A thousand islands and a crystal-clear Adriatic — Istria, Kvarner, Dalmatia and Plitvice.
Croatia has the most indented coastline on the Adriatic and water regularly ranked among the cleanest in Europe. Unlike the sandy beaches of Greece and southern Montenegro, pebble and rock dominate here — bring water shoes, and the reward is remarkable clarity.
North and south are two worlds: Istria is closest, with Rovinj, Poreč and Pula, truffles and wine; Kvarner offers Opatija, Crikvenica and the islands of Krk, Rab and Cres; Dalmatia stretches from Zadar and Šibenik through Split and the Makarska Riviera to Dubrovnik and Korčula.
The interior is more than a corridor to the sea — Plitvice Lakes and Krka are among Europe's finest national parks, and Zagreb is an excellent city break, especially for Advent in December.
The closest stretch of the Croatian coast, with Venetian towns, pine woods by the sea, the Roman arena in Pula and Italian-level gastronomy — truffles, olive oil and Malvazija.
Diocletian's Palace in Split, the Sea Organ in Zadar and beaches beneath Biokovo from Brela to Gradac. The best ferry links to Brač, Hvar and Vis start here.
A UNESCO-protected fortress city, with a walk around the walls and trips to Lokrum and the Elaphiti islands. The most expensive part of the coast, and the most impressive; Konavle and Cavtat nearby are far quieter.
Sixteen lakes linked by waterfalls, UNESCO-listed since 1979 — Croatia's most visited natural attraction. Krka is closer to the coast and easy to combine with a stay near Šibenik.
Swimming is best from late June to early September. June and September bring lower prices and fewer crowds, while Plitvice and Krka look their best in May and October, when water levels are high and temperatures mild.
By motorway via Bajakovo it is about 400 km to Zagreb, 700 km to Split and nearly 900 km to Dubrovnik. Croatian tolls are a notable budget item. Flights to Split, Zadar or Dubrovnik are an alternative.
Croatia is in Schengen and the eurozone. Serbian citizens travel visa-free for up to 90 days within 180 days with a biometric passport; an ID card is not sufficient. There is no vignette, but tolls are charged per section.
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