Island Hopping, CROATIA
Airing Date: Sep 26th, 2005
Croatia has become a firm favourite with holidaymakers travelling to Europe. Along its 1778km shoreline, Croatia boasts a glistening sea which winds its way around rocky coves, lapping at pine-fringed beaches. The Dalmatian coast can be explored entirely by boat. Ferries run to all the major towns and cities, or you can rent a sailboat or yacht and design your own itinerary. With over 1100 islands and countless private coves, this gorgeous archipelago is a boater's paradise.
One of the most hyped of all the Croatian islands is Hvar. Hvar receives 2724 hours of sunshine each year, more than anywhere else in the country. Yet the island is green, with brilliant patches of lavender, rosemary and heather. Hvar people are so proud of their weather that all their accommodation is said to offer a money-back guarantee if the weather is bad!
The town of Korcula at the northeastern tip of the island hugs a small, hilly peninsula jutting into the Adriatic Sea. With its round defensive tower and cluster of red-roofed houses, Korcula is a typical medieval Dalmatian town. The Island of Korcula is the largest of the green islands of the Adriatic. Korcula old town is a medieval walled city positioned on an oval-shaped swelling of land pointing deep into Peljesac Channel. The city itself is grooved with a succession of narrow streets that branch off the spine of the main street like a fish bone.
Adventurer, merchant and author of the world's first travel book, Marco Polo had a controversial, action-packed life from 1254-1324. Together with his father Nicolas and his uncle Maffeo, Marco Polo was amongst the first Europeans to travel the famous Silk Road trade route, stretching from the Middle East to China. Significantly, Polo is reputed to have been born in Korcula itself - locals claim that he was born in Korcula in 1254, before going to Venice with his family, wandering the world, returning to Venice and finally being captured in the great Venice-Genoa naval battle in 1269!
For some budget accommodation there are many places like Apartment Kanavelic. It is located within the walls of the old city of Korcula, in the house of famous Korculan poet Petar Kanavelić. It consists of two rooms, kitchen with dining room, bathroom and a beautiful terrace. It faces the sea and the apartment sleeps four.
Further information
Thai International & Lufthansa fly to Zagreb from $2038 ex west coast and $2127 ex east coast. Prices may vary.
Prices include taxes. Conditions apply.
Contact your local travel agent for details.
Discover Croatia will help you out with that cheap accommodation: rooms start from $58 a person, twin share
Discover Croatia Holidays
Telephone: 1300 660 189
Website: discovercroatia.com.au
Prices correct at 26/9/05
