Travel guide Croatia

Until the 15th century, Croats wrote in glagolithic characters (glagoljica). The modern alphabet is in Latin and has thirty letters. However, some letters differ from our alphabet: dž, š, š, ž. In addition, the letters q, x, y and w do not exist in the Croatian alphabet or any silent letters; all letters are pronounced.

This north wind comes from the Velebit, the mountainous massif of continental Croatia, which runs along the Dalmatian coast before plunging into the Adriatic Sea. Coastal cities such as Senj, Karlobag, Makarska and even Dubrovnik are subject to it. If it cools down in summer, this violent wind in winter gives the sensation of losing ten degrees on the thermometer.

One of the few words that the French language owes to Croatian(hrvatski) dates from the Thirty Years' War when Croatian hussars, who came to France to join the royal army, wore a white scarf on their uniform. In 1666, the cavalry regiment received, from Louis XIV, the name of Royal-Cravates, born from the deformation of the Croatian name.

This beautiful, world-famous dog, native to the coastal region of Dalmatia, is recognizable by its white coat with black spots. Bishop Petar already described it in 1374. Trained to attack horses, it was used in the wars against the Ottomans. Dalmatian appears on some coats of arms of Croatian noblemen.

Alphabet invented in Croatia in the 9th century by two Greek monks, Saint Cyril and his brother Saint Methodius. The Croats were the only European Catholics authorized by the pope not to use Latin. The first missals in Glagolitic script were printed in 1483. This alphabet lasted in Croatia until the end of the 15th century.

As in Italy, coffee (espresso, cappuccino, latte macchiato) is drunk at any time of the day, and the terraces are often full. Here we say kava. Even on working days, people take coffee breaks in bars and restaurants near their workplaces. At home, it can be prepared in the oriental (or Turkish) way.

This traditional Dalmatian a cappella singing is often heard on the radio, through windows. These polyphonies, composed mainly of men, often rehearse in churches. They perform in the street, in the squares during festivals. Sometimes, a few elders push the klapa on the terrace of a café, during a family gathering.

Even if the tradition is lost, there are still bars where you will see the word appear in front. Around 10:00/11:00, we go out or prepare a nice salty snack. A sandwich of cold cuts, cheese or fish, which allows early risers to take a late morning break. Today's marenda could be akin to brunch..

A liqueur obtained with sour cherries called marascas. Balzac, in A Beginning in Life, talks about Zadar, the "city where maraschino is made". In Europe in the second half of the 19th century, it was highly prized. Other evidence of the popularity of this Dalmatian alcohol at Baudelaire and even at Napoleon Bonaparte's table.

All along the Croatian coast, in Istria, on the islands, many beaches and creeks are dedicated to naturism. The ex-king of England Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson would have launched the fashion. The acronym FKK(Freikörperkultur) indicates these protected zones. One finds naturist camp-sites, equipped with modern infrastructures of type vacation village.

On the island of Pag, this hard sheep's cheese is made. It is rolled in ash and olive oil and then matured. The taste also comes from the milk of the sheep that feed on aromatic herbs and sea salt. Often enjoyed as an aperitif, as an appetizer (antipasti), it is served with smoked Dalmatian ham (pršut), bread and wine.

With the progress of electronics, the valiant lighthouse keepers are becoming rarer. As a result, the lodgings are gradually being converted into cottages for vacationers thirsting for solitude and sea air. A boat brings them there with the groceries for the week and comes back to pick them up the day they want. The lighthouse keeper can help out if necessary.