Croatia Holiday
Croatia is the sleeping beauty of Europe.
Having survived the ravages of war, Croatia is now once again awake to visitors keen to explore its stunning Adriatic coastline, medieval towns and villages and crumbling Roman ruins.
Proud and patriotic the Croatians have lovingly rebuilt most of the areas visited by tourists, making it a popular destination for those intrigued by its stormy past as well as its breathtaking beauty.
Sitting between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Slovenia, the land that is now known as Croatia today was once part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire until WWI ended in 1918.
After the war Croats, Serbs and Slovenes formed a kingdom which became known as Yugoslavia in 1929.
Yugloslavia became a Communist state under Marshal Josef Tito after WWII.
Croatia declared its independence from Yugoslavia in 1991 and four years of violence ensued as Serb armies were forced from Croatia's exhausted lands.
In 1998 the last Serb stronghold was in eastern Slavonia was returned to Croatia.
As a result of tug-of-wars over land, Croatia has ended up an arc-shaped country, its coastline tapering to the ancient seaport of Dubrovnik in the south of country.
The capital, Zagreb, nestles in between the Drava and Sava rivers from the north of and is one of the most beautiful medieval towns in Croatia.
It is a beautiful place to take part in the country's café culture and drink in the vibrancy of the people and the historical surroundings as well as a good cup of coffee.
Dubrovnik, rightly called the Pearl of the Adriatic, sits precariously on the wondrous Dalmation coast.
Although severely damaged by an earthquake in 1667, Dubrovnik's glory has been lovingly restored - much like the rest of Croatia.
From the 13th century Dubrovnik became an important sea power and many visit the city to enjoy the famous Dalmation coastline.
Now the focus of a UNESCO restoration programme, Dubrovik is managing to painstakingly restore its Baroque, Renaissance and Gothic churches, palaces, fountains and monasteries.
Dubrovnik is typical of the unique atmosphere in many of Croatia's towns and villages, most of which have been built on ancient Greek settlements and combine ancient beauty from centuries past.
This unadulterated grandeur is complemented by a pleasing Mediterranean climate, verdant coastlines and welcoming people.
In the winter many flock to Croatia for skiing and though the country's ski facilities may not be able to compete with those of France and Austria, many keen skiers head to Bjelolasica, where the Croatian Olympic Centre is situated, to test the slopes.
In the summertime diving in the clear, cool Adriatic sea is a popular activity and there are many diving courses available to those who wish to explore the turquoise waters off the grand Dalmation coastline.
Fantastic sailing is available on the settlements north of Milna in three small settlements: Bobovisca on the Seam Bobovisca and Lozisca.
The villages are characteristic of the typical Croation allure and offer quaint streets, cafes where weary travellers can rest their tired feet and mystical sheltered coves where water babies can explore.
Home of historical heritage and preserving the remnants of Baroque and medieval grandeur, these three villages pay homage to the bloody past of the country, its beauty and its gritty resilience.
Travellers are safe to travel its shores, mountains, coves and towns and although Croatia's haunting beauty has triumphed after centuries of war and violence, reminders of its bloody past are never far away.
Although most travellers stick to the beaten path, those travelling in the Danube region should not stray into fields or abandoned villages since the landmines are still peppered across the land, stark reminders of a brutal past.
Never has there been a country so hauntingly beautiful and resilient and just as its beauty should be acknowledged and appreciated, so should its turbulent history and the grit of its people.
