9 reasons Croatia should be on your bucket list

Croatia. Is it all that it's cracked up to be?

In a word, yes. With sparkling beaches, sunshine that just doesn’t quit and cuisine that gives Italy a run for its money, Croatia is a true showstopper. If you’re heading to Europe, don’t just pass through – give this stunning slice of the Adriatic the spotlight it deserves.

Here’s why we reckon Croatia should be high on your holiday list…

1. Dubrovnik is an effortlessly cool city

Yes, the city walls are a tourist magnet – but skip them and you’ll kick yourself. Towering up to 25m, they wrap around the Old Town like a stone ribbon, serving up gasp-worthy views over terracotta rooftops and out to the Adriatic. The full loop is around 2km, and we recommend taking your time. There are three cafés dotted along the way, so you can pause for a zingy juice or a hit of strong Croatian coffee as you go.

Need a break from the crowds? Just outside the walls, Park Gradac is a shady little local secret. Think cold beers, sea breezes and sun-soaked grass. Grab a can of Ožujsko, stretch out under a pine tree and soak up that local life.

2. You can dip your oar into dazzling Croatian waters

With its fortified city walls and impressive mason stonework, there’s no better way to admire Dubrovnik's beauty than with a small-group kayak tour. You’ll flirt around the edges of the old city, paddling along the impressive Adriatic Sea. 

3. You'll be impressed with Croatian food

Don’t worry, you’re not the only one who assumes Croatian food leans east. But down on the southern coast, it’s all about sun-soaked Mediterranean flavours – with Italy just a cheeky hop across the Adriatic, it makes sense.

Take risotto, for starters. The Croatians have truly made it their own – crni rižot (black squid ink risotto) is a national treasure, and when it’s made with creamy Pag cheese? Bellissimo! And let’s talk olive oil, Istrian olive oil is so good, it could start fights in Sardinia.

Seafood lovers, you’re in for a treat. Think sardines fresh off the boat, mussels, squid and lobsters that practically need their own postcode. Add in a rich café culture where espresso stretches well beyond the cup, and you’ve got a taste of everyday Croatian life.

When it’s time for a tipple, try Prošek, a red fortified wine that’s Croatia’s answer to port. Perfect as an aperitif, or just because you’re on holiday.

4. You can discover stunning hidden caves

Explore Hvar's blue and green caves by renting a boat. Inside the green cave, you can take a refreshing swim in crystal-clear green waters, and for the adventurous souls in your group, there's also the option of cliff jumping from the top. Discover the electric-blue wonder of the blue cave, and capture Instagram-worthy moments.

5. You can sunbathe while sailing past breath-taking islands

An obvious one but an absolute must-do while in Croatia – sail along the formidable Adriatic coastline. One-thousand stunning islands make up the incredible Croatian archipelago. A combination of azure water, ancient townships and sand the colour of molten gold, your retinas won’t be disappointed.

6. There's stunning walks all around

One of our favourites? Get off the beaten track with a brisk yet moderate hike to the Medvednica Mountain range above Zagreb. The little known mountain cottage of Gorščica is obscure yet awesome; take the non-demanding trek guided by a beautiful babbling brook and arrive at the mountain house by noon.

7. You'll find stunning beaches

Add the old town of Bol to your Croatian adventure. A handsome town by itself, Bol is also home to Croatia’s finest beach; Zlatni Rat Beach. Also known as the golden horn due to its shape that juts into the sea, the sand is a glorious plateau of smooth white pebbles, licked by a deep blue sea and dotted with windsurfers.  

8. The wines will impress you

If there’s one thing the Romans did well — along with building empires, roads, aqueducts, concrete and central-heating — it was produce fine wine. Vineyards are still rife all over the island of Hvar so why not take a wine tour of Croatia’s best wineries? 

9. You'll want to go island-hopping

With over 1000 islands, Croatia was made for island hopping. But with Brač, Hvar and Korčula all becoming household names, why not find something a little more niche?

The tiny island of Silba boasts one village and only 300 inhabitants. Cars are ditched in favour of pedestrianised streets, and to walk them is to go back in time. By at least three centuries. Tumbling stairwells and narrow lanes lead to old stone churches and pebbled bays. On Vis Island, and in the main town of Luka, commercial development is non existent. To be lazy is a treat; lethargy nips at your senses but rather respectably so, because there will be no rushing in Vis. Then there’s Lastovo. A five hour ferry from Split, it’s not on the doorstep, but with over 40 vineyards and Lastovo Maraština (Croatia’s famed dry white wine) your reward exists in the bottom of a wine glass. 

Croatia’s islands are easily accessible via ferries, catamarans and passengers boats.