Croatia Travel Blog

Archive for May, 2009

Plitvice National Park’s 16 turquoise lakes are so clean and luminous that you want to jump right in. Alas. Swimming is forbidden in Plitvice Lakes National Park. As a tour guide once explained to me, “The lakes are also a resevoir for drinking water! We just can’t allow swimming”.

I assumed that the only alternative for swimming in a Croatian National Park was Krka Waterfalls where a swimming area is roped off right next to the crashing waterfalls. Now, The Guardian has set me straight. A reader’s suggestion yesterday pointed out that you can swim just a few kilometers north of the National Park. The Korana river flows into Plitvice Lakes National Park and is just as inviting on a hot day as Plitvice’s sparkling lakes. Just outside the village of Korana, villagers have even placed a small ladder next to a tree to make it easier to dive into crystal clear river.

Given the heat wave now sweeping Croatia, I can imagine that there will be quite a line leading up to that ladder!

See more about Plitvice Lakes National Park.

It’s a big step considering the history of hostility between Dubrovnik and Serbia that began with the 1991 bombing of Dubrovnik. Old wounds have healed however, as evidenced by the desire of Serbians to travel Dubrovnik–and the desire of Dubrovnik people to receive them.

To serve this new sector of the Dubrovnik tourist market, JAT airways (Serbia’s national carrier) has announced a new twice a week service between Belgrade and Dubrovnik that will run from mid-June to mid-September.

Booking has not yet opened but prices should be most reasonable.

Read more about flights to Dubrovnik.

Breaking news! In their infinite wisdom, Zagreb authorities have just declared that public transport will be completely free in Croatia’s capital city. Zagreb has a highly efficient tram and bus system that is about to become a LOT more crowded, at least in the opinion of  transport officials. The idea is to encourage residents to leave their car at home and leave the city center free of traffic tangles and parking problems. Let’s hope so. Let’s also hope that a few more trams and buses are in the pipeline to handle the increased capacity.

See more on Zagreb and getting around Zagreb.

They’ve been a long time coming but now two major hotel projects in Dubrovnik are nearly complete and open for booking. Both are resort hotels, both are high-end and both have the backing of major hotel chains. I’m talking about the four-star Valamar Lacroma Resort in the Babin Kuk neighbourhood of Dubrovnik and the five-star Radisson Blu Resort & Spa some 17km north of Dubrovnik in Orasac.

With an immense conference center, the Valamar Lacroma Resort is clearly targetting business travellers but holiday makers will also find a lot to like in this 385-room resort. Swimming pools, a full complement of spa facilities and top-notch cuisine should make this hotel a winner. The Valamar Lacroma Resort opens this month. Click here for rates and availability.

Not to be outdone in the size and modernity departments, the Radisson Blu Resort & Spa will unveil 408 rooms in a peachy location in Orasac, just steps from the sea. The design is truly cutting-edge and the extensive Sports Complex even includes a rock-climbing wall. Families will enjoy the children’s camp on site with a full menu of activities to keep the kiddies busy. Workers are putting the finishing touches on the project which is due to open its doors in July. Booking is now open though. Click here for rates and availability.

See more on Dubrovnik Hotels.