With more than 3,500 miles of coastline to explore, it’s easy to fall under the spell of this Balkan nation’s dazzling Adriatic setting. But Croatia’s fine shingle beaches are just the beginning. Lesser known islands promise heritage sailing experiences, birdwatching and quiet nights with dark skies. Meanwhile, much of the country’s mainland interior is a rustic retreat of languid lakes, limestone mountains and vine clad hills, framed by storied villages, castles and historic towns. Here are 19 ways to see the country in a new light

With its combination of breathtaking landscapes, rich heritage, Mediterranean cuisine and opportunity for outdoor adventures, Omiš is one of Dalmatia’s most unique coastal towns

Grand palace courtyards serve Dalmatian food and a palm lined promenade fills after sunset in Croatia’s second largest city, where Roman heritage underlines a relaxed pace of life by the Adriatic Sea. Words: Emese Maczko

Nestled in the pristine Finnish Lakeland, Lake Saimaa is emerging as a destination for food lovers seeking slow, nature-led travel. As a European Region of Gastronomy, it appeals for both its restorat

Croatia’s charter season – running from May to early October – has quickly become a premier destination for sailors of all levels. Located in the Adriatic Sea, it is remarkably accessible from the UK,

Juggling a black coffee in one hand and a cinnamon bun in the other, I look out across the ripples our boat is creating as it moves through the reflective waters of Hjørundfjord, and realise why Norwe