Croatia has established itself as a stunning alternative to the Mediterranean Islands, where crystal waters and radiant sunshine offer warm and tranquil days amid a welcoming culture that sees tourist numbers grow year on year. The Istrian Riviera, by the shores of the Adriatic, and sheltered by the mountains of neighbouring Italy and Austria, has many attractions from the Roman history of Pula to the inland marvels of the Postojna Caves and the famous white Lipizzaner Dancing Horses.