Croatia’s horizons might look mediaeval but when it comes to beaches, parties and cuisine, this little country is anything but passé. Croatia holidays offer a seriously stunning set of shores, some of which are ranked among the best in the world, and make for the ultimate chill zones on any Balkan holiday.

A holiday to Croatia won’t be complete unless you visit the country’s shining star, Dubrovnik is undoubtedly Croatia’s highlight. You might recognise its iconic Old Town as one of the many backdrops of TV’s smash hit ‘Game of Thrones’. But, fan out to Croatia’s more intimate resorts and the surrounding islands, and you’ll run into a smattering of waterfront hotels, secluded shores and a whole lot of relaxation.

Holidays to Croatia will transport you to a paradigm of tranquillity – plus, it’s another bonus that the climate boasts beaming sunshine with temperatures around 25°C in the summer months. In May, June, September and October you’ll find plenty of great prices on cheap Croatia holidays, and the beaches won’t be as crowded with tourists.

The many beach faces of Croatia holidays

Most holidaymakers that venture to Croatia have one thing on their mind – the beaches. Croatia holidays are renowned for their long stretches of pebbly coastlines lapped by waters so blue, you’ll think they’ve been retouched. And, there’s no shortage of beautiful shores down its long western coast, either.

In Croatia, you’ll have your pick of beaches, with everything from city-side waterfronts to deserted patches cut with caves that are only reachable by boat, all the way to the array of islands speckling the country’s coast. Holidays to Croatia make you feel like a celebrity getting VIP access to all the gorgeous hidden spots.

Croatia’s most famous beach – it’s also one of the top-rated in the world – is Zlatni Rat. A peculiar-looking triangle beach that juts into the Adriatic Sea and is backed by pine trees. On the island of Brac, it’s easily reached from the resorts in the Makarska Riviera. Next up is Bacvice, a set of shores in Split that are popular with families as they’re alive with games, restaurants and bars. Family holidays to Croatia are ideal because there’s plenty to do to keep the little ones happy.

If you’re in Dubrovnik, Banje Beach is your local. It sits just at the base of the city’s Old Town walls, and is a favourite for watersports on one hand and umbrellas and loungers on the other. Croatia holidays cater for what everyone likes, and what’s a better way to keep the cost low than admire the spectacular beach views?

A holiday in Croatia or a tour through time?

Croatia is essentially a giant museum, beginning with its crowning jewel, Dubrovnik. Sheltered by an almost 2000 metre-long white brick wall, Dubrovnik itself is an UNESCO World Heritage Site with stone buildings and terracotta roofs, many of which date back to the 15th and 16th centuries.

You can explore the city by wandering through the cobbled streets, from a boat cruise passing alongside the picturesque coast or up into the hillside on the city’s cable car. But, if you don’t make it to Dubrovnik, don’t worry history buffs, as many of Croatia’s cities are anchored by their own old towns.

Over in Split is the 4th-century structure known as Diocletian’s Palace, which was built for a Roman Emperor as a pretty grand retirement home. What’s more, Pula is home to Pula Arena, which is one of the largest in the world, as well as being the only Roman Amphitheatre with each of its four walls still standing.

The adventure never ends in Croatia – your cheap holiday in Croatia although wallet-friendly, will be filled with fascinating sights and much new knowledge.

Plitvice Lakes National Park

Yet another of Croatia’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Plitvice Lakes National Park is a real winner and it’s a must-do on every Croatia holiday. It’s made up of 16 lakes joined by waterfalls, and the lake water is constantly changing in colour and mostly forms into cascades. There’s walkways and hiking trails all around the waters and you can even get an electric boat across some of the lakes.

The park is also home to a vast range of flora and fauna, much of which has been on the earth since prehistoric times. Visitors are welcome to explore the park, though swimming in the lakes is strictly prohibited.

There are bus services that’ll get you in, leaving from big cities like Zagreb and Split, plus, admission prices are reasonable into the parks, and there tends to be deals and discounts available too.

Croatian cuisine

If you think you’ve sampled traditional Croatian cuisine, think again. Foodie traditions in this country depend largely on what region you’re in, as some favour seafood, others lean toward meat, and many highlight everything in between. Croatia holidays open up your taste buds to a whole new load of flavours and tastes!

There won’t be a shortage of restaurants with traditional menus, especially if you’re headed to a big time resort like Dubrovnik. The restaurants will also be buffeted by international eats that land in all four corners of the world, including Japanese, Indian and the many Italian trattorias and pizzerias of Poreč.

Dining in Croatia makes the evenings one of the main highlights of your holiday, for Croatian restaurants certainly don’t skimp on their table views. You’ll find diners sat beside everything from Dubrovnik’s Old town architecture to the waterfront promenade in Cavtat. Expect nothing short of picturesque views while savouring flavours like no other on holiday in Croatia.

Pricing in Croatia will be very similar to the UK – cheaper if anything, so be sure to get out and about and explore, and try several restaurants to get the full experience. Cheap Croatia holidays are super doable, even when dining out, but staying All Inclusive in Croatia can also be a great way to save pennies while still trying lots of new dishes.

How about a Croatian cave party?

History meets after-hours fun in Croatia, but certainly not in a boring way. Some of the historic venues Croatia is most famous for have been converted into spectacular party spots that don’t quit until sunrise. Croatia may not be the first destination you think of when planning a party holiday, but a nightclub in a cave is certainly an experience not to miss.

You can expect settings like along a cliff in Rovinj, in a cave and 16th-century fortress in Dubrovnik and, yes, your traditional neon-lit dance floor just about everywhere else. Dubrovnik is Croatia’s party central, though littler resorts found throughout the coast will have their fair share of wine bars and cocktail lounges whose outdoor patios keep you luxuriating in the warmth on Croatia’s summer nights.

Croatia is also a top festival destination hosting a range of festivals in some seriously stunning destinations. Head to the beach for Hideout, dance beside a lake at INmusic, or soak up the electric city atmosphere at Ultra Europe – and these are just a few of them!