Capital: Zagreb
Currency: Kuna
Time: UTC+02:00
Thousands of magical emotions - your holiday in Croatia
Croatia is a cozy world in which the most modern beaches coexist with delightful forests, hills and mountains. Croatia has a special, poetic name -
“The country of a thousand islands”, although it actually has about 1185 islands. Each island is a bright piece of the natural mosaic of Croatia, which has been admired for many years not only by tourists, but also by world-famous artists.
The poetic charm of Croatia cannot be denied. Agatha Christie, the legend of the detective, once spent her honeymoon here. Rest here from century to century enjoyed the kings and emperors. Croatia was sung by Lord Byron, Jack London, Yesenin, Chekhov and other masters of the word.
Contemporary art has not bypassed Croatia either: not so long ago, the picturesque city of Dubrovnik became the prototype of King's Landing in Game of Thrones, one of the most popular TV shows of our time.
Tours to Croatia will give you thousands of magical emotions and thousands of truly beautiful photos! Prepare cameras, photo albums and more free space on your computer - there will be a lot of unforgettable impressions. As well as new screensavers on the desktop;)
Enjoy painting sea voyages
A beach holiday in Croatia seems somewhat unusual at first glance. Of course, here you can just walk to the seashore, enjoy the salty freshness of the air and raise fountains of sparkling spray. But beach trips in Croatia are primarily contemplation and enjoyment of exquisite nature.
Poetic relaxation and an endless series of delights are combined with an excellent opportunity to get the most chocolate tan in the world. From May to October, pleasant Mediterranean weather reigns in Croatia: the air temperature is kept around 30 degrees, and the water is 25-28.
At the very end of summer, the long-awaited velvet season begins here - a magical time of calm. The popularity of tours to Croatia just rolls over, and this is understandable: in the most “velvet” summer heat subsides, and young people return home to prepare for work and school days.
We advise you to start your trip from Dubrovnik! This ancient fortress has retained the mystery and charm of magical antiquity. Adriatic waves breaking against high walls, bright roofs of toy houses, the light of magnificent street lamps in romantic bays... Rest here will be a romantic gift for couples in love and an interesting adventure for both young people and older people.
Poreč is another urban miracle of Croatia, attracting not only tourists, but also artists. All sorts of creative festivals are constantly held here, and on the streets you can often hear inspired music or poetry reading. The green beaches of Poreč are no less graceful and picturesque than the city itself.
You will find many other beaches on the island of Istria, as well as in South and Central Dalmatia. Somewhere the beaches are rocky, somewhere - pebble. Sandy places are not so common in Croatia, but each of them is a real work of art. What are at least the famous beaches on the islands - Korcula, Moru, Zadar ... We highly recommend visiting the resort of Split, which is famous throughout Europe for its clear sea.
Every year yachtsmen and water sports enthusiasts come to Croatia. The conditions for all kinds of marine entertainment are simply excellent! Thousands of ports can be visited in this region, many of which are well equipped for all types of water tourism.
When traveling along the beaches, do not forget to look into Croatian restaurants and taverns, which are called "Konobe" in the local language. There you will discover the enchanting tastes of the Adriatic cuisine: delicious stewed cabbage, Juha soup, sheep cheese, fish baked in various ways, shrimps, shells and other seafood. Do not forget to try the prosciutto - a charcoal-smoked ham dried in the sea wind.
End your meal in sweet colors: try Croatian cakes and pastries, chestnuts, zuccarines, biscuits and even local brushwood. Various wines go well with these treats, especially red ones - they often arrive on the shelves and tables straight from the hot Istria.
Obvious-incredible: interesting holiday ideas in Croatia
For lovers of everything unusual, mysterious and inspiring, Croatia has in store a lot of sightseeing wonders. And one of the most striking is a trip to Plitvice Lakes! This is a real natural masterpiece, which has long graced the pages of hundreds of geographical magazines. The national park covers an area of 217 hectares and includes 16 different lakes and a huge number of waterfalls. With its mesmerizing atmosphere, this place is somewhat reminiscent of the Iguazu Falls on the border of Argentina.
In the capital of Croatia, Zagreb, a very unusual discovery awaits you - the Museum of Failed Relationships. It is sometimes also referred to as the "Divorce Museum" or the "Museum of Broken Hearts". Also in Zagreb there is a technical museum and an extensive
a zoo full of "worldwide" flora and fauna.
And some more amazing stuff! Want to see… walking fish? Yes, yes, fish on real legs! Go to Poreč and look into the Baredine cave - there, at a depth of 60 meters, there is a special kind of fish that have legs (they are very reminiscent of lizards). Interestingly, the skin of these fish is almost the same color as that of humans. Excursions to "human" fish are in the highest demand in this place.
If you like "road romance", be sure to rent a car and drive around Croatia with a breeze! Driving along the road and looking at the magnificent landscapes is a special, very “Croatian” pleasure. What is at least the picturesque road from Split to Cavtat! Just be careful: with such beautiful views to go
and you can stop forever.
TUI is your trusted tour operator in Croatia
Decided to visit Croatia? Do you want to enjoy a holiday without worries and worries? Contact us! We will be happy to select exactly the tour that will meet your expectations and possibilities. All you need is the desire to plunge into the fabulous nature and recharge with its unique energy.
Holidays with TUI are 100% reliable! We are the European leader in tourism, and we put high quality of services at the forefront. Traveling with us, you can be sure that your money will not be lost or “burned out” for any reason.
Holidays in Croatia are suitable for all categories of tourists:
- For families with children, there are family rooms, mini clubs, children's pools, a special children's menu and equipment in hotels.
- Young people and all lovers of noisy parties will enjoy a large selection of hotels near bars and discos.
- For those who just want to relax and forget about the bustle of the city, hotels with SPA centers are perfect.
- For tourists who prefer a relaxing holiday, we can easily pick up quiet hotels with interesting, but unobtrusive animation.
- There are also hotels for budget travelers that offer excellent value for money.
Geographic location
The Republic of Croatia is located in Central Europe, borders in the north - with Slovenia, in the east - with Hungary and Serbia, in the southeast - with Bosnia and Herzegovina, in the south - with Montenegro, from the west the country is washed by the Adriatic Sea. According to natural and climatic conditions, the country is divided into four regions: Istria, Kvarner, Gorski Kotar and Lika in the northwest; Dalmatia in the central and southern part of the Adriatic coast, the Northwestern region in the central continental part, as well as Slavonia, Baranya and Srem in the east.
Religion
Religion: 87.8% - Catholics, 4.42% - Orthodox, 1.2% - Muslims, 0.19% - Protestants.
Climate
On the territory of Croatia, two types of climate can be distinguished: within the country - moderately continental, with cold winters and moderately warm summers, and on the Adriatic coast - Mediterranean with warm, humid winters (+9..+15°C) and hot, dry summers (+ 25..+29°C).
Currency
The official currency of Croatia is the kuna (1 kuna = 100 lip).
Foreign currency can be exchanged at a bank, exchange office, post office, travel agencies, hotels and campsites.
Credit cards (Mastercard, Visa, American Express and Diners) are accepted in almost all hotels, marinas (marinas), restaurants and shops, as well as at ATMs.
1 US dollar $ ~ 6.5 kn
1 euro € ~ 7.5 kunas
Language
The official language is Croatian, in Istria the second language is Italian.
The shops
Shops are open from 08.00 to 20.00, and in high season from 06.00 to 12.00 and from 17.00 to 22.00. From two o'clock in the afternoon until five, when the sun is especially hot, many shops are generally closed: it's time for a midday rest - siesta.
Time
Kitchen
In addition to the usual European cuisine, Croatian guests are offered national dishes. Traditional Croatian snacks include: Dalmatian or Istrian “prshut” (a type of raw smoked ham), Pash (from the island of Pag) or lichka (from the Lika region) cheese, sheep cheese, Slavonian “kulen” (a variety of spicy salami), famous Samobor or Zagorski “cheshnyovki” (spicy sausages), fresh homemade cottage cheese with homemade sour cream, etc. In Dalmatia, Primorye, on the islands and on the Istrian peninsula, the main dishes are prepared from fish and seafood, and “pašticada” (a spicy dish from beef) and boiled young lamb. The continental part of Croatia is distinguished by a rich choice of meat dishes, and a special place on the menu here is occupied by specialties such as turkey with “mlinci” (a type of pasta), baked lamb and piglet, as well as boiled or baked “strukli” (pies with cottage cheese ).
Croatia is rich in the tradition of winemaking, both in the continental part of the country, and in Primorye and Dalmatia. Of the strong alcoholic drinks, various varieties of brandy are most famous: slivovitz (from plums), travaritsa (from herbs) and lozovacha and biska (from grapes), and from dessert wines - proshek and maraschino.
Population
about 4,250,000 people, 90% - Croats, 4% - Serbs, 0.17% - Bosnians, 0.3% - Hungarians, 0.4% - Italians, 0.25% - Slovenes, Czechs, Albanians also live , gypsies, Montenegrins and Macedonians
Tips
In hotels, restaurants and taxis, if the service charge is not included in the bill, the tip is 10%. If the cost of service is included in the bill, then the tourist is not required to pay a tip. It is also customary to leave tips for guides and bartenders.
Souvenirs and shopping
edible souvenirs from Croatia- wine, cheese, prosciutto (smoked pork ham), butter.
Office souvenirs from Croatia.
These are ties, neckerchiefs and fountain pens.
cute souvenirs from Croatia.
Such souvenirs are usually brought to women. Among such pleasant gifts are unique lace from the islands of Croatia, home-made figured candles, aromatic oils.
Transport
The most common form of public transport in Croatia is the bus. A dense network of bus routes covers the whole country, buses run in all directions every hour. The bus fare is low, they are comfortable and air-conditioned. International bus service is also well developed. Bus routes run to Croatia from many European countries.
In addition to buses in large cities (in Zagreb and Osijek) there is also a network of tram lines. Tickets are sold, as a rule, in the passenger compartment of the bus or tram or at newsstands.
Cycling is also popular in Croatia (especially in Istria, where there are many cycling routes).
The railway network connects all major Croatian cities, with the exception of Dubrovnik (you can take a train to Split and then a ferry to Dubrovnik).
To rent a car in Croatia, you must be at least 21 years old, have a driving experience of at least 3 years, a credit card (or deposit), passport and driver's license.
Security
Security is another redeeming side of Croatia. Today, there are not many places on earth where you can feel completely safe.
Croatia is one of the safest countries. Here you can forget your wallet on a table in a cafe and return an hour later to find it in the same place safe and sound. They don't steal here. But do not forget that there are a lot of visitors here during the tourist season, and do not make such experiments so as not to accidentally overshadow your stay in the country.
Beach
All beaches in Croatia are free. Only the rental of sun loungers and umbrellas is paid. Most of the beaches are pebbly or artificial (in the form of a concrete platform). The swimming season lasts from late May to mid-September.
Do you know that…
Croats are a very resourceful people. On account of the natives of this country, the creation of a modern torpedo, the discovery of alternating current, the invention of a mechanical pen, fountain pen, tie and parachute, the beginning of naturalism and the birth of fingerprinting. Here is a one-of-a-kind beach that changes its shape depending on the direction of the wind. It is called the Golden Cape and is located on about. Brach. By the way, it was on this island that marble was mined for the construction of the White House in Washington. Another "wonder of nature" can be observed in the national reserve on about. Mljet. More precisely, on one of its salt lakes, which has its own island - the island of St. Mary. This phenomenon is also called "an island on an island." Finally, on the Istrian peninsula, in Zavrshie, there is a Leaning Tower of Pisa. Its height is 22 m, while it deviates by 44 cm.
Resorts
The Istrian peninsula is the most popular tourist region in Croatia due to its rich history, many architectural monuments, beautiful old towns in the Venetian style, clear sea, magnificent beaches and excellent opportunities for a comfortable stay. The beaches on the peninsula are mostly artificial concrete platforms, natural rocks and plateaus. From Istria, you can visit 2 of the 7 national parks of Croatia - Plitvice Lakes and the Brijuni archipelago. The road to the south leads to Dalmatia. This fairly large region is divided into northern, middle (central) and southern parts. The coast of Central Dalmatia is one of the most beautiful in the entire Adriatic. The main resorts of Central Dalmatia are Split, Trogir, Sibenik, Makarska. Each city is unique and has only its characteristic features. It is generally accepted that the most picturesque part of Central Dalmatia is the "Makarska Riviera", where the best beaches of Croatia are located.
South Dalmatia is a land of mountains and islands. Here, on the Peljesac peninsula, the best oysters in Dalmatia are grown and the most famous Croatian wines are produced - Dingach, Postup and Malvasia. One of the most popular resorts in South Dalmatia is Dubrovnik. Dubrovnik is what is called a “must see” for all tourists who appreciate cultural attractions: Dubrovnik is included by UNESCO in the top three most beautiful cities - monuments of Europe of the Renaissance. The other two cities are Venice and Amsterdam.
The main natural attraction of South Dalmatia is its islands. The largest of them are Korcula, Mljet and the Kornati archipelago.
My first solo trip was to Croatia. Summer was approaching, I wanted the sea, the sun, the comfort of an old European city, and at the same time I did not want a long and stressful flight.
I always thought that independent travel is very difficult, you need to know the language perfectly, be able to book hotels, buy tickets, and not get lost in a foreign country - so I went straight to a travel agency.
A lot of options were worked out with the manager - Cyprus, Greece, Spain, Montenegro, Croatia, etc. We settled on Croatia - the country fully corresponded to my ideas about the right vacation, and also attracted me with the absence of visas in the summer. The criteria for rest were as follows: Central Dalmatia, a small hotel without animation as close as possible to the sea, as well as relative proximity to some city, because I do not like exclusively beach holidays. Surprisingly, my very modest desires could not be satisfied - either the hotel was too far away, or it was too big with animation and round-the-clock fun, or it simply did not satisfy my aesthetic ideas, or it was very expensive. That day I left with nothing and was terribly upset.
In the evening I went to the Internet, and, once again, after reading the reviews of independent travelers, I decided to act. On the websites I found information about airlines, special promotions and discounts for flights, websites where hotels are booked. It took one evening to book tickets. In mid-May, there are few special offers, the most profitable one turned out to be from a tour operator in Croatia, and tickets for the Moscow-Split flight of Transaero Airlines were purchased from him. To buy tickets, even a plastic card was not needed, the money was transferred using an instant transfer through a bank.
The next step was choosing a hotel. Everything was more complicated here, not because it is not easy to book a hotel (this procedure takes only a few minutes), but because it is not easy to decide on a hotel due to the variety of options on offer. That's where the scope for creativity! No agency is able to offer so many different options. In the end, the choice fell on a place called Subcountry, near the Split and a small, cozy aparthotel with a kitchenette. I decided to book a hotel with a kitchen because there were very conflicting reviews about the village and, after reading them, I did not understand how things were with restaurants and cafes in the area. As a result, it turned out that I made my choice not in vain. I booked a hotel room on booking.com. Before my trip, which was scheduled for the end of June, there was a month and a half left.
Arriving in Croatia, we decided to go to Podstrana by taxi. As usual, you can take a taxi at the exit from the airport, only unlike in our country, you pay according to the meter and the taxi drivers are the nicest, polite people who help you carry your luggage and open the door for you. Contrary to my expectations, there were no mountain serpentines, the trip turned out to be comfortable on a good, flat road. I heard that there are still serpentines closer to South Dalmatia. But there was no way to check. The trip took approximately 30 minutes and cost 60 euros. At the hotel we were met by the owner, who was called in advance by a warning taxi driver, and from that moment the vacation in Croatia began.
This is a wonderful country with clean air, azure sea, smiling and friendly people. The language barrier?! It was easy for me there, although, contrary to numerous reviews, the Croatian language is completely incomprehensible and I do not find the slightest resemblance to the Russian language, it was easier to ask in English (although I know it very mediocrely), and sometimes in Russian.
Every day we went for a walk to nearby cities - Omis, Split, Trogir, fortunately, buses go there every half hour, and some of them have sea links. For example, from Omis and Split you can sail on an excursion to the Islands.
Croatian cities are a medieval fairy tale. Very cozy and unhurried, lined with paving stones, and in the center in the very heat, thanks to the stone and proximity to the sea, it blows with pleasant coolness - walking there is a real pleasure. Restaurants and cafes are everywhere, any street will definitely lead to one of them.
Prices are quite acceptable, for example, a portion of tuna or sea bream costs 500-600 rubles, salad 150-400 rubles, soup 100-300 rubles, coffee 100-120 rubles; The portions are huge, I had to repeatedly take away or take for two. All products are fresh and not only in restaurants. Croatian kitchen- delicious, but the most ordinary, without pretensions to sophistication. If it is meat or fish, then just grilled, salads are mostly without dressing, but there are always salt, pepper, balsamic vinegar and olive oil on the table so that visitors season the dishes to their liking.
In the markets you can buy seafood, excellent cheeses (I bought several varieties at home), prosciutto- dried meat, which is one of the national Croatian dishes, various fruits, the price of which is much cheaper than ours, and black and white truffles as a delicacy. A large selection of souvenirs, as in any resort town - all kinds of stone crafts in Trogir, lace weaved by Croatian old needlewomen right in the center of Split, local alcoholic drinks (travaritsa, slivovitz, etc.), silver jewelry (I was assured that jewelry with locally produced coral), bags and oil with lavender, olive oil (our store does not compare to local ones), natural soap and traditional magnets. In my opinion, prices in Omiš are slightly lower than in Split and Trogir.
Now a little more about Podstrana. The village is very quiet and calm, I had Villa Jercan apartments near the sea, literally three steps to the water's edge. The hotel has its own beach, at the entrance to the sea the bottom is pebbly, and then sand - I am writing about this because this fact surprised me, I thought that in Croatia almost everywhere there are pebbles, at least in this place for sure. The disadvantage of this place is that there are only two restaurants in the vicinity, approximately 500 m along the seashore, one grocery store, so it is more reasonable to rent a house in the village with at least a small kitchen for cooking the most necessary things.
Otherwise, everything is fine - proximity to Omiš and Split, stop next to the house, lack of crowds of tourists. A bus ticket to Split and Omis costs 10-12 kunas, a fixed-route taxi is a little cheaper. The owner of the hotel organizes various excursions and extreme types of recreation, car rental, offers taxi services for a moderate fee. You can go to the national park Krka, to oyster farms, as well as to visit many other interesting places.
If you are interested not only in a beach holiday, then one week will not be enough to travel around Croatia, the best option is two weeks - the time during which you can see the most popular sights, walk around the cities, study the traditions and life of another country and have plenty of rest on the sea.
I would like to note that independent travel planning is not at all difficult, moreover, it is interesting, the process has captured me so much that now I follow all the promotions offered by well-known airlines, as well as discounts on hotels in various countries. And I will organize the next trip myself, without travel agencies. Indeed, in addition to significant cost savings, it is also an incredible pleasure.
In the time of the proud Romans, the province of Illyria was a desirable vacation spot for wealthy patricians. I was attracted by the proximity to Rome, the mild and pleasant climate, healing springs and ... low prices. Since those distant times, Slavic hospitality and delicious local cuisine have been added to all resort joys. And low prices have been maintained. Today, it is Croatia that holds the leadership in tourism among the former countries of the socialist camp, bypassing both and Romania.
Visa
Croatia is not yet included in the Schengen zone, issuing its own visa to tourists. You can issue a document in a couple of weeks by paying 35 euros and providing the necessary documents (questionnaire, insurance, hotel reservation, plane tickets, etc.). Urgent processing (4-5 working days) is twice as expensive, and if you apply for assistance to visa centers and travel companies, you need to add at least another 20 euros to the usual fee.
If you already have a multi-entry Schengen visa in your passport, then additional permission to visit Croatia is not required.
Road
The most popular airports in Croatia are Pula, Dubrovnik and Split. Several airlines from Russia also fly to the capital, the city of Zagreb. Each of the cities can be reached by charter or regular flights.
The most inexpensive tickets to the resort towns of Croatia are offered by Austrian Air, a round-trip flight with a transfer in Vienna costs 250-270 euros. A direct flight from Moscow is available only to Zagreb (310-320 euros), from where it takes a long time to get by bus or plane to the resorts of the coast, additionally spending on bus tickets (from 25 euros one way, on the road from 5 to 8 hours).
Hotels, guest houses, apartments
The ever-increasing popularity of Croatian resorts affects the prices of hotel rooms. It is necessary to book accommodation in cities such as Pula, Dubrovnik and Split at least six months before the visit. Otherwise, you will have to be content with not the most convenient accommodation option.
The average price for apartments near the coast is 30-40 euros / day. In the city center there are many hostels where accommodation is available in a room for 4-5 people for 20 euros per person. It is easy to calculate that when traveling together, you will have to pay approximately the same amount for housing for an apartment for two and for an overnight stay in a hostel. Of course, the first is preferable.
Homestay accommodation is popular among experienced travelers. Owners of spacious and multi-room apartments rent to tourists rooms with full board, half board (breakfast + dinner) or breakfast only. Such housing has its advantages:
- you will have friends with whom you can stay in the future with a tangible discount. You will have accurate information about the best restaurants and cafes in the city, the cost of visiting attractions, convenient transport and much more;
- warm homely atmosphere, which cannot be compared with hotel officialdom;
- at your disposal there will be a washing machine, a spacious refrigerator, an iron, a coffee maker - everything is included in the price of an overnight stay;
- you are completely free from food-related worries. At your request, the hostess will prepare national dishes that are superior in taste to restaurant dishes.
- The undoubted advantage of living in a family is the price. Double room with breakfast - no more than 25 euros / day. You won't find a hotel room or apartment in Croatia for this price.
Along with the advantages, living in a family also has disadvantages:
- no matter how hospitable the hosts are, the feeling that you are not at home remains. You share a toilet and a shower room with the owners of the apartment (house);
- lovers of nightlife should take into account the fact that the family may be assigned a "curfew" - a time later than which you cannot return to the apartment. We'll have to "buzz" until the morning;
- most often the food will be the same as accepted in the family. You won't have a choice. However, the food will be hearty and certainly tasty.
Accommodation in a 3 * hotel with half-board meals costs no less than 70-80 euros / day.
Best season: when to go?
Croatia receives most of the tourists in summer. But you can swim in the Adriatic in autumn (until mid-October). After skyrocketing in June, July and August, prices decline in September but remain "touristic" until early November. November is the busiest month for tourists. In December - take off again, this time Christmas and New Year. New recession - February, March and the first half of April.
Holidays in Croatia are not necessarily connected with the sea. There are many sanatoriums and medical complexes where you can improve your health all year round. And the ancient sights of Pula, Split and Dubrovnik are even better to watch in winter, when there are not as many people who want to visit as in summer. At this time, holidays in Croatia are quite inexpensive, but this does not affect the quality of the holiday.
The Plitvice Lakes National Park is located in Kvarner, Croatia. Cuisine features and food prices
Croatia is a wine country. Local wine has a rich taste and unusual bouquet. Prices for homemade wines in local taverns (they are called "konoba") do not exceed 1-1.5 euros per glass. Any konoba will offer a lot of delicious dishes, but first of all you need to order:
- prosciutto - dried meat in spices. The product is in no way inferior to the famous prashutto or Spanish jamon;
- chabana - beef with spicy herbs. Favorite Croatian treat, tender meat and spicy herbs create an amazing taste that will remain in your memory for a long time;
- burek - puff pastry with various fillings;
- veskovachka begavitsa - lamb in sour milk, the main national holiday dish;
- samobor cheshnovki - grilled sausages;
- rafioli - almond dough pies soaked in brandy;
- gribanitsa - cake with honey and poppy seeds.
Despite the proximity of the sea, fish dishes in Croatia do not differ in special taste and quality. Slavs are meat eaters. But in every restaurant you will definitely find a dish called “brodeta”. This is a fish stew stewed in red wine.
Lunch, consisting of a salad, a meat dish, dessert and a glass of homemade wine, costs 10-12 euros in konoba. If you take local strong drinks instead of wine (in Croatia they make excellent herbal strong tincture, plum or pear vodka), then you will have to pay more - 15-17 euros.
Breakfast in a street cafe (fried eggs with tomatoes, coffee, pie) costs 3-5 euros. A complex lunch in a modest restaurant - 7-10 euros. Many people prefer to have a bite to eat in eateries in the markets: a large sandwich, a bowl of tomato soup, tea - the bill will not exceed 4-5 euros.
Prices for products from supermarkets are 12-15% lower than in Moscow. The daily budget of a tourist who prefers to eat on their own is 8-10 euros.
What to see, what to do on vacation in Croatia?
All the main cultural treasures of Croatia are concentrated in resort towns. The capital is in many ways inferior to these ancient and rich in sights places. It is worth visiting three cities on the Adriatic coast: Dubrovnik, Split, Pula.
The city appeared and flourished through the efforts of the Venetians who owned these lands. An earthquake in the middle of the 17th century destroyed many of the ancient buildings of Dubrovnik. But on the other hand, many architectural examples of the Renaissance appeared here, which tourists admire today:
- Stradun is a street and a square at the same time. The main thoroughfare of the old city. During the holidays, and just on weekends, musicians, dancers, magicians, jugglers work here. The best restaurants are also located here. A special object is a fountain built in the middle of the 15th century. According to local belief, if you drink from each tap of this fountain and make a wish, it will come true;
- Church of the Holy Savior - built before the devastating earthquake. Excellently preserved, a mixture of Renaissance and Baroque styles;
- Cathedral of the Ascension of the Virgin - built on the site of the first Christian church on the coast, rebuilt after the earthquake. A striking example of mature Italian Baroque. The main treasure of the cathedral is the altar painting "Ascension of the Virgin Mary" by Titian. Tourists have the opportunity to visit the treasury of the cathedral;
- The Prince's Palace - there have never been princes here, and the title of the mayor is the rector. The head of Dubrovnik during his reign did not have the right to leave his residence, so the courtyard replaced the whole world for the official. The building houses a museum;
In the old town, the city fortifications, the Dominican monastery and the city Aquarium are of interest.
The ancient city, well known in ancient times, today offers the main attraction of all Croatia - the palace of Emperor Diocletian. The history of the city began from this palace. The structure is well preserved and offers visitors: 
- Peristyle - a platform for religious ceremonies, surrounded by marble columns;
- Cathedral of St. Domnius - stands on the site of the imperial tomb, the altar was made by the famous master Juraj Dalmatian;
- Temple of Jupiter - in the Middle Ages it was adapted for a baptistery, so it looks great after 2000 years;
- The round hall is the threshold of the emperor's private quarters.
In the city suburb of Split, you can see the ruins of the Roman city of Salona, which was once the center of the province. Procuration Square is a monument of Renaissance architecture.
pool
In terms of the number of ancient ruins, only Rome can compete with Pula. But here the buildings are better preserved. Walking around the city you can see:
- Triumphal arch of Sergius;
- Forum and temple of Romulus and Augustus;
- Temple of Nicholas the Wonderworker;
All these sights have survived from the first centuries of our era, built by the Romans, they escaped destruction only thanks to the natural economy of the Slavic tribes, who found use for all buildings as soon as the Romans left the region.
It will not be possible to bypass the capital of Croatia, since it is here that unorganized tourists most often fly. One day is enough to explore the city, but you need to see:
- The Cathedral is the main treasure - the triptych in the sacristy. Author Albrecht Dürer;
- Strossmeyer Gallery - presents works by European masters of the Renaissance and Baroque;
- St. Mark's Church is an example of medieval architecture; frescoes by local artists have been preserved.
Organized tourists must visit the jewelry factory "Krizek". Here you can not only get acquainted with the oldest jewelry production in Croatia, but also buy original wedding rings and other jewelry.
Croatian beaches
Sandy beaches on the sea coast are only in the vicinity of Dubrovnik. In other places, the beach is pebbly, or in the form of a concrete pier. All seaside territories of Croatia are municipal property. You can sunbathe and swim for free, for an umbrella with a sunbed you will have to pay from 5 to 10 euros.
Having acquired the title of a nudist paradise in the early 70s of the last century, Croatia still holds the lead in the abundance of special places for those who like to “merge with nature”. Beaches of this kind are no different in terms of quality of coverage or amenities. The only thing is that there are practically no catering establishments here, and no one gives sunbeds with umbrellas.
Sanatoriums and clinics
There are about two dozen treatment complexes in the vicinity of Zagreb. Croatia is rich in thermal springs and mud, which help to cope with joint diseases, metabolic disorders, gynecological diseases (infertility). People come here to lose weight, recover from complex operations, and heal upset nerves.
Varaždinske Toplice, Stubicke Toplice, Tuhelske Toplice, Daruvar - no matter what resort you choose, there is something special everywhere, its own specialization, special procedures, competent specialists. The advantage of Croatian sanatoriums at reasonable prices with high efficiency of treatment.
Prices for some procedures:
- mud wrap - 8.5 euros / 1 procedure (course - 10 procedures);
- mud bath - 12 euros / 1 procedure (course - 10 procedures);
- doctor's consultation (appointment of a course of treatment) - 25 euros; Montenegro
- get to know Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia - each of these countries can be reached by buses that run regularly from all major cities;
- visit - the best way to get from Zagreb is by bus. On the way 5.5 hours, ticket from 35 euros one way;
- from Pula you can get to Venice by ferry - the journey takes about three hours, the ticket is 65 euros. If a tedious journey to the city of love and canals does not scare you (6.5 hours minimum), then a ticket will cost 12 euros;
- Vienna is also easily accessible from Pula or Zagreb. In both cases, you need to transit through Slovenia, but if you have a Schengen, it's easy. A ticket from Pula to Vienna - 40 euros (11 hours on the way), from Zagreb - 20 euros, 5 hours on the way.
If you have a Schengen visa in your passport, then the opportunities to visit neighboring countries are very wide:
A visit to Croatia will be pleasant for a tourist with any tastes and expectations. The country will soon enter the Schengen area. As a result, prices will rise and equal the European average. We need to seize the moment before it happens.
Beach holidays in Croatia attract the majority of visiting tourists. Rocky, rocky coastal zones occupy a significant part. But even in these areas all amenities for vacationers are created. There are also resorts with sandy, pebble beaches in the country.
Croatian cities have an originality, a unique charm. They carefully store architectural and cultural historical objects. Some monuments are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Tourists are offered many interesting excursions that allow them to replenish their knowledge base.
Croatian resorts provide an opportunity to have a good time for fans of outdoor activities. There are many diving centers, tennis courts, volleyball and basketball courts. Hiking and cycling routes, rallies, sea fishing, yacht trips are organized.
Beach holidays in Croatia
There are several resort areas in Croatia, the beaches of which have certain specifics. It is possible to choose a city, taking into account your ideas about the ideal pastime.
Admirers of natural beauties, lovers of cycling and hiking go to the resorts of the Istrian peninsula. The coast is mostly covered with stones. For convenience and comfort, concrete slabs have been laid on the banks, providing a safe entry into the water, it is possible to put sunbeds and umbrellas. Sea water is pure and transparent. All kinds of water entertainments are organized. The resorts of this zone include: Opatija, Porec, Pula, Rovinj, the islands of Krk, Brijuni and others.
Lovers of a relaxing holiday, families with children prefer central Dalmatia, resorts located between the cities of Gradac and Sibenik. The beaches in this part of the coast are covered with small pebbles. The coast is surrounded by pine forests, which give the air healing properties and a wonderful aroma. This group of resorts includes: Vodice, Makarska, Baska Voda, Brela, the islands of Hvar, Brac and others.
Fans of the highest category service, gourmets, connoisseurs of luxurious beaches consider southern Dalmatia to be the best vacation spot. The tourism infrastructure here is at the highest level, there are many luxurious hotels in the resorts. The sandy coast provides maximum comfort. Elite places include: Slano, Plat, Mlynn, Lopud Islands, Vela Luka, Kolocep and others. 
Excursion trips
Not only beach lovers are attracted to Croatia. Rest in this country provides an opportunity to see many historical sights, unique natural places. Many cities have an ancient history dating back to ancient times. They went through several periods of rule. All these eras have left a mark in the form of architectural monuments, to which tourist excursions are organized.
Among the country's most popular attractions is the ancient Roman amphitheater in Pula, preserved from the 1st century. Tourists often visit the palace complex of Diocletian, which was also built in the Roman era. The pearl of Croatia is the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary in the city of Dubrovnik.
Croatia has some of the most beautiful national parks. The most popular are the Plitvice Lakes. Many vacationers visit the Krka National Park, the Brijuni Islands. 
Holiday seasons in 2019
The climatic features of Croatia, the natural protection of coastal areas by mountain ranges provide the maximum duration of the swimming season. In this country there are skiing, balneological resorts. Therefore, you can have a good time here at any time of the year.
High season
The swimming season in most resorts begins in late April - early May. At this time, the temperature of water and air is comfortable, there is no sweltering heat. The most favorable period is May-June, September-October. July and August are not suitable for people who do not tolerate high temperatures, the air can warm up to 32-34°C. However, prices for tours are high during these months, as most vacationers prefer to enjoy the warmth and bright sun.
In April-August, most of the festivals, exhibitions, concerts, competitions take place, which allows you to diversify your vacation, make it more vivid and memorable. In June, lovers of sea fishing come here.
There is also a winter high season in Croatia. Many tourists come here in January-February, for the New Year and Christmas holidays. 
low season
Sightseeing lovers can plan trips to Croatia from October to April. The cost of vouchers at this time is low, there are no crowds of tourists in the cities. This makes it possible to devote time to educational excursions. Many hotels in Croatian resorts have indoor pools with sea water. Therefore, during this period, vacationers can enjoy swimming.
In the low season, you can go to the balneological resorts of the country. High-quality treatment is provided by boarding houses and sanatoriums in the cities of Motovun, Makarska, on the islands of Hvar, Vela Luka and others.
What you need to know when visiting Croatia for the first time:
In Croatia:
1. I believe it will not come in handy for everyone, but first of all, relax, feel the benevolent rhythm and keep up with it. If you are used to getting your own with character and pretension, it’s better not to Croatia, you won’t rest and take off all the cream of hospitality, you won’t see natural and human beauty around you, but only the sea is an incomplete impression;)
2. Slavic, an accessible and understandable language, you can even start speaking in a few days.
3. Mostly rest in private apartments. Hotels have European stars, respectively, and the cost. Their territories are small with rare exceptions, often open territories, there are not so many all-inclusive options and there is no oriental abundance. The apartments do not provide meals, there are equipped kitchens everywhere.
4. There are no private beaches, in some places there are beaches rented by hotels.
5. There are very few sandy beaches and such beaches have a rather shallow entry into the sea.
6. Beaches with partially concreted surfaces with descents into the sea, who knows - this is the most comfortable and requested from gourmets, lovers of "everything for me" ... and views, and the beach, and the sea.
7. There are no jellyfish in the sea and almost no algae. The Croatian Adriatic Sea is one of the cleanest in the world.
8. The swimming season starts earlier and ends later in Dalmatia, from Sibenik and further south to Dubrovnik, simply because it is further south and the mountains with islands create a certain climate.
9. Seasonal prices for accommodation, car rental and even in cafes ... in the peak season (July and August) are more expensive than in June and September, and in the off season you can rent an apartment with a monthly price.
10. Rest in the region of August 1-15 is better to book well in advance, even better before the New Year, because. this time is also the holiday time of the Italians, who also like to relax in Croatia.
11. There are very few single-family houses in Croatia, there are even fewer near the sea in civilized places with markets, shops, pharmacies, restaurants, and this, of course, is more expensive than apartments. Another category is villas that are of the appropriate quality, if there is a territory, then with pools and a barbecue area, and even a few kilometers from the sea, they usually cost from 200-300 euros per day (400-700 euros July-August) and more.
12. Holidays in cabins in campsites are often more expensive than holidays in apartments.
13. Russian tourists in Croatia are only 1.5-2% at the moment, so excursions in Russian can sometimes be provided only by hotels and only those that work with Russia.
14. Rest on yachts and other floating. means no less popular than land, we can say that the forces are equal :)
15. When booking a holiday in an apartment in May and later, it is recommended NOT to buy tickets in advance, but first find accommodation and adjust to it.
16. IMPORTANT! Children - also people, who are also considered when placing, are also registered, with the exception of infants up to a maximum of 2 years. The apartments are all categorized for a certain number of people (this is how taxes are paid) and another number is fraught with a fine, and inspections are quite common. Those. “a child of 5 years old, he is small, will sleep with us in bed” in Croatia is better not to mean. Yes, baby cots for babies, the apartments are not provided with the same wooden ones as you have at home, but with mobile playpens-cots, pay attention to this!
17. In Istria and Kvarner there are more hotel holidays, in Dalmatia holidays in apartments.
18. Driving cars is possible under Russian rights. Fines for violations of traffic rules and parking are quite high.
19. Bank cards are in use almost everywhere, with the exception of newsstands, souvenir shops, markets, most coffee shops and payment for transport not at stations. Rubles are not accepted anywhere.
20. Prices in shops and restaurants on the islands, if they are not connected by a bridge to the mainland, are usually more expensive.
21. High quality products, pay attention to the labels for "domaće", "hrvatski proizvod", "hrvatska kvaliteta", "mlijeko hrvatskih farmi", "meso hrvatskih farmi".
22. People often ask about sanatoriums for the treatment of respiratory tract ... The sanatoriums in Croatia can be counted on the fingers of one hand and they are not all on the sea. There are places on the coast where nature heals, so come and breathe the sea, pine trees, it is important to change the height above sea level, which means the presence of mountains is important. Asthmatic diseases are also treated over time.
23. Assuming traveling by car from island to island or to the mainland quite often, consider the cost of ferries - quite expensive.
24. Although Croatia is small on the map, the coast is more than a thousand kilometers, not counting the islands, so calculate your strength by thinking over the route every day in a new place - very tiring.
25. If you have Schengen insurance in Croatia, you will NOT be served, because. Croatia is not yet in the Schengen area.
26. A very low crime rate, but in the season, as elsewhere, there are "guest performers", so keep your bags, documents and phones with you, be careful!
27. Croatia is a very hospitable country, private accommodation services here have been polished for decades in their quality and you can always be sure that you are long-awaited guests. You will always be helped to solve problems during your stay, as well as brighten up your holiday with their attention and courtesy. Those who do not need extra attention are recommended to stay in hotels.
28. You can’t even imagine how much there is to see in this small country with a thousand islands.
From personal experience of appeals :) I definitely missed something, I feel ... I will add it later :) The author of the text is Yulia Shevaleva.
