coastal-cruises
Croatia’s timeless, unspoilt nature coupled with beautifully-preserved, centuries-old architecture, make this stunning little Balkan country an absolute delight to explore. Yet the spectacular, island-studded coastline is undoubtedly the jewel in Croatia’s crown. The country has blossomed into one of Europe’s top holiday destinations, with the translucent, turquoise waters of the Adriatic Sea perfect for a Croatian island-hopping adventure.
Nature has richly gifted Croatia’s landscape and the country has eight National Parks, seven of which are on or near the coast, and the eighth, Plitvice Lakes National Park, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From Roman ruins to Venetian villages, Byzantine churches to Austro-Hungarian baroque masterpieces, Croatia’s extraordinary architectural landscape is testament to the waves of empires that invaded over the centuries. Today the appeal of the coastline lies in the idyllic fishing villages, hidden rocky coves and small, yet bustling, harbours. Within the shade of ancient walls, and characterised by narrow paved streets and squares, you’ll find Croatia’s towns and cities are some of Europe’s finest living museums.
Things to know
- The hit series ‘Game of Thrones’ was filmed on the Dalmatian coast in Split and Dubrovnik
- With more than 2,800 hours of sunshine, Hvar has more sunshine than any other island in Europe
- Alfred Hitchcock was quoted as saying ‘Zadar has the most beautiful sunset in the world, more beautiful than the one in Key West, Florida’
- St. Domnius Cathedral in Split is the oldest Catholic cathedral in the world
- According to legend Mljet is the beautiful island of Ogygia where the nymph Calypso kept Odysseus captive for seven years
Key Destinations
Dubrovnik
Wrapped within ancient walls that have withstood both tide and time, Dubrovnik is an extraordinary city. Grand renaissance and gothic buildings, the baroque Cathedral, 14th century Franciscan Monastery and handsome palaces of retired aristocracy, all have a tale to tell. Stroll along the shiny, marble-paved main street ‘Stradun’, which is today awash with cafes, restaurants and shops.
Hvar
In Croatia’s central Dalmatian archipelago, the island of Hvar with its lush vineyards and pine-topped hills is idyllic. Encircled by a 13th century wall, the charming old town is adorned with chapels and palaces embellished with intricately carved Venetian architecture. In the centre, St. Stephen’s Square is the island’s best al fresco dining spot.
Split
A popular nautical hub with a gorgeous harbour and palm-lined waterfront, Split is one of Croatia’s most fascinating cities. Symbol of the city is the Cathedral of St. Duje, which towers over a labyrinthine Old Town. Split’s most striking feature is the stunning Diocletian’s Palace where shops, restaurants, churches, houses and everyday life have been built into the very fabric of ancient walls.
Mljet
Shrouded in dense Mediterranean vegetation and with a gentle sandy shoreline lapped by crystal-clear waters, Mljet is one of Croatia’s most beautiful islands. The Mljet National Park makes up most of the island, which has several small villages, two salt water lakes and some of the best natural anchorages in the Adriatic. Mljet is untouched nature at its best.