Croatia Forum

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Opatija and Skradinski buk Europe 2006: Silver And Bronze Flowers

A well-known coastal tourist destination – the city of Opatija, is the recipient of a silver award, while the Skradinski buk ethno-village in the Krka National Park is the winner of a bronze award. The award in question is the prestigious “Entante Florale – Golden Flower of Europe 2006” that the European association for flowers and the environment awards every year under the patronage of the European Union. The fact that Opatija and the Skradinski buk ethno-village were selected from among 5,800 candidates from 12 European countries speaks volumes of the great value of this recognition. The grand lady of Croatian tourism, as Opatija is often referred to, takes great pride in the stunning parks and attractive “Lungo mare” seaside promenade that make up only a part of the appealing picture of this city. Along with the classic vacation tourism that has drawn tourists to Opatija for over a century, this is a city in which congress tourism is also developed. Opatija is the seat of a Riviera with the longest tradition of tourism in Croatia. Nurtured parks, seaside promenades, well-maintained swimming areas and fountains are only a part of its appeal. The Skradinski buk ethno-village draws attention with its exclusively natural phenomenon. The Skradinski buk itself is the longest and most beautiful waterfall on the Krka River and one of the best-known natural beauties in Croatia. The waterfall is made of travertine cascades, islands and lakes, while the small mills and baskets on the waterfalls are simple works in which the energy of the waterway turns a grinding stone through a system of wooden wheels and cogwheels to mill grains. The ethno-village is closely connected to this tradition, which has existed in the area since the Roman era. It got its present appearance in the 19th century. It was recently again renovated and has become, because of its traditional heritage, an important monument to the economic history of Šibenik and the Šibenik area.