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The Pearl Of The Adriatic
Croatia, at Europe's crossroads, offers a stunning blend of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. Its Adriatic coast, famed for over a thousand islands and ancient cities, boasts crystal-clear waters. Inland, diverse landscapes from mountains to plains offer amazing outdoor activities. This natural splendour is interwoven with a past of Roman ruins, Venetian architecture, and a lively modern culture with delicious Mediterranean cuisine.
Imagine strolling through the ancient, sun-drenched streets of Dubrovnik. Picture yourself exploring the breathtaking terraced lakes and waterfalls of Plitvice Lakes National Park, or unwinding on the pristine, white-pebble beaches of the Dalmatian coast. Or perhaps you'll find yourself diving into the crystal-clear waters off one of its thousand islands, a paradise for snorkelers and sun-seekers.
Did You Know? Croatia is home to the Sea Organ in Zadar, a unique architectural marvel that creates music played entirely by the waves of the Adriatic Sea. Waves push air through tubes, creating melancholic, harmonic sounds that are especially mesmerising at sunset.
Ethos Travel Advice: Croatia's beautiful beaches are usually made of pebbles or rocks, not sand, and the clear waters sometimes hide sea urchins. Wearing water shoes will make walking on these surfaces much more comfortable and protect your feet.
Travel to Croatia with Ethos Escapes
We design each holiday around your desires. The highlights below are a suggested Croatian journey, fully customisable to be as active or relaxed as you wish.
Croatia's central Adriatic location makes it ideal for multi-country exploration. Montenegro is a short, scenic drive south from Dubrovnik. Or consider Italy, just across the Adriatic, allows you to combine Croatia's coastal beauty with iconic Italian cities: consider a ferry day trip to Venice from Istria!
Start planning your bespoke Croatian adventure today!
Ideal For
First-time travellers wanting a taste of Croatia's stunning coastline, ancient cities, idyllic islands, and breathtaking natural parks, with a focus on its rich history and vibrant culture.
Itinerary Breakdown
Days 1-3: Dubrovnik's Ancient Grandeur — After arrival, settle in and immerse yourself in the UNESCO-listed Dubrovnik’s Old Town, famously known as King's Landing in the Game of Thrones series. Walk the magnificent city walls, and discover hidden alleys, stepping into scenes that brought Westeros to life.
Days 4-5: Island Bliss — Journey by scenic ferry to the glamorous island of Hvar. Spend these days exploring Hvar Town's Venetian architecture, relaxing on beautiful beaches, enjoying a boat trip to the Pakleni Islands, or simply soaking up the sun by the sea.
Days 6-7: Split & Krka's Wonders — Take a ferry to Split, home to the magnificent Diocletian's Palace. Dedicate one day to an excursion to the stunning Krka National Park, famous for its cascading waterfalls, combining it with a visit to the historic coastal city of Šibenik.
Days 8-9: Plitvice Lakes' Emerald Beauty — Travel inland to the region of Plitvice Lakes National Park (approx. 2.5-3 hours drive from Split). Dedicate a full day to exploring Plitvice's breathtaking system of interconnected lakes, waterfalls, and lush forests – a true natural wonder.
Days 10-11: Istria's Coastal & Culinary Delights — Journey north to the charming Istrian Peninsula (3-4 hours drive). Explore the picturesque coastal town of Rovinj and delve into ancient Roman history in Pula. Enjoy Istria's renowned culinary scene, from olive oil to truffles.
Days 12-14: Capital Charm & Departure — Take a scenic drive inland to Zagreb, Croatia's vibrant capital (approx. 2.5-3 hours drive). Explore this charming city, with its blend of Austro-Hungarian architecture and lively café culture. Departure from Zagreb Airport for the UK.
Practical Information
Pace: Fast. This itinerary involves active days and significant travel time.
Where: Covers key highlights of the Dalmatian Coast, Inland National Parks, Istria, and Zagreb.
Transport: Mix of ferries for island hopping, and private car hire.
Accommodation: A mix of boutique city hotels and island stays.
Guides: Recommended for walking tours in Dubrovnik and Split, or guided visits to national parks.
May to Sep: warm temperatures (22-30°C) and low rainfall
Jul and Aug: peak season and busiest
+1h (both BST and GMT)
London to major Croatian cities: 2.5-3 hours direct
No visa required for British tourists
Valid passport for your intended stay
Vaccinations: Check with your GP