishing, swimming).