A country that really knows how to celebrate, Croatia’s calendar is jam-packed with history, culture, and beauty.

• The Festival of Oysters (March) - Sample this local delicacy made into lots of different dishes in South Dalmatia, accompanied by local wines and traditional singing and dancing.

• 100 Miles of Istria (April) - A weekend-long endurance event to challenge the fittest of the fit, enter if you dare!

• Festival of Flowers (May) - Held in the cellars of Diocletian’s Palace, you can enjoy themed displays created using Split’s most gorgeous blooms during the Festival of Flowers.

• Pula Film Festival (July) - Both Croatian and international films are shown throughout Pula in the oldest festival of its kind in the country. Try to catch one at the town’s magnificent amphitheatre!

• Rabska Fjera (July) - A famous medieval-style festival, complete with re-enactments and authentic costumes on the fairy tale island of Rab.

• Sinjska Alka (August) - A historic horseback tournament, now part of the UNESCO Intangible World Heritage List, currently in its 306th year! Not one to be missed if you’re around in August.

• Theatre Night (November) - One for the theatre-buffs. Around 80 venues in more than 30 towns and cities in the country hold free (or low-cost) performances for around 40,000 visitors a year. Free workshops and tours have become commonplace now too!

Croatia is fast becoming known for its bustling nightlife and festival scene, but there’s plenty for those that like a slower pace too.

• The Novalja strip at Zrće Beach - Home to more clubs than you can shake a (glow) stick at! A party-goers paradise nicknamed the ‘Croatian Ibiza’.

• Carpe Diem - A chic waterfront social spot in Hvar for those who like to dress to impress.

• Boogaloo, Zagreb - A quirky cinema-turned-music venue often hosting local live bands.

• Academia Club Ghetto - A bohemian club in Split with a cosy dance area and a friendly vibe.

• Strossmartre - A pretty area of Zagreb where outdoor bars decorated with glittering fairy lights host live music. Popular with tourists and locals alike.

Croatia is a holiday destination and a half for the food lovers out there! The cuisine is massively diverse due to the influence of its various neighbours. Here are a few dishes to keep an eye out for:

• Sarma - Found all over Croatia in winter, this well-loved dish consists of pickled cabbage leaves stuffed with minced meat, rice, and spices.

• Crni Rizot - This black risotto is a seafood restaurant staple and a must-try, flavoured and coloured with local squid ink.

• Strukli - Cottage cheese and sour cream-stuffed pastry, so hearty and warming it gives the Cornish pasty a run for its money.

• Pasticada with Gnocchi - Beef that’s been marinated for days, then braised for hours in its own juices, then again with red wine, served with homemade gnocchi. Every family along the Dalmatian coast of Croatia has a recipe for this delicacy.

• Peka - A mixture of meats and veggies seasoned with spices, honey, cognac, and traditional Mediterranean herbs, cooked together in a covered pot in a fireplace. A festival for your mouth.

Here are some of our favourite spots to dig into Croatia’s mouth-watering cuisine:

• La Struk, Zagreb - A restaurant serving only Strukli! Masters of their craft, the chefs here provide traditional types alongside more modern (some even sweet!) interpretations.

• Plavi Podrum - An award-winning restaurant that serves some of the freshest seafood around, caught just a stone’s throw away in the charming Volosko harbour.

• Carpaccio, Zagreb - For those who love Italian food. The shrimp tagliatelle is always a winner, and the extensive wine list never goes down badly either.

• ARTiČOK, Split - A cosy restaurant with all the Croatian classics, and a good vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free selection too. Everyone leaves ARTiČOK with a smile on their face.