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Croatia Holiday Photos
Photos by Richard Grant
With more than 1,100 islands that are dotted with beaches, quaint fishing villages, trendy resorts and towering fortresses, the coast of Croatia has become a hot tourism destination that lives up to its billing, "the Mediterranean as it used to be." It's possible to island-hop along the coast on inexpensive ferries, staying in private homes for a fraction of the cost you would pay in nearby Italy. Here is a slide show of the central Croatian coast between Split and Dubrovnik.
Split is the largest city on the coast of Croatia with an international airport and an attractive, palm-lined harbor. Ferries leave from here to all points along the coast.
Diocletian's Palace in Split dates to 245 AD and is the most imposing Roman structure in the world, comprised of more than 200 buildings. Today, the buildings house chic boutiques and cafes and more than 3,000 people are living in them.
Hvar is an old fishing village that has become a trendy resort island. The 13th Century walled village of Hvar town is now filled with outdoor cafes and bars, but fishermen still make a living in the harbor.
Hvar town's main square is the perfect place for an afternoon cocktail.
A Napoleonic fortress looms over Hvar town, offering views of the harbor and nearby islands. Croatia has 1,185 islands.
A ferry boat pulls into the harbor of Korcula. There's no need for reservations when island-hopping in the off season. Townspeople meet each ferry and offer rooms with bath in their homes for 50 Euros. Jadrolinija offers convenient ferry service to 85 islands.
The popular island of Korcula first appears from the ferry as a dream - a walled town ringed with palm trees, topped by a sea of red tile roofs.
Dubrovnik is the jewel of the Adriatic and one of the great walled cities of the world. The town's fortified harbor now guards pleasure yachts, but in the civil war of 1991-92, the city was bombarded by 2,000 shells.
It's possible to walk the entire way around the town on the city walls, which rise as high as 82 feet and are 6,000 feet long.
There are 10 semicircular bastions guarding the walls of Dubrovnik. During the civil war of 1991-92, the townspeople used these medieval walls for protection.
The amazing fortified coastline of Dubrovnik.
A historic photo of Dubrovnik in 1992 during the bombardment. More than 2,000 shells and guided missiles damaged the roofs in 68% of the 824 buildings in the walled city.
Today the same street is filled with tourists and shoppers from around the world. The marble streets glow at night.
If the crowds from cruise ships become too much in Dubrovnik, take an hour ferry across the bay to Cavtat. Ferries leave from the fortified dock.
Cavtat is an attractive Mediterranean resort with an old stone harbor lined with outdoor cafes.
The beaches of Cavtat are stone and small pebbles, but they make up for the rough surface with the brilliant color of the Adriatic Sea and the abundant flowers that are everywhere.
The deep blue of the Adriatic Sea along the coast near Dubrovnik.
The villages of Ston and Mali Ston are known for their famous oyster beds, which can be seen in the water in the harbor.
The "Makarska Riviera" is a string of beach resorts that offer beaches as well as mountain climbing and trails to little mountain villages.
There are lovely coastal walks along the Makarska Riviera, while ferries serve the neighboring islands.
Omis was once controlled by river pirates. Today, it is resort town with mountain, river canyon and coastal walks and beaches.
Trogir is a Unesco World Heritage site, a 15th Century walled town with a medieval castle and waterfront promenade that is lit at night.
The village of Primosten near Trogir occupies every inch of land on what was once an island, but is now connected to the mainland.
