Croatia - the land of a thousand islands
Because of its many islands, Croatia is often refereed to as “the land of a thousand islands”. In total, Croatia has 1246 islands which are, based on their size, divided into three groups: islands, islets and rocks and reefs. Most of them are placed in Dalmatia region. The two biggest Croatian island are the island of Krk and the island of Cres, located in North Croatian littoral. Very interesting fact is that those two islands are of the same size, what can be described as sort of natural phenomena. Three groups of Croatian islands are protected as national parks: NP Brijuni, NP Kornati and NP Mljet, while two groups of islands are protected as nature parks: Telascica and the Lastovo islands.
Croatia also has three peninsulas: Istria, Ravni kotari and Peljesac. Istria and Peljesac are known for their vineyards and exquisite wines. Ravni kotari along with the Neretva river valley have endless plantains of citrus fruits. During the harvest season tourists can also come and harvest fruits. Very well know is Croatian olive oil, which is produced along the Adriatic coast.
Croatian islands are very much touristic places. Tourists love to come there and enjoy the sun, sea and domestic food. The most sunny island in Croatia is the island of Hvar with 2718 sunlight a year, while the highest is the island of Brac (Vid’s hill, 778 m), which is also the third biggest island in Croatia and the biggest island in Dalmatia region.
Life on islands is simple, interesting and in many ways different from the mainland life. Locals like to say that it is not so much stressful; they describe it as much calmer and more relaxing than mainland life. And of course, it has it's special charm.
Photo by: Pixabay
