The Republic of Croatia occupies an area measuring 56,542 square kilometers, located along the eastern coast of Adriatic Sea and in its hinterland. It possesses 31,067 square kilometers of territorial sea and 5,853 kilometers-long Adriatic coastline with islands. Along its coastal region there are 1,185 islands, cliffs and reefs; 47 of the islands being inhabited.

In northern Croatia, the climate is continental; on the Adriatic it is Mediterranean, whilst in the mountainous regions it is alpine. In the north, the way of life is Mid-European, in the south, Mediterranean.

The Republic of Croatia is one of Europe's youngest countries, whose constitution was established on 22 Dec 1990. There live 4.437.460 inhabitants (2001).

The language spoken is Croatian, the alphabet is Latin. The monetary unit is the Kuna. Zagrep is the capital.

Croatia has eight National Parks; four of them are on coastal regions (Brijuni, Kornati, Krka and Mljet). Dubrovnik, the City-Monument, the City of Trogir, Diocletian's Palace in Split, the Basilica of Euphrasius in Porec, the Cathedral in Sibenik and the Plitvice Lakes are on the World Heritage List, protected by UNESCO. Due to their exceptional beauty, many other Cities-Monuments on the Dalmatian coast and in the country's interior ought to be added to the aforementioned.
More then anywhere else in south-eastern Europe, in Croatia there exist cities whose roots are deep in the past, stemming from antiquity, as well as from Roman and Medieval eras. To mention just a few, there are Pula and Split with their antiquity characteristics, Romanesque Trogir or Zadar, Gothic Sibenik, Pag, Hvar, Nin, Korcula and Dubrovnik, Baroque Varazdin and many others.

Croatia is modernizing its tourism and registering new market progresses. In its hotels and apartments, tourist colonies, camps, marinas, the tourist will find accommodation in accordance with international standards.

Founded in the 7th century, Dubrovnik lies on the Dalmatian coast of southeast Croatia and faces the Adriatic Sea at the foot of rugged mountain. Once a picturesque city known for its medieval walls and forts, historic Dubrovnik was damaged by the Serbians in the Balkan war after Croatia declared independence from Former Yugoslavia in 1991. Now old city of Dubrovnik is under protection of UNESCO


Sunset in Dubrovnik


The new bridge in Dubrovnik


Coastal town of Zadar

The Dalmatian Coast

The Dalmatian Coast is one of the most spectacular, attractive and fascinating cruising grounds in Europe.

To sail from Pula to Dubrovnik is to Slalom around 1,200 islands, each with a charm and fascination value that will startle anyone who hasn2t been to this area before.

The 1,777km coast line is a collection of features that takes in just about every part of Europe, from thriving cities full of historical attractions, to tiny, uninhabited islands. From mountainous, spectacular peninsulas, to pine forest parks and from fishing villages to five star resorts. In one area you could be in Greece, in another Italy, in another France and yet another Mallorca, but if this gives you the impression of nowhere land, it is only because Croatia, lately, has been off the must-see lists that has over exposed much of the Mediterranean. And that is one of the area's main attractions.

First, a bit of background Croatia was first colonized by the Greeks before Romans ferried over the Adriatic to name the area Dalmatia. Croatia is very history and eco-conscious and many ancient monuments are in startlingly good condition. This is a warm land, very southern Mediterranean in temperature range with fields of lavender, olive groves and wine yards. The air is perfumed by herbs and in the evening, wood fired ovens will cook your hunger faster than the food.

While there are sandy beaches, much of the shoreline is rocky but yacht captains are outstanding at interpreting your particular requirements and Croatia can deliver an unbeatable range of options.

In contrast to the French Rivera's gold credit card style gastronomy, stopping off at a local tavern will bring the reward of overt friendliness and food that is splendidly rustic, i.e. it tastes of food. Fish will have been caught today; wine is probably home made, olives have a zing, mandarins a zest and bread a warm crustiness. Try Scampi Buzaru or especially Prsut, wind dried ham.

There are hundreds of places of interest. In the north, Pula has the Gate to Hercules as well as one of the finest Roman amphitheatres dating from 80AD. Krk is a fascinating island group with thermal baths, the Adriatic's largest marina (Punat), tiny island monasteries (Koslijun) and fortress towns atop steep cliffs (Vrbnik).

Moving south you cruise into the Kornati archipelago, the most spectacular in Europe and the result of a wonderful legend: after the world was created, a few rocks were left over. Tossed into a beautiful sea they landed to form these islands.

The archipelago is a national park with rugged terrain, stunningly clear water and enough deserted coves to claim one for the day. The island of Dogi Otok is both bizarre and spectacular. As if unaware of each other there are two "coastlines". The first has lakes set into the cliff tops. The second is where the sea meets the cliffs. Both are oblivious of the other like two blind giants vying for supremacy.

There are numerous other islands such as Losinj and Piskera where you could sample mussels and oysters gathered from wherever you happen to drop anchor. To gloss over these islands is to overlook some of the most attractive, unspoilt, dollops of land in the Mediterranean. Islands named after capers, or famous coral or sponges. Pine forests with an aroma so strong that you catch their scent miles before you reach the island. Trogir, a miniature Venice is fascinating. Sibernik's Cathedral was built using 20th century techniques- in the 15th century. The list is endless. In this region, end up in Vodice, a small but bustling resort that is great fun at night with quayside restaurants and shops.

Sailing further down the coast, Split is a busy city and easy point of arrival but it also has hoards of heritage that you could investigate before joining your yacht for the more sedate pleasures of island hopping.

Brac is beautiful and largely white. Indeed Brac stone was used to build the White House in Washington as well as many beautiful buildings on this remarkable island. The deserted bay of Stipanska is a perfect anchorage; or try the startlingly beautiful harbor of Milna.

Hoar has history dating back to the 4th century BC. Stari Grad is the old town with fascinating cultural magnets from numerous eras: Greek, Roman and Renaissance. In the evening take the tender ashore and try shellfish risotto in one of the waterfront tavernas. "Ovo jelo je fantasticno!"

After a few lazy days of feeding and frivolity, sail to Korcula, Marco Polo's birthplace. The city is a history lesson in itself but manages to combine fascination with fun. In early summer try to catch the Moreska dance festival. It celebrates the battles with the Moors, good against evil, the white hats versus the black hats. Fear not - the white hats always win.

On the way to Dubrovnik, you will pass any number of islands to anchor off for a day of swimming, snorkeling and sleeping in the warm sun. For years the city was a separate state/ country. Built in 13th century, there are dozens of ancient places and treasures encapsulated within the city walls. Such is their quality; Dubrovnik has been registered as a World Heritage site by UNESCO.

Croatia is a complex. Hundreds of islands, thousands of attractions, it is a wonderful weave of colors, cultures, scenery and scents. Abroad your yacht, you have the creature comforts and technology that only the 20th century can deliver. How fitting to be surrounded by everything the 20th century can't.

Source: Cavendish White