Croatia didn't win the World Cup, but it has won people's hearts.

Although Croatia didn’t win at the football, it’s certainly winning this summer as millions of people visit from all over the world.

WHY

1 - For the traveller: Croatia is the 18th most popular tourist destination in the world which is not surprising, seeing as it is home to spectacular scenery and rich in historical architecture.

2 - For the beach-bum: If sunbathing, relaxing and taking a dip in the sea sounds like your kind of trip, rest assured there is no shortage of sandy or pebble beaches for you to enjoy. Croatia is known for its incredibly blue seas, boasting 116 Blue Flag beaches and numerous unpolluted marine areas.

3 - For the culture-seeker: Looking to soak up some culture on your travels? Croatia is home to 10 UNESCO World Heritage sites, and with cities packed full of museums, churches and Renaissance architecture, there is something to see at every corner.

4 - For the 'one that just came for the food': Croatian cuisine is known as a cuisine of the regions, since every region has its own distinct culinary tradition, so there are plenty of options to choose from to tempt those tastebuds!

WHERE

1 - For the ultimate city escape, take a weekend trip to the Croatian capital of Zagreb. It's not nicknamed the 'city of museums' for nothing, as it is home to more of them per square foot than any other city in the world! Stay in My Way Hostel, located right in the heart of a city. The on-site bar and spacious terrace provides a relaxing refuge to take a break from all that sightseeing.

2 - Beach-lovers should head to Hotel Croatia and kick back with a cocktail under the sun. This ones perfect for a couples vacay, situated on the Croatian shore in the western part of Makarska coastline, the seaside town of Baska Voda is the ultimate holiday haven. Picture sunny shores, white beaches and crystal-clear sea... Hotel Croatia is less than 100m from the sandy coastline, and very close to the famously stunning pebble beaches of the Makarska Riviera. Pack your flip flops, snorkels, sun cream and shades and get ready to hit the beach big time!

3 - In search of a bit of both? City and sea are easy as can be when staying at Apartment Lele, as because it is situated on the Lapad peninsula, it is a few minutes by foot from the beach, and only a ten minute bus ride away from the old town of Dubrovnik. The staff here are great, helping you organise anything that may take your fancy during your time here. From city tours and concerts, to scuba-diving and sailing, Apartment Lele has got you covered!

WHAT

1 - Sailing

Croatia is undoubtedly one of the best places in the world to go sailing. Split or Dubrovnik are popular locations for first-time sailors and young fun-seekers, while Istria has more of a rustic, path-less-travelled vibe. Go island-hopping, relax on undiscovered beaches and explore secret coves...

2 - Festivals

Party-goer? Want to let loose on your hols? Then combine your Croatia getaway with one of its renowned summer festivals such as Hideout or Outlook for the best party of your life! Not someone who wants to rave until the early hours, but still on the look-out for a lively atmosphere? Then maybe try something different and head to Dubrovnik during its annual Dubrovnik Summer Festival, a 45-day-long cultural event with live plays, concerts, and games which takes place between 10th July to 25th August.

3 - Diving

Dive into the warm waters of Croatia and explore underwater with Poseidon Diving Center in Baska Voda... from lobsters and coral to fishing boat remains, it really is better, down where it's wetter, under the sea! (Sorry, it had to be done.)

4 - Eating

For the meat-lovers out there, make sure you try the Western Balkan Ražnjići (equivalent of a Greek souvlaki and basically another word for skewer) or the Janjetina (roasted lamb with herbs). Craving cuttlefish? Crni rižot - the Croatian equivalent of Italy's renowned risotto nero is a must for foodies everywhere. If you want an excuse to eat carbs (like me), pasta is one of the most popular foods in Croatian cuisine... keep it simple with the staple Manistra na pome (pasta with tomato sauce) and be sure to wash it all down with one of the local wines. For premium whites, try a bottle from the northern wine-region of Slavonia, or if red is a bit of you then Dalamatia boasts some of the finest Mediterranean-style reds there are.

5 - Sightseeing

Now, obviously it would be impossible to list everywhere you should go in Croatia, as there really is no limit to what you can see here. If, however, you happen to be in Zagreb, paying a visit to the Museum of Broken Relationships is an experience unlike any other, or for something more traditional St. Mark's Church is a real gem for culture-seekers. To get a feel for authentic Croatian life, check out Dolac Market and have a wander with the locals among the fruit and flower stands. The Renaissance city of Dubrovnik - a World Heritage site in itself - is packed with incredible architecture. Go old-school and visit Arboretum Trsteno - the oldest Arboretum in the world - dating back to before 1492, or the third oldest European pharmacy of 1317! Yup... real old-school!

So there you have it... WHY you should go, WHERE you should stay and WHAT you should do in Croatia. If this hasn't convinced you enough already, take a look at our complete list of hostels to find your perfect Croatian crib!