When it comes to summer holidays, we are spoilt for choice! Only a few hours flight away, and you will reach the turquoise blue waters, gorgeous white sands and a variety of culture that differs to our own. Two destinations that stand out from the crowd as Corfu and Croatia. You may ask yourself why so let us tell you…… 

CORFU, GREECE

It is no surprise that an old time favourite, Corfu, is one of our top recommendations for a summer getaway. Surely with their delicious cuisine, incomparable sandy beaches, quaint picturesque villages and warm climate is enough to inspire anyone? We believe so but there is more to the Greek island than what you can see in front of you and that is what we are about to tell you! 

Ancient ruins you need to see 

With over 3,000 years of history to get to grips within Corfu, the Temple of Artemis in the ancient city of Korkyra, the Monument of Menekratis in Garitsa and the ancient site of Palaopolis, all very much revealing the islands unique history.   

What’s more, take a visit to these iconic monuments and you will have the chance to get to know the local cities and towns too. Be sure to stop over at some of the local restaurants where you will be given the true flavour for authentic life in Corfu, a million miles away from your holiday resort.  

The greenest of the Greek islands 

One of the things we love about Corfu is it’s the greenest of the Greek islands (and there are thousands of them!). Corfu, commonly known as the “Emerald Island” for its mesmerising vineyards, gorgeous mountain peaks and simply for having the prettiest shades of green, turning the island into an emerald heaven. Although, Corfu is not to be confused with Ireland.  

Rural villages 

You will not be short of rural villages on the island and all of them are gorgeous and beautifully authentic in their own traditional way. As much as you would love to visit them all, if you only get time to visit one, Paleokastritsa should be at the very top of your list. Here you will find everything you need from charming tavernas, gorgeous blue bay and six beaches, where you can sit back, relax and soak it all in. You will also come across the 13th century Theotókou monastery here, with many considering it to be the main focal point of cultural interest. With culture and scenery blended in together, what more could you ask for? 

CROATIA

Over the last couple of years, Croatia has seen a soar in visitors and its evidently clear why as it has recently been named as one of the top three most beautiful and affordable travel destinations. We believe Croatia has everything you are looking for in a holiday; beaches, national parks and historical cities, as well as many opportunities for island hopping. As Croatia is still a destination that is increasing its tourism, we highly recommended you travel sooner rather than later. We are happy to share with you our tips on the best places to visit. 

Plitvice Lakes National Park 

Not only is Plitvice Lakes National Park the most popular national park in Croatia, but some also consider it as Europe’s most breath-taking natural wonder. Imagine magnificent waterfalls, sixteen electric blue lakes and a forested canyon. Sounds phenomenal right? With boardwalks, trails and shuttles for the less active, it is certainly set up for tourists too. You also have the opportunity to row across the stunning calm waters! Whichever option you go for, we have no doubt that it will be a memory to last a lifetime.  

Historical Dubrovnik 

The historical city on the sea really does have it all. Filled with century-old forts, an Old Town home to a collection of baroque style buildings, enticing cliff views and even a beach, Dubrovnik is considered as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Do we need to say anymore? 

To see this beautiful city as its best, take a cable car ride to the peak of Mount Srd where you can fully appreciate your surroundings. You may even see some of the Game of Thrones filming locations too! Located near to many of the islands of Croatia, Dubrovnik is the perfect place to begin your Croatian adventure. We highly recommend you begin and end your trip here, with some visits to your favourite islands on the way.  

Bustling Split 

From the outside, you will be faced with an imposing walled fortress, but inside, its bursting with a vibrant atmosphere no matter what time of the day it is. Life simply doesn’t stop buzzing in Split! Here you will find chic and stylish bars, restaurants and shops in tiny narrow streets, ones that you could wander around for hours on end, some even get lost, but that’s more of an opportunity to sample their local wine, we say! 

CORFU AND GREECE WITH ADVANTAGE HOLIDAYS

You will find some truly incredible holidays to Corfu and Greece, anything from a 3-star break on the beach to a 5-star luxury holiday, or even combining excursions, cities and beaches together as anything is possible!  Whenever and wherever you want to go, contact us today and we will create a holiday with memories lasting a lifetime!