Croatia – Explore the natural beauty and its Adriatic coastline
Discover Croatia – from the islands of Kolocep and Rab, to the national parks of the Brijuni Islands and Krka. Marvel at waterfalls, explore hidden islands, wander through historic walled cities, relax in glorious beachside resorts, and even discover bear watching (in their natural habitat) in the Risnjak National Park.
Island-hop through lesser-known holiday destinations…
With over 1,200 islands on the Croatian coast, there is plenty of island hopping to enjoy! Visit the unspoilt idyllic islands – from Rab in the north of Croatia to Kolocep in the south, together with mainland Orebic, Korcula, Konavle Valley, Biograd na Moru, Tucepi and Baska Voda in between. Explore Dalmatia’s enticing islands – laid-back Miljet, beautiful Brač, historic Vis, and Hvar. Many islands are green, covered with natural Mediterranean pine forests, with pristine hideaway beaches, secluded coves and sweeping bays. With the famous crystal-clear Adriatic Sea as a backdrop, the varied blue and green hues of the water make for fabulous panoramic views.
Discover bears and waterfalls in the National Parks…
Eight National Parks, perfect for adventurous travellers, are ripe for discovery beyond the popular holiday spots. Some of the National Parks have been carved out of less-populated islands in the Adriatic, such as Kornati and Brijuni. In the southern Dalmatia region, there’s Mijet National Park and, in the north – in the Kvarner region – Risnjak National Park, both perfect for exploring at your own pace. Krka National Park takes its name from the River Krka, two thirds of which flows within the park, with sparkling streams running alongside canyons. PLITVICE Lakes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasts 16 lakes and countless waterfalls, together creating one of nature’s greatest sights.
Visit thriving cultural cities…
Zagreb, Croatia’s capital, will remind many of Vienna; there’s a nod to its history, a stylish, vibrant café society culture, and plenty of spots from which to people-watch. Eclectic Zagreb has a medieval Upper Town, reached via a tiny funicular railway in just 45 seconds, plus lively bars and restaurants dotted along Tkalčića, one of the most colourful streets in the city. Take a stroll through the city’s seven green areas, collectively known as the Green Horseshoe, not forgetting the botanical garden, which follows the layout of Kew Gardens, but on a much smaller scale.
The iconic, medieval walled city of Dubrovnik is usually top of everyone’s wish list. Wander the pedestrianised streets of the Old Town, marvelling at the exquisite stone palaces and houses. Split’s Old Town is also fascinating, surrounded as it is by the ruins of Diocletian’s second-century Palace. There are many cafés and restaurants along the wide Riva waterfront.
Istria, in the Northern Adriatic, is a heart-shaped peninsula hanging over the enchanting Venetian beauty that is Rovinj, together with Pula, whose cultural backdrop includes everything from the Romans, with its famous well-preserved Roman amphitheatre, to the more recent communist period.
Dalmatia is a historical region stretching southwards from the Croatian island of Rab, in the north, to Croatia’s southernmost border. The name ‘Dalmatia’ comes from an Iliryan tribe known as the Dalmatae – but Dalmatia might instead conjure up an image of the black and white spotted Dalmatian dog, which originated in this region.
