Travel to Croatia, pearl of the Adriatic coast

The battle scars of history

Between the glorious waters of the Adriatic and the scribbled borders of Central and Eastern Europe, Croatia has carved itself a wonderful slice of territory. For centuries these lands have been conquered, pinched and fought over by emperors and dictators, enduring hardships promptly forgotten by the rest of the rushing world. Left behind are a people of quiet courage, whose wealth of cultural heritage is offered out unquestioningly to those who recognise its intrinsic beauty.

As you drift from town to village, coastline to island, you'll soon come across the signs of a battle-strewn history. Roman roads stretch out through the countryside with the same forceful purpose as the armies which once patrolled them; Venetian palaces pop up as elegant testament to those who once graced their lavish interiors and socialist structures rise from the ground to lord their indestructible power over towns and cities.

Perched beside the azure blue of the Adriatic, Dubrovnik entices you into its marbled streets with the promise of baroque architecture and fascinating museums. Zagreb, the splendid capital, mixes Austro-Hungarian and Socialist influences with interesting results but the cafes, galleries and theatres overflow with locals and visitors all year round. The Dalmatian beauty of Split, though useful as a base to visit the nearby islands, is packed with ancient Roman surprises, a fantastic seafront and looming mountains to discover on foot.

Away from the jumbled architecture of the cities, the Croatian countryside rolls out into undulating farmland, sprawling vineyards and, as you approach the coast, impressive mountain ranges. In amongst these magical crags, you'll find hidden caverns and canyons, green-rimmed waterfalls and lakes and endless places to sample the local fare. Simple, home-grown ingredients combine to make timeless dishes, complemented by great olive oils and superb wines.

But Croatia would be only half the fun without its abundance of glittering coastlines and an idyllic archipelago of over 1,000 islands. As you hop from one to another, take in fantastic mountains, camp on the shores of tranquil lakes or take a dip under the cool flow of a waterfall. Nature is fully on the agenda here, serving up delectable scenery for avid hikers and gentle adventurers. Otherwise, take a trip to the glamourous surroundings of Hvar - full to bursting with luxury yachts, umbrella-shaded terraces and music festivals to attract the world's diehard fêtards.