Summer holidays in Croatia

Dubrovnik, Split and Zadar are just some of the destinations to discover if you spend a week in Dalmatia, Croatia's most popular coastline. Stretching over 350 km, the Dalmatian coast runs from the island of Pag to the border with neighbouring Montenegro after Dubrovnik.

Famous for its 1,940-metre-high ramparts, Dubrovnik boasts some jewels that are sure to delight any traveller. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979, the Dalmatian city is home to some splendid architectural monuments, some in Renaissance style. The Sponza Palace, the Rector's Palace, the Stradun, the Church of St Blaise... Dubrovnik is a city of stone and marble. The ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’ also boasts lush, fragrant vegetation... as well as unspoilt Dalmatian beaches and coves.

Zadar, in the north of Dalmatia, has an architecture rich in history: Roman and Venetian buildings, ramparts, churches, a forum, gates and the sublime cathedral of Saint Anastasia, the largest in Dalmatia. The charming peninsula can be visited on foot, with access mainly by pedestrians: handy if you're coming as a family with young children. One visit to Zadar and you'll have a peaceful holiday.

Did you know? Dubrovnik's Summer Games festival, which has been held every year between mid-July and the end of August for the past 60 years, celebrates the arts with plays and classical music concerts. You can soak up the festive atmosphere in the heart of Dubrovnik's old town and in its churches. It's a great opportunity to get a feel for everyday life in Dubrovnik, and to let go of all your worries.

With its pleasant little streets, festive nightlife, local culture with its museums and pleasant architecture, Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, is a city you must get to know during your stay, even if it's only for a week.

Here are some of the city's must-see sights on your way to Zagreb:

• the neo-Gothic cathedral
• the parliament
• the Kaptol wall
• the Lotrscak tower,

Zagreb also has another treasure, Gornji Grad, the upper town. This sumptuous city rises up from the hills and can be reached by staircases linking the upper and lower towns.

With its old buildings full of character, cobbled streets, pastel-coloured houses, medieval towers and Baroque palaces, the old town of Zagreb will leave you dreaming... If you are in Zagreb in July, be sure to attend the international folklore festival, which puts one region of Croatia in the spotlight at each edition.

‘River’ is how Rijeka translates. A very romantic name for a city that is just as romantic. Croatia's third-largest city after Zagreb and Split, Rijeka is situated on the Bay of Kvarner, and has everything you could wish for: Korzo, the old town and main lung of the city, Trsat Castle for a bird's eye view of the city, St Vitus's Cathedral and the Governor's Palace.

Rijeka has its own port, the largest in Croatia. People also come to Rijeka for its charming beaches.

From mid-January to mid-February is the Rijeka Carnival, an annual event not to be missed, depending on the length of your holiday. No need to fly all the way to Rio! If you're feeling curious and your stay in Croatia lasts as long as you'd like, head to the seaside resort of Opatija. Its luxurious period buildings are well worth a photo opportunity.