Croatia Guide

Why not escape to the Adriatic coast to experience Croatia - the ideal luxury destination for families and groups of friends. Explore the delights of the Dalmatian coastline. Croatia has so much to offer, from crystal clear waters, sailing opportunities, fresh Mediterranean cooking and a rich historical heritage. The glamorous island of Hvar is the perfect place to watch the stunning sunsets before retreating to your private residence with its own concealed bay. Hand selected by our travel tastemakers, our Croatia Collection includes some of the finest and most coveted luxury villas for you to enjoy.

It is easy to see why Croatia’s Adriatic coast line has enchanted travellers from the earliest times. The timeless beauty and stunning string of islands bask peacefully just off the mainland in an azure sea framed by high Alpine mountains that rise majestically in the background. 

Known as the ‘land of a thousand islands’ Croatia features more than 1,244 spectacular islands and islets that stretch along the coast. No two islands are alike and can be discovered by boat or yacht on private island-hopping day trips.

With its pleasant Mediterranean weather, the Dalmatian coast offers spectacular scenery, secluded beaches and crystal-clear waters, making it a wonderful destination for travellers looking for a sunshine filled holiday, during which to relax. Famed for its distinctive red-roofed houses, medieval walled towns and vibrant ports, there is also plenty of historical and cultural interests to explore.

Croatia, officially known as the Republic of Croatia, is a small country located in southeastern Europe. It borders Slovenia, Hungary, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro, and has a long coastline along the Adriatic Sea.

The history of Croatia dates back to the 7th century when it was part of the Kingdom of the Croats. The Croats were a Slavic tribe that settled in the area and adopted Christianity in the 9th century. In the 10th century, they formed the Kingdom of Croatia, which was ruled by various dynasties until the 12th century when it became part of the Hungarian Kingdom.

During the Middle Ages, Croatia was a key player in the struggle for power between the Hungarian Kingdom and the Republic of Venice. Croatia was also affected by the Ottoman Empire’s expansion in the Balkans, and in the 16th century, a large part of the country fell under Ottoman rule.

In the 19th century, Croatia became part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, which brought significant economic and cultural developments to the country. However, the desire for independence and self-governance grew among the Croatian people, and in 1918, Croatia declared its independence as part of the State of Slovenes, Croats, and Serbs. This was short-lived as the country soon became part of the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes, which later became known as Yugoslavia.

During World War II, Croatia was occupied by the Axis powers, and a puppet state called the Independent State of Croatia was established. This period was marked by the brutal rule of the Ustaše regime, which committed numerous war crimes against Jews, Serbs, and Romani people. After the war, Croatia became part of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia under the communist rule of Josip Broz Tito.

In the early 1990s, Croatia declared its independence from Yugoslavia, leading to a bloody war with Serbia and the break-up of Yugoslavia. The war lasted for four years and resulted in the loss of thousands of lives and the displacement of hundreds of thousands. In 1995, a peace agreement was signed, and Croatia became a sovereign state.

Since gaining independence, Croatia has made significant strides in rebuilding its economy and infrastructure. It joined the European Union in 2013 and has become a popular tourist destination, known for its beautiful beaches, historic cities, and stunning natural landscapes.

Today, Croatia is a democratic country with a rich cultural heritage and a growing economy. Its history is marked by struggles for independence and self-determination, but the resilience and determination of its people have shaped Croatia into the vibrant and diverse country it is today.