7 things you must do in... Croatia
It’s the hottest destination in the Med this summer – beat the crowds by heading to the Dalmatian coast...
Why go?
Unlike Croatia’s other coastal resorts, including Dubrovnik, Spilt and Zadar, Sibenik has somehow managed to stay under the tourist radar. And while it may be less packed than its more famous neighbours, Sibenik’s pretty harbour and Venetian old town offer bags of charming appeal, with cobbled streets lined with cafes, boutiques and bistros. Good-value hotels are springing up and Sibenik is perfectly placed for getting to attractions.
1 Shop for local treats
Full of Renaissance architecture, the island of Trogir is for some ‘more beautiful than Venice’ – and less busy. The 13th-century Cathedral of St Lovro is one of many gems in this storybook township, connected to land by a bridge. There’s plenty of bustle in the markets, where olive oil, lace and embroidery work, Bajadera sweet treats and tavarica rakija, a spicy grape brandy, are sold. Waterfront eaterie La Dolce Vita feels special and glistening lights on the sea make for a fairy-tale feel.
2 Go to infinity at D-spa
Croatians have been soaking away life’s stresses with spa days for centuries, thanks to bountiful thermal springs. Let blissful bubbles work their magic here by the Adriatic at D-spa, where a hot stone massage can be followed by a luxurious White Marble treatment – it’s said to fade away worries and age spots. End your day splish-splashing in the spa’s ultra-modern infinity pool, which towers atop the coast’s rocky peninsula. Massages from £41; dresortsibenik.com/en/spa.aspx.
3 Sleep in Sibenik
With 63 rooms, six suites and three hideaway villas, the ship-like D-resort Sibenik provides modern accommodation. Wind down from your day with a sundowner on your balcony knowing you’re just a cork’s pop away from D-marin Mandalina marina, where millionaires’ yachts bob on azure waters, silhouetted against the reddening sky. You can rent a motorboat, play badminton, dine in the art-inspired restaurant or even try out the hotel’s rooftop running track.
4 Set cruise control on the coast
Cruising around Croatia’s Dalmatian islands has become a must-do for many holidaymakers, and Sibenik is the perfect place to cast off for your trip to sea. Visit exclusive Hvar, an island for the rich and famous, while on Bisevo, the once-secret Blue Cave will have you thinking of hidden treasure. Daytrips are possible too. A lazy day’s sail can include Prvic and Zlarin, and while you relax, keep your eyes peeled as you may just spot a pod of frolicking dolphins. Boat hire from £185 for up to six people; sibenikplus.com.
5 Go cycling at Vransko Jezero
Feeling energetic? Go inland to find Croatia’s biggest lake, the vast Vransko Jerzero, situated in its own nature park. Earn an afternoon of freshwater swimming by spending the morning kayaking or feeling exhilarated on one of three purpose-built bike trails; don’t forget to stop off at Kamenjak for home-made snacks and spectacular views all the way to Italy. Molto Bello! (Park entry from 20kn; pp-vrankso-jezero.hr).
6 Act out your Game Of Thrones fantasies
If it’s magic you’re after then Sibenik is perfect. Chiselled into the Croatian coastline is the oldest settlement in the region. Fortresses stand guard over cobbled streets and cafe culture, and the medieval cathedral still rings its church bells. And if you’re a Game Of Thrones fan, why not book a tour of locations to see where the drama took place?
7 Visit Krka National Park
Get back to nature at the Krka National Park, a wonderful pocket of lush greenery huddled around a waterway full of jumping brown trout and glorious oysters and shellfish. Along its course, you’ll find the Visovac monastery, safe on a tiny islet, and 17 waterfalls, including the Skradinski buk, a massive clear pool filled by a waterfall’s torrent, and the cascading falls at Roski Slap. Swim at safe spots, or a boat trip shows them off from the water (prices from £5.80pp; np-krka.hr).