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Croatia - full of life

Trogir

Trogir is a historic town and harbour on the Adriatic coast in Split-Dalmatia County, with a population of 10,818 (2011) and a total municipality population of 13,260 (2011). The historic city of Trogir is situated on a small island between the mainland and the island of Čiovo. It lies 27 kilometres (17 miles) west of the city of Split and six kilometers (4 miles) apart from Split Airport.

The natural protected harbour where the islet is situated made it to a very popular destination among sailors. Also the vicinity of the Airport and the fast connection to the highway (only 15 km/10 mi) makes Trogir an inevitable destination in Croatia. Trogir was founded by Greek colonists from the island of Vis in the 3rd century BC. With 2300 years of urban continuity Trogir combines ancient Greek and Roman architecture followed by influences of the Republic of Venice. The variety of Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque buildings made it to one of the best-preserved medieval complexes. The picturesque townlet is often called “town of lucky moment” for the relief of the Greek god Kairos found and preserved here. It is also a remarkable example of urban continuity. The orthogonal street plan of this island settlement dates back to the Hellenistic period. As such, the historic centre of Trogir has been included in the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites since 1997.

The city core compromises of numerous historical monuments of great value. Among them are the preserved castle and tower Kamerlengo, the cathedral of St. Lawrence (Sv. Lovre) with the masterpiece portal of Master Radovan, the town-hall, loggia, the complexes of the Ćipiko palace and many other interesting and important sites. Around Trogir there are numerous islands and islets with Mediterranean vegetation and marvelous beaches.

Combining this with crystal clear sea and plenty of sun make Trogir a very attractive tourist destination.

Shipbuilding is one of the oldest and most developed industries in Trogir, based on a 2000 year old tradition. Continuously men here are connected to culture, ships and sea. So also for those who prefer the history and ambiance of old, this city is a must on the Adriatic coast.

Split

Split as the biggest city in the Adriatic with its 200,000 inhabitants has in recent years turned from transit point to a tourist destination itself. Good flight connections with the European capitals make the second biggest Croatian city an adorable Mediterranean direction. It is life inside the 1.700-years- old walls of the Roman emperor Diocletian's palace that attracts tourists as a magnet.

Split can also be called a modern megalopolis with the vicinity of the historical towns of Trogir and Omiš as well as the astonishing islands in front. You would accept it to be overcrowded but it is rather dynamic and still aspires the Mediterranean way of living. Some of the most famous cultural and historical monuments are Diocletian´s Palace built by the roman emperor Diocletian in the 3rd century. Palace of Diocletian is also an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Other interesting sites include the cathedral of Split with the bell tower of St. Domnius, the city´s square, Prokurative, Meštrović gallery, the museum of Croatian archaeological monuments and monument to Gregory Of Nin.

The centre of all happenings is within the walls of the ancient palace among the little stone streets and of course along the always vivid waterfront. Take a coffee at this sunny riva or a refreshing drink in a deep shadow of city walls of the palace protected by UNESCO or seafood specialties in one of plenty restaurants. This all represents only a small part of choices Split offers you.

More than museums, gastronomic or tourists offers, Split gives you it’s true self. The over one century old main beach Bačvice, tempts you not only to swim but maybe also to join local players in playing Picigin – a unique game played in shallow water with a small tennis alike ball.

Visitors are also welcomed to join Torcida, Europe’s oldest organised supporters of the over 100 years old football club Hajduk…

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik, also called the Pearl of Adriatic, is one of the most beautiful old towns in the Mediterranean, and it is situated on the very south of Croatia. Today’s population of Dubrovnik is 60, 000.

Its development as a small settlement began in the 7th century. First encounter with Dubrovnik will leave you breathless, because everything Dubrovnik has is in perfect harmony: churches, towers, walls, squares and streets. In the 12th century residents started to fortify Dubrovnik with walls and towers, while the monumental city walls were finished in the 16th century. Three large forts and fourteen quadrangle towers are part of 1950m long walls. At that time the town became an autonomous commune that developed into the tiny state called the Republic of Dubrovnik or the Republic of Ragusa, whose nobility used skillful diplomacy to gain prosperity. The French conqueror Napoleon abolished the Republic of Dubrovnik in 1806. Abandoned by the French troups, Dubrovnik was governed by the Austrians in 1814 as a part of the Dalmatian province, while from 1918 it shares the Croatia's destiny. The city of Dubrovnik is an exceptional cultural centre and a popular tourist destination today.

The entire walled old city of Dubrovnik is an UNESCO World Heritage site. Besides the great Dubrovnik walls, Ravelin and Lovrijenac fortresses there are plenty of other things to see, like the Roland´s Column, Bell Tower, Sponza Palace and Rector´s Palace, as well as the Franciscan Monastery with one of the oldest pharmacies in Europe and the Church of Saint Blaise ( Svetog Vlaha) and many other examples of Dubrovnik cultural heritage. It is a city of hotels, beautiful surroundings, enviable ecological standards, and tourist attractions. All that makes Dubrovnik an appealing destination all year around.

Hvar

Hvar is the longest of all the islands on the Adriatic. It spreads on 67,5 km and covers the area of 299,6 km 2 . It is situated between islands of Korčula, Brač and Vis. It receives the most amount of sunshine per year and therefore it is often called “The Sunshine Island”. With the annual average of 2726 sunshine hours per year that makes it 127 sunny days all together!

The major places (all on the coast of the island) are: the town of Hvar, Stari Grad, Jelsa, Sućuraj and Vrboska. The island today has a population of 14 000 and was inhabited already in the 4 th century BC making it even then a significant maritime centre. At that time the oldest settlement once called Pharos and today Stari Grad (Old Town) was formed.

Besides tourism, agriculture and fishery are the main economic generators. Hvar is famous for delicious wines and the smell of lavender spreading all over.

The highest peak of Hvar is St. Nicholas(626m) that gives the visitor a splendid view of the beauty of small islands on the north and Šćedro, Galešnik and The archipelago of Pakleni islands (14 small islands) on the south.

Hvar (town)

Hvar is a town on the homonymous island with unique cultural and historical heritage. It is one of the favorite destinations in the whole Adriatic and one of the 10 most beautiful ports in the World. It is also the island’s hub and busiest destination.

Its harbour provided a suitable location for a port, being geographically ideal and protected by Pakleni islands, making it safe haven for boats hiding from hazardous winds.

Hvar is the town of a unique cultural and historical heritage such us: the fortress Fortica or Španjola, the Cathedral of St. Stephan, the Franciscan monastery, town loggia, the Hektorović Palace, the arsenal and the theatre.

This year the town of Hvar celebrates 150 years of organized tourism. It was in 1858 that the first hotel, with 13-rooms, opened in Hvar.

Stari grad

Stari Grad is a town and a harbour at the end of the four nautical mile long bay on the northern side of the island of Hvar. The town is surrounded with vineyards, olive-groves and pine tree forest. It is also considered to be the historical heart of the island. Because of its position for centuries it was a safe harbor to sailors. English translation of this appealing town would be Old Town and it was founded by the Ancient Greeks in 385/384 BC as an independent polis of Pharos. The Greek town remained buried under the present day Stari Grad and only some fragmental architectural remains indicate its original lay-out, such as some parts of the 11 metre long Greek walls. Nowadays, modern tourist facilities work in perfect symbiosis with the cultural heritage and make Stari Grad a place worth visiting.

Vrbovska

Vrboska is the smallest town and harbour on the Island of Hvar. It is located on the central part of the northern coast of the island. The geographical location make Vrboska very special as it is very well hidden in the depth of a bay.

It is often referred to as “Little Venice” due to numerous small bridges connecting to a small island in the middle of this bay.

Vis

Vis is the farthest inhabited island off the Croatian mainland, but don’t let the distance scare you, as we are here to take you there.

Simplicity is the essence of Vis tailored to men and that is used in its whole by most visitors. Consequently, not just its protruding edges, Vis and Komiža, but also the numerous bays in the island’s interior leave you breathless. One of the reasons for Vis uniqueness lies in its 50 years of isolation as a military island. However, although it seemed as time had stopped (as so often it happens in life), the thing that once seemed to be a disadvantage in the end turns out to be an important advantage. And that is its untouched nature and the people that haven't been possessed by tourist commercialisation but who are hospitable in an authentic, "native" way. Of all the Dalmatian Islands,Vis is the moast mysterious – even to locals.

Vis (town)

Vis Town is situated on the north coast of the island in the bottom of a well protected bay. It developed from the former settlements Kut and Luka, which became one entity in the 16th century by the building of the church Gospa od Spilica. It is the only place on the island having a daily ferry connection to the mainland. Tourism on Vis began to develop significantly with the demilitarisation of the island at the beginning of the war (1991-1995) in Croatia.

The town of Vis - ancient Issa, was founded by the Greek tyrant of Syracuse Dionysius the Elder about 397 B.C. The settlement of Dionisius had been located in the part of the town, which is now called Gradina and on the peninsula of Prirovu. Later, it became an independent polis, and even minted its own money and founded its own colonies, the most notable of which was Aspálathos (the modern-day city of Split), During the 3rd century Issa founded the emporia Tragurion (Traù, now Trogir), Epetion (Stobreč) and Lumbarda on Korčula. Vis bares a valuable archaeological collection in the Museum of Vis, which is located within the fortress Batarija like the bronze head of the goddess Artemida and many amphoras that were dived out around the island.

Komiža

Komiža lies on the sunny side of the island (well sheltered from cold north winds and is subsequently the warmest place in Croatia during winter) in the bottom of the largest bay on the island and is compacted within narrow alleys and slender houses. The long fishing tradition is reflected in the appearance of this small town and in the warmth of the local people. It is situated at the foot of the hill Hum (587 m) and oriented in West- Southwest direction. The archipelago of Komiža encompasses even the farthest Adriatic islands, rich with fish – Biševo, Palagruža, St. Andrija as well as Jabuka and Brusnik – islands of volcanic origin.

The name originates from the Italian form Com Issa that literally means near Issa (the ancient settlement on the island). Ten times more people from Komiža live in San Pedro, California as well as in many other different parts of the world.

Drvenik Veli

is situated in middle-Dalmatian archipelago, northwest Šolta. The only settlement on the island is the eponymous village. The island was first inhabited in the 15th century but mentioned already in the 13 th century as "Gerona" or "Giruan". Main industries are agriculture, fishing and tourism. The coast of the island consists of many sand and pebble beaches.

You will find the famous Blue lagoon here. It is nestled between two islets (Krknjaš Mali and Krknjaš Veli) and Drvenik Veli. The turquoise colour, shallow sandy seabed surrounded by a beautiful pebble beach and pine trees is more than stunning. The Blue Lagoon is also natural habitat of dolphins, so on your way there - open your eyes! Drvenik Mali - It is situated in middle-Dalmatian archipelago, west of Drvenik Veliki, 8 nautical miles (15 km) from Trogir. Its area is 3.3 km 2 (1.3 sq mi). Drvenik Mali is 3 times smaller than it’s bigger relative Drvenik Veli.

The only settlement on the island is the eponymous village with a population of 87 (as of 2011). The coast is well indented and sea around the island is shallow, thus convenient for fishing. The highest peak is 79 metres high. Main industries are agriculture (mostly olives), fishing and tourism.

Maslinica

Maslinica - on island Šolta is surrounded by seven small islands (Polebrnjak, Saskinja, Stipanska, Kamik, Balkun, Šarac and Grmej), each one more beautiful than the other. Island Stipanska is the largest and contains the remains of a 6th century church, once part of a Benedictine monastery. In Maslinica you can see traditional stone houses and the Marchi family’s 1706 baroque castle that was recently refurbished into a Heritage Hotel. This and a construction of a new marina turned this piece of heaven into a tourist and nautical centre of the island. Still pretty pebbled beaches and untouched nature seem to be appealing for many visitors.

Brač

Island Brač,is the largest island of the central Dalmatian group of islands and the third largest among the Adriatic islands; area 394.57 sq km; population 13,824.

It is separated from the mainland by the Brač Channel, from the island of Šolta by the so- called Splitska Vrata(Split Gate) and from the Island of Hvar by the Hvar Channel.

The highest peak of the island, Vidova Gora (Vitus' Mount) (778 m), is also the highest peak of all Croatian islands.

The limestone part of the coast is rocky and steep, while the rest is rather low and sandy (on the southern side from Farska to Bol, and on the northern side from Sutivan to Supetar). The island landscape is dominated by a karst limestone relief, with numerous gullies, crevices, cavities, round valleys and coves. Composed primarily of limestone and dolomite, the quarries of the island of Brac have been a source of stone for building decorative stonework for centuries. The old Romans have known its quality and used this very stone to build cities, amphitheaters, temples, palaces and graves all over Dalmatia.

The largest places are Pucišća and Supetar. Major farming products are olive oil, wine and fruit (sour cherries and almonds); chief occupations include also livestock breeding and fishing. Fish canneries are located in Postira and Milna.

We invite you to explore this unique island that offers everything one needs for an unforgettable holiday in an unspoiled natural environment.

Rich cultural and historic heritage that dates back to pre-historic times, unique gastronomy, beautiful beaches and bays , crystal blue sea, high quality accommodation in private facilities and the hospitality of the local people are the guarantees of a holiday you will always remember.

Bol and Zlatni rat (Golden cape)

Bol is situated on the southern part of the island. This little town is the oldest settlement of Brač. Sources of fresh water, wide gravel and sandy beaches that expand over 10 km made Bol the first tourist destination of Brač. It is not possible to avoid the Golden cape, certainly the most beautiful beach on the Adriatic, whose cape is turning one moment to one side and the other moment to the other side playing a strange game with the wind and the waves. Golden cape beach is extending into the sea with a dense pine forest behind it and offers a variety of sports and entertainment. It is beside swimming and snorkelling a true windsurfing paradise. If you are more into culture you could enjoy a walk to the Dominican monastery. It is not only a rich library and archive that you will find there but also the cellars of the oldest winery in Dalmatia. And do not miss the chance of trying Dalmatian wines.

After we leave Bol we usually cruise from one bay to the other visiting nice pebbled beaches and stopping for a quick swimming, snorkeling and making unforgettable pictures so you will never forget this trip.

Milna

Milna is a typical fisherman village on the western part of the island, 18 km from Supetar. It is also known as a Sailing paradise. Already in the ancient times, while building his famous palace in Split, Emperor Diocletian’s ships could use it as a safe harbour. Today there is a modern equipped marina with several berths that offers a secure stay and service of yachtsmen from all over the world. On our way, just before Milna bay you will see the small island Mrduja (where the residents of Brač and Šolta perform annul tug-of- war to determine the ownership of this tiny island of Mrduja). In Milna you will find crystal clear sea, domestic healthy food and ideal conditions for diving, sailing and fishing.

Kornati

Kornati - this archipelago of islands is located in the central part of the Croatian Adriatic, on the meeting point of Šibenik and Zadar islands. It is a separate and by many a specific group of islands. Because of its exceptional landscape beauty, interesting geomorphology, diversity of the coastline and especially because of the rich biocoenoses of the marine ecosystem, greater part of the Kornati maritime zone has been declared a national park in 1980.

Today NP “Kornati” occupies an area of about 220 km² and it includes 89 islands, islets and cliffs, alltogether with a coastline about 238 km long. Despite this relatively large number of islands the continental part of the park forms only 1 of the total area, while everything else belongs to the marine ecosystem.

The park was named after the largest island, Kornati.

Skradin

Skradin is a romantic Mediterranean town with narrow paved streets, passages, vaults and stairs It is situated only about 15 km from Šibenik and represents one of the oldest Croatian cities.

The area was inhabited from as early as the times of the Illyrians, and it owes its name to the Romans since the town was a part of the Roman property in Dalmatia.

The antique town of Scardona, an important administrative, traffic and trade centre, was built at the location of the Illyrian town. It was destroyed in the 7th century, during the attacks of the Slavonic tribes, but was restored by the Croats. Under the name of Skradin, it was for the first time mentioned in the 10th century as the seat of the bishop.

Its position nearby the National Park "Krka" makes it one of the most important Adriatic destinations in relation to nautical tourism. The ACI nautical port is located in the centre of Skradin.

The entire town core represents a protected cultural monument. It contains houses dating from the 18th and 19th century which are stuccoed inthe manner typical for Venice and areas under her influence.

On the streets of Skradin you will find the pleasant atmosphere of a small Dalmatian town, especially during the Skradin festival of klapa singing (a capella singing typical for the Croatian Adriatic) or during the celebration of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary.

Šibenik

architecture. Šibenik is mentioned for the first time in the charter of King Petar Krešimir IV, the reason why it is called Krešimir’s city. Closely connected to the territorial expansion and development of the early Croatian country, the historical city of Šibenik is rich in cultural and historical monuments. The most famous among them is without any doubt the cathedral, one of the most original buildings of the European late middle Ages, closely connected to the famous local master Juraj Matejev Dalmatinac. In the proximity of the cathedral there is also the bishop’s court, the city hall, the prince’s palace..

Šibenik today is a tourist centre situated in the area where the best-indented group of islands in Europe (the Kornati archipelago) and karst hydrographical phenomena (Skradinski buk, Visovac, Roški slap) come together into the most attractive ecological, aesthetic, tourist and recreational area on the Croatian part of the Adriatic. Šibenik archipelago consists of hundreds of mostly uninhabited and unspoiled islands, islets and reefs.

Primošten

Primošten is situated 20 km from Šibenik and extends on two twin peninsulas: on the first one the old town is located and on the other one hotel complexes. Up to the 19 th century Primošten was an island connected to the mainland with a bridge. It is considered to be one of the most beautiful and romantic places of the Adriatic. Tourist tradition is held here since the 1960´s. The historic city center lies on a hill and is characterised by numerous small streets that lead to the church of St. George, built in 1485. and renovated in 1760. Beside the church is the cemetery with a 360° beautiful view of the open sea and the countryside.

Primošten is surrounded by special type of vineyards which give a well-known red wine Babić. We also recommend a visit to Zlarin, where you can admire the red Adriatic coral reef. It also boasts one of the biggest disco clubs in Croatia ´Aurora´.

Rogoznica

Rogoznica is situated in a bay on the island connected with the mainland by a bridge. We are confident that you will be amazed by the blue-green colors of the crystal clear sea. Old stone houses and palm trees on the waterfront of Rogoznica give a typical Mediterranean atmosphere. In the vicinity of one of the most beautiful marinas in Dalmatia, Marina Frapa, is the salt lake 'Dragon´s eye'.

Novalja / Zrće

Definitely the most famous beach on the island is the one in Zrće bay. In the recent years it has also become one of the most beloved party beaches in Europe. Zrće is a perfect combination of paradise surroundings, crystal clear sea and glorious party time. It is a large bay near Novalja, on the northeastern part of the island. The pebbled beach is famous worldwide as a paradise for young party people who want to have a fabulous time. There are several excellent clubs on the beach with parties all day and all night long. There is a big choice of activities, like bungee jumping for the bravest.

Island hopping

Golden Cape Zlatni Rat /Bol is a town on the south coast of the Island of Brač. It is a very popular Croatian holiday destination. The biggest attraction in Bol is Zlatni rat beach (known as Golden Cape). A pebbled beach that stretches itself 500 meters into the sea and changes direction of its top influenced with strong sea currents. In Bol and surrounding area, you will find many other beaches, as well as private coves. Island of Brač is characterised by very favorable climate, mild, mostly moist and dry winters, hot and sunny summers. Local and seasonal winds also help maintain favorable climate. Maestral wind makes life easier during hot summer days and makes Bol a paradise for surfers.

Stiniva beach is one of the best hidden beaches on the Adriatic Sea. It is located on the southern side of the island Vis, near the village Marina Zemlja and about 9.5 nautical miles (17.6 km) from Komiža. The beach can be reached only by boat and therefore it still kept its authenticity. You will be welcomed by an unbelievable sight of a small pebbly beach, approx. 30 meters long and hidden with high and narrow rocks. Perfect natural and wild landscape and clear sea will give you unforgettable moments.

Pakleni islands or Paklinski otoci – can be literary translated “Hell’s Islands” but are nothing like it. The archipelago is the prettiest part around Hvar, if not of the whole Adriatic coast. A playful chain of woody isles, dipped in a clear, azure sea, a few resorts and swimming areas, and a number of little, hidden away beaches, stone terraces facing sun and a beautiful deserted lagoons make, as someone said, “An Arcadia in grasp of the palm.” The legend said that the islands came into existence as a result of a secret love between the Sea God Poseidon and a nymph. Spend a day away from the crowded beaches, enjoy the sun in the serenity of hidden coves, swim in a clear-blue sea and relax in the untouched nature.. The resorts from the east to the west: Jerolim, Stipanska, Palmizana, Vlaka. The bay of Palmižana, with its sandy beach, is the most popular spot to visit. There are several guest houses and restaurants of superb quality.

Blue cave or Grotta Azzura (Croatian: Modra špilja), is a water-logged sea cave located in a small bay called Balun, on the east side of the island of Biševo and about 4.5 nautical miles (8.3 km) from island of Vis. The cave is one of the best known natural beauty spots on the Adriatic. Depending on the season, the ideal moment to visit the cave is between 11:00am and 12:00am. At this time of day the sunlight reflects through the water coming from the white floor and bathes the cave in aquamarine light, while objects in the water appear to be silver.

Krknjaši lagoon is located on the island Drvenik Veli. This island is 7.1 nm from Trogir and 15 nm from Split. The most beautiful beach on the island is Krknjaši beach, located on the south-east coast. From the outside, the bay is protected with two islands, big and small Krknjaši. It is an ideal place to spend the day swimming. You can only find a few houses and occasionally tripping boats call here, but there are no facilities ashore, except the one restaurant with excellent selection of fresh seafood and authentic Dalmatian dishes.