Introduction
Hip and happening Croatia combines the best of Eastern Europe and the Mediterranean to devastating effect. Wooded hills, traditional villages, idyllic islands, walled medieval cities and Roman ruins are amongst the attractions in region's such as Dalmatia and Istria. Then there's the stunning, unspoilt coast and the archipelago of islands lying offshore.
Croatia's cultural gems
Dubrovnik, dubbed the Pearl of the Adriatic, is a city of terracotta roofs, Baroque churches and winding cobbled streets that conceal all sorts of discoveries. Split, built around a Roman palace is a lively, cosmopolitan centre full of Venetian Gothic stone buildings. Inland, the capital Zagreb is packed full of history, dating back to the Middle Ages; full of monuments and fine buildings, it's a vibrant, bustling place.
Split, Croatia
Natural wonders, from national parks to idyllic islands
Elsewhere, it's all mountains and forests, waterfalls and lakes, encapsulated in the gorgeous Plitvice Lakes National Park. Then there are the islands; over 2,000km of coastline straggle more than 1,000 islands, islets and reefs, meaning that there's somewhere for everyone. Take a Croatia cruise or island hop to see several destinations at once, from traditional Brac with its iconic beach, Zlatni Rat to glitzy Hvar and medieval Korcula. Elsewhere, wild Kornati, unspoilt Mljet and beautiful Vis all compete for your attention.
Zlatni Rat beach on the island of Brac
