Veli Rat on island of Dugi Otok

Island Dugi Otok located in Dalmatia, Croatia is one of many beautiful islands situated in the Adriatic Sea, off the Dalmatian coast, west of Zadar.

The southern part of the island of Dugi Otok hosts a spectacular nature park called Telascica which is adjacent to Kornati national park. There are several fishing villages, including Veli Rat, which is home to the lighthouse at Veli Rat.
The added seclusion and scenery of Dugi Otok makes it perfectly ideal for intimate getaways and family vacations. The Mediterranean climate and Italian culture reaches out to all visitors. The local fare combines rich oils, figs, cheese and wine, accompanied by fresh seafood and homemade pasta.
If you’re a history enthusiast, Dugi Otak is a wonderful destination. Not only will you be able to enjoy the ancient Pre-Roman Church and ruins, but you can also enjoy a ride in the island boats.

Dugi Otok is the perfect destination for anyone looking to enjoy the sites and sound of the Mediterranean. Plan your trip today and have a one of kind experience.

The Rijeka Carnival

The Rijeka Carnival is one of the world’s largest carnival and just recently celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2008. The first carnival was held in 1982 and only had three performers who, since that time, have attended all the carnivals that followed. Those three groups were Lako Cemo, Pehinarski Festari and Halubajski Zvoncari. Each year at the manifestations, the mayor gives a fake key to the city to the maestro so that during the carnival, he is then considered the mayor, although this is pretend. They also elect a carnival queen and have a ball each year. All participants of the carnival wear masks and the cars are made to look like the old fashioned ones years ago. Some of the traditions of the carnival include the making scary masks, which are said to scare away all the evilness and as well they show the coming of a spring and celebrate new life. The bell ringers are dressed up to appear identical to ones from long ago and their job is to protect the land from wars and invasions. The main carnival and all of the typical events are usually in front of City Hall, and is held four days before Ash Wednesday each year. They start off the carnival with a large march that takes happens in the daytime and in the evening, it ends with the burning of a puppet (called a Pust) that the people burn which is in essence representing someone that did bad things, such as a official or politician in the year previous.

Carnival Party

Beside main carnival, most popular event of the Rijeka Carnival is “Carnival Party”. It started about 10 years ago as a spontaneous gathering of several electronic music enthusiasts. Year after year event was getting more and more popular and also bigger and better. In years 2003 and 2004 MTV Networks Europe advertised and covered the party.

The Carnival Party

Rijeka

Rijeka means river in Croatian, and it is located at the natural harbor where the Rječina river meets the Adriatic sea. As the principle seaport of Croatia it is the third largest city in the country with a population of about 270,000 in the greater city area. Rijeka has a warm Mediterranean climate similar to the Makarska Riviera tourist area. The city overlooks the Kvarner Bay, and has two neighboring islands to the south. The view to the west is of Učka mountain and the view to the north is the Gorski kotar mountains. On the east there is the Velebit mountains. The combination of sea and mountains makes for a beautiful and impressive landscape.

Having had a tumultuous history, as much of Croatia, the city has passed through many differing government hands over the years. In 1991 Croatia gained its independence and became a sovereign state. The Old Gate, a Roman arch, is an anciet Roman structure thought to be a gateway to the Roman army command for the area. Another wonderful site in the city is the Tower of Svetište Majke Božje Trsatske, known as the Star of the sea and Queen of the Adriatic. Said to be a protector for travelers, the tower looks out over the sea from the hilltops. There is also an interesting Torpedo factory in Rijeka which one can visit and see where torpedos were first developed in Europe as far back as 1867.

NP Brijuni

Like a scattering of precious jewels, the Brijuni archipelgo consisting of twelve small islets and two larger islands lie off the West coast of Istria in the Croatian part of the northern Adriatic Sea. The islands are reached via a short ferry ride from either Fazana or Pula. Veli Brijun is the main destination. No cars are permitted on the island and none are needed. The climate is refelctive of this part of the Adriatic sea and entire area is a National Park. Veli Brijun and it’s smaller sisters have been visited and settled since earliest times. The well preserved ruins of a fortified Bronze Age settlement exist on the hill above the town. On the western coast along Verige Bay, tall columns and large stone blocks mark some of the boundary of what once was a Roman villa. The blocks actually stretch into areas now under water. Another villa can be viewed on Kolci Hill. Later, during the 5th-6th canturies, St. Mary’s Church was erected and once belonged to the Templers. The isles of have always been favored for their location, climate and sheer beauty. Tito made the main island his summer home and the rich and famous have long journied there. As National Park land, the islands maintain their pristine beauty while still providing an array of accomodations including apartments, hotels and villas. Whether you choose to enjoy water sports, or explore the land or just relax and enjoy nature, these are all possibilities on Veli Brijun.

Split

Dalmatia is a Mediterranean oasis located on the Adriatic sea. It is isurrounded by a lush countryside, beautiful water, a mountaineous terrain and beaches which attracts a variety of tourists. The history and culture of the area has been preserved. Artists, surrounded by beauty of the region, have created their work in the stone, walls, homes and palaces of the city. The Croatian monarchy ruled from this area providing a rich history. Diocletian’s Palace is located in Split, Croatia and was built by emperor Diocletian at the turn of the 4th century. The palace is one of the most famous and complete architectural structures in the Mediterranean area. Its level of preservation and the buildings within its walls, form the center of old Split. Many of the city’s historical and cultural buildings can be found within the walls of Diocletian’s Palace. Museums, theaters, ruins, churches and archeological sites make Split an important cultural attraction. This region is also an ideal place for tourists to enjoy water sports, rafting, rock climbing, canyoning, paragliding, surfing, horseback riding, cycling and hiking.

Rovinj

In the north section of the Adriatic Sea is the romantic city Rovinj of Croatia, one of the nine towns making up the Istrian County. Residents, known as the Rovignese, still speak the native language Istriot and partake in its fishing port. The Romans left their mark as well as the Franks in 788 and the Austrians before World War I. The town is rich with history visible to all who visit. Babli’s Arch is the old town gate found near the pier along with the clock tower created in the Renaissance period. Having a culture full of entertainment one will not be surprised to find daily amusement and a sparkling nightlife. In the town’s multimedia centre called Monvi is a night club, several disco bars, open-air theatre, a pizzeria and a Mexican restaurant. Many come from surrounding towns to be apart of Rovinj’s nightime excitement. Concerts and events are housed regularly at Monvi including those by well known Croatian popular musical artists. The center of Rovinj is the most active part of the town being the hang out for locals in their chic bars such as Buzz and Sax. Numerous bars overlook the pier with an open terrace creating a hot spot for the summer time.

Crikvenica beach

The town of Crikvenica, Croatia is placed in the Kvarner bay of the Adriatic Sea. The climate of Crikvenica is mild. During the summer the region is dry and comfortably warm and it remains mild and relatively warm during the winter. Occurrences of snow, fog, and low temperatures are very rare.
Crikvenica has a rich history that dates back to prehistoric times when the Liburnians settled. As the medieval ages came in a family of Franco princes came into power and ruled for almost 450 years. During their rule, the princes controlled the economic and cultural development of Crikvenica.
There are several attractions in Crikvenica, whether a traveler has an interest in relaxing, history, culture, or just having fun. If relaxing is the focus of the trip, Crikvenica has many beaches. They range from rocky to sandy to even artificial beaches that have been specifically arranged. Another attraction is that of the village Kotor. It shows the beginning of Crikvenica with proof of the Liburnian settlement and the ruins of medieval homes. The town also puts on cultural events, most of which occur in the summer. These events are a great way to get a better understanding of the culture.

Dubrovnik, Pearl of Adriatic

Located on the Adriatic seacoast, at the extreme south of Croatia and the Isthmus of Dubrovnik is one of the Adriatic’s most prominent tourist destinations. The walled city of Dubrovnik is a center for traditional and contemporary literature, music and art. This feature blends the old world with the new seamlessly. As a result of this linkage, UNESCO added the city to the list of “World Heritage Sites”.
Dubrovnik’s history is rich and vivid: Around the 7th century, a rocky island named Laus provided shelter for Latin refugees. Later, a settlement of Slavic people grew at the foot of the Srd hill, surrounded by lush forestry, from whence the city’s Slavic name, “oak forest” comes. In the 12th century, Dubrovnik acquired a strip of wetlands that surrounded thereby fortifying it. Two ports were constructed on either side of the Isthmus, enhancing trade status and tourism.
The view of red rooftops in Dubrovnik’s old city, Dubrovnik main street Stradun, Franjo Tudman, Dubrovnik’s bridge, the Port of Gruz, Rector’s Palace, Minceta Fortress and the Onofrio Fountain are a must see for tourists. With a moderate population, tourists are welcomed to the Annual Dubrovnik Summer Festival, a cultural event. Artists entertain the people and their guests.

Motovun

Motovun, a village in central Istria, Croatia, rises on a hill 270 meters above sea level. This tiny town, with a population of under 1,000 people, is a spectacular sight for tourists. Houses, scattered over the hill, typify a Venetian colonial architecture. As tourists pass through the ancient village’s city gate, built in the 15th century, the coat of arms for Motovun’s rulling families on the gate’s inner wall provides a historical account of this most captivating town. Motovun’s city wall dates from the 12-13th century. Another historical “must-see” are two gravestones of Roman inhabitants from the 1st century. The church of St. Stephen, located here, contains several works of art: Statues of St. Stephen and St. Laurence and a 17th century Venetian painting of the Last Supper. While history may be significant to Motovun, there is much in the way of contemporary interest too. Motovun is also wine country and is famous for prized black and white truffles that grow in the forests on the opposite side of the Mirna River. Race-car driver, Mario Andretti was born in Motovun. Independent and avant-garde film lovers flock to Motovun for the International Motovun Film Festival where thousands of young people comes to enjoy the festival.