"What I know of Croatia" Croatia by mbsimjam

I was there in the summer of 2004. We stayed in a small tourist town on the Markarska Coast Region called Podgora, which was exactly that. I am not sure what happens there in the winter, but it can't be much. Great little place though with really good seafood (of course) and pizza (surprised) restaurants. The location was perfect because we were half way in between Split and Dubrovnik. We went on day trips to both places and both were amazing. There are other places to check out, including the fact that you can get to Bosnia within 1/2 hour. But here is what I can tell you about...

Main Square in Split

Split was the perfect city. We loved it. Walled centre with marble white washed roads (Built by the Roman Empire in Diocletian Times), and so many holes and crevaces to explore, you could get lost over and over exploring. One thing we really noticed in Split's centre was the lack of budget minded restaurants. I mean WOW! Everywhere else in Croatia, you could find a tourist type restaurant serving Pizza, Fried Fish, or Cevapcici for a decent price, but we found about 2 or 3, and a McD's. Thats it, for a tourist centre of the 2nd or 3rd largest city in the country. All in all, though, we feel in love with this city depsite this, and would recommend it as a must see place in Croatia.

On the walls looking down at Dubrovnik

That is what you see when you walk the walls of Dubrovnik...a myriad of character homes all crowned with the signature red clay shingles. THere is nothing like it in the world...truly. Walking on the actual streets is just as amazing. This town is full of style, a kind of style that matches Rome's wihtout needing the pricy Versace stores to accentuate it.
What else can I say. You will love it. It is worth the extra time to get down to the southern most tip of the Croatian Coast to see this place.

• Pros:Cheaper than Western Europe with the same style and vigor, the best of East and West
• Cons:Public services are not tourist friendly.
• In a nutshell:Worth as many days as you can muster, but rent a car, or you may not get back home!