Formed after the break up of Yugoslavia in the early 1990's, Croatia has grown into the new 'must do' destination of Europe. With as much sun as the Spanish Costa's, fascinating Roman ruins and vibrant cities such as Dubrovnik, Split and Zagreb, Croatia holidays are fast becoming a cheap alternative to breaks in the more traditional European resorts. Nearly 2000km of Mediterranean coastline stretch down Croatia's west coast offering some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe especially along the Dalmatian coast. The area has also avoided the over building experienced by more traditional European resorts so visitors can enjoy a true unspoiled part of the Mediterranean. Holidays in Croatia provide a typically Mediterranean climate with average temperatures in the mid twenties during the summer months.
| Main attractions are its beautiful weather and beaches... |
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With something to suit all holidaymakers and a truly Mediterranean atmosphere, Croatia has universal appeal. Many visitors who travel to Croatia go to the Istria peninsula for the beautiful beaches and bustling resorts. Further south you can find the Dalmatian coast with over 1000 islands, many of which are still completely undeveloped. The cities of Dubrovnik and Zagreb are fast becoming some of the most stylish and fashionable cities on the Med and further inland there are lots of small villages and rolling countryside that will give you the full flavour of Croatia.
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Croatia's main attractions are its beautiful weather and beaches. Although there are some sandy beaches to be found on the islands off Istria and the Dalmatian Coast, most coves and bays on the mainland are pebble and shingle. The biggest holiday resorts are found in Istria at the northern tip of the country and the biggest of these is Porec. Visitors of all ages come here because of the fantastic beaches and great facilities found in the purpose built holiday resorts such as Plava Laguna and Zelena Laguna which are just outside Porec. The town itself has retained much of its traditional character with a beautiful cathedral and narrow alleyways weaving through the Venetian houses. There's also plenty to do at night in Porec with restaurants, bars and nightclubs aplenty. Croatia is still one of the cheapest countries in Europe for food and drink with a typical bottle of beer costing just £1 and meals from £2.50.
Visitors looking for a beach holiday in Croatia away from the mainland should try the island of Krk which lies just off the coast of Rijeka and is connected to it by a bridge. The island is famous for its sandy beaches found across the coastline and is known locally as the 'Golden Island'. Old hotels have been refurbished and new hotels have sprung up over recent years to cater for the growing numbers of visitors traveling to the island and this is made even easier by the airport situated on Krk itself. Away from the beaches there are hiking paths that lead through the forests and woodland that cover a third of the island.
The walled city of Dubrovnik is Croatia's most popular tourist destination and lies at the far south of the country. A walk along the walls should be the first thing that any visitor to Dubrovnik does as it offers a bird's eye view of the city as well as the stunning Dinaric Alps in the background. Inside the city walls lies the old town which houses most of the main attractions. Be sure not to miss the Franciscan Monastery, Sponza Palace and Rector's Palace when you're there.
Croatia's capital, Zagreb, is often overlooked by many tourists but its beautiful architecture and culture should not be missed. Divided into three parts - the upper town, lower town and new Zagreb, the city has sites to rival Dubrovnik including the historic church of St. Mark's, the Croatian Parliament and numerous galleries and museums which line small cobbled streets.
