Croatia
Croatia’s momentum as one of the world’s top vacation destinations shows no signs of slowing down. With a burgeoning infrastructure and more flight connections than ever since its inclusion in the EU in 2013, it has never been easier to visit. Croatia combines astounding natural beauty – in the form of towering mountains and crystalline water along the rocky Adriatic coast – with rich cultural and historical heritage in cities like Dubrovnik, Split and the capital, Zagreb. Add to that the wide selection of water sports and outdoor activities (from sailing and scuba diving to mountain biking and rock climbing), a surging festival scene and exciting and innovative cuisine, and it’s not hard to see why Croatia was the most Googled travel destination of 2016.
Dubrovnik
The City of Dubrovnik buzzes with life all year around. The astonishing beauty of the marble-clad Old Town is contained within the city walls; people flock to its squares, picturesque narrow alleyways, cafés and bars. The clean beaches and the crystal-clear blue water surrounding the city walls of Dubrovnik captivate the visitor with their charm.
Krapina-Zagorje
If you are looking for a place suitable for a vacation, free from industry and the usual urban disrputions, choose Zagorje with an easy heart. It is an oasis of preserved nature, greenery, clean air and mild, healing waters. A cultural heritage of feudalism in this area marks the architecture of many castles and manor houses set amid idyllic nature. Krapina Zagorje County is well-known for its castles, Krapina Neanderthal and thermal springs translated into modern baths with excellent hotels and a vast gastronomic offer.
Opatija
Official partnerOpatija, often called the queen of the Adriatic, is one of Croatia’s most famous destinations, boasting a tradition of welcoming visitors dating back more than 160 years. Located at the edge of the Mediterranean, on the slopes of Mount Učka gently descending towards the coast of Kvarner Bay, Opatija with its local climate, beautiful architecture, quality hotels and luxurious, well-tended parks and promenades, offers plenty of possibilities for a pleasant stay throughout the year. Get to know Opatija, and let Opatija get to know you!
Pula
Official partnerJewel of the verdant peninsula of Istria, Pula is the province’s largest city and forms a dramatic gateway to the seductive, crystalline waters of the Adriatic. Situated at the southernmost tip of the area, which has come to be known as ’the new Tuscany’ for its bright medieval hilltop towns and ancient ruins, Pula boasts a rich and varied cultural heritage. The city is bordered by national parks remarkable for their astounding unspoilt natural beauty and is celebrated for its wonderfully preserved Roman amphitheatre and forum, which form a dramatic backdrop for leisurely strolls from the old town to the coast.
Rijeka
Rijeka is in an exceptional location, at the point where the Adriatic Sea washes over the European coast furthest inland, and that is why the rich history of this city is tied to the sea. Rijeka is the third largest town in the Republic of Croatia, and is the main town of Primorsko-Goranska County. Because of its openness towards the outside world, the city is known for its hospitality. The influences of numerous cultures and nations can be seen in the town, and Rijeka has to this day remained a town of tolerance and coexistence.
Split
The coastline of the Atlantic Sea cradles the elegance of the historical city of Split. Chosen by the Roman emperor Diocletian as his city of residence, Split accommodates his Palace, an over 1700 years old giant that comprehends an intricate complex of quaint alleys and square. Due to its vastness and impressively excellent conservation, the ancient colossus can be referred to as a city within a city. While the charm of the city’s historical sites captivates the multitude of holiday-makers who flock to Split throughout the hot Croatian summer, the unspoiled nature and crystalline waters just make them fall in love. The people of Split claim that their city is “the most beautiful one in the world and beyond,” and the well spirited Split aims to convince you of this! The city is full of life and soul, and the friendly local people of Split are waiting to welcome you with open arms. Only a few cities in the world can offer such variety of entertainment and excursions in their closest surroundings as Split.
Vodice
Vodice is a coastal town located in a wide bay, 11km northwest from the town of Šibenik, the centre of Šibenik-Knin County. The town of Vodice numbers almost 10,000 inhabitants, and is considered to be an ideal vacationing destination, where everyone can find something to enjoy. In and around Vodice there are many beautiful beaches washed over by crystal clear waters, historic spots, and the beautiful Kornati archipelago.
Zadar
Almost entirely surrounded by the warm waters of the Adriatic, Zadar may not be large, but it is bursting with personality. A thoroughly cosmopolitan space, the city is full of extraordinary architecture and offers some of the best sailing around Zadar’s archipelago and along the western coast of the Dalmatia region.
Zagreb
For centuries, Zagreb has been a focal point of culture and science, and later also developed into a major centre of commerce and industry. Nowadays it is a predominantly outdoorsy town with a plethora of cultural and clubbing opportunities, which are some of the many reasons people of all ages flock to this dazzling capital.