Croatia — how to plan the trip
The Croatian coast runs for 1,700 kilometres but splits into three parts for a traveller. Istria in the north is closest to Poland and the most Italian in feel — truffles, olive oil, small towns. Central Dalmatia around Split gives the best access to the islands. The south, with Dubrovnik, is the most beautiful and the most expensive.
Ferries are the backbone of transport: Split connects to Brač, Hvar and Vis, and catamarans cut the crossing to an hour. Buy car tickets ahead in peak season; on foot it is usually enough to arrive early.
The beaches are mostly pebble and shingle, so water shoes are standard rather than a whim. In return you get underwater visibility no sandy coast can match.