Croatia is one of Europe's hidden wonders. Over a thousand miles of beautiful coastline and a similar number of islands to match. Pick of the country for us are Istria in the north, Italianate and cone-shaped, where the soft golden hues of traditional stone buildings contrast with the vivid turquoise of the Adriatic; and the Dubrovnik region at the very southern tip, a narrow ribbon of fertile terra magica flanked by jagged mountains to the east and the dazzling Adriatic to the west.
Different geographically, but similar in so many ways, these two territories are rich in history, culture, architecture, cuisine, physical beauty and share the same alluring sea. Menus coincide and differ. Both will offer pršut (prosciutto), maneštra (thick soup), palačinke (pancakes) and award-winning local wines whilst Istrian indulgences include truffles; Dubrovnik, fresh oysters.