Summer Sun in Croatia

As the EU’s newest member, Croatia is still one of Europe’s best-kept secrets, boasting picturesque towns and villages, glorious weather and miles and miles of pristine sandy beaches. Whether you’re island-hopping, exploring with the family or just fancy lazing on the beach, enjoy a fantastic summer getaway in Croatia with our round-up of its best resorts. With warm and dry summers, mild winters and an annual average of 2,600 hours of sunshine, it’s one of the sunniest destinations in Europe!

Dubrovnik

Known as the Pearl of the Adriatic, it’s no wonder Dubrovnik is such a popular tourist destination. It does get rather crowded in the summer months, but it’s definitely worth contending to other tourists to view its gorgeous Old Town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You could easily dedicate a few days to exploring this walled city, and there are plenty of beaches to choose from if relaxing and soaking up the sun is more your thing.

The city was damaged by a large earthquake in 1667, but despite this many of its original features and architecture still remains, including one of Europe’s oldest pharmacies which dates back to the fourteenth century.

If you do want to escape the crowds for the day, there’s ample opportunity to take day trips to nearby islands including Lokrum, Elafiti or Mljet, and if you’re feeling more adventurous the neighbouring countries of Montenegro and Bosnia Herzegovina are just a short drive away.

Hvar

Just across the sea from Italy, you could easily mistake Hvar for Venice, offering stunning stone architecture and plenty of romantic spots. Known as one of the most picturesque cities in Croatia, the stunning seaside promenade is perfectly complemented by the delicate scent of lavender drifting down from the nearby hills.

Korcula Town

If you want to book a luxury beach holiday but don’t want to contend with the cruise ship crowds in Dubrovnik, Korcula Town. Boasting wonderful beaches and beautiful clay top houses situated on one of Croatia’s narrowest peninsulas, this picturesque town is often called a miniature Dubrovnik. Here you’ll find some of the most romantic views in Croatia, and it’s a great place to catch a glimpse of the passing cruise liners.

Plitvice Lakes National Park

Not just famous for its beaches, Croatia boasts some stunning green areas and this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a real must-visit! Here you’ll find sixteen beautiful lakes, cascading waterfalls, babbling streams and picturesque woodland. It’s an ideal destination if you’re looking to escape the city and take a break from sunbathing.

Rovinj

Rovinj is another town heavily influenced by neighbouring Italy, and the prettiest town in Istria is full of beautiful pastel-coloured homes and steep, winding streets for you to explore. The authentic fishing port there is also not to be missed! To top it all off, be sure to visit the fascinating Venetian bell tower as well as the beautiful pine covered beaches of Zlatni’s nature park, which is just a short stroll away from the town.