Croatia Travel Blog

Archive for the ‘Croatia Travel’ Category

Zagreb should soon attract more visitors as Easyjet has announced new routes to Croatia’s capital. Starting November 1, the low-cost carrier will fly four times weekly from Paris-Charles de Gaulle airport and will fly five times weekly from London Gatwick to Zagreb.

Germanwings, Wizz Air and Norwegian are other budget airlines that fly to Zagreb and Croatia Airlines, the country’s national airline also handles the routes from London and Paris but Easyjet’s entrance into the market should help drive down fares. That may not be good for Croatia Airlines which is already losing money but it will be good for Zagreb tourism and other sectors of the Croatian economy.

Just to recap, Easyjet already flies from Rome, Milan, Geneva, Paris Orly, London Gatwick, London Stansted, Liverpool and Berlin to Dubrovnik and from Split to Rome, Milan, Geneva, Basel, Paris, London Gatwick, London Stansted, Bristol, Amsterdam and Berlin.

See more on cheap flights to Zagreb and cheap flights to Croatia.

Prime Minister Jadranka Kosor inaugurated a 28km dual carriageway section of the Istrian Pula-Kanfanar motorway which should greatly improve driving times to and around the Istrian peninsula. The Y motorway project is the largest in Istria and represents a strong governmental commitment to improving the Istrian infrastructure.

The project has been a joint venture with France’s Bouygues Telecom which is fitting as Istria is the most accessible part of the Croatian coast for French tourists. The modern motorway should do a lot to increase French travel to Istria. Another 50km section of the Y motorway is due to open in about a year and an additional 18km section will open by the end of 2011.

See

• a road map of Istria
• more about Istria
• driving in Croatia

Island-hopping in Croatia is not a simple matter because ferry service between islands in Croatia is much more limited than services back and forth to the mainland. Southern Dalmatia can be particularly irritating to travellers with a limited amount of time who want to see several islands.

Hvar and Korcula islands are among the most beautiful in southern Dalmatia and now it is much easier to travel between them–if you have a car, that is. Now you don’t have to wait for the coastal ferry that connects the islands only a few times a week. You can take the car ferry from Sucuraj on Hvar Island to Drvenik on the mainland and then catch the new car ferry that runs from Drvenik to Domince on Korcula island. The new ferry eliminates the need to take two ferries to reach Korcula from the mainland: one from Ploce to Trpanj and the other from Orebic to Domince. Whew.

I know, I know. Why don’t they just run a daily car ferry between Hvar and Korcula? The ways of Jadrolinija are most mysterious. Ours is not to reason why; ours is to catch the ferries and get on with the holiday in Croatia.

See

• the ferry schedule from Drvenik to Domince;
• the ferry schedule from Sucuraj to Drvenik;
• a pocket ferry guide with the schedules of all local ferries in southern Dalmatia.

The summer season has barely started and Croatians visiting the coast and islands are outraged by the high prices of food. Accustomed to paying 5KN (€0.70) for a single scoop of ice cream in Zagreb, visitors were shocked to discover that the same little scoop costs 9KN (€1.25) in Rovinj. According to Vecernji list newspaper, it wasn’t only ice cream that seemed  expensive to seaside visitors. Readers reported paying 15KN (€2) for a cup of black coffee in Hvar, 70KN (€9.60) for a pizza in Rijeka and found that a seafood dinner ran about 170KN (€23) on the coast as opposed to 120KN (€16.50) on the continent. And that’s not even considering Dubrovnik which is generally even more expensive. When questioned, merchants offered the excuse that a short season leaves them no alternative but to grab as much money as they can as fast as they can.

With that kind of attitude, a short season may well become no season at all if tourists find they can get better value elsewhere.

See more on travel costs & prices in Croatia.

The following suggestions for day trips have been brought to you by JayWay Travel. JayWay Travel has many years of experience arranging tailor-made vacations in Croatia including flights, accommodation and activities. To find out more visit the JayWay Travel website.

Day Trips from Dubrovnik

Mostar

In the true sense of the word Mostar (meaning old bridge) is the city where West meets East meets North meets South. This is a city of poetry, a city of stone and sleepy, narrow winding streets. Experience the sights such as the Old Bazaar, the Turkish House and one of the many old Mosques. Stroll around and browse among the many old craft shops or maybe have lunch in one of the picturesque local restaurants. Don’t forget your passport as Mostar is just over the border in Bosnia & Herzegovina. Montenegro Montenegro is one of the last undiscovered secrets in the region. Less then an hour’s drive from Dubrovnik, a day trip to Montenegro is an unforgettable experience; exceptional natural beauty in combination with a rich history and culture. Enjoy the drive around the Kotor Bay with its numerous small settlements; stop in Medieval Kotor to soak in the typical Mediterranean lifestyle; continue high up into the mountains to visit Cetinje, once the seat of the Montenegrian rulers; stroll around in Budva, the ancient town which is today a lively tourist resort. You’ll need your passport with you for this trip too.

Day Trips from Hvar

Vis, Blue Cave

The island of Vis is one of the most remote of all Adriatic islands. After a pleasant sail you will arrive at the islet of Bisevo, highlighted by the Blue Cave. The cave is a natural phenomenon which can be entered only by small fishermen’s boats. Take some time to enjoy the light effect created by the sun reflecting in the cave through the sea. Continue to Komiza, whose inhabitants are believed to be the best fishermen on the Adriatic. There you can visit the Fishermen’s museum located in a fortified building from the 16th century. After the museum take some time to stroll around or perhaps cool off with a swim.

Bol

Take a ferry from the harbor to the town of Bol, located on the southern part of Brac, another island to the north of Hvar. Bol is the oldest settlement on the island of Brac. Upon arrival you can take a pleasant walk along the seashore towards one of the most beautiful beaches in Dalmatia – Zlatni Rat. This beach covered with tiny, round white pebbles offers the possibility for swimming, sunbathing and complete relaxation. If sun worship isn’t your thing you can visit one of the oldest wine cellars in Dalmatia, the Dominican monastery.

Day Trips from Trogir

Split

Take a short bus ride to Split, the largest and most important town in Dalmatia. The town was developed around the palace which was erected by the Roman Emperor Diocletian in the 4th century. Start with a visit to the well preserved ancient cellars of the palace. Then continue on to the Cathedral, considered to be one of the oldest in the world. Across the Cathedral is the Temple of Jupiter which today is used as a baptistry. Whilst in Split don’t miss a visit to the largest open market in Dalmatia.

Plitvice Lakes

Plitvice lakes are considered one of the most beautiful phenomena in the world. It consists of a string of sixteen beautiful lakes with crystal blue-green colour. They are fed by many small streams and brooks, which spill into each other in foaming cascades and thundering waterfalls. Due to their unique beauty, the lakes are inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The exceptional beauty of the lakes and waterfalls, rich plant and animal life, contrasting colours, forests and the pure mountain air attract nature lovers from all over the world. The guided tour of the National park itself includes a boat ride, a tourist train and a walking tour.

Day Trips from Rovinj

Pula

Enjoy a unique sightseeing tour of Pula, a 3000 year old town which abounds in mystery and whispers of the past. Pula has an alluring atmosphere of prehistoric and gladiatorial times, medieval traces of Serenissima and the main Austro-Hungarian harbor. The sightseeing starts with a panoramic drive around Austrian Pula. A walk through the old city of Pula follows starting with the famous roman Amphitheatre and it’s underground chambers. Then on to the city gates and walls, triumphal arch of Sergians, Roman Forum, roman mosaic and Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Venice

Venice. Who’d have thought you could squeeze a trip to Venice into a holiday in Croatia? By the fastest boat on the Adriatic, Venice is easily reached in approximately 2.5 hours. The unforgettable experience of visiting one of the most beautiful cities in the world for a day trip is simply a must. Thousands years of The City on the Lagoon will be revealed to you through the guided tour. While strolling the streets of Venice and taking in its piazzas, bridges, renaissance architecture and historic buildings you will come to San Marco square and visit the Murano glass workshop. Enjoy the rest of the day to explore Venice at your own pace.