Dubrovnik - Croatia >>> BLOG

Travel to Croatia: A Beginner's Guide

2006-11-13T19:13:28Z

Croatia has quickly become Europe's hottest destination, and for good reason... The rocky coastline continues for 1778 kilometres and includes pine-fringed coves, wide sandy beaches and cozy inlets. As if that weren't enough, there are a good 1185 islands that range from lush and wooded to stark and hilly. Yachties love the sailing opportunities, sunbathers have an incredible choice of beaches and scuba divers have a paradise of sea life to explore.

Beyond the pretty scenery, Croatia also boasts a fascinating history and cultural life.The walled city of Dubrovnik on its southern tip is a must-stop for Mediterranean cruises but the long coast is littered with remnants of Croatia's varied past.

The Romans swept through two thousand years ago, leaving an amphitheatre in Pula and Diocletian's Palace in Split. Long ruled by Venice, many ports along the coast bear the distinctive imprint of its former master. In southern Dalmatia, the towns of Hvar and Korcula resemble Little Venices without the canals. In Istria, the striking bell tower in Rovinj is modeled after that on St Mark's Square in Venice.

In contrast to the Italian-influenced coast, the Croatian interior was part of the Austro-Hungarian empire and looks it. Zagreb, Croatia's capital, has the kind of stately architecture that wouldn't be out of place in Vienna or Budapest. Plus,it has a small medieval quarter that vaguely resembles Prague.To the north of Zagreb, in the middle of green, rolling hills, lies Varazdin, Croatia's most underrated city. Lying too far from the coast to attract much tourism, Varazdin nevertheless boasts a stunningly well-preserved baroque center.

So, what to see first? Following is my personal list of highlights for a Croatian visit:

Dubrovnik

Byron called it the "Pearl of the Adriatic" for the magnificent curtain of walls surrounding a city paved in marble and strewn with Renaissance sculpture.

Hvar Town

In addition to the splendid harbor promenade and sculptured facades, it's becoming known for the best nightlife on the Adriatic.

Korcula Town

It resembles Hvar in some ways, especially the narrow cluster of streets,but iit lies on a narrow peninsula and is quieter.

Rovinj

Istria's prettiest little town, it retains the flavor of a traditional fishing port despite the heavy influx of tourists in recent years.

Plitvice Lakes National Park

It has to be seen to be believed. The 16 turquose lakes seem to glow and there are waterfalls everywhere. It's a UNESCO world heritage site.

Brela Beach

The idyllic coves, bordered with pine trees, stretch out like a long necklace of beaches. Forbes magazine recently named it one of the top twenty beaches in the world.

No matter where you go in Croatia, you'll find people eager to welcome tourists after the grueling war of the early 1990s. English is widely spoken and costs are comparatively reasonable compared to the rest of the European coast. So what are you waiting for?

About the Author: Jeanne Oliver has written all three editions of Lonely Planet's Croatia guidebook. To find out more about traveling to Croatia including accommodation, car rentals, ferry schedules and itineraries, visit Jeanne's website, Croatia Traveller

Croatia knots world's biggest tie

2006-09-15T08:00:53Z

Dubrovnik - Croatia tied the world's biggest tie after placing red thread round its 4,000 kilometres (2,480 miles) of borders to promote the country's cultural heritage and identity.

The "Tie Around Croatia" project, launched two months ago in the southern Adriatic town of Dubrovnik, concluded with a ceremonial tying of "the smallest knot of the biggest tie" in front of the church of St. Blaise, Dubrovnik's patron saint, in the centre of the medieval town.

The main idea of the artistic installation was to link all Croatia's diverse regions into a symbolic whole, the Academia Cravatica, a non-governmental organisation behind the project.

The word "croata" can be found in many languages as the root of words meaning tie or cravat, so called because they were worn by Croats in the French army during the Thirty Years War in the 17th century.

A team of four mountaineers and three journalists installed the red thread along the country's borders over the past 60 days.

In 2003 the Academia dressed up an ancient Roman ampitheatre in the northern Adriatic town of Pula with an 800-metre (2,640-foot) red tie, breaking the then world record.

Dubrovnik Sights

2006-08-13T14:20:29Z

# Dubrovnik's Stari Grad (Old Town) Walls
One of the best ways to appreciate old town's history and architecture, and get its overall vibe, is to walk along the top of the walls. Guaranteed to be one of the highlights of your trip to Dubrovnik. There are 16 towers and no matter where you look youâll be mesmerized by the panoramic views of the town's red-tiled roofs set against the sparkling blue Adriatic Sea. The wall runs for about 2km and reach a height of 25m. Bring something to drink, especially in hot weather, as the walk has numerous steps and can be quite tiring for some. Entrance costs are 30kn for adults and 10Kn for children.

# Stradun (Main Square)
No matter where you are in the Old Town, itâs almost impossible to get lost as all the streets lead onto the main square, known as the Stradun. Itâs the center of town and meeting place for its inhabitants. If itâs the hip, happening cafÃ© culture youâre looking for, youâll find it here. It runs from the bus stop outside Pile Gate to the clock tower at the opposite end of town.

# Franciscan Monastery
Located just inside the Pile Gate, the museum of the Franciscan monastery keeps all inventories of the old pharmacy thatâs been operating since 1391, as well as the works of local jewellers, painters and embroiders.

# Cultural Heritage Museum
Located inside the luxurious Rectors Palace which was the home and seat of government of the Prince (Rector) of the old Dubrovnik Republic. The museum houses a permanent collection of ceramics, icons, metalwork, textiles, furniture, glassware, photographs, a collection of paintings by the Old Masters from the 15th-19th centuries. Also has exhibits of uniforms of dukes and councilors as well as Aristocratic garments.

# St. Blaiseâs Church
Located at the end of the Stradun, the treasury of the Dubrovnik cathedral keeps the relics of St. Blaise, patron of Dubrovnik, and numerous paintings and works of art there.

# Gundulic Square
Scene of the bustling morning markets and location of Pucic Palace, the only hotel to be found within the Old Town walls.

# Dominican Monastery
The museum of the Dominican Monastery exhibits valuable examples of Dubrovnik's paintings from the 15th and the 16th centuries, as well as sculptures, jewelery, manuscripts, and music.

# Fort Lovrijenac
Located on a headland opposite Pile Gate, the historic fortress is not attached to the city walls. Legend has it that that fort was constructed in three months in the 11th century to prevent the Venetians from building their own fortress there. Above the entrance, you'll find inscribed in Latin âAll the gold in the world cannot buy freedom.â Many world-class presentations of Shakespeareâs Hamlet have been performed here during Dubrovnik's annual Summer Festival. Young Croatian actor, Goran Visnjic, launched his professional acting career playing the lead character of Hamlet here. It wasnât long before he was spotted by a Hollywood talent scout and landed the role of Dr. Luka Kovach on the hit television series, âER.â

# Lokrum Island
10 minute Ferry Ride from Dubrovnik. Is a thick forested reserve protected by the Croatian Academy of Art and Science boasting a rugged nudist beach, a lovely botanical garden and the remains of an old Hapsburg fortress. On the islandâs highest point youâll find Fort Royal, which is built in the shape of a five-pointed star by the French army in 1806. Great views of Dubrovnik and Catvat from here. Also has small lake which is linked to the open sea called Mrtvo More (Dead Sea).

MICHAEL DOUGLAS AND CATHERINE Z-J SAIL INTO DUBROVNIK

2006-07-22T08:45:19Z

Dubrovnik has become something of an A-list destination since a stream of Hollywood royalty discovered its pristine shores. Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones are just the latest in a long line of Tinseltown sightseers to visit the walled city and wander the cobbled streets of the charming Old Town.
Catherine made an elegant impression as she walked around Dubrovnik's Old Town
The celebrity pair have been cruising the Adriatic on a luxury yacht and couldn't resist a day trip inland. Catherine was the epitome of jet-set chic in a wide-brimmed sunhat and white dress as she recorded memories of their visit on her camera. Meanwhile husband Michael was left carrying the bags after the couple snapped up some hand-embroidered tablecloths at a local shop.

Don King in Dubrovnik!

2006-06-08T11:10:02Z

The 44th Annual World Boxing Council Convention Oct. 29 through Nov. 4 will be hosted in one of the most beautiful places in the world: Dubrovnik, Croatia. Don King was mobbed by tourists in this seaside paradise perched above the Adriatic on Monday when he made a special visit there to promote the convention.
King, WBC European Liason Leslie McCarthy and Croatian WBC Convention Organizer Harry Gorian held a press conference in the Old City of Dubrovnik before meeting with Mayor Dubravka Suica.

Dubrovnik on a Silver Platter

2006-04-26T10:42:33Z

Walking the city walls of Dubrovnik, you are served history on a silver platter, a history shaped by shrewd diplomats... At Pile Gate, a good starting point, a white poster depicts how Grad Dubrovnik, the old city, was attacked by the Yugoslav army in 1991-92. Distinguishing between direct hits, shrapnel and fires, with an abundance of tiny triangles to symbolize all the damaged roofs. The gravity is emphasized by another poster showing that Dubrovnik, the pride of Croatia, is a World Heritage site.

The local authorities really highlight the recent war, and it works, for the posters are popular. They also indicate how speedy the reconstruction has been thanks to international aid. The war poster is definitely not diplomatic, a bit surprising in a city whose skilful diplomacy made it possible to remain an independent city republic for 450 years amidst hostile neighbors like Hungary, Venice and Turkey.

Dubrovnik was named Ragusa until 1918 and is guarded by St. Blaise, the cityÂ´s patron saint who appears everywhere, including a little niche above the entrance to Pile Gate. On the inside of Pile, a steep narrow flight of steps climbs the wall. A ticket-office sits midway hiring out electronic guides, ready to inform you in ten languages as you do the circuit.

A BirdÂ´s Eye View

The roofs immediately catch the eye: thousands of new red tiles, most without the patina of the surviving roofs, among them the tiles of the Franciscan Monastery. The best viewpoints are found on the northern side. There, the circular Fort Mincheta gives you an almost aerial view of Dubrovnik and the sea surrounding it - like a huge silver platter - on two sides.

The fortified city is backed by mountains that nearly push it into the glittering sea. However, the gargantuan walls remain where theyÂ´ve been since the 13th century. Through the ages, they were reinforced with bastions, round towers and square forts, even supported by two detached fortresses near the sea, Revelin and Lovrijenac. The irregular rectangle of walls measures 1940 meters, with sides up to 25 meters high and 6 meters thick, thickest landwards.

Tiles obviously come in different versions: plain red, red with relief or red with beige stripes, the latter harmonizing with the stone walls. The pointed roofs, often with bay windows, sport chimneys surprisingly unmarked by the war. Many balconies and terraces have been turned into blossoming gardens. Between the houses, solitary palms and cypresses appear; a suitable contrast to the clean white sheets drying in the wind.

On one balcony, an elderly lady, dressed in a reddish vest matching her dyed hair, is chatting with her plants, knowing they will respond with lovely flowers, to the delight of herself and every tourist passing by. The alley she lives in, all the alleys actually, turn slightly left on their way down to Placa, the main street traversing the city from Pile Gate in the west to Luza Square in the east. You can easily make out people strolling on the PlacaÂ´s shining white flagstones.

Centuries Ago

If inspired to look into the past, 1358 might be a good place to commence. ThatÂ´s when Venetian supremacy ended and Ragusa became an independent city republic, basing its wealth on trade and a dominant merchant fleet. The ability to avoid armed conflicts was remarkable, due to diplomatic representatives at a large number of consulates abroad, who promoted trade and territorial interests and precluded potential dangers. Staying independent did cost tributes to the King of Hungary, though, and later to the Turks.

Although slave trading was abolished in 1418, all men were not equal in Ragusa. The ruling class were the noblemen, despite an upcoming class of wealthy merchants and shipowners. It was an aristocratic republic headed by a Rector, elected for merely one month. Real power belonged to the Grand Council and the Senate; a Small Council was their executive body. Judging by a flourishing scene of art, science and literature, the authorities were apparently quite openminded.

On an April day in 1667, Ragusa exploded in a devastating earthquake, killing 5000 citizens, just the strong walls were intact. Beautiful buildings in the Gothic and Renaissance styles - palaces, churches and monasteries - were in ruins, only the Sponza Palace and the front of the RectorÂ´s Palace at Luza Square survived. Gradually, the city was rebuilt in the more modest Baroque style. The republic as such was disallowed by Napoleon in 1808.

TodayÂ´s Diplomats

Returning to the present day, the Dominican Monastery awaits you in the northeastern corner, a luxuriant courtyard framed by four wings adorned with new tiles. The neighboring Fort Revelin, outside the wall, seems unaffected and ready to serve as an outdoor stage during the next Dubrovnik Festival, in July and August. In cooperation with St. John Fort opposite, it protects the other city gate, Ploce Gate, and the oasis of Dubrovnik, the Old Port.

The southern wall is breathtaking with the silvery sea down below. Daredevils have occupied the rocks in order to sunbathe and swim. Even tiny cafes have found a foothold on the rocks. As if to offset the dramatic surroundings, the lazy voice of Dean Martin makes everybody relax. Less dramatic, yet somewhat secretive, is the green islet of Lokrum right ahead. A sailing trip there would reveal to you what Dubrovnik truly is: a pearl on the Adriatic.

Landwards, the view is completely different now, with the houses so near that you can almost touch the washing hanging in their gardens or pick a pomegranate. Down at street level, Katerina is getting ready for the day, a blond lady in a whitish folk costume from Konavle, sitting the whole day on the steps embroidering and selling her finery, constantly answering questions politely and patiently. Like the lady with the flowers, she is one of those everyday diplomats who leave a special impression on visitors.

Back at Pile Gate, you have the entire Placa, the main street, at your feet, and itÂ´s time to take a closer look at the treasures of Dubrovnik. Along your way, you will certainly meet others of todayÂ´s diplomats, in the shape of waiters, bartenders and owners of rooms to let; some of them more reliable than others. Nothing is wrong with their ambition to make money, but once in a while, they fail to give you proper value for it, thus violating a local tradition of decent and diplomatic conduct.

Author: Terje Raa

Dubrovnik - a city that has survived the test of time

2006-04-02T13:19:31Z

They built these walls for two reasons. To keep our enemies out and to keep our friends in."
"Once you are inside the walls, you are our friend for life." Dubrovnik, croatiaâ"They built these walls for two reasons. To keep our enemies out and to keep our friends in."

"Once you are inside the walls, you are our friend for life."

For $3.50 Cdn., you gain access to what is simultaneously a panoramic view of the Croatian countryside and a many-levelled look at a city that has survived for 1,500 years. It takes about two hours to stroll the entire perimeter, but it's a journey you won't forget.

There are historical records dating Dubrovnik back to the 6th century, but most of the towers and walls still standing were built between the 8th and 16th centuries. Although an earthquake and fire destroyed much of the city in 1667, the walls remained standing.

They circle the city for a total of 1,940 metres and are close to 50 centimetres thick in some places. As you look down, a vista of terra-cotta coloured roofs greets your eyes, not only a pleasing visual sight, but a reminder of this place's durability.

During the conflict with Serbia in the early 1990s, many buildings inside the city walls were severely damaged. Once the war was over, the citizens rebuilt their homes so that they stand even prouder than before, although bullet holes and mortar shells serve as reminders of what happened.

That same troubled period signalled the end of tourism in the region for nearly a decade, but in the past five years, people have been eagerly discovering this beautiful and still relatively unspoiled spot.

Off to the west, you can see the Pile Gate, built in 1537, the entrance to the old city. No motorized vehicles are allowed past this gate, although it's hard to see how any of them could manoeuvre through the twisting alleyways and steep stairwells that honeycomb the area.

The one exception is the Stradun, the glorious and spacious marble promenade that runs through the centre of the old town. This is where local people meet to sit at cafes and pass the time.

It's fascinating to come back here at various times of the day to see the way the changing colours of the sunlight reflect on the glossy marble thoroughfare. As one friend suggested, "Spend a whole day on the Stradun, eat all your meals there and learn what Dubrovnik is really all about."

It's a relatively small town of 45,000 and the citizens are very friendly. They haven't had time yet to be jaded by being a major tourist attraction. Most speak a certain amount of English, although you may find yourself having to dip into Italian or French to complete the communications link.

The culinary origins of the city are equally divided between Italian, Greek and Croatian. There's a plentiful amount of gelaterias, offering excellent frozen treats for much lower prices than you'd find in Italy. (A two-scoop cone is less than $1). People also like to savour their espressos accompanied, of course, by sweet pastries.

There are also a number of pizzerias, but these tend to be tourist traps and you'd be well advised to avoid them. Look instead for the numerous unpretentious taverna-style places that dot the numerous tiny squares you stumble on. Here's where the Greek influence is strongest, with perfectly fresh and simply prepared seafood dominating the menus. The local mussels and oysters have a unique flavour and it's possible to dine well for under $10. If you want to sample the high end of Croatian cuisine and don't mind spending a little more, then try out Proto, in the Old Town, at Siroka 1, famous for its grilled meats and fish.

Afterwards, seek out the CafÃ© Buza, in the south side of the Old City. Look for a sign that simply says "Cold Drinks" over a hole in the wall and pass through to a simple place with a spectacular view. This is where you should try local alcoholic drinks like rakija, made from grapes, or sljivovica, from plums. Be careful, though; they pack a considerable punch and the way back is down a steep path!

In recent years, Dubrovnik has begun to undergo a tourism renaissance, especially among Europeans. Non-stop British Airways flights are now available from London. Most North Americans, however, encounter the city as one of the ports of call on a Mediterranean cruise. This means you have a limited amount of time here, but there are certain highlights, other than the city walls, that you must find time for.

The Franciscan monastery is a richly decorated church that contains the third-oldest functioning pharmacy in Europe â in business since 1391.

The Sponza Palace was built in 1516 and is an impressive combination of Gothic and Renaissance styles. The spacious atrium, with its boldly arched gallery, is not to be missed.

The synagogue is a beautifully maintained building from the 15th century. It's is the oldest Sephardic synagogue in Europe and still the house of worship for Dubrovnik's Jewish community.

If part of the joy of travel is discovery, then Dubrovnik is an ideal destination. It offers scenic beauty, magnificent historical architecture, fine local dining and â above all â the sense of a city that has survived and will continue to do so.

The monuments of Dubrovnik

2006-03-28T12:58:29Z

Dubrovnik is rich in monuments - and in little alleys where one easily gets lost too. Getting lost is actually not a bad idea... the town's compact and bounded by walls - so one is never too lost. My idea is to give you an overview of some of the interesting buildings to see. For practical reasons I'll divide them into three groups: those along the Stradun 8the main street, those north of it, and those south.

Along the Stradun, starting from the Pile gate, there's a cluster of interesting places: on the left there are the votive Church of Saint Saviour and the Franciscan monastery; on the right the Onofrio's fountain and the convent of Saint Claire.
The entire Stradun is lined with nice buildings, but the next important ones are at the very end of it, in a little square.
The wonderful building on the left is the Sponza Palace with the historic archives and on the right you see the 18th century church of Saint Blaise.
In the middle of the square there are 2 fountains: the Orlando statue and the small Onofrio fountain, just in front of the Bell Tower.

To the North of the Stradun there are at least 3 worthwhile sacred buildings to visit: the church of Sugurata (not far from the Pile gate), and the Dominican Monastery and Chapel of Saint Luke (near the Ploce gate).

To the south of the Stradun, in Gunduliceva Poljana, which you reach by following the largest alley, there's another wonderful building, the Rector's Palace. Just down the road from it you can see the Dubrovnik's Cathedral and around the corner the charming church of Saint Ignatius.
Continuing along this street you'll find 2 museums: on the left, half way back to Pile, is the ethnographic museum Rupe, while on the left, at Å iroka ulica 7, there's a museum dedicated to an important Croatian writer: Marin DrÅ¾ic.

For more information visit : http://www.dubrovnik-apartments.com/dmsa.htm

The cuisine of Dalmatia

2006-03-20T13:09:15Z

The cuisine of Dalmatia and the islands follows the trend of modern nutritional norms.
The brief thermal preparation of foodstuffs (mainly boiling or grilling) and plenty of fish, olive oil, vegetables and self-sown herbs found near the sea is why this cuisine is considered to be very healthy. The cuisine of Dalmatia and the islands follows the trend of modern nutritional norms.

The brief thermal preparation of foodstuffs (mainly boiling or grilling) and plenty of fish, olive oil, vegetables and self-sown herbs found near the sea is why this cuisine is considered to be very healthy.

Dalmatian wines, like olive oil and salted olives, have been highly esteemed since ancient times, which the present names of some of the indigenous grape sorts reveal (Grk : Greek, from the island of Korcula; Prc from the island of Hvar).
Famous wines include Dingac and Postup from the Peljesac Peninsula; Babic from Primosten; Vugava and Plancic from the island of Hvar... then there are Posip and Grk from Korcula; Marastina from the island of Lastovo; Malmsey from Dubrovnik, etc., and also Prosecco (a sweet dessert wine), the very strong grape (loza) and herbal brandies (travarica, grapes with medicinal herbs) and liqueurs (Maraschino, Vlahov).

Although even today every area has its own way of preparing certain dishes, the cuisine of the islands represents a separate world, their distinguishing features having been discovered only recently, such as the cuisine of the islands of Hvar, Korcula, Brac (vitalac, a dish made from lamb offal wrapped in lamb gut and spike-roasted), Vis (spike-roasted pilchards, as during the Ancient Greek period; flat cake with pilchards from Komiza and Vis, related to the modern-day pizza).
Fresh sea fish (dog's tooth, gilthead, sea-bass, grouper, mackerel, pilchards) grilled, boiled or marinated; then there are molluscs (squid, cuttlefish, octopus), crustaceans (shrimps, lobsters) and shellfish (mussels, oysters, date-shells) boiled in a fish stew or as a risotto.
Of the meat dishes, prosciutto is unarguably unrivalled - pork leg smoked and dried in the bora (from Drnis), served with dry, mostly sheepâs cheese (famous sorts of cheese are those from Pag and Dubrovnik) and salted green and black olives, capers and pickled onions.
Lamb is also very highly valued, especially boiled or baked on an open fire (Franjevacka begovica from Visovac, or lopiz from the island of Iz); also, dried mutton (kastradina), roast beef, Dalmatian stew (pasticada) with gnocchi, offered by many restaurants.

Split offers taste of Mediterranean

2006-03-13T10:07:53Z

As well as offering cheaper accommodation and cuisine than southern France and Italy, Croatia is now as easy to reach as about anywhere else on Europe's southern coastline. Croatia is catching the eye of more and more Brits searching for Mediterranean sunshine on a limited budget.

As well as offering cheaper accommodation and cuisine than southern France and Italy, Croatia is now as easy to reach as about anywhere else on Europe's southern coastline.

And according to research by the Cheapflights team, Croatia, and in particular Dubrovnik, is one of the most sought-after destinations among visitors to our website. (www.dubrovnik-apartments.com)

Located further up Croatia's sun-drenched coastline, Split is also fast becoming a hit with budget travellers, and is a doddle to reach directly via air.

As the home of tennis superstars Goran Ivanisevic and Mario Ancic, the coastal resort is renowned for its sporting pedigree.

Split's rich culture, lush vegetation and sweltering summer temperatures also mean the Dalmatian capital is as inviting as any other Mediterranean port.

July or August is definitely the best time to visit the city and its outlying beaches if you're a fan of sunbathing, with average temperatures of 26 degrees making it one of the sunniest locations in Europe.

Though Eastern Europe is rarely associated with sub-tropical flora, Split pulls that off too, with visitors constantly greeted by hordes of cacti, palm trees and agaves.

Culture vultures won't be let down either, as the city boasts a richness of archaeological, cultural and historical monuments that befits its 1,700-year history. The renowned Palace of Diocletian, to name but one of Split's many attractions, features in UNESCO's World Heritage List.

The city centre boasts an array of wine cellars and restaurants offering local specialities.

Though everyone knows it's best to avoid France, Spain and Italy during peak season, the all-year round low cost of visiting Split means you can take in the city's delights in mid-summer without penny-pinching.

That's also when The Split Summer Festival takes place. As the biggest cultural event on the city's calendar, visitors from mid-July to mid-August will be treated to a host of operas, dramas, ballets and concerts.

And in terms of getting there, it's also becoming much easier.

Split is served by a host of airlines from the UK, with no-frills carrier easyJet the latest to open a new route to the Croatian hotspot. It will commence a four-weekly service from Gatwick, with one-way tickets including taxes and charges starting at Â£25.99.

Dubrovnik - Hidden Gem of the Adriatic

2006-02-09T11:55:10Z

What would you do if your town and your own house were bombed, shattered into mere rubble?
Clean up and invite the tourists to stay?
That is exactly what the resilient residents of Dubrovnik have done â and for that we should be thankful.
For this wonderful old town to have slipped into obscurity after suffering through the Balkans wars of the 1990s would have been a terrible shame. But, fortunately, tourists' memories are very short and what were war zones only short years ago are now among the fastest growing tourist destinations in Europe.
The Adriatic Coast of Croatia is no exception and Dubrovnik is truly its pearl. As the traditional holiday destinations are showing signs of overdevelopment and becoming homogenized in their services because of an influx of foreigners â to the point where you can barely find a paella for all the bacon, eggs, sausage and chips on the menu â more and more travelers are looking for an alternative.
Irresistible with its town walls, enclosed old city, pristine beaches and only a few big hotels in eye shot, Dubrovnik might be it.

I first arrived in Dubrovnik on a local bus and before I could recover my backpack from the luggage lockers, I was approached by an opportunistic and persistent local.
She had a hand written sign, Sobe, which means âRooms,â and indicated to me that she had a place for me to stay.
Reluctant, but in need of a bed, I agreed to follow her. She introduced herself to me as Katy and insisted on carrying my heavy pack and was disappointed I would not let her. Katy, who would have been around 65 and aged by the Croatian sunshine, spoke a handful of words in English and was positively delightful.

She lead me through Pile Gate, the main entrance into the old town, a simple act that felt like stepping back in time. Dubrovnik was like a clean slate.
After the war, Dubrovnik immediately began rebuilding, but with an awareness that it should retain as much of its original charm. Thus, the town banned billboards and large signs in its restored heart.
Som along Stradun (the main thoroughfare) there are no clamorous advertisements. Development is restricted by Dubrovnikâs small size, and the townâs steep and narrow streets make large-scale construction difficult.
The towering medieval white-stone city walls, still intact, could not protect Dubrovnik during the war, these days they do protect it from a new menace: tourist development.

We walked slowly through the town, at Katyâs pace. Though the uneven cobble stones were shiny and gleaming, they were slippery as well and trouble for my host.
We turned into and out of narrow streets, leading into narrower streets, turning in directions that seemed as if we were walking in circles.
Off the main street you quickly fall into the neighborhoods and you can not help but wonder what it must have been like for the residents to see their terracotta roof tiles blown away, bullet holes pounding divots into their walls and their monuments destroyed.
The few buildings yet to receive restorersâ attentions are grim reminders of the bombing of Dubrovnik in 1991.

Steps to a different kind of travel
Taking it all in and trying to keep my bearings, I continued following Katy. Next, we encountered steps â lots of them. Dubrovnik is nestled on a tiny peninsula, surrounded by hills and the Adriatic.
So, for such a small city there are many steep staircases to contend with. They were clearly a problem for Katy.
She kept on apologizing for the steps, then around the next corner would apologize again for yet more steps.
I think I was sorrier than she was, feeling somewhat responsible for her sojourn to the bus stop to pluck this tourist from the conventional world of hostel and hotel-based travel, and take me into her world.

She succeeded. Katy showed me another side of travel that many other places fail to deliver. The opportunity to see how the locals live and what itâs like behind the walls of Dubrovnikâs stone houses was a privilege.
Katy and I finally arrived at her house, and she was beaming with pride. She wanted to show me her renovations, her plans for further additions and improvements.

After I settled in and could look around, I thought that her house was just about perfect. She lived in a very narrow three-story house, nestled among many others made of the same gray stone and adorned with simple doors. Inside there was an unexpected courtyard with a grape vine for shade.
My room was decorated with the same charm you remember from your grandmotherâs house: lace curtains, family pictures hanging on the walls, floral wallpaper, a shiny satin bedspread and big pillows.

Katy makes her livelihood from tourists coming to stay with her in her home, and with this money she has been able to renovate her 16th-century property.
Many other Dubrovnik residents are doing the same.
Without this income, many of the homes would still be in ruins, and without the residentsâ enterprising approach, travelers would not have such a great opportunity to live so intimately in a medieval town.

Life in the neighborhoods
Walking through Dubrovnikâs backstreets, you can see residents leaning out their windows talking to neighbors across the alley way â so close they can almost reach out and touch.
Or you see them sitting on the steps, pets by their sides, catching up at the end of the day.
You can even see the cushions that are permanent fixtures on the staircases, where these gossips take their breaks. Many of these houses reveal that familiar advertisement, Sobe.

To appreciate the city, tourists can climb the walls that circumnavigate the city and walk the entire way around. You can see the restored roof tiles from up here, some repair jobs, and some old rooftops that have survived the 1991 blasts.
Their rich terracotta color is a spectacle against the dark blue Adriatic in the background. You can even see Katyâs place from up here.

I ventured up the hill behind the town to the lonely road heading south to the Bosnian border.
There are no tourists up here, just a lot more steps and houses that have seen fewer repairs.
But you can see the whole of Dubrovnik and the peninsula, as well as Lokrum Island and the fortresses that defended the town between the 14th and 18th centuries, but failed it in the 20th. It is a wondrous view.

The beaches are another attraction. The Adriatic is clear and clean, and the beaches are popular with both locals and tourists.
Parts are covered by beach chairs and umbrellas, and serviced by wait staff, and other areas are open to all who can find a space.
But what is missing â thankfully â is the sea front lined with large hotels and tourist shops selling endangered coral and other tourist paraphernalia. It is interesting that what results from tourism is exactly what some tourists these days strive to avoid.
This new attitude suits Dubrovnik down to its gleaming cobble stones.

What made this part of the Adriatic defensible in history â the hills to the east, the Adriatic to the West, and only small, steep coves for landing access â are also protecting it now from development.
Dubrovnik was able to recover from the war but will be damaged forever if developers get their hands on it.
Back in the old town you can get a sense of how important it is to Katy, other residents and the new generation of tourists that the developers fail.

Between the houses are clothes lines dangling laundry like webs throughout the alleys. The sun manages to sneak a ray between the streets for a short amount of time each day.
Down along the Stradun, the tourists wander, gazing at the unique architecture of stone churches and spires, or they sit in the sun in cafes that line the squares. However it is the backstreets where Dubrovnik comes to life, and it is there you have to stay to experience it.
I know just the old lady to show you, but youâll have to find her yourself. She lives behind any sign that says, Sobe.

Dubrovnik: Walled City by the Sea

2006-02-01T15:29:29Z

Sunny beaches, succulent seafood and a taste of "la dolce vita"â¦in Eastern Europe? Croatiaâs Dalmatian Coast â the southern third of the countryâs coastline â is Eastern Europeâs Riviera and the medieval city of Dubrovnik is the jewel in its crown. Some visitors still associate Croatia with the tough Communist years (when it was part of Yugoslavia) and others are scared off because of the war with Serbia in the 1990s. But today, savvy tourists have returned in droves.
Croatia feels a little like Italy, but with an easygoing attitude. And the port of Dubrovnik is a living fairytale that shouldnât be missed.

Within the cityâs ramparts, the traffic-free Old Town is a fun jumble of quiet, cobbled back lanes; tasty seafood restaurants; narrow, steep alleys; and kid-friendly squares.
After all these centuries, Dubrovnikâs buildings still hint at old-time wealth and the central promenade remains the place to see and be seen.

Dubrovnikâs promenade, alive with locals and tourists alike, is the heartbeat of the city. Itâs an Old World shopping mall by day and sprawling cocktail party after dark, when everybody seems to be doing the traditional "korzo," or evening stroll â flirting, ice-cream-licking, flaunting and gawking.
A coffee and some of Europeâs best people-watching in a prime cafÃ© here is one of travelâs great $3 bargains.

The cityâs charm is the sleepy result of its no-nonsense past. Busy merchants, the salt trade and shipbuilding made Dubrovnik rich.
Dubrovnik, which feels like a small town now, was a major maritime power 500 years ago, with the third biggest navy seafaring through the Mediterranean.

Dubrovnikâs single best activity is to stroll the picturesque mile around the city walls.
As you meander along this lofty perch â with a sea of red roofs on one side and the actual sea on the other â youâll get your bearings and take dozens of pictures of the ever-changing views.

Located within the city walls, the Franciscan Monastery Museum is a touch of the Middle Ages, when Dubrovnikâs monasteries flourished.
Visiting here, you can explore the monasteryâs peaceful, sun-dappled cloister and original pharmacy, which dates from 1317. (Itâs still in operation today.)
On display are jars, pots and other medieval pharmacistsâ tools, as well as a little pick-up window that allowed the pharmacist to have minimal contact with the sick and reduced the risk of passing on disease.

Another of Dubrovnikâs top religious sights, its 12th-century cathedral, was funded largely by the English king Richard the Lionhearted.
On his way back from the Third Crusade, Richard was shipwrecked nearby. He promised God that if he survived, heâd build a church on the spot where he landed â which happened to be on Lokrum Island, just offshore.
At Dubrovnikâs request, Richard agreed to build his token of thanks inside the city instead.

Within Dubrovnikâs cathedral, youâll find a painting by Titian, "Assumption of the Virgin," a stark contemporary altar and a quirky treasury packed with 138 relics. The treasury has three locks on the door â an indication of how valuable the collection is.
Historically, three different VIPs â the rector, the bishop and a local aristocrat â all had to agree before it could be unlocked. (Itâs open to tourists today.)

As you wander through the streets of the Old Town, you can still sense the power and stature of the former republic.
Ringed by mighty medieval walls and jutting into the sea, Dubrovnik more than deserves its nickname: the Pearl of the Adriatic.

Croatia - the Most Desirable Destination in 2006 for American Travelers

2006-01-18T11:48:03Z

According to the recent survey of the USTOA, the hottest new tourist destination for 2006 is Croatia! National Geographic Adventure also awarded Croatia as The Best Destination for this year.
Followed by the last yearâs great success after it was proclaimed No. 1 destination by the Lonely Planet, this year should definitely bring new record numbers for the Croatian tourism.
2006 the Year of Croatian Inventors
One of Croatiaâs most well-known and world-renowned scientist and inventor Nikola Tesla, was born on July 10, 1856 in Smiljan, a small village near Gospic, in the region of Lika.
Croatia will be celebrating the 150th anniversary of his birth with numerous manifestations, scientific meetings, lectures and other festivities.
Slavoljub Penkala was holder of over 70 patents among which in 1906 he created the first mechanical pencil, which became known as ballpoint pen; 2006 is a 100 year anniversary of this invention.

City of Rijeka â January and February Reserved for the Carnival
Rijeka is all the more affirming itself as a city of culture, Carnivals and fun.
The 3rd biggest international Carnival in the world takes place every year in Rijeka with over 10,000 masqueraders and carnival groups. They all come to follow the Carnival events, characterized by a particular blend of Europeâs urban and rural carnival traditions. The jam packed program starts at the beginning of January and lasts up to the end of February.
Many hotel facilities in Rijeka, like completely renovated Hotel Jadran, await its guests. The hotel now offers 66 rooms and three suites with the vast majority of which have seafront views. The hotel is located directly adjacent to the sea, its foundations being in fact dug deep underwater and its view extends to the neighboring Kvarner Bay. Four star rating placed Hotel Jadran at the head of Rijekaâs hotels.
This is one of the oldest hotels in the city that opened back in 1914. Reconstructed faÃ§ade and the walls look exactly the same as they did decades ago, so hotel again looks truly luxurious outside as well as inside.
For those who enjoy good maritime cuisine and appreciate a great view, Arca Fiumana ship anchored in Rijeka city harbor is the place to go.
This will in near future be Croatiaâs first floating hotel. For now it features restaurant and a pub that became a guarantee of good time in Rijeka.
For more info visit www.tz-rijeka.hr

Newly Refurbished Westin Hotel in Zagreb
City of Zagreb welcomed 2006 with a newly renovated Westin Hotel.
This luxurious five star landmark hotel is a part of the world-renown Starwood Hotels & Resorts chain. Its 378 rooms are all equipped with legendary âHeavenly Beds and Showersâ and a total of 13 congress halls in the city core will provide memorable experiences for both business and leisure travelers. For more info visit www.westin.com/zagreb

Small and Family Run Hotels
Over the past few years Croatia has seen especially intense growth in the Small and Family Hotels sector.
Some 150 of these hotels, most gathered under the umbrella of the Association of Family and Small Hotels of Croatia, offer an atmosphere, comfort and quality that reflects the local color and blends tradition with family setting. Given the dynamics of their growth over the past few years, estimates say their number in Croatia may grow by 50 to 100 small hotels a year. For more info visit www.omh.hr

Zagreb - Romance in the City of Hearts
The Regent Esplanade Zagreb brings back tradition spiced with contemporary luxury with its special âRomance in the City of Heartsâ package.
The package consists of: Two-nights in a luxurious double room, breakfast served in the room, bottle of champagne, bouquet of roses, welcoming relaxing bubble bath, sightseeing tour of Zagreb by limousine and a romantic candlelit dinner. For more info visit www.regenthotels.com

Substantial Capital Investment in Cultural Heritage
Croatian Ministry of Culture announced large capital investments in order to increase the number of cultural facilities in the country.
Three new museums will open this year and another five will be constructed. Many of the existing museums, public libraries, theatres and castles will get capital investments that will improve the overall appearance of the Croatian cultural treasures. For more info visit www.min-kulture.hr

Moderna Galerija Zagreb
The Moderna Galerija Zagreb (Modern Gallery Zagreb) is open once more after the 11 year closing and its total reconstruction. It reopened on December 29, 2005 with the slogan â100 years of Modern Gallery, 200 years of Croatian Artâ.
This slogan was chosen because up to now nowhere in Croatia was there an exhibit which covered 200 years of Croatian art.
The new exhibition celebrates the Croatian Art with 153 paintings, sculptures, photography and videos. It is a must see Gallery in Zagreb.

Croatia a Growing Destination for Cruise Ships
The appeal of Croatia as a tourist destination has found further confirmation in the growing number of cruise ships making stops here.
There were more than 450 ships in 2005, which is up around 11% over figures from the last year. Total of around 500,000 passengers sailed on these ships.
Top destinations was Dubrovnik, followed by Korcula, Hvar, Split and Sibenik.

British Airways - Top Recognition for Dubrovnik Airport
British Airways has recently awarded Dubrovnik Airport a special recognition for top results in flight and passenger arrival and departure services. Out of 65 international airports to which British Airways flies, Dubrovnik Airport got top marks.
The airport was monitored over an 18 month period during which time Dubrovnik Airport recorded top marks deservedly winning the recognition. For more info visit www.visitdubrovnik.hr

Sljeme for Skiers and Hikers
Sljeme, the highest peak on Zagrebâs Medvednica highlands will this coming February see the re-opening of the Old Scouts House now completely redesigned and converted into a four star apartment facility that will operate under the name of Snjezna kraljica (The Snow Queen).
It will feature one eight-bed and 16 four-bed suites catering to skiers and hikers. Besides its lodgings the building will have a large restaurant featuring traditional local cuisine, as well as small wellness center with sauna and whirlpool.
With the runs outfitted with snow canons, ski season on Sljeme lasts at least to the end of March. For more info visit www.sljeme.hr

Croatia Through The Ages

2006-01-15T08:47:50Z

Around 625 a tribe known as the White Croats makes its way south from present-day Poland. The treacherous exodus takes over a century... Then in the 9th Century European King Carlo Magno (796 - 803) lords over the two groups of Croatian people, the Panonski Hrvati and Dalmatian Hrvati. His reign brings with it a profound awakening with the first real attention given to art, architecture and music.
On a religious front, the Church of the Holy Cross of Nin is inscribed with the Latin âHere the weak man is brought to lightâ because of Prince Viseslavâs Christian conversion (800). This Venetian alliance is of particular interest because of the wealth of Johns, Pauls, Gregorys and Innocents who canât keep their hands out of the Croatian cookie-jar at various points during the second millennium.
During his reign (879 - 892) Prince Branimir starts the initial movement for political and religious independence in Dalmatia.
By the end of the century (880) Croatia is recognized as an independent state.

10th Century Croatia reaches arguably its greatest height under the rule of Tomislav (910 - 929) who brings the Panonska and Dalmatian Hrvatska together to make a single and unified state. Granted papal permission, he rules much of present-day Croatia, Bosnia and parts of the Montenegrin Coast.
He commands a very impressive army, putting Croatia in a position of power.
Hungarian forces attack and are repelled by Tomislav (924) and in 925 the Pope crowns him king, thus making Croatia a kingdom for the first time.

11th Century The tricky game of Christianity tug-of-war is irreversibly concluded when King Petar Kresimir firmly locks his eyes upon the Roman Catholicism practiced in the West (1058 - 1074).
This serves to stabilize the country, and it enjoys a period of cultural renaissance.
This religious determination serves to place Croatia more firmly in the heart of conflict and dispute, their geographic position an increasingly dangerous intersection of contrary ideologies.
Ladislav I of Hungary establishes a bishopric order in the north of Croatia (1094), and the name Zagreb is first employed to the land behind Medvedgrad Mountain.

12th Century A âpersonal unionâ is entered into with Hungary (1102) and thus begins the Arpadovici Dynasty.
The two countries share kings for the next 400 years but essentially retain their attributes as separate states, both in their cultural manifestations and legal philosophies.

13th Century Four separate Venetian crusades are led to convert and overwhelm the numerous non-Christian people of the Dalmatian coast.
Zadar (1202) is the sight of the bloodiest of the battles. Terribly out-manned, villagers hang white crosses on the city walls to signify their surrender. The crusaders ignore this and massacre the entire village.
In 1204, crusaders occupying Zadar are given a fleet of warships by the Pope, which helps them to maintain control of the region. The year 1273 sees the first Slavonski Parliamentary meeting in Croatia.

14th Century Pope Clement V attacks Zadar (1312) and Venice becomes the ruler of a large part of the Dalmatian coast, including both of the cities Split and Nin. By the year 1358, Dubrovnik begins to exist as a separate republic.

15th Century Italian King Ladislav (of Napoli) sells enormous tracts of the Dalmatian coast to Venice (1409). The second half of the century sees the invasion of the Ottoman Turks.
In 1493 the most notable battle takes place (Krbavska Bitka) and nearly all of the Croatian aristocracy are killed, thus begins the Ottoman presence in the country. They will get close to Zagreb, but never capture it.

16th Century Croatia is termed Antemurale Christianitatis (Perimeter Bulwark) by Pope Leo X (1519) as it struggles to survive the wrath of the Ottomans.
In 1526 Ludovik II, the last king of Croatia, is killed in Battle of Mohac and Croatia offers the crown to Austrian Duke Ferdinand to protect themsleves from the Turks.
In 1573 villagerâs revolt against the Christian aristocracy and all the villagers are slaughtered.
Their leader, Matija Gubec, is forced to wear a red-hot iron crown and then he is drawn-and-quartered. In the year 1593, the town of Sisak is liberated from the Ottomans.

17th Century Relationships between the nobility of Austria and Croatia become progressively worse because of the continued Ottoman presence in the latter (1668).
Counts Zrinski and Frankopanski, two leaders of powerful Croatian families, make desperate attempts to spurn an uprising in the people of their country and completely fails.
They are hunted down by the Austrian Emperor and beheaded for their attempt in 1671. By 1685, central Croatia is essentially sovereign of the Turkish armies.

18th Century By 1718 the town of PoÅ£areva is freed of the Ottomans, who are now completely purged from the country. Maria Theresa becomes the empress (1750) and the first female ruler of Austria - Croatia.
Her son Joseph II inherits the throne. After his death (1790) Hungary attempts to Hungarianise the Croats, which manifests in an attempted force of cultural, linguistic and social conventions.

19th Century The Napoleonic French find Dubrovnik very much to their liking, and they take it away from Russian and Montenegrin forces who are already fighting for it (1808).
Though the Napoleonic occupation proves to be very short (ending in 1813), French forces come mere kilometres from Zagreb before being turned away. Supremely important to modern day Croats, the Illyrian movement is spurned on by Ljudevit Gaj (1834), which serves to meld the many languages and dialects of the country into one.
It also creates a renewed sense of nationalism and by 1847 Croatia has an official language.
The year 1848 brings revolution all over Europe and in Croatia ban Josip JelaÃ¨ic suppresses a Hungarian rebellion, branding him a national hero. In 1868 Hungary and Croatia agree to ally and share a king.

Early 20th Century In 1914 Austrian Duke Ferdinand is assassinated by Bosnian Gavrilo Princip, and thus begins World War I. Austria attacks Serbia.
Croatian sentiments are divided. The Austro-Hungarian monarchy is ultimately destroyed (1918), and a new alliance is brought about called the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes. In 1915, the Yugoslav Committee is established, and by 1918 Croatia joins countries Slovenia, Montenegro, Serbia, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Macedonia as a single monarchical Yugoslavia.
The union is a tense one however, the balance of power clearly held by Serbia who outnumbers the other members in their representation. This tension manifests violently in a session of parliament in 1928.
Croatian leader Stjepan Radic is shot for his independent posturing by Punisa Racic, a Serbian extremist that wishes to hear none of the anti-Kingdom sentiment that is finding an increasingly loud voice. Four of Radicâs colleagues are also shot and killed; he dies from his wounds a couple of months later. In the year 1937, a young Croat known only by the single name of Tito is named leader of the Communistic Party of Yugoslavia.

Communism & Beyond In 1941 World War II begins, scattering Yugoslavian military and ideological allegiance three ways: Titoâs Partizani army resists the Nazi regime, and fight them on German and Italian occupied fronts, including areas of Croatia and Serbia.
Ante Pavelic of the Ustasa faction actively supports Hitler, and commands forces to fight on the side of the Naziâs. Finally, the Serbian-homed Cetnici seek to retain Yugoslaviaâs monarchical ways and blurrily move between axis and allied sentiments.
A new German-controlled territory is created in the over-taken central Croatia region, and itâs referred to as the Independent State of Croatia (NDH). Eastern Croatia remains Yugoslavian.

1943 The Anti-Fascist National Liberation Council of Yugoslavia meets and sets up their first parliament. AVNOJ is led by Tito and serves two purposes: it is a pronouncement re-affirming continued resistance to Hitler, and it expresses Partizani intent to control Yugoslavia after the war.

1948 Joseph Stalin fails in his attempt to persuade Tito to ally himself with the more staunch version of communism in Russia.
The move creates great tension between the two powers and is not wholly supported by the people, some of whom are swayed by an indisputable Russian military strength.

1961 Tito formulates a notion of Nesvrstani (Non-Allied Countries) as a reaction to the recent NATO and Warsaw pacts.
This formulation is a non-military proclamation Yugoslavia as an independent entity allied with neither the East or West.

1967 - 1971 A Serbo-Croat dictionary is published, seeming to make Serbian the standard language and Croatian a subordinate to it.
The Declaration Concerning the Name and Position of the Croatian Language is published immediately there-after, demanding the recognized equality of all four Yugoslavian state languages.
A ripple of Croatian nationalism begins to be felt, ideologically referred to as Croatian Spring, or Hrvatsko Proljece.
Tito briefly aligns himself with the Croatian Spring, though soon after he changes his opinion, rather wishing the Yugoslavians see themselves as a unified people. His rallying cry becomes bratstvo i jedinstvo (brotherhood and unity).

1980 - 1988 Tito dies on May 4th, thus signalling the beginning of the end of Yugoslavia. The decade is a turbulent one for the Croatian people, many wishing to retain the politics and ideologies of Tito, and a great many others wishing to express their independence and a more democratic vision.
The economies of both Yugoslavia and Croatia begin a steady decay, greatly heightening political tensions.

1989 The uprising of the people becomes great enough to demand the first democratic vote, and an intensely nationalistic ex-Partizani general by the name of Franjo Tudman of the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) wins the election.
Though he wins the popular vote, he faces a terribly segregated state. The Serbian military presence (JNA - Yugoslav Peopleâs Army) and police influence commands a supremely powerful faction within the newly independent state of Croatia, creating an electrifying current of tension.

1990 Yugoslavia is officially abolished. The first Croatian constitution is written, professing Croatia a democratic state. 1991 Croatian Parliament (Sabor) declares Croatian independence in 1991. The first flare-ups between Croats and Serbs begin occurring.
Violence seems an unavoidable eventuality and then manifests as Serbs fire rockets on Franjo Tudmanâs office in Gradec. He is safely away from it when they hit.

1992 - 1995 Fighting breaks out between the Serbs and the Croats.
The town of Vukovar near the border of the two countries sustains the most horrific damage, left devastated by incessant land and air barrage.
In 1995 liberation of parts of Croatia still under Serbian control (referred to as Krajina) is brought about with the successful Lightning (Bljesak) and Storm (Oluja) military manoeuvres. Great numbers of Serbians flee their previous home of Croatia. East Slavonia remains occupied by the Serbians.

1996 Radio 101, an outspoken and popular Zagreb radio station is denied their license to broadcast by the Croatian Telecommunications Council.
120,000 enraged citizens protest the attempted silence of the station on Trg bana Josipa Jelacica. The station is soon granted a renewal of their franchise.

1998 The United Nations re-integrates Vukovar into Croatia.

1999 Franjo Tudman dies.

2000 The Socialist Democratic Party (SDP) comes into power, lead by Prime Minister Ivica Racan and President Stjepan Mesic.

2001 On June 22, Croats celebrate 10 years of independence. Serbian leader Slobodan Milosevic is put on trial for war crimes by HAAG in July....

Croatia: The best destination of 2006 according to National Geographic Adventure magazine.

2006-01-08T18:25:47Z

The well known American magazine National Geographic Adventure listed Croatia as the best international destination for 2006.
This is the first time that a poll was conducted among the editors, journalists and other associates of this prestige magazine in order to compile and publish a list of international destinations "that you absolutely must visit next year". Croatia is number one on this list with special attention paid to the Kornati islands.

After traveling by kayak 644 kilometers from Zadar to Dubrovnik, adventure journalist Jon Bowermaster recommended the Kornati archipelago as a unique place that must be visited.
"The beauty out here on the islands is ragged and rough, cultivated but untamed" says the author of the article who took up 10 pages of the magazine and enhanced it by beautiful photographs of the Kornati islands, the island of Mljet and other attractions of the Croatian coast and its islands.

Centuries-old cities such as Hvar, Korcula and Dubrovnik are crawling with the young and the rich, calling Croatia the new Riviera or the new Capri.
Tom Cruise, the famous American actor, visited Dubrovnik last year on his yacht. Croatia is already used to famous people such as Prince William or American actor of Croatian background John Malkovich.