Editor's picks: Ten brilliant new holidays in Croatia
Filed under: World travel Croatia
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Croatia has become a must-visit European destination - and it's not hard to see why. Whether you're looking for an action-packed beach holiday or a remote mountain retreat, you'll find it here. And wherever you go you'll find wonderful scenery, balmy temperatures, historic towns and best of all, value for money. We've picked out ten of the best new holidays for 2011 - click on the image below and enjoy. And for more on Croatia, don't miss our guide to Dubrovnik!
Editor's picks: Croatia 2011
- Best for explorers<p> A new three-centre self-guided holiday from <a href="http://www.inntravel.co.uk" target="_blank">Inntravel</a> takes in some of the prettiest parts of Croatia. The Islands & Waterfalls journey takes you through the beguiling landscapes of two national parks near Split, as well as the romantic medieval island town of Trogir - with UNESCO World Heritage status - and Croatia's sunniest island, Hvar. Think lazy days on a boat, long lunches watching the world go by plus a little leisurely walking with the help of Inntravel's walking notes and maps. From £785 per person including seven nights B&B car hire and some meals.</p>
- Best for cyclists<p> Countless islands in crystal clear water, deeply fissured cliffs, picturesque beaches and numerous small bays are the typical features of Croatia's Kvarner Bay in the northern Adriatic. Spend a week on a Sail & Cycle Holiday with <a href="http://www.utracks.com/">UTracks</a> with the aid of knowledgeable tour guides, where you'll be accommodated on a comfortable motor yacht. Cycle off after a hearty breakfast and meet the ship at a harbour for lunch, then re-join the ship in the evening in the next harbour. From £990 per person, including most meals and equipment. Flights extra.</p>
- Best for peace and quiet<p> The brand new luxury <a href="http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/Europe/Croatia/Istria/Casa-Roma-Istria.aspx" target="_blank">Casa Roma</a> in Istria is built on a hill top with views of lakes and medieval villages and the Motovun valley. The villa has four ensuite double bedrooms and an infinity pool with a 25 metre lap lane, and it's only a 15 minute drive from the town of Buzet. Bicycles are provided and you are within minutes of beautiful villages and outstanding restaurants. Prices from €2800 (£2,500) per week self-catering with <a href="http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/Europe/Croatia/Istria/Casa-Roma-Istria.aspx">One Off Places</a>.</p> <div id="cke_pastebin" style="overflow: hidden; position: absolute; top: 13.3333px; width: 1px; height: 1px; left: -1000px;"> Best for peace and quiet<br /> Casa Roma Istria – Buzet, Istria,<br /> http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/Europe/Croatia/Istria/Casa-Roma-Istria.aspx<br /> The brand new luxury Casa Roma in Istria is built on a hill top with views of lakes and medieval villages and the Motovun and the valley. It has four ensuite double bedrooms and an infinity pool with a 25 metre lap lane. The property is only a 15 minute drive from the town of Buzet, but once you arrive, you'll have left all evidence of town life far behind. Bicycles are provided and you are within minutes of beautiful villages and outstanding restaurants. (Olly Simonds)<br /> Prices from €2800pw self-catering</div>
- Best for watersports lovers<p> Anyone with a penchant for watersports should head for the new three-star Hotel Odiesj, which sits in the heart of one of Croatia's most beautiful National Parks on the Island of Mljet. The hotel has its own private beach and guests have access to the national park to mountain bike, windsurf, kayak and canoe and there's also snorkelling and diving. <a href="http://www.inghams.co.uk." target="_blank">Inghams</a> offers seven nights on a half board basis from £565 per person including flights from Gatwick to Dubrovnik and resort transfers.</p>
- Best for walkers<p> See Dubrovnik and the Elafiti Islands on a seven-day gentle self-guided walking holiday with <a href="http://www.onfootholidays.co.uk" target="_blank">On Foot Holidays</a>. It combines a few hours of walking each day with relaxing, sightseeing and enjoying delicious local delicacies. Enjoy the holiday at your own pace, following a route which has been set out by a local guide. May, June, July and September are the best months for walking in Croatia.<br /> A seven-night stay costs from £470 pp (based on two sharing) including accommodation, transfers and ferry tickets. Flights extra.</p>
- Best for families<p> One of the country's first fully integrated resorts, the <a href="http://www.radissonblu.com/residence-dubrovnik/dining" target="_blank">Dubrovnik Sun Gardens</a> offers a five-star experience with three swimming pools, a kids' club, an extensive beachfront with a wide range of watersport activities, a spa for exhausted parents, 13 restaurants and bars and its own promenade of market shops just 20 minutes from the bustling Old Town. A new family package costs from €99 (£90) per person, B&B.</p>
- Best for tight budgets<p> Some of the new offerings from <a href="http://www.prestigeholidays.co.uk/croatia" target="_blank">Prestige Holidays </a>mean you can take a holiday in Croatia for as little as £299 per person for a week. Stay at the four-star Hotel Kastelet in Tucepi or the three-star Hotel Kastil on the Island of Brac. Prices include return flights from Gatwick to Split, transfers and B&B accommodation. Some of the more unusual properties on offer include a selection of fully equipped and lovingly restored lighthouses like Lighthouse Grebeni. Volunteering Holidays are available at the Eco Centre Caput Insulae in the tiny village of Beli on the island of Cres.</p>
- Best for sailors<p> Explore remote islands and coastline on your own skippered yacht with <a href="http://www.saildalmatia.com" target="_blank">Sail Dalmatia</a>. This season it's offering a week's charter for a party of eight aboard the 45ft Sun Odyssey, sailing from Split and taking in the islands of Brac, Solta and Hvar, from €840 (£780) pp, including airport transfers. Return flights from London-Split return with Croatia Airlines start at around £155 .</p>
- Best for landscape lovers<p> Take some time to explroe central Dalmatia with <a href="http://www.ramblersholidays.co.uk/" target="_blank">Ramblers Worldwide Holidays </a>to see Old Split as well as two Adriatic islands. From Split, first port of call is the island of Brac – which boasts the highest point in Croatia – Vidova Gora. Walks take in ancient villages, fields of vines, olives, figs, almonds and cherries and a rugged, dramatic coastline. Then it's on to Hvar – lush, green and smothered in lavender, rosemary and heather, interspersed with 13th century medieval walls and gothic palaces. From £899 including return flights, transfers, half-board accommodation and the services of a dedicated tour leader.</p>
- Best for culture lovers<p> <a href="http://www.worldwalks.com/mljet-with-dubrovnik-and-korkula.aspx" target="_blank">World Walks</a> has organised a fascinating walking tour of Mljet, Korkula and Dubrovnik for 2011. Treats include a visit to the Roman palace on the island of Mljet and some quality time on Kocula, the birthplace of Marco Polo. You'll also get the chance to explore the hidden parts of the fascinating old town of Dubrovnik. A different hotel awaits you every night; prices start from £570 excluding flights.</p>
Dean
