Today, Sarah Heaney is on Croatia's Istrian peninsular, first visited by the show in 1974. Then, some holiday-makers were concerned about visiting a 'Communist' country; now Sarah's back to explore what was formerly Yugoslavia and find out how it's changed. She investigates what to do, where to stay and what to eat in the historic towns of one of Europe's hottest destinations.
Sarah starts her trip in Opatija, one of Croatia's oldest tourist spots. Back in 1974, the lack of sandy beaches failed to impress reporter Jim Lloyd and visitors complained about the expense. Although the beach is still rocky, the breathtaking scenery can't fail to make an impact and today's traveller finds an altogether more cosmopolitan destination.
The Roman town of Pula is Sarah's next stop, where she visits the impressive amphitheatre and tries the local market produce. She also meets a restaurant owner who's veering away from traditional fare and putting Croatian cuisine firmly on the gastronomic map.
Sarah explores another Roman town, the tourist hub of Porec, before ending up in the Italian-influenced town of Rovinj. Here, she takes in the stunning architecture on a meander through the backstreets and absorbs the chilled-out atmosphere as the sun sets.
We also meet Alison Radovanovic, who married a Croatian and moved to Istria for good 16 years ago. Having bought a ruin in the hills near Motovun, she recounts her ambitious renovation project that took four years to complete.
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General: Three hours from the UK, Croatia is in south eastern Europe, spread along the stunning Adriatic coast
Airport: For the Istrian peninsula, Pula
Average temperatures: 7ºC in winter, 22ºC in summer
Currency: Kuna
Language: Croatian
