Croatia Holidays

Dubrovnik is a stunning, historic city overlooking the Adriatic Sea. Dubrovnik lies at the heart of Croatia holidays. Still ringed by immense walls, its ancient heart is a spellbinding warren of arcaded streets, grand palaces and splendid squares. GoT fans will recognise lots of landmarks around Dubrovnik, which doubles as King’s Landing in the series. You can stroll around the mighty 16th-century walls and soak up the views over the city’s red-tiled rooftops, or take the cable car up to Srd Hill for a spectacular panorama of the entire coast. There are lots of beaches where you can enjoy a refreshing dip in the turquoise sea, then chill out at one of the stylish beach bars. Or perhaps take the boat out to Lopud Island to discover your own secluded bay to round off your Croatian holiday.

Charming Cavtat overlooks a picture-postcard harbour on Croatia’s breathtaking coast, just a 25-minute drive around the bay from Dubrovnik. It’s an ideal destination if you want to mix up the best of a city break – cultural attractions, great shops and restaurants – with all the fun of the seaside holiday. Take a stroll around town to admire the Rector’s Palace, a splendid Renaissance mansion, and the elegant church of St Nicholas which overlooks the harbour. Forests of fragrant cypress and pines spread around the town, providing a refreshing escape from the summer heat. There are lots of pretty, shingled beaches and bays to explore in and around Cavtat, and you can also try your hand at a host of water sports. 

Just a short drive from the magnificent city of Dubrovnik, Mlini is a picturesque fishing village that has developed into a vibrant seaside resort without relinquishing any of its original charms. Overlooking a gorgeous bay, it has lots of enticing little beaches and bays and is set against rolling hills covered in pine trees. You can bask on the beaches, hike in the hills, enjoy a whole host of water sports, and tuck into wonderful local food in the many traditional taverns on the seafront. And if you want to explore further afield, you can visit the tiny, timeless villages dotted across the hills or stroll through the ancient streets of Dubrovnik, a magnificent UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site.

A picture-postcard village on the shore, Slano encapsulates traditional Croatian charm. Beautifully set on a horseshoe-shaped bay, you can beach-hop from cove to cove in search of the perfect spot. Protected from the wind, the bay is ideal for swimming, snorkelling and paddle boarding, and you can rent out boats to explore the tiny islands scattered along the coast. There is a smattering of cafés and tavernas along the waterfront, where you can soak up the sea views as you tuck into delicious local dishes. It’s a paradise for walkers, with some wonderful hikes into the pine-scented hills around the village. Truly one of Croatia’s gems, Slano has everything you need for a perfect Mediterranean holiday.

Croatia’s glorious Dalmatian coast is one of the loveliest to be found anywhere in the Mediterranean. If you fancy a spot of island-hopping, there’s nowhere better than one of our Croatia holidays. With more than a 1000 islands scattered along the Adriatic coastline, you’ll have plenty to choose from! Croatia all inclusive holidays are best enjoyed with excellent views and beaches on your doorstep. Nowhere better than the Dalmatian coast...

The biggest is Brac, dominated by Mount St Vid (Vidova Gora), which, at 778 metres, is the highest peak of the Adriatic islands. Perfect for hiking, this gorgeous island is scattered with ancient ruins and enticing rocky coves. The most glamorous of the Croatian islands is Hvar, which is a hotspot for celebs and yachties. Its capital, Hvar Town, is charmingly arranged around a gorgeous bay, and lavender fields and vineyards are spread across the inland hills. To really get away from it all, head to Korcula, which boasts quiet coves and sandy beaches along the coast and a lush, forested interior dotted with olive groves and vines. Then there’s the verdant island of Mljet, much of which is a National Park and is blessed with turquoise coves, azure lakes and luxuriant forests.

Split, Croatia’s alluring second city, is home to the magnificent Diocletian palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but it’s also got a lively and cosmopolitan modern quarter and marina. Split is a fantastic holiday destination, offering everything from world-class historic sights to fabulous beaches, great restaurants and plenty of shops, bars and clubs. The nightlife here is among the best in all Croatia, and the summer beach parties and music festivals are legendary. It’s also the main departure point for boats to some of Croatia’s loveliest islands, such as Hvar, a favourite with the jet set, and Brac, which offers superb hikes and water sports along with its traditional towns and villages.

One of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in Croatia, the Makarska Riviera is renowned for its gorgeous beaches and sleepy seaside villages, dramatically set against pinewoods and rugged mountains. The region’s main town is Makarska, an elegant collection of 18th-century mansions and churches arranged around a picturesque harbour. It’s a lively little town, with plenty of great places to eat, drink and shop. Behind it is the lofty peak of Mount Biokovo, which has lots of excellent hiking and mountain-biking trails. There are lots of wonderful beaches and bays in and around Makarska, where you can swim in the sparkling waters and enjoy all kinds of water sports.

Tucepi is one of the loveliest of the seaside towns that dot the Makarska Riviera. A huddle of red-roofed buildings clustered around a marina, this charming former fishing village is backed by the mighty peaks of the Biokovo range. A fabulous mile-long beach fringed with pine woods stretches along the pristine coast, and, out in the turquoise sea, the islands of Brac and Hvar beckon. If you’re looking for peace and tranquillity, you’ll find plenty of it in Tucepi. But there’s also lots to see and do, from a great choice of places to eat, drink and shop, to a wide range of water sports. Plus, Makarska, the biggest town along this stretch of coast, is just 5 minutes away by car. A favourite with couples and families, Tucepi keeps kids happy with zip-lines and plenty of seaside fun, while hikers and climbers will delight in the fantastic trails in the Biokovo mountains.

Family holidays to Croatia are ideal. A beach holiday to Croatia is perfect for the kids, with calm waters and sandy bays. If your little ones aren't so little anymore, then there are plenty of cultural sights, delicious food and a welcoming atmosphere to keep your whole holiday party entertained.

The country's capital is often neglected by tourists, but with cheap flights and lots of great deals on holidays, Zagreb is a city that shouldn't be missed and has plenty to entertain the entire family. As well as some fascinating culture, and plenty of activities, the capital is also a great city for shopping, and if you like fashion, there's plenty of trendy shops to explore.

Dalmatia is one of those destinations which offer visitors great hiking trails. You will have the chance to see Croatia's wildlife up close and personal as you ascend and descend the paths in the region. When you finish hiking, travel to the "new Tuscany". Novigrad has food festivals throughout the year and the hilltop town's medieval architecture will please all that visit. Split is the central hub of the Dalmatian coast and a great, family-friendly place to settle on your Croatian holiday. You'll find that the quieter resorts, such as Rovinj or Porec, make for excellent family holidays.

The quieter areas of Cavtat, Pula, and Mlini are ideal for families looking for something away from the bustle of Dubrovnik. Pula has some fantastic beaches for kids while Cavtat and Mlini are quiet resorts for a bit of peace and quiet on your Croatia holidays. Beaches galore and quiet tavernas with friendly locals, these destinations offer a good choice of all-inclusive hotels or head down the coast on a day trip during your holidays to the Adriatic Riviera.

Holidays to Croatia can be as action packed as you want. There’s a lot to choose from, so ask the concierge at the desk of your all-inclusive hotel and they’ll be able to point you in the right direction.

Croatia has over 1,000 islands that populate the Adriatic Sea. Get off the mainland and take a boat trip to see some of these amazing places. Stop and explore the islands or hop back and forth to the mainland as you tour Croatia (a popular pick is Hvar as its beaches and position directly opposite the Riviera make this a top island choice). Many islands are accessible for the coastal resorts, including Dubrovnik and Split. Multiple ferries are available from Pula in the north.

Once you've seen the islands, it's time to investigate the country's eight national parks. The stunning views will please the entire family. The must-see park is Plitvice Lake National Park, with 16 interconnected lakes inside. While you’re outdoors, you should head to Cetina River to try rafting. The rivers roaring rapids will take you on an adrenaline-fuelled adventure. After you dry off, get off the ground in Omis as you ride on Croatia's fastest zip line. Travelling 65 kilometres an hour, you will speed through the trees at a death-defying rate. Once you have calmed down back on the ground, you will want to do it all over again.

The beauty of Croatia is its vast natural beauty and diversity. The north, the Istrian Riviera, which is home to the popular destinations of Porec and Pula, provides access to a host of beaches, islands and caves. You'll also find Natural Park Brijuni. Down south, on the Makarska Riviera, there are more beaches, plus the stunning Nature Park Biovoko, ideal for mountaineering and hiking.

The Istrian Riviera entices visitors year after year with its rugged coastline (all 250 kilometres of it), stunning beaches and historic towns and villages. It’s home to some of Croatia’s most spectacular natural sights, including the lakes and waterfalls of the Plitvice National Park, as well as its most charming historic towns, such as Pula, Porec and Rovinj. There’s an endless list of things to see and do during your holiday to the Istrian Riviera. Enjoy seafood on the waterfront in the authentic little fishing town of Novigrad. Soak up the sun on Rabac’s gorgeous Blue-Flag beach. Island-hop among Krk, Cres and Rab – you might spot dolphins near the island of Cres. For culture, visit Porec, with its immaculate Venetian mansions, or the buzzy regional capital of Pula, which is home to a vast, 2000-year-old Roman amphitheatre that is still used for concerts and festivals.

Pula is the capital of Istria, a beautiful peninsula near the Italian border and one of Croatia’s most beautiful regions. An exquisite little city, it’s home to some spectacular ancient ruins, notably the enormous Roman amphitheatre which dates back to the 1st century AD and is now used for concerts. This region is renowned for its food and wine, and the inland hills are covered with vines and olive groves. Along the rugged coast, you’ll find several picturesque seaside villages, perfect for a day trip if you want some sun, sea and sand. You could also take a boat tour out to the Brijuni Islands, now a protected national park, where you’ll find fantastic hiking trails, unspoilt beaches, ancient ruins and even some dinosaur footprints!

Croatia’s nightlife can vary from place to place, and season to season. Summertime Croatia holidays offer music festivals on Hvar and the Pag islands, so if you want to catch a world-famous DJ or musician, those are the places to go. Holidays to Croatia will provide no end of nightlife if that's what you're looking for.

Zagreb is another great destination for a nightlife full of variety. The city has local pubs and brightly lit dance clubs where you can mix with locals. If you are looking for a vibrant after-dark scene away from the city, Kvarner is the place to check out with its restaurants, bars and pubs near the beach providing a coastal party for every taste. Also, in northern Croatia, Pula has a buzzing and varied nightlife that's been evolving since the 60s. Concerts in its awesome Roman amphitheatre often sell out, incredible considering its 20,000 seating capacity!

Of course, everyone loves Dubrovnik, and the city caters to everyone. Informal or formal, it doesn’t matter in Dubrovnik. The city has everything when it comes to going out after dark. If you want a holiday on the romantic side, Dubrovnik is the spot. What is more intimate than sipping all inclusive cocktails with a loved one and looking out over the sea as the sunsets? Not much in Croatia can compare to Dubrovnik.

A trip to Dubrovnik isn't just a cultural experience, Dubrovnik also ranks as Croatia's most romantic spot. An unsung hero on the 2018 / 2019 romantic holidays list. Cobblestoned streets, winding alleyways and cafés to watch the sunset from. Don't forget the beach and its clear waters are just metres away, and top resorts like Mlini and Cavtat are just down the coast from Dubrovnik.

Split is the perfect place for a romantic stroll. It is a town filled with history around every turn, and walking down Riva Boardwalk at night when it is all lit up is the perfect ending to a beautiful day on the Adriatic. From Split, you can also take a ferry over to Brac island. Whilst in an island mood, Hvar is another popular spot for love-doves. Further north, Pula is a secretive city, with many secluded spaces to explore and cultural sights to adore.

Couples that love old world charm will enjoy a holiday to Zagreb. Gas-powered lamps and narrow streets welcome you to the capital. For quiet Italian charm on the Riviera, try Rovinj. Here in this small coastal village, you'll find an elegant yet charming atmosphere due to the Venetian architecture along the cobbled streets of Rovinj. Slano is another couples holidays favourite, just located a short journey south of Dubrovnik.

Back to Zagreb though, why not picnic near Jarun Lake and take in the surroundings of the overlooked Croatian holiday destination? The city's street festivals occur throughout the year, and you will find plenty of great cultural events to sink your teeth into.

For stress-free couples holidays in 2018 / 2019, consider booking all-inclusive so we can take care of the tricky bits of your holiday.

Since the 12th century, Croatia has been under the control of other nations. Holidays to Croatia will involve soaking some of this history up. This is one of the reasons Croatia has been so heavily influenced in terms of its food, architecture and arts. You will find a variety of influences when visiting the country: Italian, Hungarian, Turkish and more have all blended into one. Croatians have taken these influences and truly developed them to make something unique.

In northern Croatia, you will find the influence of Austrians and Hungarians. Large parks, pedestrian areas and large plazas make up parts of the cities. The northern cities of Croatia are gorgeous and reflect those old ties to the past. Northern Croatia is home to resorts such as Rovinj and Pula. The latter is one of these secretive locations that even in the height of summer offers up quiet moments of culture. Top tip? Visit the Roman amphitheatre, the Pula Arena. Pula has been conquered and reconquered dozens of times in its history, and has been home to various peoples since the prehistoric times.

Once you make your way south, you will find a Mediterranean vibe. You will notice a contrast in the cultures of both areas from the foods they eat to the layouts of cities. From Zagreb to Pula, Cavtat, Dubrovnik or Split, the Dalmatian Coast in the south and the Istrian Peninsula in the north cater to every type of holidaymaker. Thanks to Croatia's two distinct regions, you will have the chance to experience very different places in the same country. Just for example, in Porec, close to the city of Pula, you'll find the Euphrasian Basilica, declared a UNESCO heritage site in 1997.

Plus, up and down the Riviera's, both the Dalmatian and the Istrian, you'll find hundreds and hundreds of islands waiting to be explored which display various cultures and histories.