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First came must-visit Mallorca in the boozy Balearics, then the beloved blue and white Cyclades and now – Croatia has firmly asserted itself as the cool kid of European summer holidays.
From the Adriatic-adjacent Dalmatia coast to the charming region of Istria, the left wing of Eastern Europe is littered with walled Unesco cities, countless coves and flowing waterfalls.
Of course, in the summer this means Split sweats with tourists, Dubrovnik threatens to burst through its stone ramparts and Hvar Island inevitably trends on TikTok wishlists.
Thankfully, hidden between the big hitters, traditional towns, quiet islands and laid-back cities are on hand to offer less sought-out slices of the diverse Balkan country.
To open your eyes beyond the city-break classics, here are some of the sun-drenched destinations that are more ‘under the radar’ in Croatia’s competitive tourism arena.
Read more on Croatia travel:
Primosten, Šibenik-Knin
Best for: Cafe culture
Just an hour from tourist magnet Split, Primosten spills down hills and over a narrow causeway on the Dalmatian coast. St George’s Church 1485 bell tower stands tall above a paved promenade bursting with quayside cafes, ice cream offerings and the horseshoe-pebbled bay of Raduca Beach. After sunset, live music lights a fire under dancing locals in the main square and Aurora nightclub, the beach bars chatter and souvenir stands stay open late as Primosten parties.
Where to stay
In the heart of Primosten old town, Pansion Kamenar’s airy rooms overlook the lively main square. Aside from the comfortable beds and attached restaurant serving traditional Dalmatian cuisine, stone terraces have the best seats in the house for the town’s summer concerts.
Brijuni islands, a designated national park since 1983, are a dream to discover swimming spots, Roman remnants and subtropical gardens – there’s even a golf course and safari park on Veliki Brijun of animals personally gifted to the Yugoslav communist. Board a guided boat tour to see the best of the isles natural beauty from the water.
Where to stay
To stay the night on the Veliki Brijun Island, the Hotel Istra has stylish rooms and a terraced Mediterranean restaurant, a stone’s throw from the island’s tourist train and safari park.
Sibenik for all the ingredients of a Croatian city break without the crowds. Set on a Dalmatian hillside it’s easy to get lost in the elaborate facades, medieval lanes and Unesco-listed St James’ Cathedral in Sibenik’s fortified pedestrian old town. There are also four defensive stone forts, a waterfront of traditional restaurants and an archipelago of 249 boat trip-worthy islands to explore between scoops of refreshing almond, fig and mascarpone Roman gelato.
Where to stay
On the waterfront, Armerun Heritage Hotel & Residences is a stone palace of sun terraces, sparkling sea views and spa baths, with the commended on-site Buta restaurant to try for classic Croatian cuisine.
Off-season Croatia: why you should head to the holiday hotspot before summer hits
Source: independent.co.uk
