Croatia
Popular Mediterranean Travel Destination
Croatia is a small Mediterranean country, stretching alongside Adriatic Sea. With one of
the most beautiful coastlines in the world, Croatia has long been a popular holiday destination for Europeans. Many
wars and battles were fought throughout centuries over this Mediterranean paradise. The longest part of Croatia
coastline is Dalmatia, while
Istria occupies the northern part of Croatian coastline.
But despite that, Croatia has remained relatively unknown outside Europe. As recently as
early 90s, the name Croatia was associated with the bloody war in former Yugoslavia, as far as the
wider world audience was concerned.
But for the Europeans, many of whom spent numerous summer holidays in Croatia, the name
‘Hrvatska’ (as it is
named in Croatian language) was well known. Even while it was part of the former Yugoslavia, Croatia was
one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe and the Mediterranean.
On the Mediterranean sea map below, you can see countries that border the Mediterranean,
which includes Croatia nesting alongside Adriatic Sea. The Adriatic Sea is "sandwiched" between Croatia and Italy.

Map of Mediterranean Sea, with Croatia (circled in red),
the surrounding countries, and Adriatic Sea nesting between Croatia and Italy
Hot travel destination
After gaining its independence and becoming a republic in 1991, Croatia has since steadily
built its reputation as one of the most desirable travel destinations in the world! While the tourism was naturally
affected during the early 90s war, since the country was mostly liberated in 1995, the number of annual visitors
has been steadily growing and getting close to the pre-war levels. It is expected that during 2006 and
beyond Croatia will continue to be one of the hottest travel destinations in the world.
Croatia was the No. 1 destination for 2005, according to an annual poll taken by the Lonely
Planet guidebooks. The popular guidebooks company has also put out its first travel guide to Croatia in
2005.
Medical Tourism in Croatia
Croatia has also joined the list of countries offering medical tourism. This is in particular a favourite destination for those looking for
dental services, as Croatia has highly trained dental surgeons, technicians and orthodontists. Many of these
dental specialists acquired their skills abroad, in EU or North America. Now they provide first-class dental
services at developing-country prices.
A growing number of foreigners come to Croatia, not only for dental surgery, but also other
medical services, such as cosmetic surgery. Some of the local medical tourism professionals advertise their
services in European newspapers. Their foreign clients usually come from Italy, Germany, Norway, Sweden and Great
Britain.
It's an excellent way to make the most of your holiday - get your teeth done and improve
your tan on one of the local beaches. Or combine your cheap medical treatment with a great holiday in Croatia,
exploring the country's beauty and old architecture.
Croatia - the popular destination
Croatia's coastline of a thousand islands has been a popular destination for German,
Austrian, Italian, Hungarian and other visitors, many of whom holiday in Istra peninsula in the north part of the
Croatian coast, as well as Dalmatia region in Split, Makarska, Trogir, etc. However the
walled city of Dubrovnik is a popular destination for British visitors in
particular, who are visiting that area in the increasing numbers, owing also to regular flights from London to Dubrovnik.
Back in August 2005, when the popular Tara Reid visited Croatia as part of her European
Summer Vacation tour, it became a known destination for American visitors, too. She partied in Split and Dubrovnik,
filming segments for her E! Entertainment show "Taradise". She's just one of many celebrities that visit Croatia every
year.
In early November 2005, NBC Today breakfast show in was done from Dubrovnik, with its host
Matt Lauer and Goran Visnjic, a Croatian actor well known for his role of Dr Luka Kovac in the ER. The recent news
from America shows an increasing interest by Americans in Croatia as one of the most desirable destinations. The
CNN has named Croatia as one of the '2006 hot spots'.

The city of Dubrovnik is one of the most
recognized
travel destinations in Croatia
Croatia has been also becoming increasingly popular with French travellers, as well as
Scandinavian visitors. During 2005 they have been visiting the country in increasing numbers. Even greater numbers
are expected in 2006.
This is also becoming a popular destination for the Russian travellers, often known locally
as big spenders.
In early 2006, the shipbuilder yard Heliyachts, in the coastal city of Pula, has
started building a 50-metre mega yacht for a young Russian multi-millioner, Kiril Minovalov. Mr Minovalov is a
35-year old banker, who owns the Moscow bank Avangard, after which the new yacht will be named. He already owns
another yacht, Moira 25 type, which has been sitting in the Split marina for the past 3 years. The yacht is being
used for cruising in Adriatic, where Mr Minovalov tends to spend most of his
summer holidays. The estimated cost of the new yacht is 25 million dollars. The 227th on the list of Russias
richest, Mr Minovalov's current worth is estimated to be 95 million dollars.
More Croatia information on the following pages:
- Adriatic Sea
The blue Adriatic Sea is nested between Croatia and Italy.
- Adventure Travel
Experience Croatia adventure travel and observe nature at its finest.
- Croatia Holidays
Croatia holidays will take you to one of the most popular holiday destinations in the Mediterranean.
- Croatia Hotels
Guide to Croatia hotels in cities of Dubrovnik, Split and Zagreb.
- Croatia Vacation
Getting the most out of your Croatia vacation.
- Extended Getaway
A selection of Split Hotels for an extended getaway.
- Hotels for Couples
Best hotels for couples in Zagreb, Croatia.
- Dalmatia
Travel to Dalmatia for your holiday on Dalmatian coast, or city of Split, in Croatia.
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