Croatia

The following Croatian sites are on UNESCO’s* World Heritage List:

• Historical Complex of Split with the Palace of Diocletian
• Old City of Dubrovnik
• Plitvice Lakes National Park
• Episcopal Complex of the Euphrasian Basilica in the Historic Centre of Poreč
• Historic City of Trogir
• The Cathedral of St James in Šibenik

Beside these famous world heritage sites, there are many other places in the Adriatic, such as Hvar Island, and Brac Island, that are perfect for people who love ocean and islands.

*UNESCO stands for The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization

April to September is the most pleasant time to visit Croatia. July and August are the most crowded and expensive months – the country is full of European vacationers then. If you can avoid these two months, you will enjoy a more tranquil and authentic experience – and pay less!

Croatia used to be a great bargain. However, it has become a popular destination for European vacationers in the last few years, so cost is on the rise. Nonetheless, it still gives great value when compared to west European countries.

A decent mid-range hotel room costs around $100 - $150 per night (a comparable room in Venice will cost $250+). $25 per person ($40+ in Venice) will get you a decent meal.

A luxury five star hotel room starts from $300 per night (a comparable room in Venice will cost $500+). $60+ per person ($80 - $100+ in Venice) will get you a gourmet meal.

Croatia, officially the Republic of Croatia, is a southern Central European country at the crossroads between the Pannonian Plain and the Mediterranean Sea. Its capital is Zagreb. Croatia borders with Slovenia and Hungary to the north, Serbia to the northeast, Bosnia and Herzegovina to the east, and Montenegro to the far southeast. Its southern and western flanks border the Adriatic Sea, and it also shares a sea border with Italy in the Gulf of Trieste.

The Croatians settled on the east coast of the Adriatic Sea and the Pannonian lands in early 7th century, forming two principalities, Dalmatia and Pannonia. The establishment of the Trpimirović dynasty ca. 850 brought strengthening to the Dalmatian Croat duchy, which became a kingdom in 925.

In 1102 Croatia entered into a personal union with the Kingdom of Hungary. After the 1526 Battle of Mohács, the "Reliquiae reliquiarum olim inclyti Regni Croatiae" (the remains of the Kingdom of Croatia) became a part of the Habsburg Monarchy in 1527. In 1918 Croatia became a part of the Kingdom of SHS and later the Kingdom of Yugoslavia.

In 1941-1945 during World War II, an Axis puppet state known as the Independent State of Croatia existed. After the victory of Tito's People's Liberation Movement and the Allies, Croatia became a constitutive federal republic of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.

In 1991, Croatia proclaimed independence by holding the first democratic elections in the country. The complicated situation meant that it was forced to fight a long and bloody war against local Serbs opposed to independence until 1995, including a series of battles against the remainder of the JNA between 1991 and 1992.

Croatia was recognized on January 15, 1992 by the European Union and the United Nations. The first country to recognize Croatia was Iceland on December 19, 1991.