Zaton Mali Holidays

Framed by pine-covered hills and a blue bay, the sun-kissed village of Zaton Mali in Croatia's as pretty as a picture. It sits quietly between the historic town of Nin and the city of Zadar, so you can squeeze in some cultural sightseeing in between afternoon naps on the beach.

Sandy beaches can be a rare find in Croatia, but hiding between Privlaka and Zaton is Bilotinjak beach. Sand and small pebbles make up the seabed, and the crystal-clear waters will have you reaching for your snorkel. It's a pretty secluded place, so you can while away the day just listening to the waves.

With views out to sea, good music and tasty drinks at the ready, evenings in Zaton Mali don't get much better. At La Rocca's beach bar, the low-key party keeps going well into the night. Relax in comfy chairs while music plays, sip on a cocktail or two and enjoy the feeling of sand between your tootsies.

For a change of pace, you can reach the bustling city of Dubrovnik in 20 minutes by car. With Medieval monasteries, lively bars and widescreen views over the water, this Adriatic pearl is definitely worth a visit. That's what the makers of Game of Thrones thought, at least.