Destinations in Croatia

Where to go – A city tailored to the needs of man
Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, ranks among the oldest cities in Central Europe, as is evident from the documents dating back to 1094, when a diocese was established in this area. The city developed between the mountain of Medvednica and the river Sava. Its old center consists of the medieval Gradec – today the home of the Croatian Government and Parliament – and Kaptol, the seat of the Archbishop. Following the administrative unification of the two entities and the surrounding villages in the 19th century, the city experienced a surge in the construction of prestigious buildings, squares and fountains, as well as the establishment of beautiful park-woods and parks which today make it one of the greenest cities in Europe.

A delight to walk through, the capital of Croatia attracts visitors with the lively atmosphere of its streets, numerous coffee shops, restaurants and shopping. If you are looking for a break on your way to, or from, a seaside tourist resort, a break that would freshen up your journey, then Zagreb is the place to come to and it is waiting for you. Welcome!

Meet the charming heart of Croatia
Zagreb grew out of two medieval settlements that flourished for centuries on neighbouring hills.
With written history dating to the year 1094 when the diocese was established, Zagreb, the capital and the biggest city in Croatia, is a typical Central European town. The classicist and secessionist facades of its historical nucleus exude the lofty spirit of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, but here and there one can also discern the contours of the panoramas of Prague. Almost all of the main sites of the city and cultural venues are located in the very centre, which teems with charming coffee houses, fine restaurants, garden restaurants, and lovingly tended parks like, for instance, Ribnjak, which lies beneath the walls of Kaptol with its filigree spires of the neo-Gothic cathedral, or the Lenuci green horseshoe with Zrinjevac, Zagreb, indeed, is a city tailored to man.

Stroll the streets of the metropolis and walk through history
The best way to explore the city is the slow way, gently uncovering the layers of its rich history from the streets that go up from the main Jelačić square, and the Dolac market, one of the most colourful open-air markets in this part of Europe, from Opatovina to Kaptol, or perhaps via Radićeva Street to the Stone Gate and on to Banski dvori and the colourful roof of St. Mark’s church.

Zagreb can also be explored using its blue trams. Routed in all directions and pulsating day and night like a heart in the living tissue of the city, through their windows these modern day chariots provide the most original frames for scenes to remember Zagreb. With approximately 20 theatres, 30 museums, 45 galleries and 13 art collections, a great zoo and almost a million inhabitants, Zagreb is a real Croatian metropolis, one which attracts guests of all profiles.

Located at the foot of the Medvednica Nature Park, whose highest peak, Sljeme, has hosted the FIS Snow Queen Trophy skiing competitions since 2005, with its large sports and recreation complex around the Jarun Lake with fully appointed regatta facilities for various types of competitions, Zagreb is not only a city of rich cultural heritage, of opera, ballet, theatres and concerts, but also a city whose name is ever more frequently entered onto the map of world sports events.

Finally, if you are one of those who enjoy writing postcards with your fountain pen, or noting down impressions of your journeys in your notebook, remember that it is from this very town that the first fountain pen set out into the world, and that its inventor, Slavoljub Penkala, might have found inspiration in his long walks through the streets of Zagreb.

Where to go
Routes following Natural Wonders
Start from Karlovac and venture into the sources of nature. It is not long before the low-lying landscapes are replaced by forested hills and mountains criss-crossed with the abundant springs of the cleanest European waters that quench the thirst of people across the oceans. Cross the winding bridge of the town of Slunj over the river Korana slowly, as beneath the bridge, between the waterfalls, the unique watermill village of Rastoke is situated. The multitude of sparkling waterfalls hint at route of natural wonders which reveal themselves in all their glory at the Plitvice Lakes. The beauty and freshness of this part of the world’s natural heritage, combined with traditional cuisine, are excellent reasons to take a break here. The area around the town of Josipdol is a rich game reserve. Experienced skiers will head towards Ogulin whilst beginners head towards Brinje. For those looking to directly encounter quiet and calming nature, Otočac and the Gacka river valley, rich in trout, are the right choice. At only 45 minutes’ drive from Gospić, you can take a swim in Karlobag, where the sea is continuously chilled as the water flows in abundance from the subterranean layers of the mountain.

Before you, beautiful green expanses are laid out, only around 10 km from the sea, in the hinterlands known for their exceptional ecological value and high concentration of protected nature parks, representing true oases of peace and tranquillity; a Croatian tourist region attracting an ever increasing number of visitors.

While in ancient times this was the land of the Illyrians (Yapodes), today the green and undisturbed, almost mythical nature of Lika offers sanctuary to endangered rare bird species, bears and wolves as well as endemic plant species such as the Degenia velebitica. The epic nature of Lika is also the birthplace of one of the greatest inventors the world has ever seen: Nikola Tesla, whose museum was opened in Smiljan, his birthplace, on the 150th anniversary of his birth.

Waterfalls of the past and present
This is also the magical part of the country where the most famous, oldest and most visited of the eight national parks is situated – the Plitvice Lakes. Most known for its travertine waterfalls and 16 cascading lakes, the image of which is breathtaking, the Plitvice lakes offer other attractions as well, such as various interesting geomorphologic forms, habitat forests and grasslands, flora and fauna and a host of interesting tourist programs. The lakes are also the only natural monument in Croatia to be put on the unesco World Heritage list, back in 1979, among the first ones in the entire world. The Plitvice lakes are truly an unmatched masterpiece of nature.

If you would like to find out more about the legendary outlaws (‘hajduci’), take a tour of the city of Senj and the Nehaj fortress, the Renaissance 16th century fortress, today a unique museum devoted to the Senj pirates.

Also, do not miss the opportunity to get to know the island of Pag, with the famous holiday destination Novalja and the popular party beach Zrće on its northern shore, which belong to the Lika-Senj County (as opposed to the southern part of the island which belongs to the Zadar County). Often hailed as the island of stone and salt, Pag is a destination that, with its 20 km pebble stone beaches, represents the crown of this region of pronounced contrasts.

The Renaissance Ideal City of Karlovac
Built after the concept of a true renaissance ideal city, in the form of a six-pointed star, Karlovac is known as the bulwark city, resisting the attacks of the ancient Turks. With a rich historical heritage, the waters of four rivers and the forested hills of Velika Kapela and Mala Kapela, the city of Karlovac and its surroundings are an ideal destination for fresh water swimming, rowing, fishing, rafting, canoeing, quad riding along the beautiful forest paths, cycling along the 11 county routes and horseback-riding. This beautiful pearl of the continent, developed from a medieval fortress intended for the defence of central Europe from the attacks of the Turks, today is one of the biggest Croatian transport nodes, which, in spite of its transit position is becoming an increasingly popular destination for visitors searching for various forms of recreation.

Apart from being a well-known hunting destination in the woods from Draganić to Klek and Modruš, and a destination for winter sports lovers on the slopes of Bjelolasica, the Karlovac Region has a handful of unpretentious cultural heritage monuments, from charming ancient towns and castles, like Dubovac, Ozalj, Ogulin, Bosiljevo, to Franciscan, Pauline and Dominican monasteries emerging from the greenness of the countryside.

Ogulin is certainly a true city of fairy tales , sprung in the valley of the rivers Zagorska Mrežnica and Dobra, crowned with the Frankopan castle above the Đulin abyss and the giant Klek mountain, known as the cradle of Croatian mountain climbing. The treasury of tales, the Klek witches, the name of the Đulin abyss, Klek and the Klek cave, fairy water – proves the strong impact of their native land on the inhabitants, and on Ivana Brlić-Mažuranić, the famous Ogulin-born, and the most translated writer of Croatian children’s literature. You can feel the fairy tales on the fairytale route that unifies the beauty of the nature, rich history, and fairy tales. Feelings are stronger if you are in the company of the characters from Mažuranić’s ‘Tales of Long Ago’.

Where to go
Routes of Ancient Cultures
Follow the scent of cypress trees and rosemary down the road built by the Romans to theancient Tragurion, where its symphony in stone – every portal, church, palace and balcony – is sure to stir the imagination and tell a legend or two, a story of love or hope. Discover why Roman emperors chose Salona as the capital of their province and why one of them, Diocletian, chose the charming Split as the location of his palace. Feel the spirit of the Alkars of Sinj and the defiance and longing of Dalmatian songs sung in Omiš. Take a break on the beaches of Makarska beneath the towering rugged rocks of Biokovo and then set sail down the blue routes of the ancient Greek mariners to the sunny isles offering a wealth of wonders, the crystal blue sea, sun-bleached white stone, lavender and grape vines which were given the gift of life by hard working hands that literally wrested land from stone, and then transformed the sumptuous warmth of the south into delectable wines.

A Roman Emperor’s magnificent city
When, in the year 305, the Roman Emperor Diocletian, who ruled the entire world at that time, decided to build his leisure time abode – in which he intended to spend the rest of his life – he had no doubt as to exactly where to build it.

In the very heart of Dalmatia, in the bay of Aspalathos (Split), well protected from the sea by the islands of the Split archipelago, and defended on its landward side by high mountains, Diocletian created a special point on the map of the Adriatic: the future city of Split.

A mere 6 km from cosmopolitan Salona, then the centre of the province of Dalmatia which boasted up to 60,000 inhabitants, Split was protected by strong walls and numerous fortresses, with many temples, palaces and thermal spas, which today make up the greatest complex of monuments in Croatia dating from Antiquity. The residence Diocletian built for himself was beyond comparison in his time. Although the Palace has lost many of its original features over the past 17 centuries, it has been enriched by subsequent architectural and artistic interventions. Among them, somewhat ironically, a Catholic cathedral, or rather that part of it which rose out of the magnificent mausoleum of the last pagan Roman emperor. The cathedral is dedicated to St. Domnius, a Christian martyred by the very same Diocletian. The most striking feature of the cathedral is its famous walnut door frame constructed in 1214, and carved by Master Carver Andrija Buvina. Successfully withstanding time’s thievish progress, deeply embedded into the texture of the city at its densely populated historical heart, full of enchanting stone palaces, Diocletian’s residence today is a place of cellars that ring with song.

One can feast here on local specialties, from delicacies of the sea to lamb and the ‘arambašići’ of Sinj, washed down with the finest of red wines. Concealed within its embrace is what locals like to call the smallest street in the world, which carries a rather curious name: ‘Let me pass’. Altogether, this enchanting, unique heart of Split has rightly been declared a monument of zero category and is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

True charm of the southern Mediterranean
A wash in the warm charm of the Mediterranean, Split is a city with rich history, not only within the walls of its museums, palaces and churches, but in the city itself. Its heritage speaks loudest and has done so since the times of Antiquity, on the Peristyle and from its stone houses, while the true Mediterranean spirit lives in the vibrant cellars, in the murmur at street corners, in the squares and alleyways and in the beauty of the waterfront. If you follow the weave of these white, stone-paved streets to the edge of the sea which gently rocks the moored boats, you will discover a city in which the famous Roman emperor left the imperial mark of his presence on every corner, together with the saint he decided to execute. Another special aspect of this city are the songs, and the successes achieved by its athletes – including a Wimbledon winner – numerous Olympic champions and NBA stars and, they say, the most beautiful women in the world. If you harbour any doubts as to the latter, just take a stroll along the Split waterfront some time…

Discover the artistic treasure trove of a museum-city
Although its central part measures but 750 paces – as a certain earnest historian measured and recorded a few hundred years ago – Trogir is a superbly balanced small city built of stone, its history rich far beyond its size. Its significance is recognised by the inclusion of its historical core in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

It is not without reason that it is called a museum-city, bearing in mind the sites it holds: the famous portal of Trogir cathedral, a work by Master Radovan dating from 1240; the Renaissance city loggia; the 1000-year-old monastery of St. Nicholas that houses a relief of Kairos – ancient god of the lucky moment, dating from the 4th century BC. Trogir is a veritable treasure trove of art, as well as being a stage for young tenors from all over the world who come here every year to engage in competition.

The blue expanse and nature in complete harmony
Mother Nature has indeed been generous to Central Dalmatia, bequeathing to it a coastline and long pebble beaches shaded by fragrant pine trees and adorning its sea with the beauty of a string of islands of exquisite beauty.

Immediately above the beaches of the famous Makarska Riviera is the Biokovo massif, still the habitat of the chamois. Here you can enjoy the rising of the summer sun, with a view that extends all the way to the outermost islands in the open waters of the Adriatic.

The largest of the islands of the Split archipelago is Brač, known worldwide as the island of stone and wind. Island of stone, because the finest quality stone has been quarried here for centuries by the highly skilled and hard working local stone masons. It has been used to build not only the local cathedrals and other grand edifices, but also a number of other prestigious buildings. Brač is also known as the island of wind. Nowhere else in the Adriatic, surfers tell us, does such a magnificent landward breeze blow as in the channel between Brač and Hvar, particularly at the beach known as Zlatni rat, whose shape actually changes depending on the direction of the wind and waves. Having been recently placed on the list of the ten most beautiful islands, sunny Hvar is, without competition, numbered among the most seductive of Dalmatian islands.

Boasting the largest island town square on both sides of the Adriatic, one of the first communal theatres in Europe, built in long gone 1612, the Arsenal, the famous ‘Tvrdalj’ Palace of Petar Hektorović, and stone-paved, narrow streets, worn smooth and glistening in the sun, it is difficult to decide whether Hvar captivates more with the harmony of its history and art, or with the beauty of its nature, enhanced with the intoxicating fragrance of lavender.

Meetings & Events
The city of Split is located in central Dalmatia and is the main city in this sub-region, which is attractive because of its diversity – islands, the coast, and the interior. All of them together, and each of them separately, are striking because of the beautiful nature, the quality services, and the opportunity to hold your business meetings, conferences, or incentives in a stimulating environment that has found the right balance between business and pleasure.

Where to go
The routes of Croatian rulers
The trail begins in the north, on the vivid white cliffs underneath the Velebit mountain, where the view of the surreallandscape of Croatia’s most indented island, Pag, stretches before you. Pag offers beautiful coves and beaches with unspoiled nature, as well as centres of modern tourism. The lace of Pag is very famous, as well as Pag cheese, and its secret ingredients, the wind “bura” and salt which give it a specific and recognisable flavour. To pass the routes of Croatian rulers means to feel a notable diversity of experiences given by thousand-year-old towns, such as the 3,000-year old Zadar, whose fortifications have been inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List. In Nin you will find the smallest cathedral in the world, and the modern and lively tourist centres such as Biograd na Moru and picturesque places of the Dalmatian hinterland, Ravni Kotari, and the islands will overwhelm you with their specific Dalmatian temperament. All those who visit the medieval fortress of St Michael on the island of Ugljan during sunset, by bike or on foot, will have the opportunity to enjoy the view of an earthly paradise made up of emerald islands, and a golden string of pearls immersed in the sun that will be remembered forever.

As the centuries-long centre of the Illyrian tribe of Liburni, and the capital of Dalmatia for millennia, Zadar is a place whose rich spiritual and material culture is best testified to by its walls and numerous sacral monuments, crowned by the symbol of the city: the 9th century Church of St. Donatus, the most monumental Croatian building of the early Middle Ages. Enjoying the protection of as many as four patron saints — Zoilus, Simon, Chrisogonus and Anastasia – Zadar takes pride not only in its abundant archaeological and monumental treasures, jealously guarded down the centuries, but also in the fact that the foundations of the oldest university in the Land were laid here in 1396. Replete with rich archives, libraries and outstanding treasuries of sacral music, Zadar is also the city in which the first Croatian novel was written, and where the first newspapers in the Croatian language were printed.

A land that inspired the gods
Although it may seem pretentious to describe the Zadar region as an area of divine inspiration, it is indeed a land of singular natural beauty. This claim is best borne out by its numerous national parks.

With its mountains, lakes and waterfalls, its canyons, caves, karstic holes and the blue expanse of the open sea embraced by a string of lovely islands full of small welcoming ports and romantic beaches, it is easier to paint this part of the world by the brush than by words. Without forgetting the sound of the sea organ – the architectural wonder of the Zadar waterfront from which, as Alfred Hitchcock once said, one can watch the most beautiful sunset in the world.

With a slice of Pag cheese and a glass of the famous Maraschino, a local liqueur made from the native Maraska sour cherry, in your hand, you can enjoy all the blessings of this area and the fruits of this land of matchless, divine inspiration.

Meetings & Events
Zadar has attractive facilities for holding large and small business gatherings, including historic buildings that are suitable for meetings.

Where to go
Routes following the smallest towns in the world
Many civilisations and cultures have come and gone in Istria, all of them leaving much more than mere episodes of history. In this small area you will come across prehistoric hillforts, and ancient and fortified medieval towns which occupy almost every little hill in the Istrian hinterland; with characteristic streets, squares, churches and town halls. Discover why Hum is called the smallest town in the world and what inspired the French writer Jules Verne to locate the plot of one of his novels in Pazin. Find out why Dvigrad simply disappeared from the face of the earth in the 17th century – and much moreThe gates of these tiny Istrian towns have been wide open for hundreds of years.Today, they are beckoning you… Welcome!

Whereas the coastlines of Pula, Rovinj, Vrsar, Poreč, Novigrad or Umag bring to mind heritage and antiquity and conjure up images of Venice, in the central part of Istria the spirit of Central Europe is instantly discernible. In other words, Istria offers more than just the sea, sunbathed shores, romantic coves and tiny ports! She beckons you to follow the fairyland paths leading to the small medieval towns crowning her hilly landscape. Climb up to any one of them. Be it Motovun, Grožnjan, Završje, Oprtalj or, indeed, the smallest town in the world, Hum.

A walk through their narrow, stone-paved streets will become a magical journey through a history that is quite unique. Follow that special path, from the massive town gate to a bench on the town loggia, and then on to the church on the main square and the bell tower, a view from which Istria will, for a brief moment, shine forth from a different panorama.

Although they seem to be very similar, each of these tiny medieval towns is a quite individual entity. So, be curious! Peek into doorways, discover the coats of arms, enter churches and find rest in the cool and quietude of the chapels. Here, you will come to understand the popular legends about diligent fairies who spend the nights building and rebuilding the walls, and also about ‘štrigas’ – bad witches who are always stirring up trouble. If you should meet anybody in your wanderings, feel free to stop and ask them whatever you wish. The people here are kindly and hospitable, and they will gladly tell you the story of Istria, a land in which even the greatest diversities live in peace and harmony, taking pride in their openness.

Discover hidden treasures of breath-taking history and unspoiled nature.
Istria truly is ‘terra magica’; blessed with unspoiled nature, the crown jewel of which are the Brijuni islands, one of the most beautiful archipelagos in the Mediterranean with rare plant and animal species. This is a land whose long and rich history can be read literally from dinosaur footprints. Fortified by the northerly bora and invigorated by the mistral, fragrance imbued with Spanish broom, sage and lavender, drowsy from stone pines, thyme and immortelle, with a climate that makes for a five month long swimming season, Istria is indeed the ideal tourist destination.

Of course, don’t forget to taste Istria!
From delicacies of the sea to delectable truffles, the liquid gold of the local Malvasia, the aromatic Muscat of Momjan, or the ruby-red Teran that once fortified Casanova himself, your palate will combine these divine pleasures into a fusion of unforgettable Istrian experiences.

So, rather than dreaming of the holiday of your life – wake up in Istria! Step into this vibrant hub of civilisations whose cultural arboretum has been jealously nurtured since the times of the Histri, the Celts and the Romans, through the Slavonic peoples and the Venetians, all the way to the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and you will soon learn why Istria is so special. To begin, remember the Legend of the Argonauts. In vain pursuit of Jason and the stolen Golden Fleece, having arrived to the shores of Istria, the people of Colchis decided not to return to their home. There is something in her magic, like in no other place in the Mediterranean.

Here you will find a town which, just like Rome, lies on seven hills and boasts a famous amphitheatre. On one of those hills, a weary Hungarian king felt the desire to exchange his resplendent robes for the modest robe of a monk, and die in a state of sanctity, while the immortal Dante, inspired by the view from a panoramic viewpoint, wrote the verses of his masterpiece, The Divine Comedy. The name of this town is Pula, Istria’s largest urban centre. It is the beating heart of the peninsula, with 3000 years of history behind it and a unique place in the Mediterranean. Pula boasts a diverse, impressive cultural heritage. Just like the peninsula upon which it rose, it is not without reason that it carries a feminine name. Modest but fascinating, Istria has long been known as enchantresses with a hundred faces that has been seducing visitors for thousands of years. Whoever strays once into its invisible web, and experiences but a morsel of the joy it can give, always wishes to return again, and again!

Meetings & Events
Simple, varied, and with many stories to tell, the Istrian congress offer is professional in every way. But it is also spirited and unique enough that work, success and satisfaction here are its common denominators.

Where to go
Trails of the Pannonian Sea
Once an endless blue expanse of sea, today it glistens in gold and its islands are green mountains. All that is left of the great waters are tiny shells in the fertile plains of Slavonia. Yet the waters are still here – three great rivers, the Sava, the Drava and the Danube hold this region in their embrace. People knew that in this area, to which nature was so generous, they would have a good home. However, the long gone Pannonian Sea did leave its trace: a single saltwater spring in Bizovec. Its temperature (96°C) is unique in Europe. This alluring natural environment was greatly appreciated by the nobility, so much so that they built their castles here, indulged in hunting, fishing and, of course, the wines – which were also much appreciated in the courts of Europe and savoured at coronation ceremonies. The wine cellars of Ilok, Kutjevo and Belje are world famous. Now we can all enjoy the magic of times gone by. Following the Trails of the Pannonian Sea, discover the lovely songs of the area accompanied by tambouritzas, and enjoy the parades of people dressed in their colourful and festive folk costumes, men with their ‘šokački’ hats and young women with their gold ducat necklaces. The city of Vinkovci – the oldest continuously inhabited city in Europe.

Shaped by the force of the mighty rivers Drava, Danube, Sava and Ilova, Slavonia is a mythical region that for centuries has guarded its treasures.

With its wide, endless expanse of the golden Pannonia plains, strong river flows, areas that provide an ideal habitat for the now centuries-old forests of common oak (Quercus robur), as well as for more than 2000 biological species, Slavonia is a fertile land tilled by human hand for over 8,000 years. Ever since this part of the continent rose from the Pannonian Sea in the Pleistocene, once island, Papuk became mountain that discovers the oldest rocks of this part of Europe – granite and metamorphic rocks from the Paleozoic era – ful of witnesses, that today tell the geological history of Earth. The fertile Slavonian plains have emerged from the Panonian sea after have been sea bottom for more that 10 million years, and have been since a promised land.

The Golden Valley celebrated through history.

Having become a part of the Roman Empire in the first centuries AD, boasting two major roads – one leading from Osijek to the eastern provinces and the other linking the Aque Balissae (today known as Daruvar) with the fertile agricultural and winegrowing country around Požega, Đakovo and Vinkovci, Slavonia gave two Roman emperors – the eminently capable and courageous Valentinian I and his brother Valens.

Treasuring the area as both wheat growing and winegrowing country with the Kutjevo winegrowing district, home to one of the oldest wine cellars in Europe, the Romans named it Vallis Aurea (the Golden Valley).

If it is peace you seek in the matchless primeval dawns when the earth awakens from darkness shrouded in the haze hovering above the wide river valleys, then come and discover the land of Slavonia.

Moments to treasure in the towns of Slavonia and Baranja
This is a place where people have a deep respect for Mother Earth and whose faces reflect the pride they take in their Slavonian origins.

Waste no time, set off down roads that will take you past mighty medieval fortifications, monasteries, Baroque castles and the manor houses of Osijek, Vinkovci, Požega, Slavonski Brod, all the way to Vukovar and Ilok, where the indigenous Lipizzaner horses proudly strut their stuff, where rare birds nest and flock, and wild geese rise from the famous Kopački rit Nature Park. Come and discover the monastery of Ilok, where the Italian Franciscan St. John of Capistrano is buried, the Baroque fortifications of Slavonski Brod and Osijek, true urban and cultural Pannonian metropolis whose university and scientific environment has produced two Croatian Nobel Prize winners.

Last, but by no means least, stroll along the wide lanes of a Slavonian village where clothing is adorned with especially sumptuous traditional weave and gold thread embroidery, while mouth-watering aromas of delectable home cured hams and heavenly kulen waft from tables, and the famous fish-paprikash gently bubbles in the pots. Welcome to Slavonia!

Where to go
Routes of Old Sea Captains
The routes of the old sea captains traverse an area of turbulent history and struggles for freedom, an area where trade, seafaring and shipping have been developed since ancient times and where life has always been lived in harmony with the sea and the rivers. Visit the ancient home of seafaring on the peninsula of Pelješac in the Maritime Museum in Orebić, the cradle of sea captains; in Korčula, the birthplace of Marco Polo; in the historical city of Dubrovnik, which was an independent republic for centuries, and this treasured tradition has continued in the modern-day sea and river ports of Ploče and Metković. In these parts, nature has crafted the wondrous landscapes of the Neretva Delta, a meeting-place between the river and the sea, the lowlands and the karst, the lake and the wetlands; of the eternal beauty of the Mljet National Park, with its lakes; the Elafiti islands of Koločep, Lopud and Šipan, with their Renaissance atmosphere and the diverse, mellow landscapes of Konavle. Look towards the open sea where fierce battles were once fought, where freedom was defended, and towards which merchant ships sailed the waters with billowing sails.

A city that leaves nobody unmoved.

Once upon a time, Dubrovnik was one of the smallest but most important merchant states in the Mediterranean. It had consular offices in more than 80 cities. Its fleet of almost 700 merchant ships rivaled that of Venice. Under the heavenly patronage of St. Blasius and crowned by the famous Libertas banner flying from a high stone pillar guarded by its legendary knight Orlando, Dubrovnik is a city whose story is best told by the city itself. Walk along its main street, Stradun, whose stone pavement has been polished smooth by feet that have walked it for hundreds of years. The city’s glorious walls, fortresses and bastions offer a view of the magical Elaphite islands – Šipan, Lopud and Koločep, scattered like pearls in the azure of the sea. Named Elaphite islands after the Latin word Elaphos for deer, this archipelago, which used to be the habitat of this noble wild game, concentrates all the qualities of the untouched Mediterranean, featuring subtropical vegetation, expansive pine tree forests and olive groves, all surrounded by amazing sandy beaches.

From the Onofrio Fountain to the City bell tower, the filigree-like Gothic and Renaissance facades of the Sponza Palace and the Ducal Palace, the Baroque church of St. Blasius, the Cathedral of the Assumption of Our Lady, or St. Ignatius and the Jesuit College, every step in this town will be an experience par excellence.

Incidentally, should you happen to be here in summer, when Dubrovnik shines with a special glow and when the traditional Summer Festival turns the entire old town into an enchanting setting for this quite unique stage in the world, you will be able to listen to the immortal monologue of the unfortunate Danish prince ringing from the nearby Lovrijenac Fortress perched atop a 37 metre high cliff. Spoken from that venue, Hamlet’s immortal words ‘To be or not to be…’ ring particularly loud.

Explore the fascinating history of the islands.

About the time that Marco Polo set sail for terra incognita, his hometown began to develop into a kind of urban sculpture built of stone with regular lines. That sculpture remains well preserved to this day. The streets of Korčula were carefully laid out by a local builder who was also an ingenious town planner. The streets are based on a fishbone pattern and are a true blessing in the summer. Although they bask in the golden glow of the sun both morning and afternoon, the heat of the midday sun is directed around them. If you want to experience the atmosphere of Korčula, may the good winds bring you here in July, when the city plays host to the International Festival of Song and Wine, celebrating the famous traveller, the Festival of Chivalry and the traditional sword dances performed in original costumes dating from the 16th century. The dances depict the struggle between the white king and the black king.

Once a part of the Dubrovnik Republic, the Pelješac peninsula and the small town of Ston, boasting 5.5 km long defensive walls, was a strategic point defending the approach to the famous Republic. Nourished by the graces of warm southern Aeolus, Pelješac is well known to wine lovers as the kingdom of Dingač, the most highly regarded Croatian wine.

The town of Orebić – renowned centre of maritime affairs in the 18th century – is a popular site for visiting art historians. Full of beautiful stone palaces and villas, whose facades reflect the wealth and life of luxury led by the families of seafaring men, and particularly striking for its magnificent gardens containing the most exotic plants that mariners brought from all corners of the world, Orebić is indeed a place that will remain etched in your memory.

If you have ever been inspired by the legend of Odysseus, held captive on an island by the nymph Calypso and have wondered what the famous Ogygia looked like, then the island of Mljet is the place for you.Located in the southernmost part of Croatia, the island has scenery that appears only in picture books of the world’s most beautiful fairy tales. Before your eyes you will see a lake in the middle of the island, and in the centre of that, another small island with a monastery dating from the 12th century. Although Calypso herself may not be nearby, the scene will capture your heart forever and you may never want to leave.

Meetings & Events
The highly developed and quality hotel offer in Dubrovnik, in nearby Cavtat, and other towns on the Dubrovnik Riviera, are most closely connected to the congress industry. There is almost no hotel that has not invested in upgrading its accommodations, large and modern congress facilities, meeting rooms and all of the accompanying infrastructure. Holding a congress in Dubrovnik or along its riviera has become a matter of prestige.

Where to go
The routes of Croatian rulers
From Skradin, a small gem of a town over 6,000 years old, we set off on the river Krka to Skradinski Buk, one of the most famous Croatian natural phenomena. By exploring the interior, you will be rewarded with one more old Croatian capital, the town of Knin, and in its surroundings time will fly during an active holiday that will refresh your body and soul. In Šibenik you will be amazed by the Cathedral of St James, whose dome overlooks medieval stone buildings, and its narrow streets which, in the warm summer evenings, invite you to socialise in the attractive Mediterranean ambience of the town. If, at the end of your trip on the Routes of Croatian Rulers, you are not surprised by Krapanj, the island of sponges which carries three epithets: the smallest, the lowest and the most inhabited island in the Mediterranean, then, by cruising through the Kornati National Park, a famous nautical paradise, you will surely experience complete fulfilment of the soul with positive emotions as you watch the display of many islands, islets and rocks that, like nowhere else, dance before your eyes.

Set amid the wild beauty of white karstic rock and the azure sea, the Šibenik aquatorium is a yachting paradise, boasting as many as 240 isles and reefs, each of which holds an interesting feature or two.

If you want to meet the best known coral hunters in the Adriatic, set sail for Zlarin. If you wish to see the centre of sea sponge harvesting, then Krapanj is your destination. On the other hand, if you seek an experience like no other, then venture into the open sea and discover the Kornati Archipelago. ‘The gods wanted to set a crown upon their work, so on the last day, out of tears, stars and the breath of the sea, they created the Kornati.’ So wrote George Bernard Shaw when reminiscing about this breathtakingly beautiful archipelago. Talking about this incomparable creation of nature, the largest group of islands in the Mediterranean, it suffices to say that the number of these stellar tears petrified in the sea equals the number of days in a year.

Here, the saying ‘an island for each day of the year’ really does apply, and of the 365 strikingly beautiful isles, 150 form a quite special entity: the Kornati National Park. The sight of the lace-like pattern of island cliffs, bleached by the noble salt of the Adriatic and lashed by the fragrance saturated bora, plummeting into the sea, is one that has no equal anywhere else in the world. At the same time, the mellow, tiny ports and hidden beaches are a true paradise for modern day Robinsons seeking unspoiled nature.

From the spectacular falls of the River Krka to Šibenik, Krešimir’s city
If you follow the fairy tale-like paths of the karstic empire of the Krka River to the sea, you are on the path to opening the door to the most protected natural harbour in the central Adriatic and to the proud city of King Krešimir: Šibenik. Along this green route, abounding with the remains of medieval settlements, a wonderful place which provides a habitat for over 222 species of bird and which boasts the only falconry centre in Croatia, beautiful Krka spills her cool waters over seven waterfalls. Between the two most beautiful, Roški slap and Skradinski buk, human hands have enhanced nature with two famous buildings: the Orthodox Christian monastery of The Holy Archangel, and Visovac monastery. Like the mythical Avalon, unparalleled in its location on a tiny isle set in the middle of the emerald green lake formed by the River Krka, Visovac Franciscan monastery houses a valuable library, works of art and numerous precious items, among which is the sword that once belonged to a famous warrior.

Amazing cultural heritage of a millennia old city
First mentioned in 1066 in documents issued by King Petar Krešimir (hence its name: Krešimir’s town), Šibenik was founded over 1000 years ago. Take a stroll through its streets, alleyways and squares and some of the most precious works of art in Dalmatia will appear right before you. Incidentally, if you are there at the right time in summer, those same streets, alleyways and squares become stages for the only International Children’s Festival in the world, for the Evening of Dalmatian Chanson, and for the colourful (Šibenik) Medieval Fair.

Standing proud with its fortifications and towers, Šibenik, the birthplace of Faust Vrančić (inventor of the parachute) is best known for its largest and most precious sacral monument, the Gothic-Renaissance cathedral of St. Jacob (15th and 16th century) whose dome of white stone dominates the city. Its construction took more than a century. It is constructed solely of stone from the islands of Brač and Korčula. The original method of its construction: using large blocks and slabs of stone, has earned it a place on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Raise your eyes to this audacious edifice, unique in the history of European architecture. While admiring the innovations of the local master builder, Georgius Dalmaticus, try to imagine this: it is the 15th century, there is no sophisticated technology, let alone modern day cranes and hoists. What you are standing beneath is a monumental barrel-vault and a dome that contains no wood or brick, only clean blocks of stone, each weighing several tons, fitted into grooves carved in stone ribs! Impressive, you must admit. If you also take time to wander around the sacristy, which lies like a crypt beneath the cathedral, and view the elegant three-leaved facade and the famous frieze of 88 heads encircling the outer walls of the cathedral apse, you will then understand why St. Jacob’s cathedral is so special. It rightfully carries the appellation of the most beautiful cathedral in Dalmatia and is the most striking sacral building in Croatia.

Discover and savour the magic of Dalmatian cuisine
At the end, taste the Šibenik area cuisine, particularly the famous mussels harvested where the River Krka meets the Adriatic Sea, washed down with a sip or two of Babić from the nearby vineyards of Primošten. Their beauty, unusual geographical location, the sparse soil in which they grow, despite the best efforts of the bora, have made them a monument to the hard work of the diligent hands of the people of this area. The image of those vineyards displayed in the vestibule of the United Nations building tells its story in a hundred languages.

Meetings & Events
Šibenik and its surrounding area have an ever increasing MICE offer that is constantly improving and adding new features, including newly-built congress facilities in Šibenik and in nearby Vodice.

Where to go
Routes of fragrant rivieras and islands
An encounter with different worlds is just a mild comparison to what one can see and feel in the majestic Opatija and Crikvenica, the maritime Rijeka and stone-carved island of Krk. The diversity does not end there. It continues to our other islands Krk and Cres, the healing island of Lošinj, the sandy Susak, the flower-covered Ilovik and the wooded island of Rab. What is the common theme to all of them? Long ago in the 19th century, this was recognised by the European aristocracy, who chose this particular area, blessed with a mild climate and lush Mediterranean vegetation for their holidays. It is thanks to them that the first luxurious villas and hotels came to be built, and the foundations of the first Croatian resorts were laid: Opatija, Crikvenica, Novi Vinodol… The illustrious members of the nobility were not the only global travellers; the mariners of Lošinj also sailed all over the world, bringing back over 80 species of exotic plants from their voyages. The gardens of small towns are filled with flowers, the landscapes are resplendent with forests and olive groves; shrubs of sage, rosemary and lavender are all around you, wherever you go. Welcome to the fragrant gates of the Adriatic.

To begin with, walk the wonderful Opatija Riviera and enjoy its 12 km long promenade by the sea. Here, the foundations of tourism were laid way back in 1844, when a wheat merchant with vision decided to build the first hotel in Opatija, the famous Villa Angiolina. It was not long before the town became one of the most elite summer resorts of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, one that attracted many famous names – from members of the imperial family, to artists, scientists and politicians.

Then, allow the elegant villas and hotels, lush gardens and parks to lead you towards Rijeka, the metropolis of the littoral and today the largest trading and maritime centre of the northern Adriatic. Sitting under the watchful eye of the magnificent fortification of Trsat, with the oldest Marian sanctuary in Croatia, together with a Franciscan monastery, St. Vitus Cathedral and the famous votive chapel, Rijeka is a fascinating city, not just as a maritime centre but also one of enviable cultural and artistic life, and home to the greatest carnival event in Croatia.

Epic images amid the blue of the sea
If you are yearning for the silence of the wide blue expanse and the charm of the islands, then set off into the Kvarner Bay, ringed by the mythical Absyrthian islands from the legend of the Argonauts: Rab, Krk, Cres and Lošinj. Apart from enjoying the epic sights of bora-bleached cliffs, coves and inlets reaching deep into the sea, small sunbathed towns with stone-built houses, abandon yourself to the intoxicating fragrances of lavender, sage, myrtle and umbrella pines, and the 2,700 unique plant species.

These islands will also reveal themselves as the habitat of an enviable number of animal species. Strolling through the towns of Lošinj, Osor on the island of Cres, or Vrbnik on Krk, will open up their nooks and crannies, revealing numerous remains of a rich heritage, like the famous Baška Plaque – a carved stone monument of the Croatian language dating from the year 1100. A climb to the peaks of cliffs will allow you to observe the habitat of rare griffons, and in the waters beneath them enjoy the magical play of dolphins and Mediterranean monk seals. All those seeking clean air with special medicinal properties should continue their journey in the direction of the Crikvenica-Vinodol Riviera which, in 1906, was officially declared a climatic health resort, and where the Therapia Hotel – one of the most beautiful hotel buildings along the entire Croatian coast – was built in 1895.

Oases of peace and silence by the sea
A quite special experience awaits you on the steep hills of the Učka Mountain, overshadowing Istria and the western part of Kvarner, especially in its nature parks. Lovely green landscapes of exceptional ecological value with a high concentration of protected species, rising only about a dozen metres from the sea are true oases of peace and tranquillity which are becoming an increasingly popular destination of Croatian winter tourism. If you start travelling northward, you will get to the Risnjak National Park near Delnice and numerous reserves of diverse and rich indigenous flora and endangered animal species, spread across the green mountains. All are idyllic holiday locations for those seeking to truly become one with nature.

Kvarner offers the most diverse pleasures to the curious gourmet. In this cluster are caught and prepared the Adriatic’s best scampi, which have received every possible compliment, including one that says there are none better in the world!

Meetings & Events
The first association that many people make for business tourism in this region is, of course, the town of Opatija, a historic tourist destination. It began as a vacation resort, and then enhanced its reputation by expanding its MICE offer.

Where to go
Trails of Court Fairies
A long time ago, members of the upper class, prominent gentlemen and the nobility, seeking to satisfy their aesthetic cravings and earthly comforts, took great care to select the right locations for their castles and manor houses. They then surrounded them with gardens, pleasure parks and copses. The fairies will take you through picturesque hills and colourful fields to Novi Dvori and the Lužnice castle in Zaprešić, the imposing Veliki Tabor, near Desinić, the romantic Trakošćan, the proud Zrinski castle in Čakovec, the castle with two towers in Gornja Rijeka and numerous other castles dotted on the hills of this area, which were once the hub of life, work, and cultural and political activities. Step into the past by visiting precious examples of rural architecture in Kumrovec, get to know the world of our primeval ancestors in the Krapina Neanderthal Museum, located right by the archaeological site in Krapina, or enjoy naive art in Hlebine – the cradle of this form of art. Let the court fairies tell you the history and take you for a romantic journey to the long-gone days of the splendour and glory of the nobility.

The Trails of Subterranean Secrets
Some secrets wait millions of years to be discovered. They were left deep in the rocks by creatures that lived in primeval times, when this part of the world was an ocean. Ivanić Grad has revealed its secret to the world. If you take a walk along the Trail of Subterranean Secrets, you will have the unusual experience of a life that ended a very long time ago. By meeting the local country people, who are the survivors of a now almost forgotten, modest way of life, amid relaxing nature where pastures and hills alternate, where time is reckoned by the sun, and where numerous fish ponds and hunting grounds beckon one to come and enjoy all of it in good company, you will discover the natural side of your being. A barbecue by a fish pond is quite something else compared to the nearby and familiar urban centres like Bjelovar, Đurđevac, Virovitica, Garešnica, Kutina or Novska. Downstream from Sisak, the river Sava irrigates the woods and wetlands of the wondrous Lonjsko polje (Lonja Field), thus creating a splendid cradle for fish and many rare species of birds. Nestling among the beautiful mountains is an agricultural area offering food to remember; the places where local dishes can be savoured are Vrbovec, Bjelovar, Đurđevac and Veliki Zdenci. In Daruvar and Lipik they cannot recall a time when in their midst bodies and souls could not be refreshed by superb wines and thermal waters.

Have you always longed for a holiday away from the summer heat and the vibrant atmosphere of the Mediterranean in an idyllic, green and hilly environment with ancient woodlands, vineyards and rivers?

Do you favour the tranquil and soothing atmosphere of the mainland, leading from romantic medieval towns, summer homes and manors to thermal springs, health spas and places of pilgrimage? Set out to the north of Zagreb and enjoy the blessings offered by Central Croatia.

Enjoy idyllic moments in the towns of Central Croatia

Begin with the area known as Hrvatsko zagorje, a wonderful undulating landscape crisscrossed by hills and rivers and within it the town of Krapina, the famous archaeological site of Homo Krapiniensis. Located in an area that has always been known for its thermal springs, spas like Tuhelj Spa (Tuheljske toplice) and Stubica Spa (Stubičke toplice), Krapina was made famous by Prof. Dragutin Gorjanović-Kramberger in 1899 when he discovered the remains of a diluvial man in the area of the Hušnjakovo hill, known by scientists as Homo sapiens neanderthalensis. In Hrvatsko zagorje, which boasts the largest concentration of castles and manor houses after the valley of the River Loire in France, discover picturesque towns and beautiful Baroque castles.

While feasting your eyes, do not forget to feast your palate on the delectable local gastronomy and, of course, the superb wines produced in the area.

Marija Bistrica is your destination if you are interested in religious tourism or seeking spiritual reinvigoration. It is the greatest Marianic sanctuary in Croatia and has been a place of pilgrimage for over 300 years. More than 800,000 of the faithful have visited Marija Bistrica, including Pope John Paul II in 1998.

The town of Varaždin, the most Baroque of all towns in Croatia, is a true green place. Its finely maintained parks and its famous monument of garden architecture – the town cemetery, characteristic for its Thujas shaped into screens and arcades modelled on Versailles – offer a wonderful backdrop to the sounds of music for which Varaždin is famous. The city is also known for arts, crafts and trade, as well as for two prominent festivals which take place in September: The Varaždin Baroque Evenings and the Špancirfest, a wonderfully entertaining and varied festival of street strollers.

In addition to its cultural scene and 354 registered cultural monuments, the Varaždin region also boasts the Trakošćan Park-wood, with an enchanting castle that has been turned into a museum, and three geological and palaentological monuments of nature, with three caves bearing testimony to the continuous presence of man in this region for thousands of years.

Located not far from Varaždin is Ludbreg, a eucharistic place of pilgrimage of the Sacred Blood of Christ. It is the only such place of pilgrimage in Croatia and one of only a few in the world that have been recognised by a written document from the Pope approving public veneration of Holy Relics. This occurred following the miraculous appearance of the Sacred Blood of Christ in the chapel of Bethany Castle in 1512. Lepoglava is a small town whose history has been most deeply marked by the Pauline Order, which built the church and a monastery. It is also the origin of the famous lace that earned the Gold Medal at the 1937 World Exhibition in Paris.

If you want to try your hand at panning for gold in a river, or enjoy all the benefits offered by the St. Martin Spa, or take a carefree ride along the cycling trails and savour excellent wines, then turn north toward the area where Slovenia, Hungary and Croatia share a border.

Get to know the region of Međimurje and its capital, Čakovec. On the other hand, if you have an artistic nature and enjoy naïve art, tradition, folklore, old arts and crafts, if you are interested in old customs, then head east of Zagreb toward Podravina, particularly in June, when three major ethno-events take place in Koprivnica, Đurđevac and Križevci. Ringed by the River Drava and by the mountain systems of Bilogora and Kalnik, Podravina abounds in fish and game as well as organised cycling trails passing through beautiful landscapes, past Šoderica Lake and the cradle of naive art: Hlebine.

Health & Wellness
Mineral waters amongst the best in Europe
The majority of the most famous and most renowned Croatian thermal springs and spas, of which by the quality of the mineral water they are listed in the top ten in Europe, are in fact located in Central Croatia. So by the quality of the thermal water the hot springs in the municipality of Topusko take third place, whilst those at Krapinske Toplice take sixth place in Europe.