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From gorgeous white sands to quiet pebble coves, Croatia has some of the finest beaches in Europe.

Zlatni Rat Beach

Regularly named one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Zlatni Rat Beach on Brač is a long spit of sand that changes shape with the waves and sea currents. Stay nearby in one of the beachfront hotels.

Zelena Beach

Just outside Poreč, Zelena's well-groomed pebble beaches are lined with fun bars and restaurants. It's a popular spot for sailors and watersports enthusiasts and is the place to go to arrange diving and windsurfing sessions.

Karpinjan Beach

Long pebble beaches, rocky coves and gentle waters: Karpinjan Beach is one of Istria's finest. To get there easily, stay nearby in Novigrad, which has family beach resorts close to Novigrad Marina and Aquapark Istralandia.

Kraljicina Beach

Snaking along the coast, Kraljicina Beach has soft sand, pebbles and a handful of beach bars, making it a popular spot for a sundowner. Zadar's beach resorts nearby are a good place to stay.

Grebišće Beach

Framed by pine forests and warm, shallow waters, Grebišće Beach on Hvar is one of the best in Croatia and great if you’re holidaying with younger children. The hotels in nearby Jelsa are welcoming and easy-going.

Ancient cities, beautiful national parks, and deserted island beaches await in Croatia.

A Game of Thrones walking tour of Dubrovnik

With its intact medieval walls, limestone streets and striking fortresses, it's no surprise Hollywood has fallen for Dubrovnik. To some it's the Pearl of the Adriatic, but to many it will always be King's Landing from Game of Thrones. Take a walking tour around the old town to see Lovrijenac Fortress (the Red Keep) and the baroque Jesuit Stairs, where Cersei took her infamous walk of shame.

Dolphin spotting in Cape Kamenjak National Park

On the southernmost tip of the Istrian Peninsula is the hilltop village of Premantura, the gateway to Cape Kamenjak National Park. Famous for its rugged coastline, quiet beaches and climbable cliffs – cliff jumping is a popular pastime for local teenagers – it's also a great place to spot dolphins and monk seals. Hike the rocky cliffs, sunbathe on secluded beaches or snorkel through the sea grottoes.

Wine tasting on the Pelješac peninsula

Along the coast from Dubrovnik is the Pelješac peninsula, a narrow spit connected to the mainland by bridge. Visit the Walls of Ston, aka The Great Wall of Croatia, built in the 14th century to protect the town of Ston.

The peninsula is best known for its vineyards growing Plavac Mali grapes. You can join a wine tour along the peninsula and taste some of the finest wines in Croatia.

Learn about gladiators at the Pula Arena

One of the best-preserved Roman amphitheatres in the world, the 2,000-year-old Pula Arena was once the battlefield of gladiators in the second century when it could hold some 23,000 jeering Romans. It now hosts live music and theatre performances in its ancient stone walls.

Island hopping along the Adriatic coast

The Kornati National Park is an archipelago of 89 islands, secret coves and reefs around the central island of Kornat.

It’s largely uninhabited, bar the day-trippers and adventure seekers who scale the sea cliffs, dive into its waters or kayak to hidden beaches reached only by water. Zadar is the most accessible launch point, with regular ferries to Dugi Otok, Losinj and the national park.

A walking tour of Diocletian's Palace

One of the greatest structures of the Roman Empire, Diocletian's Palace of marble arches and labyrinthine streets dominate the city of Split. Built as a retirement home for Emperor Diocletian in 305 AD, the palace is a magnificent example of Roman architecture. A highlight is climbing the bell tower of Cathedral Sveti Duje, once the Diocletian mausoleum, for a birds-eye view of the palace.

Promising plenty of sunshine, Croatia is largely a year-round destination. In winter, Zagreb’s Christmas markets and occasional snow give the country a different dimension. For island hopping and beach holidays, the best time to visit is May, June or September, when temperatures hover around 25C and the beaches and resorts are quieter.

When is the cheapest time to visit Croatia?

Low season runs from late October through to March when rain showers are more likely. That means the holidays are cheaper, but the weather is less reliable. Zagreb, Sljeme and Platak are most likely to see snow in December and January.

When should I go for the best weather?

July and August are peak seasons for good reason. Croatia's dance card is crammed with beach parties, festivals and sailing regattas as the sun shines almost every day, and temperatures reach a peak of 35C. The downside is the crowds.