Fusina (Venice) - Dubrovnik The timeless magic of the Adriatic

Located on the Adriatic coast, Koper is Slovenia’s only seaport city. Its impressive landmark is the 15th-century Venetian-style Praetorian Palace, which now houses a museum. As you stroll through the medieval streets of the old town, you’ll come across charming squares and courtyards with historic buildings, including the Taverna, a former salt warehouse, and the twelfth-century Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary with its striking bell tower. The kilometre-long promenade invites you to take a stroll by the sea, leading you along beaches and viewpoints to the neighbouring village.

The densely packed houses of the old town of Rovinj cling to a headland close to the sea. The spire of the Church of St Euphemia rises high above the winding streets – a landmark of the city visible from afar. It’s not without reason that Rovinj is often referred to as the “Venice of Croatia”: with its Venetian-influenced architecture, the historic centre is reminiscent of the Middle Ages when it was part of the Republic of Venice. The city also preserves its cultural traditions, such as the typical a cappella singing, in which singers imitate instruments with their voices. In terms of cuisine, truffles, seafood and the meat of the rare Boskarin cattle dominate Istrian cuisine. Numerous beaches, such as those in the Golden Cape Nature Park, invite you to relax and go for a dip, and add to the diversity of Rovinj. And if that’s not enough, thanks to the convenient location, there are numerous opportunities to go on excursions in the surrounding area.

The island of Krk in Kvarner Bay entices visitors with picturesque bays and green hills. The town of the same name is also beautiful: its old town with narrow streets, Venetian-style buildings and the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary tells of a long history dating back to ancient times. Enjoy the island’s charm and stroll through the historic streets or set off on excursions along the beautiful coastline.

Rijeka, in north-western Croatia, is the country’s main port and a melting pot of cultures and historical eras. The city centre combines magnificent buildings from the Habsburg era with modern buildings and lively squares where festivals and concerts are regularly held. The Trsat Castle, an important landmark, watches over the city – from here, you can enjoy a sweeping view of the harbour and Kvarner Bay. Enjoy the maritime flair in the harbour or stroll through the shops on Korzo, the main promenade, before Rijeka is bathed in a different light in the evening: cafes, bars and restaurants invite you to end the day in a relaxed atmosphere.

Ravenna, a city full of fantastic architecture, is one of the most important centres of Italian art and culture. Formerly the capital of the Western Roman Empire, the city later spent many years as the magnificent outpost of the Byzantine Empire in the west. Ravenna’s highlights include the intricate mosaics in the Basilica di San Vitale and the colourful, richly decorated Mausoleum of Galla Placidia. Other sights worth visiting are the Battistero degli Ariani and Battistero Neoniano churches, as well as the impressive last resting place of the Ostrogothic King Theodoric. The city’s close connection with Dante Alighieri can be seen at his temple-like tomb and the Museo Dante, where visitors can learn more about the life and works of the famous poet. Enjoy fascinating experiences until the evening hours – thanks to the long lay time.

A pearl on the coast of Apulia: Monopoli boasts an enchanting old town, with white houses enclosed by the historic city walls and the majestic Castle of Charles V. The name Monopoli means “only city” and comes from the Greek – a reference to the long and eventful history of the place. Stroll through the picturesque lanes of the old town and you will discover charming squares and the impressive baroque cathedral of Maria Santissima della Madia. But Monopoli has more to offer than just history and culture: the coastal town is also known for its glorious beaches and crystal-clear water, which invite you to spend some relaxing hours by the sea to swim and enjoy.

In the middle of the Adriatic coastline, one of the oldest cities in Croatia, Sibenik, reveals its unique charm. The winding streets of the old town, lively squares and impressive architecture offer an authentic insight into the history of the region. A particular highlight is the Cathedral of St. James, a masterpiece in stonemasonry and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Situated not far from the mouth of the River Krka, the city is also the ideal starting point for excursions to see the spectacular waterfalls in nearby Krka National Park. Thanks to the long lay time, you’ll enjoy fascinating experiences until the evening hours.

In the middle of the beautiful Adriatic lies Hvar, one of the sunniest islands in the Mediterranean and a jewel of southern Croatia. As you enter the port in Hvar town, you will get a sense of its charm with old houses, yachts, cafes and boutiques lining the picturesque harbour promenade. The medieval Spanjola Fortress perched on top of the hill offers beautiful views over the Hell’s Islands archipelago. The island’s hinterland is dotted with olive trees and vineyards. The best beaches are in the south, where pine forests stretch down to the pebble beaches and provide some shade. Hvar combines Mediterranean beauty with historic charm and is a popular holiday destination for those in the know.