Tour of Northern Dalmatia - Boutique Hostel Forum
Planning to visit the Croatian coast and spend about a week or so? Want to see as much as there is and still enjoy the holiday to the fullest? Visiting the entire Dalmatian region would mean in that case biting off more than you can chew, relaxation would be taken out of the holiday equation, the tour would turn into a race and all the charm would be gone. One solution, naturally, is to focus on upper Dalmatia, and leave the lovely Dubrovnik, islands of Hvar and Korčula as well as Mljet National Park for the year to come. After all, northern part of Dalmatia is equally full of amazing places that regularly top the must-see lists. Here’s a suggestion about how to proceed.
First things first … in Zadar
Croatia and Zadar, here I come! Upon arrival, regardless if by plane, car or otherwise, you’ll just want to drop your bags at the hostel, breathe a sigh of relief and relax. After all, you’ve reached your destination and the holiday can start. Refresh yourself, grab a bite and take a stroll along Kalelarga, the famous historical street of Zadar. Then head to the promenade and walk by the sea to see why the sunset in Zadar is the most beautiful in the world. While you are at it, you’ll get to witness a very unique sound produced by the Sea Organ and the display of light produced by the Greetings to the Sun. Rest.
Rise and shine. It’s time to explore Zadar and its vicinity. Walk, ride a bike, go sightseeing, visit the market and/or sip coffee in one of the bars with an open terrace just to see the everyday buzz of the city, or simply go to the beach. Inquire about excursions to the Kornati Islands National Park and Telašćica Nature Park - after all, Croatia is famous for its coast and islands, and the best way to appreciate the beautiful nature is to go sailing. The other option to enjoy the sight of the pearls of the Adriatic coast is to take a panoramic flight.
Step two … Šibenik
Time to pack bags, wipe a tear and leave Zadar behind. Šibenik, here I come! And it’s a pretty short ride, so a day of wandering the streets of the lovely city comes naturally, with the first stop being the Cathedral of St James, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The 15th century cathedral is the most important representative of Renaissance architecture in Croatia. Don’t miss the fortresses to get a somewhat different perspective of the city, in particular St Michael’s fortress. If you happen to be lucky enough and a concert is held there in the few days you spend in Šibenik, do attend it and you won’t regret it.
Spend a day on one of the loveliest beaches in Croatia and make use of its numerous amenities and then take a day to enjoy the beautiful nature in Krka National Park, which is just as breathtaking as the more famous Plitvice Lakes. It’s very close to Šibenik and an absolute must-see. The waterfalls and cascades, the rich biodiversity and cultural-historical heritage deserve your full attention for a day. It’s all about the inspirational force of nature and the wonders it does.
Round it up with … Split
Your final stop - Split. Following a brief journey from Šibenik, go and explore the largest city on the Adriatic coast. Roam its ancient streets in the historical core, see the Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and other reminders of the city’s history. Witness a true passion for sports and go to a football match at Poljud stadium if possible, touch the big toe of the Statue of Gregory of Nin for good luck (something you can also do in Nin, a town near Zadar), go to Bačvice beach and see the locals play a ball game called picigin.
While in Split, don’t miss the opportunity to visit Trogir, practically an adjacent town. As one of the best examples of preserved medieval towns, Trogir is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Climb the walls of the 14th century Kamerlengo Fortress and enjoy the view of history by the sea. Take a deep breath and swear you’ll come back.
All good things…
… must come to an end. Unfortunately. Whichever route you decide to take, whatever the amount of days you spend in any of the above places, you’ll be sorry to have to leave. Just remember, there’s always next year.
