As a student it is the perfect place for a short break as with it not being in the Euro the exchange rate is much better for us Brits making it value for money.  Not only is it reasonably priced with cheap flights from most UK airports it is the new party destination with August being high season to visit islands such as Pag and Hvar as well as the buzzing town of Split for wild nightlife and spotless beaches.

The beginning of June saw two friends and me set off to Zadar a port town on the northern coast of Croatia.  We were on a budget student holiday and stayed in cheap hostels for ten days of exploring, relaxing and of course partying.  This end of the country is the less popular with most tourists heading to Split or Dubrovnik however this makes it better value for money and with more and more hostels being opened it is the up and coming area to stay.  While in Zadar we stayed in Old Town Hostel and The Drunken Monkey both of which were very good value for money and excellent places to stay.  If you are looking for something more central Old Town is the better choice, however The Drunken Monkey has just opened and is luxurious with swimming pool and a roof terrace as well as a brilliant atmosphere.

Zadar is a small but beautiful town with many restaurants and bars to keep you busy as well as a few tourist attractions worth visiting such as the Sea Organ at the port.  From here though it is only a short bus or taxi journey to Krka National Park which is home to the most stunning scenery with beautiful rivers, woods and waterfalls.

While visiting Croatia we  decided we couldn’t go to Zadar and not visit Pag Island, the new Ibiza.  Only about an hour bus journey from Zadar costing less than £10.  Novalja is the place to stay as this is the town that through the summer months does not sleep, there are many apartments available however we were lucky enough to stay in a hostel which had just opened on the sea front Big Yellow House, which I would definitely recommend.

Zrce beach which is a short walk from the town is home to three super clubs which house world class DJs and non stop partying.  However make sure that you visit in peak season which is July and August as when we visited the season was just getting started and the clubs are not open as much as expected.

All in all Croatia is definitely an underrated destination, however visit before it becomes over run with tourists and loses its natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere.

Harbour by the University, Zadar.