This month Money Grab travels to Croatia, located in Central Europe along the Adriatic Sea. Its beautiful beaches and medieval buildings make it a popular site for tourists.
The Croats first settled the area in the 7th century A.D. After World War I, Croatia merged with Yugoslavia. In 1991 Croatia and other areas of former Yugoslavia declared independence. A bloody civil war followed, the effects of which can still be seen in some places today. The war ended in 1995.
I haven’t been to Croatia myself, but family members took along a “flat Stanley” of Money Grab on their vacation. They visited Pula, the 8th largest city, where they saw the Temple of Augustus and the Amphitheatre. The Temple, with its rectangular shape and Corinthian columns, is an example of early imperial Roman temple architecture. The Amphitheatre, built in the first century, can hold 20,000 spectators, hosts more than 400,000 tourists annually, and was originally used for animal fights and gladiator combat.
The next stop was Plitvička Jezera National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its lakes and waterfalls. The water is a beautiful green color, and paths have been built alongside gushing waterfalls for close-up views. They recommend the nearby Hotel Jezero.
The final stop was Rovinj, a fishing port on the Adriatic, with quaint cobblestone streets. They enjoyed the Hotel Adriatic, dinner at Pizzeria Da Sergio, and bike riding in Park Šuma Zlatni rt (Golden Cape Forest Park).
If you’ve been to Croatia, please drop me a line to share your favorite destinations. If not, what are some of your favorite travel spots? I look forward to hearing about them on Facebook.
Frances Aylor 