Croatia
shines with 1.800 km coastline, 1.185 islands, crystal clear water, 2.700 hours of sunshine per year and picturesque cities with rich cultural heritage. Especially Istria which is called the new Tuscany is of incredible beauty. Istria's coastal region melts land and sea in the shape of sweet little bays, in front islands, and in between picturesque old towns that go wide into the sea. But also the hilly countryside with its various vineyards is of magnificent beauty.
In respect to environmental care is the Adriatic state far in front of other European destinations.
A study from Yale and Columbia University ranked Croatia in the "Environmental Sustainability Index 2002" on the excellent place twelve. Croatia was far before other Mediterranean countries like Spain (place 44), Greece (place 60), or Italy (place 84).
The leisure activities are without limit in Croatia. Its wonderful coast, the innumerable islands, bays, and beaches make the country a sailor's paradise: there are 47 marinas and 12.500 berths at the moment. Also diving, sport-fishing, tennis, mountain biking, and climbing is possible. Furthermore, Croatia will be the next golf destination in Europe. At the moment there are more than 9 golf courses in the planning stage in Istria alone.
The Istrian cuisine is a mixture of different cultures. Especially Hungarian and Austrian inland, and Italian and Mediterranean in the coastal region. There is delicious oysters, lobsters, mussels, and prawns. In the Mirna valley in Istria grows also excellent truffle which is one of the best in the world.
Last but not least is the region around Istria an ideal property investment spot. Yearly price increases of 25-30% were registered in the last three years. Moreover, Croatia is an EU candidate for 2007 which will further boost property prices significantly.
How to get there
There are three international airports: Trieste (Italy) , Pula (Croatia) and
Ljubljana (Slovenia).
