Croatia

Croatia is an diverse and intriguing destination offering crystal clear blue seas coupled with an eclectic blend of different cultures formulated over thousands of years. Croatia is a Central European and Mediterranean country bordering Slovenia in the west, Hungary in the north, Serbia in the east and Bosnia and Herzegovina in the south.

You will be amazed at the historical and natural beauty to be found in Croatia. Rarely can you find so many examples of cultural and historical significance from different periods in such a small region. These include the Old City of Dubrovnik, Diocletians Palace in Split, Euphrasies Basilica in Poreč and the lakes Plitvička Jezera to name a few. Croatia boasts the largest number of developed settlements in southeast Europe, many of which date back to Roman and medieval times. Home to some of the world’s most amazing coastlines, Croatia is an enticing holiday destination. The capital of Croatia is Zagreb, a charming medieval city known for its culture, ambiance and architecture.

Dubrovnik is one of the world’s most well preserved fortified cities with its history dating as far back as the 6th century. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage sight, Dubrovnik offers visitors a wealth of contrast with its many bays, beaches, steep cliffs and densely wooded islands. Key attractions include the Old City which is surrounded by the historical fortified city walls which run uninterrupted for 1940 metres completely encircling the city.

Istria is one of Croatia’s most popular holiday destinations with Umag and Porec continually topping the Croatian National Tourist Board and Croatian TV’s annual poll of best holiday resorts in Croatia.Pula the largest city in Istria, is home to one Croatia’s most famous sights, the Roman amphitheatre. This well preserved amphitheatre is the sixth largest in the world and is extremely well preserved with the majority of its walls undamaged. Historical evidence indicates that Pula was in existence even before the Roman era, with local findings showing the history of Pula going back more than 3,000 years. Other key sights include the Triumphal arch of the Sergii, the Temple of Augustus, the Cathedral and the Franciscan Church and Monastery.

If you’re enticed by sand, sea and sunshine then the Croatian Islands will offer hours of entertainment. Home to as many as 1185 beautiful islands, many of which are uninhabited, Croatia is an island lover’s delight. Choose from over 20 islands to explore, each with their own unique attributes and history.

Some of the more popular islands include: The Brijuni Islands. This is a fascinating archipelago comprising 14 islands and is also a National Park. Cres is the second largest island in the Adriatic and is considered one of the most popular tourist destinations, with its Italian flavour dating back to when the island was under Venetian rule. Lošinj is the neighbouring island to Cres and is well known for its lush vegetation. Highlights include the town of Mali Lošinj, whose harbour is said to be the most beautiful in Adriatic. Cikat bay is well known for its picturesque beaches and exceptional windsurfing. Krk is the largest Adriatic island and is easily accessible as it is connected to the mainland by bridge and while perhaps not the most picturesque is home to a number of key tourist attractions including Cave Biserujka, the remains ofin Omisalj and the Frakopan Castle. The island of Hvar, is known as Croatia’s sunniest island and is home to beautiful fields of lavender, sage, roasmary, marjoram and thyme as well as exceptionally well cultivated vineyards.