Croatia

A drive along Croatia’s stunning coastline will change your view of Europe forever. If you thought France and Italy were beautiful, then check this lot out. Roman ruins and yachting around hundreds of islands is paradise that must be experienced at least once in a lifetime. Croatia’s 1500 mile coast has to be one of [...]

The Dalmatian Coast: Croatia

One of the most beautiful archipelagos in the world with over a 1000 islands in the Adriatic Sea to explore, innumerable bays and coves, empty roads, glorious unspoiled beaches, crystal clear turquoise waters, magnificent mountain views and an amazing summer climate it is not difficult to see why the Dalmatian Coast in Croatia is becoming a very popular holiday destination. Photographs of Croatia © www.itchimages.com This beautiful and strategic region has been fought over for centuries by the Romans, Venetians, Hungarians, Turks and French.  Dalmatia’s more powerful neighbors took what they wanted and kept the populace in poverty.  Yet through their ingenuity and independent spirit, the coastal people managed to flourish in the 15 th and 16 th centuries, boasting a huge merchant fleet.  In the early 1990’s a devastating civil war rocked the region.  Today, only the mismatched roof tiles recall that war, and tourism has returned full force. The Croatian coast, by some miracle, has escaped the allure of concrete, and its natural beauty is enhanced by wonderful architectural jewels such as you’ll find in Pula, Zadar, Sibenik, Trogir, Korcula, Split and the pearl of the Adriatic, Dubrovnik. Many smaller towns are equally impressive and charming and the landscape is quite simply breathtaking. Long sandy beaches backed by grassy dunes are a true rarity in Croatia, and it is difficult to know where to start; the whole of Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast is bejewelled with so many wonderful places. Dubrovnik is one of the most prominent tourist destinations on the Adriatic, a seaport and the center of Dubrovnik-Neretva county. In 1979, the city of Dubrovnik joined the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites. Lord Byron was not overstating the matter when he proclaimed Dubrovnik ‘the pearl of the Adriatic’. Dubrovnik is clearly special. A magnificent curtain of walls surrounds marble streets and baroque buildings that exude a pearly light in the Adriatic sun. The main pedestrian thoroughfare, Placa, is a melange of cafés and shops with outstanding monuments at either end. Churches, monasteries and museums ornamented with finely carved stone recall an eventful history and a vibrant artistic tradition. Beyond the city is a heavenly landscape of beaches, wooded peninsulas and a sea strewn with lush islands. Boat trips. Central Dalmatia : Coast from Trogir & Split to Zaostrog. Apart from being a city with bags of character, Split is also the departure point for the most popular cruising grounds in Dalmatia – the islands of Brac, Hvar & Vis . The stretch of coast along Mt. Biokovo , which has beautiful marinas at Brela, Baska Voda & Makarska , is a succession of stunning views. South Dalmatia : Coast from Neretva to Molunat & Peljesac . Yachties and tourists are yet to discover the estuary of the river Neretva and the nearby Peljesac Peninsular, which takes pride in its indigenous wines and the tradition of farming superb shellfish dating back to Roman times. Further south is Dubrovnik, not to be missed for its stunning architecture. The islands around here are pretty too. North Dalmatia : Coast from Zadar & Sibenik to Primosten. This is one of the most popular sailing grounds, which is why there are as many as 14 marinas here. It was probably the first place someone built a marina and loads followed, like jewellers’ shops collect in one quarter of a town. Don’t miss a freshwater detour to the river Krka near Sibenik. Zadar, Sibenik & Primosten are all beautiful towns. The climate along the Dubrovnik Region is a typical Mediterranean one, with mild, rainy winters and hot and dry summers. Hotels in Hvar: Adriana Hvar Marina Hotel & Spa, Hvar, Croatia Adriana Hvar Marina Hotel & Spa is situated on the promenade of the coastal town of Hvar. This contemporary hotel is stylishly designed and fitted with all the mod cons, most noticeably its roof top terrace from which guests can enjoy the beautiful views of the nearby sights including the Cathedral, Arsenal, Venetian Piazza and the harbour. The facilities : The sumptuous Sensori Spa offers a range of therapeutic treatments and massages, fitness and yoga programs as well as a Spa tub, sauna and steam room. The highlight of this hotel is The Top, Adriana’s roof top bar which not only boasts a split level lounge area and dance floor but also an outdoor pool. However, if you do fancy getting out and about the hotel is happy to organise sea-going safaris. The rooms : There are 50 rooms and 9 suites at Adriana with either city or sea views. Some rooms come with a balcony but all are equipped with a flat-screen TV, mini bar, internet access and a private bathroom. Amazon.co.uk Widgets Amazon.com Widgets