Croatia

Situated on the edges of empires, where The Balkans meets Europe, Croatia is a country brimming with history, architecture, and culture.

Images of glittering waters, and white pebble beaches framing stone-clad towns with terracotta roofs, are instantly recognisable. The island-speckled coastline is indisputably the main attraction, drawing in travellers from all over the world who come to bask in glorious sunshine, sample authentic cuisine, and enjoy all kinds of cultural and active adventures.

The emerald waters play host to endless water-based fun, like snorkelling, diving, kayaking, windsurfing, and sailing, while the undulating mountains and rolling fields inland provide the backdrop for hiking and biking trails, rock climbing, and zip-lining. Though the sea isn’t the only place to make a splash, Croatia also boasts eight national parks, including the UNESCO-listed Plitvice Lakes and Krka, which are famous for their stunning lakes and waterfalls, and where visitors can go kayaking and rafting.

For those wanting to relax and soak up the sights, you can spend countless hours wandering around museums, palaces, churches, and ancient forts, which weave together the rich tapestry of Croatia’s turbulent past. Explore the Diocletian’s Palace in Split, and the ancient Dubrovnik City Walls, or the port city of Pula in Istria, noted for its first-century Roman amphitheatre, one of the best-preserved in the world.