This strip of land consists of numerous bays and coves as well as countless elongated islands parallel to the shore.

Croatia - Coastline map

This region offers well over ¾ of the total Adriatic shoreline.

When thinking of Croatia, one tends to think of that beautiful Adriatic coast … and rightfully so. Even for a big country, Croatia’s coast would be large. For a relatively small country, which it is, the shoreline is positively massive. Running diagonally along the western edge of the Balkan Peninsula, Croatia’s Adriatic coast is a breathtaking collection of some 1,200 islands and a coastline (sum of islands and mainland) which measures nearly 6,000 kilometers. That is more than the total of either France’s coastline (3,427 km) or the entire shoreline of Spain (4,964 km)!!!!

The Istrian Peninsula

Map of Istrian Peninsula

Location of Istria province

Rovinj - on the west coast of the Istrian peninsula

 
Istria

In the far north, the Istrian Peninsula is located between Croatia, Slovenia, and Italy.

It’s main tourist and historic centers are in the Italianate cities of Pula, Rovinj and Poreč, Istria is a study in cross-cultural tourism.

Absolute top-flight gourmet food and a growing five-star feel have made the peninsula a popular place in recent years.

The Croatian Islands

The Croatian Islands

Croatia - islands, islets and reefs

Moving south around the big bend and beyond the city of Rijeka, the Kvarner region is an under-visited paradise with islands famous for lamb, wine, and a plethora of wildlife.

"With over a thousand islands, islets and reefs, of which 66 are inhabited, the Croatian islands offer everything from nudist beaches to windsurfing, and organic wines to all-night dance parties."
From: Island hopping in Croatia -
Full Guardian article

Dalmatia

Dalmatia

Dalmatia begins near the southern edge of the island of Pag but the the northern portion of this region really feels like a cross between the more Continental northern coast (Kvarner) and what will become the very Italian feeling Southern Dalmatia coast as you continue south. This region is famous for magnificent sheep cheese (Pag), prosciutto (near the city of Zadar), and some of the country’s most beautiful national parks.

Tribunj - a small fishing village in Dalmatia

The vision most have of Croatia is of this region. From Split (visitsplit.com) to Dubrovnik the coast is as beautiful, vibrant, and lush as any place on the continent, very popular area for sea kayaking and sailing. The islands of Brač, Hvar, Vis, and Korčula have become synonymous with adventure activities and nightlife. Further south, the Pelješac Peninsula produces some of the best wine and oysters in Europe. Near Croatia’s southern tip, Dubrovnik — the Pearl of the Adriatic — is a living museum encased by an ancient wall and hanging above the sea.