One of the more frequent inquiries I get is about a country that is truly becoming a favoured choice of world travelers again.
What is now the country of Croatia, with its major seaport city of Dubrovnik as a tourist centerpiece, has seen massive annual statistical growth in visitations.
Dubrovnik itself was once a prime convention destination and cruise port, but the wars between the former countries that once comprised Yugoslavia, changed all that completely.
Long before those conflicts, one of my most indelible memories comes from my experience, when as a young man hitchhiking around Europe; I ended up in Zagreb. Yugoslavia.
Travelling around Europe, I had pretty much fallen off the up to date news cycles.
But In Zagreb I read that my country, Canada, was under the War Measures Act as a result of the FLQ murder of British diplomat James Cross. That was a shocking revelation.
Later that night an acquaintance introduced me to the hottest disco in the city where a new song, American Women, by Winnipeg’s own Guess Who was played incessantly all through the night.
Those confluences made a huge impression on me, and I always wanted to get back to the region that is now Croatia.
Last year my wife and I had that chance and spent time in Split, Dubrovnik and the area around it.
Facing the Adriatic, the walled fortresses of Dubrovnik represents an imposing presence for cruise ships approaching its port.
Inside the city remnants of recent wars are evident by the bullet holes that dot so many of the historical buildings around the main square. But recent history has not affected the way tourists are welcomed.
Buskers playing unique instruments are scattered through the main thoroughfares. Harmonizing groups offer regularly scheduled performances in the open squares. And a walk along the ramparts of the walled structures provides an overview you won’t find in many other cities.
Dubrovnik is an exceptionally beautiful city and perhaps the greatest testimony of that came from George Bernard Shaw when he wrote “those who seek paradise on earth should come to Dubrovnik.”
For those exploring the region, or the rest of the country for a longer stay, with over 1000 of coastline there are loads of beach options. The quality of the waters is reported to be excellent but many of the beaches, while gorgeous, tend to be more pebbled than fine sand.
The view however often makes up for the beach quality, and it is the pebbled base that helps make the water so crystal clear.
A trip to Dubrovnik should automatically include a day or three in the countryside around it. A number of small communities whose economy still depends on the fruits of the sea have also recognized the importance of tourism as an economic generator as well.
One of these is the seaside town of Catvat.
Situated on the southern portion of the Croatian Riviera, it is a quaint community with spectacular views and excellent restaurants located on a sandy beach in a beautiful bay.
For wine lovers Catvat is situated near the primary grape growing area of Croatia, and a number of local wine region tours will open the doors to some exceptional scenery as well.
The second popular port city of Croatia is also the second largest city in the country.
Split has a history that goes back to the 3rd Century AD when then Roman emperor Diocletian decided the location would be perfect for his palace headquarters.
Walking along the extremely narrow streets that are preserved in the original palace area, the past seems to come to life even though so many of the structures are now gift shops, restaurants, and offices.
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Grgur Ninski, known as Gregory of Nin, a tenth century religious leader had a uniquely designed massive and imposing statue of himself built near his cathedral.
Thousands of people daily seem to be influenced by the myth that by rubbing the big toe of his shiny gold left foot will bring good fortune to those who line up to be photographed in the action of the process. Perhaps it is not a myth!
While we did not get to Zagreb on our recent trip, tourist officials there are working hard to position the city on the same level as Prague and Budapest.
Known as the city of museums, Zagreb is divided into three distinct sections.
Like most cities there is a high rise area that is really like the heart of many of today’s modern cities.
Beyond that, the museums and galleries are situated along the cobbled streets that flow through the 1000 year old historical area around the Presidential Palace.
History is kept alive with the use of gas lit lamps. Galleries and museums punctuated by numerous restaurants make it a prime tourist walking region.
I suspect the disco I was in is long gone, but this part of the city is also the prime entertainment area as well.
Forward your travel questions to [email protected] . Ron Pradinuk is president of Journeys Travel & Leisure SuperCentre and can be heard Sundays at noon on CJOB. Previous columns and tips can be found on http://journeystravelgear.com/ or read Ron’s travel blog at www.thattravelguy.ca
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