Boris Johnson not so blue on a Croatia holiday

The mayor of London has been enjoying a Croatia holiday over the past week and has loved it so much he is already planning a return to the Balkans region.

Fresh from the success of the London Olympics this summer, Boris Johnson opted to swap the gold of the sporting competition for the golden sunshine and gorgeous beaches found on the Croatian coast.

Johnson is no stranger to a Croatia holiday either, having visited the country back in the early 1990s.

Since then much has changed for both the politician and the nation, with both enjoying a notable revival in popularity over the last few years.

The London mayor opted for a break in the Neretva valley  with his wife and children, where he quickly set about soaking up the local culture - and the blistering sunshine.

It is likely to have been quite a contrast to Johnson's summer so far, with England blighted by overcast days and rain for much of the traditionally warm months.

The Conservative politician has evidently become fond of the region too, telling one interviewer that he was already plotting a return visit  in the near future.

"I would love to come back, my wife and I have just been talking about that. There is nothing like this here in Europe," he said.

Johnson also demonstrated a particular eagerness for a spot of island hopping Croatia style - something he is likely to have enjoyed on an Adriatic cruise around the region’s stunning blue waters.

"It's greener and nicer than say Greece, less crowded that France, and the islands are like from dreams, out of this world, amazing islands," he said.

The leader is the latest big name to give Croatia holidays the big thumbs up, following in the footsteps of a diverse group of celebrities.

Earlier this month, US rock legend Tina Turner embarked on a visit to the region, while the likes of MC Hammer and Craig David have enjoyed recent vacations in the Balkan nation.