Croatian cuisine is sometimes known as "the cuisine of regions", since each part of Croatia has its own distinct culinary traditions, and influences from its neighbors. The cookery of coastal regions shows influences from Roman, Illyrian and Greek cuisine, Italian cuisine, and even French cuisine, whereas inland areas get their influences from Viennese and Austrian cuisine, Hungarian cuisine and Turkish cuisine.
Some popular Croatian dishes include:
- Juha od Mahuna - A vegetable soup made from green beans, as well as carrots, lentils, onions and peas.
- Brudet - Fish stew, served with polenta (boiled cornmeal)
- Gulaš - A spicy beef stew, similar to Hungarian cuisine's gulyás (goulash).
- Slavonski Cobanac - Lamb stew originally from Slavonia.
- Istrian stew (Croatian: Istarska jota) - A stew made with bacon, spare ribs, beans, potatoes and sauerkraut, seasoned with garlic.
- Pašticada - A stewed beef dish, originally from Dalmatia (and sometimes known as "Dalmatinska pašticada"). Served with gnocchi (dumplings) or wide noodles.
- Sataraš - Minced and roasted vegetables, especially bell peppers.
- Sarma - Sauerkraut rolls with ground (minced) pork and rice.
- Zagrebacki odrezak - Originally from Croatia's capital, Zagreb, this dish consists of thin slices of chicken or veal stuffed with ham and cheese and then sautéed.
- Ðuvec - Stewed vegetables, similar to ratatouille.
- Kulen - Spicy pork sausage, originally from Slavonia.
- Cešnovka - Another variety of spicy pork sausage. Cešnovka has a garlic taste, and originates from the Turopolje region.
- Strukli - A type of ravioli, originally from Zagreb. Strukli normally contains either cheese or apple. In northern parts of the country, they are usually eaten during the Christmas period, with compotes of dried fruits (apples, pears, prunes, etc.).
- Palacinke - Crêpes with sweet fillings.
- Krafne - A type of doughnut (without a hole though). Krafne are usually filled with chocolate, cream, custard or jelly (jam).
- Rožata - A custard pudding, similar to flan.
- Cupavci - A biscuit-like cake which is cut into squares, and then covered with chocolate and dessicated coconut.
- Strudel (Croatian: Savijaca, Strudla) - - The Croatian version of strudel, filled with apple or cheese.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Friday, November 7, 2008
Extreme Croatia - Snowboarding in Eastern Europe!
http://mylot.com/andrusko
When you think of Croatia what is the first thing that comes to mind? For many, it's communism and the fight for independence that dominated the political landscape in the last part of the 20th century. For others who have the inside scoop, it's images of romantic white sand beaches along the Dalmatian Coast or the national parks and mountain landscapes that are unmatched anywhere in the world. But, did you know that Croatia is quickly becoming known as the world's hottest extreme adventure destinations for snowboarders?
In fact, snow-loving adrenaline junkies from all around th from the fluffiest powder to the gnarliest jumps and natural terrain parks for freeriding fun! e globe are discovering that Croatia is home to some of the best boarding available, everything
Croatia is a hidden gem - both when it comes to its amazing real estate market and its relatively unknown status as a snowboarding and skiing destination. But, those in the know are boarding planes, trains, and automobiles (dogsleds are optional) to get to one of the premiere snowboarding locales in all the world. They're keeping their mouths shut - sometimes not even telling their closest snowboarding cronies - because the pristine mountains of Croatia are just that delicious!
With a relatively low mountain altitude throughout the country, there are only a few destinations that you should concern yourself with. The following three locations are known worldwide by a select few as the best of the best in Croatian downhill for boarders.
Bjelolasica
Yes it's definitely a mouthful, but once you arrive, you won't care if you don't know how to say it or spell it because it's a boarder's ultimate dream. Home of the Croatian Olympic Centre, Bjelolasica is as good as place as any to strap on your board and point yourself downhill. Readily accessible from all regions of Croatia, this center of winter mountain activity is a staple in the Croatian landscape. Ironically, the Croatian ski team - which calls this mountain home - actually practice in Austria. But, don't let this discourage you - it just means that you'll have more space to practice your powder-filled descents.
Sljeme
Sljeme found in Zagreb is located on the northern slopes of Medvednica Mountain. Home of world cup events for skiing, it's a relatively unknown (equals great opportunity for you to cut your own line) in the snowboarding world. In the world-class resort, Sljeme offers you all the amenities you've come expect but is paired with a genuine Croatian hospitality that you'll be hard pressed to find anywhere else in the world. Whether on the mountain or in the lodge, this will definitely be an experience you'll never forget.
Velika
Head to Velika if you're into spicy sausage or off-the-beaten path snowboarding. With a love wine and fish, locals around Papuk Mountain can not only feed you well, but will point you to a great snow-filled vacation. Definitely not the biggest of mountains you'll ever board - truth be told, none of the Croatian mountains are equipped to shock you with sheer size - this is definitely one of the most quaint and pristine that you'll find anywhere in Europe. Remove all the glitz and glam you find throughout the Alps and replace it with a feeling of warmth and a slower pace of life and then you'll start to appreciate the magic of Velika and all the Croatian winter boarding destinations.
So, if you're headed to Croatia, take time to enjoy the timeless romance of the Adriatic Sea or the beauty of the hinterlands. Take in the remarkable national parks and infectious warmth of the quaint towns and local folks. Check out the amazing real estate bargains that can be found in every corner of this beautiful country. But, when you've had your fill of these more placid experiences, grab your board, head up to the mountains, and - even if you don't do it yourself - check out the thrill seekers and action heroes who are loving the newest cold spot to tear it up, Croatia!
When you think of Croatia what is the first thing that comes to mind? For many, it's communism and the fight for independence that dominated the political landscape in the last part of the 20th century. For others who have the inside scoop, it's images of romantic white sand beaches along the Dalmatian Coast or the national parks and mountain landscapes that are unmatched anywhere in the world. But, did you know that Croatia is quickly becoming known as the world's hottest extreme adventure destinations for snowboarders?
In fact, snow-loving adrenaline junkies from all around th from the fluffiest powder to the gnarliest jumps and natural terrain parks for freeriding fun! e globe are discovering that Croatia is home to some of the best boarding available, everything
Croatia is a hidden gem - both when it comes to its amazing real estate market and its relatively unknown status as a snowboarding and skiing destination. But, those in the know are boarding planes, trains, and automobiles (dogsleds are optional) to get to one of the premiere snowboarding locales in all the world. They're keeping their mouths shut - sometimes not even telling their closest snowboarding cronies - because the pristine mountains of Croatia are just that delicious!
With a relatively low mountain altitude throughout the country, there are only a few destinations that you should concern yourself with. The following three locations are known worldwide by a select few as the best of the best in Croatian downhill for boarders.
Bjelolasica
Yes it's definitely a mouthful, but once you arrive, you won't care if you don't know how to say it or spell it because it's a boarder's ultimate dream. Home of the Croatian Olympic Centre, Bjelolasica is as good as place as any to strap on your board and point yourself downhill. Readily accessible from all regions of Croatia, this center of winter mountain activity is a staple in the Croatian landscape. Ironically, the Croatian ski team - which calls this mountain home - actually practice in Austria. But, don't let this discourage you - it just means that you'll have more space to practice your powder-filled descents.
Sljeme
Sljeme found in Zagreb is located on the northern slopes of Medvednica Mountain. Home of world cup events for skiing, it's a relatively unknown (equals great opportunity for you to cut your own line) in the snowboarding world. In the world-class resort, Sljeme offers you all the amenities you've come expect but is paired with a genuine Croatian hospitality that you'll be hard pressed to find anywhere else in the world. Whether on the mountain or in the lodge, this will definitely be an experience you'll never forget.
Velika
Head to Velika if you're into spicy sausage or off-the-beaten path snowboarding. With a love wine and fish, locals around Papuk Mountain can not only feed you well, but will point you to a great snow-filled vacation. Definitely not the biggest of mountains you'll ever board - truth be told, none of the Croatian mountains are equipped to shock you with sheer size - this is definitely one of the most quaint and pristine that you'll find anywhere in Europe. Remove all the glitz and glam you find throughout the Alps and replace it with a feeling of warmth and a slower pace of life and then you'll start to appreciate the magic of Velika and all the Croatian winter boarding destinations.
So, if you're headed to Croatia, take time to enjoy the timeless romance of the Adriatic Sea or the beauty of the hinterlands. Take in the remarkable national parks and infectious warmth of the quaint towns and local folks. Check out the amazing real estate bargains that can be found in every corner of this beautiful country. But, when you've had your fill of these more placid experiences, grab your board, head up to the mountains, and - even if you don't do it yourself - check out the thrill seekers and action heroes who are loving the newest cold spot to tear it up, Croatia!
Saturday, October 18, 2008
How to come to Croatia by plane
Get in
North Americans, Australians and many other nationals can enter Croatia with a valid passport and without a visa. Citizens of EU member countries and Bosnia and Herzegovina can even enter the country with a valid identity card. The document of identity must be valid at least three months longer than you plan to stay in Croatia.
[edit] By plane
Croatia Airlines, the national carrier and member of Star Alliance, flies to Amsterdam, Berlin, Brussels, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, London, Madrid, Milan, Moscow, Munich, Paris, Prague, Tel Aviv, Rome, Sarajevo, Skopje, Vienna, Zurich and - during the tourist season - Manchester.
Adria Airways - Slovenian national carrier flies from Ljubljana to Split and Dubrovnik (note: there are no flights from Ljubljana to Zagreb as the two are located close together and are around 2 hours by car/train/bus)
Adriajet - charters from Scandinavia to Dalmatia (unchecked)
Aer Lingus Dublin - Dubrovnik
Austrian Airlines flies from Vienna to Zagreb, Split and Dubrovnik
Alitalia flies from Milan Malpensa to Zagreb and Split.
Clickair, a Spanish low-cost carrier flies between Dubrovnik and the Spanish cities of Barcelona and Valencia.
CSA Czech Airlines - SkyTeam member; flies from Prague to Zagreb all the year, and to Split during summer.
Darwin Airline flies between Geneva and Dubrovnik (Thursdays and Sundays) as well as Zurich and Dubrovnik (Saturdays).
EasyJet has flights to the following destinations in Croatia:
London Gatwick - Split
Estonian Air is flying every Wednesday and Saturday from Tallinn to Dubrovnik.
FlyBe operates routes between Dubrovnik and two UK destinations Exeter and Birmingham.
GermanWings - cheap connection from Berlin, Cologne, Stuttgart and Hamburg, to Zagreb, Split, Zadar and Dubrovnik
HLX (Hapag-Lloyd Express) - flies to Rijeka and Dubrovnik from Germany, has good overview of cheaper flights
Intersky flies from Friedrichshafen to Zadar
Norwegian connects Oslo with Rijeka, Split and Dubrovnik
Ryanair flies from London Stansted to Pula and Zadar. Also from Dublin to Zadar.
Scandjet is a Scandinavian low fare airline that connects Sweden, Norway and Denmark with Croatia. It flies from:
Oslo to Split
Stockholm to Pula, Split and Dubrovnik
Gothenburg to Zagreb, Pula, Zadar and Split
Copenhagen to Pula, Split.
SkyEurope - cheap connection from Bratislava, Prague and Budapest to Zadar, Split and Dubrovnik in the summer season
TAP Portugal is flying from Zagreb to Lisbon via Bologna three times a week (Wednesdays, Fridays, Sundays).
Wizz Air flies between Zagreb and London (Luton Airport)
Additionally you can use airports in neighboring countries which are within few hours of reach from Zagreb and Rijeka (apart from some of the listed options in Italy):
Ljubljana (for EasyJet flights to London Stansted or other Adria Airways flights)
Graz and Klagenfurt (for Ryanair flights from London Stansted)
Trieste (for Ryanair flights from London Stansted). You can also use Venice Marco Polo (for British Airways flights from the UK) or Venice Treviso (Ryanair from Stanstead). Ancona is also an option (Ryanair from Stanstead) for those who want to take ferry [2] or hydrofoil [3] to Zadar and Split. Ryanair also flies to Pescara which is a short drive away from Ancona.
Some may decide to use Tivat Airport (in Montenegro) which is within easy reach from Dubrovnik.
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