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Croatia is over 10 centuries old, yet is one of the newest, being reborn in 1991.
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With more than 1000 miles of coastline, 1185 islands, unspoilt beaches, clear blue seas, a string of ancient walled cities, Roman ruins and a climate balmy enough to nurture orange and lemon trees, it is no surprise people are starting to flock back to Croatia. |
You will experience Croatian hospitality everywhere, superb restaurants featuring locally caught fish and Italian influenced cuisine accompanied by delicious local wines.
The locals are great fun where even emptying the bin is an excuse to promenade! |
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In the past it was the haunt of Edward and Wallis Simpson, Agatha Christie, Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor and is now being rediscovered by current celebrities and royalty such as Princess Caroline, Brad Pitt, Prince Charles and Bernie Ecclestone who spends most summers in central Dalmatia on his yacht. |
Property prices are two thirds of those in the Costa del Sol and other regions on the same latitude and bargains abound, from entire islands to studio apartments.
 There has never been a better time to visit Croatia. Before the Balkans conflict in 1990, there were 470,000 tourists from Britain. The 7.4 million foreign and 1.5 million Croatian visitors in 2003 represented a 7% increase from 2002.
Of these 7.4 million foreigners 152,519 were British.
With a population of only 4.4 million Croatia does not need mass tourism revenues, and can concentrate on the luxury side of the market.
The Tourism Board said more than seven million tourists visited the country from January to August in 2004, 4% more than in the same period in 2003.
 "The new Riviera"
"Those in the know are forsaking the crowded Côte d'Azur and heading for the Istrian Riviera, Dubrovnik and the necklace of sun-drenched islands off the coast of Croatia. Steven Spielberg, Sharon Stone and Clint Eastwood are admirers of the sparkling Adriatic with its pine forests, olive groves, vineyards and fishing villages, and Princess Caroline of Monaco has bought her own place off the Istrian peninsula. There are still 1,185 uninhabited islands if you want to buy your own, though it'll cost you up to £1 million. But there are plenty of treats for the rest of us here in one of the most affordable dream destinations. Regular ferries hop between islands such as Hvar, famous for its lavender, rosemary and honey, and gutsy Korcula, birthplace (they claim) of Marco Polo. Look out for the spirited Moreska dance performed every week in summer. Star turn on the mainland, Dubrovnik, is nearly back to its best after a civil-war battering and ranks among the Med's most stunning medieval walled cities."
 Croatia became a candidate for EU membership in June 2004. Croatia will begin negotiations in early 2005 with the hope of gaining entry to the EU 2008-2009.
The equation is: ‘What do I get for my money here and what do I get for my money over there?’ - and the equation still works for Croatia
So in summary now is the time to invest in this up and coming country.
Invest now whilst prices are low because in 3-5 years time there is little doubt prices will be up to 'Tuscan' levels.
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