Visit the old cities of Split and Trogir
The Dalmatian Coast gets all the love for its beaches, but its historic towns and cities are quite the crowd-pleasers. Fans of HBO show Game of Thrones may already be familiar with Split – Croatia’s characterful second city adored for its palm-dotted Riva waterfront, beautiful peninsula, and show-stealing Diocletian’s Palace which comes with a maze of underground cellars, ancient columns, and 1,700 years of history. You can also visit nearby Trogir – the UNESCO-listed town that rewards with cobbled streets, an iconic cathedral, and interesting Roman, Hungarian, French, Venetian, and Austrian design influences set within its medieval walls.
Discover the idyllic Istrian Peninsula
Managing to stay off-radar and relatively crowd-free, the heart-shaped Istrian Peninsula in Croatia’s northeast delights with vineyard-draped hills, pastel-coloured seaside villages, and a lush green landscape that stretches for miles. Standout cities include Poreč for its collection of Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance palaces (don’t miss the UNESCO-listed Euphrasian Basilica) and Pula for one of the world’s best-preserved amphitheatres. Another superstar is Rovinj – the seafront port famed for its cobbled streets, elegant piazzas, lovely harbour, and Italian vibe.
