Croatian tourism is one of the most important branches of the Croatian economy. History of tourism in Croatia goes back to the mid 19th century in the period around 1850. year. Successfully developed to this day, and now Croatia is one of the most visited and the most important tourist destinations of the Mediterranean. The slogan that represents Croatia in the international tourism market following the Mediterranean as it once was. Lonely Planet's Croatia proclaimed the best tourist destination for the 2005th years, while National Geographic Adventure Magazine Croatia prolasio best destination for the 2006th year. Reuters has announced that Travel Leaders, a leading travel company for sale in the United States, Croatia declared its international top destination for Europe for 2012. year. Croatia is rich in natural beauty, the islands of which 1 244, national parks, nature parks, monuments protected by UNESCO as Diocletian's Palace in Split, Trogir and Dubrovnik cities, Euphrasian Basilica in Porec and the Cathedral of St. James in Sibenik, and the biggest advantage over competition in the Croatian part of the Adriatic Sea, which is reported as the European Environment Agency, conducted the 2010th and the second cleanest sea in Europe. And mild Mediterranean climate in Croatia, with warm summers and moderately cold winters, favors Croatian tourism and its additional development. Croatian tourist offer is very diverse and consists of nautical, excursions, diving, congress, cultural, ecological, rural, religious, adventure, health, hunting and fishing tourism. The tourist offer includes several cruises on motorized sailing ships and a very well developed and more developed naturism Robinson who in addition to offering land and stay on the lonely lighthouse like Dubrovnik reef or Palagruza. Each Croatian tourist region separately developing its offer that characterizes its environment. The most important Croatian tourist regions are Istria, Kvarner, Dalmatia, Dubrovnik and the islands along the southern Adriatic, Konavli Župa Dubrovnik, Dubrovnik area, Peljesac peninsula, Croatia Zagreb and Continental.

DALMATIA

Dalmatia is the largest Croatian tourist region in which there are three large tourist center. The northern section is a three thousand year old town of Zadar in Dalmatia is located city of Split and Dubrovnik in the south, whose growing old part of the town is on the UNESCO world heritage list. Besides these glasvnih tourist centers are located in Dalmatia smaller tourist centers such as Sibenik, Trogir, Makarska and many coastal settlements in the Sibenik, Zadar and Makarska Riviera. In Dalmatia, also located and four Croatian National parks Paklenica, Krka, Kornati and Mljet, numerous speleological diving locations or attractions. Dalmatia is known in the world of tourism and its many islands. In northern Dalmatia, of Kornati and Dugi island with a lake situated at the top of the 146 meter high cliff in central Krapanj Hvar as the most famous and the sunniest Croatian island of Brac with its famous beach Zlatni rat, Solta and Vis. In southern Dalmatia south settled Korcula, Lastovo, Mljet and Elaphite Islands. Peninsula, situated in southern Dalmatia, an important part of the Croatian tourist pound. On the peninsula are larger resorts such as Ston, Orebic or Trpanj many small settlements. Peninsula abounds in vineyards, and as a kind of attraction on the peninsula there is a road with many wine cellars and wines of the highest quality.

MAKARSKA

Makarska has always been the center of the surrounding region known as Makarska Riviera, both in an administrative, political and economic sense, as well as a center of culture, education, and since the mid twentieth century, tourism. Today, it is a city of more than 15 thousand inhabitants that encompasses picturesque villages at the foot of the Biokovo Mountain, including Veliko Brdo, Puharići, Kotišina and Makar (which is where the name of Makarska comes from). Makarska is one of the most famous tourist destinations on the Croatian coast, attractive for its nature and good climate, rich in tourist attractions and full of hospitable hosts.

To this day, Makarska is known for its sandy beach, which is almost 2 kilometers long. The walkways are lined with pine trees and surrounded by luxury hotels, tourist facilities, and gastronomical havens, and there is plenty of fun for both adults and children. Makarska is located below the mountain of Biokovo (1762 m), which protects it from the harsh continental climate and is responsible for its rich Mediterranean vegetation, mild winters, long, warm summers cooled by a refreshing breeze called maestral. Makarska has more than 2750 hours of sun each year and the air temperature above 20°C from July to September. During these same months, the crystal-clear sea also averages a temperature of above 20°C. The city of Makarska grew around a natural harbor protected by a picturesque peninsula of Sveti Petar (St. Peter) and the cape Osejava. It is the only harbor of this kind between the mouth of the Cetina and Neretva rivers. In the past it provided protection and safe harbor during stormy weather to sailors, pirates and merchants, and nowadays it does the same for yachts, sailing boats and tourist ships. This contributed to its development into a trading port, especially during the Ottoman and Venetian occupation. Today, there is a ferry line which runs a few times a day from Makarska to Sumartin on the island Brač. During the summer months the harbor fills up with yachts and tourist ships, while young people crowd the main Kačić square enjoying entertainment and cultural performances. As the night goes on, Makarska becomes livelier and livelier, and its cafes, restaurants and discotheques fill up. The best way to become familiar with the history of this city is by visit¬ing the Franciscan monastery which recently celebrated its 500th anniversary. The monastery boasts a picture gallery, library, one-of-a-kind Malaco-logical museum (dedicated to the study and preservation of mollusks) and the Institute of Mountains and Sea. The church of St. Marko is located on the Kacic square. On its north side are: the Gojak gallery, located in the old school building, public library, the school of music, and the headquarters of the Makarska Riviera radio. The city museum can be found on the waterfront, as well as the church of St. Filip. The renovated church of St. Petar is located in the St. Petar park, a spot with a beautiful view of the city, magnificent Mount Biokovo and the open sea. Makarska's geographical position is 44° 17' 38" latitude and 17° 1' 20" longitude, which places it approximately in the center of north-western half of the Makarska coast.