30 COAST INTO CROATIA
March 2022 Travel News COAST INTO CROATIA THIS SUMMER SEASON
Zadar is the underdog of Croatian tourism. Zadar is a city of picturesque surroundings and culture that includes monumental heritage, parks, and promenades, sounds and scents. Its dynamic and old city district, Varoš, is bustling with life at every step. The ultimate escape on your Croatian cruise, Zadar is the perfect place to wander around and discover the hidden quirks of the city. From it’s City Walls, Churchs and Chapels, to the Zadar Sphinx and the Greeting of the Sun, two of the most unique destinations on the Zadar’s list.
Longing for a Sunnier Climate? The Dalmatian Coast is home to sun, sea and sailing. Wether you are seeking adventure or a luxurious escape, Croatia is the location on everybody’s mind this 2022.
eading into the 2022 Summer Season, Croatia is the location on everyone’s lips. Those seeking to holiday in Croatia, can find themselves torn between heading to Zagreb, Croatia’s capital; Split, the largest city along the Dalmatian Coast or Dubrovnik, otherwise known as the Pearl of the Adriatic. Although, with many luxury cruise-liners adding the Dalmatian Coast to their 2022/2023 itineraries, travellers no longer need to choose which Croatian location best suits their interests, with these itineraries offering those seeking a sunny-escape the chance to explore all that Croatia has to offer. While many cruise-liners offer a port of call in Dubrovnik as a part of their Mediterranean itinerary, APT offers travellers an in-depth tour of Croatia with an eight-night itinerary coasting along the Adriatic Coast and Dalmatian Islands onboard the MV Princess Eleganza. Travellers will begin the tour by heading out from the UK to Dubrovnik, before embarking on the Princess Eleganza to begin your deep dive into Croatian culture.
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Departing from Dubrovnik, travellers will be transported along the Croatian coast, with ports of call in Badija, Korcula, Vis, Split, Sibenik, Zadar, Rab Island, Krk before disembarking the ship in Opatija. Seeking more of an adventure? With a coach transfer heading to Zagreb, Croatia’s capital. Why not go off the beaten track of the itinerary and spend extra time in the Croatian capital? While it comes at more expense, an exploration of Zagreb is sure way to maximise your time in the country, allowing you to soak up all the sun and culture that Croatia has to offer.
Thrust into the spotlight after being the location of King’s Landing in HBO’s hit series Game of Thrones. Dubrovnik has become one of Croatia’s most sought- after destinations. Being one of the first stops on APT’s cruise itinerary, travellers will have the option to explore everything that Dubrovnik has to offer. Renowned for its beauty, George Bernard Shaw once stated that “those who seek paradise on Earth should come to Dubrovnik.” With a stunning coastline, along with a historical old town. You aren’t stuck for choice during your visit to the region. Some of the most popular locations in Dubrovnik are the Game of Thrones locations, including the Old Town in Dubrovnik which provided the gorgeous scenery of King’s Landing over the course of Game of Throne’s eight seasons. Guided tours are on offer, where visitors are taken on a journey around Dubrovnik’s city walls led by an expert guide. Unveil the secrets locked within the walls of Dubrovnik’s old town and hear about different legends and curiosities that encompass its history. Get a feel for everyday life on the marble streets and discover the spirit of the past on the maze of narrow lanes. The tours on offer allow travellers to venture off the usual
The Walls of Dubrovnik that offer beautiful views of the Dalmatian Coastline
tourist path and get amazing views as your guide gives a perfect introduction to the history of Dubrovnik and while also pointing out the hidden gems of Game of Thrones.
A trip to Lokrum Island is a must when sailing
into Dubrovnik, the island located just ten minutes off Dubrovnik’s shore is a perfect day-excursion for travels. Offering travellers, the opportunity to laze upon the Banje Beach to catch some rays or go for a snorkel in Betina Cave. There is the option to kayak along the shore of the island, while adrenaline Seekers can also opt to dive from the cliffs above into the crystal-clear waters, all the while making for a refreshing and memorable experience in Dubrovnik.
Making your way further up the Dalmatian Coast, travellers will arrive in Split, the largest city along the coastline. While Dubrovnik provides some much- needed relaxation and luxury. Split is known as the beating heart of celebration in Croatia.
Split is rich in history, with Roman Emperor Diocletian building his palace right on the peninsula of the city. Over the course of Split’s history, the Diocletian Palace slowly turned into a city, which to this day is rich with tradition, glorious history, along with a unique architectural scene. Interestingly, half of the old town of Split is encompassed by the remains of this roman castle. With more than 220 buildings within the palace walls, an estimation that the castle provides home to around 3000 people. While narrow passageways and courtyards act as veins to the city, some residential and quiet, while some connect the vibrant heart of Split to the bars and cafes.
History and tradition aren’t all that Split is renowned for. Providing an exceptional location for excellent eateries and vineyard experiences, along with cultural happenings like film and theatre festivals, exhibitions, excellent museums, and concerts. Split is a a city which offers masses of entertainment starting with numerous clubs and bars, through street festivals to events such as Ultra Europe Festival visited each year by up to 100 thousand young people from around one hundred countries of the world. Within the palace walls, there is nightlife for all age-groups. From wineries to cocktail bars, to vibrant nightclubs and karaoke restaurants. Split provides travellers with an eclectic choice to experience Croatian culture.
However, if you don’t consider yourself a lover of the ciy bustle, there’s always Marjan, a hill that overlooks the city of Split. Travellers can enjoy its forest, jogging trails, mountain climbing and biking, recreational terrains. The hill also stands as spiritual sanctuary in Croatia. Walking the Marjan, travellers will see a range of churches, and chapels where residents used to dwell to enjoy tranquillity and contemplation. On the journey, travellers will see the church of Saint Nicholas built in 13th century, which stood as a marker for generations of seamen who passed by Split. Along with the ruins of Saint Stephen church where Croatian kings were once coronated. Split offers travellers a good balance between learning more about Split and its history and traditions, alongside an exploration of the region’s vibrant culture. Ultimately Split, is a must-see location on a traveller’s journey up the Dalmatian Coast.
One of the next ports of calls on the Croatian itinerary is Sibenik, a charming port city that is home to a well-
The Skradinski Buk Waterfall in Krka National Park in Southern Croatia
preserved Old Town. While Sibenik has alot to offer travellers, the most renowned attraction, Krka National Park, is located just 10 kilometres inland from Sibenik. Named after the Krka River, the national park ranges over 142 square km and includes two thirds of the river itself. Home to one of Croatia’s most famous sights, the Skradinski Buk Waterfalls. The Skradinski Buk waterfalls are a collection of seventeen waterfalls that range in height by over forty-five metres. The waterfalls provide a break taking landscape for your travellers, and even provide travellers with an option to don their swimming costumes and take a dip in the refreshing water of the Skradinski Buk.
A hidden gem in the Krka River is the tiny island of Visovac, originally settled by Franciscan monks in 1445, who built a monastery in that year, which was later demolished, before being reconstructed in the 18th century. Interestingly, the monastery still stands in the heart of this tiny island, home to several well-preserved artefacts and a library.
This island is open to visitors, as many Croatian tourism promote embarking on a guided boat tour of Krka National Park. Advocating that it is the best way of seeing the sights of the park. A number of these guided boat tours leave from Skradin. Not only will travellers be able to see the beauty of the park up close but these excursions include an option chance to stop off and wander on footpaths along the water, as well gain valuable insight into the park’s history with presentations and talks from an expert guide. The penultimate stop on the Adriatic Sea itinerary is Zadar, an ancient port city that at one stage rivalled Venice as the most influential city on the Adriatic Coast. Many consider Zadar to be Croatia’s most remote and relaxing location, not as recognised as Split or Dubrovnik for its stunning coastlines, caves, and cliffs.
The Zadar Sphinx is the beating heart of romance in Zadar’s ancient city. The sphinx has intrigued and inspired citizens for many years with imaginative ideas about its origin, secrets, and powers. Referred to as the guardian of tombs, when Giovanni Smirich changed its function and created the sculpture as a romantic complement to his park, there was a suspicion amongst locals that there was more than meets the eye to this mythical structure. Legends believe that Smirich created the sculpture in memory of his late wife, while others believe that there is treasure buried in the Sphinx’s body. Nonetheless, Despite the many legends that surround the sphinx , the most famous one amongst locals is it’s symbolism to romance and Smirich’s late wife. As many Zadar locals believe that the sphinx fulfils the love desires of those who turn to it for help. Another popular attraction in Zadar is the Greeting of the Sun. Located in the Zadar port on the western point of Zadar Peninsula, this contemporary installation is made of 300 multi-layered glass solar panels in the shape of a circle of a 22-meter diameter. This new popular attraction utilises the energy of the Sun and transforms it into the electricity, which is then used by and around the installation throughout the night creating a beautiful light show for locals and travellers to enjoy. Several beaches surround the city of Zadar, making it’s stunning scenery into an outdoor bathhouse. The Kolovare beach is only a few steps away from the city centre, and is with home to bays and city seawater pool. In addition there is also the Zadar seafront called Riva, known for its outstanding beauty and purity, Riva is a popular promenade and bathing spot for Zadar locals and Tourists alike. Located just off the bay of Zadar is the Zadar Archipelago, where numerous islands are located. Of all of the islands surrounding Zadar, the Kornati Islands are a must-see on your travels. With bays and tame coves, Kornati Islands offers travellers an isolated and relaxing beach experience. Surrounding by the crystal clear waters and far away from any crowds, Kornati Island provides a charming end to your Croatian adventure. Despite being the capital of Croatia, Zagreb is often overlooked as a must-see Croatian destination. With plenty to offer, the location is perfect for a pit-stop before returning home following your itinerary. Zagreb provides a different outlook on Croatia, giving visitors more insight into the city-landscape that Croatia has to offer. After 8 days exploring the Dalmatian Coast, the atmosphere of a city might be exactly what you need. Although Zagreb doesn’t host beaches or coves quite like the Croatian locations lifted above. Referred to as the ‘Old City with a Young Soul,’ Zagreb has many sights to offer, with plenty of restaurants, cafes and bars, along with lots of entertainment and accommodation. Zagreb also offers plenty of shopping and accessible transport. Zagreb is an up-and-coming Metropolitan City with plenty to offer travellers heading back from a trip along the Dalmatian Coast.
If you fancy embarking on an exploration of the Dalmatian Coast to enjoy all that Croatia has to offer, visit
croatia.hr or
visit-croatia.co.uk for more information on these fabulous locations.
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