Travel to Croatia

According to the American Forbes magazine Croatia is the 20th cleanest country in the world, with an Environmental Performance Index (EPI) of 84.6 out of 100.
“Croatia values its tourism and beaches, which are a priority in its development. Country that lies on the Adriatic, opposite of Italy, offers a rich, healthy fish fund and security from water transmittable diseases to its visitors.”
Researchers from Columbia and Yale universities developed the EPI to point out which countries in the world are ecologically cleanest and to give additional advice to those left behind.

Hotel Kvarner in Opatija
April 8th to April 10th 2009

“KVARNER EXPO 07″ is the name of the exhibition of Croatian souvenirs makers in Opatija.
This interesting exhibition will take place in the famous Crystal Hall of Hotel Kvarner.
We can now with almost absolute certainty say that this exhibition has became the tradition of Opatija.
Due to the large interest of exhibitors and visitors of the exhibition, this year the exhibition space will be expanded on the terrace of the Hotel Kvarner, which will be covered by a tent to protect the visitors from bad weather, although we hope it will not come to that.
Croatia has a long tradition which produced a lot of unique souvenirs over centuries. It is our hope that most of these will be on display at this year’s Kvarner Expo.

Spanish magazine Condé Nast Traveler recently held a reward ceremony for different tourist categories, amongst them the category for the most beautiful island of the world.
Competition was strong and included destinations like Puerto Rico, Mauritius, Corsica and Greek islands. We are proud to announce that the winner, or rather winners, were “islands of the Croatian Adriatic”!
This is only a small reminder of the many treasures that still exists in Croatia within its untouched nature and landscapes. It is not called “Mediterranean as it once was” for nothing, there is a very good reason!
Visit the Croatian islands, at least one of more than a thousand!

British “Mirror” placed Croatia among the “coolest” destinations for British tourists in 2009.
It is said that Croatia provides the best value for money, especially with the current situation when the Pound is at an all time low. The “Mirror” says Spain and Greece are still high in this list, but it is Croatia that leads the group of attractive destinations when it comes to traveling outside the EU. Prices in hotels, restaurants, spa and wellness centers and boat trips are about 20% lower than in rest of Europe. Croatia can offer a little bit of something for everyone: romantic vacations in Dubrovnik or Korcula, the Velebit mountain for those who value nature, clean beaches and beautiful blues sea for families… everybody can find something that suits them best!
The British currency, once famous Pound, is no longer valuable enough for coffees in Paris, or similar extravagant vacations. It is time to travel outside the European Union and meet new cultures.

Boutique hotel is a term used to describe intimate hotel environments. Boutique hotels differentiate themselves from larger chain hotels and motels by providing personalized accommodation and services and facilities. Boutique hotels are always individual and are therefore extremely unlikely to be found amongst the homogenity of large chain hotel groups. Guest services are often attended to by 24-hour hotel staff. Many boutique hotels have on-site dining facilities, and the majority offer bars and lounges. During the last couple of years many of these hotels have opened their doors in Croatia, especialy in the region of the North Adriatic, namely Istria and Kvarner. If you are a fan of this kind accomodation, Trasa Travel tourist agency offers you a wide choice of different boutique hotels, ranging from old restored villas to newly build resorts.

Visiting all of the Croatian National Parks gives a breathtaking array of scenery from forested islands to craggy mountaintops, waterfalls, lakes and sun-baked islands in the sea. They provide ideal vacation experiences for active travellers as there seems to be nothing you can’t do. Try scuba diving, rock climbing, hiking, biking, swimming and many other activities!
Here is a brief summary of Croatia’s 8 National Parks:

1. Plitvice Lakes National Park

The countless waterfalls and emerald lakes make it Croatia’s most visited park. You can’t swim in the lakes but (and because) you can drink the water. It’s a UNESCO-protected World Heritage Site.

2. Krka National Park

Like a smaller version of Plitvice, Krka has lakes and waterfalls which you can even swim in. It’s more developed and less of a natural paradise than Plitvice.

3. Mljet National Park

If other islands seem too touristy, come to Mljet to kick back and enjoy the forests and inland lakes.

4. Risnjak National Park

Few people bother to visit Risnjak but they should. The forests are a natural habitat for ris and fox and the majestic pine and beech trees loom over meandering trails and flowery meadows where bears sometimes roam.

5. Paklenica National Park

Cliffs and gorges, grottoes and caves make Paklenica a favourite with your more energetic types. It’s famous throughout Europe for the rock-climbing.

6. Northern Velebit National Park

Part of the same Velebit range as Paklenica, here is where you can lose yourself (literally) in the mountains. Access is only by mountain trail or via an adventurous mountain road from Otocac.

7. Kornati Islands National Park

Ask a yachtie and they’ll tell you “The Kornati Islands are the best”. Almost completely uninhabited, this 147-island archipelago provides endless opportunities for exploration with your own boat or a guided tour. Agencies in Zadar, Sibenik, Split and Murter arrange visits regulary.

8. Brijuni (Brioni) Islands

Does rough nature make you nervous? Don’t worry, it’s all tamed down in this well-manicured park. Visit Brijuni, once an elite resort for Josip Broz Tito, but now a well know National Park.

Gorski kotar is the mountainous region in Croatia between Karlovac and Rijeka. Popular tourist destinations in Gorski Kotar include Lake Lokvarsko in the village of Lokve. This is the seventh largest lake in the whole of Croatia measuring over two square kilometres. Nature walks are possible right around the lake. You can also swim and canoe in the summer and fish all year round. A world record 25kg trout was once caught in this very lake. Other attractions in Lokve include Golubinjak Nature Forest Park and Lokvarka Caves. Gorski Kotar’s main town is called Delnice. It’s approximately 5 miles from Lokve. Delnice has many shops, bars and restaurants as well as train and bus connections to numerous local and national destinations. Skiing is popular in several places in Gorski Kotar including the resort village of Mrkopalj. Platak is also popular for skiing although technically it falls into the neighbouring region of Kvarner not Gorski Kotar. Platak boasts some truly stunning views of the Adriatic Sea from the pistes. Visit Gorski Kotar, take a break from the summer heats and crowded city squares!

The international jury from the Golden Flower of Europe 2008 competition spent two days in Novi Vinodolski which is a candidate for this prestigious reward. Members of the jury were very pleased with the way town is decorated, its cleanliness, flower arrangements and  the hospitality. The jury was also impressed with the cristal clean sea, and they were especially delighted with the waste management which keeps the town clean and free from trash. The main town square was a very special treat, the way it conects the people of this town with their guests was something very special for the jurors. The trip to the neighboring vineyards was a special treat for all wine lovers among the jury members, and the jury also complimented the amount of cultural herritage sites in the town. One jury member even said how he would give Novi Vinodolski the grade 11 if it were possible.