Gorgeous sunny beaches, fascinating ancient ruins, breathtaking scenery and some serious old-world charm are just some of the highlights that await you in this historically rich Eastern European nation. With kilometres of seafront and more than a thousand islands blanketed in lush vegetation, Croatia's coastline is often referred to as Eastern Europe's Riviera. Even during the busy season, there are still enough off-the-beaten-track islands, secluded coves, and stone fishing villages to make nature lovers feel uninhibited. Those seeking modern luxury will be equally well catered for by the wide range of upmarket venues, yacht-filled harbours, glitzy cocktail bars, and world-class restaurants serving mouth-watering cuisine. With its gorgeous historic walled cities full of fairytale castles and its rural areas blessed with impressive national parks, it is no surprise that Croatia is emerging as one of Europe’s premier seaside destinations.
Zadar wordt vaak over het hoofd gezien door reizigers die naar Split of Dubrovnik gaan, ook al was dit meer dan 1.000 jaar de hoofdstad van Dalmatië. Deze intrigerende stad, met minder drukte en veel karakter, is een middeleeuwse haven die bekend staat om zijn goed bewaard gebleven oude stad. Een netwerk van charmante stadsstraten is bezaaid met fascinerende Romeinse ruïnes, uitnodigende en kosmopolitische cafés, en enkele werkelijk uitstekende musea. Geschiedenisliefhebbers zullen geboeid worden door de 9e-eeuwse pre-romaanse kerk van St. Donat, een indrukwekkende openbare lichtinstallatie die bekend staat als de Zonnegroet, en het Zeeorgel, een innovatief muziekinstrument aangedreven door de golven die tegen de spectaculaire kustlijn van de stad botsen en griezelige geluiden loslaten. Gelegen op een klein schiereiland en bijna volledig omringd door het warme water van de Adriatische Zee, de romantische setting van deze raadselachtige bestemming inspireert ook schilders en fotografen.
Split, the second largest town on Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast, is famed for its exquisite beaches and the fortress-like complex at its centre - Diocletian's Palace, erected by the Roman emperor in the 4th century. Once home to thousands, this sprawling UNESCO World Heritage site is encircled by white stone walls and contains some lovely courtyards lined with an array of galleries, shops, bars, cafes, cathedrals, and several historical houses. Add to this an impressive backdrop of dramatic coastal mountains and the glistening waters of the Adriatic, and it is not difficult to see why the locals frequently claim that theirs is, "The most beautiful city in the world".
Situated in the Adriatic Sea just off the coast of Croatia, the sun-drenched island of Hvar is a popular summer destination known for its spectacular landscape of lush rolling hills, hidden coves, and secluded beaches. The island’s hillsides are swathed in olive groves, lavender fields, and cultivated vineyards which produce excellent wines. The main town, also called Hvar, is a glitzy playground boasting vibrant nightlife, swanky bars, and elegant restaurants. For visitors looking for some serenity, the rest of the island is dotted with quaint fishing villages featuring magnificent medieval architecture. Numerous adventure activities are also on offer, including kayaking, snorkeling, scuba diving, caving, and boating.
Dubrovnik is a well-preserved historical city in southern Croatia, known for its distinctive 16th century Old Town, encircled with massive stone walls. After a disastrous earthquake in 1667, the medieval town was rebuilt by Baroque planners and the city’s historic core seems to have been suspended in time ever since. Set-piece churches and public buildings blend seamlessly with green-shuttered stone houses, forming a perfect ensemble relatively untouched by the twenty-first century. Its impressive buildings range from the Baroque St. Blaise Church to the Renaissance Sponza Palace and the Gothic Rector’s Palace, which is now a history museum. Add to this a few exquisitely manicured gardens and some panoramic views of the Adriatic, and it is not difficult to see why Dubrovnik has long been Croatia’s most popular tourist destination.
