Croatia Things to Do Tips by blint Top 5 Page for this destination

Split

Split is a coastal town in Dalmatian and has a long and varied history. It was under Venetian control for a long time which gives the town and it's people a more Latin feel. The people here seem to be more proud of being Dalmatians than Croat.

The town itself is quite spectacular; although much of it seems to be crumbling away this gives it its unique charm. It is certainly one of the most interesting towns I have visited in 'Europe'. My favourite part is the narrow stone alley ways winding about the innards of the Diocletian's palace (to be explained later).

Outside the Palace (old city) walls Split looks mostly modern. Catering to tourists that come here from Italy, The Czech Republic and so on in the summer to soak up the sun on the beaches.

You can catch a ferry here to some of the local Islands like Hvar, or even trot across the Adriatic to Italy.

Walking the streets, Dubrovnik

You maybe wondering why I've put more Things to Do tips for Split than Dubrovnik. It's not because there are more things to do in Split, but simply because the best thing to do in Dubrovnik is walk around the beautiful old streets and soak up the history and culture.

Of course there are lots of museums and galleries here, but as I went during New Year most things were closed. Anyway, I always prefer walking around towns like these because its all like a museum!

The Sphinx, Split

You thought I was joking about the Egyptian Sphinx in Split, but I wasn't!!!!!!!

There really is a black granite Sphinx dating back to 15 BC located just outside the entrance to Diocletian's mausoleum.

Keep you eye out for it!

Some of Zagreb's many Parks

On the way from the train station to the main square there are 3 large parks called Trg Kralja Tomislava, Strossmajerov Trg and Trg N subica (shubitcha).

I believe the picture a long side was taken in Strossmajerov Trg looking in the direction of the Srossmajerov Gallery. I'm sure the parks look amazing without snow in spring, but in winter they are certainly one of the most snow filled and beautiful parts of Zagreb.

Perfect for a Romantic walk in the evening!

St Marks (sv. Marko), Zagreb

I didn't realise when I saw it that under the snowy roof topping lay the colourful coats of arms of Croatia, Dalmatia and Slavonia as well as the emblem of Zagreb.

The church was originally built in the 13th century although it has been reconstructed several times since. Transforming it into a mix of styles. The Coats of Arms I mentioned earlier were a late addition in around the 1800's.

You can go inside seven days a week from 8 in the morning until 8 at night!

Address: St Mark's Square.

Zagreb

Zagreb definitely has the old Austro-Hungarian feel to it and has the same elegant feel to it as Budapest. You can also imagine yourself transported back to the nineteen 30's or 40's. The blue and white trams that operate all over the city help you imagine this.

I visited Zagreb at Christmas time in the middle of a snow storm. For me this was the best time to see Zagreb as the snow gave it that extra fairy tale aspect. Although I can imagine that it is equally as beautiful in summer. Maybe the worst times to visit would be early spring or Autumn where I can imagine it could get very dull and damp.

Around December and January it gets dark very early; around 4 o' clock which was a big shock for me coming from southern Spain where it stays light until 6:30.

Directions: Northern Croatia in Slavonia.

Kaptol and Gronji Gradec, Zagreb

The Kaptol district is filled with Baroque buildings painted in greens, blues, yellows and pinks. In the winter the snow capped buildings make it look like a fairy tale village. This part of Zagreb is very different in look and feel to the rest of it. It does not feel at all like a city, especially not a capital city.

You can find some of the cities Museums and galleries here as well as many cafes and restaurants.

Some of the Museums and galleries you can find here are:

The Croatian Historical Museum (povijesni muzej)
Galerija Mestrovic
The gallery of Mative Art (Galerija Primitivne Umjetnosti)
Galerija Klovicevi Dvori
Croatian natural history museum (prirodoslovni)

Zagreb's Main Square

Trg Josip Jelecica (Yelechitch) is Zagreb's main square (named after a national hero) is situated in the heart of the town and is a great place to begin your sightseeing tour. When I went in December there were outside wooden structures erected for people to eat and drink. They seemed very popular although for me I couldn't understand how people could eat and drink in such cold conditions. It just shows how people get accustomed to their climates.

You will also find tram stops for most of the major lines in the city in the Trg (square).

Directions: Straight on from the main train station (Gl. Kol.) in the centre of the old town.

The Market, Split

Just outside the Iron gate is the main market of Split. It starts about 5 in in morning and ends when everyone gets too tired or cold (all year round)! You can get everything here from clothes, food, bags, Jewellery, flowers and more.

Be careful of some strange older women that hang around on the street corner by the market saying cigarette, cigarette.They are NOT prostitutes due to their appearance and the fact they ask everyone. In fact, I have just been informed by a very kind Croatian VTer that they are selling cigarettes from Bosnia, Tax free on the black market! I am very glad to finally understand what this is all about because I was very confused.

Hrvatska

At the moment I'm reading all about the history of Croatia and the surrounding areas. When I am done I will write a little about what I find out. For now I can only tell you what I saw first hand in this remarkable little country, and that is: Hrvatska for Europe!

They are very friendly, welcoming, beautiful, hopeful people who seem to want to be part of Europe and from I can see they are about ready. The only thing that stands in their way are certain views about heroes/war criminals such as the recently arrested General accused of slaughtering a Serb village in Croatia during the war.

Everywhere I went I saw the Croat flag flying along side the European flag. Some people had gone so far as putting fake Hr European stickers for their cars!

They seem to be doing really well for themselves; you can hardly believe there was such a devastating war such a sort time ago. Most of the mines have been cleared from Dalmatia and Southern Dalmatia; most of Dubrovnik has been restored to its former glory and the people seem full of hope for the future.