The Rough Guide to Croatia 4 (Rough Guide Travel Guides) (Paperback)

by Jonathan Bousfield (Author) "The easiest way to get to Croatia is by air, though fares from outside Europe can be expensive; a cheaper option may be to pick..." (more)
Key Phrases: Braée Viduliéa, few extra kuna, tamburica music, World War, Hvar Town, Stari Grad (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

The Rough Guide to Croatia is your ultimate handbook to one of Europe''s most beautiful countries. From the medieval city of Dubrovnik and the unspoilt island of Vis to the rural hinterland of Zagreb, this guide captures all of Croatia’s highlights in a full colour introduction. The top hotels, bars and restaurants are all uncovered in the detailed listings section with the new ‘Author’s Pick’ feature highlighting the very best options. There are plenty of practical tips on a host of outdoor activities from hiking the hills to scuba diving in the Adriatic. The guide also looks at Croatia’s history, folk music and literature and comes complete with maps and plans for every area.

The Rough Guide to Croatia is like having a local friend plan your trip!

About the Author
Jonathan Bousfield is co-author of Rough Guides to Austria, Bulgaria, Poland and the Baltic States.

Product Details

• Paperback: 528 pages
• Publisher: Rough Guides; 4 edition (July 2, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1843537834
• ISBN-13: 978-1843537830
• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 5 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #15,790 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best guide out there; author has a great "voice"; accurate, dependable., July 3, 2008

By	Mia (Germany) - See all my reviews

This is the most comprehensive guide in terms of giving you an overall picture of Croatia, including history, culture, and useful language translations. The information is not misleading as other guidebooks have proven to be. For example, some guidebooks tout Croatia's Istrian coast as an undiscovered paradise, but I can't imagine where that information is coming from, unless it is really old. The western coast has been slathered in concrete and is the epitome of mass tourism. One of the author's most telling statements is that your experience in Croatia depends so much upon when you go. If you go in July or August, you'll probably hate any city, no matter how beautiful because the Istrian coast is a mecca of the bussed-in mass tourists.

Thankfully, this guide prepares you for that and helps you to steer clear of the bad/overtouristed places...mostly. I believe the author to be a bit biased by his interest in art and museums...and some places that he describes as so quaint and lovely, I was left scratching my head about. Porec for example. But for other places, he is dead on....the little piece on Umag might not jump out at you as overly negative but read between the lines...his warnings are subtle. Umag was a horror, a run-down, mass-tourism nightmare and has absolutely nothing to offer other than one desparate street of lungy, grabby restaurant owners and a pathetic rock beach that is under construction. Of course, he can't come right out and say that, but if you really listen to what he writes, you'll see it. I left Umag after one day (and I'm so glad that I did!)

He's also right on about places like Rovinj, which was the loveliest place I have seen in a long, long time, in Croatia or anywhere. He is extremely accurate in recommending restaurants and attractions ... the reviews and recommendations were excellent. Many times you can't trust what guidebooks say ... they are either misleading or just leave out the bad stuff. This is not one of those books. You can depend upon the information. The maps of the towns are accurate, easy to follow.

The author is also a good writer, so the book is interesting to read as well, and I even found myself laughing. He's fair and honest and knowledgeable.

I depended on this book quite a bit in Croatia and was glad to have it. I think you will be too.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars well done, July 6, 2008

By	AD "AD" (Chicago, IL USA) - See all my reviews

I used this book for a week in Croatia, visiting Zagreb, Dubrovnik, Split, and Brac. It was right on for timetables, maps, etc. This is the most important part for me, as I need a guidebook to be accurate in telling me when/how to take a train/bus from one place to another. Also, I liked seeing a few photos before I went, which helped determine what I wanted to see. Everything was written clearly, and organized well. The book is also a good compact size, easy to carry and not too heavy. I especially appreciated the history on cities and sites, as there is much to know about these old towns.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very informative, April 29, 2009

By	Traveler (Spartanburg, SC United States) - See all my reviews

This is just what I was looking for. I am planning a trip and wanted to become familiar with Croatia. Even though I will be on a tour we will have free time that I wanted to use in the best way. This book looks like it will be a very big help. Well written.