Island-hopping along the Dalmatian Coast

Sun, seafood and sailing in one of the hottest destinations of the year

SPLIT, Croatia - Up and down the stone piers of Split's raucous port we walked, past a melange of ferries, yachts, tugboats and fishing vessels. Up and down.

Past double-decker sailing yachts with racks of bikes onboard. Past fishermen on low-slung dinghies, squinting at the clouds. Past hobbyists racing 4-foot-long remote sailboats like it was Croatia's own America's Cup.

But nowhere, nowhere was the catamaran that was supposed to whisk us out to Croatia's sun-drenched coastal islands.

"I think it's called the 'Navratilova,'" my husband said.

Thirty minutes later, when we did find the Novalja, we had to laugh. It was a catamaran ferry, not a sailboat. A speedy, muscular workhorse that links Split, the main port along Croatia's upper Dalmatian coast, to the islands of Brac, Hvar, Solta and beyond.

Our Croatian adventure had begun.

Spanish beaches too overbuilt for you? Italy and Greece too crowded? French Riviera sound too expensive? Maybe it's time to go island-hopping in Croatia.

Located east of Italy across the Adriatic Sea, Croatia expects over 200,000 American visitors this year — nearly double the number that arrived in 2005. It also tied for the No. 2 hot destination this year in a survey by the U.S. Tour Operators.

And no wonder. The water is clean and clear, the sun constant, the crowds easy to ditch (except in Dubrovnik), the Croatian kuna a mere 5.33 to the dollar. I usually snort at tourist-advertising slogans, but Croatia's new one — "The Mediterranean as it once was" — is right on the money.

It's been quite the turnaround from the four-year war that engulfed the country in the mid-1990s as Yugoslavia disintegrated. Croatia emerged with a 1,100-mile coast coast; the crown jewel, the walled city of Dubrovnik — a UNESCO heritage site — and enough islands (1,185) to make Greek tourism officials sweat.

Plus, unlike other European destinations (anyone been to London lately?) Americans can afford the trip.

Read the Full story by Sheila Norman-Culp: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20163363/from/ET/

Summer 2007: Hvar, Croatia

Got a hot tip about what's hot in Croatia this summer?

When I first arrived in Hvar Town, I almost wondered if the ferry from Split had taken a wrong turn and I’d ended up in EuroDisney. The small harbourfront town is almost too picturesque to be real; shiny cobbles, a central square dominated by elegant Venetian architecture lined with white-canopied cafes and a village of terracotta-roofed houses and tiny streets clustered up the hill behind.

It’s long been the hippest resort in Croatia – Roman Abramovich likes to cruise into town on his mega-yacht, and local hero Goran Ivanisevic is a regular at the Carpe Diem bar - but moves are afoot to create a glitzy five-star playground to rival the likes of St Tropez.

Most of this is down to one hotel chain, Suncani Hvar who have recently been taken over and are now investing massively in the nine hotels they own on the island. Gone (or going) are the simple two and three-star accommodations, to be replaced by sleek design hotels with cocktail bars and wi-fi internet access and Ibiza-esque soundtracks on a loop.

Two have opened this summer – the Riva and the Adriana – both members of Small Luxury Hotels of the World and already changing the profile of what had been a fairly egaliatarian tourist mix. Walking along the harbourfront I heard American backpackers, German families, clusters of mini-skirted Italians. But mostly I heard the sound of money; groups of bronzed young things knocking back Camparis and discussing their day’s sailing at the Café Plajca on the harbourfront.

Hvar is an evening town; as with most Croatia resorts, it does suffer from a lack of decent beaches. If you’re feeling lazy, you can stroll down, past the Riva and Carpe Diem and on round the harbour to a small shingle beach close to the Dalmacija hotel. But the best plan is to join the crowds of Croatian holidaymakers who hop on the regular boat taxis to the Pakleni islands – about 30 glorious minutes of drifting across a sea with the clarity of cut glass.

As the sun begins to set on Hvar Town, the real action begins. For many, supper is just a pitstop between early even cocktails and late-night drinks, but the vibe is laid-back and there’s little in the way of clubbing. The late night action centres around Carpe Diem which combines an elegant terrace with low, rattan sofas with a cosy lounge bar all housed in a beautiful Venetian mansion. It’s definitely worth a visit, but I preferred Zimmer Frei, to the right of the main square, smaller, cosier and offering the chance to lounge on white sofa cushions in the tiny street and sip excellent Caiprinhas away from the hordes.

But perhaps one of the simplest pleasures on Hvar is taking part in the evening passagiata – with that must-have accessory, an ice-cream. The Slasticarna (the Croatian equivalent of a gelateria) served me up a fantastic combination of pistachio and chocolate, which I ate strolling between lascivious Italian couples and groups of Croatian holidaymakers. Beautiful place, beautiful people, beautiful ice-cream. What more can you want from a holiday?

Full Story: http://travel.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/travel/article2125507.ece

Best Places in Croatia

Villa Astra, Kvarner
This is an impressive address - even for Croatia's "riviera". Vast rooms are decorated with paintings, sculptures and polished parquet. From the upper floors, tall windows look out on to a duck-egg-blue infinity pool and a garden of magnolias, camellias and palms. At the foot of the grounds is a private beach. Massage pavilions are planned for the waterfront. Nature trails snake along the shoreline and into the hills.

Link: Lovranske Ville



Karmen Apartments, Dubrovnik
Is this the finest spot in old Dubrovnik's Venetian port? Fishermen unload hauls of glistening bream and lobster onto the stone quay; on the next cobbled street, the morning sun touches the Renaissance colonnade of the Rector's Palace. The van Bloemens arrived from London in 1972; Marc's parents founded the Troubadour Coffee House where Jimi Hendrix once played. These four apartments are refreshingly homely with a pretty mix of old and new furniture and homespun bedspreads. Marc is dedicated to keeping Dubrovnik beautiful: he led the battle against brand-name parasols, now banned.

Link: Karmen Apartments



Hotel Valsabbion, Istria Valsabbion's deco-effect front hovers above the marina in the Pjescana uvala district of Pula. Bedrooms are comfortable with lush fabrics, leather sofas, tables topped with Zen pieces; balconies overlook the marina. At the top, a wellness centre offers hydromassage, therapies and an infinity pool. This small boutique hotel is family run: Sonja Peric takes care of the restaurant and the design while her sister Sandra runs the wellness centre and masterminds the hotel. The restaurant has won awards and the food is fabulous; for 10 years now the Valsabbion has been queen of Istrian cuisine.

Link: Valsabbion



Hotel Villa Annette, Istria Overlooking Rabac's bay, Villa Annette offers a super-comfortable minimalism - cream leatherette armchairs, gleaming modern stone floors - enlivened by warm colours from paintings and rugs. The bedroom suites are huge, with extra sofabeds, countryside views and the islands of Cres and Losinj in the foreground. The hotel is one of the pioneers of the Istrian Slow Food movement. You can even sign up for a Slow Food weekend .

Link: Villa Annette



KADO Resort & Spa, Krk
In one bedroom, a giant rose emerges from behind the headboard; in another, two large daisies stretch to the ceiling. The suites have murals and wrought-iron bedsteads, living rooms in rustic fabrics. Masses of outside space too: balconies with views of the island of Cres, shared decks protected by curved stone walls, seating areas and a grill bar. Wooden benches surround a hidden hot tub and in front of the main house are two gorgeous pools - one for adults, one for small children. Then there's the sauna, the restaurant, the massage spa ... and the welcome. Great for couples and young families.

Link: Resort Krk



Eia Eco Art Village, Istria After travelling in Africa and Asia, then working as a holistic therapist in London, Igor returned to Istria to resurrect his great-grandfather's wilderness retreat. It's a 60s-style vision of utopia; your bedroom a strawbale house or tent; water comes from harvested rain although there are some modest modern conveniences like rudimentary showers and a well-equipped kitchen. You may join a course in photography, permaculture, meditation and shamanic dance. Or just help out on the land.

Link: Eia Eco



Hotel & Winery Boskinac, Pag

The winery is like a Roman villa - a tall, terracotta topped country house, fronted by columns and surrounded by vineyards; which is fitting as the island is littered with Roman remains. Pag is a parched but beautiful strip of land with sandy beaches. The winery spills across a hillside above Novalja, the main resort, producing distinctive whites. Boris Suljic and Mirela Sanko have created something classic from new materials. Photos, paintings and dried flowers create the feel of an old country vineyard.

Link: Boskinac



Lojzekova hiza, near Zagreb

Pilgrims have been coming to Marija Bistrica since the 13th century to see the statue of the Virgin Mary. Holiday makers come here in search of deep country. Lojzek's House was built just a decade ago, yet vintage pieces of farm machinery and quirky wooden furniture give the illusion of age. The welcome is genuine though. Pavica and Darko combine boundless energy with a naturally relaxed style, so both house and grounds are a playground for their children as well as yours - along with the animals.

Link: Lojzekova



Prisnjak Lighthouse, north Dalmatia The lighthouse looks like a seaside cottage - apart from the tower emerging from the sea-facing wall. Prisnjak island is as remote and wild as any on this coast, but Murter, with its pretty coastal resorts, is only 25 minutes by boat. Prisnjak's appeal is privacy - an island to yourself - and the views at sunset and sunrise from your own little beach. What's more, the waters are shallow, with steps in for children, and reach bath-like temperatures in summer.

Link: Prisnjak



Mrcara Island, south Dalmatia

A place for Swiss Family Robinsons, more goats than people live on this green islet, the Pavelins' wilderness home. They generate all their own electricity and wash and cook with natural rain water. Guests stay in basic bedrooms in the main house or in three wooden huts by the beach, each with a rudimentary shower. At the front is a pretty sand and pebble beach; the rest of the island has a rocky shoreline, brilliant for fishing and snorkelling. Communal meals in the evenings promise lively conversation.

Link: Mrcara Island

Quick tips to Plan your Travel to Croatia from Italy

Croatia has become a very popular tourist destination since the restoration of piece in that area. Traghetti Croazia offers great value for those who plan to visit Croatia by cruise-liners from Italy.

Are you planning to visit Italy this summer? Add Croatia to your itinerary.
After many years of conflict throughout the former Yugoslavia, the area is now enjoying a period of peace and stability and has become a very popular tourist destination indeed. In the last ten years Croatia is emerging as one of Europe's fastest-growing tourist destinations, and it is not surprising really, if we consider what Croatia has to offer to travellers.

There you will find the Mediterranean as it once was, framed in a total coastline of over 6000 km of mild climate nature, beautiful mountains with forests, lakes, rivers and waterfalls, friendly and simple people, inexpensive and convenient

Croatia boasts some of the cleanest and most beautiful beaches in Europe: the Croatian coast is an absolute wonder to behold! The country has a long and colourful history, and this is most evident in the various architectural styles on show in its towns, cities and islands. Some of the country's most beautiful buildings, many of them former churches, have since been renovated into hotels and guesthouses, offering visitors a wonderful opportunity to get a real taste of Croatia.


TRAVELLING TO CROATIA :

Due to the long, narrow shape of the country, much of Croatia's land is situated by the sea. As a result, boat and ferry travel has become an important means of transport to both local people and visiting tourists, and it can be considered a relatively comfortable and enjoyable way of getting around Croatia. There are plenty of ferry services operating in and out of the various ports. Many of these simply run domestic services up and down the coast and across to the beautiful islands dotted around the Adriatic, but a growing number of routes are being established that link Croatia with other countries, with Italy being the best served with a number of good services running daily.

Getting to Croatia from Italy by Ferry, there are a few things you should take into consideration, like the frequency of the Ferry services, booking rules, and places where buy tickets…
Although passenger and car ferries do operate throughout the year, Car ferries to and from Croatia get extremely busy during the summer and it is advisable to book your ticket well in advance. This can be done at the various ticket offices located in travel agencies, but what we strongly recommend is to get in touch with a professional agency, to get all you need in one simple stop. That's what Traghetti Croazia (www.traghetti-croazia.it), can do for you! General information's, timetables, tickets, travel assistance and much more, to help you booking with ease your ferry tickets from Ancona, Venezia end Pescara ports. Traghetti Croazia Agency is now open 24/24 and this will speed up and simplify the whole process for you…

THE RESERVATIONS
With Traghetti Croazia it is possible to reserve your marine passages through Internet 24X7. You will be able to contact our office reservations to number 0565/912111 or through email to traghetti@prenotazioni24.it. The telephone reservations are advised for departures to short and in case of urgency.

PAYMENTS
With Ferries Croatia you will be able to choose to pay the following tickets in ways:
- credit card on linens (Encryption protocol SSL 128 bit);
- credit card for telephone (the necessary information will be collected from you from a our operator through telephone);
- bulletin mails them (with immediate shipment of the receipt via fax to number 0565 915898 or through email to traghetti@prenotazioni24.it); for the possessory ones of C/C it mails them will be possible to carry out a postagiro directly;
- banking discount (the accountant rilasciata from the bank, CRO supply will have quickly to be transmitted to our office through fax to number 0565 915898 or through email traghetti@prenotazioni24.it : simple orders of discount will not be accepted, neither written neither telemati to us).

We remember that on every receipt of payment the code of reservation (W must be brought back......) that will attribute the system to you.

THE DELIVERY OF TICKETS

Traghetti Croazia undertakes the delivery of the tickets and the same will be send to all address indicated by you through courier, mail registered letter, via fax or email to you.


Roberto Gardenti
Via G. Cacciò 9, Portoferraio, LI 57037, Italy
Phone: 0565912111
Website: http://www.traghetti-croazia.it

Source: PR Urgent News

To Croatia, for Love? VirtualTourist.com Releases List of Top 10 Unique Romantic Destinations

VirtualTourist, a leader in social-networking travel websites, steers travelers toward cozy spots less frequented with the release of VirtualTourist's Top 10 Unique Romantic Destinations. Its destination picks, which originate from VirtualTourist's database of over 1.4 million travel tips, skip Paris and New York City in favor of places like Croatia and Quebec City.

"When VirtualTourist.com covers the destinations you've heard of, we give you real insider info you won't find anywhere else. So it's no surprise that our list of romantic destinations includes places not commonly suggested, such as Vanuatu over Hawaii, for instance. VirtualTourist is a gold mine of advice, and it offers many paths to adventure," said Giampiero Ambrosi, general manager of VirtualTourist.com.

VirtualTourist's Top 10 Unique Romantic Destinations*

1. Dubrovnik, Croatia - George Bernard Shaw called this ancient walled city "paradise on Earth." Its timeless quality means you can fall in love again and again.

2. Santorini Island, Greece - A sea-ringed volcano, sensational sunsets and renowned local wines win over hearts every time.

3. Québec City, Canada - This historic city with a Euro flavor knows how to charm. Take in museums, the atmospheric Old Town and scenic riverside strolls.

4. Charleston, South Carolina, USA - Infused with Southern hospitality, Charleston enchants with a historic downtown, carriage rides and a romantic harbor.

5. Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany - A fortified medieval village, this Bavarian highlight has a fairytale feel. Explore an old castle, stroll down winding alleyways.

6. Udaipur, India - This lakeside jewel, with a palace as its crown, is woven with narrow lanes and countless awe-inspiring views.

7. Porto Venere, Italy - This colorful Mediterranean village, with a 16th century castle and incredible local cuisine, is named after Venus, the goddess of love.

8. Saint-Émilion, France - In vineyard country, this destination lures the visitor with wineries and a medieval charm.

9. Port Vila, Vanuatu - An air of romance lingers in this South Pacific city, full of friendly people and lush tropical scenery.

10. Ushuaia, Argentina - Follow your love to the ends of the earth. The world's southernmost city boasts natural beauty, wildlife and views of snow-capped peaks.


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Croatia Airlines reports flat traffic

Croatia Airlines carried 1.58 million passengers in 2006, a slight increase over the 1.56 million carried in 2005. Scheduled passengers accounted for approximately 88 per cent of the total (1.39 million) and charter passengers the remaining 12 per cent (188,000).

Croatia Airlines' scheduled route network includes domestic and European destinations as well as a link to Tel Aviv, Israel. The fleet comprises a total of 14 Airbus A319, A320 and ATR 42 aircraft. The airline became a regional member of the Star Alliance in December 2004

Source: Janes.com

To book Croatia Airlines ticket click here!

Le Méridien Makes Its Debut in the Mediterranean

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.® announces that Le Méridien® Lav has opened its doors in the stunning Mediterranean port of Split. The resort, previously known as Hotel Lav and regaled as the ‘best address in Split,’ has undergone a $150 million renovation and is the first Le Méridien hotel in Croatia, as well as the latest addition to Le Méridien's growing portfolio since Starwood acquired the brand in November 2005.

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