Docked in the gently swaying port of Hvar Town, the yacht towered over its neighbors: a gigantic white structure, somehow still sleek and gleaming despite its uncanny bulk. A staircase descended from the two-story high deck onto the boardwalk. A guard stood, arms crossed, in front of a little carpet, placed so that the yacht’s owners could wipe the plebian dirt from their shoes before ... Read Full Article
Vibrant Dubrovnik on Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast
It was literally a hole in the wall. But the nameless bar, advertised only by a wooden sign reading “COLD DRINKS,” had a spectacular setting: perched on a fifteen-foot ledge outside the medieval walls of Dubrovnik, Croatia. Rocks fell away into the ocean; a few meters below, skinny kids were diving off into the green-blue water. A yacht idled in the bay while kayaks splashed around its ... Read Full Article
Croatia Tourist Information
Croatia is situated in the South-eastern part of Europe along the Adriatic Sea. It shares land borders with Slovenia, Hungary, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Serbia and Montenegro, and a maritime border with Italy. The country was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire until World War I, and then became a part of Yugoslavia. In 1991, Croatia declared its independence. What followed was the long and ... Read Full Article
Motovun, Croatia: Movies and Much More
A visit to Istria’s Mirna River Valley is a must for two reasons: its truffle-rich forests and its memorable hilltop towns. One such town is Motovun. One of Croatia's most picturesque stops, Motovun is better known, today, as the venue of the popular Motovun International Film Festival. The Medieval Core: According to legend, Motovun was created by giants who inhabited these lands; this old tale ... Read Full Article
Grozjnan, Croatia: A City Steeped in Art
Croatia’s Istrian peninsula is a treasure trove of tiny hilltop towns. Sprinkled across green valleys and luscious vineyards, each town is unique, and has its own story to tell; this makes them ideal day trip destinations. I highly recommend stopping over at the artists’ colony of Groznjan. Mind you, it isn’t as easily accessible as some of the other more frequented towns around Istria; maybe ... Read Full Article
Choosing Croatian Souvenirs
I have a confession to make – I love shopping for souvenirs. But, I prefer them to be unique, and not just cheap trinkets. I’ll be the first to admit that it’s hard finding authentic souvenirs. It’s so much easier to just give in and settle for a postcard or a magnet, but with a little research, you’ll be able to tell the tourist traps from the authentic articles. Here’s to making your Croatian ... Read Full Article
A Foodie’s Guide to Croatian Cuisine
Planning a trip to Croatia? This foodie guide might just prove handy in deciphering Croatian cuisine. As is the case in many European countries, Croatian cuisine differs by region and is influenced by surrounding cultures. Depending on the region and its proximity to the coast, Croatian culinary specialties will have been greatly influenced by the Hungarians, Austrians, and Turks. And in addition ... Read Full Article
In Search of Croatia’s First Wine Hotel
The bus driver pulled over on the side of a long road. We hadn’t passed anything that looked alive in the past fifteen minutes. I could see nothing but empty vineyards and empty houses ahead. He looked at me through the rear view mirror to tell me it was my stop. I bumped several unsuspecting Croatian ladies with my backpack as I exited the bus, and it pulled away. Outside, a cold drizzle was ... Read Full Article
Exploring Zagreb, Crotia’s Old Town
Visitors to the Croatian capital are often steered in the direction of Zagreb’s historic core. Locally known as Gornji Grad (Upper Town), the old town combines the twin settlements of Gradec and Kaptol and is located just a few minutes from the city’s main street, Illica. It is a throwback to another era, one marked by architectural brilliance and immortal legends. Here's my Must-do list while ... Read Full Article
Rastoke, Croatia: An Old Mill Town
On bright Saturdays, or on a lazy Sunday, I like to leave Zagreb behind and explore the countryside beyond the city limits. The surroundings offer a varied selection from natural getaways, small towns and villages, - to castles and historic sites. Depending on my mood, I pick a destination and hit the road. More often than not, and especially after a tough week, I find myself at the little mill ... Read Full Article