Urban tourism is a fast-growing business in Croatia, many visitors having discovered the wonders of the coast and now keen on exploring its many fascinating, historic cities.
The best way to do this is by going on a walking tour, either a general one if you’re only in town for a day, or a niche one, that concentrates on a specific area, or aspects of history, culture and architecture.
Here are ten suggestions for some of the most engaging walks you can take, either guided in person or via an app you can download. Many are free of charge. All of the following are given in English.
Dubrovnik
The most popular of the city’s numerous themed walks, the Game of Thrones tour calls at the locations around the Old Town where the hit series was filmed, including the King’s Landing, Pile Gate and Lovrijenac Fort. Your guide – who may have been an extra or stand-in while the production crew was on location – will throw in a few little-known anecdotes and show you stills of the scenes alongside the site itself.
The first port of call for many first-time visitors to Dubrovnik is the City Walls, a stroll atop the fortifications that surround the historic Old Town. But, apart from the amazing views of the Adriatic on one side, few might know what they’re looking at. A guide can reveal the names and stories behind each main gate and tower, and the architectural craft involved in rebuilding the city after the terrible earthquake of 1667.
Pula
On the Historic Walking Tour of Pula, you’ll discover that there’s far more to this Istrian city than Roman sights – although the Amphitheatre and Forum are indeed impressive. Venetians, Napoleon and the Habsburgs all shaped this bustling metropolis, as you will see from the fortifications and vantage points on the way.
Split
Everyone will step foot inside the ruined Roman palace in the heart of Split at some point on their visit, perhaps even spend most of their time there, but few will be aware of the historical treasures they can actually touch. The Diocletian’s Palace Tour explains the layout of the complex, part retirement villa, part garrison, and shows sights such as an original sphinx from Ancient Egypt dating back 3,000 years.
Gastronomic Walking Tours of Split usually start at the main produce market alongside Diocletian’s Palace, where your guide will introduce you to the classic Dalmatian hams, cheeses, fruit and vegetables that have featured in the healthy, seasonal local cuisine for centuries. You will then pop into various boutiques and eateries nearby, sampling olive oil, bread and baked goods, as well as visit the oldest pastry shop in Split. Your tour ends with a visit to a local konoba, a tavern where age-old dishes are served in familial surroundings.
Zadar
Of the many free walking tours of Zadar, ‘From Julius Caesar to Modern Times’ takes in 2,000 years of history. Beginning with the Roman Forum and the city’s foundation stone laid by Julius Caesar himself, your walk includes visits to the gates, wells, churches and fortifications integral to Zadar’s identity from the Crusades through more recent conflicts. The tour also takes in the contemporary art installations, the Sea Organ and the Greeting to the Sun, right on the waterfront.
Zagreb
Croatia’s capital has an extraordinary number of tours you can go on, apart from the standard city one taking in the main sights such as the Cathedral and key museums.
The Street Art Tour is always popular, a two-hour stroll that takes place three days a week past some of the city’s most striking murals. Along with the famous gallery of artworks along Branimirova near the train station, your guide will take you to some sites that not even locals know about, giving you the background story to each one. Alternatively, you can go on a self-guided tour, armed with a map and an app.
Zagreb Before Zagreb explains how the city came to be, telling the story of the two medieval centres, Kaptol and Gradec, one the religious centre, the other the political one, and the struggle between them. As you will find out, the Bloody Bridge between them, Krvavi most, now a narrow thoroughfare, was the scene of many battles.
Made In Croatia covers the city’s traditional and contemporary crafts, along with local produce. With an essential stop indoors and out at the Dolac market behind the main square, this tour pops into the surprising number of boutiques selling original artefacts created by Croatians, as well as offering goods you can sample such as olive oil and cakes.
The Secret Zagreb team uncovers all kinds of angles to the city and its history. One particular tour that sheds light on the history of Croatia is Whispers of Eternity, a walk around Mirogoj Cemetery close to the city centre. Here, you will not only admire funereal architecture but get to know the historic personalities – politicians, statesmen, writers, artists – who helped shape the nation. Lasting for two-and-a-half hours, this is perhaps the most relaxing of the walking tours, set around the leafy surroundings of the country’s most prominent resting place.
This article is sponsored by The Croatian National Tourism Board: 'Croatia Full of Life'.
