Is Croatia a Safe Country?

As a Croatian living in Italy I have been asked many times question like: Is Croatia a safe country? Is Croatia safe for single women? Should I rent a car or take public transport? My answer may sound pretentious but I dare to say, it is not only safe but it's probably the safest country in Europe.

To prove my statement I've found official records that there are fewer than 10 homicides a year in Croatia. I can assure you that Croatia is one of the rare places on the earth where you don't have to watch your back.

Women will not face particular danger in Croatia. Croatian men are generally very gallant and good-mannered. Women on their own may occasionally be stressed and followed in great coastal cities like Rijeka, Split, Zadar and others. Sometimes local bars and cafes (called "kafic") may seem like private men's clubs and a women alone may feel uncomfortable with sudden silent and cold stares. But I suggest to behave cool in these situations.

Feminism has not reached satisfactory level in Croatia. There are only few women in leadership position, specially in political life. Women are still dedicated to housework and children care but little by little Croatian women are gaining the position which they merit.

Women in Croatia gives a high priority on good looking, trying to buy the most fashionable clothes they can afford. Topless sunbathing is acceptable and the naturist style is visible in every part of Croatia.

If any church visits are planned, keep in mind that women are expected to wear tops with sleeves and bottoms that fall beneath the knees. Churches and some museums post their dress codes and they will turn you away if you don't follow these rules.

Here are some things and words you should never use when visiting Croatia, otherwise you will find yourself in trouble. Don't call it Yugoslavia! Please don't do that! Remember all those wars over there about 10 years ago? Remember seeing Dubrovnik shelled on TV? That wasn't a Hollywood movie. That was for real. Well, they won that war. Or rather, the "former Yugoslavia" military picked up and left Croatia to itself. Croatia has been its own country ever since. If you visit there, don't ever call it Yugoslavia.

My message is: Come to visit this small country and feel safe to go where you want. Even if mugging and thefts are not a problem and even you can safely walk in any town at night, use your common sense, as always.

5 reasons to visit Croatia

Croatia borders several countries, making it a good starting point for an extraordinary European adventure. It 's also a memorable goal, when to offer many attractions. Here are five reasons to visit Croatia.

1. Historical sites

As evidence of its rich history, Croatia has five World Heritage sites of cultural and historical significance. The most popular is the Diocletian's palace in the heart of Split. As mentioned, this building was builtby Roman emperor Diocletian in the 4th century, both as a luxury residence and as a military fortress. Like the first, it has to offer a magnificent cathedral and many homes with elaborate facades that have been converted into shops and bars, as towers, the spectacular view of the Adriatic Sea, as well as other fortifications. His walk is also a great place for a walk, by day or by moonlight.

The other historical worldHeritage is the ancient city of Dubrovnik and Trogir, together with the Basilica in Porec Euphrasian and the Cathedral of St. James in Sibenik. Fortress Medvedgrad and amphitheater in Pula, worth a visit.

2. Museums

To learn more about the history of Croatia, a tour of the museums that are worthy of its own attractions. These include the Archaeological Museum of Split, the oldest in the country with a collection of artifactsdifferent ages, the Museum of the History of Croatia in a beautiful baroque castle and the archaeological site hosted Andautonia. The castle Trakoscan 13 was also transformed into a medieval museum, while the old city of Zagreb is like a great museum with its old walls, cobbled streets and various landmarks. For art lovers, be sure to visit the Mimara Muzej.

3. Nature

In addition to world heritage sites of historical importance, Croatia also has twoany significant natural attractions, namely the National Park Plitvice Lakes and the Stari Grad Plain on the island of Hvar. The National Park Plitvice Lakes is the perfect place to enjoy nature, with 16 beautiful turquoise lakes, caves, majestic mountains, breathtaking waterfalls and a few varieties of birds and wildlife. Apart from the Stari Grad Plain, Hvar is also known for its sunny climate, its lively nightlife and fields of aromatic lavender known.

4.Beaches

The reason most people visit Croatia, but for its beaches - some sandy, some stone, but all offer wonderful opportunities for recreation and relaxation. Brela Beach is the most popular beaches and beautiful islands of Rab, Cres, Brac, Korcula and Mljet. There are also nudist beaches and those that are havens for surfers.

5. Kitchen

Croatia also has aexcellent cuisine, with specialties that you make sure that the mouth is too weak to return for a further six. fish dishes are very popular, with generous portions of prawns, squid and mussels, fish and pasta with truffles and risotto with squid. There are delicious dishes of meat, too, such as roast pork and veal steaks, stews and rich, delicious pies and cakes. Croatia is known for its wine, and then go to the local tavern and ask the house wine. ATaste brandy or grappa is recommended.

Do not forget to get a taste of coffee culture, even if you visit Croatia. In fact, there are many cafes in Croatia, where you can find great cake and, of course, delicious coffee, espresso or milk if you can drink while mingling with the locals, or simply watch people pass after a hard day.