Travel Guides: All Countries / Europe / Croatia
 |  | Destination Guide : Croatia |
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| | | Islands in the sun |  | Why go on holiday to Croatia?
The stunning coastline of the Istrian Riviera and a sea dotted with hundreds of unspoiled islands are two good reasons. For those not wanting sea and sand the cities of Split, Zagreb and Dubrovnik offer more cultural, architectural and historical delights.
How much does it cost?
Shop around but as a rough guide, it's about £400 for one week's half-board in peak season. Flights from as low as £120. Croatia has a departure tax of 37Kn but it is normally included in the price of your ticket.
When should I go?
Temperatures can top 85F (29C) in summer on the Istrian peninsula, although the north is milder. Spring and early autumn are also pleasant.
Busiest month is August, when Italian holidaymakers flock to Dalmatia and the coast road gets very busy.
Travel inside Croatia, as well as hotels and so on, is cheaper off-season (October-May) so an autumn trip could be what's called for if your bank manager's stopped smiling at you.
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| | | Scenery 'n' sailing |  | What should I do when I'm there?
Other than beach lounging and swimming in crystal clear waters off the Istrian and the Dalmatian coast, yachties find the sailing superb around the 140 islands, and there are also many good dive sites.
Hiking, rock climbing and freshwater swimming is a treat at the Paklencia National Park.
Sightseers and culture vultures should head for Zagreb and Dubrovnik, but there's also Pag Island, Zadar and Split. You see, there's more to Croatia than you thought.
Is it safe?
Croatia was given the all-clear by the Foreign Office when the war ended in 1995. You're unlikely to see any soldiers or refugees. Dubrovnik has been restored to its former glory and the war didn't spread to Istria and the Adriatic islands.
What should I see?
Dubrovnik is a magical walled city, with 12th-century churches, fountain squares and museums full of ancient manuscripts.
Diocletian's Palace in Split - one of the world's most imposing Roman ruins. The Euphrasian Basilica in Porec, countless other ancient and beautiful buildings in spectacular coastal scenery.
What about natural beauties?
As with its man-made glories, Croatia is uniquely gifted with fabulous scenery - marvel from your island-bound ferry at the villages nestling on the rocky coastline, or take a special trip inland to the Paklencia lakes surrounded by stunning mountains.
Bisevo island has its own miraculous blue grotto that's also worth a trip if you like swimming.
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| | | Goulash dash | | Where's good for nightlife?
Istrian resorts such as Porec are the liveliest for clubbing, but don't expect Ibiza-style. If you're happy about that, then the charming summer tradition of terrace dancing at hotels on the coast may be for you.
Croatians, like Italians, spend the evening in a cafe bars enjoying the drop in temperatures and shooting the breeze and you could join them for the price of an espresso.
Pula's Roman amphitheatre attracts top international performers all year round; Dubrovnik's summer festival in July and August promotes homegrown with foreign talent.
What's the food like?
Inland the cuisine combines Austro-Hungarian and Ottoman ancestry while along the coast it is more typically Italianate/Mediterranean. Thus in Zagreb you'll get hearty meat dishes with noodles or potatoes, goulash, bean soup and pancakes for afters.
Coastal food is fish, herbs, olive oil, garlic, and the old stand-by: pizza. Drink the beer - it's good, especially Karlovacko and Ozujsko - and try the slijivovica (plum brandy).
What should I buy?
The best buy is the artisan-made lace from Pag Island. Embroidered fabrics are also featured in souvenir shops. Hvar and other central Dalmatian islands sell fresh and fragrant lavender/herb sachets as inexpensive local products.
Also look out for Brac island stone items. Local brandies are definitely worth buying if you like them as they won't be found elsewhere.
What is there for the children to do?
Larger hotels at resorts will have special children's clubs to keep them occupied.
Tourist office
Croatian National Tourist Office, 2 The Lanchesters, 162-164 Fulham Palace Road, London W6 9ER. Tel: 020 8563 7979.
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| | Available rental properties in Croatia |
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| |  | | Villa Dubravka
Very attractive and best located villas in close vicinity of city of Dubrovnik, cultural and historical tourist destination on Mediterranean.
|  | | Bjela Kuca
Stunning sea views over Korcula, 5 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms, sleeps 10 all rooms have a balcony, car parking, on site management.
|  | | Art Studio Villa
Apartment is a part of the art studio gallery "Marijan" with artistic surrounding among 50 sculptures, made from marble and bronze with a great view to the Lapad bay. Perfect for families.
|  | | Apartments Panorama, Dubrovnik - Croatia
Apartment is fully equipped, with own balcony, with sea and Old town view. 300 m walking distance from Old Town and pabble beach.
|  | | Dubrovnik apartments - Dolphin
An apartment within a large Villa with full equipment, DVD, surround, DVD films, near the beach, sea view, with opened Jacuzzi, sauna...
| | Click here for more properties... |
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