Sloping down from the mountains to the shores of the Adriatic Sea, Croatia is a country overflowing with history and natural wonders. Its coastline is dotted with over a thousand islands. It has more than a touch of glamour, with Venetian walled cities and limestone crags giving a sense of drama. In the valleys, the modern world still seems far away, with shepherds tending their flocks and guarding against wolves.

Our Croatia holidays and tours take you to a country imbued with a wide array of cultural influences. From Latin to Hapsburg to Slavic, all have left their mark here. Croatia is home to Roman amphitheatres, Gothic palaces and Orthodox churches. All nestle side by side in a delightful juxtaposition.

The country has seen its fair share of troubles, most notably during the devastating Balkans War of the 1990s. But the past twenty years have seen it rebuilding itself and finding a new identity after breaking free from Yugoslavia. And it’s an easy place to travel through – modern enough for travel not to be too much of a challenge, but still retaining the traditions and customs, which make exploration a joy.

Whether you want to spend hours delving into ancient history, take a stroll through medieval cities (stopping, of course, to sip a glass of local wine or plum brandy in a street café) or explore the country’s majestic countryside, holidays in Croatia will reward all interests.

Top highlights on Croatia holidays and tours

  • Wander through the alleyways and squares of Dubrovnik
  • Explore the lakes and waterfalls of Plitvice National Park
  • Learn about the tragic history of Vukovar
  • Take a boat trip on the Danube River

Culture

Croatia is a bit of a mixed bag when it comes to ethnicities and religions, which has been both a blessing and a curse throughout its history. The war changed the country’s demographics considerably, with many Serbs moving out of the country, so that they now make up just 5% of the population. While the overwhelming majority of people here identify themselves as Croat, the country is home to populations of Bosnians, Italians, Albanians, Montenegrins and others – all part of the Balkan melting pot.

Almost 90% of Croatians are members of the Roman Catholic church, and about 5% are members of the Eastern Orthodox church. Catholicism has largely defined the country’s culture, as it has in other parts of the former Yugoslavia, although the religion was suppressed during the Communist era. While Easter is an important holiday, Croatians also look forward to the celebration of Badnjak, or Christmas Eve, and their tradition of lighting the yule log.

Croatians are a warm and friendly people, especially away from the larger towns, and you’ll find a welcome wherever you go.

When to go on holiday to Croatia

Croatia has a mild Mediterranean climate and it’s pleasant to visit from late April to October. There is little rain and temperatures rise as you get towards the peak months of July and August. The country receives most of its visitors within these two months, especially at the coast, which can get very crowded. Popular cities like Dubrovnik and Split can feel a little overrun at this time. Our favourite time to visit Croatia is in late spring and early autumn, when it’s warm but not sweltering, and there are fewer other visitors.

Start planning your Croatia holiday or tour

Check out our small group tour to Croatia: Highlights of the Balkans. Many of our trips are small group adventures with set departures. However, as a bespoke operator, we can design and create trips to suit any traveller, from solos to larger groups. If you would like to find out more about tailor-made holidays to Croatia or our group tours, call us on 01473 328546 or email us via our contact page. We’d love to hear from you.

 

Croatia

Good for:Historic Sites and Stunning Landscapes