Kvarner and hightlands

Kvarner and Hightlands: For all seasons and all reasons.

Kvarner is the region in Croatia with the longest tourist tradition. Europe's royalty, numerous eminent personalities, statesmen and artists, the makers and shakers of their day, all chose the region as a holiday destination as far back as the 19th century Today's guests will soon understand the reason why. Kvarner is an extraordinary natural entity, offering a unity of well-indented coastline and the scenic islands of the Croatian coast. As a backdrop note: the green and forested regions of Gorski Kotar and Lika, which reach high up into the clouds. This is where European and Mediterranean cultures meet - and blend.

The coastal people ("Primorci") those from Gorski Kotar ("Gorani") and the people of Lika ("Licani") know all too well how to make their own homes places of relaxation for their guests. And how to transpose something of the intimate pleasure of the family nook into the room, apartment, board and lodgings or the holiday home their guests may choose. This kind of pleasure is much sought-after and treasured, and so it is little wonder that of the 145,385 accommodation units, a number which encompasses the whole region, as many as 65,000 are family owned.

Gorski kotar

Attired in forest greenery during the summer and cloaked in snow in winter, Gorski kotar is a region providing rest to those in search ot relaxation, whilst enjoying the sounds of nature and surrendering themselves to the mountain-air spas. Pa* forests, protected landscapes, unique natural and geomorphic reserves await them here, while the crowning experience is the Risnjak National Park. Restoration of body and soul will be complete for those seeking an active holiday amongst the fairytale-like mountain rivers, climbs to exceptional ridges and descents info the mysterious world of Gorski kotars mountain caves. Or indeed, by taking advantage of the exceptional facilities for one of the winter sports here.

Lika

One visit to Lika is enough to convince you that its name, derived from the Celtic word "Life" (meaning "beautiful country" J is well deserved. Lika is a region of dense forests, soft, flowing grazing meadows, crystal clear waters, preserved buildings of autochthonous architecture, and food prepared from the fruits of the ecologically unspoiled land. The River Gacka valley will take your breath away with its beauty, while the Plitvice Lakes National Park, with its 16 enchanting lakes and waterfalls, has been awarded World Natural Heritage Status by UNESCO. The Velebit Mountain, with its captivating and awe-inspiring vistas has. Because of its magnificence, been declared a national park. In the Northern Velebit National Park there are special botanical and geomorphologic reserves.