Croatia’s momentum as one of the world’s top vacation destinations shows no signs of slowing down. With a burgeoning infrastructure and more flight connections than ever since its inclusion in the EU in 2013, it has never been easier to visit. Croatia combines astounding natural beauty – in the form of towering mountains and crystalline water along the rocky Adriatic coast – with rich cultural and historical heritage in cities like Dubrovnik, Split and the capital, Zagreb. Add to that the wide selection of water sports and outdoor activities (from sailing and scuba diving to mountain biking and rock climbing), a surging festival scene and exciting and innovative cuisine, and it’s not hard to see why Croatia was the most Googled travel destination of 2016.
The City of Dubrovnik buzzes with life all year around. The astonishing beauty of the marble-clad Old Town is contained within the city walls; people flock to its squares, picturesque narrow alleyways, cafés and bars. The clean beaches and the crystal-clear blue water surrounding the city walls of Dubrovnik captivate the visitor with their charm.
Opatija, often called the queen of the Adriatic, is one of Croatia's most famous destinations, boasting a tradition of welcoming visitors dating back more than 175 years.
Located at the edge of the Mediterranean, on the slopes of Mount Učka gently descending towards the coast of Kvarner Bay, Opatija with its local climate, beautiful architecture, boutique hotels and luxurious, well-tended parks and promenades, offers plenty of possibilities for a pleasant stay throughout the year.
The coastline of the Atlantic Sea cradles the elegance of the historical city of Split. Chosen by the Roman emperor Diocletian as his residence, Split accommodates his giant palace — an intricate complex of quaint alleys and squares with over 1700 years of history, — a real city within a city.
While the charm of the historical sites captivates many holiday-makers who flock to Split throughout the hot Croatian summer, the unspoiled nature and crystalline waters just make them fall in love.
For centuries, Zagreb has been a focal point of culture and science, and later also developed into a major centre of commerce and industry. Nowadays it is a predominantly outdoorsy town with a plethora of cultural and clubbing opportunities, which are some of the many reasons people of all ages flock to this dazzling capital.
Rijeka is in an exceptional location, at the point where the Adriatic Sea washes over the European coast furthest inland, and that is why the rich history of this city is tied to the sea. Rijeka is the third largest town in the Republic of Croatia, and is the main town of Primorsko-Goranska County. Because of its openness towards the outside world, the city is known for its hospitality. The influences of numerous cultures and nations can be seen in the town, and Rijeka has to this day remained a town of tolerance and coexistence.
Almost entirely surrounded by the warm waters of the Adriatic, Zadar may not be large, but it is bursting with personality. A thoroughly cosmopolitan space, the city is full of extraordinary architecture and offers some of the best sailing around Zadar's archipelago and along the western coast of the Dalmatia region.
The UNESCO-listed landscapes of the Plitvice Lakes National Park look like they are taken straight from a postcard. The magnificent tree-lined Upper Lakes (Gornja Jezera) and the awe-inspiring Veliki Slap — Croatia’s biggest waterfall — will leave you speechless. You can go on a cruise around the Lower Lakes (Donja Jezera) to make your trip extra special.