This Balkan beauty is not new to the spotlight, but behind its famous harbours and terracotta-roofed villages, Croatia’s ancient charm shines. While the Republic of Croatia is just a few decades old, archeological evidence traces civilisation back to the Paleolithic era. Despite being tossed between empires and ruled by foreign powers throughout much of its history, the country has retained its traditions and proud spirit.
Croatia is well-known for its sparkling coastline, but the country offers dramatic diversity from region to region. Tour the Dalmatian city of Dubrovnik and its iconic city walls, swim in the emerald lakes of Krka National Park, get lost in the Austro-Hungarian streets of the capital Zagreb, or eat your way across the pastoral plains of central Istria. No matter where your Croatian adventure takes you, you’re bound to be blown away.