Dubrovnik
One of the most-visited cities on the Adriatic, with monumental city-walls 1,940 metres long and 25 metres high, located at the foot of Srđ Mountain, Dubrovnik was inscribed on the list of UNESCO's World Heritage Sites in 1979. Dubrovnik is famous for its Stradun, the principal and oldest street in the town. Here, where historical personalities once walked, today now walk royalty, famous actors, singers, athletes and many others. Why not join them? The Minčeta fortified tower is older than this street and is one of the most enduring symbols of the city and its freedom, as well as one of the world's most beautiful fortifications. Likewise, there is the Bokar Fort, which once defended the main gate of the city. Today it is one of the venues for the Dubrovnik Summer Festival. At this event, the 'Orlando' award is given out. This award is named after yet another symbol of the city: the stone pillar carved with a medieval warrior with sword and shield. This monument was erected to the legendary hero Orlando (Roland) by Dubrovnik citizens in grateful memory of his contribution towards the defence of the city against Arab pirates. Every year, the opening ceremony of the Dubrovnik Summer Festival takes place in front the Orlando statue and it includes the raising of the 'Libertas' flag, which is styled after that of the historical Dubrovnik Republic. All these symbols stand as monuments to the love of freedom enjoyed by Dubrovnik, and which also found expression in the poetry of the baroque poet Ivan Gundulić. Opposite Orlando is the Sponza Palace, which was once a very lively trading place and the cultural center of the Republic. Dating from the period of the Dubrovnik Republic, the Franciscan monastery still maintains its pharmacy in operation. It was founded in 1317, the same year as the monastery, which makes it one of the oldest pharmacies in Europe. In the Dominican Monastery, go and see the works of the painters of the Dubrovnik school from the 15th and 16th centuries along with works by the great Titian, and in the Cathedral, see the silver and golden reliquaries fashioned by Dubrovnik master-goldsmiths from the 11th to the 19th centuries. Stop at the Great Onofrio Fountain, visit the Rector's Palace, and do not miss the walk along the tops of the city walls. In the Maritime Museum get to know the centuries-old maritime traditions of the Dubrovnik Republic and find out more information about some famous sailors, the mathematician Getaldić and the physicist Ruđer Bošković. Climb up the Lovijenac Fort, which doubles up as one of the most beautiful stage-sets for the play 'Hamlet' by William Shakespeare. You might also try climbing up Srđ Mount, which, although somewhat physically
The Dubrovnik Riviera
Opposite the city of Dubrovnik, virtually an inseparable part of the old town, floats the island of Lokrum, a special reserve of woody plants under UNESCO's protection. Here you can admire plant species which mainly originate from Australia and South America, with interesting collections of eucalyptus, cacti and succulents. Lokrum is also well-known as the island of love. Koločep, an outcrop of limestone and dolomite, is the smallest of the inhabited Elaphiti islands. Šipan is the largest island in this group. Lopud, the second largest, is wellknown for its sandy beach at Šunj. On the coast of the Dubrovnik Riviera along with Trsteno and the famous arboretum, Orašac and Zaton are found along with other smaller resorts.
Mlini (named after the local water-mills) is well-known as the 'oasis' of the Dubrovnik Riviera, only 10 kilometres away from Dubrovnik. South of the grand town of Dubrovnik is Cavtat, another popular tourist destination in this part of Croatia. It is the largest single urban area in Konavle, the southernmost region of Croatia, and was built according to a city plan. In Cavtat old town, you can visit the birth house of Vlaho Bukovac, one of the most famous Croatian painters and a progenitor of the Croatian modern school of painting. To get a better knowledge of the history of this region, diving and exploring Cavtat's underwater world could help too. Under the Cavtat waves there are several ancient sites, which are among the largest and the most attractive in the Mediterranean, with 1,800 amphorae and pithos from the 1st century BC to the 2nd century AD to explore. As well as its unspoiled natural landscape, unique rural architecture of high value, costumes and embroidery, the Konavle region is well-known for its production of the wine of Dubrovnik, Malvasia, which can be an excellent dessert wine. Other varieties are also grown and produced here. Molunat is a fishing and tourist resort at the far southernmost tip of the Croatian coast, approximately 20 kilometres southeast of Cavtat and the airport in Čilipi. It is also well connected with this area.
At the very north of the riviera is Klek, surrounded with centuries-old olive trees and oleanders. It is an ideal destination for socialising with friends and family in a quieter environment, and there is also a large pebble beach which stretches along the waterfront the whole length of the village. From Klek, you could row over to Mali Ston in a wooden boat, or head to the Neretva delta or the Pelješac peninsula.
Pelješac
If your idea of the perfect holiday is first-class wine and shellfish combined with staying in a campsite along pebbly or sandy beaches, then you will not be disappointed on the Pelješac peninsula. This peninsula is the most well-known vineyard area of southern Croatia, and the wine from the Pelješac wine-cellars complements Mali Ston oysters perfectly. These delicacies from Mali Ston are reputed to possess aphrodisiac qualities. They were sought-after even in Renaissance times, when they were an indispensable part of the feasts of Dubrovnik's nobility. When it comes to the wines, dingač, postup and plavac mali are all native Pelješac varieties. The best way to get to know them would be to follow one of the many Pelješac wine-routes. Some larger places on the Pelješac peninsula are Orebić, Trpanj, Ston and Kućište, where the population occupies itself with farming oysters and mussels, fishing and tourism, as well as wine-growing.
Orebić
The biggest town on the Pelješac peninsula and home to numerous sailors and captains. You can discover the history of Orebić seafaring at the Maritime Museum which can be visited after your stay in the camps located in pristine nature, surrounded by lush vegetation which includes hundred-year-old pines, cypresses, olive trees, almonds, agaves and different types of flowers. Orebić also offers its guests long pebble beaches, the most famous of which is the Trstenica. There are also numerous coves with crystal clear waters. The hill of Sveti Ilija is with its altitude of 910 metres the highest part of Orebić. Here you can see a herd of mouflons and visit the archaeological site of Gornji Nakovanj, where traces of prehistoric man have been found. Above Orebić there is a plateau with a Franciscan monastery and the church of Our Lady of Angels. From here you have a wonderful view of Mljet and Korčula, and the coastline of Pelješac. For lovers of nature and excursions there are organised trips, walking tours, wine routes and visits to wine cellars. Kućište, which is 6 kilometres away, offers campers shady pebble beaches, sailing and surfing. There is also a restaurant with local specialities and famous Pelješac wines.
Korčula - Mljet
Korčula is the sixth-largest island in the Adriatic Sea. The Pelješac channel separates it from the Pelješac peninsula and the shortest distance between them both is 1,270 metres. The well-indented coast and a mild climate have been favourable to the development of tourism, which has a long tradition. Amongst other things, the island is interesting for its streets in fish-bone patterns. The largest settlement is Korčula town itself, which is believed to be the birthplace of Marco Polo. A great attraction for tourists, Korčula is proud of its traditional knights' sword-dance, the so-called moreška. The Cathedral of Saint Mark is the most beautiful Gothic-Renaissance monument in the old town of Korčula. It is also a treasure-trove with valuable works by local and foreign masters. Among some notable villages is Lumbarda which is well-known for its sandy beaches, and Vela Luka, an attractive tourist destination. From the latter you can reach the island of Lastovo and the Lastovo Archipelago Nature Park.
Not far from the island of Korčula is the island of Mljet, the greenest island in the Adriatic, a third of which is contained within the perimeter of the Mljet National Park. It was declared a national park due to its outstanding natural beauty and rich flora and fauna. In addition to these are numerous beaches, fish and lobster fishing grounds and numerous cultural and historical monuments, which make it an extremely attractive tourist destination. The Mljet National Park is the oldest marine park in the whole of the Mediterranean, and possesses two salt-water lakes: the Great and the Little Lake, with a Benedictine monastery on the island of Santa Maria. In the tranquillity of this densely wooded island, you will find a Roman palace, only lagging behind Diocletian's Palace in Split and the Arena in Pula in terms of size. Adventure on to discover Jama (the cave), which is also frequently known as the 'Odysseus cave'. The legend has it that it was this very cave where Odysseus took refuge for seven years after being shipwrecked, nursing his homesickness and longing for Penelope. There is yet more but discover the rest on your own!
Dalmatia - Dubrovnik
C A M P I N G
LUPIS Camping
This family-run camp is located on the Pelješac peninsula, only 10 m from the pebble beach, and it offers its guests, among other things, old-fashioned bicycles to go shopping in the local village market.
LUPIS Camping HR-20269 Lovište, Lovište 68 +385 (0)20 718 063 日 +385 (0)20 718 102 @ [email protected] www.peljesac-lupis.com 43°1'37" N, 17°1'52" E
In a place of rich maritime and tourist traditions, Viganj, on the southern coast of Pelješac, the Maestral campsite is situated right by the sea, and it is particularly attractive for lovers of windsurfing.
MAESTRAL Camping HR-20267 Viganj, Viganj bb C +385 (0)98 1969 847 @ [email protected] www.maestral-camping.hr 42°58'46" N, 17°6'20" E
ĐENKA Camping
Located in the village of Lovište, in the far north-west of the Pelješac Peninsula, this camp offers a family-friendly atmosphere in the shade of the pine trees, palm trees and olive trees.
- ĐENKA Camping
- HR-20269 Lovište, Lovište 185 +385 (0)20 718 069 +385 (0)20 688
- @ [email protected] www.denka.info
- 43°01'29.47" N, 17°02'4.87" E
Located on the Pelješac peninsula, near the village of Viganj, it is an ideal place for surfers and water sport lovers.
LIBERAN Camping HR-20267 Viganj, Viganj b.b. +385 (0)91 617 1666 @ [email protected] www.liberansurf.eu 42°58'46"N, 17°06'11"E
Antony Boy
Camping ★★★
Family-run, this campsite on the Pelješac peninsula in the village of Viganj, 6 km from Orebić, is exceptionally sports orientated, and is located along a 1 km long pebble beach, and for many it is the best place in Europe for windsurfing, and there is also a restaurant.
ANTONY BOY Camping HR-20267 Kućište, Viganj b.b. +385 (0)20 719 077 日 +385 (0)20 719 444 @ [email protected] www.antony-boy.com 42°58'43" N, 17°6'31" E
PERNA Camping
Located near Orebić, the Perna camp offers accommodation in mobile homes, as well as on its comfortable campgrounds. There is also a surfing center on the pebble beach which offers surfing lessons.
PERNA Camping HR-20267 Kućište, Kućište 44 +385 (0)1 644 6770 @ [email protected] www.mobile-homes-croatia.com 42°58'31" N, 17°7'51" E
Palme
Camping
The camp lies 5 km west of the town of Orebić. It is covered in Mediterranean vegetation, and a pebble beach lies along its lower edge. There are also mobile homes on offer.
合 HR-20267 Kućište, Kućište 45 +385 (0)98 954 2061 +385 (0)20 719 164 @ [email protected] www.kamp-palme.com 42°58'36" N, 17°7'46" E
NEVIO Camping
The campsite is located in the immediate vicinity of Orebić, and in a peaceful environment for a family holiday it offers, amongst other things, a restaurant where the menu has local food and Pelješac wine, plus views of the sea, the islands and the Pelješac Channel.
NEVIO Camping HR-20250 Orebić, Dubravica 15 +385 (0)20 713 100 @ [email protected] www.nevio-camping.com 42°58'51" N, 17°11'51" E
Lavanda
Camping
The Lavanda Camp is located on the northwest coast of the Pelješac peninsula, only 2 km from the town of Orebić. It offers accommodation with a unique view of the sea and the nearby islands of Korčula and Mljet. Numerous cycling and hiking trails are located in the immediate vicinity of the camp.
LAVANDA Camping HR-20250 Orebić, Dubravica 34 +385 (0)20 454 484 日 +385 (0)20 454 484 @ [email protected] www.lavanda-camping.com 42°58'59" N, 17°12'20" E
Located in Mokalo, amidst the shade of hundred-year-old pines and olive trees, the camp's family atmosphere includes a swimming pool, a diving center and berths for smaller vessels.
ADRIATIC Camping HR-20250 Orebić, Mokalo 6 C +385 (0)20 713 420 日 +385 (0)20 713 420 @ [email protected] www.adriatic-mikulic.hr 42°58'37" N, 17°13'30" E
It is situated in Mokal, a small place on the Pelješac peninsula, 5 km east of Orebić, and it shares the space with apartments and a bar alongside the beach where it is located.
VALA Camping 合 HR-20250 Orebić, Postup 69 +385 (0)98 165 3822 日 +385 (0)20 678 147 @ [email protected] www.vala-matkovic.com 42°58'36" N, 17°13'42" E
Zakono
Situated in the tourist village of Brijesta, on the Pelješac peninsula, in the shade of a pine forest, close to a pebble beach, the campsite offers its guests seafood delicacies made in a traditional way, as well as the opportunity of fishing.
ZAKONO Camping HR-20246 Brijesta, Brijesta 10 +385 (0)20 756 704 @ [email protected] www.brijesta-dubrovnik.camp 42°54'12" N, 17°31'58" E
PRAPRATNO Camping
Situated in the same-named cove, the campsite is 50 km from Dubrovnik. Surrounded by forests and olive groves, it has a pebble beach, and in its immediate vicinity is the town of Ston, as well as a naturist beach.
PRAPRATNO Camping
HR-20230 Ston, Prapratno
+385 (0)20 754
日 +385 (0)20 754
Port 9 Campsite by Aminess
The campsite is located 3 km for the town of Korčula, on the island of the same name, it is suitable for families with young children, and one part of the beach is sandy and the other is pebbly.
HR-20260 Korčula, Dubrovačka cesta
Zaglav Camping
+385 (0)52 858
ZAGLAV Camping
Situated in the north-west of the island of Lastovo, within the Lastovo Islands Nature Park, the Robinson-type Zaglav camp offers visitors a true experience of the Mediterranean in the shade of the pine trees, whose scent fills the air.
+385 (0)91 791 2948
Camping ★★
www.aminess-campsites.com
RIO Camping
www.camping-prapratno.com
42°49'4" N, 17°40'33" E
MINDEL Camping 合 HR-20270 Vela Luka, Stani 192 C +385 (0)20 813 600 日 +385 (0)20 813 600 @ [email protected] www.mindel.hr 42°59'3" N, 16°40'12" E
MINDEL Camping
+385 (0)20 692
Situated on the island of Korčula, 5 km from the town of Vela Luka, the campsite has many recreational sports grounds, and among its additional services it offers campsite guests excursions into the surroundings.
The Rio campsite is located 8 km from the small town of Opuzen, in the valley of the River Neretva, along a sandy beach, and it offers guests accommodation in the shade of olive trees, a restaurant, a beach bar and various sporting possibilities, as well as the tasting of local fruits and vegetables.
42°56'60" N, 17°8'30" E
日 +385 (0) 20 692
HR-20355 Opuzen, Put Zlatinovca
www.kampzaglav.hr
Located on the island of Mljet, in the village of Babino Polje, between the cave of Odysseus and the sandy beach "Sutmiholjska", this camp also includes a restaurant offering local specialities, and a swimming pool.
MUNGOS Camping
。 42°44'11" N, 17°32'54" E
42°44'49" N, 16°48'52" E
POD MASLINOM Camping HR-20234 Orašac, Donja Banda 7C C +385 (0)20 891 169 @ [email protected] www.orasac.com 42°41'59" N, 18°0'19" E
The campsite is situated in the village of Orašac, 11 km west of Dubrovnik, and via a little path through the pine forest it is linked to a little harbour from where day trips are organised to the islands of Koločep, Lopud and Šipan.
43°0'46" N, 17°28'6.9" E
KUPARI Camping
Situated in the small fishing and tourist village of Mlini, six kilometers from Dubrovnik and nine kilometers from Cavtat and the airport, surrounded by cypress and plane trees, and five minutes from the sand beach with the same name.
KUPARI Camping HR-20207 Mlini, Kuparsko polje 4 C +385 (0)20 487 307 +385 (0)20 487 559 @ [email protected] www.campkupari.com 42°37'28" N, 18°11'15" E
SOLITUDO Sunny Camping by Valamar HR-20000 Dubrovnik, Vatroslava Lisinskog 60 +385 (0)52 465 000 @ [email protected] Camping Adriatic 42°39'42" N, 18°4'19" E
SOLITUDO Sunny Camping by Valamar
Situated 6 km from the center of Dubrovnik, on the peninsula of Babin Kuk, right alongside a 250 m long beach with an excellent choice of fun activities and water sports, the campsite also offers accommodation in mobile homes, it has a bistro with various specialities, especially those from Dubrovnik, and a store.
You will discover continental Croatia best by travelling through Zagreb, Central Croatia and Slavonia. Magical hills, vineyards and castles stretch from the northwestern part of the country to the capital, Zagreb, whose popularity with world travellers continues to grow. In the easternmost part lies Slavonia, known for its top wines.
Central Croatia is bounded by the rivers Sava, Drava and Mura. An idyllic, hilly landscape strewn with vineyards is the familiar picture of the Croatian Zagorje region. Central both within the greater region of Central Croatia and Krapina-Zagorje county is the town of Krapina, in whose museum about the Krapina Neanderthals you can discover the life and culture of the Neanderthals whose remains were found here in the 19th century. This part of Croatia is known for its thermal spas, one of which is located in Tuhelj. The famous Tuhelj spa resort offers waters which are useful in treating various ailments. There is also a campsite there. While in Central Croatia, do not miss a visit to the Baroque town of Varaždin. Its cemetery with its garden architecture is a nature park of the highest grade. In late August the Baroque capital of Croatia, as it is often called,
becomes the Croatian capital of culture and entertainment with the widely known Špancirfest, a festival celebrating the town, and with many street acts. The charming castle of Trakošćan can also be found in Varaždin county, where you can learn all about the long history of this magnificent 13th century building. The castle is surrounded by a picturesque park with exotic trees. Other places to see in this county include Lepoglava, known for its lace, and Ludbreg, made famous by a legend which claims that this town is the center of the Earth. You will get to know the beauty of the Mura and Drava rivers best of all in Čakovec, the capital of Međimurje county; and you can get to know a little about the Celts in this area of Croatia if you visit Sisak, the capital of Sisak-Moslavina county, located at the confluence of the Kupa and Sava rivers. In the vicinity are the Lonjsko Polje Nature Park and Čigoć, a 'museum-village' of wooden architecture and home to storks. West of Sisak is the county of Zagreb. Among the larger towns here is Samobor, within the Žumberak-Samobor Highlands Nature Park, which offers visitors its long carnival tradition and its kremšnita: a custard, cream and puff-pastry cake. There is also the town of Sveta Nedelja, where, in the nearby village of Kerestinec, is a castle from the Erdödy dynasty. The true heart of Croatia is Zagreb, which is becoming an increasingly important tourist destination. The foundations of the city were built over centuries, with first mention of the city in the 11th century. The city was first known as a unified whole from the 19th century, upon the connection of Gradec and Kaptol, two settlements located on neighbouring hilltops.
With this union two previously-conflicting peoples were merged: in Gradec, citizens, artisans and merchants; and on Kaptol, priests. The street of Krvavi most ('bloody bridge') tells of these relations, located where the bridge over the Medveščak stream once linked (or, in this case, separated) the Kaptol of the bishops and the royal city of Gradec, and where numerous residents spilled blood in conflict with their neighbours, although the exact number of deaths over the years remains unknown is area inspired the Croatian writer Marija Jurić Zagorka to begin her famous series 'The Witch from Grič' with the historical novel 'The Secret of the Bloody Bridge'. Today, the oldest parts of Zagreb, Gradec and Kaptol, are among the most beautiful and best preserved secessionist city cores in Europe. They are linked by the legend of their underground tunnels, some of which lead to Medvedgrad, a fort located on the southern slopes of Medvednica. Before you head to this mountain north of Zagreb, visit Kamenita vrata ('the Stone gate'), on Grič, another name for Gradec. This formed a part of the defensive fortifications of the historic village, and in its passage is the Chapel of Our Lady of the Stone Gate, the patron saint of the city. In today's Upper Town the Church of Saint Mark can also be found. It is one of the oldest buildings in Zagreb and is located in Saint Mark's Square, which is also the political center of Croatia. In the square are Banski dvori, the seat of the government and building of the Croatian government.
Every day on the dot at noon, a cannon is fired from the Lotrščak tower on Grič to mark the middle of the day. The Klovićevi Dvori Gallery is one of the most significant destinations in Zagreb and Croatia for those who love culture. Located in the Jesuit monastery of the Upper Town, the Gallery is home to some of the greatest artworks in the world, along with Croatian artworks from various periods and contemporary art. There is also the Museum of Broken Relationship, in which memories of wrecked love are exhibited. The Upper and Lower towns are physically connected today, notably by the popular funicular, which is the shortest funicular in the world used for public transport. In a minute or less, you can descend into the Lower Town, then along Ilica, the longest street in Zagreb, reach the central square in Zagreb, Ban Jelačić. Onwards from there you can also reach what for some is the most recognisable part of Zagreb, the Neo-Gothic Zagreb Cathedral on Kaptol square.
To reach the eight parks of the so-called Lenuzzi horseshoe, you can stroll across the Dolac market, where you can try domestic homegrown foods.
The Medvednica Mount feels rather like a city park, due to its location near Zagreb and due to its landscaped trails, historical monuments and recreational facilities. It is a favourite resort for locals, whose love of time spent outdoors also draws them Zagreb's Jarun Lake, or to its famous beach and promenade situated along the Sava river, or to the Maksimir Park. Due to its neo-Renaissance arcades, tombs of prominent figures from Croatian political and cultural life, and a large number of gravestones that are the work of famous sculptors, the Mirogoj cemetery is also well-known as a tourist destination. On your trip around the region, do visit Slavonia, which, together with Baranja, forms the easternmost part of Croatia. The area is sometimes known as the 'Breadbasket of Croatia' and indeed it is one of the most fertile regions in Europe. A number of well-known Croatian attractions are located here, including the Kopački rit Nature Park. As well as being declared a nature park in 1976, Kopački rit was also added to a list of important ornithological areas. It is considered to be one of the most unspoiled fluvial-wetland plains in Europe. As for the biodiversity of the Park, it suffices to say that the list of plants known to grow here is still expanding. The park is only 13km from Osijek, the fourth largest city in Croatia and capital of Osijek-Baranja county. The landscape around Osijek is filled with vineyards, which produce some of the best Croatian wines. You can taste them in the region's cellars, which they say are some of the oldest in Europe.
More information about Central Croatia is available at www.tzm.hr, about Slavonia at www.tzzps.hr, and about the City of Zagreb at www.zagreb-touristinfo.hr.