Over the past five years, Croatia has become one of the prime holiday hotspots for Europeans. Despite its popularity, Croatia still offers holidaymakers the opportunity to enjoy a cultural, warm holiday in a place that doesn’t feel as though it has been entirely taken over by the tourism industry.

So when is the best time to visit this increasingly popular holiday destination and what should you do when you get there?

When to go….

Croatia’s peak season is in the months of July and August. Temperatures soar and with the mass influx of tourists, there is buzzing nightlife and a plethora of open air events to keep you entertained. If you are restricted by school holidays you will most probably find yourself limited to when you can go on holiday. Whilst visiting Croatia in peak season will mean that the beaches are busier you will benefit from the vast range of cultural events that are laid on during this period, as well as pretty much-guaranteed sunshine.

Either side of the peak season, in the months of May, June, September and October, you can enjoy thepleasant sunshine and warm temperatures that will allow you to sunbathe, swim, or take part in outdoor pursuits, such as hiking, kayaking, rafting or mountain biking. Mid-season breaks are likely to cost less and will inevitably be less busy, although you will not get the hubbub of evening diners and outside entertainment that is synonymous with the peak season.

November to April are the low season months, where prices of flights and accommodation will drop dramatically, along with the temperatures. With the unpredictable weather, you won’t find yourself sunbathing on the beach, however, visiting Croatia in the low season will allow you to enjoy the sights and experiences without being surrounded by other tourists.  Whilst many hotels and attractions are closed down for this period, an off-season holiday to Croatia will give you a much better insight into how the locals really live.

What to do…..

Whether you are after sports and outdoor pursuits, culture and history, relaxation on the beach, or a combination of all three, Croatia really does have something for everyone. With 6 National parks, the flora and fauna of Croatia are exceptional, whilst the azure sea with its mountainous backdrop offers fantastic sailing, scuba diving, kayaking and rafting.

For culture vultures, the cities of Dubrovnik and Split, as well as the cathedrals in Sibenik and Trogir are Unesco world heritage sites, offering fantastic architecture steeped in history.  The high season sees spectacular outdoor festivals and evening concerts performed with the dramatic backdrop of these historic cities.

Whilst the Croatia coastline does not offer the traditional white sand beaches, it is littered with beautiful coves offering small, relatively private pebbled beaches with azure sea and the scent of the pine forests behind.

Foodies won’t be disappointed either; with acclaimed local truffles, oyster and mussels, as well as fantastic local vineyards; you can explore the tastes of Croatia in a variety of restaurants.

Croatia offers the best of both worlds; lots to see and do in brilliant sunshine with great beaches and fantastic food, without feeling as though you are one of themillions of sunburnt tourists passing through the summer holiday conveyor belt.

Marjorie Pierce