Things to do — Northern Dalmatia

Northern Dalmatia offers an experience that combines urban heritage, national parks and island navigation with particular intensity.

In Zadar, start with the Roman forum and the pre-Romanesque Saint Donatus rotunda (ninth century), one of the most important pre-Romanesque buildings in European art. The Saint Anastasia Cathedral (twelfth-thirteenth) and its bell tower (climb for the panorama, 175 steps) complete the heritage tour. Then walk to the end of the peninsula, on the Alfred Hitchcock quay, to discover the Sea Organ and the Greeting to the Sun — definitely stay for sunset. Outside the centre, the urban beach of Borik (sand and pebbles), a walk along the UNESCO walls, and the market on Šime Budinića square for fresh produce of the day.

In Šibenik, the unmissable is the Saint James Cathedral — allow 1h for the interior visit, including observation of the frieze of 71 sculpted portraits. Then climb to Saint Michael Fortress (paid entry, venue for cultural events in summer) for the view over the sea and the Krka delta, and to Barone Fortress for a complementary panorama. The compact historic centre is covered in a half-day. Don't miss the Pelegrini pastry shop (Michelin-starred gastronomy) for a memorable meal or simply a coffee-dessert on Theatre Square.

At Plitvice, choose circuit C (4-5h, the most popular, covering the upper and lower lakes with boat and wooden train included) or circuit H (6-8h, the most complete, on foot with some boat). Book your ticket online for an early time slot (7-8am in high season, 9-10am off-season). Bring water, closed shoes with good soles (the wooden boardwalks can be slippery) and a light raincoat. Plan at least a full day on site.

At Krka, the most emblematic section is Skradinski buk (the great final waterfall), accessible by train or boat from the main entrance of Lozovac. Combine with an excursion to the Visovac monastic islet (fourteenth-century Franciscan monastery) and the Roski slap waterfall for a full day. Allow 4-6h of visit. Stay in Skradin to leave at opening.

On Pag, walk through the historic salt pans of Pag Town, taste the famous Paški sir (sheep cheese aged in salt and bora) at local producers (Sirana Gligora notably), and explore Zrće beach (festive atmosphere in summer) or the lunar landscapes of the northeast point. Boat excursion to the Kornati from Murter for a full day: passage between bare islands, swimming in turquoise coves, lunch at a konoba on the island of Kornat.