A few years ago, Paris, Italy, Germany and Switzerland were the preferred destinations for most visitors to Europe. Today, however, Croatia is one of Europe's hottest tourist spots. With over 1,000 islands, beautiful coastline, tranquil mountains and national parks, it's ideal for a summer holiday. Ecologically one of the area's best-preserved regions, exploring it takes you on a 1,000-year journey through a turbulent, exciting and glorious past.

There is a lot to see in Croatia. Zagreb, Istria, Pula, Dalmatia, Split and Dubrovnik are some of the main tourist attractions, with Dubrovnik one of only three European cities ranked as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Dubrovnik, a medieval, aristocratic republic from the 12th-19th century and named the "pearl of the Adriatic" by poet Lord Byron, is arguably the best-preserved walled city in the Mediterranean. The walls, originally constructed to protect the city from attack, are today effectively a huge museum, with a fort at each corner of the old town (Minceta Tower, Bokar Bastion, St John's Fortress and Revelin Fortress) providing stunning views over Dubrovnik and across the Adriatic Sea. The city also has its fair share of beaches. Try Banje, Sv Jakov, Copacabana and Lapad, where you can soak up the sun or take to the water – the Adriatic Sea enjoys some of the world's top scuba diving locations.

Other beautiful islands in Croatia include Korcula, which has one of the most stunning coastlines in the Mediterranean including Zlatni Rat beach, a windsurfing paradise, and the island of Mljet, situated between Korcula and Dubrovnik. The most visited island is Krk, but the Kvarner Riviera also features Cres, Losinj, Rab, Pag, to name but a few.

And, if you are a lover of seafood, you will be spoilt for choice—fish is always on the menu, with sea bass a specialty. Traditional Croatian meals include fritaja—omelette made with sausages, asparagus and truffles.

Another attraction worth exploring is Croatia's wine cellars. The best red wines can be found along the coast—Terrano, Cabernet and Merlot in Istria and Opolo, Plavac, Dingac and Postup in Dalmatia.

With its mild climate, beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters and natural beauty, combined with a rich history and cultural heritage, delicious cuisine and, above all, friendly people, Croatia truly has it all.