EXCURSIONS
KRKA – A CROATIAN NATIONAL PARK
Krka is one of Croatia’s eight national parks, covering an area of 142 square kilometres. Since it received the status of national park in 1985, the number of visitors has steadily increased.
Besides waterfalls, lakes and bathing areas, the park has a large variety of animals and plants. There are no less than 860 plant and vegetation species, as well as over 200 species of fish and birds, including 18 types of bat and several reptiles and amphibians.
On a small island in the river system lies the Visoval monastery, which is accessible by boat. The two most well known waterfalls in the park are the Skradinski Buk and Roski Slap. The park has Europe’s second highest concentration of lavender per square kilometre!
SPLIT
Split is Croatia’s second largest town, and also one of the most beautiful. The impressive Diocletianus Palace, with its tall clock towers, dominates the Old Town. Streets and squares are decorated with exclusive marble imported from Greece and Italy. In the town centre there is also the Riva promenade. Riva has a many restaurants, ice-cream bars and entertainments. The Riva continues to the harbour where there are ferries to the larger islands.
MOSTAR
Mostar is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful towns in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with its old Ottoman architecture combined with Austrian influences. The famous Stari Most Bridge was destroyed during the civil war on the 9th November 1993. It was reconstructed afterwards with the help of donations from USA, Croatia, the Netherlands, Italy and Turkey, and was re-inaugurated on the 23rd July 2004.
IMOTSKI
This is one of Croatia’s many wine-producing areas. Here, many buildings are renovated in older styles. During the Summer you can enjoy music, entertainments and other cultural offerings. Imotski is well known for its Blue and Red lakes, with their huge cliffs surrounding them.
DUBROVNIK
The Balkan’s most beautiful town is an exciting collision between Old and New. Here you can be part of the crowd in the Old Town’s middle-age alleys and at the same time nurture the view of the crystal-clear water of the Adriatic Sea.
Dubrovnik, which is at the southern end of Croatia, is considered to be one of Europe’s (and indeed the World’s) most beautiful towns, sandwiched between two bays and shielded by majestic bare grey mountains that offer a striking contrast to the colour of blue sea below them.
BIOKOVO
The mountains behind Baska Voda are part of the massive Biokovo mountain range that has played an important part in the region’s history. Today most of the mountain range is a nature reserve, including the highest peak Sveti Jure (Saint George) that is 1762 metres high. Sveti Juri can be ascended by car or on foot, and from there one can walk to Vosac mountain (1422 metres) that looks down on the town of Makarska. It takes about 3.5 hours on foot from Makarska to Vosac, and at least 5 hours to the top of Sveti Juri. Besides the fantastic scenery, one has the opportunity to observe many bird species and the mouflon mountain goats that freely roam the reserve.
OMIS
The harbour town of Omis is situated on the Cetina estuary about 26km south-east of Split, on the Poljica coastline. During the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries, it was a refuge for pirates (Omiski gusari) who used their speedy Sagittae (“arrow”) ships to plunder freighters in the estuary. After their attacks, they quickly withdrew back upriver where the freighters and their escorts were unable to pursue them.
MAKARSKA
Makarska (14000 inhabitants) is the largest town on the Makarska riviera and therefore its regional capital. It is beautifully located between the crystal clear Adriatic sea and the majestic Biokovo mountain range that protectively looms over the charming town quarters and long beaches. Palm trees line the streets between creamy-white houses, and prodigious Mediterranean greenery such as olive trees, bougainvillea and cypresses create an interesting contrast to the characteristic buildings.
MUSEUMS IN BASKA VODA
Malacological Museum
Archaeological Museum collection
CHURCHES
Saint Nicholas
Saint Lawrence
The Saint Nicholas statue
