Kornati National park the untouched nature islands
In the central part of the Adriatic, in the Šibenik-Knin County is located a group of beautiful islands called the Kornati. The name is derived from the Latin word “corona” that means the crown. In 1980, they were declared a national park.
Kornati National Park covers an area of approximately 220 km2 and includes a total of 89 islands, islets and reefs. The average size of the Kornati island is 0.47 km2; only Kornat Island and Žut Island occupy 70% of the total land area. The largest is the island Kornat, and besides it, there are even bigger islands of Pisker, Kurba Vela, Lovranko, Lavs. There are two island groups of the park, Kornatski and Pučinski niz, and both are special in their way. Pučinski niz is known for its crowns, which is beautiful and unforgettable to cruise around it. On the most significant island, Kornat is the most towering peak of Metlina, but also a long cave in Stiniva bay. It is also lovely to visit the fort of Turet from the 6th century, the remains of Illyrian settlements and the Roman salt pond and pond.
Diving and swimming in the Kornati islands is a unique experience that you should not miss. Nine diving zones are allowed in organized groups, while you can swim unlimited and undisturbed. The blue colour of the sea, the indented coast, the bays, the numerous plant and animal species, some of which are present only there, will surely leave you breathless.
Kornati islands are especially interesting for hikers, boaters and divers. If you want to visit it, there are numerous organized excursions and the choice is great. The price is from 100-300 KN, depending on what you want and most often includes boat transport, guide and lunch. You also have time to swim and chill. One-day trips are possible in the season every day.
Are you planning your grand vacation in Croatia? Or you are just looking for the perfect place for your destination wedding? Well, guess what? Here is your ideal place.
Find the best luxury villas in Croatia right here. Some of the large villas of Croatia include villa EmmaPag, villa Del Mar and villa Hedonist. All three villas are equipped with private pools and the best facilities. Villa EmmaPag is located in town Pag with its amazing views and breathtaking sunsets. It is perfect for a trip with friends or a vacation with your love. It has a fully equipped kitchen luxurious bedrooms with fabulous bathrooms and dining area. Plus a holiday villa in Croatia with a private pool? What is better than that? The villa has a Finnish Sauna. There is a place established for table tennis, and a barbeque area is set up for outdoor dining.
Another one is Villa del Mar, which is the perfect place to take a break from life. It is located in village Mandre on Island Pag. It has luxurious bedrooms, three-unit construction, all the modern facilities along with Wi-Fi, amazing terraces and a grand pool! Classy! Eh? The pool can be considered on rainy days as it is fully indoor. It also has sunbeds to enjoy your summers fully.
The Villa Hedonist is located above town Trogir. It has an epic sea view with a family beach nearby, ideal for family vacations. This has an extra perk, a separate heated outdoor swimming pool! It has spacious and sunlit rooms separately equipped with bathrooms, LED TV and air conditioners. It has an already set kitchen, a dining area and a fireplace to keep the place cosy. It has a Jacuzzi outside with a playground and trampoline for children, again ideal for family vacations.
If you want to know more about the prices and booking click onto this website and see the beauty yourself: ruralica.com
A pleasant climate in Croatia, moderate continental and the gentle Mediterranean offers the opportunity for various activities throughout the year. Although the potential is not fully exploited, Croatia quickly gains the image of an adventure destination. Whether you want to ride a bike, hike, skate with a parachute, dive, and so on, you will certainly not be disappointed. Croatia is among the top five destinations for sea kayaking. If you are in love with cycling, you will enjoy a beautiful environment, numerous natural and animal species, birds singing and the richness of the sea and the river. Cycling is accessible in all parts of Croatia, small country roads, forests or through national parks. One of the most beautiful cycling trails is it through the National Park Plitvice Lakes.
The green hills, the mountain paths, the blue sea and the beauty of the island will surely leave you speechless. Rafting is also very popular and sought after, and is most represented on Cetina, Korana, Dobra, Kupa, Mrežnica and Una. Hiking is available on Velebit, Biokovo, Dinara, Medvednica, Papuk, Samobor and Žumberak Mountains. A significant increase was recorded in diving tourism, mostly due to the wealth of underwater and numerous shipwrecks.
Flying with a parachute, a dragon or a balloon over different landscapes attracts more and more tourists. There are numerous locations for such adventures: Učka, Gorski Kotar, Velebit, Dalmatian Zagora, Biokovo and Peljesac. In Croatia, there are often organized adventurous races of a different character, mountain bike races, climbing competitions, marathons, triathlon and other outdoor events.
We do not doubt that everyone will find something for themselves, and comfortable accommodation, we will take care of our beautiful villas located in the whole of Croatia, in an ideal place for adventure tourism.
In the recent offer of Croatian tourism, rural tourism is increasingly emphasized. Although it is still at the beginning, such a form of tourism has advantages and can offer many things. Accommodation in rural areas is considerably cheaper than accommodation along the coast.
Houses are often arranged in a unique style, by the surroundings. Since such a type of tourism is not yet very popular, the guests will not encounter great griefs. They have guaranteed comfort, peace and privacy. Rural areas offer excellent gastronomy. They can eat top-class homemade dishes made from handmade products, and there is also local wine. Also, there are numerous events and festivals where guests can have fun.
Rural towns and villages often have a rich cultural heritage. For those who like to enjoy nature, rural areas have much more natural beauty and cleanenvironment. If you still want to swim in the sea and experience on the beach, you are often half an hour away so you can go..
Dubrovnik is the most visited Croatian destination, but also one of the most attractive destinations in Europe. With its beauty, cultural and natural, this pearl is breathtaking.
One of the most impressive sights for tourists are the City Walls with Fortresses. The walls are 1940 meters long and have five forts and sixteen towers and bastions. Of the five fortresses, three are part of the wall, and the other two are detached.
Minceta fortress, the symbol of the Dubrovnik defense, is located on the highest part of the city. There is a constant flurry of the flag of the state and in the summer the flag Libertas. Fortress Bokar, also known as Zvjezdan, has preserved the western harbor of the city, the ditch and the bridge of Pila. St. Ivana protected the city port of the Blessed Virgin. On the ground floor of the fortress lies the Aquarium, and on the second floor is Nautic Museum. Below this fortress lies Porporela, a place for a loving one, a promenade and a beach. The fort Revelin, which is separated from the wall is seen from Porporre.
To the west of the city center is the fortress Lovrijenac, a symbol of freedom of the city of Dubrovnik. It is located on a 37-meter-high cliff. Today it is known as the place where Dubrovnik Summer Festival is held.
The town could be on two entrances, east of Ploce and west of Pile.
Through the Gate of Pile, you enter the Stradun. It is a famous promenade of Dubrovnik, but also of all those who come to visit it, the most beautiful and the most comprehensive street. In the eastern part of Stradun is the great Onofrio’s fountain, where you can cool with fresh water during hot summer days.
The city bell tower was built in 1444, and it is 31 meters high. Between it and the Sponza Palace, one of the most beautiful palaces in the city, is Luza, an old bell whose bells rang for the council to be convened, as well as for the alarm.
Baroque Church of St. Vlaho is located in the seat of the old core, near the Orlando Pillar. It is devoted to St. Vlaho, patron of the city of Dubrovnik. On the main altar, there is a valuable Gothic statue of St. Vlaho from XV. Century.
The cathedral of Dubrovnik, according to the traditions, was a lavish basilica with a dome, richly adorned, while the remains of another temple were discovered during the restoration. There are pictures and relics in it today.
Mount Srđ is also one of the symbols of Dubrovnik, a tall 413 meters. The imperial fortress was built during the Napoleon occupation. From the hills, you have a fantastic view of Dubrovnik and the surrounding area, which you must see and make a photo.
Only ten minutes from Dubrovnik is the island of Lokrum, a natural reserve. There is the Dead Sea on it, suitable for non-swimmers and children. At the highest point is Fort Royal Fortress, which offers a beautiful view of Dubrovnik, Cavtat and the islands.
Arboretum Trsteno is an attraction, the only arboretum on the Croatian coast that unites natural and cultural heritage.
If you choose to visit Dubrovnik, we strongly recommend that you visit what we have mentioned, but there are also many other exciting sights, beauties, manifestations, and excellent food. The choice of accommodation is even numbered, and we warmly recommend you and guarantee an enjoyable experience and comfort in some of our villas.
Trends in tourism are changing, so it is essential for travelers to have a relaxing vacation in privacy. Because of this, private and luxury villas are very popular as an option for guest accommodation.
When you book a vacation in a villa, you have the whole property just for yourself, and you have the guaranteed peace. If you have plenty of large pools and beaches, expensive food and the hustle and bustle, then private villas are an excellent choice for you.
Whether you choose to vacation with family, friends or even a business trip the private villa will provide you with an unforgettable and individual experience. Today’s villas offer a complete experience. They usually have their swimming pools, gyms, and even saunas. You can swim, sunbathe and exercise without unique views and noisy neighbors. If you go on a journey with children, there are often children’s playgrounds with amenities, so children will not be bored.
The advantage is that you determine the schedule for yourself when you are doing and what you are doing. You do not have to worry about letting you have breakfast or lunch. You eat when you want and what you want. You can prepare food yourself, and you can rent chefs. A unique atmosphere offers outdoor barbecues by the pool, where you can organize unforgettable social gatherings.
When it comes to price, it is a misconception that such a type of accommodation has a high price. Depending on the size of the group you travel with, the cost per person is usually lower than in a luxury hotel. For that value, you get a lot more space, privacy, peace and all the additional content included in the price.
Story by ruralica.com – Villas and Holiday homes in Croatia.
The city of Zadar is located at the heart of the Adriatic and is the urban center of the Northern Dalmatia. It’s 3 thousand years old and full of historical and cultural sights. Nowadays, it is one of the most famous Croatian tourist destinations. The city offers a unique atmosphere, and it’s full of life. The traffic infrastructure is excellent, which make sit well-connected with other towns, via road, sea or air traffic. Rugged coastline, beautiful islands, and unspoiled nature are the main attractions for numerous tourists visiting this area.
Archipelago has 24 big and about 300 smaller islands and reefs. Also, there are three nature parks nearby – Telešćica, Velebit and Vransko Lake, along with five national parks – Paklenica, Plitvice, Kornati, Krka, and Northern Velebit. Zadar’s trademark characteristic is „the world’s most beautiful sunset,“ as Alfred Hitchcock said 40 years ago. „Monument to the sun“ and „Sea Organ“ are the most famous attractions in Zadar.
„Sea organ“ is located in the western part of the Zadar’s seafront. Stone steps stretch for about 70 meters along the coastline, which have embedded pipes that produce sounds and amplify it throughout the promenade.
The instrument has 7 clusters, each consisting of 5 tones and the author of the music is the unpredictable sea. „Monument to the sun“ is composed of 300 glass panels aligned in a circle. Underneath those panels are located solar modules that establish the communication with nature while creating beautiful rhythmic light shows resembling the looks of wave movement and sea organ.
City’s seafront is a beautiful place for walks and just enjoying the nature and sun, and it also has a beautiful view on islands of Ugljan and Pašman.
The Roman forum in Zadar is, by all measures, one of the largest in Adriatic. It was the center of the public life in the past. The most famous street in Zadar – Kalelarga starts at the Large Square (Platea Magna). For citizens of Zadar, this street has always been the symbol of their city, the place for gathering and hanging out.
We’d also recommend visiting Proveditor´s Palace – located in the center of the city’s core, then Square „Pet bunara“ – water tanks with five decorative wreaths.
Among the most famous historical building, there are Church of St Donatus and the Cathedral of St. Anastasia. The Church of St Donatus is the trademark of the city of Zadar. Today, it’s used for a different musical event because of its extraordinary acoustic properties. The Cathedral of St. Anastasia is an ancient building and the largest church in Dalmatia. It’s interior is distinctly monumental, and it has an unforgettable view of Zadar and its surroundings. Zadar area is well-known for its crystal-clear water, and numerous beaches on its Islands and nearby places will make your sea and sunlight packed stay more enjoyable.
If you’re looking for a merger of the past and the modern, sophisticated lifestyle, ideal accommodation, great food, sports activities, excursion program, and great fun – Zadar is the perfect destination for you. For starters, it’s enough to take a glance at our offer of beautiful villas near Zadar – we’re confident that you’ll find something for yourself. We wish you a pleasant stay.
In the Šibenik-Knin County, the National park Krka is located on the surface area of 109 km2. It has been declared a National park in 1985 and has been named after the river Krka, which is also part of this park. Well-known for the plethora of lakes and waterfalls, its beauties are best explored during the spring or summer when you can swim there as well. River Krka has seven waterfalls, and the most visited one is Skradinski Buk. Apart from being the most popular one, it’s also the highest waterfall and is available for sightseeing throughout the whole year. The mills converted into the souvenir shops, or exhibition spaces are especially appealing. There are also numerous pathways and bridges that provide comfortable and safe walks. From the Skradinski Buk, you can go on a day trip to the Visovac island, which is considered as one of Croatia’s most important natural and cultural values. The Visovac monastery and church are located on this island, both of which have an essential archeological collection, a collection of pottery and an extensive library.
The educational trail, filled with educational content is located within the park. It’s 8,5 km long, and it’s open throughout the year and its an excellent addition for all nature lovers.
Within this trail, the cave Oziđana is located. The cave that contains the archeological collection. This is the place of an exceptional natural, cultural and historical value. Also, the Roški waterfall is worth visiting for its vast waterfall basin, consisting of 22,5 m high waterfalls, this is the place of unspoiled, beautiful nature.
Krka monastery is a spiritual center for Orthodox Christians located on the river Krka itself. Apart from the monastery, there’s also a church and catacombs open for visitors. The monastery can be visited through organized ship transportation from the Roški waterfall. The highest, and according to many – the most beautiful waterfall on the river Krka is Manojlovački waterfall, with small fields and grasslands located around it. During the high tides, waterfalls in rainbow colors. Visitors can also enjoy ethnic monuments and get accustomed to the customs of this area. The presented traditions include grain grinding, washing, and weaving of the bags, floor mats, forging the horseshoes, sowing, plowing and cooking. For everyone who wants to bring the small part of this beauty with him/her, there’s a souvenir shop where you can buy various souvenirs. National park Krka is abundant with numerous natural attractions that’ll take your breath away, so we strongly recommend you to come here and visit the park. The possibilities are endless, and we can guarantee you a perfect vacation in our villas
One of the main reasons why visitors fell in love with Croatia is its cuisine. Along with all-natural beauties, the kitchen gives a unique flavor and joy for everyone who visits this beautiful country.
Cuisine and geography are mutually intertwined and connected in Croatia. Mediterranean ingredients and the way of preparing the food are appreciated as one of the healthiest and tastiest in the world, while the cuisine of the continental part of Croatia consists of a more caloric and fattier, meat-based food. Numerous Croatian festivities and all significant events are connected with and accompanied by the food.
Regarding the cuisine of Istra and Kvarner, it’s mostly based on fish and seafood, and it’s abundant with herbs and aromatic herbs, as well as high-quality olive oil. The most valuable species that can be found here are the Lim bay shrimps, squids, and clams. Also, we have to mention excellent prosciutto usually served with cheese and olives, fish soup, boiled shrimps, white and black risotto. The special place in Istrian cuisine is reserved for truffles – highly valued and expensive wild mushroom. It also has the appreciation days called „Natura tartufi.“ Lovran (maroon) chestnuts, the best chestnuts in Croatia have their appreciation days as well. These chestnuts are the essence of numerous delicious specialties. A nice drink is required along all that delicious food, so it’s no wonder that this region offers excellent wines. We’ll mention a few. Istrian malmsey is the best to match for the fish menu, while the red meat should be followed with the Teran wine. The Muscat is best served with desserts.
The cuisine in Dalmatia and on the islands is based on light cooking process, mainly on water or grilled. It mostly consists of fish, olive oil, vegetables, and wild herbs. Because of those ingredients, this cuisine is considered super healthy. Dalmatian wines, olive oil, and salty olives are valued since old ages.
The distinctive features of this are fresh sea fish (common dentex, sea bass, mackerel, sardines, etc.), mollusks (squids, cuttlefish, and octopus), crabs and clams, prepared in various ways, grilled, in a soup or as a risotto. When it comes to meat, the prosciutto takes a top place spot on, especially Drnis prosciutto.
It’s mostly served with goat cheese and olives. The lamb is also highly valued here, especially boiled or roasted. Dalmatian stew or pasticada (beef stew) with gnocchi are also must try specialties. From the vegetable dishes, the most famous one is chives with potatoes, roasted vegetables, and tomato sauce. Neretva valley, Triki and Cetina basin are also abundant with river fish, frogs, eels and river crabs. Dalmatian deserts are, and their simplicity is the exact reason why it wins hearts of so many people, and they’re mostly made out of Mediterranean fruits, dried figs, raisins, almonds, and honey.
Mountain region of Croatia (Gorski Kotar) and Lika are characterized by the foods distinctive to the mountain, forest and pasture lifestyles. In most cases, the food is boiled or roasted on an open fire. The everyday dishes mostly contain continental products, such as polenta, boiled or cooked potato, sauerkraut, beans, and extraordinary cheeses and milk. Like lamb, mutton and venison are world famous meats. This area is abundant with mushrooms and wild herbs. Most famous drinks are rakija (brandy-like drink), plum rakija and other rakijas made from fruits or ones mixed with honey. Numerous tasty meals characterize northwestern part of Croatia. It mostly consists of pasta, dairy products, and vegetables. The bread is baked using corn and barley, and cookies are very similar to the bread itself (buhtla, walnut loaf, and donuts…). In Medimurje, you should try polenta with blood sausages, in the Zagorje, you should try turkey with mlinci and in Posdravina and Moslavina – roasted carp.
Plitvice Lakes is the oldest and the most visited national park in Croatia. It’s located in the mountain region of Croatia, between the Mala Kapela on the west and the Plješevica (of Lika) on the southeast. It’s packed with breathtaking views, which are rightfully a part of UNESCO’s World Heritage List. It consists of 16 lakes, which are split on 12 upper and four lower lakes. High lakes are faster and more indented, while lower ones are drilled into the tight, steep slopes canyon.
These lakes end with impressive waterfalls, where the Korana river starts. During the sunny days, lakes boast with surreal turquoise scenery, lots of water and waterfalls, while being distinctively impressive in a different way during the winter – spectacular frozen waterfalls and lakes and the white cover will leave everyone breathless. The national park is open during the whole year, and it offers numerous tours, bicycling, mountaineering, skiing, and sledding. Considering Lika being famous for its excellent cuisine, there are numerous restaurants where you can taste local Lika specialties within the Park.
Near and within the park, there are numerous accommodation options available – hotels, camps, and apartments, but also households that offer accommodation near the Lika’s forests. Although it’s hard to describe the beauty of this national park accurately, it’s one of the most beautiful natural riches in the world. Therefore, we would recommend visiting it at any time of the year.
