If you are craving for quality rest and breathtaking scenery one of the most important decision would be how to spend your holidays. The excitement starts right here. What activity to choose, what about the location or what are the specialties of local cuisine?
Dream terrain for cyclists
Croatia seems to be an ideal country for an active holiday, especially for a cycling one. This Mediterranean and continental country with lots of diversities seem to provide the most picturesque and perfect terrain to fulfill a cyclist’s dream. Cycling through lavender fields, vineyards, olive plantations, beaches, fishing villages, forests, and National parks is truly enjoyable. (The connection between nature and man in this enchanting country is so pronounced that you will feel right where you should be.)
Picture this: You are resting beside your mountain bike on the cliff a few hundred meters above sea level and there is Dubrovnik on your palm, an ancient town where the Game of Thrones was filmed.
Imagine that you are cruising on two wheels through Zadar to meet the most beautiful sunset in the world, as Alfred Hitchcock declared, while you are listening to the pipe organ played by the sea.
You’ll be more impressed with the surrounding of stunning travertines, barriers, waterfalls, and lakes in Plitvice National park, listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. If that isn’t good enough, there is the longest zip line in Europe to impress you.
Why is Croatia so interesting?
Expectations go beyond the transcendental nature in Croatia. Almost every corner of the country exudes with interesting stories about history and cultural heritage. Here are some interesting facts and excellent reasons to visit this country.
WINE AND FOOD HEAVEN
Thanks to the Greeks’ influence from two and a half thousand years ago, Croatia makes one of the best wines in the world. Interesting fact; DNA tests have proven that Zinfandel grape variety originates from Croatia. This country can stand confidently on the Gastronomical World Stage because of incredible produce: from the olive oil and cheeses, fresh seafood, excellent beef, fruits, and vegetables bursting with flavor… (and with 130 local grape varieties and countless awards Croatia has an impressive wine list. Imagine your ‘hands get dirty’ at local fishermen’s nights with a plate full of fresh grilled fish and the large glass of domestic wine while waiting for the main local dish comes to the table…)
STUNNING SCENERY
At least 10% of the land in Croatia is made up of 8 national parks, 11 nature parks, and two nature reserves. Croatia has the highest number of UNESCO Intangible Goods of any European country together with Spain.
In the 1960s, Paklenica National Park and Plitvice Lakes doubled as the American Wild West in 11 movies film about the fictional native American hero Winnetou. For those who love the great outdoors, it will not be an ordinary experience but the one to remember for life.
CLIMATE IN CROATIA
Because of 2,715 hours of sunshine a year, you will find people in Croatia very lucky. For example, that’s more than people living in Sydney, Australia get. The Croatia Climate is classified as Csa Climate; a warm temperate Mediterranean climate with dry, warm summers and moderate, wet winters with the warmest month above 22°C over average.
CITIES IN DALMATIA
• According to Alfred Hitchcock, the seaside city of Zadar in Dalmatia holds the title of the best sunset in the world. Also, this town is known for the world’s first pipe organ played by the sea.
• One of the most beautiful cities in the world, Split, is hiding a genuine Egyptian sphinx thanks to Emperor Diocletian who had it brought in from Egypt to adorn the entrance to his tomb.
• In the Ston, a town on the south coast, you can find The Walls of Ston which are the longest preserved fortification system in the world after the Great Wall of China.
• Makarska with one of the most stunning beaches in the world also is the world’s most comprehensive collection of shells and snails.
• In the Northwest of Croatia, you’ll find the world’s smallest town called ‘Hum’ It has a population of between 17 and 23.
SPA TREATMENTS
Croatia is rich with mineral water springs that were once great favorites of the Romans. Many of the springs have become renowned health and wellness centers replete with hotels, pools, fitness centers and a variety of curative treatments. For example, Tuhelj peloid mud ranks among the four best healing muds in Europe and it is therefore used also in other spas… It’s really easy to pamper yourself in the lap of luxury with first-rate restaurants, impeccable service, cutting-edge design and the latest in relaxation techniques. The thermal spas are generally in northern or eastern Croatia.
AND OTHER INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT CROATIA
Here are some interesting facts you didn’t know.
• Croatian Slavoljub Penkala was the inventor of the mechanical pencil.
• Nikola Tesla was born in Smiljan, Croatia.
• Rice chocolate was invented in Croatia in 1963 at the Zvečevo factory in the western Slavonian city of Požega.
• Croatia has the richest collection of remains of Neanderthal people in the world.
• Croatian writer Marko Marulić is credited with the first known use of the word psychology meaning the science of the soul.
• The necktie originates from Croatia. It was Croatian soldiers who first wore it while they served as mercenaries for the King of France.
• Also, Dalmatian Klapa singing is protected by UNESCO
When it comes to Croatia, even the smallest bite will give you the taste to remember for life. Tours like 7 Days Leisure Cycling Holiday in Dalmatia, 5 Days Leisure Cycling & SPA Holiday, 4 Days of Mountain Bike and Boat Adventure in Northern Kvarner and Velebit will make your holiday memorable.
P.R.