Susan's Blog: My guide to multi-centre holidays in Croatia

Croatia is my short-haul holiday of choice, and after eight visits since 2006, I can honestly say I was hooked from that very first trip. There's something magical about this country that keeps drawing me back - and more importantly, keeps my clients returning again and again.

I've stayed in or visited an impressive list of Croatian destinations: Porec, Rovinj, Opatija, Zadar, Biograd na Moru, Sibenik, Trogir, Split, Brac, Hvar, Korcula, Makarska, Dubrovnik and Cavtat.

I've explored the stunning national parks at Mljet, Krka and Plitvice, and taken two small ship cruises that revealed hidden gems on smaller, off-the-beaten-track islands that most visitors never discover.

What captivates me most is the incredible clarity of that azure water and the endless coastal towns, each with their own character and fantastic promenades - perfect for evening strolls with an ice cream.

The local cuisine is exceptional - I'm particularly fond of the squid and black risotto, always served with genuine Croatian warmth and hospitality.

Why Multi-Centre Works So Well

My cruise ship background gave me a unique perspective on how Croatia's geography works in your favour. Its compact size makes it perfect for combining different experiences. You might start with the Istrian Riviera's hidden gems like Rovinj, continue to Split's Roman heritage, then island-hop to Hvar's lavender fields before concluding in Dubrovnik's medieval splendour.

Having personally travelled with Prestige alongside many of my clients, I can vouch for their exceptional service - they even manage the occasional surprise room upgrade!

This partnership works beautifully because Croatia truly offers something for everyone: rich culture, spectacular national parks and an abundance of excellent hotels.

Island-Hopping

The Croatian islands are where this country truly shines, and my small ship cruise experiences revealed why. From glamorous Hvar to authentic Korcula, each island tells its own story. Small ship cruising reveals secluded coves and tiny ports that larger vessels cannot reach - something I appreciated even more having worked on those bigger ships.

Take my clients, Simone and Julian, who fell so in love with Rovinj on their first visit that they returned the following year. As Simone put it: "We just had to go back - it felt like coming home".

Then there's Stuart's unforgettable 40th birthday celebration - a perfect example of how Croatia works brilliantly for milestone celebrations and group travel. That's the Croatian effect I see time and again with my clients.

Culinary Adventures

Croatian cuisine beautifully balances Mediterranean freshness with Central European heartiness. Those coastal restaurants serving exceptional seafood - that black risotto I'm always raving about truly is unforgettable - while inland areas offer hearty grilled meats and excellent local wines. Dining al fresco by the water as the sun sets is pure magic, and after eight visits, I'm still discovering new flavours.

Hidden Gems: The Istrian Riviera

One of my favourite discoveries has been Croatia's Istrian Riviera, which I've written about extensively. Rovinj remains a particular favourite - this enchanting hilltop town with its colourful houses tumbling down to the harbour feels like stepping into a postcard. I was delighted when Oundle Life published my feature about this lesser-known region, because it deserves to be discovered.

When To Visit

May, September and October are ideal conditions: warm weather, fewer crowds and better value. The shoulder seasons provide that perfect balance where you can truly appreciate Croatia's natural beauty without the peak summer rush. Having visited across different seasons, I can confirm the magic remains year-round.

National Park Wonders

Don't miss Croatia's natural treasures. Plitvice's cascading waterfalls and turquoise lakes are breathtaking - though be prepared for crowds in summer. Krka offers swimming opportunities near its falls, which feels wonderfully refreshing after exploring the historic towns. Mljet's pristine forests and saltwater lakes provide peaceful respites from coastal exploration, and it's where you really feel Croatia's untouched beauty.

Multi-Centre Inspiration

Istria & Dalmatia Combination

Start in charming Rovinj or elegant Opatija, then head south to Split or Dubrovnik for a complete contrast of experiences.

Island-Hopping Adventure

Split makes an ideal base for exploring Brac, Hvar and Korcula, each offering distinct personalities within easy ferry reach.

Heritage & Nature

Combine Dubrovnik's medieval magnificence with the natural wonders of Mljet National Park, just a ferry ride away.

Accommodation

From boutique properties in historic old towns to modern coastal resorts, Croatia excels in characterful accommodation. I've experienced everything from charming family-run hotels to luxury retreats, and the consistent quality never fails to impress. My personal recommendation? Properties that capture that authentic Croatian charm while offering modern comfort.

The SJP Seal of Approval

I've persuaded countless clients to discover Croatia, and without exception, they've returned enchanted - many becoming repeat visitors like me. Whether you're seeking cultural immersion, natural beauty, culinary adventures, or simply that perfect combination of relaxation and exploration, Croatia delivers beyond expectations.

As I've shared in my travel blogs, each return visit reveals something new. From my Croatian island-hopping adventures to discovering the quieter corners of Istria, this country continues to surprise and delight me.

If you're ready to discover why this remarkable country has captured my heart eight times over, I'd love to help you plan your own Croatian adventure. Trust me - after one visit, you'll understand why I keep going back.

When To Book

Given Croatia's growing popularity and my experience of how quickly the best properties fill up, I always recommend booking well ahead. The most characterful boutique hotels and intimate small-ship cruises that I love to recommend get snapped up early, so securing your spot for 2026 is wise.

There are some brilliant offers available right now, including a Croatia cruise departing 9 May 2026 with savings of £688 per couple (from £1,790pp half board) - exactly the kind of value that makes planning ahead worthwhile.

Ready to explore Croatia? Get in touch to start planning your multi-centre Croatian adventure.