Central

Lying between the Sava, Drava and Mura rivers, Central Croatia is a region of oak and beech forests, rolling hills and sloping vineyards. Its thermal springs have given rise to a number of resorts where the pursuit of peace and tranquility is paramount.

At the heart of the region lies Zagreb, the country's capital and a vibrant city of around a million people. It has a charming medieval old city, with architecture and cobbled streets reminiscent of better-known Central-European capitals, albeit mixed with a strong Italian influence. There is an enthusiasm for the arts - the city is host to frequent exhibitions, summer festivals and live music performances, and the Museum of Contemporary Arts is the largest in the country.

One of Central Croatia's biggest appeals is its contrasting landscape of farmland, wetland and hills. Southwest of Zagreb are the Plitvice Lakes, a beautiful series of 16 lakes that interconnect via rushing cataracts and waterfalls, enclosed by forested hills. The area is home to a multitude of wildlife from fish and herons to bears and deer.