Travel Guides: All Countries / Europe / Croatia
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| | | | A Croatian jewel
We enjoyed a last minute holiday in Rovinj, an absolute gem on the Istrian peninsular.
Historic buildings (they call it Little Venice), coupled with turquoise seas and narrow cobbled streets - paradise!.
And never has paradise been so cheap. Our fully inclusive hotel, The Park, was located a ten minute stroll from all the action.
A wonderfull holiday with First Choice.
Travel Guide: Croatia
From wine to health spas
Compared with its European neighbours, Slovenia is an undiscovered gem in terms of British tourism.
Hidden between Italy, Croatia and the Czech Republic, Slovenia has something for everyone - from its lush mountain scenery and sprawling vineyards to its natural spas and medieval towns.
A trip there is like stepping back in time - oozing natural beauty and rustic charm.
Natural thermal springs are abundant in Slovenia and many tourist resorts have been built around them.
The Terme Catex resort, known as the "Thermal Riviera", is among the biggest offering indoor and outdoor pools and spas, massage jets and waterslides.
The natural waters are noted for their healing properties and treat a variety of ailments such as back pain, arthritis and diabetes.
If you enjoy being pampered, then a stay at the Hotel Terme, located in Slovenia's Terme Catez health resort, would be your idea of pure heaven.
The hotel offers a range of luxurious body treatments - from aromatherapy massages to reflexology sessions.
From as little as £12, you can have a two-hour Roman/Irish bath, which begins with a sauna and ends in a half-hour snooze on an inflatable airbed.
Traditional Slovenian food is a tad stodgy and centres around meat such as pork and duck. Dishes are accompanied with specialities such as mushroom soup with zganzi - dumplings made of flour and wheat and mlinci, a salty pasta dish made with flour and water.
A 15-minute drive from the health resort of Terme Catex will take you into the heart of Bizeljsko, a major wine producing district of Slovenia.
Here, row upon row of luscious green grape vines make up the landscape - they grow in such abundance that even the local school has its own vineyard.
Visitors can take a "wine road" tour of the area to sample the wide variety of wines that are lovingly produced there.
Travel Guide: Croatia
Ideal for meandering
I visited Opatija two weeks ago. A beautiful town with lovely architecture, particularly Angiolina Park and Villa. An interesting, winding walkway goes for miles along the coast.
Many smaller harbours and interesting nooks and crannies, ideal for meandering, with lots of cafes to rest at.
Also visited Istrian area, Rovinj, Pula and Porec, on a day trip - all architecturally interesting and Rovinj particularly scenic with meandering alleyways and quaint shops.
The people are friendly and helpful. The only drawback is the beaches - in Opaija there are some small bays but most beaches are of the concrete lido type.
Everything was clean and Opatija is a good place to explore on foot. The Harbour cafe is a particularly good place to while away an hour or so.
Travel Guide: Croatia
Risen from the ashes
Dubrovnik, one of the world's great cities, has been devastated several times in its lengthy history.
The city was crushed in an earthquake in 1667 and more lately savaged by the civil war in what was Yugoslavia.
In 1991 and 1992, 2,000 shells fell on the city - many people were killed, there was $10m of damage, homes were destroyed and looted, and the water supply was cut off.
Today you can hardly tell how much the old city of Dubrovnik was damaged, apart from a map at the entry to the city showing where the shells hit.
Replacing the area's distinctive roofs was a priority in order to preserve the interiors of the buildings. Repair workers could not find enough yellow tiles so they had to use red.
They still need a few decades of weathering to bring the character back.
Some 28 out of Dubrovnik's 50 hotels have now reopened. Some have taken the opportunity to modernise but others still feel dated.
With nearly half the accommodation shut there is a shortage of rooms, especially in the festival season of July and August when it is busy.
As it also gets particularly hot then it is better to go at the beginning or end of the season.
Dubrovnik is a city to see on foot. Enter the gates and just wander the streets worn shiny with millions of footsteps. Visit the cathedral, palaces and museums or head for the walls that surround the city - but only if you are prepared for a climb.
Most people come here to see the city and take in the culture, but Dubrovnik is on the coast and there is plenty of opportunity for relaxation.
There are beaches, albeit not very pretty ones, close to the city. Choose a hotel away from the town where the shoreline is better.
Many run a water taxi into the old city and there are regular bus services and reasonably-priced taxis.
For a relaxing day away from the city bustle, take a boat ride to the island of Lokrum nearby. It has an inland lake, which is good for children, and a naturist beach.
There are other trips to the Elafiti Islands where there are beaches and trails to explore.
Dubrovnik is ideal for a city break but the beaches and islands make it worth a longer holiday.
Travel Guide: Croatia
Packed with historical treasures
I went to Opatija and Novigrad 20 years ago, before I revisited last year and it was as though time had stood still.
The people are friendly, the food is delicious and the scenery beautiful.
It makes for a relaxing and interesting holiday. Dubrovnik is equally as beautiful and packed with historical treasures.
Travel Guide: Croatia
Captured by Croatia
Croatia is a must-see European destination, writes Teletext viewer Ian Davies, from Denbigh.
The country we once knew as being part of Yugoslavia certainly lived up to expectations - and more.
A plush self-catering apartment in a little place named Plat, a few miles south of Dubrovnik, was to be our home for seven days. First impressions really did count and we were not disappointed.
This area is green, lush, unspoilt and spotlessly clean. Just imagine if your favourite Greek island met one of the Italian Lakes. It is probably unfair to make comparisons as Croatia really is something special.
It was the perfect break and just what my partner and I wanted after a hectic time with elections back home in North Wales, what with me having just become a local councillor.
Settling into our new surroundings was easy. We relaxed straight away, assisted by the hot sun, a beautiful location, friendly people and excellent cuisine.
We found a lovely restaurant only a short walk up the road from our base. Newly opened, the King Taverna was first-class, offering Mediterranean-style food cooked to order. Dishes ranged from fresh fish platters to steaks, salads and grilled chicken. The parma ham and melon starter was simply to die for.
A sea cruise to the three inhabited islands of Kolocep, Sipan and Lopud, with lunch and musical entertainment thrown in, was among the highlights of our week-long stay.
We also enjoyed a day out in Dubrovnik, walking the historic city walls and taking in amazing, panoramic views. A couple of boat trips to the nearby resorts of Cavtat and Mlini were first rate too.
Our holiday in Croatia will always be memorable. It was a welcome change of scenery and excellent value for money.
My advice is to discover it now before commercialisation takes over.
Travel Guide: Croatia
A breathtaking holiday
We have just returned from Croatia. We stayed in Lapad near Dubrovnik. It was our second visit - last year we stayed in Makarska.
We cannot think of a better place to spend a holiday. It really is perfect. Sun, scenery, history, hospitality, reasonable prices all add up to a wonderful holiday.
People are put off by the recent war, of course there is evidence that this occurred but in no way does it affect one's enjoyment.
All in all it is an idyllic place, made even better as we were filmed for the Holiday programme on the last day. Such fun, even if we are cut out in the editing, we still have the photos with Craig Doyle and the crew.
A wonderful end to a breathtaking holiday.
Travel Guide: Croatia
Stunning coastline
Mention you're going on holiday in the Balkans and prepare for jokes about packing a flak-jacket and a tin hat.
After all, isn't the former Yugoslavia a war-ravaged mess, where blue-helmeted peacekeepers patrol shot-up streets?
In Croatia this couldn't be further from the truth. Its bloody war is long over and nowadays you'd be hard pushed to find a more peaceful and laid back destination in the Med.
The country boasts hundreds of miles of stunning coastline, more than 1,000 islands and a climate that's the perfect antidote to the dishonest British summer.
Throw in great watersports, a crystal clear sea and stunning monuments, and it makes a good low-cost destination, especially out of high season.
Gazing out on the glass-like sea which separates Croatia from Italy, you'd be forgiven for thinking the narrow Adriatic was just one huge mirror.
Northern towns such as Opatija and Rovinj, with their terracotta roofs and pastel-washed buildings, are almost a mirror reflection of their Italian neighbours.
And this connection runs deeper - to the pit of your stomach. You'll enjoy great cooking here, especially fish.
In Rovinj, climb the spiralling tower of St Euphemia, the guardian saint who washed up on the town's shores in the Middle Ages. Perched 90 metres above the sea, you have all the elements of Croatia in one vista - shimmering sea, forested islands and charming towns.
Travel Guide: Croatia
Too much to do to laze around
Having wanted to visit Croatia for a couple of years, my husband and I decided to go there in July. He wasn't as keen as I was but by the end of our week's holiday, he had to admit what a lovely place it was....
....especially when he found he could drink what is known locally as "dark beer" for about £1 a pint in a bar overlooking the harbour!
We stayed in the small town of Cavtat, which is about 18km from Dubrovnik. Out hotel was set in a pine forest overlooking the picturesque bay.
Dubrovnik could be seen in the distance and the hotel's viewing area gave us a breathtaking, panoramic view of miles of crystal-clear waters and islands dotted along the craggy coastline.
The sunsets in Croatia had picture postcard beauty.
One day we visited the island of Mijet, a national park which we reached by hydrofoil. It has two saltwater lakes, with another island in the middle where there was a Benedictine monastery.
Another day, we visited Montenegro - again, a delightful excursion. After a short wait at the border, we were driven on a scenic, coastal route.
As the coach climbed way, way up into the mountains, breathtaking views would appear around every corner. It wasn't for the faint-hearted, which included me, as we seemed to miraculously hang on to the edge of the mountainside.
Traffic from the other direction caused me to shut my eyes lots of times. But I couldn't help but wonder at the beauty.
On our holiday, we visited Dubrovnik both by road and sea. I don't know which journey I enjoyed the most.
A walk around the old city walls is a must as the views are impressive. But in 90F heat, it can be exhausting.
We didn't have time to laze about as there was so much to do. To anyone thinking of visiting Croatia, I would say go, and see a lovely, friendly country. You won't be dissapointed.
Travel Guide: Croatia
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| | | | Medieval wonders
Lying near the Croatian border lies Brezice, one of Slovenia's largest and most charming municipalities.
Here, you can experience the wonders of the medieval Castle Mokrice, which has been converted into a luxury hotel. The gothic surroundings make it the ideal setting for a romantic weekend.
You can also spend a few hours at the Pleterje Charterhouse, a 500-year-old monastery, home to 17 monks.
With its Renaissance, baroque and Art Nouveau architecture, the capital city of Ljubljana provides the visitor with a rich cultural experience.
From the bridges designed by celebrated architect Joze Plecnik to the trendy, cosmopolitan bars, Ljubljana caters for every taste and age.
The best way of seeing the sights is to book a tour. The city's tourist centre offers three-hour to full-day trails.
Getting there: Slovenia's national airline, Adria Airways, operates flights from Gatwick to Ljubljana.
Currency: The Slovenian Tolar.
Cost: A week half-board at the Hotel Terme costs from £419 with Thomson - http://www.thomsonlakesandmountains.co.uk or contact them on 0870 606 1470.
More info: Slovenian Tourist Board, 49 Conduit Street, London W1S 2YS.
Brilliant coastline
Croatia has a lot more to offer than just Dubrovnik. It has a fantastic coastline with a dramatic drive up to Split which takes about five hours.
Along the way is Makarska, a busy resort with a wide promenade of cafes and bars. It also has pebble beaches.
The resort is about two hours drive from Dubrovnik, and holiday company Thomson plans to combine them in a two centre holiday next summer.
There are direct flights to Dubrovnik from Gatwick and Manchester which take under three hours. Other flights are via Zagreb so take longer.
The currency is the kuna which you can't get in the UK but the German mark is also acceptable.
Travel facts:
Thomson Lakes and Mountains brochure has seven-night holidays in Dubrovnik from £365 in May to £595 in July and August. 0870 606 147
* Have you go a story from your holidays? Send it to: Travel Desk, Teletext, Building 10, Chiswick Park, Chiswick High Road, London, W4 5TS. Or go here.
Or you can e-mail it to us at: traveldesk@teletext.co.uk. Please don't forget to include your name and full address.
You could be in line to win a £20 book voucher as part of the My holiday competition.
Of all the towns on the Istrian (north Adriatic) coast, Porec is the most popular with tourists.
More in the kiss-me-quick vein than Rovinj, it's nonetheless dripping in history - from ruined Roman temples to a breathtaking Byzantine church.
By Croatian standards it's also a bit of a nightspot - with discos and beach bars that stay open till the last shot has been sunk and the sun's on its way.
Of the 1,185 islands that dot the country's rocky coastline, only 66 are inhabited.
The rest are either reserved for the Croatian high and mighty or untouched.
Brijuni is one of the former and well worth a surreal tour. As Marshal Tito's personal playground, it's packed with "gifts" the ex-leader amassed - tour his private safari park, containing zebras and elephants, in the Cadillac that once ferried Fidel Castro around.
Nestling between wooded mountains and the crystal clear sea, Opatija is one of the jewels of the Istrian Riviera.
Built as a bolthole for Europe's aristocrats, the town exudes an opulent charm, with refined parks, beautiful architecture and a laid back luxury.
If you tire of life on the sun lounger, head to the Ucka National Park for some great hiking and the chance to spot eagles, bears and fantastic views.
Sun-starved Brits will find Croatia's climate great - summer highs average 26-30C/79-86F and nights are cool.
However, the rocky shorelines that make it a first-rate destination for divers mean few sandy beaches - a problem for young kids and those without Teflon-lined feet.
Crystal Holidays has seven-night breaks in Porec and Opatija from £340 in late September. 0870 8880252.
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| | Available rental properties in Croatia |
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| |  | | Villa Dubravka
Very attractive and best located villas in close vicinity of city of Dubrovnik, cultural and historical tourist destination on Mediterranean.
|  | | Bjela Kuca
Stunning sea views over Korcula, 5 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms, sleeps 10 all rooms have a balcony, car parking, on site management.
|  | | Art Studio Villa
Apartment is a part of the art studio gallery "Marijan" with artistic surrounding among 50 sculptures, made from marble and bronze with a great view to the Lapad bay. Perfect for families.
|  | | Uros apartments
Specious, close seaside property, fully equipped, close to any spot,garden&barbeque,airconditioned etc.
|  | | Apartments Panorama, Dubrovnik - Croatia
Apartment is fully equipped, with own balcony, with sea and Old town view. 300 m walking distance from Old Town and pabble beach.
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