Bitesized guide: Croatia

Arrive

The national airline is Croatia Airlines (website: www.croatiaairlines.hr). The country's main airport is in the capital, Zagreb (website: www.zagreb-airport.hr). Other airports include Split (website: www.split-airport.hr) and Dubrovnik (website: www.airport-dubrovnik.hr).

Why now?

Croatia's arching coastline, massaged by the shimmering summer waters of the Adriatic Sea, is a draw for beach lovers, sailors and watersports enthusiasts.

See

Explore Split's Roman and Venetian heritage; the seaside locale is so pleasant, Roman emperor Diocletian built his vast retirement home here.

Scale the walls of Dubrovnik's captivating Old Town; look out over a blanket of warm terracotta rooftops, then descend into town to savour an espresso in one of many charming cafes.

See Griffon Vultures on the Kvarner Gulf island of Cres and explore the historic settlement of Valun.

Do

Join the cool crowd on Hvar (www.hvar.hr), island home to slumbering villages, pungent lavender fields and Hvar Town - a hub for boutique hotels and a burgeoning cocktail culture.

Join the throng at Plitvice Lakes National Park (website: www.np-plitvicka-jezera.hr), one of Croatia's premier tourist attractions. This UNESCO World Heritage tree-shrouded wonderland of 16 turquoise lakes and waterfalls more than makes up for the crowds.

Dive in the ethereal Blue Grotto and explore the shipwrecks sunk off the island of Vis, Croatia's most remote inhabited island.

Head Inland

See the capital Zagreb with its baroque and medieval Upper Town, Central European character and graceful city squares.

Journey east to Slavonia for its vineyards, fascinating fortresses and spectacular castles.

Drive around Inland Istria, whose romantic hill towns like Motovun (website: www.tz-motovun.hr), Buje (website: www.tzg-buje.hr) and Groznjan (website: www.tz-groznjan.hr), make an ideal day trip from the coast.

Did you know?

Croatia is the birthplace of erstwhile gentleman's accessory, the cravat.