This beautiful part of Eastern Europe is simply stunning, with tons of history, a coastline that stretches for miles and a huge scattering of idyllic islands
A long stretch of coast
Croatia has almost 2,000km of stunning coastline, with pebble beaches and crystal-clear waters in which to dip your toes. If you choose to discover its islands, there are more than 1,000, ranging from uninhabited atolls to picturesque nature reserves and vibrant resorts.
Hvar and Brač are two of the best-known, yet each offers something different. Hvar combines historic towns with vineyards and lavender fields, while mountainous Brač is famous for its rugged landscapes and traditional stonework.
So, whether you choose an island-hopping holiday or simply spend a day on the water as part of your tour, you’ll get to see the hidden coves and idyllic beaches that might otherwise remain out of reach.
Discover the best Croatian islands to visit.
Medieval Dubrovnik
Thanks to its rich history, this medieval city is perhaps Croatia’s most famous destination and certainly makes it to the top of most travellers’ must-visit list. Its UNESCO-listed Old Town is protected by formidable walls that tower 25 metres high. Originally erected to defend the city, now you’re invited to head up here to take in astounding views of both the city and out across the Adriatic.
Within the walls, the pedestrianised Stradun runs through the heart of the Old Town, surrounded by historic churches, palaces and narrow stone streets that reveal more of Dubrovnik’s centuries-old past.
Discover the best things to do in Dubrovnik’s Old Town.
A varied cuisine
The varied range of dishes you’ll try come courtesy of a wealth of cultural intermingling. Italian, Greek, Hungarian, Turkish and Austrian influences result in a tempting mix of seafood, pasta and hearty meat dishes. Along the Adriatic coast, fresh fish and seafood feature prominently, while Croatia also has a long tradition of wine production. On the Croatian Island Explorer, you’ll get to experience this heritage with several Croatian wine tastings.
Croatians love their coffee too, usually rich espressos, so why not join them at a pavement café and watch the world go by.
Meet the neighbours
A gateway between Western Europe and the exotic East, Croatia’s location gives you easy access to a host of other countries. You could make discoveries in neighbouring Slovenia, where its lively capital Ljubljana has a river flowing through its heart and a grand castle peering over it from above, or maybe head south to Montenegro. Here you can discover more of the picturesque Adriatic coast and the stunning fjord-like Kotor Bay.
On Just You’s Deluxe Dubrovnik & the Dalmatian Coast tour, a visit to Montenegro takes you to medieval Kotor, dramatically positioned between mountains and the waters of the bay.
Croatia also wraps around Bosnia and Herzegovina, where a visit to the labyrinthine city of Mostar takes you on an atmospheric journey along cobbled streets and over stone bridges.
Split’s splendid attractions
Dubrovnik may be Croatia’s star turn but its supporting cast certainly delivers too, in particular the city of Split. No visit here is complete without exploration of the Emperor Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO-listed site and one of the most impressive Roman monuments in the world. Built in AD 295, this now forms the hub of the Old Town and you’ll find a cluster of churches, chapels, restaurants, shops and cafés which have made themselves right at home within its walls.
Learn more about what to see and do in Split.
Traditional towns
You’ll find an atmospheric town to explore around every corner in Croatia. There’s Porec, with its beautiful basilica, Opatija, which boasts a seven-mile beachfront promenade, and Korcula, with its Venetian overtones. And that’s just for starters.
Further south, Šibenik is another historic coastal gem, with a maze of stone streets and the magnificent UNESCO-listed Cathedral of St James at its heart. Zadar combines an equally fascinating past with something altogether more contemporary – its famous Sea Organ creates music using the movement of the Adriatic waves.
National Parks
A visit to Plitvice National Park will introduce you to not one, not two but 16 small lakes which are linked by cascading waterfalls. Not to be outdone, Krka National Park also delivers on the waterfalls front. It boasts its own magnificent collection, and is home to hundreds of species of plants, birds, amphibians, reptiles and fish.