Croatia

Croatia is attracting more and more tourists looking for new adventures all year round. Sandwiched between the Balkan nations and central Europe, Croatia benefits from a stunning coastline sprinkled with islands and cities bursting at the seams with history and culture.

Many travellers visit to immerse themselves in the historical attractions of Split and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Dubrovnik. Whether it’s your first or fiftieth time visiting Dubrovnik, ‘The Pearl of the Adriatic’, it is a truly inspiring and special place to find yourself wandering around. Despite the damage to the city as a result of the Balkan war in 1991, following the break-up of Yugoslavia, this coastal city has transformed itself into an increasingly popular year-round tourist destination. Dubrovnik has many cultural and historical treasures, some of which are encompassed within its walled city whilst others are dotted along the Dalmatian coast. There are plenty of things to keep you busy including walking around the city walls and visiting the fascinating Old Town within.

Croatia’s second biggest city, Split, is an interesting contrast of traditional architecture combined with a modern way of living. The streets are laced with colour and a have a vibrant atmosphere, set amidst the city’s historical walls. A stay in Spilt is a great way to experience the Dalmatian culture first hand.

Perhaps one of Croatia’s biggest draws is its coastline studded with small islands, a stunning landscape stretching 1100 miles, with an impressive plethora of 1,184 islands. There are a huge variety of islands, each with their own character; many steeped in traditional Mediterranean culture, whilst others offer a cool and contemporary vibe. A good selection of these islands are suitable for walking with well-maintained paths and panoramic views. Our Gentle Walking Islands of Croatia holiday visits three of these Islands: Hvar, Lopud and Mljet.

• Capital city: Zagreb
• Population: 4,154,200 (2017)
• Size of country: 56,594 sq km
• Currency: Kuna
• Power supply: 220 volts AC
• Sockets: European two-pin plugs
• Language: Croatian
• Time difference: GMT + 1 hour
• Visas: British nationals may enter Croatia for up to 90 days as a visitor without a visa
• Religion: 86% Catholic, 5% Orthodox Christianity, 1.5% Muslim, 0.5% Protestantism and 7% Other
• Popular dishes: Lobster from Dalmatia
• Popular drink: Sljivovica (plum brandy)
• FCDO advice: FCDO travel advice

The best time to visit Croatia is between the months of May and October. Generally the weather will be dry and warm. This is also because during the remaining months of the year the weather will be much colder and unreliable, which is not suitable for walking.