A Pocket Guide to Croatia

The mounting appeal of Croatia is undeniable. Its pristine waters, orange-capped medieval towns and rugged beaches have caught the world’s attention. A wonderful country set along the Adriatic, Croatia is home to more than 1,200 islands and over 4,300 km of coastline. The coast is perfect for hiking holidays, walking along the beautifully rugged shore, relaxing on charming pebble beaches, exploring rocky coves and touring breathtaking islands. The towns and cities promise captivating Medieval history and European culture. Venturing inland vows equally as beautiful scenery made up of mountains, extensive forests and peaceful waterfalls. Visitors can escape the crowds to one of Croatia’s luxurious private villas, dotted throughout the landscape, vowing complete privacy and uninterrupted time with your loved ones. Croatia is also quickly becoming one of the most popular luxury yachting destinations in Europe, a travel trend that we believe is here to stay.

We’ve spent the last few years journeying through Croatia, building up our little black book of the best luxury service providers and expert guides. Our detailed knowledge and relationships with local providers means that we can create the holiday of your dreams, whether it be a city break, beach escape or luxury cruise holidays. From the limestone and terracotta towns to the craggy islands, we’re sharing our pocket guide to Croatia. If you feel inspired, please call our Travel Specialists on 01 260 0240 or email us at info@orokotravel.ie.

Fall in love with this medieval city that rests on the shores of the Adriatic Sea. Dubrovnik is renowned for its historic Old Town, lined with limestone streets and baroque buildings encased by imposing medieval walls. Perfectly situated within its natural surroundings, the city sits atop rocky cliff faces overlooking waters that glisten in the Mediterranean sun. With plenty of luxury private villa offerings, leave the city centre for Dubrovnik’s serene cliffs, fjord-like valleys or the nearby island of Korčula for a relaxing sun holiday in complete privacy.

The perfect destination for families, stay in a luxurious family-friendly resort with days spent in the sunshine as little ones are catered to at the kids’ club. Fun for all the family, why not take part in water sports activities like kayaking, stand up paddle boarding and jet ski safaris. Dine out at plenty of excellent restaurants in the Old Town, with many family-run eateries serving fresh seafood and authentic Croatian dishes. End the evening with a stroll along the limestone streets with an ice cream, the perfect after-dinner treat.

Dubrovnik also provides the perfect backdrop for a special couple’s retreat. From romantic strolls along the limestone streets to intimate dinners overlooking the crystalline Adriatic, there are endless magical experiences to be found in this beautiful city.

Be sure to take in the historical landmarks such as the Franciscan monastery which houses Europe’s oldest pharmacy or the famous city walls. In more recent times, it has been celebrated as the filming location for Game of Thrones, making it that extra bit more enticing for teens and little ones.

Stroll through a maze of marble-lined limestone streets leading to a chic seafront promenade, home to seafood bars and elegant hotels. This vibrant destination is housed within one of the best-preserved examples of medieval architecture, with the walls of the two-thousand-year-old Diocletian’s Palace housing the city’s historic core, making for an interesting history tour alongside the fascinating Peristil Square. For something that little bit extra special outside the city walls, perhaps enjoy an exclusive food and wine pairing in a vineyard set on the slopes of Kozjak Mountains, hosted by a private chef and sommelier.

A necessary stop on an exploration of Croatia, whether on an island-hopping holiday, as you sail along the coast or during your stay at an ultra-luxurious coastal villa, Split promises a fantastic mix of thriving European culture and exclusive luxury on Croatia’s stunning Dalmatian Coast.

While home to a classic Croatian visual of medieval shoreline, housing terracotta topped buildings and glistening Adriatic waters, Istria’s heart-shaped peninsula is owned by Croatia, Slovenia and Italy, a wonderful convergence of Europe’s southeast. Known for its wine production and agriculture, the tumbling vineyard-clad hills are dotted with ancient Roman ruins and hilltop villages, perfect for a serene private villa stay or hotel retreat, while the coastline is dotted with pristine beaches and quiet coves. A paragon of excellent cuisine, featuring the province’s home-grown truffles and fabulous local wines, Istria makes for an incredible European getaway, laden with delicious cuisine, fascinating history and illustrious culture.

Plenty of unique Istrian experiences further add to this destination’s appeal. Experience traditional truffle hunting with a local family followed by lunch in their home. Pay a visit to the towns of Buzet, Groznjan, Rovinj and Pula. A vibrant Roman outpost, Pula has a deep and rich cultural heritage with a Roman amphitheatre and a historic old town. Rovinj is a former fishing village which is now known as the most photogenic city in the Adriatic.

Croatia’s sunniest location, the island of Hvar, offers glamorous hotels, elegant restaurants and luxury yachting experiences. Hvar’s white pebble beaches are home to legendary beach bars. On luxury holidays to Hvar, delight in the azure waters of the Adriatic glistening under the Mediterranean sun, enticing you to dip in the sea or set out on a sailing adventure. Hvar’s inland landscapes are rich in charming hamlets, craggy peaks, flourishing vineyards and romantic lavender fields, emblematic of the island.

The island is a history-lovers dream, a haven of cultural and historical treasures. Visit Stari Grad, the sleepy old town founded by ancient Greeks. Then, continue to the abandoned village of Malo Grablje, a fabulous historic site that captures the attention of all before exploring Hvar’s Old Town at your leisure. Set within the 13th-century walls lie ornate Gothic palaces, marbled streets and a pretty piazza, an extraordinary location for a private villa holiday. Stroll through the peaceful streets and enjoy lunches in its traditional restaurants. Discover the 16th-century citadel, admiring the Venetian and Renaissance buildings of Hvar before taking in stunning views from the tops of the city fortress.

With picturesque fishing villages, gorgeous white-sand beaches and clear turquoise waters, the Croatian archipelago is quickly becoming one of the most popular in Europe for luxury yachting holidays. The Dalmatian Coast, a string of Adriatic islands with rugged white cliffs submerged in tiffany-blue waters, promises days of endless relaxation and cultural discovery.

Venturing south to Croatia’s southern shoreline, stumble upon verdant isles, rugged shores, sparkling waters and a rich history. When we charter your private yacht, we’ll make it your own; ensuring that you have the best possible skipper and hostess at your disposal. We’ll steer you away from the crowds as well ensuring that from embarking to disembarking, your days at sea fit seamlessly into the rest of your trip.