BILLION $$ Girl star Tamara Ecclestone escaped rainy Britain by racing off to sunny Croatia. The 28-year-old daughter of Formula One boss Bernie made the rest of us jealous last week by tweeting pictures of herself soaking up the sun in a skimpy bikini.

Tamara, who told of what life is like for a tycoon's daughter in a fly-on-the-wall TV show, relaxed with her family on the island of Hvar after sailing in on her yacht.

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However, you don't have to be rich to explore Croatia, an increasingly popular destination for British holidaymakers.

Hvar is known as the queen of the Croatian Dalmatian islands with white-sand beaches, a crystal blue sea and a scattering of lavender fields, venerable olive trees and vineyards. In Hvar you will find the ancient and well-preserved fortress of Fortica and the old city walls.

The fort's current appearance dates it to the middle of the 16th century but its beginnings go back to the time of the Illyrians and the Byzantine Empire.

The cathedral is dedicated to St Stephen and is in the biggest square in Dalmatia, Hvar Pjaca.

Do not miss Hvar's theatre which was founded in 1612 and is one of the first municipal theatres in Europe. Speaking of ancient, make sure you visit Stari Grad, the oldest town in the country. Dating back to 384BC it has a plethora of narrow streets, small squares and stone houses.

The island is also a great place for watersports from sailing and scuba diving to sea kayaking.

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Don't go home without a traditional ceramic boat even if, unlike Tamara, you can't afford the real thing.

GETTING THERE

Transun (01865 265 200/ transun.co.uk) offers seven nights in Hvar from £749pp (two sharing), B&B. Price includes return flights from the UK and transfers. Croatian National Tourist Office: 020 8563 7979/ croatia.hr