| Shunning neon lights and mass tourism development, | | | | of Vis, where divers can explore several shipwrecks, |
| Croatia rightly dubs itself "the Mediterranean as it | | | | and the Kornati islands. |
| once was". Travel journalist Howard Carr has | | | | Cities: Dubrovnik, with its baroque palaces and |
| explored the full length of the country, including its | | | | Venetian architecture, is known as the Pearl of the |
| stunning coastline and string of more than 1,000 | | | | Adriatic. In the north, Pula boasts an impressive |
| islands. | | | | Roman amphitheatre. Also worth discovering are Split, |
| Vast stretches of the beautiful Adriatic coastline | | | | Zadar and Zagreb. |
| remain untouched by modern-day tourism. It's a place | | | | Countryside: Head inland to admire the rolling hills of |
| for ambling rather than rushing around - particularly in | | | | Istria in the north and the dramatic mountain scenery |
| the sleepy, well-preserved medieval towns dotted | | | | of Dalmatia. North of Zadar, Plitvice National Park has |
| along the coast and around the tiny islands. | | | | waterfalls and 16 lakes criss-crossed by wooden |
| Here are 10 reasons to visit Croatia to help start | | | | walkways. |
| your holiday planning . | | | | Food: Fresh seafood can be enjoyed all along the |
| History: You'll find it hard to put the camera away as | | | | Croatian coast. If the catch of the day doesn't take |
| you explore picture-perfect places such as Dubrovnik, | | | | your fancy, try prsut (cured ham) in Dalmatia, strukli |
| with its sturdy town walls and ancient alleyways, and | | | | (cheese pie) in Zagreb and Italian-inspired dishes in |
| Split, where the heart of the city is built within the | | | | Istria. |
| impressive remains of a huge Roman palace. | | | | Wine: Quality wines are one of Croatia's most |
| Islands: A tempting array of unspoilt islands runs the | | | | pleasant surprises. Good for raising a glass are the |
| full length of the Croatian coast. Options range from | | | | white Vrbnicka Zlahtina from the island of Krk and |
| trendy Hvar and historic Korcula to the Robinson | | | | the red Plavac Mali and Dingac from Dalmatia. |
| Crusoe-like Kornati islands. | | | | Music: Summer festivals are staged throughout the |
| Beaches: Most beaches are fine shingle or pebbles, | | | | country. The choice ranges from classical music |
| rather than sand. Among the best are Zlatni Rat on | | | | recitals among Dubrovnik's historic settings to rock |
| the island of Brac and the long stretches of gleaming | | | | concerts by top artistes in Pula's Roman |
| white pebble beaches in and around Makarska. | | | | amphitheatre. |
| Sailing: Charter a yacht or join a flotilla holiday to | | | | A holiday in Croatia offers a great escape from the |
| discover picturesque islands, pretty fishing villages and | | | | frenetic pace of today's high-tech world, and will |
| secluded coves and bays. | | | | leave you wanting to come back for more. And with |
| Diving: Clear, clean water made the sea off Croatia | | | | plenty of discount flights to Croatia from most |
| one of the favourite spots for legendary French | | | | European countries, there is every reason to do so! |
| diver Jacques Cousteau. Top venues include the island | | | | |