Sobe & B&Bs

A walled old town on the sea, with marble streets and fortresses. Walk the city walls early in the morning, before the cruise ships arrive.

A city that lives inside Emperor Diocletian's palace. The ideal base for ferries to Brač, Hvar and Vis.

The sunniest island in the Adriatic, with lavender fields and a lively harbour. For quiet, head to Stari Grad and Jelsa.

Sixteen turquoise lakes linked by waterfalls and wooden boardwalks. Arrive before 8 am or after 4 pm for the quietest trails.

A capital of café culture, markets and Habsburg architecture. In December the city becomes one of Europe's best Christmas markets.

Pastel houses on an Istrian peninsula, crowned by the church of St Euphemia. Pair it with truffles and olive oil from the hinterland.

A Roman amphitheatre in the middle of a port city, still used for concerts and film festivals. To the south lies the wild Kamenjak peninsula with empty coves.

Croatia's largest port city, with a lively Korzo, Trsat Castle high above town and a strong beer and culture scene. An ideal base for Opatija, Istria and the islands of the Kvarner Gulf.

Roman ruins, the Sea Organ and the coast's most famous sunset. Close to Krka National Park and the Kornati islands too.

A medieval town laid out like a fishbone, surrounded by vineyards of grk and pošip. Local tradition claims it as Marco Polo's birthplace.