Croatia HTZ TV Spot 2010

Island Cres Lubenice Beach Croatia

The Blue Flag, an international label signifying a clean environment and a high level of development and facilities, has been awarded to 135 locations in Croatia: 115 beaches and 20 marinas. Interestingly, apart from seaside beaches, blue flags are fluttering on seven continental beaches this year: the Aquacity beach near Varaždin and six beaches of the sports and recreational centre Jarun in Zagreb.
The well-known criteria for awarding the Blue Flag are high water quality, the regular measurement of the water quality and availability of data pertaining to it, the existence of rules of conduct and educational programs, the safety of swimmers and insurance of measures aimed at preventing or reacting to cases of ecological disasters. The beaches also need to have access to drinking water, and at least one beach within a city or municipality needs to ensure access to the beach and sanitation facilities for the disabled.
Criteria for awarding the Blue Flag to marinas have been specially devised, and they include protection of the environment, high-level development and facilities, educational programs and sanitation facilities.
The Blue Flag Programme is owned and run by the Copenhagen- based independent non-profit organisation Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). The coordinator for Croatia is the association ‘Lijepa Naša’.

Because of the relative abrasiveness of Croatia’s beaches, bringing sandals or water shoes is a great idea for an independent traveler trying to enjoy the sun and sea. Also, many beaches are a hike from the nearest bus-stop, parking lot, or boat dock, so real shoes aren’t a bad choice either.

Zlatni rat Beach

The most popular beach in Croatia is Zlatni rat, on the island of Brac. Translated literally, Zlatni rat means the “golden cape” and the beach extends from a grove of trees straight out into the ocean. The peninsula is packed with people in the summer both who have made the day-trip from nearby Split, or descended from one of the many nearby resorts.
The calm water on the lee-side of the spit is great for paddling, windsurfing or kiteboarding, and the spit is big enough that there is always room for one more beach towel even on the busiest days.

One of the longer stretch of beaches lies near Brela, just south of Split. Brela’s beaches are nearly six kilometers of picturesque white pebbles surrounded by idyllic fig trees, pine stands and olive groves descending into Mediterranean perfection. Far from getting away from it all, nearby Punta rata beach has lifeguards, a doctor on duty, facilities for the disabled, a sports complex and catering. There are plenty of shops and restaurants nearby, but who would need to leave?

Brijuni island was the getaway for European aristocracy in the early 20th century, and it has maintained a kind of elite atmosphere since then. Did I say elite? Sorry, I meant “circus.” Brijuni is full of things like ostriches running loose, donkeys, roman ruins and fossilized dinosaur footprints. The animals are the offspring of the collection of Marshal Tito, who had a summer residence here, and visitors to the main island can observe his elephants and zebras on a tour of the safari park. To visit the beaches you’ll need accommodation at an island hotel or be part of a guided trip to the park.

Krk island is Croatia’s biggest island, with one of its most impressive beaches. Baska is one of Croatia’s few sandy beaches and it is often packed with Austrians and Germans on holiday. For another true sand beach, try Malinska, a port town on Kosljun island.

Zlatni rat Beach - Bol Croatia

“Zlatni Rat beach is home to a spectacular sandbar known as the Golden Horn. The bar is 580 yards long and provides this beach with a unique shape and unparalleled people-watching. The beach offers restaurants, cafes and a surplus of water sports. The nightlife is more relaxed than Zrce beach, but there are plenty of open-air bars and nightclubs open for mischief.

Croatia’s main tourist attraction is, and always has been, its beaches. With miles of pristine continental Adriatic seaside and dozens of islands to visit, the sun and fun are endless.”
Full text by Erica Walsh – Travel Channel
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Story by guardian.co.uk writer: Jane Foster