Biševo, Splitsko-dalmatinska županija

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Blue Cave

Swim the Blue Cave — The initial reaction of many visiting the Blue Cave on Biševo is to swim in it. Every day, boatloads of tourists head to this small island near Vis from the nearby resort of Komiža. Accessible only by sea, the Blue Cave is so called because of the strange phenomenon that occurs as the sun gains full height in summer. An underwater opening lets in the sun’s rays to bathe the cave in blue light, encouraging visitors to dive into the water. Tours also involve a picnic lunch at a nearby beach.

Zadar, Croatia

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Sea Organ

Listen to Zadar’s Sea Organ — You hear the ethereal sounds of the Sea Organ on the seafront at Zadar long before you realise you’re standing on it. No conventional organ, the creation of local installation artist Nikola Bašić is powered by the strength and pattern of the waves, strange noises emitted from rows of boreholes in the concrete. Being flat, smooth and lapped by the Adriatic, the pavement almost begs you to lie down and let the other-worldly tones wash over you. Bašić was also responsible for the ‘Greeting To The Sun’ nearby, a ring of glass panels that follows similar rhythms.

Lozovac, Šibensko-kninska županija

experience

Krka National Park

Plunge into Krka — While the cascades, pools and waterfalls of Krka are there to be admired, this is a national park with a difference. Here, at the photogenic lagoon of Skradinski buk, you can dive in

Murter, Šibensko-kninska županija

experience

Nacionalni park Kornati

Sailing Around Kornati National Park — Spreading over an area of sea 35 kilometers long and 13 kilometers wide, this archipelago encompasses more than 80 scattered islets. Rocky and arid with little fertile soil, the islets are practically uninhabited, though there are some very basic stone cottages originally built as one-room shelters by local fishermen and shepherds, but now used as holiday retreats or seasonal seafood restaurants. The best way to explore the islets is by private sailing boat (the nearest charter base is in Biograd-na-Moru). It's also possible to visit the Kornati as a day trip by excursion boat from either Zadar or Šibenik on the mainland.

Motovun, Istria County

experience

Motovun

Truffle hunting & wine tasting — Draped elegantly over the hilltops of central Istria, the historic heart of medieval Motovun glimmers like a jewel amidst a sea of rolling olive fields and truffle-rich forests. Often hailed as the most handsome town in all Croatia, this mountaintop centre has kept watch over the winding valleys of the Mirna river since it was first raised on the ruins of ancient Kastelijer sometime after the 10th century. Today, it buzzes with an indelible Italian-come-Slavic charm, the aromas of frying white truffles and pizza pies alike moving between its crenulated fortifications, and the mellifluous cadences of the Latin tongue echoing under its truly exquisite city gates.