Lonely Planet Western Balkans

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• Publisher: Lonely Planet
• Year: 2019
• eBook ISBN:
  9781788687133
• Print ISBN:
  9781788682770

Croatia

Zagreb

Istria

Pula

Brijuni Islands

Rovinj

Poreč

Motovun

Hum

Labin & Rabac

Kvarner

Rijeka

Krk Island

Lika

Plitvice Lakes National Park

Paklenica National Park

Dalmatia

Zadar

Krka National Park

Šibenik

Trogir

Split

Makarska Riviera

Brač Island

Hvar Island

Korčula Island

Elafiti Islands

Dubrovnik

Cavtat

Understand Croatia

Survival Guide

Scenic Showstoppers

Religious Architecture

Croatia

POP 4.3 MILLION

Why Go?

If your Mediterranean fantasies feature balmy days by sapphire waters in the shade of ancient walled towns, Croatia is the place to turn them into reality.

The extraordinary Adriatic coastline, speckled with 1244 islands and strewn with historic towns, is Croatia’s main attraction. The standout is Dubrovnik, its remarkable old oown ringed by mighty defensive walls. Split showcases Diocletian’s Palace, one of the world’s most impressive Roman monuments, where bars, restaurants and shops thrive amid the ancient walls. In the heart-shaped peninsula of Istria, Rovinj is a charm-packed fishing port with narrow cobbled streets.

Away from the coast, Zagreb, Croatia’s lovely capital, has a booming cafe culture and art scene, while Plitvice Lakes National Park offers a verdant maze of turquoise lakes and cascading waterfalls.

When to Go

• May, Jun, Sep & Oct The best time to visit: good weather, fewer people, lower prices.
• Jul & Aug Lots of sunshine, warm sea and summer festivals; many tourists and highest prices.
• Dec & Jan Christmas vibes in Zagreb and skiing on Mt Medvednica.

Best Places to Eat

A Pelegrini

A Restaurant 360°

A Meneghetti

A Konoba Marjan

Best Places to Stay

A Art Hotel Kalelarga

A Meneghetti

A Design Hotel Navis

Entering the Country

Getting to Croatia is becoming easier year-on-year, with both budget and full-service airlines flying to various airports in summer. On top of this, buses, trains and ferries also shepherd holidaymakers into the country. Flights, cars and tours can be booked online at lonelyplanet.com/bookings.

ITINERARIES

Three Days

Base yourself in Dubrovnik and explore the compact old town; start early and take a walk along the city walls before it gets too hot. Catch the cable car up Srđ and explore the surrounding beaches. Once you’ve seen the sights and had a swim, consider boat trips to Cavtat, Lokrum or the Elafiti...

Table of contents

• Table of Contents
• Welcome to the Western Balkans
• Western Balkans’ Top 15
• Need to Know
• What’s New
• If You Like…
• Month by Month
• Itineraries
• Activities
• Eat & Drink Like a Local
• Countries at a Glance
• Albania
• Bosnia & Hercegovina
• Croatia
• Scenic Showstoppers
• Religious Architecture
• Kosovo
• Montenegro
• North Macedonia
• Serbia
• Slovenia
• Understand the Western Balkans
• The Western Balkans Today
• History
• People & Religion
• Arts & Architecture
• Environment
• Directory A–Z
• Transport
• Language
• Behind the Scenes
• Our Writers