Ultra Luxury Croatia Holidays 2024

The Croats often refer to their country as ‘Lijepa Naša’ – Our Beautiful – and this name is certainly deserved. From the forested mountains to the rugged cliffs and azure waters, the whole country is like the setting of a fairy tale, and we promise that you’ll totally fall in love with it.

The proximity to northern Italy and Austria means the region boasts a wealth of culture, and each city is unique in its vibrancy, with dozens of monuments to explore. The cities of Rovinj, Pula and Rijeka are packed full of treasures, with bustling streets full of boutiques and cafés, as are cities further to the south, such as Split, Zadar, Dubrovnik and Šibenik.

One of the key features of Croatia is its incredibly rich Roman history. In Pula you can find one of the most complete gladiatorial amphitheatres in Europe, rivalling the Colosseum in Rome. The city of Split is unique, with the old part of the city occupying a 4th century palace built by a Roman Emperor. Any visit to one of these cultural hotspots is certain to sate your historical curiosity.

The unique history and sublime beauty of the region is one of the reasons it’s been so beloved of film directors and tv producers over the years, with many of the beautiful sights around the country having been used as settings for Game of Thrones, Robin Hood, Emerald City, Star Wars and James Bond over the years, amongst others.

Over the last decade there has been a boom in the number of boutique music festivals that take place in Croatia. From relaxed live music in a historic city centre to a vibrant party alongside a picturesque bay, the setting is ideal and the atmosphere is unbeatable, so make sure to book early to avoid missing out.

Of course holidays are all about relaxation, getting away from the stresses of modern life and having yourself some time to kick back and unwind. Croatia’s coast is the ideal destination for the ultimate laid-back holiday, thanks both to the gorgeous climate the region experiences and the stunning scenery. Take a dip in the crystalline Adriatic Sea and then lounge about in the sun, with nothing but the sound of the waves to disturb you. In the north, in the region of Istria, the terrain is smoother, with pristine beaches lining the shores of the cerulean sea and lush olive and lemon groves carpeting the rolling hills.

The myriad of islands that adorn the area are each carpeted in rich forests of pine, olive and cypress, bursting with life. A perfect family outing can be had by catching a ferry over to Mljet, Lokrum or Šipan and having a relaxing picnic surrounded by the tranquility of nature.

Those of a more athletic persuasion will love the plethora of hiking and cycling trails that criss-cross the cliffs and hillsides. With the stunning views to be found throughout the country, every expedition is sure to be one to remember, and you’ll no doubt find plenty of hidden treasures along your way, from beautiful olive groves and secluded coves to local cafés and ancient ruins.

A particular treat to be had is watching the sun set over the sea, and every hotel and restaurant worth their salt along the Dalmatian coastline features a wide terrace with sweeping views across the waters. You can have an utterly perfect evening with a cocktail or vino in hand, chatting with friends and loved ones as you watch the sky turn into a vibrant fiery palette and listen to the chirping of the cicadas in the dusk.

Keep an ear out as you explore the region – not only will you hear Croatian being spoken by the majority of the population, but Italian and Istriot can also be heard regularly, and about a dozen other minority languages are spoken too.