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 is frequently overlooked by travelers heading for Split or Dubrovnik, even though this was Dalmatia's capital for more than 1,000 years. This intriguing city, with fewer crowds and plenty of character, is a medieval port known for its well-preserved old town. A network of charming city streets is lined with fascinating Roman ruins, inviting and cosmopolitan cafes, and some truly superb museums. History lovers will be enthralled by the 9th-century pre-Romanesque Church of St. Donat, an impressive public light installation known as the Sun Salutation, and the Sea Organ, an innovative musical instrument powered by the waves that crash against the city's spectacular coastline, releasing eerie sounds. Set on a small peninsula and surrounded almost entirely by the warm waters of the Adriatic, the romantic setting of this enigmatic destination also inspires painters and photographers.
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.
