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CROATIAN REGIONS |
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MOST BEAUTIFUL |
DVIGRAD - a city in which time stood still in 1631
The city of Dvigrad or Dvograd and even Dvagrad, as it is often referred to in documents, is a unique archeological locality of the Istrian region as well as all of Croatia and is colloquially known as the Croatian Pompeii. Namely, what we are dealing with are the valuable remains of a fortified acropolis city from the earlier part of the Middle Ages and it should be noted that the first settlements appeared in ancient history and the city itself became even more significant during the Roman period. It is situated in the western part of central Istria in the Limska draga region approximately 3 km west of Kanfar and 18 km west of Rovinj and is accessible by the roads leading from both Rovinj and Porec.
According to archeological findings, it consisted of 2 towers, in others words forts named Parentino and Moncastello. In Parentino, the remains of which are still visible today, life ended at the beginning of the Middle Ages while the neighboring fort Moncastello, known as Duecastelli, (Dvigrad) picturesquely developed as a strategic point of Venetian Istria and was settled right up until 1631 when due to an epidemic plague its inhabitants fled to lower regions and established Kanfar.
What makes Dvigrad so special is the fact that what we are dealing with a locality 'in situ', which means that on the location itself and based on the historical remains one can reconstruct life back then, right up until it was abandoned and right down to the last detail. In that sense, Dvigrad has no competition on Croatian soil, and the closest affinity 'in situ' are the localities of Pompeii near Naples. Today's remains of Dvigrad clearly illustrate the characteristics of a medieval urban structure: the city was surrounded by walls and towers situated at the very entrance doors and the preserved parametric walls of 220 buildings together with the direction of the streets and passageways between houses still remain. On the central elevation are the remains of St. Sophia's Church dating back to the 11th century, and the church pulpit dating back to the 14th century located in the parish church in Kanfar. In the surrounding area there are several significant sacral localities, while the small church alongside the cemetery guards a cycle of frescoes of local artists dating back to the 15th century. Aside from the material remains, there are many legends and stories tied to Dvigrad, one of which claims that the nearby village of Mrgani was named after Henry Morgan, an English adventurer from the 17th century who buried his treasure somewhere near Dvigrad and has sent many on treasure hunts. |
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Southern Dalmatia (Coast) |
DALMATIA'S ISLANDS - BEAUTIES OF THE OPEN SEA
Croatia's coast with over 1100 islands is among the most indented on the Mediterranean, and is a favorite destination for tourists, especially boaters. The islands of Kornati and Dugi otok with its Telascica lake near the city of Zadar are particularly interesting, while the small islands near the city of Sibenik, such as Krapanj, are a great place for a tranquil holiday. The island of Hvar, home to the oldest theater in Europe and a summer festival, lies close to Split and has the most sunshine hours on the Adriatic.
The picturesque island of Solta with its bays far from the hustle and bustle of big cities is ideal for a quiet holiday. The island of Brac is known for its 200 m sandy beach "Zlatni rat", heaven for surfers. You can also try hang gliding or simply have a good time in the numerous night clubs, discos and restaurants. On the island of Vis, there are ruins of Roman thermae and an ancient theatre, as well as the breathtaking "Modra spilja" (Blue cave). If you are looking for a quiet holiday, Vis is the right destination due to the untouched nature and its few inhabitants. At the far south are the wooded island of Korcula, birthplace of Marco Polo and home to traditional knight dances, the island of Lastovo, known for its rich underwater, and the Elafiti islands close to Dubrovnik.
 Presenting...Croatia |
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OREBIC, TRPANJ, STON (penisland PELJESAC) |
 Ston (peninsula Peljesac)
Welcome to Ston, the town on the peninsula of Pelješac, 59 km away from Dubrovnik. Unlike its twin-town - Mali Ston in the Neretva Channel, Veliki Ston faces the op en sea.Both towns are connected with ancient walls with a series of even 20 towers and forts. This town, wh ose structure is inspired by Dubrovnik will receive you in its streets, beaches and the homes of its hospitable inhabitants who will gladly propose a toast to you with the glass of the Pelješac wine. Long live...! |
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SLANO, TRSTENO, VELIKI ZATON, MALI ZATON,
RIJEKA DUBROVACKA |
 Zaton (near Dubrovnik)
Zaton
Zaton is a town not far from Dubronik that is named after a bay of irresistible beauty in which affluents from Dubrovnik built their summer homes. Set back from the coastline 2 km, Zaton offers safe warm sea, while a well-developed tourist offering guarantees that you will enjoy yourself.
We recommend: summer residences of the Gucetic, Mencetic, Sorkocevic, Saraka and Lukarevic families / places of Orasac, Slano and Trsteno nearby / Arboretum in Trsteno / Dubrovnik / Elafiti islands: Kolocep, Lopud, Sipan... / island of Mljet
How to get there: 19 km north of Dubrovnik on the main road Split - Dubrovnik (Jadranska magistrala)
Specialities from local cuisine - octopus |
Zaton |
| Trsteno
Trsteno is a small tourist destination 25 km northwest of Dubrovnik. The area is known for its rich vegetation and mild Mediterranean climate with plenty of sun. Dalmatia's oldest Renaissance park with exotic plants and plane-trees, as well as with ornamented Baroque drinking fountain with statues of Neptune and nymphs, is in Trsteno. Trsteno is one of the most beautiful tourist destinations of the Dubrovnik area due to the harmonious architecture of summer residences and sacral buildings, placed on the beautiful coastline and surrounded by Mediterranean vegetation. You can find accommodation in apartments and rooms in private houses and enjoy the sun on tranquil, sandy beaches and in small bays. If you are looking for nature and tranquillity, and are interested in cultural heritage and tradition, come to Trsteno. Dubrovnik Summer Festival is only 20 minutes away by car.
We recommend: Gothic-Renaissance residence of the Gucetic family from the 15th century / Arboretum / Baroque drinking fountain with statues of Neptune and nymphs from 1736 / Gothic-Renaissance parish church / chapel of Gospa od Snijega with 15th century paintings / Dubrovnik / island of Mljet / Cavtat / places nearby: Srebreno, Mlini and Kupari
How to get there: 24 km south of Dubrovnik on the main road (Jadranska magistrala) |
TRSTENO |
  Slano
Slano (Dubrovnik)
Slano is situated not far from Dubrovnik, the greatest Croatian tourist attraction, in a bay which is a protected port and shelter during bad weather. This small place with the remnants of Illyrian settlements, Baroque and Renaisance buildings, develops quality tourist facilities. |
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ZARKOVICA, KUPARI, MLINI, PLAT |
| Kupari
Kupari (Dubrovnik)
Kupari is a tourist destination 8 km southeast of Dubrovnik, in a picturesque bay at the foot of southern Dalmatian hills. It is surrounded by rich Mediterranean vegetation and is known for its magnificent beaches and parks with palm trees and oleanders. At the bay's cape, there is a 400 m long sandy shoreline, while there is a sea-side promenade shaded by pine trees that leads to several smaller beaches nearby. Hospitable locals and a pleasant atmosphere await you in Kupari. If you are looking for entertainment and cultural events, visit Dubrovnik, southern Dalmatia's tourist center.
We recommend: Toreta tower from 1623: was used to defend Kupari from pirates / surrounding places Mlini, Plat and Srebreno / Dubrovnik / Cavtat / Mljet National Park / Elafiti islands
How to get there: 8 km south of Dubrovnik, on the road that branches off of the main road (Jadranska magistrala) at Dubac |
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CAVTAT |
 Cavtat ,
The old town of Cavtat, in the very centre of the South Adriatic, is situated at the south slopes of the peninsula of Rat, in the immediate vicinity of Dubrovnik. Known as Epidaurum in ancient times, it is today the tourist and cultural centre of Konavle, the southernmost region of Croatia. The town of beautiful beaches and luxury hotels together with a traditional way of life and preserved customs waits for you.
Beaches: rocky, concrete, sandy
# Cavtat was not only inspiration for ancient peoples who contributed to its spiritual strength but also for modern painters as Vlaho Bukovac who derived his creative energy from its sources.
# Cavtat's 7 kilometres long walking paths extend through the dense pine wood and enable you the unforgettable moments of rest and recreation.
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| island of PELJESAC |
  DRACE (Peljesac)
Drace
Drace (peninsula Peljesac)
Welcome to Drace, a picturesque town located on the northern side of the Peljesac Peninsula belonging to the Dubrovacko-Neretvanska County. Placed in a large inlet, Drace is an outstanding choice if you want a quiet family holiday. Drače is linked to the mainland by road enabling excursions to the breathtaking surroundings. |
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| island of KORCULA |
island of Korcula
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| island of LASTOVO |
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 Zaklopatica
Zaklopatica (island of Lastovo)
Zaklopatica is a wooded bay placed on the northern side of the southern Dalmatian island of Lastovo. It is only 2 km from the inland city of Lastovo and 7 km from the ferry port of Ubli. Besides 15-odd houses and three restaurants, the island offers a lot of sunshine and crystal clear waters. Zaklopatica as well as the rest of Lastovo is heaven for divers and yachtsmen who can enjoy the well-know beauties of the Lastovo archipelago and its magnificent bays.
Beaches: concrete, rocky |
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 ADVICE?
WRITE TO US
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PRESENTING |
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NOVIGRAD
Istria |
Welcome to Novigrad, a tourist town on the west coast of Istra, well-known even from classical times. Past centuries have left a rich cultural inheritance, which can be seen while touring the narrow winding streets and small shops. All of this completes a wide variety of offers; thus it is no surprise that summer vacations in Novigrad are unforgettable.
Beaches: concrete, rocky, pebble |
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