One of the hottest vacation spots in Europe right now is Croatia. Gone are the wars of yesteryears, what you see right now instead is crystal clear waters, breathtaking mountains and lush forests. The climate in this area is Mediterranean which makes it perfect for vacations all year round. Having a land area of 56,000 square kilometers assures visitors to Croatia of many activities from its sandy beaches in the Dalmatian coast to its beautiful mountains.



When you plan your next vacation, make sure to consider Croatia. For tourists who want to visit, you might need a visa as well as your passport. Make sure to check out with your local Croatian embassy for the necessary documents needed to enter the country. Once all your documents are in order then you are all set to travel to Croatia.

Getting to Croatia by plane is the fastest and most convenient way to travel. The international airport located in the capital city of Zagreb handles many flights from major European cities and North America as well. A typical flight from London to Zagreb would take about 2 hours and 30 minutes while a flight coming in from New York would take as much as 10 hours. If you are coming in from Italy then you could take the ferry service that links Italy to Croatia. Riding the ferry would make you experience the cool Mediterranean air and see the sparkling clear waters Croatia is famous for. Buses and trains are also available linking Zagreb and most Croatian towns to major European cities.

Make sure to register with the local police once you are in your accommodations in Croatia. Most commercial accommodations like hotels and hostels automatically register their guests but private accommodations do not, so make sure to register yourself to avoid paying heavy fines or being deported.

The capital city of Croatia which is Zagreb would be your first stop in Croatia. There are a lot of sights to admire in Zagreb. Museums, cafes and art galleries are what make this city famous. The Banski Dvori or presidential palace is also located in here. Don't fail to visit St. Mark's Church, a gothic designed structure with colorful roof tiles.

Moving farther from Zagreb is Pula located in the Istrian Peninsula. If there is only one place in the Istrian peninsula you have to visit then it has to be Pula. The sixth largest amphitheater is located here. It was built by the ancient Romans and is now a favorite venue for concerts. Another tourist attraction in Pula is its famous beaches. Here you would experience the cleanest waters in the Mediterranean.

If you are into water activities then head out to the Dalmatian coast. There are lots of islands in this area that have excellent resorts catering to tourists. Many activities such as scuba diving, snorkeling, sailing and fishing are readily available for you to experience.

The food in Croatia is mainly regional, meaning it varies from region to region. The coastal regions of Croatia specialize in seafood dishes and Italian pastas while those in the continental areas it is influenced by heavy Slavic meals.