December is all about Advent. Zagreb has one of the best-known Christmas markets in Europe, and towns on the coast decorate their centres too.
Eight places to build your trip around.
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.
