At least 20 million tourists will visit Croatia in 2023, with British holidaymakers coming in eighth in the rankings. The figures have almost surpassed pre-Covid-19 levels, even including price increases after Croatia joined the eurozone last year, coupled with rising inflation. People can't get enough of Croatia's beach-strewn Adriatic coast and historic towns.
But while Dubrovnik, Split and Rovinj have more tourists than they know what to do with, there are so many parts of Croatia - even those within reach of the big hitters - that have slipped under the radar.
You can go beyond Dubrovnik for a rural stay in the Konavle region, or bypass Istria for the towns and villages of the Kvarner Gulf. Croatia's interior offers a tempting mix of active adventures in the many natural parks and cultural cities that are ripe for a weekend getaway.
Whether you want to hike in pine-covered mountains, swim in the Adriatic Sea, lose yourself in the baroque beauty of elegant Habsburg cities or combine all three: here you will find inspiration for 2024.
Osijek
Just before the Croatian border meets Hungary and Serbia, you reach the stately capital of Slavonia. Osijek's history as an Austro-Hungarian stronghold is easy to recognize as you wander the cobbled Baroque streets of Tvrda, the 18th-century Habsburg fortress. Because many of the old military buildings are now used by the university, there is a pleasant bustle on the café terraces.
Things get even livelier along the River Drava, where the last hundred meters of a seven-and-a-half-mile riverside promenade - the longest in Europe - will be completed this year. It is already a favorite place for cycling, jogging, walking and swimming.
For a taste of the countryside, drive 15 minutes to Kopački Rit Nature Park and explore this tranquil world of wetlands and swamps.
Where to stay
Boutique Hotel Tvrda is located in the heart of the Austrian Fortress, with beautiful views from the rooftop pool and stylish rooms in a beautiful building. B&B doubles from £91.
The story continues
When to go
Osijek is a year-round city, with events taking place every month, including antique fairs, sports competitions and food festivals. In July and August you can attend live music, theater and film screenings in the open air during the Osijek Cultural Summer. The riverside Pannonian Challenge every June is a huge draw for BMX and skateboarding fans.
Konavle
From April 2, you can fly to Dubrovnik from Stansted with Ryanair, making it easier to reach the hinterland and coastal region of Konavle. Nestled between the Dinaric Alps and the Adriatic Sea, Konavle is the rural antidote to the busy streets of Dubrovnik. While Konavle's largest town, the immensely beautiful Cavtat, grows in popularity, you can escape to the villages inland for a taste of rural Dalmatia, amid vineyards and olive groves.
Head to the hills above the hamlet of Dunave to reach Sokol Grad, a medieval fortress that has been sympathetically restored and offers spectacular views from its ramparts. If you fancy a swim, follow the narrow winding road down to the unpretentious village of Molunat, which winds around a rocky bay.
Where to stay
Enjoy sea views from Hotel Cavtat's rooftop infinity pool, just a few minutes' walk from Cavtat Beach. B&B doubles from £100.
When to go
Konavle's season runs from April to October, with June and September being the best months to visit. In July and August it can be busy, especially around Cavtat. The weather remains pleasant in October and even in November.
The Žumberak and Samobor Mountains
Day trippers and weekenders from nearby Zagreb regularly head southwest to the Slovenian border and the forested peaks and waterfalls of the ýumberak and Samobor Mountains to hike, cycle or simply fill their lungs with clean mountain air. Along the way they enter the fairytale Samobor for a walk through the cobbled baroque streets.
Wine connoisseurs stroll along the Plešivica Wine Route in the rolling hills surrounding the town of Jastrebarkso - especially the restaurant and wine estate of Korak Winery, which was awarded a Michelin star last year for its refined yet sustainable take on local cuisine.
Where to stay
There are hiking trails and wine routes on the doorstep at Kuća za Odmor Čarolija, a four-bedroom log cabin with a large garden and barbecue facilities. It is located in the foothills of the Samobor Mountains and about a 10-minute drive from Jastrebarsko. Rental from €101 per night.
When to go
Unless you enjoy winter hiking and snowshoeing, you can go hiking in the spring and early summer when the meadows are covered in wildflowers. Samobor organizes a carnival in February and a popular jazz festival as well as a mountain bike weekend in June.
The Gacka Valley
The Croatian hinterland region of Lika offers much more than its most popular attraction, the Plitvice Lakes National Park. Escape the crowds by following the course of the Gacka River, near the town of Otočac, and discover how this serene valley, surrounded by karst mountains, has become one of Croatia's greatest adventure playgrounds.
There is everything you need for an active holiday: kayaking (including clear kayaks to show off the sparkling waters of the Gacka), cycling, fishing, quad biking and hiking. It's certainly one of the most affordable regions of Croatia, with beautifully fresh river trout on most restaurant menus for less than what you'd pay for a starter in London.
Where to stay
Riverside Apartments, eight kilometers south of Otočac, overlooks the Gacka in a quiet, shady spot with a large garden, barbecue and children's playground. Choose one of four apartments in two wooden houses, or rent an entire plot. The owners also offer kayaking, bike rental and quad biking. Rooms from £83 per night, minimum stay of two nights.
When to go
You might think Lika goes into hibernation in winter, but the snow-covered landscapes attract visitors looking for a rustic, frozen wonderland. Most outdoor activities - kayaking, cycling, hiking - take place from April to October.
The Riviera of Opatija
Croatian tourism began in the 19th century in the favorite holiday destination of the Habsburgs, and the old-world elegance of towns like Opatija and Lovran is as attractive as ever. This part of the Gulf of Kvarner even stood in for Italy for the historical drama series Hotel Portofino, which returns to ITV for a third series later this year.
One of the greatest delights is the 13-kilometer Lungomare promenade, which runs from Lovran to the fishing village of Volosko. Along the way, stop for seafood at café Lučica in Ičići before reaching the wedding cake architecture of Opatija. Walk through Angiolina Park and past the Wall of Fame, commemorating famous guests including Einstein, Mahler, James Joyce and Isadora Duncan.
Where to stay
Until the new Keight Hotel Opatija, Curio Collection by Hilton opens in May, you can stay at Lovran's Hotel Excelsior, which has fantastic sea views from the rooms, an outdoor pool and a spa. B&B doubles from £111.
When to go
Most of the Opatija Riviera remains open all year round. Lovran is in carnival mood in February and the Liburnia Jazz Festival in Opatija in July is the largest in Croatia.