Croatia, a dream destination

In a week from now, the FISE goes to Croatia in Osijek for one of the most spectacular trips ! After 3 intense days filled with extreme sports from July 21 to 23, during the Pannonian Challenge, let’s head to the Croatian coasts !
With a year of work/studies behind you, it’s THE right chance to visit the mythical Croatia and take some well-deserved vacations. We have put together a short list of the numerous things to do. After all, we only live once !

THE BEACHES

Who never dreamt of basking on idyllic beaches with turquoise water, to find the small wild cove, hidden among the pines ? The Croatian coast, 600km long, offers an infinity of choices, whether you prefer a wild beach like on the Korčula or Lastovo islands, a more urban one from Banje to Dubrovnik, relaxing on the island of Vis or shingle in Brela etc. You will not be disappointed !

THE SPORTS

You are more into water sports ? Croatia offers you a sea of opportunities !
Sail on the Adriatic sea, one of the calmest and purest of the Mediterranean. Throw the anchor on the numerous islands of the Croatian coast or in the heavenly bays. And finally, enjoy fishing from a boat or diving in the Paklinsju islands.
You like hiking a lot ? The natural diversity of Croatia takes you in a new world with every step you make. According to your preferences, there are so many different landscapes for a walk in the forest, under the waterfalls, by the lakes, on top of mountains. Come and see the most ecologically well-preserved zones in Europe with 8 national parks and 11 natural parks. 
There is a great number of possibilities for you with canoe-kayak, horse riding, cycling, rafting, speleology, climbing…

THE MONUMENTS

Croatia, it is also a rich cultural heritage recognized by the UNESCO.
An intricacy of streets and hundreds of medieval castles, early christian mosaics, impressive byzantine cathedrals, roman amphitheaters and forums…

GASTRONOMY

This melting-pot of civilizations brought typical dishes to every region that will satisfy all  taste buds.
And if we just had to name the specialties… You will taste the pre-dinner drinks such as the Marasquin of Zadar, the starters like the famous Pag sheep cheese, hams and the kulen of Slavonie, oysters and mussels of Ston, the delicious grilled fishes and refined dishes like eels, mlinci turkey, the Split pašticada and desserts like cakes, quince jam (kotonjata), fritters such as kroštule or fritule : all of these dishes will be on these unforgettable menus about to conquer your senses. 
And to go well with these various dishes, take the wines’ road. A certain mosaic of grape varieties takes shape, aromatic and perfumed in the North of Croatia and stronger in taste and powerful in the South.
Come to have a good time during the local festivals in St-Martin, take part in the new wine celebration, wander around the vines surrounding Motovun in Istria and Kutjevo in Slovania..

FOCUS ON SLAVONIA

The Region of Slavonia is a land of legends, with its myths and secrets proudly passed from generation to generation. Here, the locals fiercely defend their traditions, like the festival of the harvest, the traditional dresses and the local popular music. 
They are also very good hosts, always inclined to have a meeting around a glass of one of the numerous quality wines produced in the fertile plains of the region, and some of the local spicy dishes like the čobanac (ragoût) or Paprikas FIŠ (fish soup).

QUICK FOCUS ON OSIJEK

Osijek is located in that region of « Slavonia » on the riversides of the Drava river, it represents the charm of East Croatia. Enjoyed for its high temperatures during summer, the Croats come to refresh in the whitewater of the Drava. The locals and tourists stroll on its riversides, have a coffee and ride their bicycles. Osijek is proud of its fortified historic center from the 18th century.  
The most beautiful jewel of Slavonia, the natural park of Kopacki is only a few kilometers away from Osijek. There’s nothing like emerald waters and green forests to revitalise yourself during your summer vacations.

More info : http://www.croatia.hr/en-GB

Photo Credit : Braslav Karlic - Croatian National Tourist Board