Croatia Things To Do

This historical gem along the Adriatic coast of Croatia, is such a treasure that the whole city is a UNESCO Heritage Site. The name has evolved from the original given by the Greeks, Tragurion, or Goat Island. Now nicknamed 'The Stone Beauty', it is an island city teaming with palaces, fortresses and churches dating back to the Hellenistic period. It has a rich tapestry of history, having been settled by the Greeks and Croats, attacked and occupied by Venetians and Austrians. The architecture of the city is special for this reason as each era of occupation or settlement has left its mark.

The medieval centre of Trogir is home to a castle and tower and many other buildings from the Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque periods. Built at the east end of the island, looking out over the sea, the most famous monument in Trogir is the Cathedral of St Lawrence. Home to Radovan's Portal, one of the most valuable monuments of Dalmatian stonemasonry by the great Croatian artist, the Cathedral was rebuilt in 1213 after the sack by the Saracens.
Staying on the eastern side of the island, the St Barbara Church is the oldest and one of the best preserved chapels on the island. Hidden under an arch at the end of the main street, this [me example of pre-Romanesque art dates back to the 9th century. The Benedictine Monastery of St Nicholas houses the Greek relief of Kairos (the God of a happy moment) which dates back to the 3rd century BC.

By far the best way to experience the city is to wander and get lost in the rabbit warren of streets as you go. The many coffee shops that line the city streets are perfect for relaxing and people watching. There are often difference types of music and folklore events happening each night, so look out for posters advertising events. The island has something for everyone, with rich architecture and meandering streets at its heart, and palm lined beaches stretching out to the crystal blue waters of the Adriatic Sea. The most popular beach is Okrug Beach, a bustling place with restaurants and bars that keep going late into the night.

Quieter beaches can be found on the neighbouring island of Ciovo which is a 12km (7.5mi) drive off the island over a small stone bridge. For water sports, including cliving and fishing, head to Medena Beach.

Zadar Zadar, 115km (70mi) northwest of Split, is a microcosm of history and events that have shaped Croatia and the Dalmatian coast. Inhabited since Neolithic times, Zadar has seen hundreds of years of change, becoming a Roman colony and later the administrative centre of Dalmatia during the Byzantine era and fought over by Venice, Austria, Hungary, France, Italy, Germany then under siege during the most recent war of 1991-1995. The 9th century saw years of attacks from the Venetians, and while violence took place outside the city wails, within them, the culture and art which characterizes the city today was developing.