Croatia Holidays

Family breaks, couples escapes and cheap holidays await in Croatia, with an abundance of fun for everyone.

• Plitvice National Park features 16 dazzling lakes joined by a series of photogenic cascades. The UNESCO-listed site is set in dense woodland that’s home to bears, deer and rare birdlife. You’ll explore via scenic wooden pathways.
• Escape to a land of olive groves, vineyards, beaches and charming villages on the island of Korcula. The walled Old Town features winding streets filled with medieval gems.
• Hvar is the sunniest place in Croatia and the place to be and be seen. Glamorous beach bars and plush hotels attract celebrities and party-goers for summer holidays.
• Croatia’s greenest island, Mljet, offers a magical underwater world for snorkelling and diving. On land, enjoy local olives, goat’s cheese and wine with views of the magnificent coastline.
• Local architect, Nikola Basic, designed Zadar’s famous Sea Organ. The system of pipes and whistles is set within stone stairs that lead into the sea.

Step back in time to explore Croatia’s rich history, from Roman columns to Venetian palaces and medieval old towns.

• Limestone mountains, the Adriatic and famous city walls frame one of the world’s best- preserved medieval cities. Dubrovnik Old Town is a treasure chest of monasteries, palaces, fountains and churches.
• Built in the 4th century, the majestic Palazzo di Diocleziano rests at the heart of Split. The complex of Roman structures is scattered throughout the streets.
• The Old Town of Trogir is located on a tiny island that’s accessible from the mainland via a bridge. Stroll along the seaside promenade and explore Renaissance and Romanesque buildings.
• Amphitheatre de Pula was built in the 1st century AD and once hosted gladiatorial contests. It’s still home to entertainment, with a schedule of opera, ballet and sports throughout the year.
• Zagreb’s shopping, dining and nightlife hub is Tkalciceva Street. Once upon a time, it was Europe’s first red light district. Now, it’s an energetic strip of boutiques, restaurants, bars and events.

The best beaches in Croatia deliver sandy shores, secluded coves and pebbly slices of paradise lapped by the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic.

• Banje Beach: Located in the centre of Dubrovnik’s Old Town, Banje Beach attracts tourists with its scenic ocean views. Rent a deck chair and relax, or head out on the water for some jet skiing. Grab a bite to eat or a refreshing cocktail at Banje Beach Restaurant.
• Zlatni Rat: The country’s most photographed beach on Brač Island stretches towards the sea in an elongated triangle shape. Clear, shallow seas are framed by green pine groves and smooth, golden pebbles.
• Divna Beach: This is perfect for those seeking a quiet retreat in Southern Dalmatia, which is home to lush valleys and secluded coves. Only a few houses dot the shoreline, so take what you need for the day.
• Punta Rata Beach: This pebbly beach along the Makarska Riviera is popular with families. With see-through waters and a protected pine forest offering shade from the sun, this beach is perfect for paddleboarding and a spot of snorkelling.
• Kamenjak National Park: You’ll find this impressive park near the city of Pula. It has an array of stunning beaches, caves and inlets within walking distance of each other. If you love kayaking, this is an ideal region.

Most of the beaches in Croatia are pebbly beauties, but you’ll find the white sand of your dreams too.

• Located on the island of Brac, Lovrecina Bay offers a long, sandy shore surrounded by translucent seas and pine forests. Discover the ruins of a medieval church among the trees.
• The sand at Bijeca Beach stretches for a kilometre, in Medulin. This family-friendly favourite boasts deckchairs, parasols, a water park and water sports.
• Nin is around 15 kilometres from Zadar and it’s home to one of the longest sandy beaches in Croatia. Kraljicina, otherwise known as Queen’s Beach, also features a section of therapeutic mud as part of an open-air health resort.
• Sunj Beach, on Lopud, is within an easy ferry trip of Dubrovnik. The car-free island provides a relaxing escape and this sandy stretch is lapped by shallow water. Off the beach, walk through scenic forest trails.
• Kick your shoes off to stroll on the sands of Vela Przina Beach on Korcula Island. Open-air cafes offer refreshments, with views across the sea to Lastovo.

Atmospheric cobbled streets and the endless blue of the Adriatic create the perfect backdrop for romantic escapes.

• Buy some delicious Croatian snacks for a picnic on the forested island of Lokrum. It’s just a 15- minute ferry ride from the Old Harbour in Dubrovnik. Visit the Benedictine Monastery of St Mary and spot peacocks that roam freely around the island.
• Pastel houses and the Venetian bell tower of St Euphemia Cathedral crown romantic Rovinj, in Istria. Meander across cobbled streets and explore the Rovinj City Museum, which is housed in a 17th-century Baroque palace.
• Delve into the magical underwater world of the Adriatic. Scuba diving sites include Lucice Cave on Brac Island. Two chambers consist of stalagmites and stalactites, vivid orange sea plants and abundant marine life.
• If you’re looking for thrills, Croatia will get your heart pumping. Soar like a bird with tandem paragliding flights. Zipline through the Cetina River Canyon in Omis and go white water rafting on the Dobra River.
• Find a different spot for a breathtaking sunset every day. Custom-made for natural light shows, Sun Salutation is a creation by Nikola Basic, in Zadar. Stand on the multicoloured, solar-panel floor to watch the sun turn from orange to pink.
• Enjoy a tranquil break on the Dalmatian Coast with a holiday to Podstrana, just a short trip from Split.

If you’re a night owl, gear up for a dynamic scene of cocktail bars, rock clubs, friendly pubs and performing arts.

• The island of Hvar is a premier summer nightlife hub. Party day and night at music festivals and beach parties. Hvar Town never sleeps from June to September, with international DJs and a venue to suit everyone.
• Start your night out in Zagreb at the restaurants and bars in Josip Jelacic Square, where street artists and musicians entertain diners. Move on to pubs and clubs surrounding Tkalciceva and Trg Petra Preradovica.
• Coined as the Adriatic Ibiza, Pag Island is the summer home of beach parties and electronica. The action centres around Zrce Beach and pumping festivals. Join all-day parties at popular clubs including Noa Beach Club and Aquarius.
• Dubrovnik offers a little bit of everything after dark. Jazz music lovers flock to Troubadour, with musicians drawing crowds right next to the cathedral.
• Check the schedule at the Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb. A varied programme features dramas, operas, ballets and international performing artists.

From seafood dishes to scrumptious pastries, eat your way around the country on holidays in Croatia.

• Dubrovnik’s food scene offers something for every taste and budget, from fine dining to tavernas and street food stalls. Proto dates back to 1886 and it’s among the city’s top restaurants for Dalmatian seafood.
• Zagreb has received plenty of attention from foodies in recent years. You’ll find pizzas, burgers and traditional Croatian food in Tkalciceva Street. For fine dining, Noel is a Michelin-starred restaurant serving international cuisine.
• Are you an oyster fan? Mali Ston is famous for world-class oyster production, with an annual festival to celebrate the delicacy.
• Istria is an ancient-wine producing region that’s also renowned for farmhouse restaurants. Join a wine tour and try Istrian Malvasia, ruby red teran and muscat.
• For romantic waterfront dining, take your taste buds to Split. Its seafront promenade, the Riva, is lined with cafes and restaurants.

Foreign influences and a variety of regions combine to create traditional taste sensations in Croatia.

• Made with cuttlefish or squid, squid ink, garlic, red wine and olive oil, black risotto is one of the most popular dishes to enjoy along the Croatian coastline.
• The country’s famous cheese, Pag, is the centrepiece for classic appetisers. It’s typically served with cured ham and black olives.
• Fresh from the Adriatic, octopus salad is a refreshing option for hot summer days. The boiled octopus is usually combined with tomatoes, onions, parsley, olive oil and lemon.
• The forests of Istria are a truffle hunter’s joy. You’ll find them with steak or pasta dishes. Better yet, they’re a lot cheaper than their Italian counterparts.
• You can eat dessert all day in Croatia. For breakfast, try warm salenjaci sprinkled with sugar. In the heat of midday, cool down with the cold cream topping on the pudding, rozata. Chocolaty Skradin cake is a must for formal occasions.