More airlines launched flights to western Mediterranean favourite Croatia this year, so make sure you’re ready to sell it. Janine Kelso reports
In the 1980s, Brits flocked to Croatia on budget package breaks as it was markedly cheaper than the rest of the Mediterranean. But the tourism boom came to a dramatic standstill in 1991 with the advent of civil war in the former Yugoslavia.
Although a ceasefire was declared in 1995, it is only in recent years that tourism has returned, with Croatia re-emerging as an edgy and sexy place to holiday.
The destination might not be as cheap as it was but it’s still a better deal than most holidays in the western Mediterranean – and it has yet to be besieged by the bucket-and-spade brigade.
In 2007, 270,000 Brits visited the country, up from 250,000 the year before. Clients with cash to splash can stay in a number of luxury villas, bookable through operators such as Villas Forum.
Getting to Croatia is easy. Last summer, there were more than 80 flights a week to the country, with a choice of scheduled and no-frills airlines. In May 2008, Flyglobespan launched an Edinburgh-Dubrovnik service and Flybe started flying to Dubrovnik from Exeter.
Here’s a look at what the country has to offer.
The Istrian and Kvarner coast
With its pretty landscape and Venetian flavour, the pebble and rocky beaches of Porec, Umag, Opatija and Rovinj have long been popular with Brits. The official language of the Istrian peninsula is Italian and the romantic city of Venice can be explored on a day trip.
Zagreb
Head to this elegant city before it becomes plagued by stag and hen parties. Croatia’s capital is perfect for shopping, sightseeing, exploring museums and bar-hopping.
Split
This cultural city is abuzz with restaurants, cafes and lively squares. History buffs should check out the 1,700-year-old Diocletian’s palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Dubrovnik
This medieval city has long been a hit with the Brits thanks to its stark beauty and plentiful attractions, including palaces, churches, museums, markets and bazaars.
Dubrovnik’s cobbled streets and squares are ideal for wandering, but travel to nearby islands to hit the beach. British Airways started flying from Gatwick to Dubrovnik three times a week during the winter, making the city an ideal choice for a weekend break.
Islands near Dubrovnik
The clutch of islands near Dubrovnik are worth exploring for their picturesque villages, orange and lemon groves and quaint churches.
Visit the tranquil island of Mljet on a day trip from Dubrovnik to see its two saltwater lakes or head to Korcula for its churches, palaces, well-preserved medieval towns and to try its famed oysters.
The islands of Hvar and Brac
Hvar enjoys 2,715 hours of sunshine a year. The landscape of pinewoods, olive trees, lavender fields and vineyards mean the island is often hailed as one of the world’s most beautiful islands. New hotels include the five-star Adriana Hotel and Spa, which opened in June last year.
Brac has handful of pretty coves and beaches, vineyards, olive groves and pine forests. Its white stone has been used to build many landmark buildings, including The White House in Washington.
Cavtat
Popular with Brits, this picture-perfect village has a clutch of stone houses, shops, pavement cafes and restaurants. Its shingle beach-lined waters are ideal for snorkelling.
Zadar
This relatively undiscovered town on Croatia’s north Dalmatian coast has been thrust into the spotlight since Ryanair launched a Dublin flight in April, adding to its Stansted route. Film director Alfred Hitchcock loved the place because of its sunsets and beautiful women.
Recently built into Zadar’s waterfront were a set of sea pipes, which use wave power to create a tune. After dark, hit Ibiza-style clubs that attract superstar DJs, and while you’re there, try the region’s favourite tipple, the bittersweet maraschino, made from locally grown cherries.
Zadar is the gateway to five of Croatia’s eight national parks, where visitors can see lakes, waterfalls and the occasional bear.
Map
Croatia travel fact file
- Flying time: About two hours, 30 minutes
- Airlines: EasyJet, Flybe and Germanwings fly to Split, while Aer Lingus, Avro, Flybe, Flyglobespan, Monarch and Thomsonfly serve Dubrovnik
- Tour operators: Abercrombie and Kent, Cosmos, Holiday Options, Page and Moy, Regent Holidays, Thomas Cook, Thomson
- Currency: Kuna
- Visa requirements: None
- Jabs: None
- Climate: Winters are mild and summers are hot. During the summer the heat is broken up by occasional thunderstorms.
