With its rugged mountains, crystal-clear waters, picturesque villages and heavenly islands, Croatia's Northern Dalmatia has something for every holidaymaker looking for a holiday under the sun in an idyllic setting.
Divided into two regions, the Zadar and Sibenik regions, Northern Dalmatia is full of absolutely fascinating natural and historical treasures. We advise you to begin your stay by discovering Zadar : capital of Dalmatia until 1918, it is only 2 hours from Zagreb. Populated for more than 3 millennia, this city with cobbled streets of stones is really worth the detour. Totally pedestrian, this old city is dotted with a myriad of historical sites to visit : during your walks in this city with Mediterranean perfumes, you will cross the road of its walls, the Saint-Roque Gate, the Captain's Tower and the Saint-Donat de Zadar church. Recognizable by its rather particular shape, the latter, of pre-Romanesque style, was erected in the 9th century. Once a place of worship for Catholics, today it serves as a concert hall for sacred music and medieval music. Like many Dalmatian towns, Zadar was for a long time a Roman town : opposite the church, you can see the foundations of what was once a forum, a vestige of the town's history. The place of the people as well as the church Sainte-Marie and its rococo decoration are also not to be missed. Continue your walk and walk up to the parterre "Salut au soleil" : facing the sea, this place of singular beauty is a well-known fact in the region. Composed of 300 luminous glass tiles in the shape of a circle that light up at nightfall, this multicoloured square of almost unreal beauty is a modern and poetic parenthesis that we advise you to observe at sunset. Not far from there is one of Zadar's pride : its hydraulic organ on the seaside. In fact, it is a rather simple mechanism that stages the coming and going of waves and the wind in the pipes of the organ, producing sounds. His show is really worth seeing, especially in the morning or evening, when the city is quiet and it lets hear the sweet melody of the organ.
Another town in northern Dalmatia worth a visit : Primosten. A true paradise on earth, this small island with its stone houses has many absolutely sumptuous beaches, such as Daduca beach, which is certainly one of the most beautiful pebble beaches in the country. In addition to enjoying its absolutely magnificent decor, you can practice a wide range of activities. Beach volley, banana boat, towed buoys, pedal boat, sailing, paddle, inflatable structures for children and trampolines on the beach : what more could you ask for ? Also famous for its nightlife, Primosten is home to Croatia's most famous nightclub. Composed of 2 dance floors, 5 bars, a swimming pool and several restaurants, the Aurora discotheque welcomes every year many clubbers. Facing the sea, the city of Sibenik and its wonderful beaches are also worth a visit if you stay in Northern Dalmatia : the Cathedral of Saint James and its 72-faced frieze, the narrow streets and the fortress of Saint Michael (from where you will have an unprecedented panorama of the city) are among the "must see" of Sibenik. We advise you to go to the island of Dugi Otik : in addition to its imposing lighthouse and its natural park of Telascica, the island has sumptuous white sand beaches and unforgettable turquoise coves.
Finally, you will not be able to visit Northern Dalmatia without passing by its parks of immeasurable beauty. Krka National Park (pronounced "Keurka") is a true wonder of Mother Nature. Its waterfalls, limestone rocks and lush nature make it a beloved place for holidaymakers. The Kornati National Park located in the archipelago of the same name, between Zadar and Sibenik, is one of the most breathtaking places on the coast. Transparent sea as far as the eye can see, butterflies, fish, dolphins and turtles populate this park very appreciated by families. You can go boating, scuba diving and swimming in the azure waters of this little corner of paradise. Paklenica National Park is greener and loved by climbers. A popular climbing destination, its canyon, rivers, caves, flora and fauna are not to be missed during your stay in Croatia.
