Croatia - the pearl of the Adriatic
General information
Croatia is one of the most popular destinations on the Adriatic and a country where Mediterranean nature meets centuries of European history. It lies in the south of Central Europe and in the Balkans, with land borders with Slovenia, Hungary, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro. The country also has an extremely long and indented Adriatic coastline with many islands.
The capital, Zagreb, is inland and is an important cultural and historic centre. For most visitors, however, the first association with Croatia is the sea - Dubrovnik, Split, Zadar, Rovinj, Makarska and the islands of Hvar, Brač, Korčula and Krk.
The Croatian coast is interesting precisely because of its variety. There are lively resorts with a wide choice of hotels and restaurants, small fishing towns, hidden coves and islands reached by ferry or boat. This lets everyone build a different kind of holiday - from an active tour to a few days on the beach.
Climate
On the coast the climate is typically Mediterranean - hot, dry summers and mild, wetter winters. The beach season starts in spring, but June, July, August and September are the best months for a classic beach holiday.
July and August are the busiest months. Temperatures are high, the sea is warm, and the resorts and islands are at their liveliest. June and September are often preferred by travellers looking for a calmer atmosphere and more pleasant temperatures for excursions.
The interior has a more continental climate, which means Croatia offers different conditions depending on the region.
Culture and history
Croatia's history has left its mark on almost every major coastal town. Along the Adriatic you will find Roman, Byzantine, Venetian, Austro-Hungarian and Slavic influences, resulting in an architecture that can hardly be defined by a single style.
Split is one of the best examples of this. In the city centre stands the palace of the Roman emperor Diocletian, built at the beginning of the 4th century. Over time the palace did not remain just an archaeological site - the city itself gradually developed on and around it.
Today streets, shops, cafés and homes are found inside the ancient complex. This makes a walk through Split an unusual experience - the ancient walls are not separate from the modern city but part of it.
Dubrovnik is Croatia's other great symbol. The medieval city sits on the Adriatic coast and is surrounded by massive walls. In the past Dubrovnik was the centre of the powerful Republic of Ragusa - a maritime state that built up its trade across the Mediterranean.
A walk along the city walls is one of the most impressive experiences in the city. They offer views of the red roofs of the old town and the Adriatic Sea. Inside the walls are the Stradun, churches, palaces, squares and narrow lanes.
Dubrovnik has become even more popular in recent years thanks to film and television. The old town has been used as a location for various productions, including the hit series "Game of Thrones", which attracts even more visitors.
But Croatia is not only Dubrovnik and Split. Zadar is known for its waterfront promenade and two unusual urban installations - the Sea Organ and the "Greeting to the Sun". The Sea Organ uses the movement of the waves to create musical sounds, while the "Greeting to the Sun" is a circle of glass panels that light up in the evening.
Šibenik is another historic town on the coast. The Cathedral of St James is one of the architectural masterpieces of the Croatian Renaissance and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Rovinj, on the Istrian peninsula, has a different character. The old town rises above the sea, and its narrow lanes and colourful façades show strong Venetian influence. Istria as a whole is known for its combination of Mediterranean nature, small historic towns and good food.
The Croatian coast is especially interesting because of its islands. Brač is one of the best known, and its Zlatni Rat beach is among the iconic landscapes of the Adriatic. The beach changes shape depending on the wind and currents.
Hvar is known for its beautiful town, medieval fortress, marina and lively nightlife. The island suits both a beach holiday and visitors who want more restaurants, bars and evening entertainment.
Korčula is often associated with the tradition that Marco Polo was born here, although his exact birthplace is historically disputed. The old town has impressive medieval architecture and narrow lanes, and the island is also known for its wine-growing.
For a quieter holiday you can choose smaller islands and coastal villages, where the pace is much slower. In many of them the main activities are swimming, boat trips, diving and long evenings by the sea.
Croatia also has remarkable nature away from the Adriatic. Plitvice Lakes National Park is one of the best-known natural sites in the country and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its system of lakes and waterfalls is connected by wooden walkways and bridges that let you walk among forests and turquoise waters.
Krka National Park is also known for its waterfalls and the Krka River. It is a good choice for a day trip during a holiday in the Šibenik or Split area.
Croatian cuisine is strongly regional. On the coast fish, seafood, olive oil, vegetables and Mediterranean herbs dominate. In Dalmatia popular dishes include peka, slow-cooked under a metal bell, as well as various fresh fish and octopus dishes.
Istria is known for its truffles and local wines, while the interior offers heartier meat dishes. Dalmatian cuisine is close to that of other Mediterranean regions - simple in its ingredients, but highly dependent on their quality.
Why and when to visit?
Croatia is one of those destinations you can visit many times without any two trips feeling the same. One route can be entirely devoted to a beach holiday, another to historic towns and national parks.
For a beach holiday, June to September is best. July and August are the liveliest, while June and September offer a calmer atmosphere and are a good option for combining the sea with excursions.
Dubrovnik and Split suit travellers who want history and architecture combined with the sea. Hvar and Brač offer a typical island experience, while Istria is interesting for lovers of food, wine and small historic towns.
Croatia is also a great choice for a touring holiday. A single route can include Zagreb, the Plitvice Lakes, Zadar, Split and Dubrovnik, and with more time, a few islands.
Here the distances between different experiences are relatively short - from a Roman palace and medieval city walls to national parks, island beaches and small fishing harbours.
This is Croatia's great advantage. It offers not just the sea but a whole combination of the Adriatic, history, islands, nature and cuisine. And when the day ends with a view of the sun setting over the sea, it becomes clear why the Croatian coast has long been one of the most popular holiday spots in Europe.
