CROATIA
With a myriad of islands and crystal clear seas Croatia offers excellent summer beach holidays, a fine seafood tradition, great sailing and, for those interested, glitz and glamour. Less built up than much of the Mediterranean it is easily accessible and has a real star in Dubrovnik. Tourism has, by and large, been kept in check so the range of options is not as great as other Mediterranean countries and while good value it is not a cheap destination. Ask Putney Travel for advice and help to find the right Croatian holiday for you.
Dubrovnik and its Riviera
Dubrovnik is Croatia’s most popular tourist attraction and one of the most stunning towns in the Mediterranean. Huge city walls surround a dense old town with red tiled roofs marble streets and baroque buildings. The Adriatic shimmers a bright blue, the mountainous coastline stretches away on either side and Dubrovnik is justly proud of its history, including the more recent siege in the 1990’s. With its bustling Mediterranean elegance it is almost a year round destination however it is also an excellent base to enjoy the Adriatic in spring & summer. There is easy access to attractive Cavtat & nearby Montenegro (majestic Kotor Fjord is just over the border), head inland to the bridge at Mostar or the take a ferry across to the varied Elaphiti Islands. Alternatively just walk the walls, stroll the streets and swim in the crystal clear waters that surround it.
The Dalmatian Coast and Islands
Running south from the city of Split you have a choice of a variety of islands or a coastline whose karst mountains creat dramatic skylines. Swanky Havr, which away from the main town is still unspoilt, and Brac, with its beaches are among the best known but there is also Korcula with its gorgeous town and the Peljesac Peninsula, known for wine and oysters. Split with it’s seafront cafes grew out of the palace of the roman Emperor Diocletian which was transformed into a warren of houses and churches. Nearby Trogir and Sibenik are other fine Venetian era towns to enjoy.
Explore the country
There is much more to Croatia than the Dubrovnik and the Dalmatian coast. Zadar is an attractive working port, Pula in Istria in the north is famous for its amphitheatre and the region for its Italian charms. The Plitvice Lakes are a jumble of waterfalls and cascades set in beautiful wooded hills, Zagreb the capital is an attractive boisterous city and throughout the country you will enjoy excellent regional foods and wines.
- There is not a huge choice of villa properties in Croatia so the best will sell out early for the summer holidays – if you know what you want book as soon as possible.
- The Adriatic waters can feel cold right up to June but can stay warm up to the end of October.
- Dubrovnik itself can be very busy in high season so stay outside it – try the almost car-free Elaphiti Islands.
- Spring in the Adriatic can be a revelation with flowers in profusion and lush green landscapes – a real contrast to late summer and autumn when it can look more barren.
- Fresh seafood at a beach restaurant, feet from the sea.
- The historic port city of Dubrovnik
- Any number of small islands with their Venetian style towns.
- Diocletian’s Palace in Split – a town in a palace
- The Plitvice Lakes National Park
- Visa Required: no
- Population: 4.2 million
- Capital City: Zagreb
- Currency: Kuna
- Classic Dishes: Seafood, pasta, risotto
- Local Tipple: Karlovacko beer (£1.50) and Slivovica cherry brandy.
- Year round for cultural visits.
- The summer ‘beach’ season runs from May to September.
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by TMS