Croatia will give the greatest pleasure to those tourists who want to feel as close as possible to nature. The country has a magnificent ecology, amazing sea, endless beaches and ancient pines. There are also more than 20 sources with healing water, which is saturated with the body's essential minerals. In addition, it is in Croatia that there is a unique medicinal oil field. Maximum fusion with nature can be felt on the nudist beaches, of which there are a great many.
Croatia geography
The capital Zagreb differs from other capitals in its modest size. Tourists here attracts medieval architecture. Superbly preserved palaces and religious buildings are surrounded by green parks. There are many small cafes with terraces in the city. In order not to miss something interesting, it is recommended to move around the city on foot.
In Croatia, there are three resort areas. The Istrian Peninsula will delight guests with magnificent views of the sea and the clear waters of the Adriatic. From here, Venice can be reached by sea in just 3 hours.The advantage of the resort can be considered a comfortable climate. The disadvantage is pebble beaches and concrete slabs on them. With excursions here it is recommended to visit Rowen, Pula, the island of Krk, Medulin with sandy beaches, Lovran with a measured rhythm of life and Opatija for those who want to heal.
With children, it is better to go to the Middle Dolmatia. The pebbles on the local beaches are shallow, the entrance to the sea is shallow. There is also an extensive entertainment infrastructure. Families are advised to go to Tucepi or Baska Voda. Small pebbles will delight guests of the island of Brac, but the children have nothing to do here - the coast was chosen by nudists. The most popular resort area - Makarska. There are luxurious restaurants, spas and world-class hotels. Young people gather in Sibenik, where the largest clubs and discos are located.
For the most part, visiting the beaches in the country is free. You can enter here freely, but you will have to pay for a sunbed of about 20 HRK and for an umbrella of about 15 HRK. Many hotels offer beach equipment for free. The most popular beach in the country is called “Zlatni Rat”. He was awarded the Blue Flag as the most environmentally friendly. In Croatia there are:
- pebble beaches;
- concrete;
- rocky;
- sandy (rarely).
South Dalmatia is an island and mountain. These places are famous for amazing oysters and great wine. You can not ignore Dubrovnik with its sandy beaches, which are listed in the UNESCO list, as one of the most beautiful cities in the world of the Renaissance. Also noteworthy are the ski resorts. They are perfectly equipped and are not inferior to anything in the Austrian resorts.
Croatian climate
The local climate refers to the continental in the north of the country, in the central part to the mountain and to the Mediterranean in the area of the Adriatic coast. Hot and dry summer gives way to a mild, rainy winter. The lowest temperature in the mountains, to - 50. In the rest of the regions in winter, it ranges from + 5 ... + 10. In summer, the air temperature is comfortable, up to 270 with a plus.
Terms of visiting Croatia and road
Citizens of Russia to visit Croatia will require a visa and insurance. There are also many restrictions on the import and export of currency, tobacco, alcohol and much more. Before the trip, it is recommended that you read the relevant legislation.
You can fly from Moscow to Zagreb. For the week there go several direct flights. Also during the beach season, the charters fly to Pula, on the island of Krk, Split and Dubrovnik. A direct flight will cost approximately 230 euro tour.
An alternative could be a train. A regular flight follows from Kievsky station of Moscow to Split via Zagreb. The road is about 50 hours. Ticket price from 250 euros one way. The path will go through Hungary, so you will need a transit visa. From St. Petersburg there are no trains to Croatia.
Inland transport
Domestic flights carry passengers from the capital to Split, Pula, Dubrovnik. In the beach season, regular flights are added by charters to the island of Krk and Osijek.
Use the train to move quite comfortably. Local railways connect the city of the city. Dubrovnik was not included in the list of such cities, until which you will have to go by bus. In the summer, several flights to resort cities are added to the schedule. A ticket from Zagreb to Split costs about 200 HRK, you can get to Rijeka for 120 HRK. Tickets are sold at the train station and on the official English-language website. The most expensive ticket can be purchased from the conductor directly in the car.
For tourists who want to travel a lot around the country, a reusable Eurail Croatia Pass is an excellent solution. Its essence is the unlimited number of trips for the duration specified on the ticket. For guests of the country, travel cards for 3, 4, 5 and 8 days will be the most suitable. The cheapest of them will cost about 100 euros, the most expensive - 210 euros. Tickets for children are subject to discounts.
Moving on the intercity bus is also very convenient. From Zagreb to Split can be reached for 90 HRK. Tourists can get acquainted with the fares and schedule of flights on the official website.Here are sold tickets.
Of the categories of public transport are the most popular buses. In Zagreb you can also use the tram and the funicular. There is a single ticket for all types of transport - Karta Pretplatna. For 10 HRK you can purchase a trip for a period of 90 minutes. If you need a ticket for the whole day, you will have to pay 40 HRK, and for a week 200 HRK. A single ride on the funicular will cost 5 HRK. There is also a purely tourist service: a ticket for several types of transport in conjunction with a discount card to visit museums, theaters and other places where visitors gather around the country. There is such a card for a day 60 HRK, for three days - 90 HRK.
A taxi ride will cost 5 HRK per 1 km. It may also be necessary to pay a wait of 40 HRK per hour.
Accommodation in local hotels
Most of the hotels offered to tourists from Russia, recently underwent restoration. Many of them are classified as three star. 4 and 5 stars can be found, but they are very few. Also there is practically no all inclusive system. Guests can enjoy breakfast or half board.
The highest housing prices in Zagreb and Dubrovnik. If you managed to get into the hotel rooms in 5 stars, then you will have to pay about 200 euros per day for two. 4 stars will cost about 150 euros, and in 3 you can live for 70 euros. Other cities will offer more affordable prices.
The rooms here are small, the furnishings are poor. Those who are accustomed to the Turkish fives may be disappointed. Some hotels do not even have air conditioning. There are very few hotels representing international networks.
Meals and facilities
In any city of Croatia in large quantities there are restaurants of European cuisine. But those who decide to plunge into the culture of the country, just need to appreciate the local national cuisine. Among the famous and popular dishes:
- prschut - dried meat;
- pash or personal cheese;
- Kulen sausage;
- sheep cheese;
- Scrap sausages;
- pashtitsada stew;
- boiled lamb;
- stew chobanac;
- strukli - macaroni with cheese and more.
Also here you can taste all kinds of fish and seafood. Croatian wines are of good quality. Among them are “Teran”, “Malvasia”, “Platz” and others.
The pricing policy of local cafes and restaurants is as follows: dinner for two with strong drinks will cost about 400 HRK. Draft wine will significantly reduce the cost of a meal up to 200 HRK, and you can do without alcohol at all for 80 HRK per pair. A typical menu usually includes salad, first, second and drinks. If the guest wished seafood, then dinner will go up considerably. Lobsters in the food list will make about 350 HRK pay for each visitor. But the portions in any of the public catering are simply huge.
Entertainment, tours, attractions
The majority of Croatian sights are of natural origin: the picturesque Adriatic coast, mountains, rivers and lakes with clear water, ancient pines in the forests and so on. The most famous national park "Plitvice Lakes". It is listed as a UNESCO heritage site. Here you need to visit the observation platform over the valley of the Koran River, an abandoned Franciscan monastery, uninhabited island and lakes, iridescent with all shades of blue.
In Croatia, many abandoned cities. One of the most famous is the Naked Island. It is also recommended to explore the smallest city in the world Hum. It will be interesting to explore the numerous medieval castles and palaces. Attention should be paid to the Palace of Diocletian in Split, the ancient castle Friedrichstein, the castles of Chmielnik, Juzhemberk, Otočec.
Excursion called "City of Angels" includes numerous places with images of angels. This trip is worth about 100 euros. Ostrog Monastery can be viewed for 300 euros for a group of 4 people. The ancient city of pirates Omis will cost 140 euros with 4 people. Fishing on a speedboat group will cost 650 euros. Inspection of the capital by car costs about 60 euros.
In addition, you can plunge into the most interesting underwater world with a diving instructor and do other water sports.Croatia will not leave indifferent any tourist, regardless of the purpose of his visit.
