Europe's Hidden Gem Croatia Offers The Ultimate Mediterranean Escape For Your Summer Vacation Featuring Unique Charm And Breathtaking Attractions

Croatia, Europe's best-kept secret, is the perfect Mediterranean destination for your holiday during the summer with its perfect blend of natural coastal beauty, fascinating history, and vibrant culture. Experience over 2,700 hours of sunshine per annum with its Mediterranean climate, ideal for beach lovers, and its UNESCO-protected ancient towns and charming islands with an enriching cultural experience. From taking a walk along the ancient Dubrovnik or the unspoiled Dalmatian Islands, the magic of Croatia and its jaw-dropping attractions assure the perfect destination both to unwind and explore.

For adventurers in search of the quintessential European experience, Croatia has become the destination du jour. Most recently, the nation won the top European recommendation for the coming summer holiday, as chosen by an elite group of global travel specialists. Though the nation is hardly an unexpected gem any longer, its ageless allure is indisputable, offering the perfect combination of Mediterranean beauty, rich culture, and idyllic getaways.

With nearly 20 million visitors in 2023, an increase of 10% compared with the previous year, the popularity of Croatia is once again on the rise. The country is famous for its postcard Mediterranean coast, UNESCO-listed historic towns, and off-the-map islands that are still charmingly under the radar. Add a whopping 2,700 hours of sunshine annually, and the destination is ideal for travelers longing for sunny days, mountain hikes among vast pine forests, Venetian towns, and idyllic beach breaks.

Planning to visit during the summers? Here is a detailed five-day plan to visit the most attractive spots in Croatia.

Flights to Croatia

Sample Itinerary:

Outbound: Depart early in the morning from India, either with a stopover in the Middle East or Europe, and arrive in the evening in Zagreb.

Inbound: Departure from Zagreb in the morning and return to India in the evening.

Day 1: Explore Zagreb: Arrival and City Highlights

Lunch: Go to Dolac Market, the colorful marketplace where you will get to sample the freshly available locallygrown produce and enjoy genuine Croatian cuisine.

Escape on an outdoorsy day trip to one of Europe's most breathtaking natural wonders.

Morning: Begin with an early car or train ride to Plitvice Lakes National Park (a 2-hour trip). This UNESCO World Heritage destination is famous for its waterfalls and emerald-colored lakes. Walk along wooden boardwalks, ride boats, and take in panoramic views of the natural beauty of the park.

Afternoon/Evening: After the park visit, go back to Zagreb and have a leisure dinner at one of the local restaurants.

Visit Split, an historic city on the Dalmatian coast in Croatia.

Morning: Take an early train or bus to Split. Begin the day with Diocletian's Palace, the huge Roman building that is the city's centerpiece, and take in the Peristyle, the Cathedral of St. Domnius, and the other historic sights that the palace complex has to offer.

Afternoon: Get yourself some fresh air and stunning views by climbing Marjan Hill and taking it easy along the Riva promenade.

Evening: Enjoy a seafood dinner with views of the beautiful Adriatic Sea.

Spend the day on any of the idyllic islands of Croatia.

Option 2: Blue Cave & Five-Island Boat Tour

Evening: Back in Split for the evening and an easy dinner.

Day 5: Dubrovnik: The Pearl of the Adriatic

Finish off your trip to Croatia in Dubrovnik, the ancient town that's famous for its medieval defenses and its dramatic views over the Adriatic Sea.

Morning: Get the bus or ferry from Split to Dubrovnik. Begin at the ancient city walls, which provide an unforgettable vista of the Old City and the glittering sea.