Croatia

Croatia is mostly coast: a 1,700-kilometre Adriatic shoreline with more than a thousand islands, walled towns built on Roman and Venetian foundations, and karst mountains a short drive inland. Ferries link the islands from Split and Dubrovnik, and the inland national parks hold the country's lakes and waterfalls. Summer is crowded and hot; late spring and September are easier.

Cities

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik's old town is a walled stone city on the Adriatic, entirely car-free, with a limestone main street and a two-kilometre circuit of walls above the rooftops. Cruise arrivals concentrate in the middle of the day, so walking the walls early or late is noticeably better. The city is compact and steep, with stairs everywhere.

Split

Split grew inside and around the retirement palace of the emperor Diocletian, so the old town's lanes run through Roman walls, cellars and courtyards that are still lived in. It is the main ferry port for the central Dalmatian islands and has a long seafront promenade and city beaches. Two days covers the palace quarter and one island day trip.

When to go

See all seasons

• Spring: Warm days, full waterfalls, sea still cool in April.
• Summer: Hot and dry, peak ferry traffic and prices.
• Autumn: Warm sea, thinner crowds, some island services reduced.

Entry & visas

Entry rules for this country aren't published here yet.

Always confirm entry rules with the official source before you book.