Gourmets will not be disappointed in Croatia. Croatian cuisine is as varied and rich as its culture. You will be tantalised by the cuisines of the separate gastronomic worlds of the many islands and towns.

Meals will vary from picnic lunches, light meals at pizzerias, to exquisite meals at some of the best restaurants along the Adriatic coast.

Being situated along the coast, seafood is a specialty, but many other foods are also highly recommended and available. In fact the freshness and quality of the seafood is one of the major reasons (as well as the magnificent coast) why so many Italians make this area their choice of holiday destination.

Here is a small sample of some of the specialties of Croatia:

• Dalmatian prosciutto - wind dried ham

• Black risotto - prepared from fresh cuttlefish

• Pag cheese - a sheep cheese soaked in olive oil and aged in stone, served with olives

• Burek - a pastry stuffed with meat or cheese. A delicious meal for those on the run.

• Lamb cooked under a peka – lamb slowly cooked under a ceramic or metal bell that is covered in coals- succulent and delicious!

• Istrian tartufe - pasta with fresh wild truffles from the forests of Istria - a real delicacy.

• Palacinka - a thin crepe filled jam (or many other fillings) and topped with chocolate.

We must not forget the wines. Wine is an important part of Croatian meals and each region produces its own wine. They all have strictly controlled geographic origins, and their production and bottling meets the highest standards, which is why many of them have become world famous.