There are two types of holidaymakers: Those who come to relax, who don’t go anywhere but prefer to lie in the sun and swim, and those who want to see as much as possible on their holiday. Today we’re talking about the second type of traveller, for whom we have some great destinations in the Croatian region of Dalmatia up our sleeves this summer!
What should you experience on the island of Krk?
The island of Krk, or the Golden Island (as it was called in ancient times), is still considered one of the most attractive holiday destinations. Falkensteiner’s slogan, Welcome Home, can be experienced in its full meaning at the charming 4-star family hotel Park Punat, surrounded by evergreen parks right by the sea in the idyllic town of Punat. But during your summer holiday, in addition to the activities on the hotel grounds, you can go on interesting excursions, e.g. from Punat to Krk City, a more than 2000-year-old town that is a cultural, tourist and educational centre of the island of Krk, or to Baška Beach, a large sandy beach with crystal-clear water and a beautiful mountain panorama.
Then there is Vrbnik, a well-known Croatian town situated on a cliff 50 metres above sea level, and the Biserujka Cave, 300 metres northwest of the village of Rudine, which is well worth a visit. The cave caters to tourists as it offers a wealth of natural artefacts – limestone sinter, stalagmites and stalactites.
Where history plays a central role
The island of Krk is also known as the cradle of Croatian culture, as its cultural heritage takes visitors on a journey through thousands of years of rich history. The Church of St Lucius is located in Jurandvor, north of Baška. This building is more than just a local church; it is the site of an important cultural discovery in Croatia – the Bašćanska ploča from the 11th century. The Bašćanska ploča is the oldest Croatian monument written in Glagolitic script, which contains the earliest mention of “Croatia” and “Croatian” in the Croatian language.
The cathedral and the Church of St Quirina are typical sights of Krk. The cathedral is a Romanesque-style basilica, and the church was a place of worship for the early Christian faithful. The cathedral borders Kamplin Square on one side and Frankopan Castle on the other. The castle was built by the Croatian noble Frankopan family, and its tower served as a courtroom. Important Glagolitic missals, books and breviaries have been kept in the Vitezić family library in Vrbnik since 1898. One of the most valuable books is Kohler’s atlas, the second copy of which is in Cambridge.
A true paradise lies around the enchanting city of Zadar!
The pearl of the central Adriatic, Zadar is known for its beautiful architecture, the famous Kalelarga, the Church of St Donatus, the Five Fountains Square, the Sea Organ and the Greeting to the Sun. If you are staying near the city centre, we recommend the Falkensteiner Club Funimation Borik, an absolute paradise for children. If, on the other hand, you are looking for a place for adults only, we suggest the Falkensteiner Hotel Adriana. A unique holiday experience awaits you at the Falkensteiner campsite, Premium Camping Zadar. Nearby is the Falkensteiner Resort Punta Skala, the ideal destination for those who want to enjoy the excitement of coastal life at the highest level. From Zadar and Punta Skala, you can embark on a number of fun day trips to enrich your holiday and fill it with a variety of activities, as the Zadar region is one of the most charming in the world – from the rustic hinterland to the dreamlike nature and islands that preserve the Dalmatian tradition.
A multitude of national parks
If you are staying in Zadar, Krka National Park should be on your bucket list. Fortunately, it is only a few minutes’ drive away and can be explored in a day. If you haven’t rented a car, you can also reach the park by bus at almost any time of day.
Plitvice Lakes National Park is an hour and a half away from Zadar by car or bus. This park is known for its beautiful lakes and waterfalls and is one of the most famous places in Croatia. A typical route takes 6-8 hours; you can even take a boat trip, the fee for which is included in the entrance fee!
Paklenica National Park is also a good choice. It is about 45 minutes by car from Zadar and is located on Velebit, the largest mountain range in Croatia – an ideal place for adventure seekers. The park offers hiking trails for experienced climbers and accessible paths for relaxed walks.
The Zadar archipelago
You should definitely explore the beautiful Zadar archipelago! Dugi Otok is one of the most beautiful islands in Croatia. Along its 45 kilometres of coastline, you are guaranteed to find a private spot to enjoy. The island’s hinterland is rich in vineyards and orchards, but the unmissable jewel is Saharun beach, known for its shallow, white waters. Telašćica Nature Park is located in the south of the island. This park has an impressive bay, 18 islands and islets with many excellent beaches and bays.
About 30 minutes from Zadar is the island of Pag, which is perfect for a day trip. The first thing that strikes you when you arrive on the island is the landscape, which looks like the moon and has many white rocks. The island of Pag is home to the famous Pag cheese and Pag lamb, both of which are unrivalled gastronomic delicacies. Ugljan and Pašman are two islands located opposite the old town centre of Zadar. The island of Ugljan is the closest to Zadar and can be reached by a short ferry ride of about 25 minutes in one direction. The island of Ugljan is connected to the island of Pašman.
As true Croatia lovers, we could come up with many more tips, but this collection is enough for a relaxing summer holiday with an adventure or two. After all, we want you to fall head over heels in love with Dalmatia so that you’ll definitely want to come back. Then we’ll be ready with the next recommendations, we promise! Happy roadtrippin’!
