جديد ١

Search out the grittier pockets of town where ugly-bland concrete walls have been
transformed into colourful murals by local street artists. This city rewards those
on foot.

If your Mediterranean fantasies feature balmy days by sapphire waters in the
shade of ancient walled towns, Croatia is the place to turn into reality.

Afterwards, do as the locals do and head to a cafe. The cafe-culture here is just one
facet of this city’s vibrant street life, egged on by a year-round swag of events
that bring music, pop-up markets and food stalls to the plazas and parks. Even when
there’s nothing on, the centre thrums with youthful energy so it’s no surprise that
Croatia’s capital is now bringing in the city-break crowd. Zagreb is the little city
that could.

Beauty on the Inside

Shift your gaze for just a moment from the glittering waters and chances are an
almighty mountain will loom into view. The Dinaric Alps, which stretch all the way
from Italy to Albania, hug much of the coast. The limestone karst has bequeathed a
wonderland of craggy peaks, caverns, river canyons, waterfalls and ridiculously
picturesque lakes. Head further inland and things flatten out again into rolling
farmland. Active types will find plenty of chances to get among it on the numerous
hiking and biking trails, while the more adventurous can have a go at rock climbing,
rafting and zip-lining.

Cultural Feast

If you’re lucky enough to cross the tourist/guest barrier and be invited into a
local’s home, you’ll soon become acquainted with the refrain ‘Jedi! Jedi! Jedi!’
(Eat! Eat! Eat!). Sharing food and drink plays a big part in the culture here, which
speaks both to the nature of Croatian hospitality and to the quality of local
produce. Simple home-style cooking is a feature of family-run taverns, but
increasingly a new breed of chefs are bringing a more adventurous approach to the
table. Meanwhile, Croatian wines and olive oils are making their mark on the world
stage, garnering top awards.