Croatia holidays

Croatian cuisine makes the best of fresh, locally produced ingredients. Expect to find Italian-influenced dishes along the west coast, hearty stews, soups and schnitzel inland. You’ll discover risotto, pork cutlets, cheese and plenty of wine on menus up and down the country – what could be better? Check out our top three must-try dishes on your Croatia holiday. Crni rizot, or black risotto is found all over the country. This creamy dish made with squid ink comes with fresh shellfish, such as clams and mussels and makes a unique and delicious starter. Try it with a Croatian beer – either Karlovacko or Ozujsko. Octopus salad is a local delicacy, and the best versions are found on the coast. Salata ob hobotnice as they call it in Croatia, comes simply prepared with tomatoes, capers and potatoes with an olive oil dressing. Grasevina, a dry white wine, is a great match. When you travel inland for Croatia’s wonderful scenery, be sure to try pasticada. This beef stew is slow-cooked to perfection, and often served with gnocchi, Italian potato dumplings. To drink, ask for a glass of plavak mali, a flavourful red wine.

With an almost never-ending stretch of coastline, Croatia boasts hundreds of amazing places to swim and sunbathe. There are few sandy beaches, but you’ll find plenty of pebbled bays and coves where the water is incredibly blue and clear. Banje Beach occupies one of the most impressive settings in Croatia. The beach itself is superb, with fine shingle leading to light blue waters and plenty of places to lay down a towel. But the highlight is the view of Dubrovnik’s Old Town perched above the harbour – you’ll feel like you’ve stepped onto a movie set. Golden Cape is located on the pretty island of Brac, about halfway up the coast. This stunning V-shaped beach is an idyllic place to soak up the sun and enjoy amazingly blue water. A pine tree forest forms the backdrop – there are few beaches more beautiful. Punta Rata, just south of Split, regularly makes lists of the world’s top beaches. Shiny white pebbles line the water, while a tree-covered rock juts out of the ocean. Behind the beach, a rugged mountain range completes the picture. This is one for the photo album.

Away from the stunning coastline, Croatia’s interior offers up a wealth of natural beauty. The national parks are awe-inspiring, home to rolling hills, canyons, waterfalls and caves. We’ve picked our top three for a bit of inspiration on your Croatian adventure.

Krka National Park: The majestic Krka National Park should not be missed on any visit to the country. Here, you can witness a gushing river as it winds its way through a 200m-deep canyon. The highlight is the park’s highest waterfall, which descends by 50m before crashing into the lake below – a dramatic spot for a swim.

Plitvice National Park: Plitvice National Park, just an hour from capital Zagreb, is breathtaking. Miles of wooden walkways lead you through a series of lakes, where you’ll discover over 90 waterfalls spilling from one body of water to the next. A truly magical experience.

Paklenica National Park: Home to the country’s best rock climbing, Paklenica National Park is full of high, rugged peaks. You’ll get some amazing lake and mountain views and the chance to explore the area’s biggest cave. Keep a look out for the wildlife – golden eagles, lynx, antelopes and bears all call the park home.

There are many fascinating cities and towns to explore in Croatia, some dating back to the 7th century. You’ll discover Unesco-protected ruins and settlements, along with perfectly preserved working towns. Read on for our must-see ancient attractions.

Dubrovnik: The whole city of Dubrovnik has been given Unesco status and it’s easy to see why. This fairy-tale settlement showcases amazing centuries-old buildings, churches and fortifications. Only accessible on foot (no motorised vehicles are allowed), the best way to see Dubrovnik is from up high – walk along the city walls to take it all in.

Korcula: An impressive 13th century wall circles around Korcula town, where you’ll discover stone houses, medieval churches and beautiful old town squares. Keep a look out for streets and buildings named after local-born Marco Polo and check out the magnificent St. Mark’s Cathedral, built in the 15th century from local limestone.

Pula: Nestled on the northern coast, the ancient ruins at Pula make for a fascinating day out. The star of the show is the 1st century Roman amphitheatre. Once home to gladiator battles, this impressive arena is the 6th largest of its kind in the world, and Croatia’s best preserved ancient monument.