Croatia
Why go?
Croatia was set to become the Eastern European equivalent of the
French Riviera when the playful jet set was replaced by deadly
rockets as the Balkan civil war entrenched itself from 1991 –
1995. It’s taken some time for the country to emerge from the
distress and destruction but now it’s ready to welcome back
sun-seekers, sailors and anyone with a soft spot for historic
sites.
True tan afficionados say Croatia has some of the best beaches in
Europe and there’s certainly plenty of opportunity for that
over-all glow – the culture of naturalism is quite fervent
here. Wonderful for exploring by sailboat are the 1,000 islands
that dot the Dalmatian coast ... some like Palmizana, worth
anchoring down for a week’s worth of sun and seafood. Forget
the recent war-torn history and soak up the medieval mood in
magnificent Dubrovnik with its atmospheric (and car-free) squares
and streets.
Croatia’s capital, Zagreb, also has ancient relics and the
grandest Roman ruin in Western Europe, the Palace of Diocletian, is
in the town of Split, halfway along the stunning Adriatic
coastline. The triangle at the top is Istria and you’ll find
more than a touch of Tuscany in this rural region of olive groves
and hilly stone towns.
Any Downsides?
Croatia is more expensive than other parts of the Balkans. There are some remote areas that have not been cleared of landmines so avoid deserted fields and abandoned villages.
What's where?
- Dalmatian Coast: Over 1,200 islands along this insanely indented coast. Some uninhabited, others home to glitzy French-Riviera-style resorts Read More >>
- Dubrovnik: This is the Pearl of the Adriatic. Now a Unesco World Heritage site, Its immense walls enclose an amazingly safe-guarded jewel of history. Read More >>
Current Weather – Time
In Dubrovnik: