Croatia is a wonderful destination for anyone looking to explore the Mediterranean region. With its sunny beaches, lively cities, and picturesque villages, Croatia has something for everyone. If you're planning a trip to Croatia, here are a few things that you need to know:

Where to stay

Dubrovnik is the most popular destination in Croatia and for good reason. With beautiful architecture and fascinating history, Dubrovnik is a must visit on any trip to Croatia. The best way to see the city is to take a walking or segway tour. Many of the tour guides will even offer to take you on a little boat ride to one of the nearby islands. On your way out of Dubrovnik, be sure to stop at Šunj Beach for an afternoon of relaxation. Don’t miss out on watching the sunset from above the city on Mt Srd, accessible from the city by cable car.

Other options include Zadar, the city is full of historic charm and natural beauty, so be sure to stop by the Nature Park’s main entrance to view the breathtaking vistas. There are guided tours through the most scenic sections of the park available as well. The city of Pula is a beautiful spot famous for its Roman ruins, and especially its extraordinary amphitheatre.

What to see and do

• Historical sites of Dubrovnik

One of the most interesting sites in Dubrovnik is the fortified city walls that surround the city. A visit to Lovrijenac Fortress is a great way to learn more about the history of the city. In addition to a guided tour of the city, you may also want to check out some of the other attractions including a walk along the perimeter the city walls.

• The great outdoors

Plitvice Lakes National Park is one of the most beautiful natural wonders in Europe; this unique area was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979 and is visited by hundreds of thousands of tourists every year. The lakes are separated by travertine barriers and are linked together by a series of cascading waterfalls. The park is known for its numerous animal species such as wolves, bears, wild boars, otters and over 130 species of birds. It is a truly spectacular place to visit.

• Hiking

Paklenica National Park is situated in northern Dalmatia and offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy a variety of outdoor activities including climbing, biking, hiking and camping. The park is divided into two sections - Velika Paklenica and Bjelolasica. The Velika Paklenica section is home to some of the most spectacular scenery while the Bjelolasica section of the park consists of deep gorges and forested hills and is a great destination for nature lovers looking to escape the crowds.

• Island hopping

Split is a great starting point for the sun worshipers. It is a vibrant city with lively nightlife, especially throughout the summer months. Here you will find everything from bars, restaurants, clubs and the possibility to visit a casino for a spin gratis. From Split you can take the ferry to Hvar. This is a great base from which to explore the neighbouring islands of Vis, Brac and Korcula by taxi boat. Enjoy a different beach and island every day and relax and unwind from the world.

• Local culinary classes

For a truly memorable experience, try taking a cooking class while you're in Croatia. You can spend the day learning how to prepare traditional Croatian dishes and then enjoy a typical meal prepared yourself. It offers a great insight into and a way to learn more about the culture of the country.

What to pack

No different to any holiday, what you pack will certainly depend on the time of the year. Croatia has a Mediterranean climate characterised by dry, hot summers, while the winters are cold and wet. Ensure you pack the correct adaptors to charge your electronics. The Croatian Kuna is the official currency of the country. It is advisable to exchange some currency to Kuna prior to arrival in the country. This way, visitors can get the best value for their money and avoid being overcharged. Pack your medical essentials. Travelling can cause digestive problems for a number of reasons, such as changes to diet and dehydration due to flying, a product like bromatech can help to ease discomfort. In addition, be sure to go prepared with aspirin, antihistamine, and motion sickness medicine in case of other minor illnesses.

Croatia is a stunningly beautiful country and with a little preparation and research before you travel, you will be sure to get the most from the experience.