By: Jez Rourke

Croatia’s coast is a favorite haunt for holidaymakers from the UK and Europe and finding the top 10 beaches in Croatia leaves you really split for choice, when you consider that so many have been awarded the much coveted Blue Flag. This is an international eco label that was introduced in 1987 and awarded beaches that met strict criteria regarding facilities, preservation, water quality and services offered to those swimming in the sea.

Boric beach is surrounded by a lush pine forest and offers picture postcard perfection with sparkling blue waters. The beach has a volleyball pitch, children’s play area and sports and dive center.

Brulo beach is made up of concrete paved areas for sunbathing, gravel and rock and is surrounded by the spectacular scenery of holly, oak, cypress and pine forests. It is connected to the main city beach and partakes in various educational activities including information about protected species.

Valeta and Crinka beach is close to one of the largest camps in Croatia offering a wide range of sports activities and tent, trailer and mobile home hire. The beach consists of gravel and rock and an ideal location if you take your dog with you on holiday.

St Andrea beach is a boat taxi ride away from the earthly paradise of the red island Crveni Otok. It is a rocky beach close to the promenade that runs along the whole coastline from the city center.

Girandella is situated close to a popular tourist village. It is ideal for younger holidaymakers looking for a combination of night-life, sport, swimming. Made up of sand, rocks and pebbles it offers water skiing, jet skiing, beach volleyball, canoes and banana and pedal boat rides. It also hosts a number of annual popular music festivals.

Jezevac beach on the island of Krk has been flying the Blue Flag for numerous years. It is a pebble beach but has a sand pit for the children. There is a sports center, dressing cabins and showers as well as deckchair and parasol hire. Lanterna beach has a splendid rocky shoreline with paved and grassy areas and is close to a self-catering complex. There is a volleyball pitch, sandpit for youngsters and sports center as well as well equipped showers and changing facilities.

Cava beach is fairly rocky but there are some areas suitable for sunbathing and there are many facilities available at the nearby Copacabana beach. It has crystal clear water; an amazing view of the Elafiti islands and part is suitable for nudists. Koralj beach is situated in a lovely romantic cove. It has a sandy seabed and a diving club, sailing school, jet skiing, organized fishing, boat trips and rental of sail, motor and paddle boats. There are marked hiking trails close by and it is suitable for naturists.

President beach consists of white pebbles, rocks and paved sunbathing areas. There is parasol and deck chair hire, changing rooms and water sports and numerous facilities available at the neighboring boutique hotel.

Copyright (c) 2009 directline-holidays.co.uk

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By: Andrew Rhys Jones

Don’t miss the spectacular Dalmatian Coast
Sail into Croatia’s classic marinas, historic harbors or deserted coves.

Ask any group of sailors to name their favorite destination in the Mediterranean and it’s likely that sailing in Croatia will top the list fairly convincingly. Reasons for this pole position not only include the incredible blue vistas, crystal clear waters and scenic coastline of more than a thousand islands that create a spectacular visual seascape, but it’s also down to cost. Croatia offers great value for money and has a largely uncrowded, uncluttered and unspoiled coastline compared with the development witnessed by many other European destinations. ‘Quaint’, ‘charming’, ’safe’ and ’stunning’ are all words used frequently to describe Croatia’s coastline.

Once a backwater, it now offers more than 50 classic marinas, the majority of which have been constructed within the past 20 -30 years and then fully updated in the last decade. Many of Croatia’s marinas carry Blue Flag status due to their determination to protect their key attraction – a pristine environment. And whilst you can head to a fully-serviced marina with all mod cons, you can just as easily moor in one of more than 500 harbors, offering age-old ambience. Some of the most popular historic harbors with the sailing community include Cavtat, Korcula Town, Hvar and Stari Grad, Trogir, Sibenik, Sali, Istra and Vrsar, to name just a few!And for those wanting to get away from it all and embark on an original adventure, you can find any number of safe secluded coves and bays to anchor in, where tranquility is guaranteed. You’ll easily find a section of the coastline and a stretch of beach to call your own.

Croatia is well known for having favorable sailing winds and safe waters, making sailing here a practical option for many. Experienced sailors often head out from Pula, in Croatia’s north, to explore the picturesque islands and Roman remains of Kvarner Bay, Cres, Losinj, Rab and Krk. Another popular route circumnavigates the stunningly beautiful Kornati archipelago, now protected as a National Park of more than 100 islands.

Boat charter is plentiful along the Adriatic coast, with key centers at the accessible, picturesque and well-serviced ports of Biograd, Split & Rogoznica, Baska Voda (Split), Dubrovnik and Kotor. Sailing boats, motor yachts and catamarans can all be chartered with a skipper and crew, or independently with proof of qualifications.

And if you’re not keen to charter a yacht of your own, you’ll find plenty of cruising options in some spectacular vessels including island-hopping by schooner, around the islands of Brac, Hvar, Vis, Bisevo, Korcula and Mljet, or scenic cruising the unusually clear green waters around Kotor, visiting Medieval towns, the Boka Kotorska fjord and venturing to the Montenegro coast. Croatia’s network of islands are also well connected by ferries if you prefer to step from land-to-land and not test out those sea legs.

Why not combine the perfect sailing holiday with booking luxury villas in Croatia.

About the Author:
Andrew Jones ( andy@azureholidays.com ) is the author of Sailing Holidays in Croatia; A simple guide for those wishing to book a sailing holiday in Croatia, Azure Holidays can assist you with accommodation, flights, transfers and sailing packages from 1 day upwards; beginners to experts.

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By: Lucinda Tasker

A superyacht charter is about doing things your way and having the world at your fingertips. The possibilities are endless from the performance sailing yachts to the megayachts, available for a large family or corporate charter or an intimate romantic cruise covering the four corners of the globe. Luxury yacht charter destinations include popular cruising grounds of the Mediterranean and the Caribbean, to the sandy shores of the Maldives, Seychelles and Thailand the variety of destinations is matched only by the variety of styles of charter available. So why choose the Mediterranean? Simply because there is so much on offer and so much to see. WEST MEDITERRANEAN The turquoise waters and colourful coastlines of the West Mediterranean provide a hugely diverse cruising ground for those who enjoy the finer things in life. There is something to suit everyone. Glamorous resorts, charming, historic villages with winding streets, traditional restaurants and stunning architecture, breathtaking vistas, superb cuisine, temperate climes and colourful sunsets are just a few of the many sights and emotions that you can discover and experience in the West Mediterranean. French Riviera, Corsica & Sardinia

The French Riviera is notorious for its sophisticated, jet-set resorts, where guests mingle with the stars, relish culinary masterpieces in world renowned gourmet restaurants and embark on shopping experiences like never before in the legendary designer boutiques. St Tropez transforms into a summer playground for the jet set, who flock to “see and be seen” in one of the A-list clubs or private beaches. Cannes and Monaco come to life during the Film Festival and Formula 1 Grand Prix in May and are both recognized as premier retail, dining and entertainment destinations. La Croisette, le Palais des Festivals and the Monte Carlo Place du Casino are famous the world over. All of this with idyllic retreats and peaceful islands nearby where you can escape the hustle and bustle and explore at a slower pace or recharge your batteries if you prefer. Secluded bays and hilltop villages add to the multi-faceted and undisputable appeal of the French Riviera.

The kilometres of totally unspoilt, rugged coastlines of Corsica and Sardinia offer yet another contrasting choice of destinations to explore and discover. Nature-lovers and those in search of a truly authentic taste of the Mediterranean can take sanctuary here. Both islands have a unique culture and history, steeped with French and Italian charm. You will find the perfect combination of glitz and nature in Sardinia. The Costa Smeralda in the north is home to the rich and famous whilst the southern part of the island offers a multitude of secluded anchorages and wild beaches.

The Italian Riviera, Amalfi Coast, Sicily and Adriatic Turquoise waters, fashionable eateries, an abundance of history, culture and breathtaking scenery summarizes only some of the sights that will stimulate the senses as you cruise this part of the Mediterranean. From Portofino to Naples and Capri and on to the Aeolian Islands and Sicily it would take a lifetime to explore and absorb all that is on offer. Often called the “pearl of the Riviera”, the tiny fishing village of Portofino is best known for its chic boutiques and beachside cliffs speckled with pastel-coloured villas and is a favourite stopping point for yachts. South of Naples, the Amalfi coastline is a place of rare and incredible Italian beauty, best explored by sea. Ischia is known as “the island of well being”, famous for its thermal springs and therapeutic spas. The fashionable island of Capri is a great spot to enjoy daytime watersports whilst the picturesque town of Positano rising above the volcanic sand beaches is a must for seafood dining. Visit Stromboli en-route for Sicily and watch the natural fireworks of volcanic activity under the stars. The rugged island of Sicily blends volcanoes, castles and beaches with striking cliffs.

The Adriatic is hugely rich in culture and tradition, with ancient ruins, spectacular churches and medieval villages scattered along the coastlines. Venice provides a romantic and historical start or finish to any Adriatic charter. Croatia is a country of exceptional natural beauty with over a thousand stunning islands to cruise, still crystal waters ideal for watersports and diving and a backdrop of rugged mountains and ancient Roman architecture, which create a breath-taking panorama. There is a magical and mysterious feeling that is difficult to match and impossible to forget.

Lucy Tasker works at Blue Water Yachting, an exclusive yacht charter company specialising in luxury yacht charter in the South of France. More itinerary information is available at http://www.bluewateryachting.com

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By: Wayne Bromiley

Have you considered family holidays to Dubrovnik? Croatia is not always thought of as a tropical paradise and yet this little slice of the country is just that. Would you consider it if you knew you could find cheap holidays to Dubrovnik? Cheap holidays to Croatia can become important time for building memories with the family. If you are looking for something special and exciting for your family memories, then Dubrovnik might be the perfect solution. Dubrovnik offers some stunning views as well as a walk through history. Old Town in Dubrovnik is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is very similar to taking a walk back o the 12th century. This is a town that many refer to as a museum town. You will have to see it for yourself in order to understand the charming atmosphere of this town.

You will also find 15th century ruins of a Dominican Monastery and countless museums to keep the history beast in your satisfied. You should also visit the Dubrovnik Cathedral to see some of the amazing artifacts held within.

Lovers of romance will not want to miss the opportunity to take a walk on the city walls in order to check out spectacular views of the sea. Sunset or moonlight are not as important as being certain that you are sharing these views with someone special.

When you are booking cheap holidays to Dubrovnik it is no small wonder that you will be in need of food during your stay. Ensuring that the food you purchase is budget friendly is another matter all together. Rest assured that there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy great seafood and international cuisine at prices that won’t throw your budget off kilter.

Beaches are a huge draw for those seeking cheap holiday deals to Dubrovnik. There are some fascinating beaches to explore including sandy beaches, bays, coves, and pebble beaches. While you are visiting the beach make sure that you spend a little time scuba diving, sailing, or enjoying various charter services that are available to holiday goers. It is possible to plan an entire holiday to Dubrovnik around scuba diving. Not only are there areas that are well suited for beginning divers but also plenty of challenges available to keep more experienced divers happy.

Cheap holidays to Dubrovnik are an excellent opportunity to get out and explore the world surrounding this resort area. Some areas that you may want to check out around Dubrovnik are: Korcula (a Medieval town), Mljet National Park and Monastery, and day trips to the interior for canoing, hiking, rafting, and fishing.

Finding and booking cheap holiday deals to Dubrovnik is only have the battle. You must also take the cheap holidays to Dubrovnik mentality on holiday with you. The less money you spend, after all, the cheaper the ultimate holiday becomes. Book your travel plans today and become the king of the hill with your family. Family holidays to Dubrovnik have the potential to be among your fondest holiday memories of all times.

Cheap Holidays To Croatia…

Cheap Holiday Deals Search4sun.com

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By: Penny Church

Shunning neon lights and mass tourism development, Croatia rightly dubs itself “the Mediterranean as it once was”. Travel journalist Howard Carr has explored the full length of the country, including its stunning coastline and string of more than 1,000 islands.

Vast stretches of the beautiful Adriatic coastline remain untouched by modern-day tourism. It’s a place for ambling rather than rushing around – particularly in the sleepy, well-preserved medieval towns dotted along the coast and around the tiny islands.

Here are 10 reasons to visit Croatia to help start your holiday planning .

History: You’ll find it hard to put the camera away as you explore picture-perfect places such as Dubrovnik, with its sturdy town walls and ancient alleyways, and Split, where the heart of the city is built within the impressive remains of a huge Roman palace.

Islands: A tempting array of unspoilt islands runs the full length of the Croatian coast. Options range from trendy Hvar and historic Korcula to the Robinson Crusoe-like Kornati islands.

Beaches: Most beaches are fine shingle or pebbles, rather than sand. Among the best are Zlatni Rat on the island of Brac and the long stretches of gleaming white pebble beaches in and around Makarska.

Sailing: Charter a yacht or join a flotilla holiday to discover picturesque islands, pretty fishing villages and secluded coves and bays.

Diving: Clear, clean water made the sea off Croatia one of the favourite spots for legendary French diver Jacques Cousteau. Top venues include the island of Vis, where divers can explore several shipwrecks, and the Kornati islands.

Cities: Dubrovnik, with its baroque palaces and Venetian architecture, is known as the Pearl of the Adriatic. In the north, Pula boasts an impressive Roman amphitheatre. Also worth discovering are Split, Zadar and Zagreb.

Countryside: Head inland to admire the rolling hills of Istria in the north and the dramatic mountain scenery of Dalmatia. North of Zadar, Plitvice National Park has waterfalls and 16 lakes criss-crossed by wooden walkways.

Food: Fresh seafood can be enjoyed all along the Croatian coast. If the catch of the day doesn’t take your fancy, try prsut (cured ham) in Dalmatia, strukli (cheese pie) in Zagreb and Italian-inspired dishes in Istria.

Wine: Quality wines are one of Croatia’s most pleasant surprises. Good for raising a glass are the white Vrbnicka Zlahtina from the island of Krk and the red Plavac Mali and Dingac from Dalmatia.

Music: Summer festivals are staged throughout the country. The choice ranges from classical music recitals among Dubrovnik’s historic settings to rock concerts by top artistes in Pula’s Roman amphitheatre.

A holiday in Croatia offers a great escape from the frenetic pace of today’s high-tech world, and will leave you wanting to come back for more. And with plenty of discount flights to Croatia from most European countries, there is every reason to do so!

Penny Church, writes for the map-based holiday destination and flight finder Travelwhere. With Travelwhere, you can find cheap flights to Croatia along with a wealth of additional information – including the package holiday brochures of specialist tour operators to Croatia.

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