This Secret Paradise Island Needs To Be Your Next Holiday Destination

Croatia is quickly becoming one of the hottest holiday destinations in Europe, and it's not hard to see why.

The country has grown insanely popular in the last year or two, with hundreds heading to towns like Dubrovnik and Split to experience how the other half lives.

But if you really want to see the Croatian experience, you should head more coastal to the island of Krk.

Krk is an island off Croatia, located just north of the Adriatic Sea and is accessible via the airport Rijeka (if you're flying from Dublin, you'll have to make a pitstop in London Stansted to get to the island.)

But don't let the prospect of two flights deter you from visiting this truly beautiful island. As soon as you step off the plane, it will be worth it.

The first thing you'll notice as you drive from the airport - a car is really the only way to travel - is how green and rural the island is. Think Ireland, but more.

Your drive home along the dirt roads will be accompanied by the many very green trees which sit at the bottom of huge mountains.

Look how pretty?

We stayed in the village Dobrinj, which is a small village about 20 minutes from Krk city.

You can see the neighbouring Italy's influence on the village, as you make your way through the narrow streets.

Think winding, narrow streets punctuated by stunning, old houses, and you've got Dobrinj.

You could spend hours wandering all the little streets - with lots of breaks, some of the hills are quite steep.

Dobrinj is an ideal place to stay.

It's close enough to the city so it's quick to get in, but it also has everything you need for a quiet stay.

The Wi-Fi is slim to none so you're very much disconnected (a welcome change) and the views here are next to none.

Spend your time reading on the balcony, or simply standing at one of the many viewpoints, taking in all the nature.

The local restaurant, Zora's, is a good shout to eat in as you can try the traditional Croatian dish goulash.

Don't be fooled by the huge figures of the Croatian Kuna, everything is way cheaper than you actually think.

But if you're in the mood for a little more, head into Krk city.

Krk is a seaside town, with loads to offer. It maintains the relaxed atmosphere of Dobrinj, but has a little more life to it.

You can walk along the pier and try to count the several boats that are docked, or wander through the cute little stalls.

There's a string of restaurants along the pier to try, as well as inside the city - and you need to try their Monkfish <3.

Be prepared for reading menus in Italian and German, as the majority of Krk's visitors and tourists aren't English speaking, so you and your pale Irish skin are going to stick out a mile. But sure look, what's new?

As Krk is an island, there are loads of beaches to choose from. But don't expect white, sandy beaches with waves crashing onto the tide.

The beaches here are generally a lot rockier, and are all about the swimming.

The water here is some of the clearest and deepest I've ever seen - it's incredible.

Vrbnik is a deadly spot for swimming. Don't settle down on the beach, head up high and pop your towels down on one of the many cliff-side spots.

Be prepared for a lot of climbing and jumping, as once you dive into that water, you'll never want to leave.

You swim with the fish in Vrbnik. If you swim along the stretch of the sea, you'll see a whole host of little fish and shrimp, so make sure to pack your goggles.

Despite Vrbnik's popularity, swimming in that water was one of the most relaxing things I've done in a long time.

Krk is the ideal place if you want to unwind, but not shut down.

If you want the buzz of a city, the tranquillity of the water and the chance to disconnect for a little while, then head to Krk.

You won't regret it.

Photo credit: Enda Johnston and Ross Daly