Croatia

Welcome to Croatia. Sparkling waves lapping sultry, sun-drenched beaches. Crumbling castle walls shading cobbled city piazzas. Verdant vegetation fringing tranquil lakes and thundering waterfalls. Croatia has it all, and more. Whatever your dream trip to Croatia includes, this DK Eyewitness Travel Guide is the perfect companion. Ancient mythology permeates Croatia, and nowhere more so than across the constellation of islands along Dalmatia's coastline. Follow the course of Greek hero Odysseus and negotiate the Adriatic Sea, before taking a dip in Calypso's cave on mystical Mljet. Celebrate Mother Earth with every season in Croatia; cross the footbridges of photogenic Plitvice Lakes National Park in summer, cycle around Slavonia's Kopacki Rit Nature Parkand watch birds feed here in autumn, or build snowmen in Kvarner's Risnjak National Park in winter. You'll need sustenance after your adventures. Try Pag cheese in Dalmatia, succulent scampi in Kvarner, and head to Istria for wine tastings. Craving the bustle of a city? You're spoiled for choice. Traverse the medieval walls of magnificent Dubrovnik, today recognised for their starring role in Game of Thrones. Make like an emperor and explore the Palace of Diocletian in ancient Split before unwinding in abar in the city's labyrinthine streets. Follow in the footsteps of Roman gladiators at Pula's amphitheatre, which today hosts less gruesome film festivals. Inland, explore the open-air cafes in Zagreb before visiting its unique museums, like the emotive Museum of Broken Relationships. With so many regions and experiences on offer, Croatia can seem overwhelming. We've broken the country down into easily navigable chapters, with detailed itineraries and comprehensive maps to help plan the perfect adventure. Add insider tips, and a Need To Know guide that lists all the essentials to be aware of before and during your trip, and you've got an indispensable guidebook. Enjoy the book, and enjoy Croatia. --