📍 Zagreb, Split & Zadar
Croatia · Dalmatia & Central Croatia
An exploration of Croatia, from the Austro-Hungarian capital Zagreb to the ancient Roman ruins of Split and Zadar on the Adriatic coast.
🗓️ Best time to go
May to June or September to October when the weather is warm enough for swimming, but without the intense mid-summer crowds and high prices.
🚆 Getting around
FlixBus is highly reliable and cheap for traveling between Zagreb, Zadar, and Split. Within the coastal cities, walking is the primary way to explore. Ferries connect Split to nearby islands.
About
This route connects the historic cobblestone streets and cultural museums of Zagreb with the sunny, ancient coastal Roman ruins of Zadar and the bustling port city of Split.
Interesting places to visit
Diocletian's Palace, Split
A massive, living Roman palace built for Emperor Diocletian in the 4th century, forming the heart of Split's old town.
Sea Organ & Sun Salutation, Zadar
An architectural sound art installation where waves create haunting organ music, next to a solar-powered light display.
Zagreb Upper Town & St. Mark's Church
The historic medieval core of the capital, famous for its colorful tiled roof and the Museum of Broken Relationships.
Zadar Roman Forum & St. Donatus Church
The largest Roman forum on the Adriatic, dating back to the 1st century BC.
What to eat
Black Risotto (Crni Rižot)
A coastal specialty flavored with cuttlefish ink, fresh squid, and garlic.
Peka
Slow-cooked meat (usually veal or octopus) and potatoes baked under a dome-like metal lid covered with embers.
Zagorski Štrukli
A traditional baked pastry from the Zagreb region filled with cottage cheese, sour cream, and eggs.
Practical tips
Wear sturdy shoes
The stone streets in Split's palace and Zadar's old town have been polished smooth by feet over centuries and can be very slippery.
Use official ferries
Use Jadrolinija for inter-island ferries from Split; book tickets online in advance during peak season.
💶 Rough budget
€75–€140 / day
Croatia uses the Euro. The coast (Split and Zadar) is significantly more expensive than the capital Zagreb.