travel facts

GETTING THERE

Many airlines fly from Australia to Dubrovnik via connections in Europe; consider British Airways, Lufthansa and Austrian Airlines. Croatia Airlines (a codeshare partner of Emirates) offers convenient connections from Dubrovnik to other destinations within the country, including Zagreb. ba.com; lufthansa.com; austrian.com

SAILING THERE

Arrange your skippered or self-chartered Croatian sailing vacation through experienced local operators. Sunsail has two bases in Croatia – Dubrovnik and Agana. Katarina Line offers 25 different itineraries on 50 vessels in four categories, from the middle of April until the middle of October, with departures from Opatija, Split and Dubrovnik.

• Sunsail: sunsail.com.au

• Katarina Line: katarina-line.com

WHERE TO STAY

Airbnb offers short-term private accommodation in Dubrovnik, with many properties in prime locations close to the Old Town and the sparkling Adriatic seafront. airbnb.com

For a five-star start to your Croatian vacation, stay at one of Dubrovnik's knock-out luxury hotels. Villa Orsula is modelled on a traditional Mediterranean villa, while the Pucic Palace (boasts a prized position within the old town fortress walls. adriaticluxuryhotels.com; thepucicpalace.com

WHEN TO GO

The summer months – June, July and August – provide the most consistently sunny and warm conditions for sailing, so naturally this time of the year is when the area attracts the most tourists. The shoulder season months of May and September can offer good value, warm enough temperatures and a less crowded experience.

FURTHER INFORMATION

• Croatia Tourism’s website has information and tools

for planning a trip to Croatia. croatia.hr