Croatia

Croatia is a country just waiting to be explored and those that visit find not just a beautiful country, but one filled with thousands of years of history.

From its favourable location on the Adriatic Sea, it became an ideal stopping point on the mercantile route between Europe and the East and the mixed cultural effect on the country can still be seen with Greek, Roman, French, Austrian and Hungarian influences. What makes Croatia stand out in particular is its huge number of beautiful islands, totalling 1185. Many are inhabited but all are individual, each having a character all to itself.

Dating from 1094, Zagreb is the dynamic and eclectic capital of Croatia and a city which deserves to be explored. Its vibrant streets, stylish boutiques, sleepy squares and fantastic restaurants lend themselves well to the stunning architecture, art galleries and museums which are surprisingly plentiful in this compact city. No stay in this charming city would be complete without a visit to the incredible Kaptol Cathedral with its rather dramatic history and St. Mark’s Square, the symbolic heart of the nation.

Once a city that rivalled Venice in maritime trade, Dubrovnik sits perfectly on the Mediterranean coast and one could easily be mistaken for thinking they were in Italy. It is a lovely city for exploring on foot. The medieval old town is fascinating with its ancient paved stone streets and buildings whilst walking the city walls is perfect for an overview of the city. There are plenty of churches and monuments to visit, whilst simply wandering the narrow streets afford plenty of opportunities for discovering hidden squares, flourishing markets and quaint gardens.

Home to Diocletian’s palace, Split is a colourful city with a fantastically stylish waterfront, perfect for sitting at one of the many cafés under the shady palm trees and watching the world go by. Of course you can explore the stunning palace, but why not also take time to visit the impressive cathedral of St. Domnius and Marjan Hill, a lovely wooded hill where Diocletian once hunted and where you will have stunning views of the city and its surroundings.

Situated across from the city of Split is Brac, the highest and third largest island in the Adriatic, famous for its stone which was used to build The White House in Washington DC. The island is stunning, covered in vineyards and olive groves, pine forests and lavender fields. It boasts Zlatni beach in Bol, the biggest town on the island in the south, which moves depending on the wind and waves. Brac is also one of the most accessible islands with ferries running almost every hour.

Vis is often described as being as beautiful as Capri but without the tourists. It’s incredible that despite its natural Mediterranean charm, bountiful olive groves, copious ancient ruins and magnificent deserted beaches, it seems the only tourists who have discovered the island are those who arrive on the glamorous yachts that moor here in the evening. It is a secret we want to share with you.

FLIGHTS & FACTS

Fly to: Dubrovnik or Split (British Airways - daily)
Arrival day: Saturday
Flying time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Time difference: GMT + 1
Visas: Not required
Health requirements: No Mandatory vaccinations
Villas arrival day: Saturday
Best time to travel: April - September

WEATHER

The climate is Mediterranean along the Adriatic coast, which means it benefits from warm dry summers and mild winters. The coastline is known as one one of the sunniest in Europe, whilst inland the climate is continental with hot, dry summers and cold, snowy winters.