City of Motovun in Istria, Croatia
Croatia is still a relatively untouched place, so there’s no better time to get an InterRail Croatia Pass and see it for yourself. Savour Croatia’s unique highlights and be taken aback by one of Europe’s most picture-perfect countries.
Zagreb: Croatia’s cosmopolitan capital
With a mix of Eastern and Western Europe, Croatia’s capital is a lively metropolis with a vibrant cafe culture. Hit Gornji Grad (the upper town) with its cobbled streets and medieval architecture and find the city’s top attractions, as well as a pool of bars and restaurants teeming with young and old alike. The main cemetery, Mirogoj, is one of Zagreb’s most fascinating sights and perhaps one of the most beautiful resting places in the world. More things to do in Zagreb
From Zagreb’s main train station it is a 10-minute walk to the main square, Trg bana Josipa Jelačića. To reach the cemetery take bus 106 from the central square.
Ancient relics and splendid palaces
Spend a few days on the Istria peninsula, and make a visit to Pula, at its tip. Wander around this vibrant riviera town, taking in the sixth largest surviving Roman amphitheatre that graces its centre. The ancient Diocletian’s Palace in Split is also a must-see. Step inside the palace walls and come across Roman relics buried among cobblestone alleyways. As the sun sets the palace area becomes a really romantic spot.
The amphitheatre is a 10-minute walk from Pula’s train station. Diocletian’s Palace is a 10-minute walk from Split’s main train station.
Enviable island hideaways
Hvar island will instantly have you hooked thanks to its Venetian charm and rolling hills. A short ferry ride off the coast from Split brings you to one of Croatia’s most adored islands, cloaked in lavendar fields, olive trees and vineyards. Discover Romanesque and Renaissance architecture and along the way stop off at a terrace to enjoy a glass of locally-produced wine from Vrboska or Jelsa.
From the centre of Split it is a 5-minute walk to the ferry terminal, where you can purchase a ticket to Hvar island.
Play in the crystal clear Adriatic
The Dalmation coast is a water sport wonderland, with plenty of opportunities to windsurf, kitesurf, wakeboard or take a motorboat for a spin around the Adriatic. There are also a number of cycle and hiking trails around both Braĉ and Vis. Croatia’s Adriatic is a popular location among scuba-diving enthusiasts and has great wrecks, coral reefs and caves to explore. Just off Premuda island, at the top of the Dalmation archipelago is the famous wreck dive, Szent Istvan – an Austro-Hungarian battleship of 153m long that was sunk in 1918.
Many of Croatia’s islands can be reached by boat from Dubrovnik – there is no train station in this city, so you must take the train to Split and then a take a bus from there.
Party like there’s no tomorrow
Some of Croatia’s best nightlife can be found in the northern peninsular of Zadar. The most buzzing area is in the historical centre, which is littered with outdoor cafes and lively bars. The Garden is a hip lounge bar atop of the city walls offering an eclectic mix of jazz, electronic and Latin beats. In Zagreb hit Purgeraj – a popular venue with a mix of rock, jazz and blues tunes. During the summer months the fun spills out onto a large outdoor terrace
The Garden is a 15-minute walk from Zadar’s main train station. Purgeraj is a 20-minute walk from Zagreb’s Glavni Kolodvor train station.
Resources about Croatia:
- Tourist information: www.croatia.hr
- Wikitravel: Croatia
- In Your Pocket: Croatia City Guides
