Isabel Putinja

From Roman arenas to early Christian basilicas, Istria offers amazing locations for its many summer festivals

Move away from the beaches and head inland to find the soul of Istria. These countryside retreats offer a relaxed rustic vibe and a taste of the Istrian way of life.

Most visitors swarm to Dubrovnik’s exquisitely preserved old town, set within its UNESCO-listed city walls. But at some point, you’ll want to escape the tourist crowds and the Mediterranean sun, and retreat to one of the city’s quiet green spaces, historic gardens or leafy parks.

Take a day trip and move beyond Dubrovnik's walls to explore fabulous spots of nature and cultural heritage less than two hours away. These tried and tested destinations are hands down the best day trips from Dubrovnik.

Tucked between looming Mt Srđ and the turquoise waters of the Adriatic Sea, the historic city of Dubrovnik scores highly for its stunning natural setting. Covering some 21.35 sq km (8.25 sq miles), this small city is easy to navigate – the 13th-century old town acts as its nucleus, but Dubrovnik stretches northwest along the coast to include the resorts of Lapad and Babin Kuk on the peninsula.

Brač may be one of many when it comes to islands off the Croatian coast, but this Dalmatian island is unmatched when it comes to natural beauty and must-visit attractions.

Croatia is not all about the sea, islands and beaches. In addition to eight national parks, 12 nature parks can be found across the country's hinterland. These protected natural landscapes are reservoirs of a surprising biodiversity of flora and fauna.

Tucked in the eastern part of Croatia, Slavonia is one of the country’s least explored regions. This land bordered by three great rivers, the Sava, the Drava and the Danube, surprises with its fascinating mélange of cultural and culinary influences.

Take a boat from Venice across the Adriatic Sea and you'll reach Istria. The Romans called it Terra Magica, a name that aptly describes this heart-shaped peninsula and its magical landscape of rolling hills covered in vineyards and olive groves.

Zadar has always been a crossroads for many different peoples and civilizations who have all left their mark on the city. Roman ruins, Venetian fortifications, Romanesque cathedrals, Byzantine churches, and a lingering Italian influence are the relics of its vibrant cultural past.

Why Brač island in Croatia is one of our favourite Mediterranean island escapes

A handy guide to travelling as a vegan in Croatia

Now Croatia is making it easier for people who want to stay longer -- tweaking its immigration laws to grant one-year residency permits to remote digital workers from outside the European Union, provided they don't require tourist visas to enter.

On January 1st, Croatia became one of a small handful of European countries welcoming digital nomads through the introduction of a long-stay visa.

It was while volunteering at Slovenia’s Koki animal sanctuary that Croatian vegan Anita Petrović met Stella, a rescue pig, and the idea to create a plant-based sausage was sparked.