Croatia is located in the Adriatic Sea, facing Italy, in the northern Mediterranean. With a history stretching back over a thousand years, it first appeared on the political map of Europe in 1992, after the breakup of Yugoslavia following a bloody civil war.

Climate – The climate is typical of the Mediterranean and provides for pleasant holidays throughout the year. The best season for sailing in Croatia is early summer with good winds in May and June, mainly from the S/SE. Mornings tend to be calm and the wind picks up later in the afternoon to around 15-20 knots. The months of July and August see calmer conditions, which is fine for those who don’t mind driving. Temperatures in summer average between 26 and 30°C and the sea temperature in summer is around 25°C.

Navigation Area – Starting in the North

The Brioni Islands – Formally the summer residence of President Tito, these islands were closed to the general public. Today they are open but the facilities are a little dilapidated, since little money was spent on their maintenance after the death of the president. The group of islands consists of 2 larger and 12 smaller ones. They were granted National Park status in 1983. The largest island is Veli Brijun, just 2 km from the coast. It is very green being covered with vegetation.

Cres and Losinj Islands: With an area of ​​almost 400 square kilometers, Cres is the second largest island in the Adriatic. It is grouped with Losinj and 28 other smaller islands. The port of Mali Losinj is said to be the most beautiful on the entire Adriatic. Cikat Bay, known for its beach and good windsurfing, is the tourist center. While the city of Veli Losinj is much quieter. Cres Town is also popular and is reminiscent of an Italian village due to the fact that for several centuries it was ruled by Venice. Susak Island is well worth a visit. The population speaks its own dialect, which is not easily understood by other Croats. And the women usually dress in a colorful suit, a multicolored short dress, red leggings and a white blouse.

Krk is the largest island in the Adriatic, with an area of ​​405.78 square km, and it is also one of the most populous islands. It is very crowded with tourists because of the bridge to the mainland. It is not the prettiest or the greenest of the islands. The main cities are Baska, the city of Krk itself, Malinska, Omisalj, Punat and Vrbnik. The city of Krk is famous for the Cathedral of Saint Mary.

The island of Rab is one of the greenest islands in the Adriatic and probably one of the most magical. It has beautiful sandy beaches and is covered in pine forests. Rab Town, the main tourist center, is full of medieval buildings, built under Venetian rule in the 13th century. The walls of the old town are still visible in places.

Pag is the second longest island in the Adriatic. It has little vegetation due to the strong Bora wind. Despite this, Pag has a lot of charm. It is well known for its lace making and the town of Pag is very well preserved.

Primosten, on the coast, is one of the most popular resorts on the Adriatic coast and boasts the best of Croatia since yesterday, stroll through the narrow cobbled streets of the old town located on a small mountainous peninsula and today, the Treasury all the night disco is only 10 minutes away by taxi.

The Kornati Islands: 140 islands make up this archipelago and it covers an area of ​​300 square kilometers. Most of the area is a National Park, so designated because of its many coves and crystal clear waters. Astronauts described it as the bluest water on Earth seen from space. It’s really beautiful. George Bernard Shaw said of the group of islands: “On the last day of Creation, God desired to crown his handiwork, and therefore he created the Kornati islands with tears, stars, and breath.” Most of the area belongs to the people of the island of Murter who come to take care of the olive groves, vineyards and orchards. They stay in country houses during the agricultural season, but there is no permanent population. Hramina is a private marina on the island of Murter with good facilities including a selection of restaurants.

Dugi Otok is home to the large and beautiful Telescica Bay. The small fishing village of Sali here is famous for summer events that celebrate local folklore with a fun donkey race and a procession of illuminated boats. Brbinj, further up Dugi Otok, is a quiet, sheltered stopover surrounded by pine and olive groves.

The city of Split is a UNESCO world heritage site famous for the Emperor Diocletian’s Palace.

Visit Skradin on the mainland and venture upriver to the famous Krka waterfalls.

Brac is the largest island in Central Dalmatia and the third largest in the Adriatic. It is also one of the sunniest with 2,700 hours a year. Brac is known for its agricultural products, figs, olive oil, nectarines, wine and other fruits. However, the main export is the famous Brac stone with which many buildings have been built in the world, including the home of the presidents of the United States of America. The White House in Washington DC Bol is said to have the most beautiful beach on the Adriatic. Other tourist centers include the Golden Horn (Zlatni Rat), Milna, Sumartin, Supetar and Sutivan.

Hvar is the fourth largest island in the Adriatic and is even sunnier than Brac. However, it does rain enough to keep the island green and to maintain the beautiful fields of lavender, marjoram, rosemary, sage and thyme along with the vineyards. In spring, Hvar smells like a herbalist. Lavender oil is the island’s main export. The main tourist centers are Hvar Town, Jelsa, Stari Grad, Sucuraj and Vrboska. Hvar has the oldest public theater in the country dating back to 1612.

Vis – At 24 miles from the mainland, this is the westernmost of the larger Croatian islands. Vis is the oldest established city in Dalmatia founded in 397 BC. The island was an important base for British troops during World War II. After 1945, it was closed to the public by the Yugoslav army and reopened in 1990. Some of the best Croatian wines are produced there, such as Plavac and Vugava. The two main cities are Vis Town and Komiza. Vis is especially peaceful and relaxing.

Bisevo is home to the famous Blue Caves and this is the perfect place for diving

Korcula is known for its dense forest. Marco Polo, the famous adventurer, was born in Korcula, and his house is still there. Korcula known as “Little Dubrovnik”, Vela Luka and Lumbarda are the main tourist centers.

On the mainland, Ston, is one of the most beautiful fortified cities I have ever seen. It is famous for its many cultural monuments and its impressive defensive walls. Local restaurants serve delicious oyster dishes and other fresh seafood. Spend the afternoon on its olive-fringed sandy beach.

Mljet is 23 miles west of Dubrovnik and is the southernmost of the larger islands. The western half of the island is a national park and more than two-thirds of the island is covered in forest. According to legend, Odysseus fell in love with the island and stayed there for seven years. He will find numerous good anchorages and sandy beaches on the south coast, the best of which is Saplunara.

The Elafit Islands – Kolocep, Lopud and Sipan – In ancient times, these islands were home to a large population of deer and take their name from the Greek word elafos, meaning deer. In fact, there are six islands in the group and it is said that the most skilled sailors came from here. Once again the islands are very pretty and are a must see. Lopud is little more than two hills that are connected by a beautiful valley. Follow the path to the bay called Sunj, a round white-sand beach perfect for swimming.

Dubrovnik is an immaculately preserved 13th century fortified city. The ancient walls surround the old town and enclose a fascinating mix of Renaissance, Gothic and Baroque architecture. High walls and towering spires rise spectacularly from splendid squares lined with colorful bars, markets and restaurants. The entire city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Food and wine: Croatian cuisine is typically Mediterranean, with fish, shellfish, fresh vegetables and olive oil taking center stage. Fish varieties include dog tooth, bream, grouper, mackerel, sardines, and sea bass. You will find cuttlefish, octopus and squid, lobsters, mussels, oysters and prawns. These are presented on the grill or in stews and risottos. The local smoked ham is very good. Lamb is also highly prized, especially baked on an open fire. There are some interesting local dishes, some found on individual islands, to be sought out or avoided. Take Vitalec for example: lamb wrapped in lamb casings and grilled on skewers is not everyone’s idea of ​​culinary heaven. Regions with an abundant supply of fresh water – the Neretva valley, Trilj and the Cetina basin – are good for their frog, eel and crayfish dishes. Pag and Dubrovnik produce high-quality sheep cheese. Pag’s is known as Paski-Sir, a hard cheese with a distinctive flavor. The unique flavor comes from the method of rubbing the cheese with olive oil and ashes before letting it mature; Furthermore, the sheep eat a diet that includes many wild herbs such as sage. Dalmatian desserts are also good. The most common ingredients are almonds, eggs, honey, the fruit of the land, dried figs and raisins. Try the Orehnjaca, a sweet bread with walnuts or poppy seeds. Palacinke are pancakes that are usually served with jam or chocolate. Dalmatian wines have been highly appreciated since ancient times. Famous wines include Babic from Primosten, Dingac and Postup from the Peljesac peninsula and Plancic from the island of Hvar. There are also good local brandies and liqueurs.