A simple guide to Dubrovnik, Istria, Zadar and Makarska
Planning a holiday to Croatia but not sure where to go? The country’s tourism hotspots can be divided into four popular regions – Dubrovnik, Istria, Zadar and Makarska.
Dubrovnik
Nicknamed ‘the Pearl of the Adriatic’, Dubrovnik is a city in southern Croatia known for its atmospheric old town surrounded by ancient stone walls, towers and turrets overlooking the sea. Used as a setting for Kinds Landing in Game of Thrones, it’s not hard to imagine you’ve stepped back in time, surrounded by a magnificent mixture of baroque, renaissance and Gothic architecture.
6 km from the old town lies the Babin Kuk peninsula, a stunning coastline where many of the top hotels in the region can be found. With great scope for families, here you can enjoy the space, serenity and various outdoor pursuits of this scenic location, and yet, you’re still within easy reach of the great mix of restaurants and lively nightlife of Dubrovnik.
Venture 15 kilometres further south and you’ll find the pretty town of Cavtat. Dating back to ancient times, this pretty coastal village was once a Greek settlement and later a Roman colony. The rich history of the area is evident in the fascinating mix of architecture you’ll discover – from the Baroque church of St Nikola to the Franciscan Monastery and ancient city walls.
Istria
To the north-west of the country lies the stunning region of Istria – with rustic hilltop villages, deserted beaches and tiny coves. The pretty coastal towns of Rovinj, Porec, Pula and Rabac offer a complete escape from city life.
In the ancient Roman town of Rovinj, highlights include the spectacular views from the tower of St Euphemia’s church, bike riding along the coastal pathways, scuba diving at the wreck of the Baron Gautsch and dining in one of the romantic restaurants in the atmospheric old town.
In picturesque Porec – check out the waterski and wakeboard park, spend an afternoon sipping wine at Agrolaguna Winery, where tasting sessions include a guided tour of the well-stocked wine cellar or explore the tunnels of Baredine Cave.
Top attractions in Pula include the 6th largest Colosseum in the world, the Twin Gate – an ancient city structure dating back to the 2nd Century AD and the busy marina, where you can spend hours watching sail boats come and go.
Rabac’s pristine beaches, surrounded by clear blue waters give it the well-earned nickname – the Pearl of Istria. In the old town (Labin), don’t miss the many cultural exhibits stored in the beautiful Baroque Battiala Lazzarini Palace or climb to the Fortica viewpoint for breath-taking views of Kvarner Bay.
Zadar
A sailor’s paradise, the beautiful town of Zadar is right at the heart of this picturesque region of Croatia, with over 150 rugged islands off its coast. Nicknamed the town of gold, for its permanent collection of church art, Zadar has attracted many conquerors throughout the centuries – drawn by it’s shimmering allure. Present-day Zadar boasts a beautiful promenade that wraps around a peninsula, offering stunning views of the islands at sunset. From the walls of the old town, you can glimpse the many hotels and beaches in the new town, as well as the Makarska factory – where the famous Maraschino liquor has been produced for over a hundred years. Popular with tourists, the pretty destinations of Biograd na Moru (a gateway to the islands), Kornati and Petrcane are easily reached from Zadar, where direct flights from Ireland arrive frequently during the summer months.
Take a ferry to the ancient island of Pag – known as ‘the island of Salt and Lace’, where salt pans, lace making and the production of sheep cheese have supported the islanders for centuries. A nautical paradise – spend a day exploring the postcard-pretty villages of Povljana (with its tiny church of St Nicolas close to the sea), Kolan, Mandre and Kosljun, the marina at Samuni, the pebbly beaches and crystal-clear sea.
Close to Zadar is the historic town of Nin – the origins of which can be traced to prehistoric times. During the Roman Empire, it became the seat of Croatian kings in the Middle Ages and was twice destroyed and rebuilt during the Turkish Wars. Situated on an islet in a shallow lagoon full of curative mud rich in minerals, Nin has stunning sandy beaches bordered by vineyards. And if you’re looking for night-life, the largest disco in the region, Saturnus Nightclub Zadar, can be found nearby in Zaton.
Makarska
With over 2 km of natural sandy beaches (a rarity in Croatia!) and a dramatic backdrop of the Biokovo mountain and lush national parkland – the Makarska Riviera is located 60 km south-east of Split and 140 km north-west of Dubrovnik. The summers here are long and warm, with a cooling maestral breeze and the sheltered harbour (once a safe haven for sailors, merchants and pirates in stormy weather) is where you can take the ferry to the laid-back island of Brač for a terrific day trip.
The main Kačić square is a lively destination in the evening, with plenty of restaurants serving fresh Mediterranean food, bars for sampling the local wine and entertaining street musicians creating a holiday atmosphere.
Cultural attractions include a 500 year old Franciscan monastery, the church of St. Marko, the Gojak gallery in the old school building and the renovated church of St. Petar with stunning views of the waterfront.
Whether it’s the pretty stone villages, spectacular scenery or centuries of history and culture you’re seeking – ClickandGo provides great-value packages to Makarska, Istria, Zadar and Dubrovnik with direct flights from Dublin. Each region of Croatia has its own unique characteristics – with so many wonderful places to explore – the only solution is to keep coming back!
Beautiful region