Monday, May 18, 2009

A Perfect Mediterranean Getaway: Hvar Island, Croatia

Hvar

Hvar Island, located in Dalmatia, Croatia, is one of the most beautiful islands in the world. Hvar Island covers an area of 290 sq. km, with a population of under 15,000 inhabitants. The yearly average temperature is 16 degrees Celsius, with an average of 7.7 sunshine hours per day.

The island has been inhabited since 3,500 BC. Hvar was then colonized, in turn, by the Greeks (4th Century, BC), the Slavs (7th Century), the Republic of Venice (12th Century), the Kingdom of Hungary (1238), the Venetian Republic, the French Empire (during the Napoleonic Wars), and the Austrian Empire. It became part of the Republic of Croatia in 1992.

The major places to visit in Hvar are: the town of Hvar, Stari Grad, Jelsa, Sucuraj, and Vrboska. They are all located on the coast. The east cape of the island (Sucuraj) is located just 6 km away from the mainland. The town of Hvar and other towns and villages on the island have many architectural and cultural monuments that await discovery. Friendly people, pristine beaches and bays, a rich history and culture, the scents of lavender, olive trees, and wine are some of the reasons that Hvar makes for a perfect vacation in the Mediterranean sun.

Monday, February 23, 2009

Hum - Smallest town in the world


The Guinness Book of World Records officially recognizes Hum, Croatia as the world's smallest town with 23 inhabitants. Created in medieval times, Hum continues to maintain medieval structural integrity in the modern world. With the distinction of being the birthplace of Croatian literacy, Hum is also the Mecca of the Glagolitic alphabet.
The medieval practice of electing a Prefect continues in Hum with males of the tiny town gathering in the municipal loggia to engrave their votes on a wooden stick. The election is followed by a folk festival showcasing the finest traditional dishes and the excellent homemade wine and brandy of the locals.

While Hum is the world’s smallest town, visitors can find accommodation at a guesthouse, as well as local food at the town’s restaurant. A combination of breathtaking scenery, unparalleled historical value, and cultural significance, Hum may be off the beaten path, but it is an adventure into the past. The ability to traverse the stone paved streets of their forefathers is an adventure the residents of Hum treasure. History is not only rich and abundant in Hum, it is alive and well. Hum is a must see on the list of incredible adventures for the explorer interested in medieval architecture, and a definite destination for anyone desiring a relaxing retreat.

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Seaside Opatija-beautiful coastal town

Opatija Lungomare
Opatija Sv. Jakova, or the Abbey of Saint Jacob, was built in the area of modern Opatija. This Abbey was built in the 14th century by Benedictine monks, and is where the town derived it's name. For the next few hundred years it was a normal monastic village, with inhabitants ranging from monks, to fishermen and local tradesmen. Then, in 1844, Iginio Scarpa, a patrician of neighboring Rijeka, built a summer home in Opatija, and cemented the routes of a now thriving tourist economy for the area. Scarpa's summer house drew many distinguished guests and the area soon became known as a popular meeting place, drawing in Vienna’s Southern Railways Company furthered substantiated the area, and hotels, summer houses and villas were being built. Soon after, a park, a sea promenade and a forest pathway sprouted up. Many notable European statesmen and celebrities have visited Opatija, including Franz Josef, German Emperor Wilhelm II, Isadora Duncan and James Joyce just to name a few.

Opatija and it's surrounding area offer many things for tourists to do while visiting. Settled in a beautifully lush garden, The Church of Saint James, a 1930's replica of a 1790's structure beckons onlookers. There is also a cloister and small monastery on the sight as well, and choirs can be heard from nearby hotel terraces, lending more enchantment to an already magical location. Duro Matija Sporer Arts Pavilion is an art gallery adjoining the monastery. It provides a wonderful view of the famous statue of a woman that standing on rock at the edge of the sea, aptly known as "Greeting the Sea". Another attraction of the area is the mandarin and olive harvesting, where tourists are invited to play an active role in. When in Opatija, one is wise to also visit the beautiful islands nearby. The area also offers many modernized hotels and many restaurants to choose. Opatija is one destination that should not be missed by the avid traveler, and is sure to please even the most finicky!