Your Adriatic Summer 2026 Starts Today

The Adriatic – Endless Inspiration for Your Summer Holiday

The entire Croatian coast with the islands is stunning and it offers endless possibilities for planning your perfect summer holiday. You can either choose chilling on the beach with a cocktail in hand, exploring cultural landmarks in our beautiful coastal towns, visiting national parks, tasting delicious local dishes, and discovering outdoor activities.

In this article, I’ll share a few personal recommendations for destinations, places to stay and things to do. I hope you’ll find something you love, whether you’re travelling with family, a partner, or friends and that you’ll create a summer made just for you. 

Istria – A Calm Oasis for a Hedonistic Pleasure

Istria offers the perfect mix of rolling green hills inland and the blue of the Adriatic along the coast. It’s up to you to choose: wander the picturesque tiny streets of Motovun and Grožnjan, visit the charming Brijuni Islands, step into millennial-old Pula with the Amphitheatre, or into Poreč with the impressive UNESCO-listed Euphrasian Basilica.

My perfect summer day in Istria starts with a swim in the crystal-clear sea and a stroll along Poreč’s seafront with views of the old town, and ends with a classic Istrian dinner: a seafood starter, prosciutto and cheese, and finally fuži (traditional Istrian pasta) with truffles. Let’s not forget a glass of Malvasia and a drizzle of olive oil for the full gourmet finish.

If next summer you would like to experience something new and completely different in Istria, we invite you to discover Pical Resort,  Valamar Collection and Jadran Heritage Hotel in Poreč.

Pical Resort, Valamar Collection

At the heart of the Parenzana beachfront park, Pical Resort, Valamar Collection offers a luxury stay on Poreč’s lively promenade with contemporary rooms, suites, and exclusive V Level service. You can choose among fine dining restaurants led by Michelin-starred chefs and healthy Mediterranean and local Istrian buffets. Relax at the themed indoor and outdoor pools and three serviced beaches, then reset at the Mediterranean-inspired spa with personalised wellness experiences. 

Pical Resort is the largest family-friendly resort on the Adriatic and offers the best family facilities for every age. From thrilling waterparks and playful adventure zones to peaceful retreats for parents, your perfect family holiday starts here. Endless fun, relaxation and unforgettable moments are guaranteed at the Pical Resort.

Pical Resort, Valamar Collection – contemporary beachfront living in a pine grove with sweeping views of Poreč.

Jadran Heritage Hotel 5*, Valamar Collection

Set on Poreč’s seaside promenade in the heart of the old town, the Jadran Heritage Hotel, Valamar Collection, originally built in 1913 is a testimony of the golden era of 1920s travel.  Luxurious themed rooms and refined service set the stage for JAZ by Ana Roš, an elegant seaside restaurant celebrating seasonal Istrian ingredients and shareable dishes in a so-called “young dining” concept. JAZ is a buzzing meeting place for locals and guests alike.

Poreč’s historic waterfront: Jadran Heritage Hotel sits right on the seaside promenade.

Rab – Where Unspoilt Nature Meets the Medieval Charm of Rab Town

Every encounter with Rab Island is a little discovery! My ideal morning starts with wandering the streets of the medieval Rab Town, with breathtaking views from the city walls. A visit to the House of Rab Cake is a must for anyone who loves tradition and authentic flavours.

The afternoon is reserved for Kalifront: long walks and bike spins through this untouched nature are a true must-do for the adventurer in you. And if you combine it with a swim in the tucked-away coves of Suha Punta – there’s nothing better. The day never really ends on Rab, you can finish it at the olive grove to discover the island’s hidden flavours, or perhaps try horse and pony riding on the Soline beach.

Arba Resort, Valamar Collection

If you still haven’t checked out our Arba Resort, Valamar Collection, just 5 km from charming Rab Town, a premium all-inclusive family haven on the Capo Fronte peninsula, now is the perfect moment to do so. Top-notch playrooms and playgrounds spread over more than 1,500 square meters, offering opportunities for unstructured play, as well as a range of all-day creative, educational, and entertaining activities guided by professionals. Guests have access to six pools, including a water park for the little ones, and a sandy beach within the resort. Don’t forget the 800 m² Balance Mediterranean Spa, where you can unwind and enjoy special treatments.

Golden hour by boat – family glides back to the beach at Arba Resort on the island of Rab.

Makarska- The Contrast of Sea-Blue and Mountain-White

When I think of Makarska, I see the perfect picture with turquoise sea beneath Mount Biokovo, a long seafront promenade, and sandy-pebble beaches. Mornings are perfect for swimming at beaches like Nugal; afternoons for a stroll to St Peter’s and into the old town, with superb ice cream at Škatula which I can recommend, and small galleries by local artists where you feel like a local as well. 

Don’t miss the Biokovo Skywalk! You can even get there by tuk-tuk and enjoy the breathtaking panorama over the coast and the islands of Brač and Hvar. From Makarska you can easily take a boat excursion and hop across to both islands, swim in hidden coves, and savour the effortless ease of an Adriatic summer.

Valamar Loves Bike: a panoramic pause on the Biokovo Skywalk with sweeping views of the Makarska Riviera.

For amazing beaches and effortless day trips, choose Makarska. Families will feel at home at Valamar Meteor Hotel and for laid-back days with a party vibe, it has to be  [PLACES] Dalmacija by Valamar. Sunny by Valamar will be your perfect choice if you look for a carefree summer holiday and great value for money.

Dubrovnik – Between the Old Town and the Isles

Moments on the walls -capturing Dubrovnik’s Old Port and fortress at golden hour.

There’s not much that hasn’t been said about Dubrovnik: besides the Old Town, where you can literally step in time and lose yourself visiting numerous cultural landmarks such as the Rector’s Palace, the Dubrovnik Cathedral, galleries and museums. My perfect morning starts with a coffee at Gradska Kavana Arsenal enjoying the view of the visitors from all over the world strolling through the old town. Before midday,  I head to Dubrovnik city walls, for stunning views of the city and the islets. Before leaving the old town I visit the unique galleries, studios and artisan shops and choose a little piece of Dubrovnik culture to take home with me.

A trip to Mount Srđ can be an exciting experience as well with even more spectacular views over the city and its surrounding islands. And the islands themselves tell their own story: coming to Dubrovnik without taking a boat trip to the Elaphiti (Koločep, Lopud, Šipan) or the much closer island of Lokrum means missing a piece of the puzzle. 

President Hotel, Valamar Collection

For a luxury escape near Dubrovnik’s Old Town, choose the President Hotel, Valamar Collection, located on the  Babin Kuk Peninsula. You will have stunning sea-views from elegant rooms and suites, savour an exquisite buffet breakfast and refined Adriatic flavours at La Mar restaurant with perfect sunset on the Adriatic.  Your Adriatic dream holiday starts here.

Arriving by sea-glide past Babin Kuk as the Valamar Collection Dubrovnik President Hotel and Dubrovnik’s iconic bridge come into view.

Hvar – The Island of Endless Sunshine and the Scent of Lavender

Hvar is one of my favourite islands on the Adriatic with more than 2,700 hours of sunshine per year making it Croatia’s sunniest island. The whole island is worth exploring but my ideal day would be spent in Hvar Town strolling tiny streets of the old town, tasting speciality coffee at the Coffee Snob, sunbathing on the sea promenade with the view of luxurious boats. Although Hvar has so many stunning beaches my ideal trip would be to the Pakleni islands for a swim and a light lunch by the sea. The evening in Hvar is reserved for a glass of Hvar wine or a cocktail,  a spoon of gregada and a walk towards Fortica enjoying the sunset when the town and the sea turn into gold.  

If you want to explore a more tranquil and authentic side of Hvar Island, full of history exploring and gourmet delights choose this itinerary. 

Valamar Amicor Resort

Reconnecting with nature is ideal in our Valamar Amicor Resort located in Stari Grad, Croatia’s first DGNB-certified family resort built on sustainable principles. 

Stay in state-of-the-art villas, some with private pools located in the lush surroundings near  beaches and the Aquamar premium water park. Unwind in your premium eco-home while kids dive into splash-happy fun. From locally sourced food and green energy to nature-oriented activities: Maro Eco Playroom, an outdoor playground with a zipline, and an organic garden, this is a true green family oasis.

Eco-chic villa at Valamar Amicor Resort, Hvar -unwind on your private terrace with jacuzzi amid pine trees and sea air.

Your Kind of Croatian Summer is a Click Away

Each of us is looking at their own kind of Croatian summer. From family-friendly stays to romantic hideaways to camping oasis by the Adriatic, Croatia offers it all. Make the most of summer with our exclusive Early Booking offers with up to 25% off for your best Croatian holiday – better value, more choice, and total peace of mind.