The coastline of CROATIA is simply fantastic. This paradisiacal slice of the Adriatic offers all the makings of an incredible summer vacation: beautiful beaches, moving landscapes, fabulous cuisine, captivating cultural sites … these are just a few of the things that have caught my eye. repeatedly attracted over the decades.

Here’s why you should plan your own Croatia escape this summer.

Sun, sea and sand

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With over 1,200 islands dotted along this beautiful coastline, beach lovers are spoiled for choice. Join the chic crowd at Hvar Town beach clubs and the all night parties at Zrce Beach in Pag. Makarska’s beaches combine family fun and vibrant nightlife, and few can resist Croatia’s beach poster, along V-shaped Zlatni Rat – or Golden Horn – on Brac.

Baska on the island of Krk offers water sports to go along with its family atmosphere, while the tiny neighboring island of Rab has around two dozen sandy beaches, including the aptly named Paradise.

Island hopping fun

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Why stick to just one island during your vacation? Using Dubrovnik as a base, board a skippered speedboat around the sleepy Elaphiti Islands or take a day trip to the amazingly green island of Mljet to cycle around its national park.

Split is the starting point for adventures on a skippered yacht – past pretty coves of Brac and Hvar to tiny Vis, and possibly Korcula before returning via the laid-back island of Solta.

A gourmet’s paradise

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Croatia’s cuisine – a tempting mix of Italian, Hungarian and Turkish influences, to name a few – is perfectly suited to the Adriatic sun. Look for olive oil and Istrian truffles, a prosciutto ham called prsut, and tangy sheep’s cheese from Pag.

Homemade pasta and risottos make the most of Croatia’s top-notch ingredients – not to mention all that delicious Adriatic fish and seafood. You’ll find everything from lobster spaghetti to freshly landed fish grilled over a wood fire at a waterfront restaurant.

The best of both worlds

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Soak up Dubrovnik’s rich history with a walk around its medieval city walls, then flop onto Banje Beach in the shade of these magnificent city walls. Discover other Dubrovnik beaches along the Babin Kuk Peninsula, and take the ten-minute shuttle boat to the historic island of Lokrum for a lazy swim and picnic.

One of Croatia’s wonders is Diocletian’s Palace in Split. It’s not often that you see the ruins of a 4th century Roman palace dotted with cafes, shops and apartments. After a day at one of Split’s many beaches – check out Bacvice, Firule, and Znjan to begin with – take an evening stroll along the café-lined Riva waterfront.

Back to nature

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Croatia’s great outdoors will take your breath away. Hike or climb the spectacular mountains of Paklenica National Park, where you can admire the view of the Adriatic. Explore the waterfalls and rivers of Krka National Park at a relaxed pace on foot or join a kayaking excursion for an exhilarating experience.

A hike to the 2,560-foot summit Vidova Gora sur Brac – the highest point in the Adriatic – rewards you with great views of the Golden Horn. If you want to experience Croatia’s underwater world, snorkel in the Pakleni Islands near Hvar.

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