<div><img src="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2026/06/03/multimedia/00trav-croatia-bthl/00trav-croatia-bthl-facebookJumbo.jpg" class="ff-og-image-inserted"></div><p id="article-summary" class="css-1r45aqf e1wiw3jv0">A travel feature outlining Croatia’s Adriatic coast, highlighting regional hubs from Istria to Dubrovnik, and offering guidance on sights, food, accommodation and surrounding areas for first-time visitors.</p><section name="articleBody" class="meteredContent css-6wov7h" data-paywall-inert><div class="css-s99gbd StoryBodyCompanionColumn" data-testid="companionColumn-0"><div class="css-53u6y8"><p class="css-ac37hb evys1bk0">The Adriatic coast of Croatia presents a mix of ancient Roman and Venetian legacies, green markets, and abundant islands. The guide divides the region into hubs to help visitors plan hiking, biking, sailing, and culinary experiences at a measured pace.</p><p class="css-ac37hb evys1bk0">Advice is to travel slowly and spread activities over multiple trips, given the richness of landscapes, towns, and gastronomic offerings.</p><p class="css-ac37hb evys1bk0">(Note: Hotel rates for double rooms vary based on the season and availability.)</p><h2 class="css-azseud eoo0vm40" id="link-21e9e7b5">Pula and the Istrian Peninsula</h2></div></div><div data-testid="ImageBlock-1"><div data-testid="imageblock-wrapper"><figure class="img-sz-large css-hxpw2c e1g7ppur0" aria-label="media" role="group"><div class="css-1xdhyk6 erfvjey0" data-testid="photoviewer-children-figure"><div class="css-nwd8t8" data-testid="lazy-image"><div data-testid="lazyimage-container" style="height:257.77777777777777px"></div></div></div><figcaption data-testid="photoviewer-children-caption" class="css-1g9ic6e ewdxa0s0"><span class="css-jevhma e13ogyst0">The first-century Roman Arena, in the city of Pula on the Istrian Peninsula.</span><span class="css-iwa86d e1z0qqy90"><span><span aria-hidden="false">Susan Wright for The New York Times</span></span></span></figcaption></figure></div></div><div class="css-s99gbd StoryBodyCompanionColumn" data-testid="companionColumn-1"><div class="css-53u6y8"><p class="css-ac37hb evys1bk0">Pula’s long history centers on Roman remains such as the Arena and Temple of Augustus, with a vibrant Old Town of stone streets, markets, and coastal fortifications.</p></div></div><div data-testid="Dropzone-3"></div><div class="css-s99gbd StoryBodyCompanionColumn" data-testid="companionColumn-2"><div class="css-53u6y8"><p class="css-ac37hb evys1bk0">Istria’s appeal extends to Rovinj and Porec, where Italian and Croatian influences mix; inland, truffles, olive oil, and wine contribute to a renowned culinary scene.</p><h3 class="css-xbcl5e e1gnsphs0" id="link-798f29ac"><span><strong class="css-8qgvsz ebyp5n10">Eat and Drink</strong></span></h3><p class="css-ac37hb evys1bk0">Caffe Uliks and La Resistance are recommended for coffee and wine, with Ribarska Koliba and Alla Beccaccia highlighted for seafood and traditional fare.</p><h3 class="css-xbcl5e e1gnsphs0" id="link-6389a8b4"><span><strong class="css-8qgvsz ebyp5n10">Where to Sleep</strong></span></h3></div></div><div data-testid="ImageBlock-5"><div data-testid="imageblock-wrapper"><figure class="img-sz-medium css-d754w4 e1g7ppur0" aria-label="media" role="group"><div class="css-1xdhyk6 erfvjey0" data-testid="photoviewer-children-figure"><div class="css-nwd8t8" data-testid="lazy-image"><div data-testid="lazyimage-container" style="height:257.77777777777777px"></div></div></div><figcaption data-testid="photoviewer-children-caption" class="css-gbc9ki ewdxa0s0"><span class="css-jevhma e13ogyst0">On the St. Katarina Peninsula, the five-star Monumenti offers views of Pula’s Old Town and the Brijuni Islands.</span><span class="css-iwa86d e1z0qqy90"><span><span aria-hidden="false">Monumenti</span></span></span></figcaption></figure></div></div><div class="css-s99gbd StoryBodyCompanionColumn" data-testid="companionColumn-3"><div class="css-53u6y8"><p class="css-ac37hb evys1bk0">Selected accommodations include Park Plaza Arena and Monumenti, with options ranging from €125 to €150 per night, offering proximity to sights and sea views.</p></div></div><div data-testid="ImageBlock-7"><div data-testid="imageblock-wrapper"><figure class="img-sz-medium css-d754w4 e1g7ppur0" aria-label="media" role="group"><div class="css-1xdhyk6 erfvjey0" data-testid="photoviewer-children-figure"><div class="css-nwd8t8" data-testid="lazy-image"><div data-testid="lazyimage-container" style="height:579.3555555555556px"></div></div></div><figcaption data-testid="photoviewer-children-caption" class="css-gbc9ki ewdxa0s0"><span class="css-jevhma e13ogyst0">Truffles are a highlight for culinary visitors in Istria, particularly in Motovun.</span><span class="css-iwa86d e1z0qqy90"><span><span aria-hidden="false">Susan Wright for The New York Times</span></span></span></figcaption></figure></div></div><div class="css-s99gbd StoryBodyCompanionColumn" data-testid="companionColumn-4"><div class="css-53u6y8"><h3 class="css-xbcl5e e1gnsphs0" id="link-2b094e9e"><span><strong class="css-8qgvsz ebyp5n10">Surroundings</strong></span></h3><p class="css-ac37hb evys1bk0">Cape Kamenjak and Motovun offer coastal coves, cliff views, and forested hinterlands ideal for excursions and nature explorations.</p></div></div><div data-testid="Dropzone-9"></div><div class="css-s99gbd StoryBodyCompanionColumn" data-testid="companionColumn-5"><div class="css-53u6y8"><h2 class="css-azseud eoo0vm40" id="link-6294adff">Rijeka and the Kvarner Region</h2></div></div><div data-testid="ImageBlock-11"><div data-testid="imageblock-wrapper"><figure class="img-sz-large css-hxpw2c e1g7ppur0" aria-label="media" role="group"><div class="css-1xdhyk6 erfvjey0" data-testid="photoviewer-children-figure"><div class="css-nwd8t8" data-testid="lazy-image"><div data-testid="lazyimage-container" style="height:257.77777777777777px"></div></div></div><figcaption data-testid="photoviewer-children-caption" class="css-1g9ic6e ewdxa0s0"><span class="css-jevhma e13ogyst0">The 13th-century Trsat Castle in Rijeka, a shipbuilding port at the mouth of the Rjecina River.</span><span class="css-iwa86d e1z0qqy90"><span><span aria-hidden="false">Dalibora Bijelic for The New York Times</span></span></span></figcaption></figure></div></div><div class="css-s99gbd StoryBodyCompanionColumn" data-testid="companionColumn-6"><div class="css-53u6y8"><p class="css-ac37hb evys1bk0">Rijeka is portrayed as a multicultural, non-flashy hub with a lively arts scene, historic architecture, and waterfront strolls along Korzo, plus diverse dining and coffee spots.</p><p class="css-ac37hb evys1bk0">Regional highlights include nearby islands and Risnjak National Park for hiking.</p></div></div><div data-testid="Dropzone-13"></div><div class="css-s99gbd StoryBodyCompanionColumn" data-testid="companionColumn-7"><div class="css-53u6y8"><h2 class="css-azseud eoo0vm40" id="link-6389a8b4"><span><strong class="css-8qgvsz ebyp5n10">Where to Sleep</strong></span></h2></div></div><div data-testid="ImageBlock-15"><div data-testid="imageblock-wrapper"><figure class="img-sz-medium css-d754w4 e1g7ppur0" aria-label="media" role="group"><div class="css-1xdhyk6 erfvjey0" data-testid="photoviewer-children-figure"><div class="css-nwd8t8" data-testid="lazy-image"><div data-testid="lazyimage-container" style="height:241.66666666666663px"></div></div></div><figcaption data-testid="photoviewer-children-caption" class="css-gbc9ki ewdxa0s0"><span class="css-jevhma e13ogyst0">The Hilton Rijeka Costabella Beach Resort and Spa, between Rijeka and Opatija.</span><span class="css-iwa86d e1z0qqy90"><span><span aria-hidden="false">Deni Srdoc/Hilton Rijeka Costabella</span></span></span></figcaption></figure></div></div><div class="css-s99gbd StoryBodyCompanionColumn" data-testid="companionColumn-8"><div class="css-53u6y8"><p class="css-ac37hb evys1bk0">High-end options include the Hilton Rijeka Costabella Beach Resort and Spa and the 19th-century Hotel Continental, both offering river or seaside views.</p><h3 class="css-xbcl5e e1gnsphs0" id="link-2b094e9e"><span><strong class="css-8qgvsz ebyp5n10">Surroundings</strong></span></h3></div></div><div data-testid="ImageBlock-17"><div data-testid="imageblock-wrapper"><figure class="img-sz-medium css-d754w4 e1g7ppur0" aria-label="media" role="group"><div class="css-1xdhyk6 erfvjey0" data-testid="photoviewer-children-figure"><div class="css-nwd8t8" data-testid="lazy-image"><div data-testid="lazyimage-container" style="height:257.77777777777777px"></div></div></div><figcaption data-testid="photoviewer-children-caption" class="css-gbc9ki ewdxa0s0"><span class="css-jevhma e13ogyst0">Rab island, above, along with Krk, Cres and Losinj islands, are among the many side-trips a visitor can take from Rijeka.</span><span class="css-iwa86d e1z0qqy90"><span><span aria-hidden="false">Dalibor Brlek/Alamy</span></span></span></figcaption></figure></div></div><div class="css-s99gbd StoryBodyCompanionColumn" data-testid="companionColumn-9"><div class="css-53u6y8"><p class="css-ac37hb evys1bk0">Solitude awaits on lesser-visited Krk, Cres, Losinj and Rab, with Risnjak National Park offering additional hiking opportunities nearby.</p><h2 class="css-azseud eoo0vm40" id="link-3f387db8">Zadar and Northern Dalmatia</h2></div></div><div data-testid="ImageBlock-19"><div data-testid="imageblock-wrapper"><figure class="img-sz-large css-hxpw2c e1g7ppur0" aria-label="media" role="group"><div class="css-1xdhyk6 erfvjey0" data-testid="photoviewer-children-figure"><div class="css-nwd8t8" data-testid="lazy-image"><div data-testid="lazyimage-container" style="height:257.1333333333334px"></div></div></div><figcaption data-testid="photoviewer-children-caption" class="css-1g9ic6e ewdxa0s0"><span class="css-jevhma e13ogyst0">The city of Zadar combines ancient influences with modern amenities and events.</span><span class="css-iwa86d e1z0qqy90"><span><span aria-hidden="false">Ciril Jazbec for The New York Times</span></span></span></figcaption></figure></div></div><div data-testid="Dropzone-20"></div><div class="css-s99gbd StoryBodyCompanionColumn" data-testid="companionColumn-10"><div class="css-53u6y8"><p class="css-ac37hb evys1bk0">Zadar offers an Old Town plan, markets, sea organ performances, and proximity to multiple national parks such as Plitvice and Krka for day trips.</p><p class="css-ac37hb evys1bk0">Nearby islands include Pag, Dugi Otok, Pasman and Ugljan, with diverse dining options and waterfront strolls along the historic walls.</p></div></div><div data-testid="ImageBlock-22"><div data-testid="imageblock-wrapper"><figure class="img-sz-medium css-d754w4 e1g7ppur0" aria-label="media" role="group"><div class="css-1xdhyk6 erfvjey0" data-testid="photoviewer-children-figure"><div class="css-nwd8t8" data-testid="lazy-image"><div data-testid="lazyimage-container" style="height:257.1333333333334px"></div></div></div><figcaption data-testid="photoviewer-children-caption" class="css-gbc9ki ewdxa0s0"><span class="css-jevhma e13ogyst0">Muro Bar sits atop Zadar’s city walls.</span><span class="css-iwa86d e1z0qqy90"><span><span aria-hidden="false">Ciril Jazbec for The New York Times</span></span></span></figcaption></figure></div></div><div class="css-s99gbd StoryBodyCompanionColumn" data-testid="companionColumn-11"><div class="css-53u6y8"><p class="css-ac37hb evys1bk0">Cafes and casual eateries abound in Zadar, with wine bars and outdoor markets offering a varied culinary scene.</p><h3 class="css-xbcl5e e1gnsphs0" id="link-6389a8b4"><span><strong class="css-8qgvsz ebyp5n10">Where to Sleep</strong></span></h3><p class="css-ac37hb evys1bk0">Notable options include Bastion on the city walls and Hyatt Regency Zadar near the waterfront.</p></div></div><div data-testid="Dropzone-24"></div><div class="css-s99gbd StoryBodyCompanionColumn" data-testid="companionColumn-12"><div class="css-53u6y8"><h3 class="css-xbcl5e e1gnsphs0" id="link-2b094e9e"><span><strong class="css-8qgvsz ebyp5n10">Surroundings</strong></span></h3></div></div><div data-testid="ImageBlock-26"><div data-testid="imageblock-wrapper"><figure class="img-sz-medium css-d754w4 e1g7ppur0" aria-label="media" role="group"><div class="css-1xdhyk6 erfvjey0" data-testid="photoviewer-children-figure"><div class="css-nwd8t8" data-testid="lazy-image"><div data-testid="lazyimage-container" style="height:259.7111111111111px"></div></div></div><figcaption data-testid="photoviewer-children-caption" class="css-gbc9ki ewdxa0s0"><span class="css-jevhma e13ogyst0">Krka National Park is a recommended side trip from Zadar.</span><span class="css-iwa86d e1z0qqy90"><span><span aria-hidden="false">Jens Kalaene/picture alliance via Getty Images</span></span></span></figcaption></figure></div></div><div class="css-s99gbd StoryBodyCompanionColumn" data-testid="companionColumn-13"><div class="css-53u6y8"><p class="css-ac37hb evys1bk0">Sibenik, just south of Zadar, sits near Krka National Park and offers a historic harbor setting.</p><h2 class="css-azseud eoo0vm40" id="link-3c390e6e">Split and Central Dalmatia</h2></div></div><div data-testid="ImageBlock-28"><div data-testid="imageblock-wrapper"><figure class="img-sz-large css-hxpw2c e1g7ppur0" aria-label="media" role="group"><div class="css-1xdhyk6 erfvjey0" data-testid="photoviewer-children-figure"><div class="css-nwd8t8" data-testid="lazy-image"><div data-testid="lazyimage-container" style="height:257.77777777777777px"></div></div></div><figcaption data-testid="photoviewer-children-caption" class="css-1g9ic6e ewdxa0s0"><span class="css-jevhma e13ogyst0">In Split, Diocletian’s Palace shapes a maze of streets, shops, and courtyards.</span><span class="css-iwa86d e1z0qqy90"><span><span aria-hidden="false">Maria Mavropoulou for The New York Times</span></span></span></figcaption></figure></div></div><div class="css-s99gbd StoryBodyCompanionColumn" data-testid="companionColumn-14"><div class="css-53u6y8"><p class="css-ac37hb evys1bk0">Split combines ancient Roman heritage with a modern waterfront, offering views from the bell tower of St. Domnius and access to nearby beaches and markets.</p></div></div><div data-testid="Dropzone-30"></div><div class="css-s99gbd StoryBodyCompanionColumn" data-testid="companionColumn-15"><div class="css-53u6y8"><h3 class="css-xbcl5e e1gnsphs0" id="link-798f29ac"><span><strong class="css-8qgvsz ebyp5n10">Eat and Drink</strong></span></h3></div></div><div data-testid="ImageBlock-32"><div data-testid="imageblock-wrapper"><figure class="img-sz-medium css-d754w4 e1g7ppur0" aria-label="media" role="group"><div class="css-1xdhyk6 erfvjey0" data-testid="photoviewer-children-figure"><div class="css-nwd8t8" data-testid="lazy-image"><div data-testid="lazyimage-container" style="height:257.77777777777777px"></div></div></div><figcaption data-testid="photoviewer-children-caption" class="css-gbc9ki ewdxa0s0"><span class="css-jevhma e13ogyst0">The Riva promenade in Split offers seaside dining and views.</span><span class="css-iwa86d e1z0qqy90"><span><span aria-hidden="false">Maria Mavropoulou for The New York Times</span></span></span></figcaption></figure></div></div><div class="css-s99gbd StoryBodyCompanionColumn" data-testid="companionColumn-16"><div class="css-53u6y8"><p class="css-ac37hb evys1bk0">Cafes along the Riva, seafood-focused restaurants, and Dalmatian specialties feature prominently in Split’s dining scene.</p><h3 class="css-xbcl5e e1gnsphs0" id="link-6389a8b4"><span><strong class="css-8qgvsz ebyp5n10">Where to Sleep</strong></span></h3><p class="css-ac37hb evys1bk0">Options include boutique hotels inside historic walls and modern seaside properties with harbor views.</p></div></div><div data-testid="ImageBlock-34"><div data-testid="imageblock-wrapper"><figure class="img-sz-medium css-d754w4 e1g7ppur0" aria-label="media" role="group"><div class="css-1xdhyk6 erfvjey0" data-testid="photoviewer-children-figure"><div class="css-nwd8t8" data-testid="lazy-image"><div data-testid="lazyimage-container" style="height:257.77777777777777px"></div></div></div><figcaption data-testid="photoviewer-children-caption" class="css-gbc9ki ewdxa0s0"><span class="css-jevhma e13ogyst0">The harbor next to Bol, a town on Brac island.</span><span class="css-iwa86d e1z0qqy90"><span><span aria-hidden="false">Jens Kalaene/picture alliance via Getty Images</span></span></span></figcaption></figure></div></div><div class="css-s99gbd StoryBodyCompanionColumn" data-testid="companionColumn-17"><div class="css-53u6y8"><p class="css-ac37hb evys1bk0">Split serves as a gateway to central Dalmatia’s islands such as Brac, Hvar, Vis, and Korcula, with ferries and island-hopping options recommended for visitors short on time.</p></div></div><div data-testid="Dropzone-36"></div><div class="css-s99gbd StoryBodyCompanionColumn" data-testid="companionColumn-18"><div class="css-53u6y8"><h2 class="css-azseud eoo0vm40" id="link-3e4d97b0">Dubrovnik and Southern Dalmatia</h2></div></div><div data-testid="ImageBlock-38"><div data-testid="imageblock-wrapper"><figure class="img-sz-large css-hxpw2c e1g7ppur0" aria-label="media" role="group"><div class="css-1xdhyk6 erfvjey0" data-testid="photoviewer-children-figure"><div class="css-nwd8t8" data-testid="lazy-image"><div data-testid="lazyimage-container" style="height:257.77777777777777px"></div></div></div><figcaption data-testid="photoviewer-children-caption" class="css-1g9ic6e ewdxa0s0"><span class="css-jevhma e13ogyst0">The old town and city walls of Dubrovnik, one of the most popular destinations in Europe.</span><span class="css-iwa86d e1z0qqy90"><span><span aria-hidden="false">Susan Wright for The New York Times</span></span></span></figcaption></figure></div></div><div class="css-s99gbd StoryBodyCompanionColumn" data-testid="companionColumn-19"><div class="css-53u6y8"><p class="css-ac37hb evys1bk0">Dubrovnik’s UNESCO-listed Old Town sits within extensive city walls and offers iconic vistas, with recommended timing and routes to avoid crowds. Surrounding regions include Elaphiti islands and Konavle’s vineyards and beaches.</p><h3 class="css-xbcl5e e1gnsphs0" id="link-798f29ac"><span><strong class="css-8qgvsz ebyp5n10">Eat and Drink</strong></span></h3><p class="css-ac37hb evys1bk0">Dining options within the walls include Cogito and Love Bar, with pescatarian and seafood choices at Poklisar and refined fare at Lucin Kantun.</p><h3 class="css-xbcl5e e1gnsphs0" id="link-6389a8b4"><span><strong class="css-8qgvsz ebyp5n10">Where to Sleep</strong></span></h3></div></div><div data-testid="ImageBlock-40"><div data-testid="imageblock-wrapper"><figure class="img-sz-medium css-d754w4 e1g7ppur0" aria-label="media" role="group"><div class="css-1xdhyk6 erfvjey0" data-testid="photoviewer-children-figure"><div class="css-nwd8t8" data-testid="lazy-image"><div data-testid="lazyimage-container" style="height:257.77777777777777px"></div></div></div><figcaption data-testid="photoviewer-children-caption" class="css-gbc9ki ewdxa0s0"><span class="css-jevhma e13ogyst0">The Hotel Excelsior in Dubrovnik.</span><span class="css-iwa86d e1z0qqy90"><span><span aria-hidden="false">Hotel Excelsior</span></span></span></figcaption></figure></div></div><div data-testid="Dropzone-41"></div><div class="css-s99gbd StoryBodyCompanionColumn" data-testid="companionColumn-20"><div class="css-53u6y8"><p class="css-ac37hb evys1bk0">Premium options include Hotel Excelsior and Pucic Palace within Old Town, with additional seaside properties offering strong access to Dubrovnik’s sights and beaches.</p><h3 class="css-xbcl5e e1gnsphs0" id="link-2b094e9e"><span><strong class="css-8qgvsz ebyp5n10">Surroundings</strong></span></h3></div></div><div data-testid="ImageBlock-43"><div data-testid="imageblock-wrapper"><figure class="img-sz-medium css-d754w4 e1g7ppur0" aria-label="media" role="group"><div class="css-1xdhyk6 erfvjey0" data-testid="photoviewer-children-figure"><div class="css-nwd8t8" data-testid="lazy-image"><div data-testid="lazyimage-container" style="height:257.77777777777777px"></div></div></div><figcaption data-testid="photoviewer-children-caption" class="css-gbc9ki ewdxa0s0"><span class="css-jevhma e13ogyst0">A view of Mali Ston’s waterfront, a recommended day trip from Dubrovnik.</span><span class="css-iwa86d e1z0qqy90"><span><span aria-hidden="false">Peter Eastland/Alamy</span></span></span></figcaption></figure></div></div><div class="css-s99gbd StoryBodyCompanionColumn" data-testid="companionColumn-21"><div class="css-53u6y8"><p class="css-ac37hb evys1bk0">The Peljesac Peninsula offers oysters in Mali Ston and renowned red wines such as Dingac, presenting a culinary-focused day trip from Dubrovnik.</p></div></div></section>
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