With more than a thousand sun-soaked beaches, untrodden secluded islands, and 1,800km of turquoise shorelines, Croatia is the coast with the most, making it a top choice for a sun-filled holiday for those who like to spend much of their time in or by the water. Here we explore just some of the natural highlights of this stunning country.
Idyllic islands and lush lakes
A catamaran trip from Zadar to Silba will make for a truly unforgettable experience
(Aleksandar Gospić)
Thanks to its unique geographic location on a peninsula surrounded by the Adriatic Sea on three sides, Zadar, the ancient capital of Dalmatia, makes for a perfect summer hotspot. While the northern islands, often called the Zadar archipelago, are chock full of rugged nature, beautiful bays and bountiful beaches.
Hop on a catamaran from Zadar to Silba for untouched islands where you’ll find no cars and a slower pace of life. The island is dotted with tiny beaches and bays for sunbathing and swimming, many where you’ll likely be the only one.
To experience the most out of these unspoilt islands, hop around the idyllic isles on a private boat tour with your own skipper. Setting off from Zadar, many tours will take you around Silba and Olib, another tiny car-free island with sandy lagoons and some of the most breathtaking beaches in the country, ideal for snorkelling, swimming and sightseeing.
While you’re in Zadar, you can also take a day trip to the nearby Plitvice Lakes National Park, the oldest and biggest national park in Croatia. It’s mountainous and filled with towering waterfalls formed on dolomites, glistening lakes and lush flora and fauna. Follow a hiking trail and take in all the nature, or hire a rowing boat to bask in the sunshine on the park’s largest lake, Kozjak.
Beaches and eateries
Foodies should head to Motovun, a scenic spot where truffles are a speciality
(Zoran Jelača)
For more knockout beaches and ancient history and heritage, Istria, a pretty peninsula shaped like a heart, ticks all the boxes. The region is peppered with olive groves and vineyards and boasts an excellent culinary scene paired with enchanting mediaeval old towns and sprawling nature. Visit Porec for its romantic old town, palm-lined waterfront promenade and to soak up the sunshine on its beaches, where 37 km of coastline includes 21 Blue Flag-rated beaches.
For truffle lovers, Motovun is famous for them, with many menus in the area serving dishes brimming with the delicacy. It’s also surrounded…
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