21st April, 2020

Croatia - an endless Riviera

This is no idle boast – Croatia’s coastline stretches nearly 1,800 kilometres along the crystal-blue waters of the Adriatic, and is one of the most rugged and picturesque in Europe. The backdrop to the stunning beaches are forested hills and glistening lakes, while 1,244 islands scattered like jewels in the sea are just waiting to be explored. From Umag in the north to Dubrovnik in the south, the coast is punctuated with ancient villages, historic towns, modern resorts and picturesque marinas.

Kvarner Riviera

Nestling in the north-west corner of Croatia, this riviera will seduce you with its Venetian-style architecture and Mediterranean cuisine. Its long association with tourism started in the 19th century when it became a holiday retreat for the Austrian royal family, and the likes of Isodora Duncan and Mahler. Many fine hotels, residences and parks attest to this popularity, and the glamour is still there today.

Places to visit

• Opatija
• Krk Island
• Vinodol Valley
• Plitvice Lakes

Dalmatian Riviera

Stretching from the island of Pag to Dubrovnik, it includes the beautiful coastal towns of Zadar and Trogir, and Pag Island, the longest Croatian island. Zadar is most famous for its old town, which is completely pedestrianised, while Sibenik is the oldest Slavic town on the Croatian coast. Nowhere blends ancient Roman grandeur with modern resorts and picturesque marinas better than Split, the perfect base from which to explore this beautiful region.

Places to visit

• Split
• Trogir
• Zadar
• Klis Fortress
• Krka Waterfalls

Makarska Riviera

This 60-kilometre stretch of coast centred on the town of Makarska ranks among the country’s most popular tourist destinations and is also one of the most beautiful. Lovely pebble beaches, hidden coves, charming villages and the impressive backdrop of the Biokovo Mountains all contribute to this popularity. It is a paradise for walkers – whether you choose to explore the mountains on foot using the numerous paths, or meander along the 16-kilometre-stretch of coastline from Brela to Padgora, using the many paths that connect small resorts and quaint villages.

Places to visit

• Makarska
• Islands of Brac and Hvar in Central Dalmatia
• Biokovo Mountains
• Cetina Canyon

Dubrovnik Riviera

Dubrovnik, dubbed the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’, is the magnet to this stretch of coast. Romantic, ancient, cultured, are all ways of describing this World Heritage city. The coastline has an exotic beauty with forested islands and a dense vegetation of cypress, olive trees, lemon groves and agave and the pebbly beaches contribute to the crystal-clear quality of the sea.

Places to visit

• Dubrovnik
• Cilipi
• Konavle Valley
• Trsteno Botanical Gardens

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