| The Croatian National Tourist Office is reporting that | | | | Also in this region are the islands of Losinj, Krk, Rab |
| many visitors are now choosing the country for a | | | | and Cres where the rare griffon vulture flies in beautiful |
| really authentic Mediterranean experience on the fine | | | | unspoilt scenes. |
| Adriatic Coast. These visitors are also discovering the | | | | The Dalmatian coast is probably the best-known area |
| medieval hilltop villages in the country's Istria region, and | | | | of Croatia, but now for UK visitors, new direct flights to |
| the green hinterland of Dalmatia as well as the | | | | Zodar mean that the northern areas of the Dalmatian |
| country's established National Parks. Everywhere, the | | | | coast are more accessible, including the amazing |
| country offers a variety of holiday ideas for those | | | | Kornati archipelago which is a National Park with all |
| looking for a beach, but also want to be active on | | | | amenities, and is a gateway to five of Coatia's eight |
| holiday. Here are a few of the highlights of a holiday in | | | | such parks. |
| Croatia. | | | | Many special interest operators are now offering new |
| A popular option for visitors who want an all-round | | | | inland programmes, including food and wine tours, bird |
| introduction to the culture of the country, is a | | | | watching trips as well as historical and cultural tours to |
| two-centre holiday starting in the capital Zagreb. | | | | all such regions. |
| Zagreb is a great cultural centre with a fine mix of | | | | With new motorways completed, and with regular |
| museums, theatres, shops and parkland, and with less | | | | year-round flights from Gatwick and Heathrow to |
| than 2 hours flying time from southern UK airports, is a | | | | Zagreb by Croatia Airlines amongst others, those with |
| popular arrival point. | | | | a few days to spare and an independent spirit can |
| A few days here can be combined with a longer stay | | | | easily hire a car and be in Croatia's Kvarner Riviera |
| at the well-known Kvarner Riviera, but also for | | | | resorts less than 2 hours from landing. Indeed hiring a |
| example at the upcoming north-eastern region of | | | | car and enjoying a leisurely, independent view of |
| Slavonia which has the Kopa ki Rit nature reserve | | | | Croatia's varied landscapes is a choice which is |
| (ideal bird-watching territory) and acres of | | | | growing in acceptance as the country opens up once |
| wine-producing landscape where excellent local wines | | | | again to its new waves of visitors. |
| match heartily with local cuisine. Exciting to see also | | | | Meantime, as Croatia is outside the Eurozone, UK |
| are the Lipizzaner horses of Djakovo. | | | | holidaymakers are likely to find excellent self-catering |
| For hikers and cyclists, the mountains of Gorski Kotar | | | | deals, and excellent value in restaurants and bars, |
| in the north offer great opportunities. Europe's last | | | | where spending-money goes a lot further than in |
| great mammal - the brown bear - can be seen here. | | | | Eurozone Mediterranean areas. |