Croatia is a breathtaking country situated along the Adriatic Sea in Eastern Europe. Popular with tourists, it offers the perfect combination of natural beauty and rich culture, with its stunning coastline, pristine beaches, sunny weather, delicious food and rich cultural legacy of historic sights. This unique destination encompasses over 1,000 islands, as well as the striking coastal city of Dubrovnik and the impressive capital city Zagreb.
Croatia is best known for its natural beauty and one of the highlights is without doubt its impressive coastline along the Adriatic Sea. The Adriatic Coast to the north and the Dalmatian Coast to the south, offer visitors ample opportunity to soak up the sunshine, admire the stunning coastal views and enjoy the beautiful white beaches. With an array of both sandy and pebbly beaches to choose from, visitors to the region will have no shortage of vantage points from which to admire the country’s crystal clear waters. Relax and soak up the sun or dive into the ocean and explore the underwater world with some snorkelling.
When you tire of admiring Croatia’s magnificent coastal views, you need only shift your gaze north to enjoy the views of the looming Dinaric Alps which hug much of the coastline. Why not take a stroll towards the mountains and explore the many waterfalls and picturesque lakes that the countryside has to offer.
If you’re more of a city person then Dubrovnik, often referred to as the “Pearl of the Adriatic” should be your next stop. Sandwiched between Croatia’s rugged mountains and sparkling blue sea, Dubrovnik has something for everyone with its stunning architecture and spectacular views. Famous for its cobbled streets, medieval architecture and historic buildings, it also boasts an endless supply of modern hotels, chic boutiques and stylish bars. Throw in the beautiful weather, delicious food and friendly locals and it’s easy to see why Dubrovnik is fast becoming a modern alternative to the traditional Mediterranean holiday spots.
Food & Drink
Croatian cuisine is based on great tasting, locally produced ingredients, seasonal vegetables, sea food and fruity olive oil. There are numerous great restaurants in Croatia with fresh fish, stuffed veal, roasted lamb, pheasant and pork featuring heavily on menus, vegetarians are also well catered for. Dumplings, goulash, gnocchi pasta, herbs and spices feature on menus across the region. Traditional dishes not to be missed include smoked ham and cheese and seafood lovers will find it hard to resist dishes like Dalmatian octopus salad, black squid ink risotto, shellfish and grilled sardines. Prsut, a tasty air dried ham, is often complemented by slices of sheep’s cheese, while black squid ink risotto is another mouth-watering favourite. Try “Pod pekom”( ‘under the lid’) ; a dish involving meat, vegetables and herbs slow-cooked in a special pan with a tightly fitting lid, in an outdoor oven. Dubrovnik also offers a large selection of wines. The winegrowers of the region are proud of the quality of their red wines, the most famous of which is the Plavac Mali, which owes its name to the typical dark grape that grows in the nearby peninsula of Peljesac.