Croatia benefits from having crystal clear seas beautiful unspoilt islands, beaches and mediaeval cities. In the late 1980s Croatia attracted 10 million visitors a year. Visitors poured in from Germany, Italy, Austria and Slovenia.  In the 1990s the well-known breakup of Yugoslavia brought a lot of trouble to region. Visitors stopped traveling to Croatia even after the war was finished.  Today Croatia is attracting loads of tourists back again.

The national air carrier is Croatia Airlines. They provide direct flights from most of the main European cities. It’s important to check dates and times before you travel because most of these flights to Croatia are not very frequent. Tickets for flights can be bought in the usual places. Compare prices on the internet, travel agencies and newspaper ads to find the best deals.

Croats have been Catholic since the 7^th century. In the 10^th century the country became an independent country until it came under the control of Hungary towards the end of the 10^th century. In the 16^th century the Hungarian empire was defeated by the Habsburg and Ottomans who divided up the lands between them. Habsburg took control of most modern day Croatia. The Habsburg Empire ruled Croatia until 1815 when the Austrians took over.

Things to do

Zagreb is the major city in Croatia with a population of 770,000. It is the main transport hub and well as being the economic heart of the country.  The Croatian Government is located here. Architecturally Zagreb is similar to Vienna or Budapest. The facades of the buildings are elegant and beautiful. Right in the centre of the city there is a landscaped park promenade that stretches from the city center to the train station. The side streets are festooned with beautiful relaxing cafes and restaurants.