Best holiday destinations in Croatia
Croatia is a vibrant and energetic country ideally placed at the crossroads of Central Europe, Southern Europe, and the Mediterranean. Its unique positioning at the heart of Europe makes it an exciting tourist destination for all the family. Croatia is steeped in rich history and enjoys a fantastic Mediterranean climate along the Adriatic coast, meaning warm and dry summers and relatively mild winters.
The region is currently experiencing an enormous tourist boom, with visitors attracted to the 5,835 km of sun drenched coastline, and the country’s diverse interior, which boasts an incredibly beautiful and rugged landscape, and scores of charming towns and villages.
The country is also experiencing a euphoric upswing in confidence, having become the 28th member of the European Union on 1 July 2013. Croatia has numerous popular tourist destinations along the Dalmatian coast, but families should also be aware of the hidden treasures waiting to be found in Zagreb and the other major cities.
Porec
Porec has all the tranquil charm of a quiet coastal town, with all the best tourist amenities to make it a truly sublime holiday destination. Porec offers family holidays for every taste and budget; there are great restaurants and bars, a spectacular landscape to enjoy, and golden beaches to relax on. Porec is a sports paradise with excellent facilities for tennis, sailing, golf, diving, cycling, and archery, all within easy reach of great self-catering accommodation.
Pula
A picturesque town on the tip of the Istrian peninsula, Pula is renowned for its scenic beauty. Spectacular holiday villas in this area are a short drive from Pula’s world renowned Arena, which is the 6th largest surviving Roman amphitheatre. A tour of the ancient ruins allows you wander through the vast Colosseum and visit the caverns beneath. Pula is located at the southernmost point of Istria, and features breathtaking ocean views. The long sandy beaches of Kamenjak and Premantura are also close by.
Dubrovnik
Frequently listed amongst the best tourist destinations in Europe, Dubrovnik is one of the most prominent resorts in the Mediterranean. Nicknamed the “Pearl of the Adriatic”, the city has numerous options for holiday rentals, including outstanding holiday homes and luxurious holiday villas. Lapad Beach is one of the most beautiful parts of Dubrovnik, and is simply an unavoidable tourist spot. For families that want an escape from the beaches, which can be crowded during the summer months, they are many nearby secluded islands which provide the perfect antidote to the bustling city.
Makarska
Located just south of Split, Makarska is a substantial beach resort town along the Makarska Riviera. The town has a large number of pet-friendly self-catering apartments, which provide an ideal base to discover the fascinating coastline. A relaxing walk along the spectacular marina and through the main square will show you why Makarska is such one of the most popular destinations in Croatia. Make sure to search ownersdirect for the best apartments to rent in this unforgettable resort town.
Split
The city of Split is renowned for its incredibly mild climate all year round. The visually striking centre of the city is built around the remains of the Diocletian’s Palace, which is a Roman-era structure that is listed as a UNESCO world heritage site. Because of its almost perfect climate (2,800 hours of sunlight per year), Split is a sumptuous location for self-catering holidays. In fact, the locals are so taken by its beauty that they refer to the city as the “Mediterranean flower”.
Zadar
Located in northern Dalmatia, Zadar is a sun-kissed city that attracts legions of tourists annually. Rich in history and natural beauty, Zadar is still relatively undiscovered gem of Croatia’s coastline, but is rapidly becoming a popular destination for self-catering holidays. Besides the long stretches of unspoilt coastline and perfectly placed holidays homes, that are heaven for sun-worshippers, Zadar is famous for St. Donat’s Church, which is one of the best preserved pre-Romanesque buildings in the world.
Kvarner
Kvarner is a region of the north of the country that includes the coastline and highlands north of Dalmatia. The Kvarner Gulf brings together many of Croatia’s most enticing features, including; tropical Mediterranean islands, enchanting fishing villages, and rolling hills. The region annually attracts legions of tourists, hoping to experience this idyllic corner of Southern Europe. The large number of clean and safe beaches makes Kvarner particularly suitable for family holidays.
Zagreb
A thriving 21st Century city, Zagreb is the capital and cultural centre of Croatia. With an atmospheric “old town” that rivals the beauty of any European capital, and a wealth of stunning architecture, a holiday in Zagreb is an unforgettable experience for the whole family. Holiday lets in Zagreb are close to a wide variety of cosmopolitan restaurants and excellent shopping. Most of the best restaurants and bars and are located in Gornji grad (The Upper Town), which is also a popular destination for the city’s best tourist attractions.