Croatia Holidays

This Eastern European country has a long stretch of coast on the sapphire waters of the Adriatic Sea.  

Along this stunning stretch of coast are some of the world’s finest tourist destinations, including the Medieval walled cities of Dubrovnik and Split. Croatia is also famous for its many islands, replete with magnificent emerald hills, golden sandy beaches and turquoise waters.
 

The inland part of the country is equally beautiful, with the especially famous Plitvice lakes. The capital, Zagreb, is situated inland, and the country has a population of just over 4 million people.

The country’s climate varies greatly by region, with coastal areas near the Adriatic Sea being hotter and drier than inland areas. The country has a Mediterranean Climate, meaning summers are hot and dry, while winters are mild and wet.
 

The best time to visit the coast is June, July, and August, when temperatures regularly average above 25 degrees, and the sea is warm. The hottest area of the country is around Dubrovnik, which, combined with vibrant nightlife, beautiful beaches, and excellent cuisine, makes it a great place for a holiday.

Formerly part of Yugoslavia, Croatia has close ties to its neighbouring countries, which together were once republics of the former country. Because of the country’s unique location, wedged between Central Europe and the Balkans, visitors will find an interesting mix when it comes to culture and most definitely with food.
 

With more than fourteen centuries of recorded Croatian history, Croatia is an ideal place for music, art, history and education. The country was first settled more than 100,000 years ago and once hosted Neanderthals, with modern humans probably arriving around 30,000 years ago. During the Iron Age, a series of Illyrian tribes colonised the country and built the first large settlements in the area.
 

The Greeks then settled Croatia, and the Romans later took control as they expanded across the Mediterranean. This signalled a period of growth, with structures such as Diocletian’s Palace built during the Roman occupation in the early 4th century.
 

Christianity became the region’s official religion during Roman times and remained so thereafter. The collapse of the Western Roman Empire signalled a period of instability that lasted for a long time and eventually led to the Slavic invasions in the 8th century. From there, Croatia began to form into a legitimate kingdom, ruled by the same person and with a similar identity, although the Venetians controlled much of the coast.
 

Dubrovnik gained independence and became a thriving trading nation around this time. Venice ruled much of Croatia for the next 500 years, until it collapsed and the country got caught up in the Napoleonic Wars. After Napoleon’s defeat, the country joined the Austro-Hungarian Empire, then became part of the Kingdom of the Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes from 1918 to 1945, and later joined Yugoslavia in 1947.
 

It remained part of the Communist country until it collapsed, and the civil war that followed led to the creation of many new nations, including Croatia in 1991.

A culinary wonderland, it features a plethora of excellent dishes visitors are bound to enjoy. Crni rižot (Black Risotto), made with squid ink, is a national staple found on the menu of pretty much every restaurant and a must-try during your stay.
 

Pršut, a cured ham similar to Italian prosciutto, is a must-eat, and Venetian influence shows throughout the country in excellent pizzas and creamy pastas sprinkled with truffles, which are widely available. Kvarner Scampi is a seasonal dish, which is often eaten with wild asparagus or risotto.
 

Croatians also love to grill meats, with the succulent lamb that falls off the bone especially good. The country is also renowned for the quality of its wine, which is fast becoming a rival to more established nations like France and Italy, alongside a myriad of other great things too numerous to name here.

For visitors, it is all about getting outside and exploring the natural wonders it has to offer. The ideal place to begin is the majestic Adriatic coastline, famous for its white-pebbled beaches and gleaming turquoise waters.
 

It is the perfect place for family fun, with an array of watersports and underwater treasures to discover on a family holiday. There are also many coastal and inland hikes, along with biking trails and the chance to swim in stunning waterfalls.
 

The ancient walled city of Dubrovnik makes for a fascinating, educational day out, and older children may recognise it from HBO’s Game of Thrones series.

In dazzling Croatia, whisk yourself away and explore its many cultural landmarks. Diocletian’s Palace in Split radiates with imposing Roman architecture, and no trip to Croatia is complete without walking along Dubrovnik’s spectacular city walls and forts for panoramic views of the whole town.
 

If you’re seeking nature and stunning habitats, explore the mesmerising, extraordinary green landscape of the Plitvice Lakes National Park, weaving through wooden footbridges and pathways that line its rumbling waters.

Many consider it one of the best places to party in Europe, and it certainly doesn’t disappoint. Its most famous party destinations are the cities of Dubrovnik and Split, along with the coastal town of Hvar, where visitors will find a vast array of clubs, bars and restaurants.
 

Many less famous towns also have a vibrant nightlife, and almost everywhere in Croatia is packed with excellent restaurants serving exquisite local food and trendy bars where visitors can enjoy a refreshing drink with a spectacular view.

Croatia is still a fairly young, traditional country, where the best shopping comes from visiting the open-air village market, which sells local produce, wine, and olive oil. Major cities like Dubrovnik, Split, and Zagreb are your best bet if you want large shopping outlets that sell international brands.
 

The best souvenirs to take home are either the famous Croatian Cravat, from which the name Croatia originates, or high-quality food products, such as wine, liqueur or truffles.

Dubrovnik, in southern Croatia, is one of Croatia’s best-known cities. Although it is popular with recent travellers, the city still retains its traditional, old-world charm. Visit Dubrovnik for its famous Old City (including the spectacular 12th–17th Century old city walls which are considered to be one of the most important constructions of the Middle Ages), for the nearby beaches which boast crystal clear waters, great nightlife or for the amazing harbour-side restaurants serving up the finest seafood.
Croatia also offers travellers ample opportunities for island-hopping holidays.

Want the sun, sand and sea? Are sunbathing and relaxation your key ingredients? Look no further than our beach holidays. These hotels will be in close proximity to the wonderful ocean shore, if not right next to it– Paradise!

Gorgeous hotels with fantastic spa or health facilities- what more could you want from the ultimate luxury holiday? Book specialist treatments and enjoy relaxing massages. Rest your mind, body and soul on holiday and come home refreshed and revitalised.