Columned towers soar above the skyline. Rounded arches delight the eye. Decorated edifices have you reaching for your camera. The walled city of Dubrovnik, the Diocletian Palace or the Mestrovic Gallery in Split are all waiting to enchant you.

The Croatian countryside is equally as beguiling. You’ll find fairytale castles perched on towering hills in Karlovac, mountain forests of the Kvarner Gulf, and a national park of islands along the south west coast.

Sharing the Adriatic with Italy, Croatia also has some of Europe’s most alluring beaches, with fewer crowds and pristine water. So cruising by gulet – the traditionally-inspired sailing boat of the region – along the coast is highly recommended by our experts on Croatia.

They will also suggest staying a few days in Dubrovnik with its sea-facing citadel walls, before going on to explore the nearby islands – many of them completely free of traffic. Perfect for walking through olive groves and unspoiled countryside.