Croatia

Croatia was an independent kingdom in the Xth century, in the XIth century fell into the hands of the Hungarians, and therefore absorbed by the Austro-Hungarian Empire. In 1918 it became part of the new state of Yugoslavia, at the first moment dominated by the Serbs and after 1945 by the Communists. In 1991, Croatia signed its declaration of independence which was severely contested by the Yugoslav army controlled by Serbs. The period of war and the later fragile ceasefire monitored by the UN concluded after the victorious Croat offensive in the spring of 1995.

Since 1995 the country has regained stability and tourists are returning to enjoy its unique coastline and its elegant cities.

Zagreb, the capital, is a typical central European city of elegant architecture of the XIXth century with a lively and active cultural and social life.

To the north, in the Istrian peninsula are many of the more developed centres in the country, with ancient “Venetian” cities like Porec and Rovinj.

To the south stretches Dalmatia, with a coastline dotted with islands and mountains. The main city of Dalmatia is Split, an ancient Roman settlement that nowadays is the port toward the best islands in Croatia: Brac, Hvar and Korcula, where there are lively fishing villages and the best beaches.

To the south of Split highlights Dubrovnik, medieval walled city that holds an important summer festival. It is a wonderful place that can be visited at any time of year.