Dubrovnik is a tuly stunning place but it is somewhat unrepresentative of the country, having been an independent city-state for centuries before it’s incorporation into Croatia. But if your friend isn’t worried about such stuff and just wants a romantic get-away, it’ll probaby fit the bill perfectly. Be prepared for it to be overwhelmed by tourists in all but the lowest of low seasons, however.

Split is another cool place if it’s a city she’s after. Prices are generally lower than in Dubrovnik (sometimes hugely so, but rising fast) and there are usually as many visitors from Croatia itself and other ex-Yugoslav Republics as there are international visitors. Unlike well-kept Dubrovnik, Split has some grotty bits but in general it is a really pretty place. Your friend will probably feel more like she’s in Southern Italy than the Balkans. The older part of town is especially wonderful, with meandering medieval streets so narrow that anyone wider than Victoria Beckham has to walk sideways. The old Roman Imperial Palace is now part of the town itself; the roof is long gone and the internal corridors are now streets, complete with little staircases leading nowhere and decorative alcoves.

If she would prefer a more rural experience, the islands are definitely the places to be. You can find ones with developed tourist-infrastructure (like Brac and Hvar) or rent a cottage on a tiny island with a permanent population of less than a hundred. www.visit-croatia.co.uk/islands/ is a good place to find out more. Most islands of any consequence are easy to get to by ferry from the Dalmatian coastal cities and there a few connections from places like Ancona and Venice in Italy. In summer, the ferry trip is an experience in itself, with the Adriatic sea at it’s most gorgeous.

You can get direct flights to Split from almost all London airports and with Jet2 from Manchester and Dubrovnik is well served from pretty much any hub in the UK and Ireland.

Extremely helpful. Thanks Edward and Edge of the City. AT this point I think i am more excited that her.