Croacia's Essentials

About the destination: Often overlooked by tourists in search of sun and coastline, Zagreb is a captivating destination in its own right. The capital city of Croatia is a perfect blend of Western and Eastern Europe. The austere Austro-Hungarian buildings are surrounded by chic restaurants and boutiques that contrast with the gritty pubs and lively beer halls. Zagreb offers a wide array of choices for visitors. From trendy art galleries to more traditional music halls and museums, and plenty of outdoor leisure activities. Maksimir Park, in the east, is filled with joggers, cyclists, and walkers. In the southeast of the city, you'll find Jarun Lake, where locals and tourists alike go to swim or sail and then dance the night away in a lakeside disco. Just a tram ride away on the shiny new trams, you'll find Mt Medvednica, which offers hiking, skiing, and stunning views over the city. Whether you're looking for a city break or a break from your lazy beach holidays, Zagreb won’t disappoint visitors in the slightest.

About the destination: Zadar is a city in Croatia on the Adriatic Sea. It’s the fifth-largest city in the country and serves as the centre of modern Croatia’s Zadar County and the wider northern Dalmatian region. Zadar sits across from the islands of Ugljan and Pašman, separated from them by the narrow Zadar Strait. Despite all the destruction it suffered after the Second World War, Zadar has preserved a wealth of heritage of global importance, visible at every turn. The Roman Forum, dating back to the 1st century, is a popular spot where locals stroll, sit among the ruins and enjoy a fine summer’s day. The Church of St Donatus, from the 9th century, is one of the best-preserved pre-Romanesque buildings in the world and is considered the symbol of the city. The rebuilt Romanesque Church of St Grisigono, from the 12th century, is a remarkable example of how different historical structures can be combined. It was built on the remains of an older church, and later reconstructed after being bombed in the Second World War, incorporating elements of a destroyed Benedictine convent behind it. The Romanesque Cathedral of St Anastasia, from the 13th century, is particularly impressive. Visitors can climb its tower for a stunning view over the city of Zadar and the nearby islands. The Sea Organ is a favourite with both locals and visitors. This man-made organ, set into Zadar’s Riva (waterfront), uses the movement of the waves and 35 pipes to create an ever-changing musical soundscape. It was designed by Croatian architect Nikola Bašić, who also created the nearby Greeting to the Sun installation. The city has a strong reputation for its artists and galleries. There are about a dozen major galleries, along with many smaller shops tucked away in the side streets. Zadar also boasts a main street for everyday, higher-end shopping used by locals and by some tourists keen on a bit of retail therapy. It’s called Špire Brusine and runs through the heart of the old town. Zadar’s sunsets are legendary as well, making it an ideal place for romantics of all ages to relax and unwind.

About the destination: Split, Croatia’s vibrant coastal hub, blends ancient history with a lively Mediterranean atmosphere. At its heart lies Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that feels more like a living city than a museum. Wander its maze of marble streets, stumble upon hidden courtyards, and admire the mix of Roman, Gothic, and Renaissance architecture. Don’t miss the Cathedral of Saint Domnius and the climb up its bell tower for sweeping views over the terracotta rooftops and sparkling Adriatic Sea. The city’s seaside promenade, the Riva, is where locals and visitors converge from morning coffee to late-night cocktails. Lined with palm trees, cafes, and restaurants, it’s the perfect place to people-watch and soak up the Dalmatian lifestyle. Just behind, the bustling Green Market and fish market offer a glimpse of everyday life in Split, with stalls piled high with fresh produce, local cheeses, and seafood straight from the Adriatic. For swimming and relaxation, head to Bačvice Beach, famous for its shallow waters and the local ball game “picigin,” or explore quieter pebbled beaches like Kašjuni and Firule. Nature lovers should hike or bike through Marjan Hill, a forested park offering panoramic viewpoints, small chapels, and secluded coves ideal for a peaceful dip. The shaded trails and sea breezes make it a refreshing escape from the city center. Split also serves as an excellent base for exploring the Dalmatian coast and islands. Everyday ferries and catamarans link the city to Hvar, Brač, Šolta, and Vis, each with its own character—from chic nightlife and vineyards to quiet fishing villages and hidden bays. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, foodie, beach lover, or island-hopper, Split offers a compelling mix of culture, relaxation, and adventure.

About the destination: George Bernard Shaw dubh Dubrovnik "an péarla de Adriatic, paradís ar an domhan", agus, go deimhin, d'fhéadfadh sé a bheith ar cheann de na cathracha is áille a fheicfidh tú riamh. Tógadh agus cónaíodh go príomha ag Veinéiseacha i Dubrovnik, agus tá draíocht uasal agus aontacht ailtireachta suntasach aige a tharraingíonn na mílte cuairteoirí gach samhradh. Bunaithe sa 7ú haois, sheas Dubrovnik i measc foraoise mór de chrainn dara, as a raibh a ainm aige. Tóg siúlóid ar bharr ballaí an tseanchathr le radhairc ar an seanbhaile agus an cósta máguaird. Díreach roimh dul amach as an seanbhaile trí gheata an iarthair, cas ar dheis chun cuairt a thabhairt ar Mhainistir na bhFrancachán agus na cloistreacha síochánta. Tá an ceann is sine de chógaisí na hEorpa taobh istigh den doras isteach, a bunaithe i 1371. I gcoirnéal thuaidh na seanbhail tá Cloister agus Músaem na nDomhnachánach, le poliptíoch le Titian. Tá Ard-Eaglais iontach de Ghlacadh na Maighdine Mhuire i lár Poljana Marin Držić agus is féidir a stóras a fhiosrú; féach ar an obair le Raphael. Tá uisceanna te, gile ag Dubrovnik; ná bí ag admháil é ó chian agus tóg tumadh ann. Is féidir leis na daoine cróga tumadh agus gréineadh ar na carraigeacha nó snámh timpeall ar bhallaí na cathrach agus daoine eile ag stánadh ón uachtar. Lonraíonn dúnfhallaí ildaite Dubrovnik i solas na maidine luí, ach tráthnóna luath, cuireann uisceanna gorma soiléir na farraige tú i gcuimhne ar shiúl ón gcathair agus a torann turasóireachta. Má tá tú in ann an pléascadh a sheasamh, d'fhéadfadh tú freisin píosa neamh a fháil.