Forget Dubrovnik! 5 charming villages to discover in Croatia

Pucisca is steeped in Italian culture. Situated on the northern part of the island of Brac, this little piece of land with a population of 2,200 is nicknamed "the white town". The reason for this? The many stonemasons on the island.

The three stone quarries near the village have been used to build many buildings on the island and around the world. The White House in the United States, for example, was built using stone from the Pucisca quarries.

In summer, the many music festivals organised on the island give tourists the chance to enjoy a whole new facet of the village.

Built in the 17th century, the village of Rastoke was completely destroyed by the war in the 1990s. Nicknamed the "water mill village", this small village in the centre of the country was able to recover quickly, thanks to the protection of the State Directorate for Cultural and Historical Heritage.

Today home to just over 30 people, Rastoke is literally bathed in the river Slunjcica. An impressive canyon allows the blue-green waters to flow into the River Korana. A natural beauty that's well worth a visit.

At the entrance to the Krka National Park lies Skradin, one of Croatia's oldest towns. Its authentic stone town centre and its harbour, one of the most beautiful in Croatia, are a delight for tourists. There are many historic sites to visit, including the Church of Our Lady and its bell tower.

Another marvel not to be missed is the River Krka, a body of water that is home to one of Europe's most beautiful waterfalls. Battered by numerous invasions over the course of its 6,000-year history, Skradin now seems to have found a tranquillity that will delight its visitors.

Situated on the Adriatic coast, Opatija, also known as the "Pearl of the Adriatic", is famous for its many churches, such as the parish church of Saint-Marc, and its monuments. For example, its emblematic statue of the Maid with a Seagull, which has been watching over the inhabitants since 1956.

The small town, just 13 kilometres from Rijeka, also boasts a number of secret assets, including the Parc de Saint-Jacob, a must-see in summer, its seafront and its pleasant climate. Now an elite destination, the town offers a wide range of hotels and luxury villas for rent, which are very popular with French tourists.

In the Istria region, the hilltop village of Hum is unofficially known as the smallest town in the world. Built in the Middle Ages as a defensive tower in case of attack, Hum is now a quiet, uncrowded and unspoilt spot.

In summer, the recommended time to visit, visitors can enjoy the town hall and church, built in the early 19th century, as well as the breweries, which serve homemade, local cuisine. 3.5 km from the village, in Kotli, awaits a magnificent waterfall and a charming watermill. A walk not to be missed!