Tour through the 3 most beautiful cities of Croatia

Wonderful cities, hidden gems and design hostels for a lowcost trip to Croatia

Croatia is simply enchanting: it is not only rich in history, culture and nature but it also boasts of delicious food and, most of all, it is a lowcost destination.

Here's our suggested tour which includes three of the most fascinating Croatian cities, each of them with its own history and peculiarities. These cities are Zagreb, Zadar and Split.

As soon as you get to Croatia, we advise you to use public transport to move around these destinations, and keep in mind that buses are even more convenient than trains.

ZAGREB

We often associate Croatia to its stunning coastline, however shall we not forget that the Croatian inland has a lot to offer as well. In particular the capital of Croatia, Zagreb, which is also the most populated city of the country with its 800.000 inhabitants, is extremely lively with a great cultural heritage and a wild nightlife.

The old town is rather small but it's definitely worth a visit, especially for its Cathedral and Archibishopric. Go up the Lotrščak Tower to see a cannon ball being shot to strike midday. The tower is a city landmark and a symbol of Zagreb.

South of the city is Jarun Lake, ideal summer location for locals and tourists who enjoy swimming or windsurfing in its clear and cool waters. You can easily get there from the city center by tram number 5 or 17. In the hottest days you can also head to Maksimir Park, which dates back to the 18th century and is simply perfect for a stroll among lakes, trees and English gardens.

WHERE TO SLEEP IN ZAGREB

Chillout Hostel Zagreb: only one minute from the main square of zagreb, this hostel born with multiple services. The price per person, per night? €14,52!

Main Square Hostel: Completely new and design hostel, with the price that, is still competitive: €19.21 per person, per night.

What to eat: the Zagreb's cuisine has hungarian influences and you can taste great dishes based with sausage and cabbage. Through the many resturants, check out this one: Mitnica (is located in Crnomerec 37).

ZADAR

Let's now move to Northern Dalmatia to reach Zadar, where the sea has a leading role. The city is rather vast however its jewel is the small peninsula that makes up the old town: Roman ruins, ancient walls, Medieval churches (such as gorgeous St. Donatus Church) museums (in particular the Museum of Ancient Glass) and a lively and amusing cultural overview.

Zadar is appealing not only for its old charm, though: architect Nikola Basic designed a stone staircase called Sea Organ. This work of architecture goes all the way down to the sea and with its pipes interacting with the sea waves, it produces sounds that change their intensity according to the wave motion. Quite close from the Sea Organ is another peculiar work: The Greeting to to the Sun. In the form of a circle with a 22-meter diameter, it consists of 300 photovoltaic solar modules set on the quay paving. The energy they absorb during the day is later used at night to produce an exceptionally impressive game of lights that recalls the solar system.

WHERE TO SLEEP IN ZADAR

Hostel 4 You: very recent hostel, opened on 2016 and with different facilities, as the reception opened 24/7 and a game room, with tons of videogames to play with other travellers. Price per night: €12.30.

Windward Hostel Zadar: this is a thematic hostel linked to the nautic world of sailing, since the owner loves the boats. The hostel is very small, but for this reason it garantees more privacy. Prices start from €15.30 per person, per night.

Where to eat: in Zadar food is great and fish delicious. Our restaurant pick is Foša (in Kealja Dmitra Zvonimira 2): it's on a harbour with sea view and at lunch it serves seafood dishes that are as tasty as affordable. Its elegant atmosphere and its food combine the Dalmatian traditions together with modernity.

SPLIT

At the end of our Croatian tour is what is defined by many the most beautiful city of the country, Split. The contrast between the turquoise sea and the mountains on the background makes it as charming as you could imagine. Then add to this image of Split a little bit of history, as this city was chosen by Roman emperor Diocletian when he retired, and you'll get the whole overview. Roman ruins are still intact, especially the Diocletian's Palace, Split's landmark: despite its name, it is not a palace but a fortified town crossed by alleys, squares, paths and picturesque corners. Visit also the Cathedral of Saint Domnius, with its octagonal layout, and the Temple of Jupiter where you can also see a headless Egyptian sphinx. The city museums are also interesting, in particular the Archaeological Museum, the Ethnographic Museum and the Gallery of Fine Arts.

However, Split is also sea and mountains, so why not swimming in Bacvice pebble beach, or hiking on Mount Marjan with its lookouts and ancient chapels? Anyways, Split will enchant you!

WHERE TO SLEEP IN SPLIT

Design Hostel Goli + Bosi: a design hostel located in the heart of Split, caracterized od modern interior and very elegant facilities that will let you feel as a pasha! Rates start from €26,69 per night.

Split Hostel Fiesta Siesta: it's one of the latest hostels, born in Split. It is located close to Diocletian's Palace, also near to restaurants and museums. Prices per night: €12.14 per person.

Adria Hostel: if you're looking for an hostel located a few steps from the sea, this is the right one! The hostel is located 10 km from the city center, but is has an breathtaking view, over the sea. The price is really competitive: €11.90 per night, per person.

Where to eat: because of its peculiar geography, Split's cuisine mixes surf and turf. We're not big fans of five-star restaurants of course, we prefer eating at Pimpinella (in Spinčićeva 2A). We're sure you will fall in love with this small no-frills tavern, called in Croatian "konoba" thanks to its genuine dishes and rich portions. Calamari stuffed with shrimps is simply a mouth-watering meal!