Five destinations in Croatia everyone must visit
This Adriatic beauty should be top of your list for a holiday or cultural break. Mary Novakovich picks the best Croatian destinations
Its Adriatic coast is more than 1,100 miles long
Croatia has 1,244 reefs, islands and islets, of which 78 are islands
Croatia has 10 Unesco World Heritage Sites, eight of which are cultural
Sailing on the glittering Adriatic Sea, finding a secluded beach sheltered by pines, maybe exploring Roman ruins and dropping into a family-run vineyard for a wine-tasting – Croatia has so many ways of drawing you in.
Sunseekers and beach-lovers have a dizzying choice of places to unwind for a lazy holiday, thanks to a coastline stretching for at least 1,100 miles. Add the 1,244 reefs, islands and islets scattered along the Adriatic coast and you have an archipelago that’s the second largest in the Mediterranean. Even if fewer than 50 of the 78 islands are inhabited, you have an extraordinary number of places to drop anchor if you’re sailing, or hop on and off ferries that make getting to know this corner of the Adriatic so easy.
With so many footprints left by those who have come before – ancient Illyrians, Greeks, Romans, Venetians and Habsburgs, among others – it’s not surprising that Croatia has 10 Unesco World Heritage Sites, eight of which are cultural and two natural.
If you’re looking for a city break at any time of year, you’ll have a wealth of cultural sights to see – from Dubrovnik’s medieval fortifications to Pula’s ancient Roman arena. In addition, Game of Thrones fans will be spoiled for choice in filming locations, from Dubrovnik to Split. You’ll also discover a cuisine that’s as rich as Croatia’s heritage, with flavours of the Mediterranean mingling in mouthwatering style, together with wine routes that reveal pleasant surprises.
Whether you want a beach holiday, cultural break or foodie tour, you can find all three in Croatia. Here are some of the must-explore highlights.
You can’t miss the graceful Rector’s Palace, the stone arches and balustraded staircases of which become the backdrop for classical concerts throughout the year. The city walls, which stretch for 1.2 miles are a must-see, with fabulous views of the Adriatic and glimpses into everyday Dubrovnik life. The main entrance is beside the cloisters of the 14th-century Franciscan monastery, which has the third-oldest pharmacy in Europe.
A meander around the narrow alleyways turns up the unexpected – the sweeping Jesuit Stairs leading up to the Church of St Ignatius and a square with restaurants.
Dubrovnik’s Old Town is only the start. Outside the eastern Ploče Gate is the popular and busy pebbly Banje Beach, but you can head out further to Sveti Jakov, which is 25 minutes’ walk away and accessed via a set of steep stone steps. Beyond the western Pile Gate are more accessible pebbly beaches, including Sulić cove and the sheltered Bellevue beach. Further west are the large and family friendly beaches and hotels of the Lapad and Babin Kuk peninsulas.
Pop into the Gruž district near the ferry port for the fascinating Red History Museum. Above Dubrovnik is Mount Srđ, where a cable car whizzes you up towards superb views, while a 10-minute boat ride takes you to the peaceful island of Lokrum, where you can swim, picnic and roam the ruins of an old monastery.
If you do one thing: walk the city walls either first thing in the morning or late in the afternoon.
Dubrovnik
Zadar
Split
Dubrovnik
Pula
BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA
SLOVENIA
ADRIATIC SEA
HUNGARY
SERBIA
CROATIA
ZAGREB
Croatia destination flight times
London:
2 hrs 30 mins
Birmingham:
3 hrs
Manchester:
2 hrs 50 mins
Edinburgh:
3 hrs 20
London:
2 hrs 30 mins
Birmingham:
2 hrs 45 mins
Manchester:
3 hrs
Edinburgh:
3 hrs 20 mins
Split
London:
2 hrs 20 mins
Birmingham:
2 hrs 25 mins
Manchester:
2 hrs 45 mins
Edinburgh:
3 hrs 50 mins
Zadar
London:
2 hrs
Birmingham:
2 hrs 45 mins
Manchester:
2 hrs 50 mins
Glasgow:
2 hrs 50 mins
Zadar
(No direct flights from Edinburgh)
London:
2 hrs 15 mins
Manchester:
2 hrs 45 mins
Edinburgh:
Via Amsterdam
4 hrs 20 mins
Zagreb
Be dazzled by Dubrovnik
It’s easy to be taken aback by Dubrovnik’s beauty. Ringed by medieval and Renaissance walls, its Unesco-listed Old Town of terracotta rooftops, green-shuttered stone townhouses and marble alleyways instantly casts its spell.
The former Republic of Ragusa, which lasted from the Middle Ages until 1808, combines medieval and Renaissance architecture with a baroque makeover after a 1667 earthquake. You’ll see its history when you walk down the car-free Old Town’s main thoroughfare, Stradun, bookended by the Pile and Ploče Gates.
Pula
Dazzling Dubrovnik: once described as “the pearl of the Adriatic” by George Bernard Shaw | CREDIT: Croatian National Tourist Board, Ivo Biočina
For a city and beach break, visit Split
Holidaymakers who see Split as merely a ferry port to Dalmatia’s islands are missing out. Croatia’s second city is a lively spot teeming with history and culture and fronted by numerous beaches. Its heart is the 2nd-century Diocletian’s Palace, built by the Roman emperor as a retirement home, but which was occupied by residents when it became abandoned.
Within this Unesco site you’ll find cafés and shops surrounded by ancient Roman columns, and the cathedral in place of the mausoleum. It’s certainly one of the most atmospheric places to dine or take in a classical concert. At its northern end is the 4th-century Golden Gate into the old town, graced by the huge bronze statue of Gregory of Nin, a 10th-century bishop who left an indelible mark on Croatia’s language and culture. Countless tourists have since left their mark on the statue, whose left big toe has become shiny with people rubbing it for luck.
Diocletian lived at the Palace for only 11 years before his death in AD316
The 2nd-century Diocletian’s Palace is a Unesco World Heritage Site and took 10 years to build
The Meštrović Gallery was originally built as the artist’s summer home
If there’s one thing that epitomises Split, it’s the Riva waterfront. Lined with restaurant terraces, bars and palm trees, it was made for year-round sauntering – whether under summer skies, during the Christmas Advent market or the February carnival. Just beyond its eastern end is the excellent daily farmers’ market, while Split’s well-equipped ACI Marina sprawls across the western end.
With your appetite whetted, finding somewhere to eat is not hard. Try the fine-dining take on Croatian and Mediterranean dishes in the romantic stone courtyard of Kinoteka in the heart of the old town. At Split’s western end near the Marjan Forest Park is the Varoš district’s broad range of restaurants.
If you do one thing: walk to the top of Marjan Forest Park for wonderful views.
Discover Istria’s Venetian towns and hilltop villages
The Venetians left their legacy all over Croatia’s coast thanks to nearly 400 years of rule. But it’s in the heart-shaped peninsula of Istria in the north where you see some of the most exquisite examples. Rovinj on Istria’s west coast rivals Dubrovnik in the beauty of its pedestrianised Old Town, with pastel-coloured, Venetian-style houses circling gently uphill towards the baroque Church of St Euphemia and its belltower.
You can climb the rickety staircase of the belltower, said to be modelled on the campanile in Venice’s Piazza San Marco, for fabulous views. However, one of the best ways to see Rovinj is from the sea, so hop on the boat that shuttles across to the island of Sveta Katarina in front of the harbour. There’s also a laid-back beach on the other side of the island if you want to get away from it all.
While you’re near Marjan, head to the Meštrović Gallery at the park’s foothills. You’ll see the works of Croatia’s greatest sculptor, Ivan Meštrović – creator of the Gregory of Nin statue – in the peaceful setting of his vast summer house with lovely views of the sea. Handily, there are a couple of beaches opposite, which are a quieter alternative to Bačvice city beach beside the ferry port.
More Venetian delights await just up the coast in Poreč. Before you arrive, you’ll cross the Limski Channel, home to some of the loveliest mussels and oysters in Croatia. Make a detour for lunch at an oyster shack along this fjord-like channel, and follow the signs to viewpoints for panoramic vistas. Both Rovinj and Poreč offer boat trips to the Limski Channel for fish picnics and swimming stops if you’re not travelling by boat. Like Rovinj, Poreč’s Old Town sits on its own compact peninsula, the star of which is the Unesco-listed 6th-century Byzantine Basilica of Euphrasius and its spellbinding mosaics.
Sightsee in Split: the cathedral is one of many cultural highlights in Croatia’s second city | CREDIT: Shutterstock
Sail away: see Rovinj from the sea and take a boat to the island of Sveta Katarina | CREDIT: Maja Danica Pečanić
Above top: Soaring high: Istria’s hilltop town of Motovun has stunning countryside views, making it popular with paragliders | CREDIT: Shutterstock Above: Main attraction: Pula’s Roman amphitheatre - The Arena is a must-visit site | CREDIT: Croatian National Tourist Board, Ivan Šardi
Soak up the sun and culture of Zadar
Considered to be the oldest continuously inhabited city in Croatia, Zadar combines its rich history with the laid-back charm of northern Dalmatia. Its Old Town is spread across a thumb-shaped peninsula, where centuries of history come together in St Stošija Square.
Make a 360-degree turn and you’ll see the 9th-century Byzantine Church of St Donatus – now used for classical music concerts – the Romanesque Cathedral of St Anastasia, the medieval-Renaissance St Mary’s Church and, facing the seafront, what remains of the Roman Forum.
In the midst of all this is the modern concrete building housing the Archaeological Museum, where you can delve into Zadar’s thousands of years of history.
Follow the marble Široka Street to reach Narodni Trg (People’s Square), another melting pot of history. Circling the bustling collection of café terraces are the medieval St Simeon’s Church, the 16th-century Loggia – now an art gallery – and the 19th-century Rector’s Palace. It’s hard not to wander through this handsome square and not stop for a drink at one of the cafés, nor in the surrounding marble lanes and further south into Bunara Square.
Wander along the broad and seafront and you’ll soon see that Zadar does modern as well as ancient. Two audacious public art displays by the artist Nikola Bašić have become two of Zadar’s most loved attractions. Sit on the concrete steps at the peninsula’s north-western tip and you’ll hear the haunting sounds of the Sea Organ, whose underwater pipes move to the motion of the waves. Then just beyond are the blue-glass floor panels of Greeting to the Sun, which light up in the dark and make you feel as if you’ve stepped into
The blue of the Adriatic will tempt you to swim, which you can do in the series of pebbly and rocky beaches south of the Old Town, including Kolovare, Podbrig and Bibinje. Large beach resorts start to cluster about two miles north of Zadar at Borik, and you’ll notice the beaches getting less crowded as you carry on to Diklo and Kožino.
If you do one thing: see if Alfred Hitchcock was right when he proclaimed Zadar’s sunsets the most beautiful in the world.
Relax in Zadar: this peaceful town has a fascinating history to explore dating back to the 9th century | CREDIT: Aleksandar Gospić
Picture caption here Picture caption here Picture caption here
For top-notch café culture, visit Zagreb
Croatia’s vibrant capital tends to get overlooked in favour of the coastal resorts, but visitors to Zagreb know that this city is worth much more than a fleeting glance. It has everything you need for a city break – a buzzing restaurant and bar scene, museums and galleries, mellow green spaces and even a beach south of the city at Lake Jarun. And cafés – lots of them.
Croatians love their coffee, and Zagreb’s many café terraces are constantly filled with people drinking and gossiping.
Head into the medieval upper town, preferably via the incredibly cute funicular which, at 217ft, is one of the shortest in the world. At the top is the 13th-century Lotrščak Tower, which lets off an ear-splitting cannon blast every day at noon.
You’ll be very near the Museum of Broken Relationships, where ordinary people’s stories of lost love are displayed in poignant and often witty exhibits. Before you arrive at the vivid mosaic-roofed St Mark’s Church, drop into the Croatian Museum of Naive Art for some mesmerising art.
To get a handle on Zagreb’s long history, visit the Zagreb City Museum at the top of the old town before heading down Tkalčićeva Street for a taste of Zagreb’s restaurant scene. It’s a fantastic mishmash of cuisines from around the world – Sri Lankan, Greek, Asian, Lebanese – plus Croatian classics. Running parallel is another street of restaurants and bars, Opatovina, where you can feast on hearty Croatian beef, pork and chicken dishes.
Croatia’s rail network doesn’t go further south than Split, although the bus network is very extensive. For convenience, though, explore the country by car.
The journey along Croatia’s Adriatic coast became shorter and simpler when the Pelješac Bridge in southern Dalmatia opened in 2022. The bridge connecting the mainland at the village of Kormana to the Pelješac peninsula bypasses Bosnia’s sliver of coastline, which had involved lengthy border crossings. Now the trip from Dubrovnik to Split via the bridge and the E65 motorway can take as little as three hours’.
Initially you travel on a single-lane highway, but soon you get to the two-lane toll road with plenty of services along the way. Before you reach the E65, you might be tempted to stop in Mali Ston on the Pelješac peninsula, home to some of Croatia’s best oysters as well as the forbidding 14th-century fortifications next door in Ston.
If you want some detours, or decide to meander along the coast, you can stop in the attractive coastal resorts of Baška Voda or Brela for a swim and lunch. Omiš is definitely worth a stop to see this pretty town split by the dramatic canyon of the River Cetina.
The journey from Split to Zadar can take just over an hour and a half, but not if you want to stop in the gorgeous Unesco-listed town of Trogir just west of Split. Closer to the motorway is the curiously overlooked city of Šibenik, whose 15th-century Cathedral of St James is also on the Unesco list, as well as the waterfalls of Krka National Park.
Driving from Zadar to Pula will take about four and a half hours along the inland E71 motorway, but take a detour through the Northern Velebit National Park and along the coast-hugging road towards Senj for views of the Adriatic. If you don’t stop in the lively city of Rijeka or elegant Opatija on the way, you can make up for it during the three-hour journey from Pula to Zagreb.
Both St Mary’s Church and a part
of the cathedral had to be rebuilt after being bombed by the Allies in 1943
British architect TG Jackson was hired to complete the bell tower of the Cathedral of St Anastasia in the late 19th century
Pula’s amphitheatre was
built around the same time as the Colosseum in Rome
Poreč’s 6th-century Byzantine basilica is on the Unesco World Heritage list
If you do one thing: start the morning with a visit to the indoor and outdoor food stalls in Dolac Market.
Experience Croatia: Your memories are on us.
Esplanade was built in 1925 for the Orient Express
Zagreb’s funicular is only 217ft, making it one of the shortest in the world
Zagreb Jarun bottom left streets of Zagreb picture caption
On the road: Croatia by car
Produced by Telegraph Media Group
_
Project manager: Emma Simpson | Editor: Rebecca Denne | Writer: Mary Novakovich | Sub-editor: Tim Cumming Video and photography manager: Alex Kelly | Designer: Jonathan Clayton-Jones | Web editor: Ross Thomas
Opening images: 1) Croatian National Tourist Board, Luka Esenko 2) Shutterstock 3) Aleksandar Gospić 4) Shutterstock 5) Zagreb Tourist Board, Julien Duval
The new Pelješac Bridge avoids Bosnia’s tiny section of coastline and its border queues.
Coast roads are single lanes, but make up for it with astonishing sea views.
Zagreb Jarun bottom left streets of Zagreb picture caption
Top: Fast track: a drive across the Pelješac Bridge means a trip from Dubrovnik to Split can be made in just three hours | CREDIT: Julien Duval
Above: Croatia is your oyster: located on the Pelješac Peninsula, Mali Ston is world famous for its oysters | CREDIT: Croatian National Tourist, Ivo Biočina
Plan your trip now
Saturday
Night Fever.
Esplanade was built in 1925 for the Orient Express
Picture caption here Picture caption here Picture caption here
You’ll be very near the Museum of Broken Relationships, where ordinary people’s stories of lost love are displayed in poignant and often witty exhibits. Before you arrive at the vivid mosaic-roofed St Mark’s Church, drop into the Croatian Museum of Naive Art for some mesmerising art.
To get a handle on Zagreb’s long history, visit the Zagreb City Museum at the top of the old town before heading down Tkalčićeva Street for a taste of Zagreb’s restaurant scene. It’s a fantastic mishmash of cuisines from around the world – Sri Lankan, Greek, Asian, Lebanese – plus Croatian classics. Running parallel is another street of restaurants and bars, Opatovina, where you can feast on hearty Croatian beef, pork and chicken dishes.
Brighten your day: the Art Pavilion located on the Lenuci Horseshoe, with it’s striking yellow Art Nouveau exterior | CREDIT: Zagreb Tourist Board, Julien Duval
Zagreb’s funicular is only 217ft, making it one of the shortest in the world
Above top: Rest and recreation: take a run or cycle along the track surrounding Jarun Lake or hit the beach | CREDIT: Shutterstock, Goran Šafarek
Above: Culture capital: Zagreb is perfect for a city break exploring cafés, restaurants and the arts | CREDIT: Croatian National Tourist Board, Zoran Jelača
For top-notch café culture, visit Zagreb
Croatia’s vibrant capital tends to get overlooked in favour of the coastal resorts, but visitors to Zagreb know that this city is worth much more than a fleeting glance. It has everything you need for a city break – a buzzing restaurant and bar scene, museums and galleries, mellow green spaces and even a beach south of the city at Lake Jarun. And cafés – lots of them.
Croatians love their coffee, and Zagreb’s many café terraces are constantly filled with people drinking and gossiping.
Head into the medieval upper town, preferably via the incredibly cute funicular which, at 217ft, is one of the shortest in the world. At the top is the 13th-century Lotrščak Tower, which lets off an ear-splitting cannon blast every day at noon.
Rovinj pictuer credit here pictuere credit here above Motovun below
FLIGHTS TO DUBROVNIK
DUBROVNIK > London:
DUBROVNIK > Birmingham:
DUBROVNIK > manchester:
DUBROVNIK > glasgow:
Flights to ZAGREB
ZAGREB > London:
ZAGREB > manchester:
ZAGREB > EDINBURGH:
VIA AMSTERDAM
Flights to SPLIT
SPLIT > London:
SPLIT > Birmingham:
SPLIT > manchester:
SPLIT > EDINBURGH:
Flights to ZADAR
ZADAR > London:
ZADAR > Birmingham:
ZADAR > manchester:
ZADAR > EDINBURGH:
Croatia destination flight times
2hrs
2hrs 45
2hrs 50
2hrs 50
FLIGHTS TO PULA
Pula > London:
Pula > Birmingham:
Pula > manchester:
Pula > glasgow:
*no direct flights from edinburgh
2hrs
3hrs 45
2hrs 50
3hrs 20
2hrs 15
2hrs 50
4hrs 20
2hrs 30
2hrs 45
3hrs
3hrs 20
2hrs 20
2hrs 25
2hrs 45
3hrs 50
Reflect on history: St Donatus Church and the Belltower in the centre of Old Town | CREDIT: Aleksandar Gospić
City escape: Zagreb offers plenty of green spaces to relax and meet-up outdoors | CREDIT: Zagreb Tourist Board, Sanjin Kaštelan
If you do one thing: take the ferry to Brijuni National Park which features a safari park, Roman and Byzantine ruins, beaches and a golf course.
Head inland for a drive through Istria’s hilly hinterland, where you might think you’ve detoured to Tuscany by mistake. Rolling cypress-covered hills, olive groves and vineyards lead to enchanting hilltop villages such as Motovun – home to a popular summertime film festival – and its near neighbour Grožnjan, whose abandoned medieval cottages have been turned into artists’ studios. Inland Istria is the place to stumble upon family run vineyards and farms producing their own highly prized olive oil.
Carry on southwards to Pula and you’ll come to one of the world’s best-preserved Roman arenas. Built around the same time as Rome’s Colosseum in the 1st century AD, Pula’s amphitheatre is definitely worth a visit.
Visit croatia.hr for more information.
Experience Croatia: Your memories are on us.
Visit croatia.hr for more information.
Plan your trip now
Experience Croatia: Your memories are on us.
Plan your trip now
Experience Croatia: Your memories are on us.
Visit croatia.hr for more information.
Plan your trip now
Reflect on history: St Donatus Church and the Belltower in the centre of Old Town | CREDIT: Aleksandar Gospić
City escape: Zagreb offers plenty of green spaces to relax and meet-up outdoors | CREDIT: Zagreb Tourist Board, Sanjin Kaštelan
City escape: Zagreb offers plenty of green spaces to relax and meet-up outdoors | CREDIT: Zagreb Tourist Board TZGZ, Sanjin Kaštelan
Fast track: A drive across the Pelješac Bridge means a trip from Dubrovnik to Split can be made in just three hours | CREDIT: Julien Duval