Croatia

Croatia and neighbouring Montenegro are very much the new kids on the block and combine well for a truly memorable Mediterranean holiday..

Croatia has a spectacular 6,278 km coastline on the Adriatic Sea with more than 1,100 islands, of which only 66 are inhabited. This Dalmation Coast is considered to be the most beautiful in Europe with innumerable bays, inlets, coves and beaches.  Among the many popular summer holiday ideas for Croatia, small boat cruising is an ideal choice to see this fabulous coast.

With a history that stretches back to occupation by both the Romans and then the Venetians, there is much to discover in her classic towns and cities including Pula, Trogir, Split, Hvar, Korcula, and Dubrovnik. On the Adriatic coast alone, there are six historic places which are listed as World Heritage sites by UNESCO.

Montenegro is a small country with a big punch. Since gaining independence from neighbouring Serbia in 2006, this tiny Balkan Republic has made great strides to establish itself as a year-round, quality tourist destination offering a stunning landscape of soaring mountains, Europe’s most southerly fjord and an idyllic 293 km stretch of long beaches and craggy coves bordering the warm, blue waters of the Adriatic. It is no wonder that Montenegro has witnessed a flood of investment and a rush to buy property.

Both coasts have a pleasant Mediterranean climate with a high number of days of sunshine per year.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

The medieval walled city of Dubrovnik, described by Byron as “Pearl of the Adriatic”, is one of the most attractive and famous ports of the Mediterranean.

Korcula Island, Croatia

Cloaked in fragrant pines, vineyards and olives groves, the rugged coast of this pretty Adriatic island is lined with traditional Croatian towns, picturesque fishing villages and quaint ports.

Hvar Island, Croatia

Found off the coast of Split and dubbed the St. Tropez of the Adriatic, the sunny island of Hvar is the most verdant of the Croatian islands.

Bay of Kotor, Montenegro

With its mountainous backdrop, beautiful blue waters and medieval and Venetian-era settlements, this butterfly-shaped bay is the jewel in the Montenegro crown. The walled town of Kotor itself is a wonder of cobbled streets and squares, churches and a lovely museum bearing proud testimony to the region’s seafaring prowess.