Gazing on this coastline, it's like you've been transported back 50 or 60 years, to the unspoiled European coastlines of classic movies...crystal blue waters, weathered clay tile roofs, picture perfect villages... It's an almost magical scene...pristine mountains and sparkling seas dotted with billowing sails...views nearly impossible to find in Spain, France or Italy today because of all the modern high rise developments that have blighted the shorelines. But not here...

If you've dreamed of a Mediterranean-style villa with views of the sea...an alternative to Provence...or Tuscany...or Spain's Costa del Sol...dream no more. We've discovered it...the last great stretch of affordable European Coastline...and prices are headed way up, maybe real soon.

It's been dubbed "The Mediterranean As It Once Was." Early last century, kings and queens, movie stars and moguls flocked to its unspoiled shores and fabled seaside towns. In the 60s and 70s it was the destination of choice of communist dictators and party insiders. The allure of the Adriatic and a year-round perfect climate seduced them. Now may be your last opportunity to buy before prices are prohibitive here too!

Dear International Living Reader,

When it comes to real estate investing, timing can be just as important as location.

For example, in the 50s and 60s, the smart money in Europe bought on the French Riviera. Good luck finding a good deal along that gold coast today. The Italian Riviera became the hot spot in the 70s. In the 80s and 90s, Spain was the place to buy.

A political transformation began when Franco died in 1975. Spain joined NATO and re-entered the mainstream of the European community. Since then, the British, Germans, and other Northern Europeans have flocked to the shores of Southern Spain to take advantage of the warm air, beautiful coastlines, relaxed lifestyles, and reasonable prices. Southern Spain has become the "Florida of Europe."

But now, Spain is old news. Horrendously over-developed in spots, ridiculously over-crowded with holiday-goers in season, and increasingly over-priced. But the savvy traveler and would-be investor need not despair. Instead, he should look a bit farther east to Europe's new hot spot. The smart money is moving on.

Today The Hot Spot Of Europe Is Croatia

I'm sure you know at least some of its troubled recent history...and the idea of investing in this place may seem surprising at first...but bear with me. This is worth your attention.

Croatia offers you an unusual opportunity now. The country hides some of the most exquisite real estate in all of Europe--at some of the lowest prices. A powerful trend is already underway. Tourists are returning. Property prices are rising. The future looks bright. Now is the time to discover the opportunity that could let you double or triple the value of your real estate investment dollar in short order. The long term may be even more promising.

In the next couple of minutes, I will show you why you may want to seriously consider Croatia...as a gorgeous place to visit, a perfect spot to buy an investment property, or a great locale to shop for bargain coastal property. This may be the last chance to get a super discount on an excellent retirement paradise, a vacation home, or a rental property in Coastal Europe. And even better...

There's great potential in Croatia in both the short and long term for huge gains in property value, because it's seriously under-priced today. There are plenty of spots we've located where we believe (even using conservative assumptions) that there's an expectation to see property prices double in three to five years...and perhaps do much better.

Croatia's Unparalleled Opportunity Exposed

When IL world traveling research staff uncover a great destination, we get down to business. With more than 25 years of experience behind us, we realize that the window of opportunity doesn't last forever. Not if you are interested in owning property in a gorgeous location with a bright future...at a price that's sure to please you.

A few years ago, Croatia caught our attention. And since then, we've dispatched the IL team to investigate the situation on the ground. Our roving Euro-editor, Steenie Harvey; and our real estate investment guru, Lief Simon, have traveled, probed, and scrutinized the country thoroughly...on your behalf.

We've come to this conclusion: Croatia is the emerging Central Europe destination to watch.

Let's start with some geography. Picture the Italian peninsula as a woman's boot. Imagine the apex of the calf of Italy's leg. Cross the Adriatic Sea, go east and you'll find the coasts of Croatia. It shares the same mild Mediterranean climate as the middle coasts of Italy.

What did our scouts find when they toured these coasts?

My husband, Lief Simon, not one given to hype or hyperbole, called me during his recent scouting adventure with this report of Dubrovnik: " Beautiful!"

"On the roads, we saw license plates from the Czech Republic, Slovenia, Slovakia, Germany, Italy," Lief told me. " Developers from Western Europe are already at work. And the tourists are returning, not only from elsewhere in Central Europe, but from Old Europe as well. This is the next Spain."

Steenie Harvey was even more enthusiastic, "Go to Croatia's heart-stoppingly gorgeous Dalmatian coastline...and go now."

She underlined the need to act swiftly, " Word about Europe's land of a thousand islands is getting out."

Whether you are looking for a place with 300 days of sunshine a year or for a property investment with the potential for serious appreciation, Croatia deserves a closer look right now. Croatia's property prices are going to catch up with the rest of the Mediterranean region.

Based on the intelligence and follow-up reports of our scouts, we decided we needed to help you move quickly. So we've put Steenie Harvey to work on Croatia: The Owner's Manual . It is ready to help you in your search for a seaside dream home in this emerging European hot spot. Follow this link to reserve your copy now.

Blowing Away Misconceptions And Opening The Doors Of Opportunity

If you haven't seen it for yourself, or heard the buzz in Europe, then you're probably thinking, "Are you out of your mind? That's a war zone!"

Unfortunately, most Americans seem to learn their world geography on the evening news. Wars and disasters are reported on TV and brightly colored maps point out where the trouble spots are. If you think of Croatia as a burned-out tragedy of the conflict in the region...I can't blame you. That is the typical perspective of Americans. But they couldn't be more wrong. And chances are that if it weren't for that horrible war most wouldn't have ever heard of Croatia at all.

The tide has turned. Tourists are returning. And investors are sweeping into "The Pearl of the Adriatic."

Croatia is only slightly smaller than West Virginia. With a population of 4.47 million it was the second largest state in the former Yugoslavia. In 1991, all hell broke loose when Croatia declared its independence. A four-year war followed. You saw the horrors on TV. But TV news has no interest in the peace that has followed, so most people only remember the war.

Sure, Croatia struggled. But in 1998, under UN supervision, the last Serb-held enclave in Slavonia, in the most eastern portion of Croatia, was returned to the country. That was the turning point. Ever since, interest in Croatia's clear sea, 1,185 islands, romantic fishing villages, beautiful pebble beaches, fertile vineyards, remarkable historic Roman ruins, monuments, palaces, and medieval towns has been escalating rapidly.

Free Market Forces Are Unleashing Croatia's Potential

In the year 2000 a market-orientated reform government came to power. Dramatic change followed quickly. The country became a member of the International Monetary Fund. It joined NATO's Partnership-for-Peace in May 2000. In October 2001, it signed the Stabilization and Association Agreement with the European Union.Croatia became a candidate for membership of the EU in June 2004 (the screening process started in October 2005). Croatia is expected to attain full EU membership by 2008.

I won't kid you; Croatia still has a long way to go. That's good news for you. If the transformation were complete, prices would be much higher there. The economy is healthy and growing and progress has been strong and steady. From the years 2000 to 2005 the economy grew by 2.9%, 3.8%, 5.2%, 4.5%, 3.7% and 4% respectively. Strong growth is expected to accelerate for years to come. Inflation was 3.3% last year.

What's more the new government has now given foreign investors the same rights as local investors, including free expatriation of profits and the principal, and there are a handful of major privatizations in the making.

The government realizes that it must continue making serious reforms to encourage foreign investment and return to its former glory. Two world wars and 50 years of communism inflicted heavy burdens on this highly educated and skilled population.

Croatia is anxious to regain their rightful place in the European community. Billions of dollars in corporate investments in banking, telecommunications, industrial infrastructure, the food and beverage industry, tourism and more has been flowing into Croatia to help make that happen.

Europe's Next Riviera

Croatia's biggest natural asset is being rediscovered: its coastline.

The French legend, Jacques Cousteau, esteemed biologist and oceanographer, once described the waters as "the cleanest and clearest" in the world. Nearly unspoiled beaches stretch from Rijeka in the north to Dubrovnik in the south. But it's the 1,185 islands that give Croatia a huge coastal advantage with over 3,646 miles of coastlines.

Croatia's stunning coastline is on its way to becoming the next Riviera.

Popular British publications and travel shows like A Place in the Sun, The Telegraph, and The Guardian have done features on Croatia...and helped spark a surge of interest. Even Steven Spielberg is said to have holidayed here, and the American actor John Malkovich has bought an impressive villa.

Unlike France and Spain, which allowed their coastlines to be overbuilt quickly without forethought or planning, Croatia is doing it differently. You won't ever see vulgar 70s high-rise buildings or modern condominiums smear this unspoiled coastline. When foreigners fled to the French Riviera in the 70s, it quickly became polluted.

Croatia is legally insuring the preservation of the beauty and integrity of its coastline. The environment is specifically protected by the Republic of Croatia's Constitution. And local authorities will only grant building permits for houses and developments in the region's tasteful style. Ghastly holiday resorts are prohibited. Developers will be encouraged to use the local sandstone and local timber, and required to protect the environment.

Since there's been so little development so far, chances are that Croatia's coastlines will increasingly be seen as the most enchanting and romantic in Europe.

The Tourists Are Returning

Before the "Conflict in the Balkans," a half-million British tourists were among the 10 million foreigners who visited Croatia each year. Many years have passed since the conflict ended, and folks are beginning to realize that Croatia is now as safe as anywhere else in Europe. Today that number is rebounding. The World Travel and Tourism Council projects that Croatia's tourism figures will grow by at least 7.6% annually for the nex few years.

Tourism hasn't yet fully recovered in Croatia, which is good news for you, as a would-be investor today. It's hard to conceive of a future where tourism in Croatia isn't much more important to the country's economy than it was under a communist government. I'm certain that a tourism boom is inevitable along Croatia's coastal communities.

Croatia boasts some of the finest Roman ruins to be found in all of Europe, including the immense palace of Diocletian in Split. This may be the only place in the world that you could purchase property inside an ancient Roman palace. And that's just one of the many wonders awaiting you in Croatia. Its islands and moderate climate are attracting sailing and yatching enthusiasts from around the world.

Yes, there's a long way to go before Croatia regains its international reputation as a world-class destination. But that's good news! Now is the time to stake your investment claim--in real estate or any tourist-related business. The short-term rental market will grow with the number of returning tourists. It's a great opportunity for investors of modest means because there's already a great shortage of hotel rooms.

Charter yacht businesses are blossoming here.

Croatia is also positioning itself as a premiere destination for the European yachting community. With stunning harbors and clear waters (and extremely favorable tax incentives) charter yacht businesses are blossoming there. The opportunities in Croatia are tempting for many reasons.

Croatia - A Guided Tour

Let me give you some clues about what you'll find inside International Living's newest publication, Croatia: The Owner's Manual.

Discover The "Mother Of Venice"

The central focus of tourism and investment in Croatia is Dubrovnik. Our team gives you a great overview of why the country's southernmost major town gets the attention. Dubrovnik is often called "The Venice of the Adriatic Sea," but it's actually more ancient than its rival. And Dubrovnik hasn't suffered from stampedes of tourists and development so its glories remain pristine. Maybe Venice should be called the "Dubrovnik of Italy?"

The Croatian poet Jure Kastelan perfectly described Dubrovnik as the "city of stone and light." Historic stone walls encircle an exquisite medieval city of palaces, cafés, museums, churches, splashing fountains, and marble streets.

It's the centerpiece of the Dubrovnik Riviera. You'll think of Italy as you enter the city washed in soft sunlight with cypress-lined streets. Arriving from the airport you see the Dinaric Alps behind you and bright bougainvillea tumbling down steep cliffs to the glittering Adriatic Sea.

Vehicles are banned from the medieval core, mopeds and scooters included. There's none of that annoying put-put-put noise to compete with the clanging bells or strains of classical concertos spilling out of wooden church doors. It's refreshing to sit at outdoor cafes without breathing car fumes or worrying about risking life and limb whenever you step off a sidewalk.

Arguably the most picturesque medieval walled city in Europe, it boasts a Franciscan monastery with Europe's oldest pharmacy (still working), a 12th-century cathedral; an arsenal built in the 13th century and a 16th century corn depot house that looks like a fortress. But the greatest fascination is simply its active medieval street life, full of cafes and restaurants and friendly inhabitants who are proud of their city and its heritage.

After heavy shelling during the Balkan conflict, this pearly city of marble sidewalks, palaces, bell-towers and green-shuttered houses has been meticulously restored to its former glory.

Dubrovnik isn't dirt-cheap, but it's by no means expensive either. Compared with Western Europe...or the States...it's a great value. The Owner's Manual reveals the best deals there. And the city has everything the tourist could hope for--history, architecture, coastline, and those remarkable city walls. And the Mediterranean climate guarantees lush vegetation all year long.

But for better values, it pays to look beyond Dubrovnik. In the villages that lie nearby you'll come across plenty of coastal building plots and properties that are offered at much more reasonable prices.

An Oasis Of Tranquility

For example, just 12 kilometers away, you'll find Plat. Hidden between the resorts of Cavtat and Mlini, Plat is a tiny oasis of tranquility. Pine and cypress trees line its lovely beaches and its enchanting bay. The place is ideal for those who want to escape the rush of daily life, yet still enjoy easy access to amenities. And property prices are a bargain. It's even possible to find a 5,460-square-foot building plot with roads, utilities, and a great sea view for just $80,000.

Palatial Living!

We at International Living can't claim to have been the first to recommend the Dalmatian Coast as a retirement destination. That distinction goes to the Roman Emperor Diocletian (245 to 316 AD), the only Roman emperor to retire. He chose to spend his golden years in his palace in Split, where he remained until his death in 316.

The Diocletian Palace (declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979) remains at the heart of the second-largest city in Croatia. Walk from the palm-lined promenade overlooking the harbor (the Riva) through the palace's cellars, today housing handicraft shops, and then on into the palace complex itself, which sprawls over 7 acres.

Diocletian took quality of life and retirement seriously. He spared no expense, building his palace using the white stone from the nearby island of Brac (also used to build the White House) and importing marble from Italy and Greece for the squares and columns and even a sphinx from Egypt.

It's possible to buy properties within the Diocletian Palace, but a big concern about ancient properties is title: make sure it's watertight. As a result of the war and years of emigration and subdividing, title can be a serious problem. You don't want to be later ousted by the relative of a long-gone emigrant. If property seems suspiciously inexpensive, beware.

Almost Palatial Living

Right now you could buy a 915-square-foot apartment in the center of Split's Old Town with a spectacular view into the heart of the social and cultural life of the Diocletian Palace. This third-floor apartment has two double bedrooms, two bathrooms, living room, kitchen, and dining room. It has recently been renovated with new electrical fixtures, tiles, and floors. The apartment is for sale for $278,300.

Hvar, rated by Condé Nast Traveler as one the world's 10 most beautiful islands...

One Of The World's 10 Most Beautiful Islands

A low-lying island, Hvar was listed by Condé Nast as being one of the world's top 10 most beautiful islands. Surrounded by sapphire blue seas, this is another idyll of hidden coves, dense woodlands, and a clutch of quaint towns and villages. A fantastic, newly-built apartment in Stari Grad on Hvar Island is for sale for $175,850. The ground floor apartment is just 330 feet from the sea, and a two-minute walk from Stari Grad's Old Town. The sea views from the balcony are exceptional.

Build In Marco Polo's Birthplace

Korcula Island is poised to go big-time. You'll learn why inside Croatia: The Owner's Manual. On Korcula Island, which locals claim as Marco Polo's birthplace, you can still buy apartments in need of renovation for $224 a square foot. Expect prices here to double over two to three years, and triple over the next five years.

There's so much more inside the report. It's not just what to buy, it's also what to avoid. In Europe there's a lot of hype about super-cheap properties--villas for $66,000 and sea view lots for next to nothing. Forget about all that. The Croatians are smart. They aren't giving away their heritage for a song. But they are willing to sell for a fair price. And what's considered fair in Croatia is a real value for Europeans and North Americans, too. That's why the best properties are moving so quickly.

We've collected all the research, including an in-depth, first-hand report of an IL reader who has already taken the plunge, buying a charming property in Croatia, and included it in Croatia: The Owner's Manual.

International Living's Owner's Manuals are unlike any other publication you can own. It's not a tourist guide, it's a complete manual for those who want to live or invest in one of IL's chosen locations. We don't publish Owner's Manuals for every country in the world. Owner's Manuals are only produced for destinations that deserve this special level of attention and research. We're proud to have Croatia on this exclusive list.

IL takes pride in getting to undiscovered paradises around the globe before the masses. We like to think of ourselves as trendsetters identifying markets before property prices rise to unaffordable heights...and developers rush in...the tourists right behind them. You still have time to take advantage of a remarkable opportunity that is certain not to last much longer.

Get your hands on this valuable one-of-kind publication immediately. Inside you will find the most complete information currently available on this remarkable opportunity. You'll discover the answers to your most important questions...

* Where can you find bargains that will appreciate quickly?

* Ten things you must know before you buy in Croatia

* Should you buy property in your own name?

* Should you buy using the Croatian incorporation method?

* What is the most tax efficient way to buy and sell real estate in this country?

* Where can you find trustworthy real estate agents?

* How do you deal with taxes?

* The most important thing to watch out for when investing in real estate in this country?

* What to expect in costs, fees, and commissions

* Where can you find the (English-speaking) contacts that you'll need?

* What are the advantages of building your new home?

* How to avoid capital gains taxes when you want to sell

But that's just the beginning of what you'll learn in this eye-opening report.

You'll learn about...

* The most beautiful destinations in Croatia

* Where to find Croatia's Sportsman's Paradise

* Comparing the Cost of Living

* Tips on where to dine

* Guidelines for rental prices

* Recommendations for hotels and alternatives for your visit

* The Surprising history of Croatia's Enchanted Islands

* Affordable cosmetic surgery in Croatia

* Cultural insights explaining Croatia's uniqueness

* Gorgeous off-the-beaten-path Coastal jewels

* What is the story on tax-free yachting?

* Which Croatian websites are most useful

* How improvements being made to infrastructure will help your investment returns

And you'll gain insights into the places that IL has found to represent the best opportunities to "buy low" while there is still time.

Think Outside The Box

Croatia offers the best opportunities for Mediterranean-style living at a reasonable price...with nearly inevitable gains in property value in the next few years.

Everything about Croatia is headed in the right direction now. We believe in as little as five years this stretch of coast will be well on the way to becoming one of the most exclusive in all of Europe. But right now you have a chance to get in at bargain basement prices. And right now, believe me, is the time to get in...

Prices are not going to be so reasonable for long. Of course, your friends may think that you've gone crazy if you tell them about this. But, if you get in now, a few years from now they will be thinking that you were a genius. The Europeans have already figured this out... but North Americans haven't got a clue about Croatia yet. That will change.

It will be hard to go wrong in Croatia.

As I've said before, coastal and sea view property prices have started to climb again. They will return to pre-war prices soon. But, generally speaking, prices today are still about 50% below 1990 prices.

Whether you are thinking about visiting, relocating...or investing. Now is the time to act.

I can't go into all the reasons Croatia makes sense now in a brief letter. I'll just mention that the infrastructure of Croatia is improving quickly. New roads, airports, and upgraded utilities are under construction now and more improvements are on the way. For greater detail, you need to get your hands on Croatia: The Owner's Manual immediately.

Because of the fast changing market in Croatia--with prices already on the way up--we decided to invest heavily in determining if Croatia was the "real deal." We sent Steenie Harvey to this gorgeous country and asked her to prepare this report for you.

The Time To Consider Croatia Is NOW!

This is not an opportunity that you have years to think about. It won't be too late to buy in a few months, but it won't be long before all the real bargains are gone. Prices are moving that quickly. To make the biggest gains and to scoop up the best available properties and the best deals, you need to educate yourself now.

The entire IL team has warned me to make this clear. The window of opportunity for big real estate profits will not be open much longer. Prices have been moving steadily upward. That gives you a measure of safety, because there's little risk at this point. We're past the point of early speculation.

If you are interested in Mediterranean-style living at an unbelievable discount, you must move quickly. I urge you to act now and get started immediately if you want to capture the bargains...and the profits.

International Living's new Croatia: The Owner's Manual is more than 80 pages of property listings, details on cost of living, health care, banking, residency requirements, and business opportunities...plus contacts for help buying, renting, renovating, starting a business, and traveling in this glorious country. It is a complete and current guide to help you take advantage of a special window of opportunity.

We're so confident you'll be impressed by all Croatia has to offer that we're going to give you an entire year to explore everything in Croatia: The Owner's Manual, before you risk a single dime. If, after a year, you decide that Croatia is not your cup of tea, then return the manual to us and we'll refund your money in full, less shipping and handling.

But please don't delay and miss out on these great opportunities. Other readers have regretted not buying in Ireland, Spain, and other IL recommended destinations when prices were low. Now these destinations have become quite pricey. But when we first alerted readers it turned out in hindsight to be the time to buy.

You can expect the same to be true for Croatia. Once the word gets out on Croatia, the foreigners will descend on it like a flock of birds...and property prices will skyrocket.

This is the easiest way for you to explore the opportunities in Croatia today. You'll avoid wasting plenty of your precious time and money should you determine that Croatia is not for you. But you will save even more if you discover that Croatia could be the Shangri La of your dreams.

You can order Croatia: The Owner's Manual for only $69. A small price for an investment that could transform your life. Ordering is easy. Just click on the button below and secure your copy of Croatia: The Owner's Manual now.

Yours sincerely,

Kathleen Peddicord
Publisher, International Living

P.S. Croatia: The Owner's Manual gives you everything you need to position yourself for the serious profit opportunities we see emerging in this country in the next three to five years. This isn't hype. It is the market reality that Europeans have already figured out...but, critically, that North Americans haven't realized yet. Don't miss out on this exciting and rare opportunity to get a front-row view of the extraordinary opportunities that await you in Croatia.

P.P.S. As a way of keeping you up to date with the real estate opportunities available right now around the world, we're going to send you our exciting new monthly eletter, Your Own Second Home in the Sun . This publication is your guide to waterfront deals and good-value coastal properties in friendly, safe, sun-splashed locales. Edited by Len Galvin, who tracks down these attractive warm-weather waterfront properties, Your Own Second Home in the Sun gets you that much closer to having your own special place by the sea, a retreat to call your own a few weeks or months a year...maybe even full-time...

Note: In the interest of full disclosure, we want you to know that International Living receives commissions from sales of properties listed in Croatia: The Owner's Manual.