Croatia holidays

• Dubrovnik
  Dubrovnik blends medieval heritage, Adriatic beauty and relaxed Mediterranean charm. Encircled by impressive stone walls, the UNESCO-listed Old Town reveals marble streets, Baroque churches and lively squares. Beyond the historic centre, secluded beaches, crystal-clear waters and nearby islands await, while cafes and seafood restaurants showcase local flavours, such as black risotto, grilled Adriatic fish, octopus salad and rozata – a silky custard dessert flavoured with rose liqueur. Seek out panoramic views from Mount Srd and swim from the rocky shores of Sveti Jakov Beach. Stop by the bustling Gundulic Square Market for local delicacies before lingering over fresh seafood in one of the Old Town's tucked-away restaurants.
• Cavtat and Mlini
  The beguiling town of Cavtat sits between Dubrovnik and the Montenegrin border. This elegant coastal escape is packed with culture, including the museum house of celebrated Croatian artist Vlaho Bukovac and the 15th Century Our Lady of Snow Monastery. The small village of Mlini is also worth exploring. Enjoy the slower pace of life here as you take in views of the old mills, lounge on the beaches and stroll along the promenade to the harbour.
• Vodice and Sibenik
  Don’t miss Vodice’s old town with its cobbled streets and cafes, or just swan by the glitzy marina, gelato in hand. For history and views, take the short hike to Rakitnica Fortress ruins. Just a quick ferry trip away is the car-free island of Prvic, all stone houses and a gentle atmosphere. It’s also perfect for a quiet swim.
  
  Nearby Sibenik exudes more of a Game of Thrones vibe (it was a filming location in several episodes) and it’s where you’ll find the UNESCO-listed Cathedral of St James, built entirely from stone in the 15th Century, as well as maze-like lanes and tucked-away squares. It’s also famed as the first place in the world to have streetlights powered by alternating current electricity, a milestone which is celebrated every year with numerous lighting-based events.
  
  A few miles north east of Sibenik and around a 90-minute drive from Split, Krka National Park delivers waterfalls, emerald pools and views that make you feel miles from anywhere.
• Trogir and Split
  You could be in an open-air museum in Trogir, a little island packed with tiny lanes, balconies and Venetian flair. Watch boats drift by, then tuck into freshly caught seafood. Just 18 miles along the coast, Split moves at a different pace. Cafes, shops and bars now fill what was once a Roman emperor’s retirement home: Diocletian’s Palace. Enjoy open-air bars tucked into ancient walls, listen to street musicians in Peristyle Square or try out the Croatian ball game of picigin at Bacvice Beach.
• Podstrana
  Just five miles south of Split, Podstrana is a small seaside town with a relaxed resort-style feel. With quiet palm-fringed beaches and sea-view villas, it’s ideal for families. Swim at Grljevac Beach, paddleboard along the riviera or hike to St George’s Church. Finish with beachside cocktails and fresh grilled fish and be sure to sample the local olive oil.
• Makarska Riviera
  Imagine a beach break of cinematic cliffs, pine forests and polished resorts, and you have the Makarska Riviera. Brela offers pine-scented luxury, Baska Voda brings cosy family charm while Tucepi gives you peace and quiet. The town of Makarska itself is more about buzz – a busy promenade and cocktail spots. Head into Biokovo Nature Park for the Biokovo Skywalk, a glass-bottomed platform set 1,200 m above sea level. Still feeling brave? Try Nugal Beach where clothing is optional.
• Hvar Island
  Jet-set glam meets old-world charm in Hvar. Head to Hvar Town for a lively vibe or wander the cobbled streets of Stari Grad, one of Europe’s oldest towns, founded by the Greeks in 384 BC. Explore this UNESCO-listed gem, relax in sleepy cafes or head outside town to lavender fields and vineyards. Set sail to the Pakleni Islands, a series of small, mostly uninhabited, pine-clad islets a short water taxi ride away. For a local treat, try Hvar’s lavender ice cream.
• Brac Island
  Brac brings beauty without the buzz. Zlatni Rat is one of Croatia’s natural marvels. This spit of smooth white pebbles changes shape due to sea and weather conditions and is hugged by glass-clear water. It’s also a favourite spot for watching the expert windsurfers and kitesurfers who come here. Then head to Pucisca where old-school charm still rules. Wander among its limestone houses, visit the town’s stonemasonry school and settle into a sweet, slow pace of life.

1. Walk Dubrovnik’s city walls to see the city’s tangle of Old Town lanes and the Adriatic Sea. Pass little courtyards where hanging laundry shimmies in the coastal breeze to Baroque buildings that will make you feel like you’ve just stepped into an epic fantasy. Game of Thrones fans will recognise sights from the show – this is King’s Landing. Set off early for a quieter walk.
2. Head to one of Croatia’s myriad beaches. Brac’s Zlatni Rat, also known as the Golden Horn, is an A-lister on Croatia’s coast with clear water and pine-fringed paths. For a quieter scene, try nearby Murvica Beach. Hvar has stylish beach clubs and secluded coves, while city breakers might opt for Banje in Dubrovnik or Bacvice in Split.
3. Order a cappuccino inside a Roman emperor’s retirement palace. In Split, Diocletian’s Palace forms the heart of the old town, with cafes, shops, bars and even an Egyptian sphinx set among its ancient walls. To shelter from the sun, enter the cool basement halls to browse stalls for souvenirs. Game of Thrones fans may recognise this as the filming location where Daenerys kept her dragons chained.
4. Follow the wooden boardwalks in Plitvice Lakes National Park past terraced lakes, waterfalls and forested slopes. This UNESCO-listed site is Croatia’s biggest national park, with 16 named lakes and several smaller ones cascading into one another amid meadowy, mountainous surroundings.
5. Krka National Park is one of Croatia's most captivating natural attractions, where emerald pools, cascading waterfalls and wooden boardwalks wind through lush forests. Beyond its famous scenery, the park is home to the beautifully preserved Visovac Monastery, set on a tiny island in the Krka River. Explore on foot or by boat to discover peaceful viewpoints, rich wildlife and centuries of history in one remarkable setting.

You’re spoilt for choice for hotels in the Dubrovnik area. Valamar Lacroma is a peaceful retreat surrounded by greenery on the Babin Kuk peninsula, near several beaches, with access to selected facilities at neighbouring Valamar hotels.

If you prefer something more tucked away, stay at the cosy Hotel Mlini in the seaside village of the same name. It’s set just above the beach and promenade, and guests can use facilities at the neighbouring Hotel Astarea, including a spa, fitness centre and indoor and outdoor pools.

There is no shortage of tempting residences around Split either. Visit the Dalmatia region on Croatia's south coast, home to medieval port towns backed by rugged mountains, or explore Croatia's scattered Dalmatian Islands on a beach holiday. For a coastal base near Split, stay at Le Meridien Lav in Podstrana, with sea views, restaurants, bars, a spa and a long stretch of beach.

Elsewhere, overlooking the seaside town of Brela on the Makarska Riviera, Bluesun Hotel Berulia offers sea-view dining, a relaxing spa, pools and a choice of beaches within walking distance.

Stay at D-Resort Sibenik for views of stylish superyachts – it’s close to D-Marin Mandalina, Croatia’s only marina designed for vessels of this scale. This property pairs views towards the historic town of Sibenik with sleek, modern interiors.

[PLACES] Hvar by Valamar sits by a pine-shaded pebble beach on the island of Hvar, close to Stari Grad. Expect refined Mediterranean dining in the restaurant and poolside sunbeds by the pool and cocktails infused with local herbs.