Plunging into the Adriatic, Croatia’s northeastern peninsula is a quiet retreat from the region’s bustling hotspots, with secluded coastal hideaways, limestone peaks and spectacular ancient history.

As December dawns, the month-long Advent festival transforms the Croatian capital into an all-singing, all-dancing winter wonderland. Here’s the lowdown on 12 unmissable things to do in Zagreb at Christmas

Croatia’s southernmost city may be famous for its dramatic ramparts and picture-perfect Adriatic views, but there’s a more engaging way to explore. Slip into side streets packed with seafood restaurants, paddle to islets, and explore sleepy satellite towns.

Croatia’s coastline sparkles in summer, but the Dalmatian hinterland, Zagora, offers something subtler. Here you can lose yourself amid a landscape of waterfalls and wilderness.

The isle of Vis, scattered like seeds across the sparkling Adriatic, is taking an artisanal, organic and super-local approach to its cuisine