Croatia tours & travel

Just as much as Croatia is halfway between Central and Southeastern Eruope geographically, so it is culturally. Croatians are traditionally Roman Catholic, unlike most of its fellow Slavic and former Yugoslavian states which are Orthodox. In Croatia, family time is cherished and many live in close quarters with both immediate and extended family. Meet new Croatian friends with a handshake and polite verbal greeting, 

Croatia is a unique nation wedged in between Central Europe and Southeast Europe. It has a long coast along the Adriatic Sea in the Mediterranean and over a thousand small coastal islands. The mainland has borders with Slovenia, Hungary, Serbia, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Montenegro. Croatia’s environment is characterized by rich green forests threaded with turquoise rivers and lakes. Its best-known lakes are the sixteen Plitvice Lakes, which display a distinctive range of colours as well as picturesque waterfalls. 

Shopping for souvenirs in Croatia can be a treat if you know what to look for. The region is famous for its delicious foods, so why not bring back some gourmet items like olives, honey, cheese and lavender. Natural cosmetics are popular here, made from ingredients produced in the region like olive, lavender and almond oils as well as goat’s milk. You may like to bring some Croatian wine back home with you. There are also handicrafts such as folk dolls and lace tablecloths that make great gifts for friends. 

Dubrovnik Summer Festival

Artists from far and wide come to this 17th century town to perform in a bonanza of theatre, dance and musical performances.

Moreska

This strange festival is based on a folktale that describes a sword fight between two men for the love of a woman. Today the island of Korcula hosts a retelling of the tale through dance.

International Folk Festival

This yearly Zagreb festival celebrates Croatian folk customs as well as cultures from all over the world. See music, dance and theatre performances galore. 

Croatian cuisine has many variations depending on the region but can basically be divided between two main styles. Cooking in the coastal area has Mediterranean flavours like olive oil, seafood and herbs. On the other hand,  mainland Croatian food derives from Central European and Yogoslavian dishes flavoured with paprika and pepper. You’ll find Croatian spins on popular dishes such as goulash, schnitzel and mushroom soup. And in this land of plenty, delicacies such as truffles and lobster are abundant. Croatia has hundreds of wine producing regions, so prepare to top up. 

• April Fool's Day by April Fool's Day
• Zagreb, Exit South by Edo Popovic
• Croatia: Travels in an Undiscovered Country by Dr Tony Fabijancic
• Marco Polo's Isle: Sketches from the Dalmatian Island of Korcula by Michael Donley
• Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh by Slobodan Novak