Croatia Destination Guide
Situated along the coast of the Adriatic Sea, just across from Italy on the Balkan Peninsula, Croatia borders Slovenia and Hungary to the north, Serbia to the east and Bosnia and Herzegovina to the south.
Although part of the Eastern Bloc countries, Croatia's geographic location gives it much more of a Mediterranean feel. Croatia is fast becoming a favourite European city, offering a fairly inexpensive holiday experience with genuine friendliness and hospitality, and plenty of amazing architectural and natural sights in a truly gorgeous setting.
Most flights to Croatia are likely to land in the capital, Zagreb, home to many medieval sights including the 13th Century Lotršcak Tower, where a cannon is fired each day at noon.
Experience Zagreb's unique cafe culture
Full of museums, galleries and parks to visit, the capital has also a vibrant cultural scene. This is enhanced by the old-world charm of traditional cafe culture, which is most vibrant on Zagreb's central streets on weekend mornings. Don't leave without visiting the impressive Museum of Contemporary Art.
From Zagreb, Croatia tours are likely to take you to one of the country's top natural wonders, the Plitvice Lakes. The jaw-dropping scenery in this World Heritage-listed park is reminiscent of a fantasy film, with wooden boardwalks weaving their way in between turquoise lakes, and countless waterfalls, surrounded by dramatic rock faces.
Other Croatia tour highlights include the Riviera-like Istrian town of Pula, where you can see one of the largest surviving Roman amphitheatres; and the beautiful city of Split, home to the impressive Diocletian's Palace, which those interested in Roman ruins will enjoy exploring.
Split is also the gateway to Hvar Island, one of the most picturesque and now fashionable party spots in Croatia. With its beach-laden bays and inland wineries, lavender fields and olive groves, it's more reminiscent of southern Italy or France.
Dive, swim, or sail in the Mediterranean Sea
As any Croatia travel guide will tell you, the most spectacular way to see this country is by taking a cruise along the stunning coast, off which more than 1000 islands lie.
Dubrovnik, called 'the Pearl of the Adriatic', is the main drawcard here; an ancient city full of medieval fortresses, baroque churches, cobbled streets, fabulous views, lovely beaches and an undeniably magical atmosphere – much like the country itself.
Diving enthusiasts, you're going to love the Adriatic's coral reefs, underwater caves and impressive wrecks, such as the famous SMS Szent István, a 153-metre long Austro-Hungarian battleship which sunk in 1918 near Premuda Island, in the Dalmatian archipelago.
If you are reading this and thinking "Croatia sounds too good to be true", unfortunately you are not the only one. The days when the country remained an undiscovered European treasure are sadly long gone.
Don't let that get you down though! You haven't missed the boat and you definitely haven't missed the plane because flight connections are better than ever as a result of increased popularity, so count on your Flight Centre consultant to find you some very cheap flights to Croatia.
