Curator’s statement
Croatia was the first (and favorite) leg on a multi-stop European trip. It felt like a more modest version of Italy with similarly fantastic food. Most of the Croatian segment was spent in the Zadar region. I loved Zadar for its peacefulness, history, size and proximity to other sights. Zadar is not a cruise stop and so it's wonderfully less busy than Split and the old town peninsula has a special small-town charm and incredible sunsets. It's the perfect city to use as a home base for a 2 or 3-day stay in the region. Preferably with a rental car within a 2-hour drive to Krka National Park, Split and Plitvice Lakes National Park. There is an international airport in Zadar and flight prices were comparable to Split and Dubrovnik.
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Things to do in Croatia
Reserve a wine tasting at Vina Vinketa, an award-winning local winery. Drive up a rural road to a small tasting building and receive a personalized tasting with the wine maker. Learn about local life and get recommendations. This was a highlight!
Enjoy a gelato in the Roman Forum or Narodni Trg and appreciate the historic architecture.
Watch a sunset at the Sea Organ and listen to the ocean's music.
Stroll through Park Zadar or along the Zadar City Walls.
Rent a boat for the day from Red Sails Boat Rentals.
Swim in the Adriatic Sea off the pier Zara Subacquea or at Kolovare Beach.
Book an island tour excursion from Zadar Archipelago.
Day trips
Plitvice Lakes National Parks: This is well worth the 2-hour drive to walk on a well-maintained sidewalk through stunning blue lakes. Stop at a roadside stand on the way for local cheese and honey! Reserve in advance.
Split - 1.5 hour drive. I'd recommend Split as a day trip. I visited on a Sunday, and it was packed with cruises and more touristy than Zadar. You can park near the port for a good rate and see a lot of the Old City, including Diocletian's Palace, in a few hours.
Krka National Park - under 1 hour from Zadar. A smaller but also wonderful national park if you don't want to go all the way to Plitvice. Reserve in advance.
Places to eat & drink in Croatia
Restoran 4 Kantuna: "Coastal chic" restaurant for homemade pasta, pizza and seafood. Recommend the pasta with beef and truffles. I dined here twice!
Restoran Bruschetta: Popular spot with large patio near the sea.
Pizzeria Tri Bunara: Small but lively restaurant for yummy pizza.
Restoran Primavera Zadar: This modest restaurant is a hidden gem with great bruschetta, pizzas and pasta.
Restaurant Kastel @ Hotel Bastion: Michelin-recognized restaurant focused on local ingredients.
The Garden Lounge: Relaxed open-air bar with day beds and music.
Bob Rock's Ice Cream Shop: Popular ice cream shop with lots of options.
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For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Croatia page.