Croatia
Croatia has had a long and varied history, and over the last few years has seen somewhat of a tourism renaissance. Helped partly by the number of cruise ships travelling up and down the coast from Venice, Croatia has now set its self apart as one of the most interesting counties in Europe.
Boasting mountains and beautiful national parks in its interior, especially the famous lakes at Plitvice, Croatia is a great place to discover the great outdoors. There are even some really unique places to stay – ask us for more details on that!
Most people will stay on the coast though, with three distinct regions. In the north, the Istrian peninsular has a great Italian heritage with plenty of Roman ruins. Featured recently on ‘Amazing Hotels – Life Beyond The Lobby’, the Grand Hotel Park in Rovinj is a favourite of ours, with fantastic views over the town and coastline.
Further south is the Dalmatian coast, with Split and the nearby town of Trogir – one of the access points to the vast number of islands you can either visit or stay on. Of course, in the south the iconic city of Dubrovnik, and its historic old town.
Essential Information
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Croatia has something for everyone, although the best time of year is in the summer to enjoy it at its full potential. Although, you could go on a city break in the winter.
FLIGHT TIME
Around 2 hours
TIME ZONE
GMT/BST +1
CURRENCY
Euros
IDEAL FOR
Sailing, walking, culture, food.
HOW TO GET THERE
Flights are available to Dubrovnik, Zadar, Split, Pula and Zagreb from the UK, although there are more flights available in the summer. City breaks are possible all year round in Dubrovnik or Zagreb.
LANGUAGE
Croatian
IDEAL TO COMBINE WITH
Croatia is a fabulous place to explore, either as a twin-centre combining the mainland with an island, or as part of a multi-centre holiday taking in the fabulous Plitvice National Park.
Our Favourite Places in Croatia
Suggested Itineraries
City and Islands: Split and Brac
8 day holiday
Split and Brac
This twin-centre Croatian escape blends the vibrant city of Split with the laid-back charm of Brač Island. Spend three nights in Split exploring the magnificent Diocletian’s Palace, its winding marble alleys, and lively waterfront. A guided walking tour reveals the city’s Roman roots and modern-day character, while free time allows for discovering hidden gems, sipping coffee along the Riva, or venturing to nearby Trogir. With its mix of ancient history, street life, and coastal views, Split offers a taste of Croatia’s cultural heart in just the right amount of time.
From Split, hop on a ferry to Brač, where a slower pace awaits in the picturesque town of Pučišća. Stay at a heritage hotel and explore the island’s highlights at your own rhythm—whether relaxing by the pool, visiting the famous Stonemasonry School, or taking a trip to Zlatni Rat, Croatia’s most iconic beach. With white stone buildings, hidden coves, and a strong artisan heritage, Brač delivers a truly authentic island experience. This tailor-made holiday is flexible, allowing you to extend your stay or add on neighbouring islands like Hvar or Korčula for a longer Adriatic adventure.
National Parks of Croatia
10 day holiday
Split, Plitvice, Zadar, Sibenik, Kornati National Park, Krka National Park
This 10-day fly-drive holiday through Croatia offers a rich mix of nature, coastal charm and UNESCO heritage. Beginning in Šibenik, you’ll explore the medieval old town before heading into nearby Krka National Park, where waterfalls and limestone gorges create stunning natural scenery. A speedboat tour through the uninhabited Kornati archipelago showcases Croatia’s untouched island landscapes, while Zadar offers Roman ruins, sea organ sunsets and a relaxed Adriatic vibe. From there, detour through the dramatic canyons and peaks of Paklenica National Park on your way to the iconic Plitvice Lakes—famed for their turquoise waterfalls and forested trails.
Rounding off the trip is time in Split, where the Roman-era Diocletian’s Palace forms the vibrant heart of the city. Optional rafting trips on the Cetina River or hikes around Marjan Hill offer more outdoor adventure, while Trogir’s Renaissance charm is perfect for a stop en route. With four-star accommodation, car hire and national park entry included, this self-drive itinerary gives you both the freedom to roam and the structure to make the most of Croatia’s stunning national parks and coastal towns. The route can also be adapted to suit your preferences, whether that’s more time in nature or relaxing by the sea.
City and Lakes: Zagreb and Plitvice
7 day holiday
Zagreb and Plitvice
This 7-day self-drive holiday pairs the cultural charm of Zagreb with the natural wonder of Plitvice Lakes. Start your journey in Croatia’s capital, where you’ll stay three nights and enjoy a guided walking tour through its lively squares, medieval hilltop towns, and quirky museums. Highlights include the twin-settlements of Gradec and Kaptol, Zagreb Cathedral, and the Lower Town’s broad avenues and markets like Dolac. There’s also time to explore independently and take in the city’s café culture, green spaces and unique attractions such as the Museum of Broken Relationships.
After collecting your hire car, you’ll drive through the picturesque watermill village of Rastoke en route to Plitvice Lakes. Based in the peaceful village of Ličko Petrovo Selo, you’ll spend time exploring Plitvice National Park with its dramatic cascades, scenic trails and boat rides. There’s also a chance to discover local history at the Željava airbase and experience traditional Balkan cuisine. This itinerary blends urban exploration with natural beauty and provides a relaxed pace, ideal for those looking to discover a quieter side of Croatia.
