Discover Croatia - Dalmatia - Zadar

The Zadar region is the northernmost part of Dalmatia, its gate of welcome to all those who travel from the north of the Adriatic. It is full of contrasts, rich in historic heritage and breathtakingly beautiful nature. The first, and therefore perhaps the most intense experience of these parts, are the intense colours, that particular harmony of the vivid blue of the sea and over it the dark green of pine trees or olive groves that descend all the way to the shore. And to all that the brilliant white of the Dalmatian stone must be added – it forms the beaches either in slabs or broken down into gravel or pebbles, attracting numerous tourists.

Dalmatia’s centre is 3000-year-old Zadar, a city with the largest researched Romanforum on the Croatian side of the Adriatic and unforgettable Romanesquechurches like St. Donatus, St. Anastasia and St. Chrisogonus. Nearby Nin (the oldest Croatian royal city) boasts the smallest cathedral in the world (the Church of the Holy Cross measures but 36 paces!). The region of Zadar tells the story of the sources of Croatian cultural heritage better than any book.

Zadar is a town that has antique origins with the most researched Roman forum on the eastern side of the Adriatic and late Roman church – the cathedral of St. Stošija [St. Anastasia], Sv. Krševan [St. Krsevan] and the famous Sv. Donat [St. Donatus]. With its valuable collections, libraries and archives, Zadar is proud of the fact that the foundations of the oldest Croatian university were laid here in 1396.

Recently made even more famous for its Sea Organ, an architectural miracle on the Zadar riva (sea front). Alfred Hitchcock was so impressed with Zadar and its sunset that he said that from the Zadar riva 'one can enjoy the most beautiful sunset in the world. If you go to the nearby old town of Nin, you will find the smallest cathedral in the world - Crkva svetog Kriza (Church of the Holly Cross), that is only 36 paces long.

Island Pag

Island Pag

EURO 2012 - Croatian national team

Best EURO performance: quarter-finals 1996, 2008

Coach: Slaven Bilić

Leading scorer: all-time – Davor Šuker (45); current – Eduardo (23)

Most appearances: all-time – Dario Šimić (100); current – Josip Šimunić (95)

Association formed: 1912

Nickname: Kockasti (Checks)

Croatia seemed to have not so much a foot but both feet in the UEFA EURO 2008 semi-finals after Ivan Klasnić's 119th-minute opener against Turkey, yet coach Slaven Bilić had barely returned to the bench after the wild celebrations that ensued when Semih Şentürk scored a dramatic equaliser. With fate at its most capricious, Turkey prevailed on spot kicks; Croatia went home chastened, the hangover lasting throughout 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifying as they finished third behind England and Ukraine. Second to Greece this time around, their reward was a rematch with Turkey in the play-offs – and revenge was sweet.

UEFA EURO 2012 qualifying

Group F: runners-up

Play-offs: Turkey 0-3 0-0 Croatia (0-3 on agg)

Leading scorer: Niko Kranjčar (4)

Ever-presents: none

Making his first competitive start in 13 months, Ivica Olić struck after two minutes in Istanbul as Croatia claimed what proved an unassailable 3-0 first-leg lead over Turkey in the play-offs. "Thank God it's over – we made it," Bilić said after the second leg against Turkey. "After everything we went through in qualifying we are back where we belong: at EURO."

With Group F leaders Greece trailing 1-0 to Georgia, Croatia were 11 minutes from automatic qualification before goals from Giorgos Fotakis and Angelos Charisteas turned things round.

Croatia's 2-1 victory over Georgia in June was the 200th game in their 21-year history as an independent nation. Their first match, against the United States in 1990, also ended 2-1.

 EURO pedigree

Croatia have qualified for four out of five tournaments since the break-up of Yugoslavia, their only failure coming in 2000. Inspired by three-goal Davor Šuker, Miroslav Blažević's 1996 vintage reached the last eight in their maiden finals appearance, before defeat against Germany.

Eliminated after the group stage in 2004, four years later they won three out of three, including a 2-1 victory against Germany. The semi-finals beckoned before Turkey's last-gasp equaliser and then penalties.

Croatia contributed players to the Yugoslavia team that twice finished runners-up at the UEFA European Championship, losing the inaugural showpiece 2-1 in extra time against the Soviet Union in 1960 and going down 2-0 to hosts Italy in a final replay eight years later.

UEFA EURO 2012 Group C fixtures

Sunday 10 June: Republic of Ireland v Croatia, 20.45CET, Poznan

Thursday 14 June: Italy v Croatia, 18.00CET, Poznan

Monday 18 June: Croatia v Spain, 20.45CET, Gdansk

EURO 2012 - Portuguese national team

Best EURO performance: runners-up 2004

Coach: Paulo Bento

Leading scorer: all-time – Pauleta (47); current – Cristiano Ronaldo (32)

Most appearances: all-time – Luís Figo (127); current – Cristiano Ronaldo (90)

Association formed: 1914

Nickname: Selecção das Quinas (Team of Shields)

Since reaching the UEFA EURO 2004 finals, Portugal have become fixtures in the knockout stages of major tournaments. Semi-finalists at the 2006 FIFA World Cup and quarter-finalists at UEFA EURO 2008, they were unlucky to encounter eventual winners Spain in the last 16 in South Africa two summers ago. A fifth successive UEFA European Championship final tournament was in jeopardy when Paulo Bento replaced Carlos Queiroz two games – and just one point – into UEFA EURO 2012 qualifying. He made an immediate impact, culminating in a resounding play-off triumph against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

UEFA EURO 2012 qualifying

Group H: runners-up

Play-offs: Bosnia and Herzegovina 0-0, 2-6 Portugal (2-6 agg)

Leading scorer: Cristiano Ronaldo (7)

Ever-presents: Raul Meireles, Nani (10)

Bento oversaw five wins but defeat in Denmark left them second in Group H. They beat Bosnia and Herzegovina 6-2 – the biggest winning margin in the play-offs – despite a goalless opener in Zenica. Cristiano Ronaldo took his international tally to 32 goals with two in the second leg, going level with Luís Figo in third place on Portugal's top scorer list. Only Pauleta (47) and Eusébio (41) lie ahead.

Ronaldo, at 26, became Portugal's fifth most-capped player during qualifying, rising to fourth in subsequent friendlies. "Credit goes to the team – all the players – who had the ability to adapt to a new philosophy and new ideas," Bento said after Portugal confirmed their place in Poland and Ukraine.

EURO pedigree

Portugal made their UEFA European Championship final tournament debut in 1984, and came within six minutes of the Paris showpiece. Leading hosts France 2-1 deep into extra time, Jean-François Domergue levelled before Michel Platini clipped in a 119th-minute winner.

Portugal - Aveiro

The district of Aveiro captures the essence of the perfect picture-book destination, with its colourful gondola-shaped boats, natural lagoons, elegant 19th Century architecture and traditional cobblestone passageways – this is a special place where old meets new.

Situated in the Baixo Vouga sub-region between the Atlantic Ocean and the mountainous surroundings of its neighbouring districts, Aveiro’s rich landscape is characterised by its sandy coast, beautiful estuary, gardens and parks.

Commonly nicknamed the ‘Portuguese Venice’, the enchanting capital city of Aveiro is crossed by a shimmering canal and is considered one of the most charming destinations in the country for its brightly patterned moliceiro boats, array of pastel-tinted Art Nouveau buildings and its calm urban atmosphere – a scenic backdrop for your holiday. While in the city centre, make your way to the famous Mercado do Peixe, a traditional fish market that houses one of Aveiro’s most acclaimed seafood restaurants. A variety of dining establishments, as well as a fun selection of bars and shops can all be found nearby. Stop at any typical café whenever strolling through the city and taste the heavenly ovos moles, the district’s sugary, egg-based delicacy. 

Also be sure to enjoy one of the many free-hire BUGA bicycles during your holiday and ride along Aveiro’s glistening canal, its picturesque streets and visit some of its foremost attractions. 

Travel further into the district and discover Ílhavo, a seaside city that represents Aveiro’s thriving maritime heritage and home to the internationally acclaimed Vista Alegre porcelain factory. See Portugal’s oldest lighthouse in Praia da Barra and stop by Praia da Costa Nova to find Aveiro’s iconic, multicoloured striped houses. These beaches are also excellent spots for soothing days in the sun and to enjoy an array of water sports. 

Taste the ‘convent sweets’ that the town of Arouca is so well-known for and visit the southern city of Mealhada to enjoy a traditional meal of suckling pig and regional Bairrada wine. To complete your holiday, find relaxation in Luso and Curia, two quaint towns known for their magnificent hot springs and natural beauty.

Croatian Adriatic

Intact nature is something rare and precious in today’s world. Croatia has one of the cleanest seas in Europe, offering you a chance to immerse yourself in the unspoiled beauty of pristine waters. 

Croatia took the 2nd place behind Cyprus in the annual report on the quality of bathing water published by the European Commission. From more than 900 locations in Croatia, 97% have been evaluated as excellent, fulfilling the high European criteria.

Discover Croatia - Istria

Temple of Augustus

Beach in Verudela.

The Arena - Colosseum 

The Arch of the Sergii

Blue seas, white stone and the green interior make up the colour scheme of Istria, the largest peninsula in Croatia. The blueness of its shoreline is contrasted by the lush greenery of its interior and the tiny, “acropolian” towns which, themselves somewhere between waking and sleeping, erase that thin line that divides the real from the illusion. And turn into your very own story.

Rovinj

Rovinj

The heart-shaped peninsula reaching deep into the clear blue waters of the Adriatic Sea is a hidden garden of beauty which opens the door to the sunny and warm Mediterranean. Come and travel through it without hesitation, and the holiday of your dreams will become reality. Multicultural and hospitable, this is an area where wide-ranging diversities have come together to form a happy union. Istria’s crystal clear sea, clean shores and ports, its lively fishing boats and teeming narrow stone streets exude the true charm of the Mediterranean. Small, picturesque medieval towns perched on the peaks of its hills emanate the peace and gentleness of landscapes that irresistibly evoke the most beautiful parts of Tuscany or Provence. 

Umag

Istria is called the “Terra Magica”. It is a true cultural arboretum whose heritage comes from the Histrians, the Celts, Romans through to the Byzantines, Slavs and Venetians and all the way to the Austro-Hungarian Empire! Wherever you start from, either from Pula and its magnificent Roman amphitheatre, Rovinj that is called the small Venice, Porec's Euphrasius, the town of ghosts of Dvigrad, the beauty of Motovun or perhaps the artists town of Grožnjan in the interior, one thing is for sure, Istria is a region of true wonders. In addition, 15 years ago on the seabed at Bale remains of dinosaur bones were found, which were the first, and for the moment, the only to be found in the entire Mediterranean area.

National park Brijuni 

Portugal - Coimbra

Mondego river, Coimbra.

The little town of Portugal.

Steeped in history and long regarded as Portugal’s cultural and intellectual centre, the district of Coimbra is a timeless destination that has inspired the works of acclaimed poets and writers, a long-standing tradition of soulful Fado serenades and a truly unique legacy of high-spirited academic rituals.

Coimbra is spread before the lovely Mondego river (the longest in the country) and is located between the central Portuguese districts of Aveiro and Viseu.

Chronicled as the most historic city in the region, the capital of Coimbra cradles some of the district’s most revered customs and monuments. After years of Roman occupation and Medieval rule, traces of Coimbra’s earliest days are scattered throughout the district and can be found in the historical port town of Figueira da Foz, Montemor-o-Velho’s imposing 9th Century castle and the ancient ruins of Conímbriga.

At the city’s highest point, you will find the prestigious University of Coimbra and its majestic 18th Century library, as well as the enchanting Botanic Garden. Also sharing this hilltop location is the 16th Century New Cathedral (Sé Nova) and the popular Machado de Castro art museum.

With its countless steps leading down to the historic centre, the Quebra Costas stairway (literally ‘the backbreaker’) has become a landmark in its own right. Here, you will find dynamic streets filled with typical restaurants and bars, shops of all sorts and many cafés. The Old Cathedral (Sé Velha), the City Hall and the Santa Cruz Church are some of the main attractions in the area and definitely worth a visit.

Every year, Coimbra attracts visitors with its vivacious academic celebrations, where enthusiastic crowds of students proudly parade their black cloaks throughout the city’s streets, chant cheerful folk songs and fill the air with the sound of guitars playing melodious Fado tunes. One of the most popular traditions is the Queima das Fitas, a graduation ceremony that takes place every May, when students burn ribbons to symbolise the end of their academic days.

Another attraction well worth visiting is the popular Portugal dos Pequenitos theme park, located on the south side of the river; a wonderful place where visitors of all ages can explore small-scale replicas of typical Portuguese villages, national monuments and buildings. Also be sure to see the intriguing ruins of the nearby Santa Clara-a-Velha Monastery.

Universidade de Coimbra.