Walled Cities and a Thousand Islands
Croatia is a country on the Adriatic coast of south-eastern Europe, known for its walled towns, its island-studded Dalmatian coast and its national parks. It stretches from Istria in the north to Dubrovnik in the far south, and counts more than a thousand islands, islets and rocks. It joined the European Union in 2013 and adopted the euro in 2023. Zagreb, the capital, offers a graceful upper town, cafe culture and some of the region's best museums, while the coast supplies the postcard images of terracotta roofs and deep blue sea.
Dubrovnik and Split are the great showpieces. Dubrovnik's old city, encircled by massive stone walls, was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, and a walk along the ramparts gives sweeping views of the Adriatic. Split grew inside the palace of the Roman emperor Diocletian, and its alleys, cafes and shops still occupy the ancient structure. Further north, Rovinj in Istria brings a Venetian flavour, while the nearby coastline of Italy across the water adds to the sense of a shared Adriatic story.
Plitvice, Hvar and the Taste of Dalmatia
Nature is as strong a draw as architecture. Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO site since 1979, is a chain of turquoise lakes linked by cascades and wooden walkways, while Krka National Park offers its own tiered waterfalls. Offshore, Hvar is celebrated for lavender fields, a handsome Venetian harbour and lively evenings, Korčula for its medieval walled town, and Vis and Brač for quieter beaches. The Kornati islands, a labyrinth of stony isles, are a sailor's playground.
Cuisine follows the coast. Dalmatian dishes include black cuttlefish risotto, grilled fish with olive oil and blitva, and peka, meat or octopus slow-cooked under an iron bell. Pelješac produces rich Plavac Mali reds, and Mali Ston is known for its oysters. Istria adds truffles and olive oil. A hotel group can easily build a story around boutique island stays, vineyard lunches and sailing, and the wider Mediterranean offers many natural pairings.
Read the full Croatia guide on Visit Travel Group, or see CroatiaDirect.co.uk on Visit Travel Group.