utorak, 2. rujna 2008.

Opatija


Known as the pearl of the Adriatic, Opatija is certainly one of the top Croatian tourist destinations due to its distinguished history which enriches and inspires the visitor. The beginning of Opatija as a tourist place can be traced back to the 19th century when it became well known throughout Europe as a spa centre. Noble royalties and numerous artists like the dancer Isadora Duncan and the famous writer Chekhov found their reatreat there.

Among many aristocratic villas, villa Angiolina is particularly recognized as one of the most beautiful ones, surrounded by a luxurious botanical garden with exotic plants imported from all over the world. It's located near the sea and the Church of St. Jacob- saint patron of Opatija. Opatija hasn't lost any of its charm even with modernization and its high-class touch.
The symbol of Opatija continues to be a bronze girl statue with a seagull standing on a rock.

petak, 22. kolovoza 2008.

Osor, Cres


Although separated by a narrow canal, Osor is known as the closest point beetween the islands of Cres and Losinj. It is certainly a sight to visit, especially during Musical Evenings held in July and August. The small town of Osor was a commercial centre in the Middle Ages
Its past can be tracked back to the 9th c. BC. The legend has it that its name comes from Apsyrtus, Medea's brother in Greek mythology (Osor, Apsoros). The ancient city square is notable for its restored buildings, outdoor sculpture and boasts 15th and 16th centuries buildings and a palace which is nowadays a museum.

Eco-Centre in Beli, Cres


Eco-Centre "Caput Insulae" in Beli, provides an excellent introduction to the island's remarkable bird and plant life. The center functions as a reserve for griffon vultures, an indigenous bird that nests in the island's high coastal cliffs. There are usually three or four vultures in residence. You might see one of the griffons in flight if you follow the eco-trails surrounding the center. An illustrated booklet published and distributed by the center helps you to identify the trees, plants, and bushes on the trails--wild asparagus, black mulberry, and wulfen's spurge. As you stroll along the paths, a diverse collection of bird life, such as golden eagles, snake eagles, and honey buzzards, soar above the surrounding woods.

četvrtak, 21. kolovoza 2008.

Cres Island


In the northern Kvarner region, Cres Island is separated from Losinj Island by a narrow canal but the two islands are very different. Cres is much wilder and more deserted than Losinj and marked by high cliffs on the eastern coast. The island of Cres is 68km long and is most populous around Cres Town on the western coast. Remnants of Venetian rule are particularly apparent in charming Cres Town which boasts a Venetian loggia in the centre, a 16th-century clock tower and Venetian coats-of-arms sculpted on many buildings.