For the price of a short-haul flight, you can experience all the wonders that Croatia has to offer this summer. The coastal region of Istria is named by Lonely Planet as one of the top visits in Europe, and prices are always affordable. If you’re looking for sun, sea and culture, look no further than Croatia’s rocky coves and pine forests.
Croatian Islands and History
Along Croatia’s coasts, there are more than 1,000 small islands that you can visit for short day-trips by boat. Within the region of Istria, there are narrow roads that lead to medieval villages and hill towns, perfect for history buffs. There are plenty of cycling package options that give you the freedom to move from town to town. Some cycling tour providers will even have your luggage transported to the next stop on your Croatian journey. If you choose to drive, make sure that you have European insurance and cover, available from providers such as Breakdown Direct.A visit to Split will offer you the chance to see some of the finest Roman ruins in the world, in the form of the spectacular Diocletian’s Palace.
Traditional Food
Croatia is an amazing destination for cuisine. Don’t miss out on locally grown truffles, in omelettes and wild board croquettes. Prosciutto is a dry cured ham cut in long, thin slices, unique to Croatia, and is served as an entrée with cheese and olives, or as a healthy snack between meals.
Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik has the reputation of being one of most romantic cities in the world, and it is also known as the ‘city of stone and light’. It is situated between the Adriatic and Dinaric Alps and has been restored after the 90s Balkan War. The 14th century ramparts are well-preserved and some of the finest specimens within Europe. The old town is fully pedestrianised and offers a range of designer shops, restaurants and art galleries, and medieval, renaissance and baroque treasures for those who are looking for a cultured break.
Hand-Crafted Goods and Souvenirs
You don’t have to return home with mass-produced souvenirs if you choose Croatia as your holiday destination this summer. The region of Hrvatsko Zagorje, north of Zagreb, has become an increasingly popular place to visit due to the wealth of handmade toys produced here. Residents have kept these skills alive for hundreds of years, men carving the toys from local willow, beech, maple and lime, and women decorating them with red, yellow and blue paint that is eco-friendly and toxin-free. To see the toymakers in action, visit Marija Bistrica and the surrounding villages.
