Croatia (The Bradt Travel Guide)

And Letcher knows his stuff. Because he has done the hard miles around this dramatic country, and shares his knowledge in a diverting, modern style which updates the works he cites as references and establishes this book as the new standard.

I have shown this book to Croatians living here and they have said he has got it just right. I have had a brief trip there too using this book very much as a vade mecum in situ and it proved itself admirable as a practical guide. Buy this, and then treat yourself to his book about France too.


Like first footprints - feeling the soul of a new country   March 21, 2003
 12 out of 13 found this review helpful

Most travel guides claim to be "more than just a travel guide". But "Croatia" by Bradt/Letcher has something very special: a deep intimacy with the country, its riven and complex history, its wild natural corners (sea, rugged mountains, deep green reserves, lakes and gushing falls and sources), its people and food, and, importantly, the quirks of its existence that make it Croatia and nowhere else. Thanks to what is refreshingly good and engaged writing, this intimacy breathes its way through the pages, and is captured eloquently in the luxuriant photography.

This guide manages to elegantly straddle the divide between "travel writing" and the "travel guide", providing concise and clear information on all the things you could want or need to know - including what really happens at the bus stop after a long day's hike and when there's only one way back to a bed and a meal! Everything the veteran independent traveller needs is here, including how to cope as a vegetarian or as a lone female, and where to sleep if you're short of cash. At the same time though, it is a compelling and enjoyable read that sows just the right number of seeds. The invitation is not only to travel to Croatia for a holiday (whether for its beaches, sailing and gastronomy, for its towns, architecture and history, or for its mountains and wildlife), but one is inticed to go on discovering an intimacy so lovingly revealed, with a country full of startling richness.


A wonderful travel companion   March 19, 2003
 9 out of 10 found this review helpful

I came across this while cruising the internet looking for a suitable introduction to travel in the Balkans. And I found it. I found this book invaluable in planning my trip (delayed since before the Yugoslav war). It is a cut above most of the travel guides one finds and more in the tradition of George Borrows or Gerald Brennan, but nonetheless loaded with practical advice. This book is a must have!