Biokovo is above the town Brist

Mountain Biokovo. Biokovo is above the town Brist. This mountain has the highest peak ( 1762m) in Croatia. Biokovo is under the protection of the state. It offers many activities. Hiking and climbing are very popular. Hikers will enjoy their walk. Along the way, they can stop to see two churches – the church from the 11th century (the place where Father A.K.Miosic was born) and St. Margarita church from the 15th century. Tourists can also visit Paskal above Gradac and other places which are famous of their cultural – historical monuments. "Biokovo Activ holiday" agency will organize climbing and speleology tours for tourists. Hunting is also possible.
Biokovo is the largest and highest mountain in Dalmatia. It rises vertically from the Adriatic Coast to height of 1762 m. Because of it’s geographical position, Biokovo is a mountain that has continental as well as Mediterranean climate, so various plant species of both worlds meet and live next to each other. There are lot of caves and pits around Biokovo and very often one can meet wild muflon as well as various bird species and foxes too.Hvar viewThe Biokovo Botanical Garden Kotisina has been established in 1984 above the village of Kotisina, a horticultural monument (16.5 hectares) aimed at nature conservation and protection of the Biokovo plant life.EndemicThe views from Biokovo are spectacular – on the clear day one can see all Dalmatian islands as well as large part of Dalmatian coast to the south, and to the north, towns of Vrgorac and Imotski and their surrounding villages. Sometimes, when it’s very clear, one can see a peak of Monte Gargano in Italy too.The coastal town of Makarska, that lies on the very south edge of Biokovo is seen from Biokovo as a amazing bay with tiny little houses placed in the rows around it. The nature park Biokovo dominating above Makarska Riviera, is the good destination for botanists as well as walkers and cyclist. The beauty of Biokovo has always attracted explorers and visitors and you are likely to be thrilled too. What is the best way to get to know it. There are over thirty marked trails leading up the mountain on the seaward side and eight on the landward side. On your way up, you will pass ancient villages on the foothills of the magnificent rocky mountain: Gornja Brela, Topici, Bast, Veliko Brdo, Makar, Kotisina, Gornji Tucepi, Gornja Podgora and Gornje Igrane on the seaward side, and Kozica, Rascane, Zupa, Biokovsko Selo, Rastovac, Zagvozd and Zadvarje on the other side of the mountain. A main hiking trail transverses the mountain - the Biokovo Mountain Trail with its twenty control points. However, one should not forget that Biokovo deserves full respect and therefore should be well-prepared for the ascent. The weather conditions can change in a moment, no surface water is to be found and any deviation from the marked trail entails some risk. Hiking boots, backpack, spare clothing, raincoat, drinking water, some chocolate and a good map of the Park are the items you will surely need. Climbing the steepest ascent in Croatian mountains at dawn, you will be surprised to learn that the people of Biokovo once used the same trails to carry hay and potatoes or drive their livestock to pasture. Biokovo is the mountain that one can visit either by car or bicycle as well as on foot from various parts of Adriatic coast and Makarska Riviera. There is public transport service going from Makarska and surrounding area to Biokovo Mountain. Access from the coast : Makarska - Makar - Vosac - Sveti Jure (5 hrs 30 min) or Makarska - Tucepi - Staza - Sveti Jure (asphalted road, 31 km).

Papuk mountain, Croatia

Papuk is a mountain in Slavonia, on the northern and north-western border of the Požeška valley. Springs and sources of many water bodies, vegetation si of the forest type. Thanks to the Voćin nobleman Josip Janković, the central part of Papuk was arranged in the first half of the 19th century. Mountaineering societies were also founded, the first one 1895 in Jankovac. After the construction of mountain huts and other facilities and the marking of trails, Papuk became a frequent destination of excursionists and mountaineers.
Papuk is popular walkers and hikers destination from mid 19th century, when local nobleman had a vision and started to create park of nature at Papuk around Jankovac Lake. Ever since then, walkers and hikers from all over Slavonia were visiting Papuk, enjoying it's spring waters and revitalizing forest, mainly oak and beach, vegetation. Papuk has a several water springs - Cadavica, Karasica and Pakra - that add to attractiveness of the area as well as to freshness in the warm summer months. Another tradition on Papuk is wine growing, so southern slopes of Papuk are full of tidy vineyards that are maintain by local wine growers.
There are several mountain lodges and visitors facilities on Papuk : the mountain lodge Lapjak (335 m) 3 km from Velika, the thermal spa Toplice (296 m) in the near vicinity of Velika, the mountain hut Trisnjica located 7 km from the Lapjak lodge. Also, facilities of the mountain rescue team on Nevolja (725 m), the ski-lift above Jezerce and mountain lodge Jankovac (475 m) on the northern side of Papuk.Usual accesses to Papuk is via Lapjak lodge, Duboka, Jezerce and Nevolja (takes about 2 hrs) as well as Lapjak lodge, Maliscak to Papuk (takes about 4 hrs).
Access by road is from Lapjak lodge - Velicanka spring - Jankovac (16 km); or to Velika Papuk peak (17 km). The asphalted road from Velika to Jankovac runs through the highest part of Papuk - Nevolja Prelaz with heights of around 700 m.

Diving tourism in Croatia

Diving tourism in Croatia has been increasing in popularity 1996, following the cessation of war activities in Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Annual growth in the number of tourists has been between 15 and 20%, and with it grew the number of professional diving centres organized in the near vicinity of the most attractive locations along the coastline, in order to enable divers from all over the world to abandon themselves to enjoying the Croatian submarine world, while at the same time being able to feel secure under professional supervision and with all the necessary safety measures in place. Today, the number of registered and licensed diving centres exceeds 100, with the largest number being located in Istria and Kvarner, and in the area of Central Dalmatia. Undoubtedly the most attractive diving locations in the Adriatic are underwater cliff faces and reefs, caves and the wrecks of ships and aeroplanes. The Croatian land mass ranks among the most specific in the world: Dalmatia itself lies on karst, full of crevices, caves, sink holes and channels. Based on the number of caves so far discovered on land it is estimated that there are at least 1500 underwater caves and holes still undiscovered in the Adriatic. In addition to plant and animal species endemic to the Adriatic, which are a highly sought-after target for photo and video safaris, the most attractive locations are those which conceal traces of times gone by: archaeological localities and underwater wrecks. The oldest localities containing the remains of sunken ships date from the times of Antiquity, and are to be found on the ancient trading routes leading from Greece towards northern Italy, and all the colonies founded along that route on the shores of the Adriatic: Cavtat (Epidaurus), Mljet (Meleda), Korcula ( Kokira), Hvar ( Pharos), Vis (Issa), Split (Asphalatos / Spalatum), Solin (Salona), Trogir (Tragurium), Rogoznica (Heracleia), anchorage sites in the Kornati archipelago (Zirje, Lavsa, Murter), the wider area of Sibenik and Zadar (Liburnia / Jadera), Pula (Pola), Roman villas on the Brijuni islands, and many other micro-locations once used by ancient mariners as refuges and anchorages. In the Middle Ages trades links between Italy and the Middle East intensified, Venice became a booming trading metropolis, towns along the Croatian littoral experience strong development (Dubrovnik, Split, Zadar, Pula); naval battles of the 19th and 20th centuries leave their traces on the sea bed. Since WWII many wrecks have been lifted from the bottom of the sea (particularly along the Istrian coast), but there remains a considerable number of wrecks available to sports divers. Those at greater depths are still biding their time, waiting to be discovered and researched. It is our desire to present all those special qualities to the world tourist market, particularly at nautical and diving fairs. This is why the Croatian National Tourist Board believes that a readily identifiable, attractive and exclusive approach to the promotion of diving tourism as a very young and promising, and highly specific branch of tourism, is very important indeed. Legislative regulation regarding underwater activities in Croatia is still in the phase of defining the final legal provisions, the aim being to regulate development of diving tourism in the most effective way, based on practice and application, while at the same time preserving the wealth of the Adriatic underwater world and to increase diving safety. According to current regulations it is possible to dive in Croatian waters if one has valid permission (annual diving identity card at a cost of 100 HRK per annum, and individual Permission for independent underwater activities, costing 2400 HRK per annum. Should tourist diving activity be planned in the registered diving centres (presented in this catalogue), then individual permission is not necessary. There are zones where diving is prohibited even with individual permission. These are those zones under special protection by the Ministry of Culture, and diving in those areas may be allowed but only when accompanied by a diving guide from an authorized diving centre. In other words, you can dive anywhere in the Adriatic provided that you are accompanied by a professional guide (diving guide or diving instructor) whose job is to take ensure your safety and to show you diving locations in a direct and informed way. Every professionally organized diving centre fulfils all the conditions required to make your diving trip a safe, interesting and unforgettable experience.

Medvednica Nature Park as never seen before

by Karmen Horvat translation & foto Siniša Buzan
If you saw these photos without knowing where they were taken, you never would have guessed it was Medvednica hill.
ZAGREB, CROATIA – Green Zagreb heaven, only several kilometres away from the city centre and stuffy streets, is a real treat for all who love peace and quiet. Of course, we are talking about the Medvednica Nature Park in Mount. Sljeme, which was visited by many Zagreb citizens this weekend.
During infernal August days, many pensioners set out to find some shade, who, unlike “children of the astroturf”, see nothing interesting in dull cars which create traffic jams. They took a minute for themselves, let themselves loose and enjoyed the wonderful and enticing locations of this protected part of nature.
Fresh air, birds chirping and green vegetation is a real refreshment of Zagreb, and walking along a spring, everyone who decided on this trip left their worries at home and watched the wonders of Medvednica with a smile of their face.
Whether it is running, riding a bike or simply walking, accompanied by sons and grandsons, all recreationals had fun and on the path towards the top of Medvednica, Sljeme, it is best to take a break in a restaurant, on wooden benches, which will additionally calm your nerves and get all the negative energy out of your body.

Beach party in Croatia

POREC, CROATIA – Sun and warm weather are back again and attracted tourists on the beached. The guests of the beach party on Porec’s beach of Brulo were pleasantly surprised with an unusual attraction – young bar tender Ivan Maric, on the sound of salsa, prepared famous cocktails Porecki Osmijeh (Smile of Porec) on the beach below the hotel Valamar Rubin.
Ivan prepared a hundred cocktails in ten minutes with the help of his father, Mirko Maric, also a bar tender. His father created the Porecki Osmijeh cocktail in 2003 and it made the Croatian record in preparing the biggest Croatian cocktail. He made 200 litres of his drink within only 25 minutes.

Porec beach party
Although it is a family traditions, the Marics revealed us the recipe for the cocktail which has become the trade mark of Porec.
For one glass you need: 2 cl of vodka, 2 cl of triple sect, 2 cl of blue curacaa, 7 cl of orange juice and 7 cl of pineapple juice.
Many guests cheered for the young bar tender, but despite an excess of time, the guests obviously were more than happy with the hundred cocktails which ran out immediately.

Did you know ?

Croatia has been announced as Lonely Planet Staffers' number one destination for 2005. Croatia won the first place, followed by China, Argentina, USA, Italy und Costa Rica. - Michelin Europe Tourist and Motoring Atlas puts Croatia on the front page of its 2005. edition, - USTOA chose Dubrovnik as the host of their 2006. Annual Conference, On July 17th 2005, “New York Times” publishes an article “In Croatia, A New Riviera Beckons”, Croatia was the favourite ''last minute'' destination of German tourists last summer, shows a poll conducted by the European Tourism Institute (ETI), National Geographic Adventure announces Croatia as number one “Hot Adventure Destination” in 2006.

a european tourist destination

ITALY:
If you are looking for a European tourist destination, consider the Isle of Capri in the Bay of Naples. This tourist attraction popular with jet setters and many others lies in the Campania region of southwestern Italy on the Tyrrhenian Sea. Frankly, Capri is the opposite of undiscovered; it ranks with Rome, Florence, and Venice at the top of Italian tourist destinations. In fact, it is probably one of the most visited little islands in the world. Make sure to see our other articles on Campania destinations in this series; they cover Campania's capital city Naples, the historic ruins east of Naples, the area west of Naples, and finally Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast.

EGYPT:

If you’re traveling in Egypt, you’re in for a treat. Egypt is a country steeped in ancient history and fascinating culture. With their intriguing archaeological riches, gorgeous and long-standing artistic traditions, and friendly, hospitable customs, Egypt is truly a wonderful place to visit. If you’re planning a trip to Egypt soon, here’s what to expect from its culture and people.

MADRID:

Have you thought about a vacation to Madrid? You can plan a cheap holiday in Madrid and enjoys days of sightseeing and relaxing. The nightlife is something to experience. La Venencia is a fun club to visit as well as La Fidula and Café Central. Oh yes, these are some great places to enjoy the culture of Spain. If you need something a little more hip and fast, the Club Joy Estava will settle your need for a fast night. The city of Madrid really comes to life after the sun goes down. It is a fantastic time and you meet some great people.

SICILY:

When you plan your cheap holiday in Sicily, you are going to be pleasantly surprised at how much fun you will have. The first place you want to visit is the Aeolian Islands. The islands are full of volcanic activities and the scenery is a true delight. The Mediterranean Sea surrounds the islands and the valley and mountains offer some fantastic hiking adventures. You will find that the islands are more symbolic to the sea than one could imagine. To see the islands from a boat is the most beautiful sight one could ever imagine. If you have seen pictures, they do not do justice to the actual sight.