Croatia is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the Mediterranean. The breathtaking scenery and the warm hospitality of the Croatian people guarantee an unforgettable holiday.
Geography
The Croatian national territory covers an area of 87,609 km2, more than a third of which is in the sea. Offshore, Croatia has 1,185 islands along its coastline. Krk, Cres, Rab, Pag, Bra, Hvar and Korcula are the largest and most well-known of them. The Adriatic coast can be partitioned off into historical regions from the north to the south: Istria – the peninsula in the north-west of the Croatian coast, the Croatian coastal region with the islands of the Kvarner-Bay and Dalmatia – the rocky coastline of the Adriatic Sea including the off-shore islands with beautiful and historically significant cities such as Dubrovnik and Split. But Croatia doesn’t only offer its visitors clean, turquoise-blue sea water, but also the emerald green water of fresh-water lakes. The most well-known lakes are the Plitvitzer lakes, which have been declared as national parks. Although Croatia is a relatively small country in regards the area of land it covers compared to other European countries, it has eight national parks and ten protected natural parks. The Croatian Adriatic coast is, according to a survey done by ADAC (German Automobile Association), the cleanest part of the Mediterranean. Every year many Croatian beaches receive the blue flag, which is awarded world-wide for clean water.
Fauna and flora
Croatia is one of the countries that features an especially highly developed biological diversity. 36.83 % of Croatia is covered in woods and forests. The land along the Croatian coastline is forested or covered in the Macchia or Maquis shrub, the Mediterranean stone pine and pinewood. The Brown Bear, wolves, the lynx, eagles and other protected animal species still live in the wild of Croatia. Marine fauna and flora are characterised by a diversity of species. Croatia can also offer an enchanting under-water world.
Culture and society
Architecturally and culturally, the north and the north-east of Croatia were embossed with the style of the Baroque era due to its long and common history with Austria. On the other hand, in the south of the country, the coastal region of Istria, the Kvarner-bay and Dalmatia were predominantly architecturally influenced by the style of the Renaissance due to the earlier naval power of Venice. That is why many sea-ports still have a pronounced Venetian flair. The diversity of the countryside, the society and the culture are all reflected in the national costumes of Croatia. The characteristic Tamburitza-Ensembles contribute to the Croatian music scene with their typical Croatian musical instruments.
Cuisine
The Croatian cuisine is distinctive due to its varied historical and geographical background. Meat dishes, fish specialities, hearty soups, smoked bacon, cheese, ham as well as wine or herb schnaps (travarica) make up parts of it. Pakisir comes from the island of Pag. The Karstregions bring forth the Dalmatian ham. In the region of Zagora (Hinterland of Dalmatia) simple meals like hotpots and stews dominate the cuisine. Croatia is the ideal holiday destination for someone who enjoys his food.
