Tuesday, January 23, 2007



DISCOVER CROATIA



Every season and every corner of the Croatian coast and islands can spin a remarkable tale about this unique Mediterranean country. A holiday in Croatia will give you the opportunity to discover the places and events behind the tales. The following guide will help you and all other Croatia-lovers to enjoy its beauties.

Destinations On these pages you can find accommodation that will suit you. By choosing desired area and clicking on chosen city, you'll get the overview of hotels, rooms, apartments and houses for vacations. But that's not all - you'll find out how to get to your destination, what to see and where to go out. We suggest field trips and sports you can participate in during your vacation, and we offer loads of service information. Click on the wanted region to obtain the list of the destination.
Lika and Kordun
Istria
Kvarner
Northern Dalmatia
Central Dalmatia
Southern Dalmatia



GENERAL INFORMATION:
GENERAL
Total (land) area 56610 km2
Population (last census) 4.784.265
Length of Coastline (mainline) 1778 km
Area of Coastline (islands) 4012 km
Number of Islands and Isles 1185 (66 inhabited)
Largest islands:
Krk 410 km2
Cres 404 km2
Brac 396 km2
Hvar 298 km2
Pag 287 km2
Korcula 273 km2


Official language: Croatian, written in Latin alphabet RELIGIONReligion: the majority of inhabitants are Catholics, followed by members of the Orthodox church, Muslims and Protestants FOREIGN LANGUAGESGerman, Italian and English are the most common foreign languages spoken in the tourist resorts. TIME ZONEGMT + 1 (GMT + 2 from last Saturday in March to Saturday before last Sunday in October).
POLITICS
Croatia has democratic political system with multiple political parties.
Bicameral parliament, the Sabor, is composed of a lower House of Representatives (Zastupnicki dom).
President: Stipe Mesić, from February 2005, elected on a 5-years term
Prime Minister: Ivo Sanader
President of Parliament: Vladimir Šeks


WHEN TO VISIT CROATIAN COAST?The best period to visit our coast is from April to October. Peak temperatures in high season summer months (July, August) can reach 38°C (100°F), and the water surface at that point reaches a comfortable 26°C (79°F). High season has its obvious advantages for people looking for fun and excitement and disadvantages for others, but in Croatia you can always find some nice hidden place if you want to sleep far from loud music. Spring starting in March can bring some rain showers, but the autumn months, September and October, are ideal for travel if you want to relax. In the off season the beaches are less crowded and the prices drop, weather, however, remains stable and the water is still agreeably warm. Generally, you can travel along the Croatian coast at any time of the year. During winter season, however, you should pack some warm clothing in spite of the mild Mediterranean climate. The temperatures seldom drop below the freezing point but some winds might be unpleasant in the winter.


SOCIAL CONVENTIONS People normally shake hands upon meeting and leaving. Smoking is generally acceptable but there are restrictions in public buildings and on public transport. Topless sunbathing is generally accepted, but nude bathing is restricted to few designated beaches or any of numerous wild beaches along the coast.


HOLIDAYS
January 1st - New Year's Day
January 6th - Epiphany
Easter Monday
May 1st - May Day
Corpus Christi - movable observance
June 22nd - Day of the Anti-Fascist Struggle
June 25th - Statehood Day
August 5th - Homeland Gratitude Day
August 15th - Assumption
October 8th - Independence Day
November 1st - All Saints' Day
December 25-26 - Christmas Holidays

ELECTRICITY 220 volts, 50HzPlugs have two round pins or three round pins for appliances that need to be earthed. If you need adapters or transformers (for USA equipment check things like notebooks or electric razors if they have a switch), inquire in bigger shops with electric supplies or in supermarkets.


Croatia One of the cleanest seas, one of the most-indented coastlines, Mediterranean climate, beautiful nature and hospitable hosts - Croatia is all of that. Discover its secrets and find out how a small country can become a fascinating discovery for tourists who would like to explore unspoiled nature, rich cultural heritage and extensive offer of cultural events.