Croatia Info Many say Croatia is the hottest new European destination. Well, hot, it certainly is, but new? Hardly. Croatia is as old as the hills, drawing Europeans who appreciate its beauty, beaches, history, culture and affordability. In the past few years more and more Americans, Aussies and tourists from other continents are discovering Croatia as well.

A place like Croatia offers a lot for everyone. Roman ruins and medieval villages are ubiquitous. The country's long rugged island-dotted coastline covers practically the entire eastern seaboard of the Adriatic, and there's no shortage of ancient towns encircled by picturesque crumbling walls. Vineyards, olive groves and beaches complete a montage of landscapes right out of central casting.

Not the least of Croatia's appealing virtues is its affordability. Among the best bargains in Europe, but don't think you'll get that cheaply. It is more expensive than the most of Eastern Europe. Unlike most of the continent, Croatia isn't yet part of the European Union (this will probably happen in 2007/2008).

Although Croatia doesn’t have a gay clubs/bars scene, except for few places in Zagreb, its capitol, gay travelers are coming in big numbers.

Itineraries may include Istria (www.istra.com) with cute little towns like Rovinj (www.tzgrovinj.hr, www.rovinj.info) a medieval fishing village, Porec (www.istra.com/porec/ ), one of the most popular resorts in Croatia, Umag (www.istra.com/umag ), another popular touris resort and Pula (www.pulainfo.hr), known for its Roman amphiteather which during summer becomes a stage for some of popular names in classical and popular music. Further to the south in Kvarner (www.kvarner.hr) area, many beautiful islands can be found. Rab (www.tzg-rab.hr) is probably one of the prettiest. Rumors are that the town of Rab is slowly becoming Croatia’s hot spot for gay travelers. Losinj (www.island-losinj.com, www.tz-malilosinj.hr), Krk (www.krk.hr), Cres (www.tzg-cres.hr) are not to be forgotten as well. Between Kvarner and Dalmatia, long streched island of Pag found its place, with beautiful landscapes and beaches among them Zrce near Novalja (www.tz-novalja.hr ) being the most popular and often referred as the party beach in Croatia. South of Kvarner Dalmatia is located with numerous beautiful towns and islands. There is Split (www.visitsplit.com), second largest city in Croatia with good nightlife and famous for its Roman Diocletian Palace, Zadar (www.zadar.hr), yet another beautiful town which has preserved its ancient Roman city structure until today and of course there is medieval walled city of Dubrovnik (www.dubrovnik.hr), one of the most beautiful (medieval) towns in the world. Some of the most popular islands include Hvar (www.hvar.hr), "upscale" and "chic" island, supremely picturesque with its vineyards and rolling hills where lot of young & beautiful spend their summers, Brac (www.islandbrac.com), known for its Zlatni Rat beach and good nightlife in Bol (www.bol-croatia.com), Korcula (www.korcula.net), the birthplace of Marco Polo etc.

Hotels in Croatia are not that cheap, so if you're on the budget, camping or private accommodation could be the way to go. Both can be found everywhere along the coast and there is no need for reservation prior your arrival, except maybe for private accommodation in the most popular resorts in the peak of the season (mid July - mid Aug). Usually you can just turn up and book immediately in the nearest tourist office or travel agent. Most likely you'll be also surrounded by old ladies offering their rooms (sobe, zimmer, camere) at any entry point to the town or village (port, bus station). Private accommodation (apartments, rooms) is cheap and good so you don't have to worry, and if you don't like particular room or apartment you can simply try another. If you go with the old ladies chances are you'll get a little bit cheaper than if you book with an agent or tourist office. Just remember to ask where their room is located, because you don't want to end up somewhere far from the center. Many old ladies also have a map with them so they can show you where their house is exactly located.
There are also some hostels in larger resorts or cities. Check here if you are interested in that sort of accommodation.

Many are drawn to Croatia for its know liberal attitude toward beach nudity. Croatia was the first country in the world to open a commercial naturist resort. That was Koversada, still a popular resort in Vrsar / Istria. Some analyses say that 15% of tourists in Croatia are nudists. Mostly every place along the coast has a naturist beach near by. Usual scenario includes a textile beach in the town’s or village’s center and a nude beach at the end of the textile beach or further away from the town or village. Usually first part of the nude beaches is visited by families, further away by couples and singles and at the and by gays. For some of the most popular gay beaches please visit Gay Beaches section.

But Croatia is not just an attractive coastline. There is lot to see in northern Croatia as well. Zagreb (www.zagreb-touristinfo.hr), mixture of Italian and Austrian atmosphere, with busy nightlife, shopping and huge café bars culture, Plitvice Lakes national park (www.np-plitvicka-jezera.hr), one of the most beautiful spots in Croatia, Varazdin (www.varazdin.hr), cute little baroque town in the far north of the country, old castles of Zagorje region north-west of Zagreb, green mountains and forests of Gorski Kotar (www.gorskikotar.hr) etc.

Enjoy Croatia and please share your experiences with other members of this group. Lets create an active and friendly group where fellow gay travelers could find some useful info, meet other travelers and simply have fun.

Want to know more about the country? Visit some of the sites listed in Croatian General Links and Croatian Gay Links.

Recommended further reading:
www.croatia.hr - official Croatian tourism site. Lots of info from destinations to how to get there.
touristinfo.gay.hr - Croatia tourist info for LGBT people

Happy travelling!