Recent Articles
Croatia
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Destination Croatia: Land of Sun, Scenery and Sightseeing
Play pirates in Omis once an impregnable stronghold for the corsairs of Omis during the Middle Ages. They plundered the Croatian coastline in speedy ships built for the purpose and then sought shelter in the estuary of the River Cetina. This estuary was guarded by the strategically placed Fortress Mirabella also known as Peovica. Visitors can still climb up there today and enjoy the same vantage point that afforded these pirates their success. Pleasure boats run a service to this town wending their way through the reed beds that line the River Cetina. A very fitting entrance to this unusual little town.
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Krka National Park - A Croatian National Treasure
Sunlight dancing on the blue water glimpsed through the trunks and branches of the trees foresting the banks of the river was entrancing. I was surrounded by the lakes and waterfalls of the Krka River in the Krka National Park. An area that encompasses the incredibly beautiful river basin ...
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Vodice in Croatia - a Surprise Package
Strung along a large bay studded with small marinas and fringed with pretty beaches at first sight Vodice is just a popular seaside resort in the Dalmatia region of Croatia. But I was delighted to discover there are hidden depths to this pretty town ...
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Šibenik, the Town of King Krešimir, in Croatia
Everyone needs a hero. For the inhabitants of Šibenik in the Dalmatia region of Croatia it is the Croatian King Petar Krešimir. Hailed as the founder of the city there is some doubt about this accolade. But there is no doubt that this energetic king who ruled from 1059 until his death in 1074 was associated with this city. He mentions it in a proclamation made in 1066. Close to the sea front, presiding over a small park, is a splendid statue of King Krešimir ...
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The Ancient Pirate Stronghold of Omis in Croatia
I arrived in Omis in the Dalmatia region of Croatia by boat. The Cetina River has played a vital part in the history of the town. The famous pirates or corsairs of Omis fled to the shelter of the river’s estuary after plundering the surrounding coastline. I was not sailing into town in an elegant galleon but chugging along in a little pleasure boat. Nevertheless, I was enjoying the same scenery ...
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Walking the Makarska Riviera in Croatia
The Markarska Riviera is a beautiful stretch of coastline in the region of Dalmatia in Croatia. Its splendour is enhanced by the impressive Mount Biokovo that stands guard behind the town. Composed of limestone nature has fashioned this huge mountain into a series of peaks, plains and valleys. As the sun sets the rocky outcrops turn a beautiful shade of pink in the fading light ...
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Makarska the Capital of the Makarska Riviera in Croatia
Leaving the harbour-side I was soon immersed in cool shade tangy with the scent of pine. Wild cyclamen carpeted the ground around me. They resembled lilac colour like jewels studding rich brown mantle. Occasionally, through the trees I glimpsed the sparkling, profound blue of a calm sea and the bright azure of a serene sky. It was peaceful, relaxing and uplifting all at once. I was walking around Cape Osejava. Across the sparkling water I could see the Peninsula of Saint Peter ...
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Three Tiers of Dubrovnik in Croatia
The enchanting town of Dubrovnik in Croatia attracts tourists like bees to a honeypot. As I watched them swarming through the Pile Gate into the old town I decided to start my own tour by walking the city walls. First I had to get inside the old town ...
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Aspiring to the Heights of Trogir in Croatia
Standing outside the Cathedral of Saint Lawrence in Trogir I was disappointed to see that no-one appeared to have climbed up to the top of its fourteenth century bell tower. Did that mean it was not open to the public? When I asked about going up there I was shown a small door and invited to enter. I did notice a sign that said I was climbing the bell tower at my own risk as I began winding my way up a narrow flight of stone steps. That was fine by me. The steps were so narrow I did wonder what would happen if I met someone coming down. But I need not have worried as there was no-one else in there and I was soon to find out why ...
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Promenading in Split, Croatia
Split is the second largest city in Croatia. An unusual characteristic, the wide promenade known as Riva stretches along the sea front , is more reminiscent of some elegant French resorts. The original Riva was established two centuries earlier when this area was ruled by the French under Napoleon. An imposing wall that once surrounded the huge palace built by Roman Emperor Diocletian dominates the land side of Riva ..