Capital
Zagreb
Holidays to Croatia transport you to an Adriatic hotspot that has really blossomed over the past few years. The country offers a blend of natural attractions and historic cities, and you can travel to Pula, Dubrovnik, and Split direct from Ireland.
Dubrovnik’s UNESCO-listed old walled town is perhaps Croatia’s most famous attraction. Known as the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’, the city shot to fame for its appearances in Game of Thrones. The local harbour doubled as the show’s Blackwater Bay, while the St Lawrence Fortress can be seen as the Red Keep. Alternatively, Split boasts a lively city market right on the harbour, while Pula is known for its old Roman ruins.
Croatia is home to more than 1000 islands, making island hopping a major attraction here. During the summer, there are two sailings per day between Dubrovnik and Brac, where you can swim off the white pebble peninsula and stroll through the pine forests. Or take the 30-minute ferry ride over to Kolocep. As a car-free island, it’s a popular place for families with children.
Croatia’s underwater scene shouldn’t be overlooked. While there are many snorkelling sites near Dubrovnik, such as Dance Beach, perhaps one of the very best is at Brijuni National Park. There are a number of underwater archaeological sites here around Veriga Bay. You can get a boat to the Brijuni islands from Fazana, just a 20-minute drive from Pula.
Dubrovnik's old town walls are an ideal route for urban exploration. But for trails amongst the country’s pine forests, you’ll want to head up to northern Croatia. A 45-minute drive from Pula will take you to the Zlatni Rt Park Forest. A family-friendly circular pathway guides you around numerous swimming sites and outdoor forest bars.
How long does it take to fly to Croatia?
The flight time from Ireland to Croatia is between two hours 45 to three hours.
When is the best time to visit Croatia?
If you're looking at a beach break then the perfect time to visit Croatia is June to September, if you're looking for a city break then May and October are great. Check out the weather in Croatia month by month throughout the year.
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