Croatia Holidays: When is the best time

Despite the hype, Croatia's treasures are more ageless than trendy. Along its thousand-mile coast a shiny sea winds around gravel coves, lap at pine-fringed bays. Istrian ports buzz with fishermen while kids jump into the sparkling water. In Dalmatia, cities beat with nightlife amid ancient Roman ruins. So, it is time you planned for a two week long Croatia vacation

Yachts fly up the shore movie stars cautiously make plans to buy one of Croatia's 1185 islands and no Mediterranean journey is complete without a stop in Dubrovnik. The interior landscape is as enticing even though less visited. Soak in a thermal health spa at Istarske Toplice in Istria. climb through untouched forests watered by mountain streams in the west. Let the waterfalls of Plitvice moisten your face. And then there's the traditions. The people that endured Roman, Venetian, Italian and Austro-Hungarian regime has a unique and slightly odd individuality. You'll find a strong central European flavour in the flamboyant design of Zagreb, and Italian dedication to the good life percolates up from the coast, permeating Croatian food and style. During holidays and festivals the country's Slavic soul emerges, as colourfully costumed dancers twirl about to a traditional folk song.

Croatians hold on to a strong attachment to the land and customs that fed the wish of independence for so long.